Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? If there was one word to describe modern digital tools, it would be “fast.” But not everyone thinks this is better. In today’s episode, Cal explores the concept of “slow technology” – the embrace of tools that have fewer features and more friction, but nonetheless produce better work and more satisfaction. His guide in this effort is the acclaimed children’s book author Amy Timberlake, who talks to Cal about her recent shift to using a mechanical typewriter. Cal then reviews other examples of slow technology in action, and then proposes several general principles for applying the philosophy in your own life. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected]. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? (w/ Amy Timberlake) [3:20] INBOX: - A book about spiritual sloth [1:03:49] - What is Cal’s opinion about Yuval Harai’s thoughts on AI? [1:05:22] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Deep or Crazy: 2nd edition signed Andromeda Strain for HQ? [1:18:29] - Myth buster gear: display in HQ [1:20:13] - 400th episode [1:23:01] Books: Magic Journey (Kevin Rafferty) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/02/why-some-are-returning-to-mp3-players https://ugmonk.com/blogs/journal/analog-the-simplest-productivity-system https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240102-oppenheimer-and-the-resurgence-of-blu-ray-and-dvds-were-now-in-the-age-of-streaming-anxiety https://ignatius.com/the-noonday-devil-ndevp https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32240681755 Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: https://www.betterhlep.com/deepquestions https://www.calderalab.com/deep https://www.mybodytutor.com https://www.grammarly.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.             Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Is AI Stealing Entry-Level Jobs? Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia OPENING: Is AI stealing entry-level jobs? [1:29] MAIN STORY: Torsten Slok essay [3:06] CONCLUSION: AI is not stealing entry-level jobs now [11:32] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-entry-level-jobs-graduates-b224d624 https://www.apolloacademy.com/busting-the-ai-youth-unemployment-myth/ https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/2026/04/job-market-artificial-intelligence/686659/ Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a decade since the original publication of DEEP WORK. Do its ideas still hold in 2026? This is the question Cal tackles in today’s episode: reviewing the four major “rules” from his book, reviewing what still holds and what changes he would add. 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 DEEP DIVE: Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026? [2:03] INBOX: - Will I lose the ability to write if I use AI? [39:45] - The effects of AI on education [45:30] - Avoiding social media [52:24] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - What I’ve been doing [53:38] - What I’ve been reading [55:26]  Books: Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off https://www.shopify.com/deep https://www.wayfair.com https://www.notion.com/cal   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia ACT #1: Look Closer at the Article [1:20] ACT #2: A Closer Look at the Paper [3:21] ACT #3: But What About… [7:24] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/27/number-of-ai-chatbots-ignoring-human-instructions-increasing-study-says https://x.com/summeryue0/status/2025774069124399363 https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/anthropic-ai-deception-risk Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here’s a key question: Did technology like smartphones make us miserable, or were we already miserable and smartphones made it worse? To help figure out this answer, I talked to Arthur Brooks, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Harvard professor, about this new book: The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. In our conversation, Brooks argues that our current Age of Emptiness began in the 1990s, but technology like smartphones and social media made it worse. We then discuss smart strategies for finding purpose in our current moment. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected].  Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: How Do I Find Purpose in a Distracted World? (W/ Arthur Brooks) [1:44]   INBOX:  Tech employees being evaluated through LLM tokens [1:01:49] Can Cal comment on reading digital books? [1:07:35] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: What Cal is reading [1:13:00] Deep Work HQ update [1:14:37] Books: Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson) 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?gizmodo.com/tech-employees-are-reportedly-being-evaluated-by-how-fast-they-burn-through-llm-tokens-2000736627 Thanks to our Sponsors:  monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)butcherbox.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia SUB QUESTION #1: What is Yan LeCun Up To? [2:55] SUB QUESTION #2: How is it possible that LeCun could be right about LLM’s begin a dead-end? We’ve been hearing non-stop recently about how fast they’re advancing. [14:55] SUB QUESTION #3: What would happen next if LeCun is right? [22:26] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/technology/ami-labs-yann-lecun-funding.html     Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new study finds that for many workers, AI increases shallow efforts while decreasing time focusing on what really matters. This is not the first digital productivity technology to create this paradoxical effect. In today’s episode, Cal dives deep into why this happens and then details three strategies for avoiding these traps in your own professional 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 DEEP DIVE:  Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse? [3:17] INBOX:  An article about meetings [36:11] A case study on escaping email overload [47:29] A tool that makes the internet more boring [50:37] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: Deep or Crazy? [57:02] What Cal read [1:02:23] Cal in the news [1:05:57] Books: Reader, Come Home (Maryanne Wolf) What Do You Say? (William Stixrud and Ned Johnson) 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?pmresearcher.substack.com/p/why-meetings-multiplydocs.pluckeye.net/overview Thanks to our Sponsors:  calderalab.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.comdrinkag1.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia STORY #1: Did an AI Agent Email an AI Researcher? [1:01] STORY #2: Does the Pentagon Think Claude Has a Soul? [10:20] STORY #3: What’s Going on with Anthropic Revenues? [14:16] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/philosopher-ai-consciousness-startled-ai-email https://x.com/dioscuri/status/2029227527718236359 https://x.com/thomaschattwill/status/2029273517175263679 https://x.com/ns123abc/status/2032122638852640951 https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/anthropic-gives-lesson-ai-revenue-hallucination-2026-03-10/ https://pluralistic.net/2026/03/12/normal-technology/ Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember how much we loved our iPhones when they first came out? Can we get back to that relationship with these devices? In this episode, Cal explores five pieces of advice for transforming your current phone back to something that’s less distracting, more useful, and fun once again – a goal he calls “2007 mode.” 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: Can I learn to love my phone again? [3:31] INBOX:  A new study on brain fry [30:29] Use of phones in The Pitt [38:58] 17th Century scholar dealing with overload [42:05] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: What I’m trying [43:57] What Cal read [48:45] What Cal watched [49:44] Movies: Secret Agent 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?youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4lsi2RtaIyoutube.com/watch?v=ENUO7dbZ-TYyoutube.com/watch?v=7jVb1lLniEwyoutube.com/watch?v=aC0JKAN5xVIhbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fryinstagram.com/reel/DUxCG_BDvWX/?igsh=a3pyZXNlNTZvdDVp Thanks to our Sponsors:  butcherbox.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions1password.com/deepshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. 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 ARTICLE #1: America Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs [2:15] ARTICLE #2: Mass Hysteria. Thousands of Jobs Lost. Just How Bad Is It Going to Get? [9:23]  ARTICLE #3: THE 2028 GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CRISIS: A Thought Exercise in Financial History, from the Future [14:39] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/ai-economy-labor-market-transformation/685731/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/opinion/ai-jobs-white-collar-apocalpyse.html https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/2028gic https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/business/citrini-ai-stock-market.html https://www.citadelsecurities.com/news-and-insights/2026-global-intelligence-crisis/ Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need social media? Which services? For what purposes? These are complicated questions and in today’s episode Cal proposes a simple route to answers: conducting a “social media pause.” To help investigate this strategy, Cal is joined by T.K. Coleman, of The Minimalists, to talk about a social media pause that they tried and the surprising results it generated. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Interview with T.K. Coleman [3:26] INBOX: - Focused work in early modern time [1:00:18] - Tool suggestion from a programmer [1:05:10] - Staring at a painting for three hours [1:13:26] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Changes to the show [1:18:44] - What Cal read [1:20:04] - What Cal watched [1:21:34] - Renovation of Maker Lab [1:25:38] The Age of Extraction (Tim Wu) John and Paul (Ian Leslie) Movies: Train Dreams The Hurt Locker Three Days of the Condor Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgMUBMqrE7Mhttps://www.reddit.com/r/ObsidianMD/comments/161jik7/please_share_how_you_use_obsidian_for_task/ Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)https://www.factormeals.com/deep50offhttps://www.mybodytutor.comhttps://www.wayfair.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Did the LLM Job Apocalypse Begin Last Week? Cal Newport takes a closer look at recent AI news. Below are the topics 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 STORY #1: Jack Dorsey announces layoffs at Block [1:28] STORY #2: The education level of LLM-based tools [11:45] STORY #3: What’s happening in the world of computer programming? [19:24] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ https://x.com/jack/status/2027129697092731343 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/technology/block-square-job-cuts-ai.html https://x.com/emollick/status/2027153371241607420 https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2026/02/27/block-lays-off-40-of-staff-and-blames-it-on-ai-dont-buy-the-excuse/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56HJQm5nb0U http://calnewport.