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The Warrior's Garden: Tools for Guarding Your Mind Against Big Tech
In a world dominated by screens and algorithms, who is truly in control?
Every time you pick up the phone, you’re being manipulated. With every site you visit and post you make, your behavior is being tracked. Your habits are sold to the highest bidder—and you’ve probably provided them with your uninformed consent.
Richard Ryan, a seasoned tech insider, unveils the hidden dynamics between you and Big Tech in The Warrior’s Garden. Rather than a call to abandon all devices, this book is a challenge to recognize how platforms like YouTube and Facebook subtly shape behavior and monopolize attention. Richard guides you through a personal assessment of your digital habits, offering tools to reclaim your time and mental space.
With insights drawn from Richard’s years of experience in tech and media, The Warrior’s Garden empowers you to navigate the digital landscape with awareness and intention. Discover the art of digital balance and protect what truly matters with this must-read guide for becoming a conscious consumer of digital content.
Every time you pick up the phone, you’re being manipulated. With every site you visit and post you make, your behavior is being tracked. Your habits are sold to the highest bidder—and you’ve probably provided them with your uninformed consent.
Richard Ryan, a seasoned tech insider, unveils the hidden dynamics between you and Big Tech in The Warrior’s Garden. Rather than a call to abandon all devices, this book is a challenge to recognize how platforms like YouTube and Facebook subtly shape behavior and monopolize attention. Richard guides you through a personal assessment of your digital habits, offering tools to reclaim your time and mental space.
With insights drawn from Richard’s years of experience in tech and media, The Warrior’s Garden empowers you to navigate the digital landscape with awareness and intention. Discover the art of digital balance and protect what truly matters with this must-read guide for becoming a conscious consumer of digital content.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
20 people are currently reading
1406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 18, 2025
Let your inner warrior out!
Overall I thought this was a positive message that could be applied in different areas of a person's life to make improvements. Little by little steps can be taken to achieve goals. The overall message I took from this book was to invest your time in what you value. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be better.
Overall I thought this was a positive message that could be applied in different areas of a person's life to make improvements. Little by little steps can be taken to achieve goals. The overall message I took from this book was to invest your time in what you value. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to be better.
December 13, 2025
An eye opening look at the affects of social media, cell phone, & app addiction, along with big tech algorithms and how to break free and beat them. Richard has first hand experience since he was a big tech and you tube contributor who wrote a lot of the tech for "likes" and ads etc. How many times a day do you check your phone, check social media, or "like" something? Wonder why ads are targeted at you and why you are addicted and can't put the phone down? Richard lays out the information, tools, & solutions to combat purging yourself from the addictions. I am so glad that I have an old flip phone with no apps & I only have a goodreads acct, an email, & facebook on my computer. Some of the subject matter was beyond me because I don't have a phone with the stuff on it but it's a fascinating read that I'm suggesting to everyone!
September 1, 2025
** I don't think there are spoilers in here, but I do summarize my thoughts on his message. Please read with that in mind (if you want to read). Net net, it's a good enough book and relevant enough to today's time that I recommend most anyone read it**
I thought this was a pretty good, quick read.
I don't think Mr. Ryan necessarily makes us aware of the tracking that big tech does, I think we all know they do it, but for me at least the extent of it all is pretty daunting and how the machine works behind the scenes to ensure that basically everything we do on our phones and online is designed to ensure we are getting more and more exposed to content and ads that stimulate us, occupy us, and remove us from society. And, to be clear, all to monetize us. A profound thing he wrote (which I've heard before) is that we are the product. Yeah, us, the people looking at our phones and surfing the net.
I think this is a must read for many people.
The exercise to go through and evaluate just how much time I spend on my phone and in what way was articulated well. As an example, I spend about 40 minutes a day on a game I play on my phone. And it isn't a game like Chess, where I could see value in mind engagement (although I do place Chess on my phone - Chess.com is awesome). I took his point as basically saying I spend 1,460 minutes a year playing a mindless game. That's basically a day a year. On nothing.
