Johann Hari On Why You Can’t Pay Attention (& How To Reclaim Your Focus)
02/14/22 • 140 min
3 Listeners
We are living in a time of upgraded technology and downgraded humans.
Our collective ability to resist distraction and sustain attention is in decline.
Although will power plays a role, this problem is not entirely our fault—it’s the by-product of powerful forces incident to modern life.
Disconnection from nature. Disrupted sleep. Toxic environments. Predatory tech.
What exactly does a focus-less future augur? And what can be done to reclaim our ability to truly concentrate?
Back for his second appearance on the show, our steward for these existential questions is journalist & multiple New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari, who, when confronted with his own deteriorating attention span, dove deep into the individual and systemic solutions to this dispiriting collective trend.
Johann has written for the LA Times, Le Monde, and many other outlets, has two of the most-watched TED Talks, and has been profiled in essentially every prominent media outlet. His books include Chasing The Scream and Lost Connections,, which explores the roots of addiction, and was the subject of our first exchange back on episode #416. But today, he’s here to share big lessons from his latest book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which is a provoking journey into the forces robbing us of our attention and a look at how we might begin to reclaim our minds, and our lives.
Today’s conversation focuses on the problematic impact of big tech, smartphone addiction and surveillance capitalism on our well-being and that of our children.
We discuss the specific factors contributing to attention decline–from reduced sleep, environmental pollution, and something called the switch/cost effect, to chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and disconnection from others and the natural world.
Beyond the many problems, we, of course, also address solutions—both systemic and individualistic—such that we may recapture our focus and be the best version of ourselves.
Johann is quite the entertaining storyteller, with humor that makes hard truths go down a little easier.
To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This is a hopeful conversation about how to build a life of greater joy, enhanced personal fulfillment, and focus. My wish is that it serves and enlightens.
Enjoy!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
We are living in a time of upgraded technology and downgraded humans.
Our collective ability to resist distraction and sustain attention is in decline.
Although will power plays a role, this problem is not entirely our fault—it’s the by-product of powerful forces incident to modern life.
Disconnection from nature. Disrupted sleep. Toxic environments. Predatory tech.
What exactly does a focus-less future augur? And what can be done to reclaim our ability to truly concentrate?
Back for his second appearance on the show, our steward for these existential questions is journalist & multiple New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari, who, when confronted with his own deteriorating attention span, dove deep into the individual and systemic solutions to this dispiriting collective trend.
Johann has written for the LA Times, Le Monde, and many other outlets, has two of the most-watched TED Talks, and has been profiled in essentially every prominent media outlet. His books include Chasing The Scream and Lost Connections,, which explores the roots of addiction, and was the subject of our first exchange back on episode #416. But today, he’s here to share big lessons from his latest book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which is a provoking journey into the forces robbing us of our attention and a look at how we might begin to reclaim our minds, and our lives.
Today’s conversation focuses on the problematic impact of big tech, smartphone addiction and surveillance capitalism on our well-being and that of our children.
We discuss the specific factors contributing to attention decline–from reduced sleep, environmental pollution, and something called the switch/cost effect, to chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and disconnection from others and the natural world.
Beyond the many problems, we, of course, also address solutions—both systemic and individualistic—such that we may recapture our focus and be the best version of ourselves.
Johann is quite the entertaining storyteller, with humor that makes hard truths go down a little easier.
To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This is a hopeful conversation about how to build a life of greater joy, enhanced personal fulfillment, and focus. My wish is that it serves and enlightens.
Enjoy!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
Previous Episode
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle On Resilience, Hope & Mysteries Of The Deep
In the words of today’s guest, treat the natural world as if your life depends on it—because it truly does.
Meet absolute living legend Sylvia Earle, Ph.D.
A marine botanist, oceanographer, writer, lecturer, and one of the world’s top experts on ocean science and conservation, Sylvia is affectionately called “Her Deepness” by The New Yorker and the New York Times, and the “First Hero for the Planet” by Time magazine.
Over the course of her 85 years, Sylvia has logged over 7,000 hours underwater, and not to mention, set a record in 1979 that still stands for the deepest untethered dive by a woman—1,250 feet. She was one of the very first National Geographic explorers-in-residence, served as the first female Chief Scientist at NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), has authored more than 20 books, is a pioneer of submersible engineering, and established Mission Blue, an organization dedicated to protecting marine areas identified as critical to the health of the ocean, or as she calls them, “Hope Spots.”
You may very well have seen her appearance in Seaspiracy or have caught word of her fascinating new book entitled Ocean: A Global Odyssey, the subject of today’s exchange.
This conversation focuses on the majesty of our oceans, the tragedy of their decline at the hands of humankind, and the urgency that we must marshal for their preservation. But it’s also a conversation about hope. The power we all possess to create the change we need and desire.
While I love all my guests, I have to admit I’ve never met anyone quite like Sylvia. What can be said other than to recognize the honor, the gift of spending an afternoon with her, soaking in her wisdom and experience.
I have such tremendous respect and admiration for her work. Her example sets the tone for us all. And my hope is that this one inspires you into your own form of action and activism—because it really does all come down to us.
To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
So here it is—me and Her Deepness, Slyvia Earle.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
Next Episode
Roll On: What Happened to the Olympics?
1 RecommendationsMarked by endless scandal and rampant corruption, the Olympics are in free fall.
Today we explore how the world's most highly acclaimed brand has become corrosive, and what can be done to repair it. But fear not, we also celebrate a selection of inspiring athletic highlights from Beijing to Oahu, answer listener questions, share a few products that have caught our fancy, and more.
As always, my co-host for today's rendition of 'Roll On' is ‘His Semi Deepness’ Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and still uses the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel.
Topics discussed in today's episode include:
- the politics behind the declining global interest in the Olympics;
- bribery & corruption within the International Olympic Committee;
- how a Florida town with no ice rink produced three Olympic speedskaters;
- the backlash levied upon teenage freeskier Eileen Gu;
- speedskater Nils van der Poel's manifesto on Z2 aerobic base training;
- how Erin Jackson became the first Black woman to win individual Winter Olympic gold;
- Kelly Slater's Pipe Masters win days before turning 50; and
- the benefits of using "dumb phones" in limiting screen time & phone addiction; and more
As always, we close things out by taking a few listener questions. Today we answer:
- How do you cultivate optimism and gratitude as a natural cynic?
- How do you stay true to your goals?
- What advice do you have for young people navigating their twenties?
Thank you to Brett from NYC, Bill from Crested Butte, and Evan from Iowa for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or, better yet, leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.
The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Enjoy the show!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
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