Jason Daniels - Practicing Hard Things

Jason Daniels - Practicing Hard Things

From Essential Dynamics with Derek Hudson by Derek Hudson

May 5, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 135

About this episode

Dr. Jason Daniels discusses the effects of digital media on development and the importance of effort in learning.

Jason Daniels joins Derek to talk about why hard things still matter. Digital tools make it easier than ever to avoid boredom, discomfort, hard thinking, and awkward social moments. But those are often the moments that help us grow. Derek connects Jason’s work to Essential Dynamics and the idea of the quest. Life is not meaningful because it is easy. It becomes meaningful as we practice hard things, build capacity, and learn to move through tension instead of around it. Jason Daniels is at beyond-the-screen.ca Check out Jason's book, Beyond the Screen: Resilient Kids in a Digital World Derek is at Unconstrained Full show notes on the Essential Dynamics wiki .

People in this episode

Host: Derek Hudson

Guest: Dr. Jason Daniels

Topics covered

  • digital media impact
  • social skills
  • attention span
  • learning and growth
  • resilience
  • cognitive development

Keywords

  • digital media
  • social skills
  • attention
  • resilience
  • learning
  • cognitive development
  • hard skills

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: beyondthescreen.ca

Books & works: Beyond the Screen

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