This week, stories about how hard it is to stay focused these days.

Dumb Phones by Sam Irvine

Our first story this week follows this line of thinking, with a personal experiment using old technology.

A Close Shave by Jining Wen

Next up, a barber experiences a time crunch.

Cooking as Distraction by Kepuyan Wu

Then, Kepuyan explores cooking as a form of positive procrastination. 

Proustian Memory by Siyi Chen

Next, a story about the power of smell to transport to a different time and place.

Apps That Help You Focus by Yeting Gao

Our final story explores using modern methods to help with focus.

These stories were produced as part of a collaboration between All The Best, the University of Melbourne and the Science Gallery.

University of Melbourne Masters of Journalism students created these audio works relating to the theme of ‘distraction’.

Special thanks to Louisa Lim, Mell Chun, Dan Semo and Corey Martin and to All The Best mentors Persephone Waxman, Thomas Philips, Lisa Divissi and Melanie Bakewell.

All The Best Credits

Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan

Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell

Host: Madhuraa Prakash

Mixed by Emma Higgins