Episodes

  • Carl Pullein - analog productivity interview

    Carl Pullein - analog productivity interview
    Apr 13 2026

    I recently sat down with Carl Pullein, a productivity consultant and YouTuber who has spent over a decade helping people get organized. Carl has been using Todoist for twelve years, Evernote for sixteen, and last year he ran a full-year experiment with a Franklin Planner. We talked about why people keep switching tools, why paper still matters, and why convenience might not be as good for us as we think.


    What came out of the conversation surprised me. Not because the ideas were new, but because they made so much sense - and because science keeps confirming what a simple notebook already knew.


    Here is what I learned.


    ---------


    Do Your Own Research

    Here are peer-reviewed studies and resources on handwriting, cognition, and the topics discussed in this article, grouped by theme.


    Handwriting, Memory, and Brain Activation
    • Umejima, K. et al. (2021). "Paper Notebooks vs. Mobile Devices: Brain Activation Differences During Memory Retrieval." Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 15, 634158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2021.634158
    • Mueller, P. A. & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). "The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking." Psychological Science, 25(6), 1159-1168. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614524581
    • Van der Weel, F. R. & Van der Meer, A. L. H. (2023). "Handwriting but Not Typewriting Leads to Widespread Brain Connectivity: A High-Density EEG Study with Implications for the Classroom." Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1219945. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945
    • Ihara, A. S. et al. (2021). "Advantage of Handwriting Over Typing on Learning Words: Evidence From an N400 Event-Related Potential Index." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15, 679191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.679191


    Handwriting and Learning in Children
    • Longcamp, M. et al. (2008). "Learning Through Hand- or Typewriting Influences Visual Recognition of New Graphic Shapes." Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 20(5), 802-815. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn.2008.20504
    • Marano, G. et al. (2025). "The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing." Life, 15(3), 345. https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030345


    Handwriting and Spelling in Schools
    • Scientific Reports (2025). "Comparing the Effects of Typing and Handwriting on Spelling Performance in School." Nature Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03369-x


    Digital Impermanence and Preservation
    • Library of Congress Digital Preservation resources: https://www.digitalpreservation.gov


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    52 mins
  • The Minimal Phone review

    The Minimal Phone review
    Mar 12 2026
    By popular demand, here is my Minimal Phone review. And it's not just a quick first-impression kind of thing. I've been using this phone as my daily driver for four months now. It replaced my Punkt MP02, and I have quite a few thoughts to share.I don't usually do phone reviews because there are better channels for that. But I do think I have something worthwhile to say about this particular kind of device. I have real experience with dumb phones. I was using the Punkt MP02 for a very long time. Half of my family uses a Punkt MP02. My daughter uses one right now. And the Punkt is a really dumb phone - classy, very well designed, but really dumb. It just does calling, texting, and a very basic calendar. That's it.So the Punkt is dumb and a smartphone is really too smart. The Minimal Phone sits right in between. And that's where it gets interesting.---------Research and Further ReadingHere are peer-reviewed studies and reputable sources related to the topics covered in this article:E-ink displays and eye health:Rogers, R. et al. (2023). Study on the effect of displays on human retinal cells. Journal of the Society for Information Display. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. DOI: 10.1002/jsid.1191Siegenthaler, E. et al. (2012). Reading on LCD vs e-Ink displays: Effects on fatigue and visual strain. PLoS ONE. PubMedMaducdoc, M. et al. (2017). Visual consequences of electronic reader use: a pilot study. International Journal of Ophthalmology. PMCBenedetto, S. et al. (2013). E-Readers and Visual Fatigue. PLoS ONE. PMCBlue light and circadian rhythm disruption:Hatori, M. et al. (2017). Global rise of potential health hazards caused by blue light-induced circadian disruption in modern aging societies. NPJ Aging and Mechanisms of Disease. PubMedTähkämö, L. et al. (2019). Systematic review of light exposure impact on human circadian rhythm. Chronobiology International. PubMedHaghani, M. et al. (2024). Blue Light and Digital Screens Revisited. Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering. PubMedWahl, S. et al. (2019). The inner clock - Blue light sets the human rhythm. Journal of Biophotonics. PMCOuyang, X. et al. (2020). Blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm and creates damage in skin cells. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. PubMedHarvard Health Publishing (2024). Blue light has a dark side. Harvard HealthScreen time, children, and parental modeling:Canadian Paediatric Society (2017). Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Paediatrics & Child Health. PMCMerkaš, M. et al. (2025). Effects of Parents' Smartphone Use on Children's Emotions, Behavior, and Subjective Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology. PMCAlrasheed, M. et al. (2025). Impact of Screen Time on Development of Children. Children. PMCHarvard Medical School (2024). Screen Time and the Brain. HMS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    13 mins
  • Use More Paper: Why 2026 Is the Year of Analog Productivity

    Use More Paper: Why 2026 Is the Year of Analog Productivity
    Jan 15 2026

    Hello there, wonderful people. Happy 2026!

    Now, if you want to change something in your life, don’t wait for January 1st. Just change it right away. You can do it today. Start running every day, for example. It will make your life better. I’m actually running right now as I’m telling you this.

    A quick public service announcement: some of you were subscribed to my Digital Pragmatism Substack. I have sent one email to all of you with some secret info about a new project that I will not announce here.

    It’s a secret project.

    If you were subscribed, you will know which project it is. Please check your spam folders, because today most email goes to spam. Reply to my email or act accordingly - there is a button you have to click.

    Use More Paper is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Forget Goals, Set a Direction Instead

    Since it’s the beginning of the year and people love to make plans and set goals, I wanted to ask you to not make plans. Don’t set goals. Actually, if you want to really set some goals, there’s a better thing to do: you can set a direction for your life.

    Direction is enough. If you are fairly motivated and you know you have a connection with yourself - so you pretty much know what you hate and what you like - then direction is sufficient. You will make extreme progress. Whereas if you set goals, you can be disappointed in not reaching those goals, even if the direction would be right.

    So I wanted to ask you not to make plans, but rather to choose one thing you will change. One thing you will do differently in 2026. This way you will have far more chances to actually reach this one thing you want to change. You are minimizing the chances of being disappointed.

    Welcome to the Year of Analog Productivity

    2026 will be the year of analog productivity, and this is what you will find here. I will tell you how I ditched my electronic devices and replaced them with paper notebooks and notepads. I will show you some of my favorite pens.

    This will be the leitmotif for this channel throughout the year.

    I will also post more interviews with people. I’ve got two of them which are being produced already. But I will also make more interviews and talk “analog” with interesting people.

    So, welcome. Happy 2026.

    Why “Use More Paper” Is the New Name

    New year, new brand. But don’t worry, I will explain everything.

    Two months ago I was explaining to you why Amenotes is the better brand. And then, closer to one week ago, I started examining all the domains I have purchased over time. And I saw that I have an excellent domain that I completely forgot about. This domain is usemorepaper.com.

    Just how cool would it be to have a t-shirt with that!

    And then I started analyzing whether Amenotes is not a better, more fancy word. And actually came to the conclusion that no - everything I’ve been doing on this channel was leading me to saying,

    “Hey, use less your phone, use more paper.”

    I get it, of course, that there are a lot of stationery content out there. And this one will not be a stationery website (or newsletter). You can treat it as a philosophy website, maybe a lifestyle blog?

    I will not post reviews of notebooks. Well, I will post some of them, of course - those that I judge are excellent. But most of the time I will just share my ideas like I did until now.

    Use More Paper is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    What’s Coming Next

    What is also very important is that with my wife we will actually in the future want to open a physical store that will sell notebooks - excellent quality Japanese notebooks and pens. And so it makes sense to rebrand as Use More Paper.

    New year, new brand. Welcome. And remember: pick one thing to change this year. Just one. Set a direction, not a goal. And maybe, just maybe, consider putting down your phone and picking up a pen instead.



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    9 mins
  • You never owned your Kindle books

    You never owned your Kindle books
    Mar 10 2025
    Do you remember the video I made about the fact that I still buy CDs, vinyls, and music files like MP3s from the Apple iTunes store? What Amazon did recently is proof that I'm doing a good thing for my music library. And you should also consider doing the same - owning your stuff and not renting it from somebody, let's say Amazon.Amazon changed its policies related to Kindle books, and from February 26, 2025, you're not able to download the books you've bought on the Kindle store. You're only able to transfer them to a Kindle device, so if you use a Boox tablet or a Kobo tablet to sideload those books, well — you're out of luck.Of course, Amazon is doing this because the company wants to sell more Kindle devices, but you know what I mean. In the music realm:* Spotify can do the same.* Apple Music can do the same.* Tidal can do the same.You're not the owner of your playlist.The Illusion of OwnershipIf I buy an MP3 album on the iTunes store, I own the MP3s. They are DRM-free, and I can use them anywhere I want - on my preferred digital audio player, for example. This is real ownership, not the illusion of it that streaming services provide.The fact that Amazon is making this policy change so that after a certain date, no book - even if you spent the last 10 years collecting your Kindle books - can be downloaded ever again is plain and simple stupid.It would be very bad, but it would be slightly better if they said, "Ok, for all the books purchased after February 26, 2025, you will not be able to download them," whereas all the books you have bought in the last 10 years, you will still be able to download until the end of time. It would be a policy change with respect for the consumer - but of course, it would not push people to buy Kindle devices. So, screw the respect!Amazon is not Customer-CentricThis kind of aggressive policy change will probably push some people that are more comfort-inclined to buy a Kindle for 100 dollars and forget the change. That's exactly what Amazon wants - to lock you into their ecosystem.I've seen this pattern repeat itself across digital media platforms. Companies start with consumer-friendly policies to build their user base, then gradually restrict options once they have enough market share. It's a bait-and-switch tactic that punishes loyal customers.Remember when you could easily transfer your purchased iTunes songs to any device? Or when Kindle books could be read on practically any e-reader? These freedoms are being systematically eliminated to force consumers into walled gardens where companies have complete control.Curation and True OwnershipI'm a big believer in owning things, and I think that you don't really need access to every book on earth and every music album on earth. It would be much better if you curate what you want to listen to, if you curate what you want to read, and then you own it.There's something deeply satisfying about building a personal library of books or music that you've thoughtfully selected. It reflects your tastes, your journey, your intellectual development. When you stream everything, you own nothing, and that collection can disappear at any moment.Preferably, you own your media in such a way that you pay the artist or author the most. Because if not, those people will not make more music, they will not write additional books, they will just go to a corporation and get a job in order to pay bills.Taking Control of Your Digital LifeThe Amazon Kindle policy change should be a wake-up call for all of us. Remember: when you "buy" digital content through most platforms, you're really just purchasing a conditional license that can be modified or revoked.For books, consider purchasing DRM-free ebooks directly from publishers. For music, look into Bandcamp or buying MP3s that don't have usage restrictions. Yes, it might be slightly less convenient than one-click streaming, but the peace of mind is worth it.Physical media still has tremendous value too. A book on your shelf can't be remotely deleted. A CD or vinyl record will play regardless of whether a company changes its terms of service. There's resilience in tangibility that digital licenses simply don't provide.Supporting Creators Through Direct OwnershipWhen you purchase directly from creators or through platforms that give them a larger cut, you're not just securing your own access - you're helping sustain the creative ecosystem. Streaming services typically pay fractions of pennies per play, while direct purchases provide meaningful income.Think about the future of creativity if we continue down this path of centralized control. When artists can't make a living from their work, we all lose out on the books, music, and art that enrich our lives. Your purchasing decisions are votes for the kind of creative economy you want to see.The bottom line is simple: if you value something, own it outright if possible. Don't trust corporations to maintain your access to the content you've paid for....
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    5 mins
  • The Best Age to Give a Smartphone to a Kid

    The Best Age to Give a Smartphone to a Kid
    Aug 29 2024

    Are you wondering when the best time is to give your child a smartphone? You're not alone. Many parents struggle with this decision, and today, we want to discuss an organization called "Wait Until 8th" that has a powerful suggestion for parents: wait until your child is at least 14 years old before giving them a smartphone.