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s hard to live deeply in a distracted world if you don’t have control over how you spend your time. This goal requires a planning system that both works and can last. Do you have a reasonable planning system in place? If not, don’t worry. Today, Cal is joined by planning expert Sarah Hart-Unger (author of “Best Laid Plans”) to discuss the nitty-gritty details of creating sustainable systems that can help you regain autonomy over your schedule without becoming an over-scheduled drone. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT:  Interview with Sarah Hart-Unger [2:12] AUDIENCE FEEDBACK, NOTES, AND CHATTER:  Dopamine addictions and TV shows [1:05:06] Watching entire films [1:09:43] Attention span and movies [1:16:38] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: Update on my AI Programmer Project [1:21:12] Other Updates [1:28:02] What Cal Consumed [1:29:17] The Last Kings of Hollywood (Paul Fischer) Movies: The Smashing Machine Song Sung Blue Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/07/why-are-movies-sooooo-long-an-investigation science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz9311 Sarah Hart-Unger online: Sarah Hart-Unger (MD, if you want to use that but I typically don't even bother in my creative work!) practicing pediatric endocrinologist, author, and podcaster Best Laid Plans Podcast Best of Both Worlds Podcast (cohosted with Laura Vanderkam) Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love, Sourcebooks Dec 2025 Website (since 2004 . . .): theshubox.com Social media: none :) Partially due to your influence, I quit FB in 2016, IG in 2021, and thankfully never got into anything else! I guess I do have minimal Youtube (occasional planner videos + feed of podcast eps) @youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by Better Help:  betterhelp.com/deepquestions zapier.com/deep calderalab.com/deep shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last month, the Atlantic reported that film students are now struggling to sit through entire films. In this episode, Cal argues that this is both an issue and an opportunity. The fact we can’t watch full movies indicates the impact of digital tools on our brains is worse than we assumed. But in this problem, we also find a solution: maybe teaching ourselves to become better movie watchers can be the first step to reclaiming our own minds. Cal then dissects a viral AI essay that seems to have everyone worried (spoiler: Cal’s not impressed), reads a reader note about social media and the Olympics, and gives an update on his next book project. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT:  Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [2:36] NEWS AND NOTES SEGMENT:  Something Big is Happening [31:23] Digital Minimalism and the Olympics [49:31] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [56:03] Attensity The Lost Island (Eilis Dillon) 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? theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/ fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  pipedrive.com/deep drinkag1.com/deep butcherbox.com/deep grammarly.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There remains a gap between the production values of professional streaming services like Netflix and independent content that appears on platforms like YouTube. But what happens when that gap disappears? In the ideas segment of today’s episode, Cal sends a correspondent to investigate a fascinating new “micro-streaming” service producing Netflix-quality shows with a small team. Then, in the practices segment, he explains why he spent $60 on a single productivity application. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT:  Are “Micro-Streamers” the Future of Media? [3:12] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Why Cal Spent $60 on a Task App? [36:33] QUESTIONS: How can I find time to become a Biblical scholar? [45:25] Should I freak out about this AI Superintelligence article? [49:23] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [57:41] The Hidden Book in the Bible (Richard Elliott) 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? https://www.masterclass.com/calnewport https://culturedcode.com/things/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  1password.com/deep cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP” for 20% off) calderalab.com/deep shopify.com/excellence Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there something rotten in the state of AI reporting at the moment? In the ideas segment of this episode, Cal details three common traps in AI coverage that distort or distract from the reality of this technology. Once you know what to look for, these traps become easy to avoid – greatly improving your experience when trying to keep up to date on the latest advancements. Then, in the practice segment, Cal asks why morning routines have become so popular among young people. His explanation (hint: it involves the fight for depth in a distracted world) uncovers new ideas about how to make morning routines actually useful. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT:  Is AI Reporting Broken? [1:43] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Rethinking Morning Routines [29:27] QUESTIONS: Did I see somewhere that you’re filming a MasterClass? [41:24] Now that David Brooks left the NYT, will he start a Substack? [46:25] Cal reacts to comments [48:25] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update  [50:45] Time Freedom (Brian Heriott) ARCThe Vampire, The Tutor, and the Madman (Josh Douglas)One Direction (Charles Duhigg) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?qz.com/amazon-layoffs-ai-tech-job-lossescnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.htmlcalnewport.comnytimes.com/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.htmlnypost.com/2026/01/31/tech/moltbook-is-a-new-social-media-platform-exclusively-for-ai/news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46838834youtube.com/@WesRoth/videosyoutube.com/@airevolutionx/videosyoutube.com/watch?v=JoQG25gQyRgnewyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infighting Thanks to our Sponsors:  factormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone knows that excessive smartphone use can be harmful. But the question we don’t ask enough is what the advantages are of not using these devices. In the ideas segment, Cal examines the testimonials of four subjects who spent significant time without phones, to learn what they actually experience. Then, in the practices segment, he dissects the latest viral online self-help sensation to see if it holds up or is just fluff. Finally, in the Q&A segment, he tackles a surprising (and distressing) way in which technology plays a role in the violent ICE raids happening in Minnesota. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: What (Really) Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? [3:07] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation [31:53] QUESTIONS: What do the ICE raids in Minnesota teach us about technology and its impacts on our society? [53:17] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:08:17] The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney (Michael Barrier) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at [calnewport.com/slow](https://www.calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=kzXOyW8Zumgyoutube.com/watch?v=gh5CYvi5E40youtube.com/watch?v=C-Iewo7zUFoyoutube.com/watch?v=5FI1gP_K5K0youtube.com/watch?v=FshYuO6Opwkx.com/thedankoe/status/2010751592346030461prospect.org/2026/01/27/ice-greg-bovino-minneapolis-one-battle-after-another-sean-penn/youtube.com/watch?v=elF0YmsCHvQ Thanks to our Sponsors:  This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionrag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)calderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s natural to feel ambition, as we’re wired to find great satisfaction in accomplishing hard goals. But what impact has the internet had on this instinct? To help explore this question, author Brad Stulberg, author of the new book THE WAY OF EXCELLENCE, joins Cal during the ideas segment to explore ways in which the internet hijacks our drive, and what we can do about it. Then, in the practice segment, Cal provides the 2026 of his evolving advice for escaping email and IM overload in your job. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Is the internet hijacking ambition? [4:16] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Escaping messaging hell [1:03:06] QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Have new AI tools actually been as transformative as claimed? [1:23:49] CAL RESPONDS TO COMMENTS [1:38:15] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:44:52] Future Boy (Michael J. Fox)The Unauthorized Story of Disney’s Haunted Mansion (Jeff Baham) Links:Get The Way of Excellence:  A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063385945/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-school-with-shilo-brooks/id1841566275instagram.com/p/DFh_mNGSvuZ/?img_index=2microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workdayreddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1o2g1xq/with_all_the_billions_trillions_going_into_it/calnewport.com/a-world-without-email/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  mybodytutor.commonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite some initial skepticism, Jonathan Haidt’s crusade against kids using smartphones has been more or less completely vindicated. Which got us thinking: what’s he worried about next? In the ideas segment, Cal looks closer at three new technological harms that Haidt has begun sounding the alarm about. Then, in the practices segment, he details a somewhat eccentric technology strategy that he and his wife have deployed in their own home to keep their kids away from smartphones.  