Ben Chelf Talks About Reimagining Reading and the Power of Presence

A Productive Conversation

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Ben Chelf—co-founder and CEO of Sol, the company behind the innovative Sol Reader. This single-purpose device is designed to help people reclaim focused, meaningful reading time by stripping away digital distractions.

We explore the relationship between attention, technology, and time—and how the Sol Reader aims to improve our pre-sleep routines by reducing screen fatigue and supporting deeper, more intentional reading. Ben’s journey from software pioneer to mindful hardware innovator is a fascinating one, and his perspective on presence, attention, and boundaries is deeply aligned with the work I do.

Six Discussion Points

• Why the Sol Reader isn’t just another piece of wearable tech—it’s a shift in mindset.
• The value of single-purpose devices in a multi-tasking world.
• How constraints create freedom, especially in pre-bedtime routines.
• Ben’s personal journey from dopamine-driven distraction to deep reading.
• Why packaging and physical product design still matter in a digital age.
• How reading Infinite Jest (yes, really) rekindled Ben’s attention span—and how Sol aims to help others do the same.

Three Connection Points

• Sol Reader website
• Listen to Episode 339: Focused Writing with Adam Leeb
• Whenever I can find a way to share this in a relevant way, I will

Ben’s work speaks directly to something I talk about often: reclaiming agency over our attention. Whether you're trying to read more, sleep better, or simply stop doomscrolling before bed, this conversation offers some meaningful insights—and perhaps a new tool to help you get there.