No Phones, No Problem: How One Family Raised Tech-Strong Teens Without Smartphones with Dan Rothert (#237)

In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Dan Rothert—a former college soccer coach, now consultant, and proud ScreenStrong dad—to share how he and his wife, Karen, a middle school teacher, successfully raised three thriving teens without personal smartphones. Yes, you read that right: no phones, no pushback—and no regrets. Dan’s story challenges the cultural script and shows that strong leadership and intentional parenting can lead to emotionally resilient, socially confident, and academically successful kids—all without the constant presence of a screen. You’ll hear:The “why” behind their no-phone decisionHow they built a family culture that made pushback almost nonexistentThe real-life benefits their teens have experiencedHow to respond to doubters and criticsAnd one powerful piece of advice Dan has for every parent on the fence This episode is a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope for families feeling overwhelmed by digital pressure. You are not alone—and yes, this is possible for your family too. Support the show Don"t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong! Get your copy of the BRAND NEW KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) Production Team: Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin