Podcast Summary: "Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain"
Episode: "Things to Do Instead of Doom Scrolling During the Summer"
Release Date: July 13, 2025

Emma Chamberlain dives deep into the pervasive issue of doom scrolling and offers a plethora of engaging, summer-specific activities to help listeners break free from the endless cycle of negative online consumption. Recorded from various comfortable and unconventional locations, Emma shares her personal struggles, practical solutions, and creative ideas to foster a more fulfilling and joyful summer experience.

1. Understanding Doom Scrolling

Emma begins the episode by addressing the widespread phenomenon of doom scrolling—the habit of endlessly scrolling through negative news and social media feeds, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and insecurity.

“I think it's safe to say that at this point, the experience of sitting down on your phone, scrolling on social media for hours, to the point of feeling depressed and anxious and insecure is a universal experience.” [00:00]

She humorously notes how even her grandma has fallen into this habit, highlighting its ubiquitous nature despite the alarming emotional toll it takes.

2. Emma’s Personal Battle with Doom Scrolling

Sharing her personal journey, Emma recounts the extreme measures she took to curb her doom scrolling habit:

“I bought a second phone. I downloaded all of the addictive social media apps onto that phone and then decided to keep that phone in a drawer.” [Transcript excerpt]

By relegating her second phone to a drawer, Emma created a physical barrier to reduce her screen time. Although she acknowledges occasional lapses, she emphasizes the effectiveness of this strategy in significantly reducing her doom scrolling.

3. Summer-Specific Alternatives to Doom Scrolling

Emma passionately advocates for embracing the vibrant opportunities that summer offers, presenting a variety of activities tailored to counteract the allure of the smartphone.

a. Embracing Seasonal Fruits

Emma encourages listeners to revitalize their fruit bowls with fresh, seasonal produce:

“Instead of doom scrolling on your phone, why don't you go to your local farmer's market or if you don't have a local farmer's market, go to your favorite grocery store and pick out a bunch of seasonal fruit.” [06:48]

She highlights the joy of creating aesthetically pleasing fruit plates enjoyed under the warm summer sun, enhancing both mental well-being and physical health.

b. Creating Flower Arrangements

Transforming a simple activity into a creative endeavor, Emma suggests:

“Pick out a bunch of eclectic, fun flowers that match your personality and spend the afternoon making little flower arrangements… It brings joy every time you see your little flower arrangement.” [08:29]

This hands-on project not only beautifies living spaces but also serves as a therapeutic outlet.

c. Baking Elaborate Desserts

Emma shares her love for baking as a means to disconnect:

“If you want to distract yourself from your phone for multiple hours, no box mix from scratch. Everything. Do it by hand.” [12:01]

She recounts baking an elaborate birthday cake, emphasizing the immersive and rewarding nature of the process that kept her engaged for hours without reaching for her phone.

d. Organizing Your Space

Turning housekeeping into a fun challenge, Emma advises:

“Cosplay as a professional organizer for yourself. Choose a room in your house and pretend like it's not your room.” [16:19]

By approaching organization with creativity and a playful mindset, this activity becomes both productive and enjoyable.

e. Engaging with Nature: Bird and Animal Watching

Emma expresses her affection for birds and nature, recommending:

“Bird watching… Listen to some chill music and smile softly at the soft feathers and peaceful demeanor of birds.” [17:28]

She elaborates on the tranquility and mindfulness that comes from observing wildlife, whether it’s birds in a city park or cows in a rural setting.

f. Curating Music Playlists

Enhancing one's musical experience, Emma suggests:

“Sit outside somewhere… clean up your playlists and make new ones. Perfect your music collection.” [29:39]

By meticulously organizing and creating themed playlists, listeners can deepen their appreciation for music while staying engaged offline.

g. Exploring Book and Movie Reviews

For the literature and film enthusiasts, Emma recommends:

“Read book and movie reviews… Make lists of books you want to read based on reviews.” [31:03]

This activity not only fosters a love for reading and cinema but also provides a structured way to explore new content without the pitfalls of endless scrolling.

h. Physical Activities: Yoga and Handstands

Promoting physical well-being, Emma offers:

“Find a nice place in the shade… do a little ten-minute yoga.” [39:30]

She also humorously shares her attempts at handstands as a fun and physically demanding way to divert attention from the phone:

“Do a handstand and try to be good at it. I can promise you it'll make you forget about your phone and you'll be exhausted by the end of it.” [40:31]

i. Creative Photography Walks

Combining exercise with creativity, Emma advises:

“Go for a walk… try to take genuinely good images.” [40:31]

Capturing interesting and beautiful moments encourages mindfulness and artistic expression.

j. Puzzle Solving

Emma reminisces about the joy of puzzles:

“Start a puzzle… You’re strengthening the brain and experiencing a level of tranquility that can only be found through doing a puzzle.” [43:14]

Puzzles serve as a calming and intellectually stimulating alternative to screen time.

k. Planning Themed Dinner Parties

For social creativity, Emma suggests:

“Plan a dinner party based on your dream summer vacation destination.” [46:19]

Even if the party doesn't come to fruition, the planning process itself is a productive and engaging diversion.

l. Enjoying Water Activities

Finally, Emma emphasizes the rejuvenating power of water:

“Find a way to get into water. It feels so good.” [50:51]

Whether swimming at a local pool, ocean, or even filling an inflatable kiddie pool, water activities offer a refreshing escape from digital distractions.

4. Conclusion: The Art of Pivoting

Emma wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of learning to pivot away from doom scrolling. She encourages listeners to embrace a variety of activities without judgment, highlighting that any positive endeavor is a step in the right direction.

“Anything is better than doom scrolling for the most part. So I encourage you to learn to pivot.” [Conclusion Transcript]

Emma underscores that fighting the urge to doom scroll is an ongoing battle, but with the right strategies and creative alternatives, it's a journey worth undertaking.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize the Impact: Understanding how doom scrolling negatively affects mental health is the first step towards change.

• Implement Practical Solutions: Creating physical barriers, such as keeping a second phone in a drawer, can help reduce screen time.

• Embrace Creative Alternatives: Engaging in activities like baking, organizing, and bird watching can effectively substitute the habit of doom scrolling.

• Stay Active and Mindful: Physical activities and mindful hobbies not only distract from digital addictions but also contribute to overall well-being.

• Consistency is Key: Regularly incorporating these activities into daily routines can help establish healthier habits and diminish the temptation to scroll endlessly.

Emma Chamberlain’s episode serves as a motivational guide for anyone looking to reclaim their time and mental peace during the vibrant summer months by replacing doom scrolling with enriching, enjoyable activities.