Human Connection and Face-to-Face Interaction
In this new episode, Alyssa and Nadia explore the concept of retreats, human connection, and the importance of unplugging from digital life. What starts as Alyssa announcing her first full-scale retreat in Mexico evolves into a deeper conversation about Gen Z's relationship with technology, the value of in-person connection, and finding balance in an overstimulated world.
Alyssa shares her excitement about hosting her first complete retreat experience—a wellness getaway combining movement, psychology, and travel in Mexico with Dr. Grace Tan. She reflects on how society increasingly needs face-to-face human connection as we spend more time behind screens. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Alyssa mentions research suggesting Gen Z scores lower on intelligence measures across the board, with digital education potentially playing a role. While they acknowledge needing to dig deeper into these claims, it sparks discussion about how computer-based learning changes information processing compared to direct human interaction.
Nadia questions whether retreats are accessible or just another influencer marketing tool. She distinguishes between authentic retreats focused on personal growth versus brand-sponsored influencer trips designed to sell products. She admits she wouldn't want to attend a retreat just to broadcast her experience—if she's paying money, it should be about genuine self-improvement, not performing wealth or access for social media.
The conversation shifts to Nadia's recent "college version of a retreat"—a weekend ski trip to Vermont with friends. They stayed in an architecturally unique Airbnb filled with plants, quirky details, and floor-to-ceiling windows (with no curtains, making for an interesting sleeping situation). The weekend became unexpectedly rejuvenating because Nadia unplugged from her usual routine, didn't work, barely watched TV, and spent quality time with people she didn't know well—forcing her to be fully present.
Both acknowledge that while similar experiences could theoretically happen at home for free, there's something about physically removing yourself and financially committing that makes you actually follow through with relaxation. When you're surrounded by your to-do list and open computer tabs, stress looms overhead. But when you're trapped in a house in the middle of Vermont with no escape (and a scary barn outside), you're forced to be present and connect.
They wrap up celebrating the importance of these retreat-like experiences—whether far away or right outside your apartment door—as necessary antidotes to our increasingly digital, isolated lives.
Takeaways
Human connection and face-to-face interaction provide something fundamentally different from digital communication
Digital education may impact how information is processed compared to traditional in-person learning
Retreats serve as important responses to our screen-dominated lifestyles
There's a meaningful difference between authentic wellness retreats and influencer brand trips disguised as retreats
Going on a retreat should be about personal growth, not performing for social media
Sometimes you need to physically remove yourself from your environment to actually relax
Financial commitment and geographical distance help enforce the intention to unplug and reset
Being surrounded by your to-do list makes it nearly impossible to truly relax at home
Spending time with new people or acquaintances forces you to be more present than with close friends
The "parallel play" dynamic with close friends means you can sit together while everyone's on their devices
Asynchronous online classes involve discussion boards and group projects, maintaining some human element
Multitasking while watching TV creates the illusion of relaxation while your mind is still working
Sometimes it feels more relaxing to just complete tasks than to leave them hanging over you
Committing to unplug—even somewhat—can be rejuvenating when you allow yourself the space
Wholesome activities like playing games together feel more fulfilling when everyone's device-free
Creating experiences that force people to connect (like being stuck in a house together) :brings out the best in group dynamics
Chapters
0:10–0:33 – Introduction
0:33–1:20 – Alyssa's First Full-Scale Retreat Announcement
1:20–2:13 – Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever
2:13–4:01 – Gen Z and Digital Education: A Concerning Trend?
4:01–5:22 – Discussion Boards vs. Real Human Interaction
5:22–7:09 – The Selfish (and Important) Reasons for Hosting Retreats
7:09–8:07 – Who Is This Retreat For? Accessibility and Target Audience
8:07–11:10 – Influencer Retreats vs. Real Retreats: What's the Difference?
11:10–13:10 – Making Retreats for Everyday People, Not Influencers
13:10–15:49 – Nadia's Weekend "Retreat": The Vermont Ski Trip
15:49–17:41 – Why You Can't Unplug at Home (But Should)
17:41–20:00 – The Problem with Multitasking and Being Present
20:00–22:30 – The House with No Curtains and Forced Connection
22:30–23:23 – Closing: Hoping Everyone Gets Their Own Retreat Experience
