2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E8: Are Phones Killing Our Brains?

2 CEOs vs 2 Gen Zs | The Bridge S1E8: Are Phones Killing Our Brains?

Author: The BarberShop with Shantanu July 4, 2025 Duration: 24:31

Are phones killing brains or just replacing boredom with a dopamine hit?

In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu dives into a no-filter conversation with guests from different tech eras to explore the real impact of smartphones on human brains, behaviours, and boundaries. Joining him are Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO(Grocery Retail ), Reliance Retail] who are amazed to see WhatsApp being the most powerful medium of business, while on the other side, Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company), the thought-provoking Gen Zs believe phones are a filler for dead time.

Together, they dive into:

  • Is YouTube really better than Instagram?
  • The rise of “phone as a boredom cure”.
  • Why do parents trust WhatsApp more than other applications?
  • And whether brains are truly at risk, or simply evolving!

Watch now to hear both sides unpack the real truth behind screen time.

Tell us in the comments: what do you want us to break down next?


Step into a space where business talk feels less like a lecture and more like a conversation happening in the back of a classic barbershop. The BarberShop with Shantanu is built on that exact feeling-a place for honest, meandering, and deeply insightful dialogues about the real journey of building something. Host Shantanu, who founded Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae, doesn't just interview guests; he engages in a form of mutual mentorship, drawing on his own experiences to unpack the stories, struggles, and small victories that define entrepreneurship. Each episode feels like a candid exchange, stripping away the polished veneer often found in business media to explore how ideas actually take root and flourish. You'll hear from a variety of voices navigating their own hustles, with conversations that naturally touch on strategy, personal growth, and the often-overlooked human elements behind the brands. This podcast thrives on the free flow of genuine perspective, offering listeners not just lessons, but a sense of camaraderie. It’s a platform dedicated to growth, framed through storytelling that’s as much about the missteps as the milestones. Tune in for a regular dose of reflection and practical wisdom, all shared with the ease of a good chat.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The BarberShop with Shantanu
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