    Why 14? According to the organization and psychologist Jonathan Haidt, waiting until the end of puberty is crucial for a child's mental health. During puberty, children have a strong need to fit in and are constantly checking in with their peers. Introducing a smartphone during this time can lead to negative effects on their mental health, as they are exposed to powerful algorithms that can provide enraging or harmful content.

    Even adults can struggle with the impact of smartphones and social media on their mental health. So, if it's difficult for grown-ups, imagine how much harder it is for children going through puberty. This is why some experts, like Haidt, believe that waiting until the end of puberty is essential.

    However, some people argue that even 14 might be too young. They suggest waiting until a child is 21 or even avoiding smartphones altogether. So, what are the benefits of giving your child a smartphone at 14 or 15? Honestly, it's hard to say. Some may argue that it could help them become an Instagram influencer or provide useful apps for traveling, but these benefits can be achieved through other devices that are not as addictive as smartphones.

    The idea behind "Wait Until 8th" is not only about delaying smartphone usage but also about creating a community of parents who support each other in this decision. By signing the online pledge and connecting with other parents from your child's school, you can form a supportive network that ensures your child won't be the only one without a smartphone.

    Recent studies have shown that the earlier a child receives a smartphone, the worse their mental health may be later in life. This means that waiting as long as possible before giving your child a smartphone is indeed a wise decision.

    As a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is good mental health. If their mental health is strong, they will be better equipped to handle conflicts, develop self-esteem, and navigate the ever-changing world.

    In conclusion, the "Wait Until 8th" organization suggests waiting until your child is at least 14 before giving them a smartphone. However, some believe that waiting even longer or avoiding smartphones altogether is the best approach. Ultimately, the decision is up to you as a parent, but it's essential to consider the potential impact on your child's mental health and well-being.



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    11 mins
  • How we consume media?

    How we consume media?
    Aug 22 2024

    The platform is the message

    One important aspect of our media consumption is understanding that the platform is the message. Different platforms offer different experiences, and it's crucial to be aware of how these platforms shape the content we consume. For example, Twitter is designed for short, snappy messages, while TikTok focuses on brief videos. By recognizing the nature of each platform, we can better tailor our media consumption to our needs and preferences.

    Media-mix choice

    Our family has made a conscious decision to avoid certain forms of media, such as TV, radio, and streaming services. We believe that these platforms are often vehicles for advertisements and news, which can be overwhelming and distracting. Instead, we prefer to make our own decisions about what to buy and what to pay attention to, based on our needs and analysis.

    The rule of effort

    We also employ a strategy called the "rule of effort," which involves consuming media that requires a significant amount of effort from its creators. For example, we prefer to listen to audiobooks over podcasts, as the former requires more effort to write and record. Similarly, we choose movies over series, as they generally require more effort to produce and offer a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.

    A mindful experience

    Our media consumption choices extend to the formats we use. For music, we prefer vinyl records and CDs, while for movies, we opt for DVDs. We find that these formats require more effort to enjoy, making the experience more intentional and meaningful. For example, listening to a vinyl record involves taking it out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and carefully positioning the needle, all of which contribute to a more immersive and mindful experience.

    What media do we consume?

    When it comes to watching movies, we avoid streaming services and instead choose DVDs. This allows us to have control over our movie selection, without being influenced by algorithms or suggestions. We find that this approach leads to less time spent scrolling through options and more time enjoying the movies we truly want to watch.

