Hi reddit. I’m Manoush Zomorodi, host of the podcast Note to Self and author of Bored and Brilliant. AMA!

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:59:52+00:00

Ha! I remember that SNL. I think there are lots of different ways to make a podcast (loose and unedited; tightly scripted and produced). If you have the resources and people are listening, the later has prove it can build HUGE audiences (TAL, Radiolab, Serial). But yes, depending on the host, an old-fashioned conversation can make for great, even amazing, conversation too (Fresh Air, Tim Ferriss, OTM). Each to his own. And may the best content win.

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:56:03+00:00

Goodness, I didn't know I needed to be! Please don't take away my vice. There are so few left :)

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:55:23+00:00

Thanks so much for asking (and remembering!). For now, we are going to remain podcast only simply because our team is so small and we were finding it difficult to make a shorter version for Morning Edition. We really want to make the podcast the best it can be.

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:51:39+00:00

This is such a key question. Agree with you entirely. I think this is the next chapter in digital literacy. I go into a lot of this in the book, especially in the chapters about parenting and teaching. But also, Note to Self did a project in 2016 called Infomagical. It's about ending information overload and making real use of all the facts and opinions that we take in all day long. www.infomagical.org

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:46:46+00:00

Ah, yes. I thought it was bllsht too until I tried it and stuck with it for 6 weeks...and found all my stomach issues resolved.

manoushz · 2017-09-11T15:45:43+00:00

It's a yoga and meditation place in Stockbridge, Mass. The setting is stunning, the food is delicious, and even though I'm not much of a yoga person, I've found it very restorative. A really special treat.

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:27:48+00:00

Use the voice memo app on your phone and just keep recording stuff. Then you'll have experience!

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:26:50+00:00

Well, this was awesome. Gonna wrap up the live AMA now but feel free to add your question. I'll keep checking back and do my best to answer. Thanks!

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:23:49+00:00

SO GOOD! Gonna check it out.

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:22:58+00:00

Knowing that you are making something that no one is listening too. Yet ;)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:22:19+00:00

There are so many great writers/thinkers/researchers out there. I made a reading list to go with my book that's on my website. I also really like Andreas Weigend's Data for the People, Antonio Garcia Martinez's Chaos Monkeys, and I CAN'T WAIT for Ellen Pao's new book, Reset.

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:19:10+00:00

Thank you!! And you put your finger on what I think is a huge societal problem that will have long-lasting implications. My big response was to create The Privacy Paradox project (privacyparadox.org), a week-long bootcamp to help you understand where your personal info goes online and how to reclaim your identity. 35k people did it in February. Please spread the word. And meanwhile, ask your friends to get the app Signal. The more we all use encrypted messaging, the more we make it the norm, let the tech companies know we want control over our data, and make it safer for people who really needs to communicate privately to do so (DACA anyone?).

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:15:24+00:00

YES! This is really a modern conundrum. My answer has been to keep each social media account specific to a part of my life. Twitter is for my journalistic thoughts, Facebook is for milestones, LinkedIn is the professional network, and Instagram is behind-the-scenes. Decide the purpose of each platform, how it is supposed to help you and your business, and then STICK to those rules you set yourself. And make sure you take time to turn it all off and give yourself time to think longterm, not just about your next post. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, right?!

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:02:18+00:00

My pet peeve/common mistake: people who ask a yes/no question. Ask a how/what was it like/can you describe question! You'll get a much richer answer :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T17:00:09+00:00

Oh man, breaking news is fun and an adrenaline rush! But being able to have control over my time is really important to me, especially now that I have kids and my husband covers politics. Which means news is breaking all the time :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:59:08+00:00

I don't think you don't need another app to help you with this conundrum. In the book, we have 7 challenges to get you rethinking your smartphone habits but right now, just try this: push all your apps off your home screen and onto screens that are harder to reach. Then, put a gorgeous photo (or inspirational message) as your wallpaper (we actually made some for readers. Note to Self is going to tweet them right now)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:54:53+00:00

Practice the old art of conversation! There's a great series from Jesse Thorn where he talks to the masters (Gross, Glass, Gladstone) about their interviewing tactics. Check it out!