I do not lean in as hard as he did on other things ... porn, social media etc. etc. but still. I spend about 4.5 hours a day on my phone - emails, calls, you tube, maps, and yes social media. That's 31 hours a week ... on my phone. So a day a week I'm looking at that stupid thing versus doing virtually anything else.
And of course there is spill over with all the time spent on my computer.
This book basically just asks yourself is that what you want? Do you want to be on your deathbed thinking "man, I wish I'd spent more time on the phone"
And then Mr. Ryan gives suggestions on how to change course. All of which are good, some I may employee, but TBH the awareness alone will help. And I can't, nor do I suspect nearly anyone in the US can get away from the phones entirely.
To be clear, Mr. Ryan isn't advocating for that. He isn't saying stop using the phone all together. But his point is if you head out to the grocery store 10 minutes down the road, forgot your phone, and have a mild panic attack as a result then yeah, you may be a little too reliant on it.
That's all.
I thought this was a pretty good, quick read.
I don't think Mr. Ryan necessarily makes us aware of the tracking that big tech does, I think we all know they do it, but for me at least the extent of it all is pretty daunting and how the machine works behind the scenes to ensure that basically everything we do on our phones and online is designed to ensure we are getting more and more exposed to content and ads that stimulate us, occupy us, and remove us from society. And, to be clear, all to monetize us. A profound thing he wrote (which I've heard before) is that we are the product. Yeah, us, the people looking at our phones and surfing the net.
I think this is a must read for many people.
The exercise to go through and evaluate just how much time I spend on my phone and in what way was articulated well. As an example, I spend about 40 minutes a day on a game I play on my phone. And it isn't a game like Chess, where I could see value in mind engagement (although I do place Chess on my phone - Chess.com is awesome). I took his point as basically saying I spend 1,460 minutes a year playing a mindless game. That's basically a day a year. On nothing.
I do not lean in as hard as he did on other things ... porn, social media etc. etc. but still. I spend about 4.5 hours a day on my phone - emails, calls, you tube, maps, and yes social media. That's 31 hours a week ... on my phone. So a day a week I'm looking at that stupid thing versus doing virtually anything else.
And of course there is spill over with all the time spent on my computer.
This book basically just asks yourself is that what you want? Do you want to be on your deathbed thinking "man, I wish I'd spent more time on the phone"
And then Mr. Ryan gives suggestions on how to change course. All of which are good, some I may employee, but TBH the awareness alone will help. And I can't, nor do I suspect nearly anyone in the US can get away from the phones entirely.
To be clear, Mr. Ryan isn't advocating for that. He isn't saying stop using the phone all together. But his point is if you head out to the grocery store 10 minutes down the road, forgot your phone, and have a mild panic attack as a result then yeah, you may be a little too reliant on it.
That's all.
June 5, 2025
The Warrior’s Garden is a gripping and clear-eyed look at the dark side of Big Tech and its impact on our mental health, attention, and autonomy. Richard Ryan, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and media strategist, peels back the curtain on how platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Google manipulate human behavior through targeted content, algorithms, and psychological tactics borrowed from the gambling industry. The book unfolds in two parts: “Input,” which outlines the problem and the ways tech hijacks our brains, and “Output,” which offers practical steps to reclaim control, from detoxing to building community and cultivating gratitude. Ryan also shares his personal journey, admitting how he, too, was caught in the dopamine-fueled race for views and likes, making the book feel authentic.
Ryan’s writing isn’t flowery or academic, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It’s blunt. Honest. Sometimes, even funny. There’s a mix of tech-savvy insight and heartfelt reflection, which makes for a ride that’s as relatable as it is eye-opening. I felt anger, shame, and even sadness at some points, especially when he described how our time and attention are commodified without our full consent. But I also felt hope. Ryan doesn’t wag his finger or tell us to throw our phones into a river. Instead, he gives tools—real, practical ones. His "Thirty-Day Challenge" isn’t gimmicky. It’s grounding. I tried a few of the exercises and, surprisingly, they helped.
