Manoush Zamorodi is a successful journalist, podcast host, and author. His new book, Electric bodytakes a closer look at how technology affects our physical health. The collaboration between NPR and Columbia University Medical Center begins when its first article, Bored and Brillianthe’s gone. That book looked at how technology affects our mental health. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels that being constantly attached to a device drains them of energy and creativity.
Both books grew out of his extensive podcasting career. After the rise of WNYC Note To SelfZamorodi went on to host NPR The TED Radio Hourand even gave a TED Talk of his own in 2017 that has garnered over seven million views. So we wanted to know, how does Manoush stay productive, and what does his current relationship with technology look like?
What’s the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
I was a devoted user of Pocket, an app that saves articles for later reading, for more than a decade, and I was devastated when Mozilla closed. I’ve been using Matter ever since, and it seems to do the same job, if not better (highlighting really works!), but I’ve noticed that I use it more these days as a repository for research that I want to refer to later.
What’s one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I really wish I didn’t have to change my body to spend time on it. I have chronic low level pain in my neck that only goes away when I am away from my phone for a full day. That said, I’m not ready to “upgrade” to the Meta glasses or whatever is on my face just yet.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
37. What a shame. Mainly Google Docs, Riverside, LinkedIn, email (opened multiple times), scientific articles, and Amazon rankings for books. I notice that I get annoyed when I can’t find the right tab right away, so I just open a new one. (So, Gmail is open in three places)
What’s your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I really like my AirPods because I can walk and talk without limits. Whenever possible, I ask people to call instead of Zoom. It’s an easy way to add movement to my day, and I pay better attention too.
Which was the most disappointing?
Oculus. He lives on the shelf.
What creation are you proud of?
I am incredibly proud that Electric body the study was accepted for publication in a scientific journal. I’ve been doing interactive projects with tens of thousands of listeners for over a decade, but this is the first to get the full peer review treatment. It is a milestone for me as a journalist, who wants to be a scientist!
What do you do when you feel stuck?
I go on long, boring trips, even if I don’t like it. Centuries of travel have produced amazing books, inventions, and amazing ideas for what to make for dinner. I remind myself of how the body and brain respond to movement, listen to the dull thud of my sneakers, and then, within 15 minutes or so, I come unstuck.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
Never. I have teenagers and elderly parents. As much as I don’t always want to be, I need to be accessible.
What was the last piece of physical media you purchased?
I buy books regularly. Reading on paper is the only way I can process long text.
What do you think you should spend on?
See above!
What would be the tagline of your biopic?
Manoush Zomorodi: A woman who never takes an Uber if she can get there on foot.
What was the last GIF or meme you used?
