Manoush Zamorodi, an esteemed journalist, podcast host, and author, delves into the intersection of technology and health in her latest book, Body Electric. This insightful work, a collaboration between NPR and Columbia University Medical Center, builds upon the themes of her previous book, Bored and Brilliant, which examined technology’s effects on our mental well-being. Her latest effort is a compelling read for anyone feeling drained by constant connectivity.
Her books stem from her extensive experience in podcasting. After leading WNYC’s Note To Self, Zamorodi took the helm at NPR’s TED Radio Hour and delivered a TED Talk in 2017 that garnered over seven million views. Naturally, we were curious about how she maintains productivity and her current relationship with technology.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
For over ten years, I was a loyal user of Pocket, an app that saved articles to read later, and felt a loss when Mozilla discontinued it. Nowadays, I rely on Matter, which not only fulfills the same purpose but offers superior features, like effective highlighting. I’ve found myself using it more as a repository for research I plan to revisit.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I sincerely wish I didn’t have to twist myself into uncomfortable positions to use it. I suffer from a persistent, mild neck pain that only subsides when I take a complete break from my phone. However, I’m not yet ready to “upgrade” to Meta glasses or any wearable tech on my face.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
Currently, I have 37 tabs open. It’s quite embarrassing. They mostly consist of Google Docs, Riverside, LinkedIn, emails (some opened multiple times), scientific papers, and Amazon book rankings. When I struggle to locate the right tab, I tend to open a new one, which explains why Gmail is open in three different places.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I truly love my AirPods because I can walk and talk unencumbered. Whenever possible, I ask people to do a phone call instead of Zoom. It’s such an easy way to get some movement into my day, and I pay better attention too.
Which was the most disappointing?
Oculus. Sits on a shelf.
What creation are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud that the Body Electric 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 one to get the full peer-review treatment. It’s a real milestone for me as a journalist, wanna-be scientist!
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I go for a long, boring walk, even if I don’t feel like it. Centuries of long walks have produced incredible literature, 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 thud of my sneakers, and then, within 15 minutes or so, I usually come unstuck.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
Never. I have teens and elderly parents. Much as I don’t always want to be, I need to be reachable.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
I buy books non-stop. Reading on paper is the only way I can process a long piece of writing.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
See above!
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
Manoush Zomorodi: The woman who never took an Uber if she could get there on foot.
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
