Latest news with #TryThis
Washington Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Allison Michaels named WP Ventures Director of Business Operations
We are delighted to announce that Allison Michaels has started a new position as Director of Business Operations for WP Ventures. When we envisioned this role, we knew we needed a nimble strategic leader with a track record of collaboration across teams. Allison not only brings those things but also has a deep understanding of The Post's competitive advantage and a specialization in off-platform products, especially podcasts. In fact, more effectively monetizing our podcast portfolio will be a first area of focus for Allison in her new role, continuing to work closely with Renita and a cross-functional team spanning product, business development, and Client Solutions. Since 2022, Allison has served as deputy director of audio where she has been an invaluable partner in helping develop the department's editorial and strategic initiatives. Within her varied portfolio, Allison has led our audio course effort, "Try This," which, within just a few seasons, became our most subscribed-to show after "Post Reports." She worked closely with editors across desks on establishing workflow for author-read "Deep Reads," developed launch plans for all our new shows, and has led our partnership with our product team over the years on audio technology efforts including AI-read articles and the development of our in-app audio player. As many of you know, one of Allison's first forays into audio was at the microphone. She was the host of The Post's former weekly podcast, "Can He Do That?" which launched in 2016. Within its first month, the show crossed a million downloads, becoming a must-listen for the rest of President Trump's first term. Allison came to The Post two years before that and served as a founding member of the Emerging News Products team. Before the 2016 election, she began an assignment as a digital editor for Politics which included leading ambitions projects including the virtual 'museum' examining former president Barack Obama's legacy. Allison's experience before joining The Washington Post included roles at U.S. News & World Report, Washington City Paper and American Journalism Review. Allison lives in Kensington with her husband and two sons. Please join us in congratulating Allison on her new role.
Washington Post
21-03-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Try this to spend less time glued to your phone
Ready to spend less time staring at your phone? Try this. The Post offers a fun podcast, literally called 'Try This.' It's a show that explores solutions for life's common problems. This week, a new one dropped that's all about regaining your focus. In the podcast, available in your favorite app or on The Post's website, addiction psychiatrist Anna Lembke explains how the brain chemical dopamine fuels our unhealthy phone habits. Then in Episodes 3 and 4, I join the conversation with practical, judgment-free tips for breaking the cycle. I thought it would also be worth sharing some of the practical advice here. You've probably heard conflicting recommendations about limiting screen time, such as using app timers, setting your screen to gray or even switching to a 'dumb' phone. These strategies aren't always practical. Some have even proved ineffective in the long run. I focused on tips I've learned from researchers, readers and my own experience. (As always, I'd love to hear over email what works for you.) The thing to know: There's not one simple trick that will make you stop scrolling. You should approach reducing your phone obsession like any significant habit change: with a sense of experimentation and the support of the people around you. (And if you're trying to help your children manage phone time, I've got specific advice in this column.) What I recommend is trying to set boundaries around your phone. These can reduce some of what makes your phone feel so appealing, physically keep it out of reach and help you break unconscious habits. These phone boundaries come in three categories: technical, physical and social. You — not a tech company — should be in charge of when and how your phone tries to get your attention. Try this: If your phone isn't in front of you, you're less likely to pick it up or think about it. Try this: The people around us can make it feel like we have to be in constant communication. Try this:
