Hello, I’m Maddy. I’m an engineer exploring retro tech through the lens of digital minimalism. I’m also a dumb phone user, minimalist, and vegetarian living abroad on the Côte d’Azur in France. 

I enjoy creating videos that are authentic and valuable to people, exploring topics of intentional tech use, meaningful hobbies, and tech nostalgia to seek balance in a digital world. 

This is my digital minimalist approach to learning a language offline (without Duolingo, even when there's no one to talk to), and making language learning into high quality leisure. This is mainly for people who already know the basics: how to pronounce words, build simple sentences, and understand some grammar. I found it helpful to use this method alongside a physical grammar textbook or workbook to keep building grammar knowledge consistently, and it really helped me push past the intermediate language plateau and beyond. When I was learning German (and later French) I came up with this lower-tech daily language routine to break past the intermediate language plateau and my habit of using phone apps. It worked surprisingly well and felt so much more calm, intentional, and mindful than my time spent on apps like Duolingo. It really helped my language skills while aligning with my desire to pursue mindful tech use. Everyone learns differently, but this is what worked for me. It was a great way to embrace digital minimalism while actually seeing consistent progress. I also share a few optional online tools in case you're not going 100% offline, but the main focus is a sustainable, offline, lower-tech four-part rouinte. Here's what I did each day (feel free to adapt it however you like): 10 minutes of each in my target language: - Reading out loud (from a physical book or ebook/article) - Writing by hand (journaling, gratitude lists, or just freewriting to practice sentence flow) - Speaking to myself (talking out loud about my day, thoughts, or anything at all) - Listening (CD or digital audiobooks, downloaded podcasts, etc) If I only had time for one, I'd pick reading aloud to myself. I started with simple kids' books, then moved up gradually to chapter books and eventually adult novels. I found this part made the biggest impact on my speaking and comprehension skills and overall vocabulary knowledge. This method might work for: - People who feel stuck at the intermediate language plateau - Learners who are interested in digital minimalism and intentional language learning and want to do a digital declutter from screens and apps like Duolingo - People looking for high quality leisure or creative ways to combine mindful tech use with language learning - Anyone looking for a more mindful, offline, digital minimalist and self-directed approach to language learning - Those who already know some language basics but want to go deeper (without immersion or a conversation partner) Thoughts: - Using a physical grammar workbook for structure and clarity helps a lot without adding screen time for language learning - Like most things, consistency is key This probably isn't a perfect system, but it was a nice way for me to take my language to the next level without the chaos of phone apps and screens (for more digital simplicity). Also, I was able to get a lot of resources from my local library, but that obviously depends on where you live and your library and what language you're trying to learn. Hopefully this give you some new ideas to try. Also, I filmed this on my 1995 Hi8 camcorder (Sony CCD-TRV66E PAL), just trying it out, might switch back to a modern camera next time. Time stamps: 0:00 is duolingo just a language-themed phone game? 0:58 who is this method for? 2:09 my offline/digital minimalist language learning approach 2:23 part 1: speaking to yourself 4:00 part 2: writing 4:43 part 3: reading out loud to yourself 6:15 reading books (out loud) you've read in your own language 7:43 part 4: listening 10:06: bonus: physical grammar workbooks 10:59 intentional learning 11:40 moving away from duolingo 12:12 side note: why do you actually want to learn a language? #digitalminimalism #languagelearning #mindfultechuse
Digital Minimalist Guide to Learning a Language Offline (even without anyone to talk to)
I've been using this dumb phone (Nokia 3310) for two and a half years now, so I wanted to discuss and unpack some of the benefits and logistics (pros and cons) of using a simple, minimal phone like this in 2025 on my digital minimalism journey. The entire video is filmed on a retro Mini DV camcorder from 2004 (Samsung VP-D83i), just for fun 🙂 My original motivation for switching came from Dave Egger's book "The Every", and it sparked something in me to find an alternative for my phone addiction. I love that this little dumb phone is so simple and really only serves the purpose of calling and texting. But that's obviously a huge adjustment for someone who was used to having all the tools and internet access available on a smartphone. Smartphones like iPhones obviously provide a lot of convenience, but overall, the pros do outweigh the cons for me, and I don't ever want to go back to using a smartphone full-time. In this video, I share my original and current motivation for using a dumb phone, as well as some pros and cons I've experienced along the way that are worth considering before getting such a minimalist phone. I also explain how I stay in touch with friends and family abroad through Whatsapp, iMessage, and Discord (all of which are not on my dumb phone). Additionally, my process of switching the SIM card into my old iPhone for navigation since I don't have GPS. I've found that stepping away from a smartphone has improved my digital sanity and overall tech balance. I feel happier and less connected without it. I also experimented with a MiniDV format for this video, keeping it raw and simple, so let me know what you think. If you're curious about potentially switching to a dumbphone (anything from my little Nokia 3310 to the fancier Light Phone 3) or another minimalist phone, this video might help you decide if it's worth the transition. Also for people interested in a digital detox, digital wellbeing, tech mindfulness, digital simplicity, simple living, and escaping information overload. Time stamps: 0:00 - Dumb phones make life more complicated 0:17 - Why I switched to a dumb phone (Dave Eggers The Every) 1:17 - Why I chose the Nokia 3310 1:51 - Nokia 3310 2:38 - iMessage, Whatsapp, Discord 3:04 - I kept my old iPhone (switching SIM cards) 5:09 - The pros (benefits) 8:30 - The cons (logistics) 12:00 - Would I switch back? #digitalminimalism #minimalistphone #dumbphone
Why & How I Still Use THIS Dumb Phone (Filmed on a Camcorder)
I found this Samsung VP-D83i Mini DV camcorder on Vinted to keep experimenting with MiniDV. This 2004 tech blends retro aesthetics with digital convenience. In this video, I go over the camera itself, show test footage indoors and outdoors, and try out its built-in special effects like sepia, mirror, negative, and night mode. I also note that it does NOT fit in a fanny pack 😒 The Samsung VP-D83i camcorder is from the same Samsung VP series as the following other camcorder models: Samsung VP-D82, Samsung VP-D83, Samsung VP-D85, Samsung VP-D87D, Samsung VP-D87, Samsung VP-D82i, Samsung VP-D85i, Samsung VP-D87Di, and Samsung VP-D87i. These camcorders are all from around the early to mid 2000s. One thing I discovered is that the USB port is only for still images, not video transfer. If you want to transfer Mini DV footage, you'll need FireWire adapters or another method like a video capture device (see my last video). I used the S-Video port with a video capture device because it preserves the quality a bit better than just using the A/V port (RCA route). The Samsung VP-D83i is a great example of how Mini DV cameras tried to bridge the gap between analog and digital recording and it has a nice retro vibe like an iconic Sony Handycam, while being sold at a lower price point (even today). Stuff I mention: - Close up look at this mini DV camcorder (we go through the Samsung VP-D83i User's Manual a bit lol) - Labelling DV tapes and loading them into the camcorder - Indoor & outdoor footage tests, some at the beach in the south of France (Saint Raphaël, France) - Exploring Mini DV special effects (sepia, mirror, negative, night mode) - A short mention of the Mini DV to digital transfer dilemma from my last video (FireWire vs video capture devices) For lovers of Mini DV camcorders, vintage recording, and retro media, and those who are considering experimenting with a retro camcorder just for fun or want to know what 20 year old video looks like. And of course people who happen to own this super specific exact model of camcorder. Let me know if you still use Mini DV or have any questions about the Samsung VP-D83i and I'll try my best to help. Time stamps: 0:00 - Mini DV Camcorder 0:22 - First Impressions 1:40 - Figuring Out How to Use 3:11 - Recording 5:39 - Samsung VP-D83i vs Sony Handycam 6:18 - Footage 7:16 - Digital Effects 7:39 - Night Capture 7:55 - More Footage #MiniDV #SamsungVP-D83i #RetroCamcorder #SamsungVPSeries #RetroMedia
