Simplify Spotlight: Laura Vanderkam Talks ‘Off The Clock’
Two statements that are (probably) true:
- Humans love novelty
- Readers love books
Therefore, readerly humans love new books.
All right. I’ll be the first to admit that under the scrutiny of a serious logician, the above premise may not check out. But from what we’ve learned in making three seasons of Simplify, reading our listeners’ emails, and calling a few of them on the phone, it’s a pretty sturdy anecdotal fact.
You told us that you love The Bookend, where we introduce new books related to the topic that the Simplify interview explores, and the way that we get to the heart of an idea and help you feel like you’ve got a handle on something new that matters.
So today, Blinkist and Simplify are bringing you more of that, in mini: our very first Simplify Spotlight.
In each Spotlight episode, we’ll give you a big idea from a new nonfiction book, straight from the author who wrote it. So you’ll walk away with something to think about—and a plan for what to read next—in just about fifteen minutes.
On this very first episode, you’ll hear Emily Phillips interviewing Laura Vanderkam—time ninja, efficiency expert, and varsity Simplify guest—about her new book, Off The Clock: How to Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. The episode’s just a little over ten minutes, but there’s a lot to learn about how to be better with time—and to have a better time doing it. Here’s my favorite quote:
“Choose more effortful fun. Things that will be things that you can anticipate and remember afterwards.”Laura Vanderkam
Before you jump in, a quick programming note: things are going to start getting exciting in the Simplify feed.
In the coming months, Blinkist’s podcast squad will be experimenting with lots of different kinds of audio, from mini-interviews like this one to a deep dives on single topics. Plus, we’re growing—there’ll be a new voice or two to fall in love with very soon.
And before anybody worries, Simplify isn’t going anywhere. In fact, we’ve got some of our most exciting guests yet coming up in Season 4.
More soon!
Caitlin works on the podcast and copy at Blinkist. She’s been writing for digital – agency side and freelance – for more than a decade. Caitlin studied English and Spanish literature and has lived in a handful of countries, where she’s eaten all the delicious things and picked up odd lexical delights.\nCaitlin’s recommended read is \nJust Listen\n by Mark Goulston
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Blinkist is an app that transforms key insights from great nonfiction books into quick, easy-to-understand highlights. The reality is – everyone loves reading, but no one has the time. Blinkist fills this learning gap and makes acquiring new knowledge effortless.
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