What if balance, not restriction, is the real answer to our tech-saturated lives?
In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, hosts Farley and Jennifer sit down with Holly Muscatello, founder of The Balance Project, a movement helping families and communities find harmony between life and technology.
Holly shares how her wake-up call came after reading The Anxious Generation, realizing that while tech isn’t going away, the way we use it must change. From advocating for “bell to bell” phone-free schools to creating screen-free family habits, she offers simple, actionable ways to protect childhood and mental health.
Listeners will learn why 25% community participation can spark a cultural shift, how to model better tech habits at home, and why letting kids face “small struggles” builds lifelong resilience. It’s a heartfelt reminder that balance begins with awareness and one family can start a movement.
Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(7:00) Holly’s journey from mom to movement founder
(13:00) Why “balance” beats tech bans
(20:00) The 25% rule: creating cultural change
(24:30) Policy moves for “bell to bell” phone-free schools
(26:00) Restoring real connection and communication
(31:00) Teaching kids critical thinking in the AI age
(34:30) Bridging the digital divide with compassion
(35:40) Simple steps for families to start today
(39:00) Join The Balance Project movement
(42:39) Outro
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