TL;DR
The Atlantic is launching a new podcast series, ‘How to Touch Grass,’ beginning July 27. It aims to explore how individuals can rebuild their relationship with nature and technology. The series emphasizes intentional device use and mental well-being.
The Atlantic will debut the podcast series How to Touch Grass on July 27, aiming to explore how people can foster healthier relationships with technology by reconnecting with nature. The series responds to growing concerns about digital overuse and its effects on mental health and attention spans.
The upcoming series will feature episodes released every Monday for five weeks, hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck. It will include personal experiments and conversations with experts in fields such as anxiety, education, and technology. The first episode will focus on the concept of ‘touching grass’ as a metaphor for taking intentional breaks from digital devices.
The series is part of a broader cultural conversation about managing the impact of technology on daily life, especially among younger generations like Gen Z, who express nostalgia for pre-digital times and desire control over their device use. The Atlantic describes the series as an effort to help listeners develop healthier habits and foster mindfulness in a fast-paced, image-driven culture.
Potential Impact on Digital Well-Being Practices
This series highlights the increasing recognition of the need for digital detox strategies and mental health awareness. It could influence public attitudes toward device use, encouraging more intentional engagement and outdoor activity, which may benefit overall well-being and attention spans in a society overwhelmed by screens.outdoor hammock for relaxation
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Growing Cultural Push Toward Digital Balance
In recent years, experts and mental health advocates have emphasized the importance of balancing digital consumption with offline activities. The phrase ‘go touch grass’ has gained popularity as a shorthand for taking breaks from screens and reconnecting with nature. The Atlantic’s new series aligns with this trend, reflecting a broader societal movement toward mindfulness and intentional technology use.
The series also responds to research indicating that excessive screen time can distort perceptions, reduce attention span, and contribute to anxiety. The timing coincides with increased awareness of the mental health impacts of digital culture, especially among youth.
“Coming this summer is How to Touch Grass.”
— The Atlantic
nature sound machine for sleep
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Details of Episode Content and Audience Reception Still Unclear
It is not yet clear how the series will be received by audiences or the specific content and format of each episode. The depth of expert involvement and the practical advice offered remain to be seen as the series approaches release.portable picnic blanket for park
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Series Launch and Future Engagement Opportunities
The first episode will premiere on July 27, with subsequent episodes released weekly until late August. Listeners can subscribe through major podcast platforms. The Atlantic may also expand related content or initiatives based on audience feedback and engagement.
nature journal for mindfulness
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What is the main goal of the ‘How to Touch Grass’ series?
The series aims to explore ways individuals can reconnect with nature and develop healthier relationships with technology by being more intentional with device use and taking mental health breaks.
Who are the hosts of the series?
It is hosted by Natalie Brennan and Julie Beck, staff writers at The Atlantic.
When will the episodes be released?
Episodes will be released every Monday starting July 27, 2026, for five consecutive weeks.
Will the series include expert interviews?
Yes, the series will feature conversations with experts in anxiety, education, and technology, along with personal experiments from the hosts.
Why is this series relevant now?
It responds to ongoing concerns about digital overuse, mental health impacts, and the cultural trend toward mindfulness and outdoor activity as a counterbalance to screen time.
Source: The Atlantic