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 IDEAS SEGMENT: What’s worrying Jon Haidt? [0:04] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Should you buy a landline (Cal just did…) [50:44] QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Can we put the social media and video game genies back in their lamp? [1:08:55] Can an artist avoid using social media? [1:13:01] Cal responds to comments [1:16:33] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:19:31] 20th Century Fox (Scott Eyman)In the Shadow of Man (Jane Goodall) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?docs.google.com/document/d/1w-HOfseF2wF9YIpXwUUtP65-olnkPyWcgF5BiAtBEy0/edit?tab=t.0x.com/kevinroose/status/2001464352491311196afterbabel.com/p/smartphone-gambling-is-a-disasterfanduel.comafterbabel.com/p/its-not-just-a-game-anymoreafterbabel.com/p/dont-give-your-child-an-ai-companionfuturism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-toys-dangerinstagram.com/reel/DO_7TzvEkzO/?hl=entincan.kidspunkt.ch/products/mp02-4g-minimalist-phonealiexpress.us/item/3256810412310495.htmlnintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-lite-turquoise Thanks to our Sponsors:  1password.com/deepcozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)notion.com/calcalderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last year, when columnist Paul Krugman left the NYT, it seemed like yet another example of the traditional media crumbling. But Krugman, as it turns out, is doing great. His popular substack now reaches massive audiences and earns him a seven-figure salary. Inspired by this story, in the ideas segment of today’s episode, we take a closer look at key numbers relevant to whether paid newsletters can replace traditional print media. Then, in the practices segment, we study some viral advice for spending less time on your phone. 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: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone [0:02] PRACTICES SEGMENT: How to successfully delete social media [50:40] Is it ok to use ChatGPT to try to better understand some classics? [1:04:51] How do I decide what to write down when I use the notebook method? [1:06:10] For professional writers trying to succeed today, isn’t Substack the platform of the moment? [1:12:00] CAL’S READING UPDATE: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:18:28] Airframe (Michael Crichton)The Great Train Robbery (Michael Crichton) Fantastic Voyage  (Isaac Asimov) 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?cjr.org/analysis/paul-krugman-leaving-new-york-times-heavy-hand-editing-less-frequent-columns-newsletter.phpsubstack.com/@paulkrugmannatesilver.net/p/always-be-bloggingreallygoodbusinessideas.com/p/most-popular-substackspewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/rnz.co.nz/life/culture/any-attempt-to-simplify-elon-musk-is-futile-the-nz-cofounder-of-substackdaringfireball.net/2024/11/regarding_and_well_against_substackyoutube.com/watch?v=eUSBKj5ZQpo Thanks to our Sponsors:  meetfabric.com/deeppipedrive.com/deepfactormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”) Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron)  2025 was a year that was saturated in AI news, from Deep Seek, through claims of economic “bloodbaths,” to GPT-5, Sora, and Chatbot girlfriends. Frankly, it was exhausting. As we now look back on 2025 an interesting question arises: all in all, did this end up being a good or bad year for AI? To help me answer this question, I’m joined by hard-hitting AI commentator Ed Zitron, who's been everywhere in the media in recent months helping to make sense of the wild claims being thrown in the public’s direction. Together we go through the biggest AI stories of the year to try to make sense of what just happened.  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 INTERVIEW: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI (w/ Ed Zitron) [3:16] Cal Reacts to Comments: Is the Internet Becoming Television? [1:58:25]   Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal's monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9poaxios.com/2025/01/23/davos-2025-ai-agentsblog.google/technology/google-deepmind/gemini-model-updates-february-2025/openai.com/index/sora/openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-4-5/ai-2027.com/fortune.com/2025/05/28/anthropic-ceo-warning-ai-job-loss/media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/08/07/chat-gpt-5-release-date-open-ai/85566627007/#:~:text=GPT%2D5%20release%20date,release%20date%20for%20Part%202newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-thiswsj.com/tech/ai/ai-bubble-building-spree-55ee6128nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/openai-and-nvidia-announce-strategic-partnership-to-deploy-10gw-of-nvidia-systemsnytimes.com/2025/10/02/technology/openai-sora-video-app.htmlanthropic.com/news/claude-opus-4-5ft.com/content/064bbca0-1cb2-45ab-85f4-25fdfc318d89youtube.com/watch?v=Z_WEmjygNK0 Thanks to our Sponsors:  This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsreclaim.ai/calexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this replay of a classic episode from March 2024, Cal discusses his transformative experience using a small analog notebook to tackle a complicated problem in his life. He makes the broader argument that sometimes simple analog tools can far exceed the utility of their digital counterparts. 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 Deep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [1:21] - If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [21:58]  - Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [29:54]  - Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [34:18] - How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [43:08] - Should I read your new book slowly? [47:40] - CALL: Struggling writer obsessing over quality [53:10] CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [58:14] SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:01:39] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/ https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived https://www.notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/ https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1 https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Thanks to our Sponsors:  monarch.com/deep1password.com/deepmakeheadway.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our annual holiday episode, Cal tackles one of the questions he’s asked most often: What should I read? But with a twist. He recommends six books that are not from the self-help or advice genre that will nonetheless help you change your life into something deeper. For the rest of the episode, he then answers listener calls. 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 CAL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Walden by Henry David Thoreau [2:40]Lincoln’s Virtues by William Lee Miller [7:28]The Case for God by Karen Armstrong [10:54]You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier [21:25]The Shallows by Nicholas Carr [26:28]Falling Upward by Richard Rohr [28:45] CALLS:  Concerned father and husband about smartphones [37:48] Living deeply with multiple gigs [43:27] Effective timeblocking [47:19] The Deep Life for non-knowledge workers [54:01] Dealing with overwhelming technology [58:59] The real cost of AI [1:02:59] Where to start with deep work? [1:07:33] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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:  monarch.com/deepwayfair.comnotion.com/calreclaim.ai/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this fall, the activist, novelist, and essayist Paul Kingsnorth published an anti-technology polemic called “Against the Machine.” To say it hit a nerve is an understatement. In the months that followed, Kingsnorth has been everywhere; profiled, among places, in the New York Times, the New Yorker, and The Atlantic. In today’s episode, I want to find out why Kingsnorth’s take on technology is resonating so strongly. To help me answer this question, I’m joined by the journalist and scholar Tyler Austin Harper, who wrote a great review of Kingsnorth’s book for The Atlantic. We dive deep into Kingsnorth’s ideas and explore what they teach us about our current moment more generally. 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 INTERVIEW: Why Is Everyone Talking About “Against the Machine”? (w/ Tyler Austin Harper) [0:00]  Is the simple awareness of a notification as harmful as full context switching? [1:15:49] Is there an “ideal ratio” for consuming information across different mediums? [1:17:12] How can I effectively implement your shutdown routine and not keep checking emails? [1:20:21] How can I manage my social media obligations with my marketing job? [1:23:52] CASE STUDY: Reframing a career to utilize career capital [1:26:07] CALL: Dealing with conflicting views about digital minimalism in a relationship [1:30:21] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?theatlantic.com/books/2025/11/paul-kingsnorth-against-the-machine/684848/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last month, Derek Thompson published an intriguing essay that made waves in technology criticism circles. It was titled: “Everything is Television.” In today’s episode, Cal takes a closer look at this essay, unpacking and expanding Thompson’s arguments, and ultimately concluding with a series of predictions about what to expect next from the internet. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five books he read in November 2025. 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: Is the Internet Becoming Television [00:03] Can AI reduce distractions for developers? [38:32] How do I time block in a job with heavy interruptions? [44:03] How should I manage what I read, watch and listen to for books, magazines, shows, and podcasts? [47:31] How should I cope with family and friends always scrolling TikTok during the holiday season? [52:50] Does endless scrolling make people less motivated to be physically active? [54:48] CASE STUDY: Developing a Deep Life after selling a company [56:15] CALL: Eliminating Instagram in graduate school [1:04:19] NOVEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in November 2025 [1:09:08] Realityland (David Koening)Becoming Mary Poppins (Todd James Pierce)Tradition in an Untraditional Age (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks)What is the Bible? (Rob Bell)Notes on Being a Man (Scott Galloway) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?flowingdata.com/2025/10/03/passed-peak-social-media-maybe/derekthompson.org/p/why-everything-became-televisionyoutube.com/watch?v=QaiecWzeHFMcsmonitor.com/1985/0610/z2vid1.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  cozyearth.com/DEEP (for up to 40% off)auraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS” to get $35 off)indeed.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, Cal reviews some of his favorite advice from legendary writers (plus a bonus piece of advice from his own craft). Within each suggestion, he finds a general idea that can apply to anyone looking to build a deep life in an increasingly distracted world. He then answers listener questions and responds to comments about last week’s episode. 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: Life Advice from Legendary Writers [0:02] How do you balance managing your energy vs. time? [45:29] How can I recharge without feeling antsy as a working mom? [48:39] Should I eliminate Reddit to gain a more intentional mind? [50:56] What’s the difference for reading based on the Lincoln protocol and for sheer joy? [54:53] Does active podcast listening qualify as a learning endeavor? [57:01] CASE STUDY: A project manager reorganizes his life [1:02:19] CALL: Developing a 5-year plan for work [1:06:54] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Can LLMs be Conscious? [1:09:51] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=CQHK_AlJTQc Thanks to our Sponsors:  calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)shopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There has been a lot of loose talk online recently about the capabilities of existing AI tools. In this episode, Cal reacts to a specific recent clip from the Joe Rogan podcast in which the guest argues that language models are like a child’s brain, and may already be conscious. Cal puts on his (always stylish) computer scientist had to explain why this cannot be true. He then answers listener questions and reacts to feedback on his recent episode about using a notebook to enhance long thinking. 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: ChatGPT is Not Alive [0:04] Are there other forms of dangerous AI other than LLMs? [49:03] What are the immediate concerns of AI? [53:24] Will AI be smart enough to evolve to not destroy itself? [55:47] Does James Somers make a valid argument in his recent New Yorker article that the AI can think? [1:01:49] How can I build career capital if I’m forced to integrate AI into my workflow? [1:04:52] CASE STUDY: A Workplace Productivity System [1:06:31] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Regaining Your Ability to Think (in 60 Minutes a Week) [1:10:48] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=gXbsq5nVmT0youtube.com/watch?v=NnA2OoH_NFY Thanks to our Sponsors: calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”) Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When companies began instituting return-to-office plans after the pandemic, a disproportionate number of women chose instead to leave the workforce. Why? The obvious answer is that they wanted the flexibility of remote work. But in this episode, Cal draws on a recent New York Times op-ed that offers a deeper explanation – one that affects all knowledge workers. He then explores solutions to the problem, answers listener questions, and (God help him) respond to comments on his recent Superintelligence episode. 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 Flexibility Myth [0:02] How should a venture backed startup team design their work schedule? [51:42] How do I stop my boss from e-mailing me at all hours? [57:02] How should a professor on break schedule his deep work? [1:02:35] How can I better schedule my blocks to prepare for technical interviews? [1:09:59] When considering lifestyle-centric planning, what practices may help determine the type of work to pursue? [1:12:16] CASE STUDY: Completing a Thesis [1:19:08] CALL: Details about time blocking [1:25:08] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: The Case Against Superintelligence [1:33:58] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/2025/11/02/opinion/women-work-force-flexibility-shifts.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=y0RI5CnoDvs Thanks to our Sponsors:  This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We often talk on this show about how digital devices undermine our ability to consume more complicated and meaningful ideas. But what about our ability to produce such ideas from scratch? In this episode, Cal identifies a key productive skill –  long thinking – that we’re increasingly losing. He argues that it’s critical for living a deep life and provides a simple strategy to help regain the skill. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in October 2025. 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 Lost Art of Long Thinking [0:02] How does Cal organize his notebooks for his books and New Yorker articles? [42:40] How can an 18 year old student get better at reading? [45:42] How can I restart my creative writing if I don’t want to use a computer? [47:56] Is it important to write reflections on the books I read? [56:57] How often should I take reflection walks with single purpose notebooks? [59:00]CASE STUDY: Trying to live a Deep Life [1:00:47]CALL: Adventure Work [1:09:00]OCTOBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2025 [1:11:57] The Gift of the Jews (Thomas Cahill)Lin-Manuel Miranda (Daniel Pollack-Pelzner)Inspired (Rachel Held Evans)The Future of Tutoring (Liz Cohen)Society of the Spectacle (Guy Debord) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?calnewport.com/solutions-beyond-the-screen-the-adventure-work-method-for-producing-creative-insights/youtube.com/watch?v=bEusrD8g-dMcalnewport.com/the-notebook-method-how-pen-and-paper-can-transform-you-into-an-star-student/ Thanks to our Sponsors: indeed.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep for up to 40% offwayfair.comgrammarly.com/podcast Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Techno-philosopher Eliezer Yudkowsky recently went on Ezra Klein's podcast to argue that if we continue on our path toward superintelligent AI, these machines will destroy humanity. In this episode, Cal responds to Yudkowsky’s argument point by point, concluding with a more general claim that these general styles of discussions suffer from what he calls “the philosopher’s fallacy,” and are distracting us from real problems with AI that are actually afflicting us right now. He then answers listener questions about AI, responds to listener comments from an earlier AI episode, and ends by discussing Alpha schools, which claim to use AI to 2x the speed of education.  