Episode 181: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada explore the growing challenge of maintaining focus and attention in our increasingly digital world.

To combat these distractions, Kyte suggests three key strategies: cultivating face-to-face relationships, spending time in silence and engaging in creative activities. He emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from phones during social gatherings to fully engage with others, as well as the value of quiet reflection to develop deep focus.

The discussion also explores the concept of depth versus breadth of experience.

Kyte explains that while breadth involves a wide variety of activities, depth requires focusing on a single thing in greater detail. The hosts agree that deeply focusing on one task can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment compared to multitasking, which the research shows is detrimental to productivity and focus.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast

The real stakes of the war for your attention, by Sean Illing, Vox

Chris Hayes' 'Sirens' Call' is a thorough look at the fight for attention in modern age, by Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 180: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk through the best answers to four ethical dilemmas.

One scenario involves a last-minute concert invitation where the tickets turned out to cost $75 each, despite assumptions they were free. The discussion centered on the importance of clear communication to avoid misunderstandings that could damage friendships.

Other dilemmas include how to deal with a rude traveler at an airport, how to handle a constantly complaining elderly relative and a cat-sitting situation where the owner gave the host an expired gift card, prompting a debate on the ethics of regifting.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."

Episode 179: Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss how our awareness of mortality shapes the way we live.

Kyte begins by discussing how ancient philosophers, particularly the Stoics, believed we should keep death constantly in mind. This, they argued, helps us avoid self-deception about our mortality and the tendency to become overly attached to material possessions and markers of success.

Later, the hosts discuss how major religions have grappled with the question of what happens after death. While some offer detailed explanations, Kyte notes that not all religions provide clear answers. He suggests the emphasis in Christianity, for example, is more on how to live well rather than specifics about the afterlife.

Rada and Kyte share their personal reflections on mortality. Rada admits he doesn't think about it much, while Kyte says he ponders it daily, not in a morbid way, but to remind himself to use his finite time wisely. They discuss how people near the end of life often shift their priorities to relationships, forgiveness and small joys.

A key theme that emerges is the importance of storytelling and self-reflection in giving meaning to our lives. Rada observes that unlike animals, humans have a unique ability to narrate our experiences and define our identities through internal conversations. Kyte emphasizes how this helps us understand our place in time and our connections to others.

About the hosts

Scott Rada is a digital strategist with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is also the author of "Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)."