About the episode
Stressed about screen time? (Who isn’t?!) What you’re about to hear might surprise you…and make this topic feel a lot less scary.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ash Brandin, EdS, aka TheGamerEducator and author of the bestselling book, “Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family,” for an eye-opening conversation that may just change how you think about screens entirely.
You’ll hear:
- Why screen-time conflicts feel so charged, and the mindset shifts that instantly lower the temperature.
- What most parents miss about their kids’ relationship with screens.
- Why common screen-time strategies can backfire, and what works better.
- Practical ways to build healthier tech skills without shame, fear, or power struggles.
Resources mentioned:
⭐️ Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family, by Ash Brandin
⭐️ The Burnt Toast Guide to Division of Responsibility, by Virginia Sole-Smith
About Ash Brandin (aka TheGamerEducator)
Ash Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family.
Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques.
Ash has appeared on podcasts including Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, and Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR.
Their bestselling book, “Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family” debuted in August, 2025. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.
👉 WEBSITE: thegamereducator.com
👉 INSTAGRAM: @thegamereducator
👉 SUBSTACK: thegamereducator.substack.com
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