    Shaping the environment

    Our environment plays a significant role in shaping our media consumption habits. By creating a space that encourages intentional media consumption, we can better focus on the quality of our experiences. For example, we use a projector to watch movies, providing a more immersive and theater-like experience.

    Friction and coping mechanisms

    We also avoid using media as a coping mechanism for life's challenges. By creating friction in our media consumption process, such as the ritual of choosing and playing a DVD, we prevent ourselves from mindlessly turning to media for distraction or comfort.

    A beginning and a clearly defined ending

    Furthermore, our media consumption habits are designed to respect our time and avoid stealing it away. By choosing media with a clear beginning, middle, and end, we can better manage our time and avoid the trap of binge-watching or endless scrolling.

    In conclusion, our family's approach to media consumption is centered around intentionality, effort, and control. By making mindful choices about the platforms, formats, and content we consume, we can enhance the quality of our experiences and maintain a healthy relationship with media. We encourage you to consider your own media consumption habits and explore ways to make them more intentional and meaningful.



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    13 mins
  • Digital Minimalist Parenting

    Digital Minimalist Parenting
    Aug 19 2024
    The Challenge of Digital ParentingIn today's world, parenting has become a digital battlefield. We face the dilemma of whether to raise our children as digital minimalists or risk them becoming technologically backward. The truth is, it's not about being afraid of technology; it's about managing its influence on our kids' lives.We often see parents giving smartphones to their children, not out of necessity, but because it's the default. It's an easy way to keep them occupied while we handle our own tasks. But this unintentional decision can lead to long-term consequences, including technology addiction and social isolation.A Shift in NormsImagine a future where giving a smartphone to a child is as frowned upon as giving them alcohol. As awareness grows about the negative impacts of unrestricted technology access, we believe there will be a significant shift in societal norms. Just as laws regulate alcohol and tobacco for minors, we foresee similar regulations for smartphone usage among children.Parents will soon realize that the constant flow of notifications and the addictive nature of apps are designed to exploit our attention. This realization will drive a movement towards more mindful and intentional use of technology in parenting.Intentional Technology UseBeing a digital minimalist doesn't mean rejecting technology altogether. It means using it intentionally, as a tool to enhance learning and creativity, rather than as a default babysitter. For example, showing children how to use a desktop computer for research or creative projects can be beneficial, unlike giving them a smartphone loaded with addictive apps.We can draw parallels with how technology has evolved in other fields. When Prince recorded his first album, he didn't have the luxury of an iPad with multi-track recording capabilities. He had to navigate through gatekeepers and studios. Today, technology has democratized music production, but it requires intentional use to harness its full potential.The Dangers of Unrestricted AccessSmartphones, unlike dedicated tools, come with a plethora of distractions. They are designed to keep users engaged, often at the cost of productivity and mental health. This is why it's crucial to set boundaries and teach children the importance of using technology as a tool, not as a crutch.Gaming, for instance, is often touted as a gateway to tech careers. However, it can also be an entry point to addiction. While it may foster some technical skills, it often limits real-world social interactions and practical knowledge. Encouraging children to balance online activities with offline experiences is key.Building Real-World SkillsWe must emphasize the importance of real-world interactions and skills. Children learn best through hands-on experiences and face-to-face communication. By limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play, we help them develop essential life skills that technology alone cannot provide.It's about creating an environment where children can thrive without being tethered to screens. This means providing them with opportunities to explore, create, and interact with the world around them. It also means being role models in our own use of technology.Setting BoundariesAs parents, it's our responsibility to set rules and boundaries around technology use. This might mean no screens before school or limiting gaming to certain hours. By establishing these guidelines, we help our children develop a healthy relationship with technology.We also need to be aware of the subtle ways technology can infiltrate our lives. Notifications, for example, are designed to grab our attention and keep us coming back. By turning off unnecessary notifications and being mindful of our own screen time, we can set a positive example for our children.The Role of Single-Use DevicesOne effective strategy is to use single-use devices. For instance, giving a child a dedicated camera instead of a smartphone can foster creativity without the distractions of social media and games. This approach helps children focus on the task at hand and develop specific skills.Our daughter's experience with a manual camera is a perfect example. Without the option to take selfies, she focuses on capturing meaningful moments and developing her photography skills. This contrasts sharply with peers who use smartphones primarily for social validation.The Community FactorThe type of community our children are part of also plays a crucial role. By not giving them smartphones, we steer them towards peers who engage in more offline activities. This can lead to richer, more meaningful social interactions and a stronger sense of community.It's about shaping the environment to support our parenting goals. If we want our children to value real-world experiences, we need to surround them with like-minded individuals and provide opportunities for offline engagement.The Future of Digital MinimalismLooking ahead, we believe that digital minimalism will become...
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    18 mins
  • How to fight smartphone addiction among teenagers?

