Ever sit down for date night and realize you’re both scrolling instead of talking? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of “technoference,” or when screens quietly slip between you and your spouse.

For couples who can’t just unplug completely—because, for some of us, “off the clock” isn’t really a thing—we share three simple, memorable ways to protect your marriage time from digital noise. From quick phone checks that don’t spiral into scrolls, to turning toward each other when it matters most, this episode offers practical steps to keep your connection strong, even in a screen-saturated world.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
What “technoference” means and how it quietly affects relationships
Why “just turn it off” doesn’t always work for busy couples
Practical steps to handle screens with purpose instead of guilt
Three simple, memorable habits for protecting your marriage time

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Veni, Vidi, Vici — “I came, I saw, I conquered”: Take care of the urgent task quickly, then turn back toward your spouse.
Stop, Look, Listen: Pause before reaching for your phone. Notice your moment and your marriage.
Ready, Steady, Go: When your spouse bids for attention, get ready to respond, steady yourself to act, and then go by giving them your full focus.

US TIME CHALLENGE

This week, try one of these three ideas. Maybe it’s setting down your phone mid-scroll, conquering that quick work text and returning fast, or intentionally turning toward your spouse when they reach out. Small shifts can make a big difference in how connected you feel.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s next. And we’d love to hear from you! Which of these takeaways do you need most? Share it with us on social media or send us a message at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (https://a.co/d/a1rrbEA)
“Technology Tips and Traps in Your Relationship” by Kailee Hansen and David Schramm (https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/technology-tips-and-traps-in-your-relationship)
The Big-Baby Pivot from How to Talk So Your Spouse Feels Seen and Heard {Episode 101} (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us-podcast-episode-101/)

 

 

 

Ever sit down for date night and realize you&rsquo;re both scrolling instead of talking? You&rsquo;re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of &ldquo;technoference,&rdquo; or when screens quietly slip between you and your spouse.
For couples who can&rsquo;t just unplug completely&mdash;because, for some of us, &ldquo;off the clock&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t really a thing&mdash;we share three simple, memorable ways to protect your marriage time from digital noise. From quick phone checks that don&rsquo;t spiral into scrolls, to turning toward each other when it matters most, this episode offers practical steps to keep your connection strong, even in a screen-saturated world.
WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
<ul>
<li>What &ldquo;technoference&rdquo; means and how it quietly affects relationships</li>
<li>Why &ldquo;just turn it off&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t always work for busy couples</li>
<li>Practical steps to handle screens with purpose instead of guilt</li>
<li>Three simple, memorable habits for protecting your marriage time</li>
</ul>
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>Veni, Vidi, Vici &mdash; &ldquo;I came, I saw, I conquered&rdquo;: Take care of the urgent task quickly, then turn back toward your spouse.</li>
<li>Stop, Look, Listen: Pause before reaching for your phone. Notice your moment and your marriage.</li>
<li>Ready, Steady, Go: When your spouse bids for attention, get ready to respond, steady yourself to act, and then go by giving them your full focus.</li>
</ol>
US TIME CHALLENGE
This week, try one of these three ideas. Maybe it&rsquo;s setting down your phone mid-scroll, conquering that quick work text and returning fast, or intentionally turning toward your spouse when they reach out. Small shifts can make a big difference in how connected you feel.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
If you enjoyed this episode, don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe so you never miss what&rsquo;s next. And we&rsquo;d love to hear from you! Which of these takeaways do you need most? Share it with us on social media or send us a message at AshleighSlater.com.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (<a href="https://a.co/d/a1rrbEA">https://a.co/d/a1rrbEA</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;Technology Tips and Traps in Your Relationship&rdquo; by Kailee Hansen and David Schramm (<a href="https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/technology-tips-and-traps-in-your-relationship">https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/technology-tips-and-traps-in-your-relationship</a>)</li>
<li>The Big-Baby Pivot from How to Talk So Your Spouse Feels Seen and Heard {Episode 101} (<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/team-us-podcast-episode-101/">https://ashleighslater.com/team-us-podcast-episode-101/</a>)</li>
</ul>
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because...

Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit <a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

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