What really stuck with me, though, was his personal story. Ryan was once a full-blown player in the system, pulling the very strings he’s now warning us about. That inside perspective gives him a rare credibility. He’s not preaching from a mountaintop. He’s been in the trenches—addicted to the metrics, chasing the next viral video, watching relationships wilt in the glow of a screen. That’s what makes this book more than a critique. It’s a confession. A redemption arc. And it’s written in a way that feels like a conversation with a smart, slightly battle-worn friend who genuinely wants to help you get your life back.
The Warrior’s Garden is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just a little uneasy about how much time they’re spending on their phone. If you’ve ever caught yourself doomscrolling or felt your mood tank after too much time online, this book is your wake-up call. It’s not for tech haters or off-the-grid purists. It’s for regular folks who want their time, focus, and peace of mind back.
Ryan’s writing isn’t flowery or academic, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It’s blunt. Honest. Sometimes, even funny. There’s a mix of tech-savvy insight and heartfelt reflection, which makes for a ride that’s as relatable as it is eye-opening. I felt anger, shame, and even sadness at some points, especially when he described how our time and attention are commodified without our full consent. But I also felt hope. Ryan doesn’t wag his finger or tell us to throw our phones into a river. Instead, he gives tools—real, practical ones. His "Thirty-Day Challenge" isn’t gimmicky. It’s grounding. I tried a few of the exercises and, surprisingly, they helped.
What really stuck with me, though, was his personal story. Ryan was once a full-blown player in the system, pulling the very strings he’s now warning us about. That inside perspective gives him a rare credibility. He’s not preaching from a mountaintop. He’s been in the trenches—addicted to the metrics, chasing the next viral video, watching relationships wilt in the glow of a screen. That’s what makes this book more than a critique. It’s a confession. A redemption arc. And it’s written in a way that feels like a conversation with a smart, slightly battle-worn friend who genuinely wants to help you get your life back.
The Warrior’s Garden is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just a little uneasy about how much time they’re spending on their phone. If you’ve ever caught yourself doomscrolling or felt your mood tank after too much time online, this book is your wake-up call. It’s not for tech haters or off-the-grid purists. It’s for regular folks who want their time, focus, and peace of mind back.
May 18, 2025
🛡️ The Warrior’s Garden: Tools for Guarding Your Mind Against Big Tech by Richard Ryan
A battle manual for the digital age—where mindfulness meets resistance against algorithmic overlords.
✨ Review
**🌐 Tech Without Tyranny: Ryan reframes the fight against Big Tech not as rejection but as conscious engagement—offering tools to reclaim autonomy without living off-grid.
**🧠 Cognitive Armor: The book’s standout section dissects how attention economies hijack dopamine pathways, with actionable “mental firewalls” to disrupt the cycle.
**🛠️ Practical Resistance: From app detoxes to data hygiene, strategies feel doable—no Luddite purism required (though your screen time may drop involuntarily).
**⚖️ Balanced Critique: Avoids alarmist rhetoric; instead, maps how tech exploits mental health crises while suggesting policy and personal fixes.
**🌿 Garden Metaphor: The titular “garden” motif—cultivating focus like a sacred space—elevates this beyond typical self-help into poetic activism.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) (A fresh take in a crowded genre—like Digital Minimalism with teeth.)
Science-Backed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Leans on Ryan’s psychology expertise but leaves room for skeptics.)
Urgency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (Reads like a manifesto for the next wave of digital reformers.)
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) (Some tech literacy assumed—may lose analog purists.)
Inspiration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (You’ll finish wanting to tweak settings and storm Silicon Valley.)
Overall: 4.3/5 - A book that doesn’t just diagnose digital fatigue—it hands you the scalpel.