Using a 20-Year-Old Mini DV Camcorder in 2025 *Samsung VP-D83i*
My first retro camcorder, the Canon MV890, died after just a couple of uses. Now, I've found two more iconic cameras: a 1995 Sony Handycam (Sony CCD-TRV66E PAL) using Hi8 tapes and a mid-2000s Samsung VP-D83i Mini DV camcorder. Since starting out, I've learned a ton (mostly the hard way) about choosing, using, and saving old camcorders from breaking down, as well as getting the footage from Mini DV to Mac. I'm figuring out the best ways to film, transfer footage, and avoid mistakes, including key things to watch out for with Hi8 tapes and Mini DV tapes. Next time, I want to compare a Hi8 camcorder to a Mini DV camcorder. My previous Mini DV camcorder is from the same line as the following camcorders: Canon MV900, Canon MV901, and Canon MV920. In this video: - Why my first Mini DV camera died and my (failed?) repair attempts (Canon MiniDV) - How to pick the right retro camcorder (what I wish I knew before buying & Hi8 format vs. Mini Dv format & best camcorders) - Easy vs. high-quality methods for Mini DV conversion (Mini DV to digital) - The exact FireWire adapter chain you need for Mini DV transfer to USB-C - Hidden struggles of using old camcorders (MiniDV and Hi8) If you're into retro media, analog memories, or the revival of old-school camcorders, you might like this. Also, in my last video, I showed how to transfer Mini DV footage with a video capture device. That method is super easy, but terrible for quality. This time, I mention why FireWire vs. video capture makes a huge difference for Mini DV footage (ideally using the S-Video port instead). Time stamps: 0:00 - my camcorder died 4:37 - choosing a camcorder 7:09 - video capture devices 10:52 - firewire (for MiniDV) 14:44 - video head cleaning 16:41 - record/save 18:03 - your aesthetic 19:08 - joy of camcorders #retrotech #camcorder #minidv #hi8 #minidvcamcorder
Everything I wish I knew BEFORE buying a retro camcorder (+ MiniDV, Hi8, & Transfer Guide)
If I could only own one board game, it would be Azul. The Azul board game is a timeless classic that never gets old, with strategies that evolve over time. But sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up. That’s why I gathered 18 exciting variations and creative house rules to add a fresh twist to your Azul gameplay. These Azul board strategies and variant play ideas are perfect for players who already know how to play Azul and want new challenges. Whether you love the original Azul, Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra, or another Azul expansion, these creative rules will give you a new way to enjoy the game. One of my favorite twists is the "Mystery Factory," where tiles on the factories are hidden from view—forcing players to make choices without knowing exactly what they’re drafting. This variation adds an extra layer of Azul strategy and keeps everyone on their toes! If you have your own Azul gameplay ideas, house rules, or tabletop strategy tips, feel free to share them! Let’s make Azul even more fun with creative gameplay twists, whether you’re playing classic Azul, Azul: Sintra, or diving into stained glass strategies. Time stamps: 0:00 - Azul Board Game 0:21 - 1: Gray Side 0:35 - 2: Hidden Boards 1:19 - 3: Timed Rounds 1:44 - 4: Team Play 2:13 - 5: Five Rounds 2:29 - 6: Wild Tiles 2:58 - 7: Same Color 3:29 - 8: Extra Point 3:51 - 9: Factory Reset 4:17 - 10: Perfectionism 4:52 - 11: Sliding Scale 5:47 - 12: Pass Tiles 6:45 - 13: Last Draft 7:04 - 14: Tetris Mode 7:29 - 15: Full Wall 7:46 - 16: Board Swap 8:47 - 17: Any Two 9:23 - 18: Mystery Factory #azulboardgame #boardgames #tabletopgaming #boardgaming #boardgame
18 Creative Ways to Play Azul Board Game: Fun Variations & House Rules
If you're looking to escape digital overload and make cooking a truly screen-free, offline experience, and are interested in physical media cooking, this video is for you. In this video, I'm sharing 7+ practical ways to follow recipes without relying on screens or smart devices. From using physical cookbooks and handwritten recipes to other creative offline approaches, these ideas have helped me embrace digital minimalism in the kitchen. Bonus: there's an idea that actually isn't offscreen or offline but is still worth considering. Cooking is a perfect opportunity to step away from screens and enjoy a more mindful, intentional experience. While it might feel like digital recipes are the only option, people have been cooking for generations without them. For me, screen-free cooking meant rediscovering physical media-cookbooks, recipe cards, handwritten notes, and even newspaper clippings. Time stamps: 0:00 - Physical Media Cooking 1:01 - Physical Cookbooks 4:01 - Recipe Scribble 5:48 - Recipe Cards/Sheets 7:20 - Physical Newspapers/Magazine 8:47 - Less Pratical Ideas, Worth Mentioning 9:47 - (Bonus) E-Reader #digitalminimalism #physicalmedia #mindfulcooking
