Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why reading on a page is different from reading on a screen
Reading literature not only stirs up empathy, it changes our brains. So what happens to our brains when we no longer deep-read, but skim through pages in between digital disruptions, or read only short blurbs on our phones and other devices?
By Madeleine Brand • • 48m ListenReading literature not only stirs up empathy, it changes our brains. So what happens to our brains when we no longer deep-read, but skim through pages in between digital disruptions, or read only short blurbs on our phones and other devices?
In this episode
5 storiesWhat happened to Malibu residents in the fire zone who refused to evacuate?
The Woolsey Fire has burned more than 97,000 acres and is 40 percent contained. Evacuated Malibu residents vented Tuesday night at a meeting at Santa Monica High School, where they got little information on when they’d be able to return home.
Read the story8 minWith Democrats flipping so many House seats, what’s the future of the GOP in California?
Democrats are flipping more and more House seats. They could win as many as 40 seats. In Orange County, it looks like all the seats they went after are now within reach, though some tight races are still being counted.
Read the story7 minThe story of Amazon’s HQ2 shows wealth gap in America
New York City and suburban DC will split the expected 50,000 jobs that Amazon is promising with its new headquarters. Amazon’s decision has sparked a larger conversation about a growing opportunity divide in the the U.S.
Read the story11 minWhat’s lost when we don’t read deeply
With all the digital distractions around us, it’s difficult to stick your head in a book and keep it there for very long. You read a few lines, get a text, check your Instagram, then lose your place in the book.
Read the story14 minArt in the age of white supremacy
American culture is embracing more diverse voices and ideas than ever before. The first black superhero blockbuster, “Black Panther,” was the top grossing movie this year. A transgender superhero has joined the cast of TV’s “Supergirl.”
Read the story9 min
