Exploring the Challenges of Overwhelming Technology with Manoush Zomorodi

Manoush Zamorodi is a seasoned reporter, podcast host, and author. Her latest book, Body Electric, dives deep into the effects of technology on our physical health. This work builds on her previous title, Bored and Brilliant, which explored the impact of tech on mental well-being. It’s a must-read for anyone who feels that constant device connectivity drains their energy and creativity.

Both books stem from her rich background in podcasting. After leading WNYC’s Note To Self, Zamorodi took the reins of NPR’s TED Radio Hour and even delivered her own TED Talk in 2017, which has garnered over seven million views. We were curious about how Manoush maintains her productivity and her current tech habits.

What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
I was a loyal Pocket user for over a decade until Mozilla shut it down, which was a real blow. Now, I use Matter, and it seems to do the job just as well, if not better (the highlighting feature actually works!). Lately, I find myself using it more as a research repository for future reference.

What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
I really wish I didn’t have to twist my body to use it. I often deal with a persistent, low-grade neck pain that only disappears when I take a full day off my phone. That said, I’m not ready to jump into Meta glasses or anything like that just yet.

How many tabs do you have open right now?
37. How embarrassing! They’re mostly Google Docs, Riverside, LinkedIn, email (open multiple times), scientific articles, and Amazon book rankings. I get frustrated when I can’t quickly find the right tab, so I just end up opening new ones. (That’s why Gmail is open in three places.)

What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I absolutely love my AirPods because they let me walk and talk freely. Whenever possible, I prefer phone calls over Zoom. It’s a simple way to incorporate movement into my day, and I find I focus better too.

Which was the most disappointing?
Oculus. It just sits on a shelf.

What creation are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud that the Body Electric study was accepted for publication in a scientific journal. I’ve been involved in interactive projects with tens of thousands of listeners for over a decade, but this is the first to undergo the full peer-review process. It’s a significant milestone for me as a journalist and aspiring scientist!

What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I take a long, boring walk, even if I’m not in the mood. History shows that long walks have inspired incredible literature, inventions, and even dinner ideas. I remind myself how movement benefits both body and brain, listen to the rhythmic thud of my sneakers, and usually, within about 15 minutes, I find my flow again.

When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
Never. I have teenagers and elderly parents. As much as I sometimes wish I could disconnect, I need to be reachable.

What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
I buy books constantly. Reading on paper is the only way I can truly process lengthy texts.

What do you think is worth splurging on?
See above!

What would the tagline for your biopic be?
Manoush Zamorodi: The woman who never took an Uber if she could walk there.

What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
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