7+ Ways to Cook Without Screens or the Internet
Feeling the weight of digital burnout, I started searching for Netflix and Spotify alternatives—something beyond algorithm-driven recommendations and endless scrolling. I wanted to embrace digital minimalism by using physical media like CDs and DVDs but without accumulating a ton of stuff. That’s when I turned to my local library. In this video, I visit two libraries, explore their library resources, and do a full library haul of books, games, and music. Stepping away from streaming has been a refreshing shift toward digital minimalism, letting me enjoy borrowing books and discovering new media without the longterm clutter. It’s a bit of a digital detox, a step toward digital decluttering, and a reminder that we don’t always need to rely on digital subscriptions to enjoy great content. If you’re a library lover looking for new ways to engage with your local library, or maybe you need a reminder, this one's for you. Time stamps: 0:00 - Streaming Alternative 4:50 - Library Adventure 6:36 - Library Haul #digitalminimalism #physicalmedia #digitaldetox #librarylife
I Quit Netflix & Spotify for the Library
I bought a Canon MV890 camcorder from 2006, I'll share a simple way to transfer mini DV footage to a Mac computer (if you're avoiding the Firewire method and want something quick and and easy), why I got this retro camcorder, my experience using it so far, and how its footage compares to a modern camera. The Canon MV890 is from the same line as the following camcorders: Canon MV900, Canon MV901, and Canon MV920. I finally get why old tech is so special. Mini DV camcorders strike the perfect balance between vintage charm and usability (without being too grainy but still having that nostalgic film-like look). The best way to preserve video quality would be to get a chain of adapters to connect Firewire to Mac. However, this is more expensive and some of the adapters are hard to find. The video capture device I used is just a lower quality, budget-friendly option I found online. It's just a cheaper, easier way to get footage, however, I have since learned that it does degrade the quality. I don't endorse any one brand and I think the Firewire option would be best for Mini DV. Some people like the Elgato video capture device, but I haven't tried that and it has been known to use the same internal components as the cheaper video capture devices. If you choose to go this route, I would suggest using the S-Video port if your camcorder has one. The S-Video port keeps the brightness and color separate, which results in a clearer video. Here is a newer video where I explain the video transfer options: https://youtu.be/n2uMzaF4xnw Time stamps: 0:00 - Camcorder 7:09 - Footage 7:41 - Mini DV to Mac 10:31 - Charm of Old Tech #retrotech #MiniDV #camcorder #minidvcamcorder #retrocamera
Retro Camcorders Return! (+ Mini DV Transfer to Mac) *Canon MV890*
Using physical media (i.e. books, board games, CDs, DVDs, books on tape, cookbooks, etc.), I'm trying something new with an experiment of using physical media to replace my normal mindless digital consumption with the goal of being more intentional with my tech use. And I'm using my local library to make this experiment possible (yay for a library book haul). It's not about living off-grid without internet access for me (although that would be fun to try someday). I just want to use technology more intentionally for the things I really want to consume and enjoy physical media during the times I would normally hangout online without purpose. And there is something extremely satisfying about old tech, physical media, a real book, playing a CD… Maybe it's the simplicity of not having infinite options that feels so quaint. Either way, I think this will be the start of something good. Time stamps: 0:00 - The Experiment 1:06 - CDs (Music) 3:10 - Books on "Tape" 4:04 - Cookbooks 5:31 - Physical Books 6:09 - Board Games 7:16 - DVDs 7:31 - I Have Hope 8:05 - Takeaways #physicalmedia #digitalminimalism #digitaldetox
How I'm Embracing PHYSICAL MEDIA in 2025
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