Moving Day

Why I’m here, what’s ahead, and our first experiment.

Hi, it’s Manoush. 👋

It’s been a while (like, since Jan 2024) since I dropped into your inbox. f you’re getting this, it’s because at some point you signed up to hear from me personally. I think of this list as my direct line to you — not NPR’s, not WNYC’s. So thank you for keeping that door open.

Over the past decade (!!), some of you joined me in massive podcast listener experiments like Bored and Brilliant, Infomagical, The Privacy Paradox, ZigZag, or Body Electric. Added all up and these weird and wonderful interactive projects were done by more than 100,000 participants. Crazy. And the results weren’t just stories — they were collective tests to see if we could reclaim our attention, take control of our data, or remember we’re more than eyeballs glued to screens. If you’ve been part of that work (including a clinical trial!), I’m particularly grateful. Together, we moved the needle on the cultural conversation around tech.

So why am I here now? Honestly, I missed the direct back-and-forth. And with my Body Electric book coming in 2026, I want a space that’s mine to try things out — a little less broadcast, a little more laboratory.

Me, at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio residency in Italy, where I finished my book manuscript — and where the idea for jumpstarting this newsletter and calling it “Manoush Minutes” took shape. More about that soon.

Here’s what to expect with this reboot: about once a week, a short dispatch. Sometimes reporting, sometimes reflection, always in the spirit of experimenting and making our sedentary, screen-filled days feel static and exhausting.

And since experiments only work if we do them together, this is my first (humble) request: hit reply with one phrase that sums up your hope for this autumn. Maybe it’s “be less tired,” or “stay calm,” or “get my sh*t done.” Take a second. Think about it!

Next week I’ll share the patterns that emerge (but not your name, if you prefer not.) Let’s call it Experiment #1 in this new space.

Thanks so much sticking with me,
x Manoush

P.S. I know that Substack is hot right now (too hot?) and yet, I’m giving it a shot because, frankly, I can write, hit send, and hear back from you without a lot of hoopla compared to my previous provider whose name rhymes with “gimp.” But yes, this platform also has a checkered record on moderation and privacy, so I’ll be watching their moves closely. If you have thoughts, I’d love to hear those too.