🙏 Thank you to Richard Ryan for the advance review copy. Essential for readers who underlined The Age of Surveillance Capitalism but craved a tactical playbook. Best consumed with your phone in another room (irony intended).
Note: Pair with Stolen Focus by Johann Hari for a deeper dive on attention economics.
A battle manual for the digital age—where mindfulness meets resistance against algorithmic overlords.
✨ Review
**🌐 Tech Without Tyranny: Ryan reframes the fight against Big Tech not as rejection but as conscious engagement—offering tools to reclaim autonomy without living off-grid.
**🧠 Cognitive Armor: The book’s standout section dissects how attention economies hijack dopamine pathways, with actionable “mental firewalls” to disrupt the cycle.
**🛠️ Practical Resistance: From app detoxes to data hygiene, strategies feel doable—no Luddite purism required (though your screen time may drop involuntarily).
**⚖️ Balanced Critique: Avoids alarmist rhetoric; instead, maps how tech exploits mental health crises while suggesting policy and personal fixes.
**🌿 Garden Metaphor: The titular “garden” motif—cultivating focus like a sacred space—elevates this beyond typical self-help into poetic activism.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) (A fresh take in a crowded genre—like Digital Minimalism with teeth.)
Science-Backed: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Leans on Ryan’s psychology expertise but leaves room for skeptics.)
Urgency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (Reads like a manifesto for the next wave of digital reformers.)
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) (Some tech literacy assumed—may lose analog purists.)
Inspiration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (You’ll finish wanting to tweak settings and storm Silicon Valley.)
Overall: 4.3/5 - A book that doesn’t just diagnose digital fatigue—it hands you the scalpel.
🙏 Thank you to Richard Ryan for the advance review copy. Essential for readers who underlined The Age of Surveillance Capitalism but craved a tactical playbook. Best consumed with your phone in another room (irony intended).
Note: Pair with Stolen Focus by Johann Hari for a deeper dive on attention economics.
May 29, 2025
In many ways, this could be a great book but as someone who grew up in the pre-smartphone era, I found that the intended audience are those who have and are on their phones 24/7. The author has some helpful ideas on how to break that addiction, which will benefit anyone who allows themselves to be massively dependent on their phones for intellectual stimulation and entertainment to the exclusion of most anything else. The author recommends tracking screen time, how to do it, his own experiences with tech and recommends building life off line. For me, after skipping the digital addiction section, the most valuable sections were on community and gratitude. He also recommends journaling and has suggested page structures.
The book would benefit from some editing, especially one entire section which is bulleted for no apparent reason, hence the lowered score.
Thank you to the Goodreads program. I received this as a #Goodreads Giveaway.
The book would benefit from some editing, especially one entire section which is bulleted for no apparent reason, hence the lowered score.
Thank you to the Goodreads program. I received this as a #Goodreads Giveaway.
June 4, 2025
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and honestly really enjoyed it. I’ve read a couple of other books about dopamine addiction and the consequences of phone/social media addiction, but I felt like this book laid it out in a way that really resonated with me (or maybe I was just ready to hear it?).
I really appreciated the breakdown and perspective of how consumers of social media (and even creators) are the product and advertisers are the customer. It really put things into perspective for me and I appreciated the explanations of how platforms game the system so that a person isn’t receiving results in a search for instance that would be the most valuable to you. Instead they give you results that will keep you on the platform for longer so they can collect your data.
Great breakdown, I liked the system he laid out to detox from social media/tech. It’s given me a lot to think about and act on.
All in all would definitely recommend this book.
I really appreciated the breakdown and perspective of how consumers of social media (and even creators) are the product and advertisers are the customer. It really put things into perspective for me and I appreciated the explanations of how platforms game the system so that a person isn’t receiving results in a search for instance that would be the most valuable to you. Instead they give you results that will keep you on the platform for longer so they can collect your data.
Great breakdown, I liked the system he laid out to detox from social media/tech. It’s given me a lot to think about and act on.
All in all would definitely recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews