Deep Questions with Cal Newport (Cal Newport)
Explore every episode of Deep Questions with Cal Newport
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr 2025 | Ep. 348: Manage Your Time in 5 Minutes a Day | 01:22:45 | |
Cal has been writing about time management for a *long* time. In this episode, he returns to a chapter from a book he wrote twenty years ago that is titled “manage your time in 5 minutes a day.” He revisits his old advice to see what he thinks still works and what needs updating. He then answers listener questions and returns to the tech corner to get back in the weeds on a topic involving AI.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Manage Your Time in 5 Minutes a Day [3:11]
- How specific should I make my Quarterly Plan? [27:28] - Does reading Mangas count as reading? [29:30] - How do I store information related to tasks? [34:14] - How do I speak better at work in spontaneous conversations? [38:31] - Are paper and pencil calendars suitable to use if my work is in two different time zones? [45:42]
CALL: Utilizing coaching [51:38] CALL: Embracing boredom [57:48] TECH CORNER: RL vs. LLM [1:08:04]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | Ep. 340: Productivity Rain Dances | 01:20:45 | |
Sometimes the quest for productivity can seem like the embrace of activity for the sake of activity, a prospect that inevitably leads to exhaustion. In today’s episode, Cal explores this idea by discussing “productivity rain dances,” why they’re dangerous, and what works better instead. He then answers listener questions and ends with a Tech Corner segment in which he fact checks Joe Rogan’s understanding of ChatGPT.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Productivity Rain Dances [7:04]
- How should I take notes during a meeting? [26:31] - How could a layman (not a computer scientist) test the veracity of the claims of an AI system or its potential? [28:53] - How can I utilize my full-days in my cube with cancelled telework to best make progress on my phantom “part-time” job? [33:37] - Can I be a CS instructor with a PhD? [37:45] - Can I convince my advisor to “do fewer experiments” for my doctoral thesis? [42:47] - CALL: College in the modern digital environment [48:28]
CASE STUDY: Managing multiple email inboxes [54:22]
TECH CORNER: Does ChatGPT have “survival instincts”? [1:05:17]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? x.com/firelog_io/status/1887541363287138445 x.com/ChrisWillx/status/1800198794107064646?lang=en youtube.com/watch?v=HigVe4IqsBM
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by to you BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self.
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Ep. 335: On Morning Routines | 01:35:18 | |
One of the most popular and most derided topics in online productivity spaces are so-called morning routines. In this episode, Cal wades into this content, identifying three major categories of these routines. For each, he explores what’s good and what’s bad. In the end, he uses these lessons to update his own daily routines in some highly specific ways. He then answers reader questions and ends with a “tech corner” segment that builds on Cal’s latest essay for The New Yorker.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: On Morning Routines [4:04]
- How should I choose what podcasts to listen to? [41:49] - How does Cal track daily steps? [52:57] - Can I switch my office hours around? [57:23] - How long should I remain at a large marketing firm? [1:02:37] - How can I reject meetings? [1:10:02] - CALL: How to obsess over quality while researching [1:13:22]
CASE STUDY: A career transition to become a pastor [1:18:57]
TECH CORNER: YouTube and the Creative Middle Class [1:28:18]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? tiktok.com/@spartan/video/7259530421099056427 nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/i-tried-miracle-morning-routine-month-here-s-what-happened-ncna981786 youtube.com/watch?v=roK4g1e28mM newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-capitalism-from-two-zany-youtubers
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions cozyearth.com/deep (Use code: DEEP) byloftie.com (Use code: DEEP20)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 03 Mar 2025 | Ep. 342: The Good Life Algorithm | 01:18:36 | |
How do escape a life of shallowness and distraction to cultivate something deeper and more meaningful? In this episode, Cal draws from both algorithm theory and the habits of a reclusive author to highlight an effective strategy for achieving this goal – one that underscores the advantages of the small targeted changes versus major grand leaps. He then answers listener questions and reviews the five books he read in February.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: The Good Life Algorithm [1:42]
- How should a federal worker navigate all the negative news? [23:56] - How do I get my non-geeky partner on board with the deep life! [26:40] - How can I develop a schedule with flexibility following a health setback? [29:08] - How should I reshape a once successful aerospace company? [35:06] - Are there perceived benefits to pseudo productivity? [43:32] - CALL: What does it mean to work enough each week? [50:19]
CASE STUDY: Can knowledge workers be happy doing less? [58:55]
FEBRUARY BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in February, 2025 [1:07:50]
- Moral Ambition (Rutger Bregman) - Brotherhood of the Rose (David Morell)
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? newyorker.com/culture/office-space/the-hollow-core-of-elon-musks-productivity-dogma tim.blog/2019/02/18/jim-collins/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 21 Apr 2025 | Ep. 349: Sam Altman On Productivity | 01:12:04 | |
Cal talks a lot about his ideas for producing meaningful work in a distracted world. But how do other people tackle this goal? To help better under this question, Cal reacts to a 2018 article from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in which he details his productivity philosophy. Cal then answers listener questions and concludes with a dystopian tech corner. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Sam Altman On Productivity [2:20] - How do I prevent administrative sprawl? [22:01] CALL: Slow Productivity in a changing world [43:09] CALL: Rory Mcllroy and his phone [48:35] TECH CORNER: Will AI Destroy Humanity by 2027? [56:46] Links: Thanks to our Sponsors: shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Adachi) | 01:06:14 | |
This IN-DEPTH is brought to you by Defender. In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Kendra Adachi to talk about her new book, THE PLAN, which introduces the innovative idea of “compassionate time management.” Kendra and Cal discuss how to move beyond the forever pursuit of “greatness” to instead seek satisfaction in your current life; the ways in which time management and productivity writing ignores the specific concerns of women; and why flexibility and pivoting are more important skills than precise planning. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Links: Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | Ep. 338: Why You’re Always Distracted | 01:28:19 | |
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
One of the most common complaints from listeners to the podcast is the feeling that they’re too distracted; both at work and at home. In today’s episode, Cal reviews five major explanations for this current state of affairs, and then uses this new understanding to identify concrete actions to make things better. He then answers reader questions and reviews the five books he read in January.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Why You’re Always Distracted [3:50]
- How should I use social media for my documentary film project? [29:40] - How can I master a new job skill in a busy schedule? [37:11] - Any advice for developing and nurturing my “second mountain” values? [42:10] - How can overcome project paralysis? [48:41] - Is my knowledge work role doomed to fail? [52:10] - CALL: Supporting a spouse during stressful career planning [58:01]
CASE STUDY: The benefits of a commute [1:05:35]
JANUARY BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in January, 2025 [1:14:13]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | Ep. 343: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your LIfe | 01:30:50 | |
One of the most commonly recurring themes on this show is the conflict between too much versus not enough productivity. In this episode, Cal attempts to find new clarity in this debate by identifying a minimal viable productivity system – that is, what are the bare minimum components needed to escape the chaos and stress of total disorganization. He then answers listener questions and dives into a A.I. themed Tech Corner segment.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your Life [3:23]
- Is “finding purpose” and “following your passion” the same thing? [32:38] - How can I capture key takeaways from podcasts if I’m always on the move? [37:18] - Can you elaborate on project work with your PhD students? [39:22] - How can I deal with my federal job with drastic priority changes due to political party shifts? [41:40] - Is it possible for some managers to avoid pseudo-productivity? [49:15] - CALL: Writing a book as a side hustle [51:58]
CASE STUDY: An athletic trainer makes a career transition [59:19]
TECH CORNER: A.G.I. versus SkyNet [1:07:30]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? nytimes.com/2025/03/04/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ben-buchanan.html
Thanks to our Sponsors:
byloftie.com (Code: DEEP20)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 24 Feb 2025 | Ep. 341: Drowning, Treading, or Swimming | 01:29:07 | |
Tim Ferris is working on a new book about saying “no” and has posted the introduction online. In this episode, Cal reads an excerpt from this introduction and then tries to make sense of it with a metaphor about a shipwreck that helps unwind the complexity of dealing with the scourge of having too much to do. Cal then answers listener questions and reacts to a productivity meme inspired by a recent episode.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Drowning, Treading, or Swimming [6:27]
- Will AI productivity gains reduce quality? [27:30] - Can you elaborate on the Digital Declutter? [33:38] - Is reading a book considered deep work? [38:41] - What are Cal’s thoughts on content aggregator services such as Inoreader? [43:49] - Can a large team with ever-changing demands avoid pseudo-productivity? [51:47] - CALL: Dealing with doom-scrolling [58:31]
CASE STUDY: A UFC announcer applies Cal’s principles [1:07:40]
CAL REACTS: Productivity Meme [1:19:42]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? tim.blog/2025/01/13/the-no-book/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | Ep. 339: Let Brandon Cook | 01:35:04 | |
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
In a recent appearance on the Tim Ferriss podcast, the prolific fantasy author Brandon Sanderson revealed how he reshaped his media company to help him do what he does best. In this episode, Cal explores the idea, and asks the key question: why is this not more common? While exploring an answer, Cal uncovers a bigger issue in modern digital knowledge work and points towards potential answers. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a tech corner about Alan Turing.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Let Brandon Cook [4:56]
- What is your opinion on mind mapping and have you ever used it? [32:35] - What “really matters” to develop career capital for a civil servant? [36:28] - What’s your view on Daniel Immerwahr’s recent New Yorker article on the attention crisis? [42:23] - How does mentoring fit into knowledge work development? [49:54] - Is it possible to use Paul Jarvis’s approach to start a company to merge the divide with Slow Productivity? [57:20] - CALL: A 15-year-old and a smartphone [1:03:28]
CASE STUDY: Using AI to expand work skills [1:07:59]
TECH CORNER: Let Turing Cook [1:21:41]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? tim.blog/2025/02/05/brandon-sanderson/ spectrum.ieee.org/alan-turings-delilah podcast.feedspot.com/computer_science_podcasts/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
byloftie.com (Code: DEEP20)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | Ep. 345: Are We Getting Dumber? | 01:08:48 | |
Multiple listeners recently sent in a Financial Times article that asks whether humans have passed “peak intelligence.” In this episode, Cal looks closer at the data in this article to try to understand why we seem to be getting dumber, and more importantly, what are the practical steps individuals can take to avoid the trend. He then answers listener questions and ends with a tech corner segment that highlights a blind spot in current discussions of AI.
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Are We Getting Dumber? [2:58]
- Is it possible to build a better Twitter? [24:58] - Should I ditch my higher paying job to avoid stress? [29:59] - Can I remain relevant with younger, tech-savvy colleagues? [34:56] - How should I navigate my time during while receiving severance? [38:35] - What should I do next after being fired from my federal job? [41:18] - CALL: Practicing focus on the weekends [45:01]
CASE STUDY: An engineering Kansan system [48:41]
TECH CORNER: The AI Blind Spot [1:00:04]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | IN-DEPTH: Greatness on Trial (w/ Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper) | 01:18:44 | |
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by the writers Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper to talk about the topic of “greatness.” They attempt to pick apart the weird moment we are in where, on the one hand, we feel aversion to performative demonstrations of “pseudo-greatness” (think: Elon Musk on-stage with his chainsaw) but on the other, still admire useful skill and seek it in our own lives. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Greatness on Trial (w/ Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper) Links: Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Ep. 333: New Year Course Correction | 01:17:11 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Deep Dive: 4 Pieces of Advice to Start 2025 [2:14] - How do I stop doom-scrolling before bed? [32:47] - What is the role of craft in Cal’s “Deep Life Stack 2.0” idea? [36:09] - How do I save money? [41:04] - Do writers need social media audiences? [50:12] - How should I make the most of 90 minutes of commute time? [53:57] - CALL: Life after a career in law [57:31] CASE STUDY: A digital declutter with LinkedIn? [1:01:53] Links: Thanks to our Sponsors: landroverusa.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | Ep. 334: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life | 01:16:53 | |
In this episode, Cal talks about his journey into the tinsel-tinged world of Hallmark Christmas movies, where he discovered an unexpected connection between these low-budget productions and a key idea in the quest to cultivate a deep life in a distracted world. He then answers questions from listeners and reviews the books he read in December.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life [2:31]
- Does Cal use a Commonplace book? [22:53] - How do I create an effective weekly template? [25:54] - Is your monthly book reading separate from “work” reading? [31:18] - What are the best strategies for a college student to learn calculus? [36:38] - What are other book recommendations that dive deeper into Slow Productivity? [43:50] - CALL: Struggling to apply multi-scale planning to grow a business [46:15]
CASE STUDY: Transitioning to knowledge work [52:18]
DECEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in December, 2024 [1:03:17]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? nytimes.com/2024/12/08/arts/christmas-movies-hallmark-lohan.html
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 21 Apr 2025 | You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty | ||
Introducing Deepak Chopra: How to Ask AI The RIGHT Questions To Grow, Heal, and Live a More Fulfilled Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Do you ever feel lonely even when you're around people? Today, Jay welcomes back the legendary Deepak Chopra after six years, to discuss the unexpected intersection of spirituality and artificial intelligence. Together they unpack the beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge innovation. Jay reflects on his first meeting with Deepak and how their bond has evolved over the years. The conversation quickly flows into one of the most fascinating questions of our time: Can AI actually support our spiritual growth, rather than distract from it? Deepak shares his insights on the mysteries of the universe, the unseen forces that shape our reality, and why he believes consciousness, not matter, is the foundation of everything. Jay and Deepak break down the fears surrounding AI, from misinformation to war, and why it’s so important for us to grow spiritually alongside our technology. They explore how storytelling, creativity, and love are deeply human qualities that no machine can replicate, and how we can use these gifts to shape a better, more compassionate world. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Ask AI Better Questions to Unlock Wisdom How to Use Technology to Support Emotional and Physical Healing How to Find Purpose Through the Art of Storytelling How to Train AI to Reflect Inclusivity and Diversity How to Embrace Consciousness as the Foundation of Reality How to Create a Sacred Relationship with Technology Deepak reminds us that the answers we’re looking for often begin with a better question. And with the right mindset, even the most advanced technology can become a tool for inner transformation and collective healing. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:41 What If the Universe Is Just a Giant Digital Simulation? 12:36 How to Train AI to Unlock Ancient and Hidden Knowledge 13:39 Blending AI and Spirituality to Understand Consciousness 18:23 Could AI Really Lead to Human Extinction? 22:34 What’s Actually Holding Humanity Back From Progress? 23:37 How the Human Brain Transformed Over Time 26:11 The 2 Things That Set Humans Apart From All Other Species 27:16 Can Technology Lead Us to True Peace and Prosperity? 28:10 Will AI Replace Our Jobs or Unlock Human Creativity? 30:46 Do You Think AI Can Ever Have a Soul? 31:45 The Gender and Racial Bias Hidden in AI Systems 32:33 How to Build More Inclusive and Equitable AI Models 33:32 Why a Shared Vision Can Solve Any Problem We Face 36:13 Would You Trust AI to Know You Personally? 36:57 How You can Use AI to Get Better Sleep 37:29 Can AI Actually Give You Good Relationship Advice? 38:07 How AI Can Help You Find and Nurture Love 38:29 Why Personal Growth Solutions Should Never Be Generic 39:41 Your DNA Holds the Footprints of Human History 42:33 Rethinking the Big Bang: What Science Still Can’t Explain 44:31 Is Everything You See Just a Projection? 47:48 Why Fear of the Unknown Limits Our Growth 48:52 Want Better Answers? Ask Better Questions 51:41 The True Secret to Longevity Isn’t What You Think 54:30 How Your Brain Turns Experience Into Reality 55:08 Why Consciousness Is Still Life’s Greatest Mystery 56:28 The First Question You Should Always Ask AI 58:38 How ChatGPT Can Spark Deeper, More Intelligent Questions Episode Resources: Deepak Chopra | Website Deepak Chopra | Instagram Deepak Chopra | TikTok Deepak Chopra | Facebook Deepak Chopra | YouTube Deepak Chopra | X Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm. | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Ep. 337: Hacking Remote Work | 01:41:27 | |
Remote work is a hot discussion topic right now as president Trump moves to eliminate it from government work. For those who are still allowed to work from home this new focus provides a good chance to rethink how to get the most out of these arrangements. In today’s episode, Cal presents three foundational ideas from his reporting about what makes remote work actually work, and for each provides concrete advice individuals can apply to make their own virtual setups better. He then answers reader questions and ends with a tech corner focused on what the law says about whether social media should be banned for kids.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Deep Dive: Hacking Remote Work [4:58]
- How does Cal explain time management vs. focus and attention management? [40:53] - How can I self study hard, technical concepts? [50:12] - Should I quit my PhD program after 3.5 years? [54:13] - Does Slow Productivity work for college students? [1:08:35] - CALL: Organizing a writing sabbatical [1:16:55]
CASE STUDY: A software engineer removes distractions [1:25:41]
TECH CORNER: Is Social Media More Like Cigarettes or Junk Food? [1:33:11]
Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/is-social-media-more-like-cigarettes-or-junk-food youtu.be/-U7D4Fw67Zs?si=srHaYr3inZ9uAd0p
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 03 Feb 2022 | Ep. 170: CALLS: Don’t Follow Your Passion | 00:51:07 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 07 Feb 2022 | Ep. 171: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout? | 01:23:48 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 10 Feb 2022 | Ep. 172: CALLS: The Books I Read in January 2022 | 01:09:08 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 14 Feb 2022 | Ep. 173: What is Deep Work? | 01:08:14 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | Ep. 174: CALLS: Thinking for Yourself | 01:09:49 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 21 Feb 2022 | Ep. 175: What is the Deep Life? | 01:08:46 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 24 Feb 2022 | Ep. 176: CALLS: Taming Information Overload | 00:56:34 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 28 Feb 2022 | Ep. 177: Is Ambition Worth It? | 01:13:11 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast | |||
| 03 Mar 2022 | Ep. 178: CALLS: On Doing Hard Things | 01:10:46 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast | |||
| 07 Mar 2022 | Ep. 179: Do Techniques Beat Talent? | 01:00:53 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 10 Mar 2022 | Ep. 180: CALLS: Four Day Weeks Aren’t Enough | 00:59:56 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | Ep. 181: Should I Quit My Lawyer Job? | 01:11:07 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | Ep. 182: Cal’s Business Model | 01:01:56 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 21 Mar 2022 | Ep. 183: Crazy or Deep? | 00:51:21 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 24 Mar 2022 | Ep. 184: REPLAY: The Productivity Baby Steps | 00:45:28 | |
This episode is a replay from July 12, 2021. | |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | Ep. 185: How Do I Escape Filter Bubbles? | 01:06:54 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Ep. 186: The Power of “Day Batching” | 01:00:20 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 04 Apr 2022 | Ep. 187: Helping 100K Employees Work Deeper | 01:16:17 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 07 Apr 2022 | Ep. 188: The Books I Read in March 2022 | 00:55:05 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 11 Apr 2022 | Ep. 189: Why Did The Times Drop Twitter? | 01:00:55 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | Ep. 190: CALLS: Managing Idea Notebooks | 01:02:41 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 18 Apr 2022 | Ep. 191: Can We Fix the Internet? | 01:04:42 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Ep. 192 : Habit Tune-Up Returns! | 01:02:20 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | Ep. 193: How do I read more? | 01:34:50 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 02 May 2022 | Ep. 194: The Surprising Math of Doing Less | 01:18:59 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 09 May 2022 | Ep. 195: Deep Walks | 01:24:32 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 15 May 2022 | Ep. 196: Shutting Down Anxiety | 01:28:44 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 23 May 2022 | Ep. 197: I’m Writing a New Book | 01:33:51 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 30 May 2022 | Ep. 198: The Second Principle of Slow Productivity | 01:04:47 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 10 Jun 2022 | Ep. 199: Quieting an Ambitious Brain | 01:09:54 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 13 Jun 2022 | Ep. 200: Decoding the Deep Life | 01:18:23 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | Ep. 201: Making a Living Online | 01:30:36 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 27 Jun 2022 | Ep. 202: TikTok Dismisses Facebook | 01:22:21 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | Ep. 203: Taming Meetings | 01:25:03 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. | |||
| 11 Jul 2022 | Ep. 204: Deep Life Principles | 01:33:07 | |
Cal Reacts: A slow productivity case study [5:19] | |||
| 18 Jul 2022 | Ep. 205: Why I’m a Bad Correspondent | 01:07:24 | |
With Jesse away on vacation, Cal decides to tackle 10 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks, covering everything from complaints about Cal’s inaccessibility, to teaching deep work in schools, to a long pontification (read: rant) on the podcasting industry. | |||
| 25 Jul 2022 | Ep 206 – Striving to do less | 00:48:30 | |
With Cal away on vacation, he decides to tackle 8 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks! | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | Ep. 207: A Digital Minimalism Intervention (w/ JAMIE KILSTEIN) | 01:30:13 | |
In today’s episode, we try something different: a special two-part conversation in which Cal coaches his longtime friend, comedian and podcast pioneer Jamie Kilstein, through a digital declutter. The first part of the conversation ends with Cal’s prescription for Jamie, while the second part picks up six weeks later to check in on how things actually went. | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Ep. 208: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane | 01:21:32 | |
Habit Tune-Up: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane [2:03] | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Ep. 209: Email and Living with Purpose | 01:12:04 | |
Click Here To Take Cal’s Survey: https://bit.ly/3zMTLXp Cal reacts to the news: TikTok and the Fall of the Social Media Giants [3:05] - How long should I wait for someone to respond to my email? [32:21] Habit Tune-Up: Docket Clearing Meetings [44:44] - How do I balance my many interests after quitting my job? [55:33] Thanks to our Sponsors: Blinkist.com/Deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 22 Aug 2022 | Ep. 210: Visions of a Deep Life | 01:08:18 | |
Please take a moment to provide feedback on the podcast using this survey: | |||
| 29 Aug 2022 | Ep. 211: How Cal Organizes His Life | 01:16:12 | |
- Deep Dive: How does Cal organize his life? [4:47] | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | Ep. 212: The Productivity Dragon Returns | 01:36:26 | |
- Deep Dive: Will 4-Day Weeks Solve Burnout? [7:01] | |||
| 12 Sep 2022 | Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No | 01:29:43 | |
- Deep Dive: The art of “no” [7:06] | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | Ep. 214: Quiet Quitting | 01:25:46 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 26 Sep 2022 | Ep. 215: RYAN HOLIDAY: Discipline Is Destiny | 01:28:25 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | Ep. 216: Deep Walking To Work Less | 01:26:16 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | Ep. 217: Slow Productivity Advice | 01:30:03 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | Ep. 218: Work vs. Meaning | 01:41:58 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 24 Oct 2022 | Ep. 219: The Deep Reset | 01:30:16 | |
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset [8:58] - Should I use Seinfeld’s “Don’t Break the Chain” method? [37:48] - Does Cal have a separate task board and weekly plan for his personal life? [42:07] - How do I track my metrics over the long term? [47:18] - Are Facebook and Instagram doomed? [52:25] - CALL: Children and video games [58:47] - When do I add a task to my list versus straight into my weekly plan? [1:07:50] CASE STUDY: Implementing Deep Work advice [1:13:18] MAILBAG: [1:19:40] - Cal’s vision of the AR future as it grows closer https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/1580917421757587456?s=20&t=-deRWeIvOuCdPhhnAOFm9Q - Andrew Huberman on the “Cathedral Effect” https://hubermanlab.com/5-science-based-steps-to-improve-your-workspace/ - Obligatory Focus Porn: Writing in an isolated hut https://alastairhumphreys.com/important-or-urgent/ Thanks to our Sponsors: Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 26 Oct 2022 | Listen to This: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos | 00:04:37 | |
Here’s a special preview of the new season of The Happiness Lab, a podcast from Pushkin Industries. You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. She’ll take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness. | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | Ep. 220: The Two Types of Ambition | 01:33:53 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Ep. 221: Can Parents Do Deep Work? | 01:29:15 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: | |||
| 14 Nov 2022 | Ep. 222: Did Cavemen Use To-Do Lists? | 01:30:28 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | Ep. 223: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? | 01:38:23 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 28 Nov 2022 | Ep. 224: A World Without Twitter? | 01:57:26 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | Ep. 225: Should I Become A Thriller Writer? (w/ J.T. Ellison) | 01:43:47 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 12 Dec 2022 | Ep. 226: The Productivity Dragon | 01:28:51 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | Ep. 227: Visions of the Deep Life? | 01:28:27 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo - How do I switch from a push to pull model of task management? [27:05] THREE INTERESTING THINGS: | |||
| 26 Dec 2022 | Ep. 228: A World Without Busyness | 01:11:54 | |
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | Ep. 229: Developing Discipline | 01:16:47 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. https://www.notion.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
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| 09 Jan 2023 | Ep. 230: How Well Are You Living? | 01:25:39 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 16 Jan 2023 | Ep. 231: Fight Burnout with Work Cycles | 01:15:31 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 23 Jan 2023 | Ep. 232: The Lumberjack Paradox | 01:14:13 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | Ep. 233: Escaping Your Tyrannical Inbox | 01:19:58 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 06 Feb 2023 | Ep. 234: Ambition without Burnout | 01:31:31 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo screenrant.com/calvin-hobbes-bill-watterson-merchandising-lost-millions-reason/ web.archive.org/web/20150302235823/http://www.calnewport.com/blog wired.com/2014/08/maryam-mirzakhani-fields-medal/ thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/ep-115-jordan-harbinger-what-is-the-future-of-podcasting/
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| 13 Feb 2023 | Ep. 235: Is Productivity Overrated? | 01:12:35 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | Ep. 236: Hacking Remote Work | 01:20:20 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Ep. 237: Reimagining the Internet | 01:17:07 | |
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | Ep. 238: The Joys of the Reading Life | 01:09:57 | |
The reading life is a deep life. The screen-filled life can be primitive and exhausting. Which one do you want? | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Ep. 239: On Time and Stress | 01:14:25 | |
The relationship with time is one of the more interesting things going on in work culture. Many knowledge workers take on too much work and become overloaded. If we have less to do, our relationship with time can be repaired. So we have to think very concretely about building systems and mindsets that reduce how much we have to do. | |||
| 20 Mar 2023 | Ep. 240: Disciplined Laziness | 01:04:10 | |
You can’t just turn a “work harder” or “relax” knob. Once you realize that productivity ideas can offer you great autonomy in shaping your life - however you decide to do that - your relationship with it becomes more nuanced and fruitful. Productivity can be understood as applying organization tools and deliberate processes to take back control of your obligations. | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Ep. 241: The Virality Trap | 01:09:58 | |
Why does Twitter maintain such a strong grip on those who produce things with their minds for a living? Is it really so critical that we all spend so many hours spreading our output on this particular platform? In today’s episode, we explore this question, seeking new, more sustainable and humane ways to be an online creative professional. | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Ep. 242: The Simple Life | 01:24:38 | |
Why do stories of people moving to the country to dedicate their lives to simple living resonate so strongly with us overworked knowledge workers? Cal explores lessons we can extract from these instincts that can improve our lives right now, even without the need to become a homesteader. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Today’s Deep Question: What do we (really) seek when we seek the Simple Life? [7:39] - Are daly deep life habits too frequent? [32:35] - How do I juggle more projects? [36:44] - Can I quit my job to reach online full time? [41:53] - How do I convince my husband that the “deep life” isn’t an excuse to ignore me? [55:36] CASE STUDY: A Writing Shed For Slow Productivity [1:01:37] SOMETHING INTERESTING: - Utah limits teens’ ability to use social media [1:12:38] https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-1st-state-limiting-teens-access-social-media-98089159 https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/simple-living-zmaz03onzgoe/
https://www.mybodytutor.com
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| 10 Apr 2023 | Ep. 243: In The Weeds! | 00:57:05 | |
Cal Newport answers 10 questions from his audience ranging from idea management to the Deep Life to writing. Throughout all the answers, you’ll hear Cal explain his core concepts and how they apply to everyday working life. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia - Why doesn’t Cal care about idea management systems? [2:46] - Does Cal still use Workflowy to capture tasks? [12:52] - Are women better at multi-tasking than men? [16:56] - What is the difference between pursuing depth versus passion? [23:16] - What are the “Contemplation” and “Celebration” buckets in the context of the Deep Life? [28:56] - What’s the best way to study math? [32:56] - Can I jump from a master’s at a small school to a PhD at a prestigious one? [35:19] - How do I know if I’ve successfully cultivated a Deep Life? [37:11] - How do I become a successful political nonfiction writer? [44:38] - Is the Deep Work hypothesis affected by survivorship bias? [50:36] Links: calnewport.com/blog/2011/06/23/lab-notes-my-closed-loop-research-system/ Thanks to our Sponsors: fieldofgreens.com Promo Code: Deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 17 Apr 2023 | Ep. 244: Thoughts on ChatGPT | 01:29:33 | |
Are new AI technologies like ChatGPT about to massively disrupt our world? Drawing from his recent New Yorker article on the topic, Cal explains exactly how programs like ChatGPT work, and uses this knowledge to explain why we can calm our fears about this new technology. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Today’s Deep Question: How does ChatGPT work? (And should we worry about it?) [11:24] - Is there anything AI won’t do better than humans? [57:30] - How will AI end up disrupting knowledge work? [1:02:27] - Should I quit web development before AI eliminates the industry? [1:07:32] - Will AI create mass job loss in the next five years? [1:11:52] SOMETHING INTERESTING: - NPR leaves Twitter [1:21:11] npr.org/2023/04/12/1169269161/npr-leaves-twitter-government-funded-media-label Links: newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-have twitter.com/tqbf/status/1598513757805858820 twitter.com/goodside/status/1598077257498923010 nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/chatgpt-passes-mba-exam-wharton-professor-rcna67036 time.com/6240569/ai-childrens-book-alice-and-sparkle-artists-unhappy/ nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.html Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | Ep. 245: “Crazy” Productivity | 01:08:20 | |
In this episode Cal – against his better judgment – answers questions on the fly, with no advance plan or preparation. He also does a Deep Dive about the Twitter fog dissipating and discusses something interesting. | |||
| 01 May 2023 | Ep. 246: Kids and Phones | 01:25:47 | |
Are smartphones bad for kids? Cal walks through the data on this question, including how researchers came to be worried, their findings, critiques of their findings, and where we are today. He then gives recommendations for how to think about technology when it comes to your kids. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Today’s Deep Question: Are smartphones bad for kids? [3:10] - Is the deep life dull? [49:35] - How do I stop doom-scrolling when I’m tired? [53:49] - Are smartphones bad for older people? [57:35] - How does Cal decide to adopt new technology or software? [1:02:06] - How do I stay deep while traveling at conferences? [1:06:33] The Books Cal read in March 2023 [1:12:38] Thanks to our Sponsors: Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 08 May 2023 | Ep. 247: The Productive Life (w/ Sarah Hart-Unger) | 01:56:16 | |
We talk a lot on this show about how to be more organized and intentional in how you spend your time at work. But what about at home? In this episode, Cal is joined by Sarah Hart-Unger (https://theshubox.com/), a leading thinker on the challenges of staying organized amidst the chaotic busyness that defines family life, to help explore strategies for organizing life outside of work.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Today’s Deep Question: How do I adapt professional productivity techniques to my life outside of work? (With Sarah Hart-Unger) [7:16]
— What system does Cal use to track his life admin? [1:05:55] — Don’t I need some sort of plan for time outside of work? [1:11:46] — How do I stay on top of ongoing projects, initiatives, or hobbies? [1:15:36] — Should I calculate the monetary cost of household tasks? [1:20:20]
Something Interesting: The AI Null Hypothesis [1:33:24]
Thanks to our Sponsors:
fieldofgreens.com (promo code: Deep)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 15 May 2023 | Ep. 248: Decoding Overload | 01:08:02 | |
Few professional experiences feel worse than overload. But what really causes this unfortunate state? In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at overload, identifying its main culprits, identifying solutions, and helping listeners with their specific overload-related questions.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Today’s Deep Question: How does overload actually operate? [3:54]
- Does Cal use an executive assistant? [26:15] - How do I write an effective communication policy for my team? [36:35] - Does overhead compound exponentially? [42:50] - How rare are high expectation/low overhead jobs? [48:05] - My job has few shallow obligations. What should I do with my free time? [51:41]
Something Interesting: The future of social media is less social [59:39]
Links:
wsj.com/articles/workers-say-its-harder-to-get-things-done-now-heres-why-2a5f1389 nytimes.com/2023/04/19/technology/personaltech/tiktok-twitter-facebook-social.html
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Ep. 249: The Good Enough Job (w/ Simone Stolzoff) | 01:44:49 | |
Do you live to work or work to live? In this episode, Cal talks with author Simone Stolfzoff about his provocative new book, THE GOOD ENOUGH JOB. Cal then answers listener questions about escaping professional unhappiness, and then switches gears in the Something Interesting segment to talk about the critical technological breakthrough that not enough people yet are talking about.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
DEEP DIVE: Cal talks about the Good Enough Job with author Simone Stolzoff [4:39]
- What kind of a job do I want? [59:31] - If I enjoy my job, why can’t I focus? [1:05:28] - Should I give up on finding an academic job? [1:17:23] - Should I cut my salary in half to escape the hyperactive hive mind? [1:25:07]
SOMETHING INTERESTING: Apple’s most interesting new tech strategy has nothing to do with A.I. [1:34:41]
Links:
wsj.com/articles/apple-is-breaking-its-own-rules-with-a-new-headset-80c9b36c
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 29 May 2023 | Ep. 250: In Defense of Thinking | 01:19:03 | |
The art of thinking – plain, old-fashioned, hard concentration on useful ideas – is rapidly vanishing as our culture recasts humans as the custodians and recipients of digital computation. In this episode, Cal explains why this is a problem and what we should do in response.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Today’s Deep Question: Why is it important to preserve the vanishing art of thinking? [5:02]
- How do I integrate movies and shows into the deep life? [27:42] - Can I read after a long day of deep work? [33:30] - Is a digital “second brain” a good idea to keep up with the latest advancements in your field? [36:25] - Would Cal consider consolidating his notebooks? [42:37] - Is Maria Popva’s note-taking method better than Cal’s method? [51:40]
The Books I Read in April 2023 [1:04:29]
Links:
Edward Teller talking about John Von Neumann youtube.com/watcv=vQp70uqsBV4#t=55m0s
Aristotle on “philosophic wisdom.” See book 10, section 7 of The Ethics: classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.7.vii.html
Arnold Bennet on training concentration (See chapter 7 of How to Live on 24 Hours a Day): gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2274/pg2274-images.html
Thanks to our Sponsors:
hensonshaving.com/cal
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 05 Jun 2023 | Ep. 251: The Efficiency Trap | 01:10:42 | |
Productivity YouTube is filled with breathless videos about optimizing systems and squeezing every ounce of speed out of your common habits. But does all of this efficiency really end up improving the quality of the most important things you produce? In this episode, Cal takes a deeper look at the different ways that productivity systems and tools can help your professional life, separating the boring but effective from the exciting but over-hyped.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Today’s Deep Question: Does working faster make work better? [3:56]
- Why doesn’t Cal agree with other productivity YouTubers about apps? [27:50] - How can I be productive if my organization bans third-party tools? [32:36] - How do top writers keep their research process “efficient”? [37:29] - How do I stop teaching from devouring all my time? [44:00] - Is it a problem that I don’t feel overwhelmed? [50:19]
Something Interesting: The Productivity Diet & A Hotel for Book Lovers [1:02:33]
Links:
kickstarter.com/projects/mikevardy/the-productivity-diet-by-mike-vardy
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||
| 12 Jun 2023 | Ep. 252: The Deep Life Stack | 01:18:09 | |
How do you leave a life of superficial distraction and cultivate something deeper? In today’s episode, Cal describes “The Deep Life Stack,” an approach to cultivating a deep life that starts with overhauling the person before making the big decisions.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Today’s Deep Question: How do I rebuild my life into something deeper? [6:29]
- Is the deep life only available to those with high salaries? [31:55] - How do I co-create a deep life with my partner? [41:48] - Is there a genetic component to depth? [45:24] - What are Cal’s thoughts on the book “Designing Your Life”? [58:31]
Something Interesting: Forget AI. Apple’s all in on AR. (And this is smart.) [1:06:34]
Links:
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. | |||