The Deep Dish: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Social Media: Wisdom and Warnings
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: Melissa Krueger, Courtney Doctor, Hunter Biles, and Laura Whiffler
Guest Speakers: Hunter Biles and Laura Whiffler

Introduction to Social Media Engagement

The episode kicks off with Melissa Krueger welcoming her friends, Hunter Biles and Laura Whiffler, to discuss the multifaceted role of social media in their lives. Melissa sets the stage by acknowledging the ubiquity of social media and its lasting presence in modern society.

Melissa Krueger (02:01):
"This is a big topic and I'm so glad to have you both."

Personal Journeys and Positive Aspects of Social Media

Both Hunter and Laura share their personal histories with social media, highlighting its role in fostering connections and expanding their horizons.

• Hunter Biles traces her social media journey back to blogging and launching the "Journey Women Podcast," emphasizing her role as an author and mother.

• Laura Whiffler reminisces about the early days of Instagram, from filtered food photos to founding "Risen Motherhood," a ministry that connected parents globally facing similar challenges.

Laura Whiffler (07:05):
"Social media allows you to find those people who can relate to your very unique situation... You can realize, like, nope, I'm never alone."

Courtney Doctor adds that social media has broadened her perspectives by introducing her to diverse cultures and experiences, enriching her understanding and relationships.

Courtney Doctor (07:05):
"It's really fun to have just our knowledge of what's going on in the world expanded and broadened."

The Dark Side: Challenges and Negatives

The conversation shifts to the pitfalls of social media, focusing on issues like negativity, fractured attention, and the addictive nature of platforms designed for endless scrolling.

• Laura Whiffler discusses how online negativity and the loss of personal filters can lead to a hostile environment. She also highlights the struggle with maintaining focus and the constant temptation to engage with the endless content.

Laura Whiffler (10:22):
"The fractured attention is probably one of the biggest negative things that has happened to me... it's built into every social media site."

• Courtney Doctor echoes these sentiments, pointing out how social media distractions can hinder her ability to fulfill her calling and lead to unhealthy comparisons with others.

Courtney Doctor (14:40):
"Distraction from actually engaging that the work God has given me to do today... I get lost in all of that."

Hunter Biles shares personal anecdotes about how social media fosters comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Hunter Biles (15:02):
"When I look at my face, I get videoed too much... it can lead me to feel like I don't have anything to say."

Biblical Guidance and Guardrails

The hosts delve into how scripture aids in navigating the complexities of social media. They emphasize the importance of guarding one's heart and aligning online activity with Christian values.

• Laura Whiffler cites Proverbs 4:23, stressing the need to guard her heart to prevent envy and discontentment.

Laura Whiffler (21:47):
"Proverbs 4:23... Everything you do flows from your heart."

• Courtney Doctor references Matthew 22, focusing on loving God and neighbor as guiding principles for social media engagement.

Courtney Doctor (26:48):
"Is this actually helping me, like, know and love God more? And is it helping me love my neighbor?"

• Hunter Biles connects these biblical principles to practical actions, such as reflecting Christ in every social interaction online.

Hunter Biles (28:31):
"Ephesians 5... Making the best use of the time because the days are evil."

Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use

The conversation transitions to practical strategies for managing social media consumption:

1. Taking Breaks:
   • Courtney Doctor shares her experience of a six-month break, which provided clarity and purpose upon returning.
   • Laura Whiffler discusses a three-month hiatus that led to increased mental clarity and reduced irritability.

Courtney Doctor (30:07):
"I took a six-month break... it was a really refreshing break."

2. Setting Guardrails:
   • Laura Whiffler emphasizes behavioral checks and being mindful of emotional responses as indicators to reduce usage.

Laura Whiffler (36:03):
"If I am more reactive or feeling mentally fatigued... it's an easy button to say, maybe I need to reduce my phone use."

3. Accountability and Community Support:
   • Courtney Doctor advocates for accountability partners and seeking feedback from loved ones to monitor and adjust social media habits.

Courtney Doctor (38:19):
"Having the humility to ask... the people in our everyday context... have been one of the greatest rails for me."

Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Letting Go of Control

Hunter Biles shares insights on what she might miss by reducing phone use, juxtaposed with the benefits of increased presence and engagement in real-life activities.

Hunter Biles (44:05):
"What am I doing less of? It's not that our phones are bad, it's what I might be missing out on."

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to assess their social media use critically, aligning it with their faith and personal callings. They highlight the importance of intentional engagement and the potential for social media to be a tool for good when used wisely.

Melisa Krueger (29:39):
"Guard your heart... this is the decision of not wasting our life."

Laura Whiffler (36:52):
"It's a daily choice... this is that decision of not having our phones run our lives."

Conclusion

In "Social Media: Wisdom and Warnings," The Deep Dish hosts explore the intricate balance between leveraging social media for positive connections and guarding against its potential to distract and diminish spiritual well-being. Through personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and practical strategies, Melissa, Courtney, Hunter, and Laura provide a comprehensive guide for women seeking to navigate the digital landscape thoughtfully and faithfully.

Notable Quotes:

• Laura Whiffler (07:05):
  "Social media allows you to find those people who can relate to your very unique situation. You can realize, like, nope, I'm never alone."

• Courtney Doctor (26:48):
  "Is this actually helping me, like, know and love God more? And is it helping me love my neighbor?"

• Hunter Biles (44:05):
  "What am I doing less of? It's not that our phones are bad, it's what I might be missing out on."

This summary excludes all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the enriching discussion about social media's impact on faith and daily living.