Jenny Odell

In a captivating discussion, visual artist and author Jenny Odell delves into resisting the demands of the attention economy. She explores the tension between productivity and creativity, urging listeners to rethink how they value time and engage with the world around them. Odell highlights the significance of doing 'nothing' and the joys found in nature, like bird-watching. She also reflects on the struggles of new parents balancing identity expectations and the importance of mindfulness in an overstimulated society.

Jenny Odell, an artist and the author of "How to Do Nothing," discusses the art of noticing and appreciating everyday surroundings. She emphasizes the importance of rekindling curiosity and explores how adopting a tourist mindset can transform our perception of familiar places. Odell shares insights on building communities around nature appreciation and reflects on the unique bonds formed during bus rides, where shared humanity comes alive. This conversation inspires listeners to deepen their connections with the world around them.

Jenny Odell, an artist and critic known for her work on attention and time, joins Gloria Mark, a Professor Emerita of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of 'Attention Span.' They dive into the impact of constant headphone use on our attention, relationships, and social interactions. Topics include how personal soundtracks reshape public spaces and foster isolation, the cognitive costs of audio consumption, and the contrast between mediated listening and nature's ambient sounds. They also discuss the need for intentional listening and reclaiming silence in our noisy world.

Jenny Odell, a visual artist, writer, and Stanford lecturer, dives into the profound impacts of the pandemic on society and personal well-being. She explores the tension between enforced productivity and the need for authentic rest. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of art and nature in coping with isolation, as well as the importance of interdependence and community amidst crisis. Odell also highlights the often-overlooked work of caregiving and the need to reassess societal values in a fractured world.

Jenny Odell, a multidisciplinary artist and writer from Oakland, talks about resisting the attention economy that commodifies our focus. She shares her experience in an Oakland rose garden as a refuge from stress and discusses how birdwatching fosters deeper attention. Odell reflects on the story of a 'useless' tree to challenge conventional notions of value. She highlights the importance of community engagement and collective creativity over hyper-individualism, while also examining the implications of digital interaction versus meaningful dialogue.