The Grateful Podcast with Jack Wagoner
Episode 79
Guesting Stephen Schrembeck
What if the next frontier of human connection isn’t less tech—but better tech?
In this mind-opening episode of The Grateful Podcast, Jack Wagoner sits down with Stephen Schrembeck, founder of Impossible Labs, to explore how we can redesign technology to deepen presence, amplify our humanity, and support mental well-being.
Stephen shares how his personal experience with ADHD and a lifetime of reflection sparked a movement to reimagine how we use tech—from minimalist wearable tools like Cognizant Threads to powerful mental models for focus, meditation, and emotional resilience. They dive deep into the philosophy of building from curiosity, the power of silence, dopamine rebalancing, and how to stay grounded while pursuing meaningful, ambitious goals.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, thinker, creative, or someone feeling overstimulated by modern life—this episode is a must-listen.
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🎯 What We Cover:
• Why “less tech” isn’t the solution—but better tech is
• How Stephen manages ADHD without distraction
• The story behind Impossible Labs and designing for the edge
• Tools for extending focus, attention, and presence
• How meditation reshaped his mind (and why it matters more than meds)
• Why boredom is actually the antidote to overstimulation
• The chair test: can you sit in silence for 5 minutes?
• How to create while staying unburdened by outcome
• The duality of ambition and stillness—and how to hold both
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🔗 Connect with Stephen Schrembeck:
Website: https://impossiblelaboratories.beehiiv.com/p/restoring-our-agency-and-attention
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-schrembeck-85663113/
🧠 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a friend—or leave a review to help the show grow and the ideas ripple outward.
Timestamps:
00:00 The Future of Human Connection
01:21 Exploring the Impossible
02:29 Technology and Human Experience
04:18 The Motivation Behind Innovation
06:24 Cognizant Threads: A Personal Solution
08:01 Managing Attention and Focus
10:54 The Balance of Structure and Freedom
12:39 The Power of Creating for Oneself
13:21 Reading and Learning: Fiction vs Nonfiction
16:05 The Importance of Empathy in Storytelling
18:54 Consciousness and Reflection
20:34 The Dark Side of Intelligence
22:52 Meditation and Inner Peace
23:07 The Transformative Power of Meditation
27:11 Finding Productivity Through Inner Peace
29:50 Overcoming Distractions and Embracing Stillness
32:16 The Balance of Pleasure and Pain
41:44 The Duality of Gratitude and Ambition
49:33 Gratitude for Existence
📺 Watch the full episode or listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏
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🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: jackcwagoner@gmail.com
💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.
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🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I e
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