EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Let’s Talk Tri Delta, Tri Delta CEO Mindy Tucker, Southern Methodist, sits down with Dr. Adriana Unger Stacey, Alabama, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults. Adriana brings her expertise in how screens, social media and technology impact our brains, our relationships and our ability to be fully present. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why this topic matters, along with practical, actionable ways to create healthier habits around technology and connection.
EPISODE NOTES
Explore what it means to build authentic connection in a world designed to compete for our attention. As a Medical Advisor for ScreenStrong, a national nonprofit helping families navigate healthier relationships with technology, Adriana brings professional expertise and personal perspective to this conversation, breaking down the science behind how our brains respond to technology, why face-to-face interactions are essential for developing empathy and focus and how small, intentional changes can help us create healthier relationships with our devices. Listeners will learn practical ways to be more present and understand why connection and belonging are not just important for our well-being, but essential to how we grow, lead and thrive.
You’ll leave this episode with a deeper understanding of your own brain, practical tools for navigating technology and a renewed reminder that the most meaningful connections are built when we put down the distractions and truly show up. In a world that constantly asks for our attention, Adriana reminds us that one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is our presence.
This episode is dedicated to Mary Virginia Stacey. Following the unexpected passing of her daughter, Mary Virginia, Adriana created the Mary Virginia Stacey Charity Fund to continue her daughter’s legacy by supporting causes that reflected Mary Virginia’s heart, including children, the elderly, animals and youth sports.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome and introductions
2:10 – What drew Adriana to Alabama and Tri Delta
3:23 – Choosing a medical specialty
6:00 – Tapping into the connection between technology and mental health
10:05 – The science behind screen use and the brain
12:25 – Making connections in the digital age
15:20 – Rebuilding healthy brain pathways
16:55 – Practical tips for using screens less often
23:49 – How to support someone with high screen time
25:33 – The risk of the selfie
28:40 – How sororities can help bridge the gap
31:10 – The impact of Tri Delta in Adriana’s life
32:40 – What’s next?
33:30 – Mary Virginia Stacey Charity Fund
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
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