    How to fight smartphone addiction among teenagers?
    Jul 29 2024
    As parents, we are worried about the potential consequences of our children growing up in a world where technology addiction and social media dependence are widespread. We fear that they may struggle to communicate openly and genuinely with others, leading to a society where meaningful connections are increasingly rare. This is why we have made the decision not to give our daughters smartphones, comparing this choice to decisions made about alcohol, drugs, or other addictive and highly regulated forms of entertainment.Recent studies have linked depression and poor mental health among teenagers to smartphone use, particularly iPhones and social media platforms like Instagram. This app, which encourages users to showcase their lives and compare themselves to others, can be especially damaging to girls' self-esteem and body image. By not giving our daughters smartphones, we hope to avoid these issues and direct them towards healthier peer groups and interests.Peer group?We recognize that our decision may lead to challenges, such as explaining to our children why they do not have smartphones when many of their peers do. However, we believe that there are multiple peer groups available, and by not providing our children with smartphones, we are guiding them towards a group that shares their values and interests. Just as we had the choice to avoid drugs, alcohol, or certain types of passtimes in our youth, our children can also choose their peer groups based on their preferences and values.For those who may already be dealing with smartphone addiction in their children, it's essential to remember that it's never too late to address the issue. We suggest talking to your child about how smartphones are designed to grab their attention and asking them how they feel after using social media or other apps. Watch documentaries like "The Social Dilemma" together and discuss the content, helping them understand the potential consequences of their actions.In cases of severe addiction, seeking professional help may be necessary. However, we believe that by setting a positive example in our own technology use and engaging our children in physical activities and real-world experiences, we can help them develop a healthier relationship with technology.More offline activitiesAs our daughters grow older, we plan to involve them in activities such as Scouts and volunteer work to encourage them to spend more time outside of the virtual world. This approach is supported by experts like Cal Newport, who recommend engaging in more physical, real-world activities to help detox from technology and determine which aspects of technology are genuinely beneficial to our lives.We also believe it's essential to engage with other parents and our local community to discuss these issues and share our experiences. While it may be challenging to convince others to make significant changes in their lives, we can at least try to raise awareness and encourage more face-to-face interaction among families.It's up to you - consider yourself warnedUltimately, the decision to give a child a smartphone or not lies with each family. However, we hope that by sharing our thoughts and experiences, we can spark interest and encourage others to consider the potential consequences of smartphone use among teenagers.In conclusion, we believe that addressing phone addiction among teenagers is a vital issue that requires attention on both individual and collective levels. By making informed decisions as parents and engaging with our communities, we can work together to create a healthier, more connected society for our children and future generations.Links:* Stephanie Gruner Buckley, "My daughter was a creative genius, and then we bought her an iPhone" — https://medium.com/modern-parent/my-daughter-was-a-creative-genius-then-we-bought-her-an-iphone-bf617c0b6ca0* Center for Human Technology, "The Social Dillemma" — https://www.humanetech.com/the-social-dilemma* Cal Newport "Digital Minimalism" — https://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/ Get full access to Use More Paper at www.usemorepaper.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    13 mins