EP#292 | DSD | From Funk to Friendship: Rediscovering Real Connection in a Digital World

Mar 25

📌 Episode Overview

In Episode #292 of Deep Shallow Dive, Ray Doustdar opens up about a recent funk—and how a simple Friday night hangout with two college friends brought him out of it. This episode is personal, heartfelt, and deeply human. Ray reflects on the power of friendship, the lost art of phone conversations, and the surprising joy of a solid group text. He also talks about the power of food, plans for a second health book, and why his 146-lb weigh-in matters more than you think.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🧠 Genuine in-person connection is more powerful than social media
📞 Phone calls are underrated—and still matter
📉 Ray is down to 146 lbs and breaking through his weight plateau
🥦 Late-night snacks? Go for veggies and spoonfuls of peanut butter
✍️ Ray is thinking about writing a more actionable second health book

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Shoutout to Todd & Jeff: Friday Night Hangout Recap
02:08 – Friendship Before Social Media & Instagram Comments
05:07 – Text Thread Vibes & Rediscovering Real Connection
07:53 – Podcast as Therapy & Rebuilding Outside the Mic
09:18 – Routine, Wellness, and a 27K-Step Day
12:17 – Reflecting on Laziness, Missed Moments, and Family Time
14:45 – Health Book Feedback: Good Energy vs. Real Life
17:24 – Farmers Markets, Organic Groceries & Praying Over Food?
19:10 – New Book or App? Creating Something Actionable
20:44 – From Amateur Boxing to Fat-Burning Intermittent Fasting
22:41 – Spoonfuls of Peanut Butter, Crunchy JIF, and Caveman Hacks
25:12 – One-Take Podcast Flow, Feedback Request & What’s Next

📢🎙️ Conclusion & Call to Action

This one’s for the real ones. The friends who pull you out of a funk. Subscribe at DeepShallowDive.com, drop Ray a line, and reconnect with someone IRL.

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🗝️ Keywords

Deep Shallow Dive, Ray Doustdar, friendship in digital age, reconnecting offline, Gen X college memories, personal growth podcast, 27K step challenge, weight loss journey, 146 lb milestone, peanut butter snack, crunchy JIF, intermittent fasting, late night veggie snack, podcast therapy, group text revival, health book feedback, Casey and Calley Means critique, farmers market reality, personal health strategy, spoonfuls of peanut butter, rebuilding routines, one-take podcast, personal vulnerability

🗂️ Categories

Friendship & Lifestyle
Health & Habits
Podcast Culture

🏷️ Tags

Ray Doustdar
Todd Kuehn
Jeff Brunka

Ray Doustdar

Adding a new chapter to his diverse career, Ray now steps into the world of literature as an author, presenting his debut work, 'Deep Shallow Dive into You.' This book is a testament to his commitment to fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Ray's venture into authorship extends his passion for meaningful communication and impact into writing, offering readers a transformative journey designed to cultivate a more authentic relationship with themselves.

Ray aims to connect with readers profoundly through his writing, sharing insights and strategies to help them uncover their true selves and live with unwavering authenticity and intention.

https://www.deepshallowdive.com