why I stopped listening to music on my phone

In this video I talk about my experience using an iPod for the past year and the benefits I've experienced. As someone who values reducing distractions, using an iPod has been a great alternative when I still want to listen to music but don't want to bring my phone around.

If you are interested in trying this there's a huge modding community for the iPod classic so you can easily buy one from the internet (or you could get a cheap $20 mp3 player which I used to use as well).

some alternatives! (these are affiliate links that support the channel)

outline:
0:00 how I use my iPod as a digital minimalist
1:14 how music used to be consumed
2:08 benefits of using an iPod (why you might use one)
4:11 my favorite iPod in 2024
5:38 advice if you want to try this

📺 some videos you might enjoy:

[reysu]

also wanted to say thank you guys for 100k! Been a long journey but appreciate you guys watching and supporting the channel. More videos to come 🥹

[danielgribbon]

Use an old Android phone. Don't put a SIM in it. Load up the microSD card with songs, movies/shows, and books. It's great as a portable media device

[filipetx]

Started my first bujo last month because of you and it's been the most "present" and down to hearth I've been in a while (regarding my goals). Thank you 🙌🏼

[MilesMochizuki]

Very interesting video and great points about Spotify turning into a social media platform. It really hurts the value of music which despite taking so much work to create is now becoming valued as little as a TikTok or IG Reel. People forget about a new album within a week and expect constant new “content” from artists.

[spifuntastic]

James saying "byeeee" in the end lowkey made my day hahaha

[iamdragonetta]

I really felt this video. I’m tired of all the distractions like ads and junk.

[et]

Funny you mention the spotifiy reels. I was thinking the other day about how around 2015 all tech companies figured out the infinite scroll for text and image based content. It took them about ten more years to get infinite scroll for audio visual. All in all I think the internet is just one giant infinite scroll. Sooner or later I think they’ll even get rid of the ability to search lol

[ayla]

I used to have an iPod nano and had a similar thought about a year ago. Googled iPods and realised that those old school iPods aren’t even being sold anymore 😭

[wymow]

I have an iPod Shuffle and don't really use it anymore because I don't really find myself listening to music/podcasts as much (since I edit a lot) but I am so glad that you have posted this video because minimalism is such a great tool to add into one's life. Keep up the great work man!

[givannimacisso]

Super underrated video, its so well put together...

[zedxspecturm]

Crazy timing with the upload, I just started looking at ipods. Actually been wanting to change my setup to not waste so much time online.

[studywithjames]

I don't have a real use case to use an MP3 device currently, but I like you mentioned "intentions". The purpose of a device is to make sure to not get sidetracked.

Congrats on 100k bro, hope you got cool stuff working w/ James

[lockca]

I'm using a Sony NW-A55, which is the last one they made before going Android exclusive. Does only one thing and does it well. Music. No notifications. No apps. No wifi. No additional distractions. And it still has decent battery life, despite nearly five years of use. Was thinking about getting the NW-A306, but the American and European models have been gimped by a mandatory volume limiter.

[TheNatDoa]

Dude, the quality of your video is impressive. I've started digital minimalism by using a kindle, a film camera, but I didn't have any word for it. Thanks :)

Btw for music I use Telegram, on which I have downloaded them offline. Was not for minimalism as much as to avoid ads or having to pay.

[subtlesteadies]

Your videos are absolutely stellar every time. I greatly appreciate your insight and thoughtfulness in every frame you edit and word you speak! Keep it up! I’m gleaning so much knowledge from you.

[RezZ]

almost hit the 100k brother !! Also just recently purchased an mp3 with dac not an ipod because i like the noise canceling

[grzegorzdziedzic]

i bought jolike m5, a tiny mp3 player and loaded some songs on it, and this is the way to listen to music during a walk or workout. you listen to whats on it and that's it. great feel

[KevinKolbe]

Really cool video. I still have my iPod and Nano too. Think it may be time to dig ‘em out and jump back in. Thanks.

[christophemiyamoto]

YOU listen to Shinunogaiwa!!!, thats like my favourite song, thanks again for the great video!

[weavingworld-wwtk]

Reysu, I found you differently happy and a charm on your youthful face. Keep that up. Lots of love