Naked Beauty Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Six Things I Learned When I Gave Up Social Media
Host: Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli
Release Date: February 24, 2025

1. Introduction and Personal Milestones

In the opening segment of this heartfelt episode, Brooke DeVard warmly reconnects with her audience after a significant hiatus. She shares joyous personal updates, notably the birth of her second child, Jade. Reflecting on her experience, Brooke expresses profound gratitude and the irreplaceable nature of these early moments with her newborn. She remarks, “I am never going to get this time back. And I'm soaking up every single second” ([04:15]).

2. Celebrating Achievements

Brooke announces a proud moment for the Naked Beauty podcast: a nomination for the prestigious I Heart Podcast Award in the category of Best Beauty or Fashion Podcast. She emphasizes the honor of being recognized by a committee comprising 350 podcast professionals and industry experts. Recalling past accolades, she shares, “I was nominated back in 2020 and to be recognized again in 2025... it really is just an honor to be nominated” ([05:00]). This acknowledgment fuels her excitement for the future, highlighting plans for new content and initiatives in the coming year.

3. Embracing a Social Media Hiatus

Venturing into the core of the episode, Brooke delves into her deliberate decision to take a substantial break from social media. With over a decade of consistent online presence, her roles as a social media manager and product marketer at Instagram required her to be perpetually connected. However, anticipating the arrival of her second child, Brooke chose to prioritize her maternity leave by disconnecting from digital platforms entirely. She shares, “I decided I would be completely offline for two months” ([09:50]), setting the stage for the valuable insights she gained during this period.

4. Six Lessons from Disconnecting

Brooke meticulously outlines six transformative lessons learned during her time away from social media:

a. More Free Time for Meaningful Content

Brooke contrasts the superficial engagement of platforms like TikTok with the enriching experience of consuming deep, soul-fulfilling content. She observes, “Short form content gives you this dopamine hit, but it doesn't last” ([12:30]). Freed from endless scrolling, she invested her excess time in watching acclaimed films, reading books, and exploring documentaries. This shift not only satisfied her artistic cravings but also rekindled her passion for intentional consumption of quality content.

b. Enhanced Mental Clarity Without External Noise

Removing social media apps led to a significant decluttering of her mental space. Brooke describes the experience as akin to “decluttering a room” ([17:20]). Without the constant barrage of others’ opinions and trends, she found herself thinking more clearly and reconnecting with her own values and thoughts. This mental clarity allowed her to engage more deeply with information, such as taking time to read the physical New York Times, fostering independent critical thinking.

c. Improved Sleep and Increased Energy

Brooke highlights the detrimental effects of nighttime social media use on sleep quality. Recalling her experiences during breastfeeding sessions, she shares how substituting phone usage with reading under a nightlight drastically improved her ability to fall back asleep: “The light from your phone makes it so much harder to fall back asleep” ([22:10]). Additionally, she recommends magnesium powder as a beneficial supplement for better sleep.

d. Reduced Anxiety and Decreased Comparisons

Freed from the incessant pressures of social media, Brooke experienced a notable reduction in anxiety and the compulsion to compare herself to others. She cites Julie Schott, founder of Starface, stating, “I feel most beautiful on the days where I've barely looked at my phone” ([25:00]). Brooke critiques the incessant content that pushes users to upgrade or improve in often superficial ways, advocating instead for living in the moment and trusting one’s instincts.

e. Increased Time Outdoors

Disconnecting from social media encouraged Brooke to spend more time outdoors, enhancing her overall well-being. She recounts her newfound appreciation for daylight and the restorative power of nature: “There is something about the binary between daytime and nighttime that just feels more real when you are off of your phone all the time” ([28:40]). This shift not only provided physical benefits like increased vitamin D intake but also fostered a deeper sense of presence and connection with her surroundings.

f. Enhanced Creativity

One of the most unexpected benefits of Brooke’s digital detox was a surge in creativity. Without the constant push to produce online content, she redirected her creative energies towards activities like cooking and flower arranging. Brooke shares, “I found myself cooking more than I had ever cooked before... experimenting with new recipes” ([32:00]). This creative outlet provided personal fulfillment and allowed her to engage in meaningful, family-oriented projects.

5. Returning to Social Media with a Balanced Perspective

Brooke discusses her return to social media, emphasizing a more intentional and balanced approach. She acknowledges the indispensable role social platforms played during a crisis, such as the LA fires, where staying connected was crucial for safety and community support. However, she maintains that her renewed engagement is driven by clear intentions centered on community building and authentic representation. Brooke aims to model the life of a working mother, showcasing both the struggles and the beauty of motherhood without losing herself in the digital realm. She states, “It reminded me of what actually restores me and what I actually enjoy” ([35:45]).

6. Reflections on Social Media's Dual Nature

Brooke offers a nuanced perspective on social media, recognizing its potential for both harm and good. While her hiatus revealed the negative impacts of excessive online presence, her return underscores the platform’s capacity to foster connections, share resources, and build supportive communities. This balanced view encourages listeners to navigate social media with mindfulness and purpose.

7. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

In wrapping up the episode, Brooke expresses enthusiasm for upcoming projects and initiatives on the Naked Beauty podcast. She introduces new segments, including an "Ask Brooke" column, inviting listeners to engage directly by submitting questions about beauty, wellness, and self-care. Additionally, Brooke celebrates the expansion of her Naked Beauty fragrance into renowned retail locations like Credo and Anthropologie, highlighting the brand’s growth and her personal involvement in product development.

Brooke concludes with an optimistic outlook for 2025, asserting, “2025 is going to be Naked Beauty's best year yet” ([39:10]). Her final message encourages listeners to reflect on their own social media habits and consider the potential benefits of a digital detox, fostering a community centered on authentic beauty and well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• On Valuing Time: “I am never going to get this time back. And I'm soaking up every single second.” ([04:15])
• On Social Media’s Impact: “Short form content gives you this dopamine hit, but it doesn't last.” ([12:30])
• On Mental Clarity: “It's like decluttering a room... I can think much more clearly.” ([17:20])
• On Reduced Anxiety: “I feel most beautiful on the days where I've barely looked at my phone.” ([25:00])
• On Creativity: “I found myself cooking more than I had ever cooked before... experimenting with new recipes.” ([32:00])

This episode of Naked Beauty offers a compelling narrative on the profound effects of stepping away from social media. Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli’s candid reflections provide valuable insights for anyone contemplating a digital detox, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming time, enhancing mental clarity, and nurturing creativity. Her balanced perspective underscores the dual nature of social media, advocating for mindful engagement that prioritizes personal well-being and authentic connections.