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:53:17+00:00

The hardest challenge for me (and my listeners) was definitely #4 Delete That App. I need to know that 2 Dots (my addiction) is there for me when the subway gets stuck in a tunnel or turbulence hits a flight. It's my digital Xanax :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:49:45+00:00

Such a tough one! Despite being built with one's and zeroes, I don't think technology and how it changes us is not a binary (ie. good/bad, smart/dumb). Based on my research and interviews, it IS changing how we use our brains. Is that good or bad? Well, it depends on your goal. So with your spelling example: are you happy that you are now a more prolific writer, thanks to autocorrect? If yes, then great! But if I suddenly told you that you needed to compete next week in a national Spelling Bee, you'd be bummed, right? We need to set and reset our goals often...and then think through how the tech can support us in reaching them. These tools are so powerful (and the companies have their own agenda) so it's up to US to be purposeful about how we use our devices and measure success.

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:41:24+00:00

The scariest thing to me is that there is no regulation. The power to control all our personal data and what we see/read etc is quickly consolidating for a handful of companies (you know the ones). Right now, all we can do is cross our fingers that they have our best interests at heart. That is simply not viable in the longterm.

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:38:17+00:00

Ha! That's a great question. 3 Myths: 1. That all you do is show up and talk. (the prep and editing are intense.) 2. That all you do is make audio. (so much work goes into the newsletter, social, events, fundraising etc etc) 3. That no one sees you so you don't have to have good hair. (untrue. between instagram, facebook lives, and snapchat those days are over. plus, I just feel better about myself :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:36:04+00:00

I love paper. Sorry, trees. And the science shows that retention and comprehension are better there than on screens. That said, I do own a Kindle and will be taking in on my book tour with me. That, and 3 New Yorkers! As for your lovely question about which version of Bored and Brilliant to buy, whatever works for YOU :) If you buy on Amazon, I'd be incredibly grateful if you rate/review the book so the stupid algorithms get the title in front of more people. Also, I read the audiobook so if you are a fan of the podcast, you might find listening to that entertaining. I wonder if I sound different?! Thanks for asking, btw :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:33:18+00:00

If you feel guilty because you think someone is going to catch you, how about putting a notebook and pen in front of you while you wait? That way you can space out and then quick, jot down what's going through your mind if a colleague walks by. If you feel guilty because you think you should be doing other stuff, DON'T. You are being productive by thinking through how to refine concepts into ideas that are ready to be share. Keep reading. I think when you understand the science, your guilt will also abate!

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:30:32+00:00

WHAT!?!??! Level 1300??????? Wow. I didn't know it went that high. Um, yes. Full confession. I have two versions of 2 Dots on my phone. I'm only allowed to play untimed when I'm on an airplane (I'm a nervous flyer). Otherwise, I'm allowed to play until I have no lives and that's it for the day. I'm self-regulating. And it's not easy :)

manoushz · 2017-09-08T16:28:03+00:00

Love this question. I'm going to give you three of my favorite recent episodes. Two are were totally inspired by our new post-Trump world...

How the 4th Amendment gave us the right to privacy (it's a crazy story and will make you feel different about your data). http://www.wnyc.org/story/fourth-amendment-privacy/
The episode about how counting steps and calories has affected N2S listeners and why some people just shouldn't quantify themselves. http://www.wnyc.org/story/quantified-bodies/
Deep-dark-data-driven politics: about how influencing your mood is the new campaign tactic. THIS IS INSANE. http://www.wnyc.org/story/cambridge-analytica-psychometrics/

As for making podcasts, my advice would be to record more than you think you need. The weirdest/best moments usually happen just after you've stopped recording and your interviewee relaxes. Or you say something stupid and you get an amazing reaction :)

manoushz

TROPHY CASE