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 Case Against Superintelligence [0.01] How should students think about “AI Literacy”? [1:06:35] Did AI blackmail an engineer to not turn it off? [1:09:06] Can I use AI to mask my laziness? [1:12:31] COMMENTS: Cal reads LM comments [1:16:58] CALL: Clarification on Lincoln Protocol [1:21:36] CAL REACTS: Are AI-Powered Schools the Future? [1:24:46] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=2Nn0-kAE5c0alpha.school/the-program/astralcodexten.com/i/166959786/part-three-how-alpha-works-part Thanks to our Sponsors:  byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)expressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you escape a world where constant digital distractions and darkness threatens to pull you down? Maybe take a page out of Abraham Lincoln’s life. In this episode, Cal argues that Lincoln faced analog versions of many of the same issues we face in our contemporary digital world, and by studying how he escaped we can learn a method to accomplish something similar. He then answers listener questions on this theme and revisits the comments from a 2008 essay where he first introduced some of these 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 Deep Dive: The Lincoln Protocol [0:30] When do you read long-form articles amongst your book reading? [41:39] Will reading improve my focus? [44:03] What are the mechanics of keeping a deep reading habit alive? [48:17] At what point does it make sense to prioritize autonomy and alignment over prestige and security? [54:48] How do you suggest spending the time playing with the toddler, while also balancing reasonable stimuli without a phone? [1:00:01] CASE STUDY: A military spouse goes back to work after motherhood [1:03:47] CALL: Cal’s thoughts on Apple Watches [1:07:35] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: What people thought about digital distraction in 2008 [1:12:06] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deepmiro.comcalderalab.com/deep1password.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media? OpenAI has been making waves recently with their release of their Sora 2 video generation model, which they have launched alongside a TikTok-style social media sharing app. The internet is usually pretty excited about AI innovations, but this one has people unsettled. In today’s episode, Cal looks at one implication of Sora 2 in particular that is both important but currently overcooked: the impact of AI content generation on the existing social media giants. He then answers listener questions on AI and social media and reacts to a new Sam Altman tweet that signals bad news for OpenAI. 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: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media? [0:02] Will Sora 2 kill creativity? [46:12] Am I doing myself a disservice by using AI tools to help me code? [51:36] Is Substack better than social media? [55:55] What are your thoughts on a “family smartphone”? [1:06:35] What should I do when others disregard the structures that are meant to reduce the digital back and forth? [1:07:53] CASE STUDY: A Digital Declutter [1:15:38] CALL: Children with dumb phones or smartphones [1:19:49] CAL REACTS: Sam Altman Proposes AI Erotica  [1:27:46] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?SORA: the all Ai TikTok Clone. will slop end creativity?youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0oQ0v0W10newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giantsyoutube.com/watch?v=I1dW-nZqhewx.com/sama/status/1978129344598827128 Thanks to our Sponsors: This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s hard to cultivate a deep life when you cannot go more than a few minutes without checking your phone. In this episode, Cal looks closer at the precise neural mechanisms at play that make the physical act of looking at your phone irresistible. Then armed with this knowledge, he explains why many popular remedies fail, and which specific responses are most likely to succeed. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five old-fashioned analog books (!) that he read last month. 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: This is your brain on phones [0:02] My 11 year-old is bullied for not having a smartphone. What should I do? [47:00] How can I overcome my irrational urge to show off on social media? [55:39] How is video game addiction different than phone addiction? [59:12] Can I become addicted to messaging? [1:03:23] Is it ok to use newspaper apps on my phone? [1:06:42] CASE STUDY: A 5th grader drops her Apple Watch [1:13:51] CALL: An aspiring photographer and Instagram [1:18:11] SEPTEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal in September 2025 [1:22:51] The Ice Limit (Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston)The Burnout Society (Byung-Chul Han)Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom (Cory Doctorow)As a Jew (Sarah Hurwitz)The Searcher (Tana French) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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:  rag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.com/podcastmybodytutor.comindeed.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2023, I published an episode about resetting your life that became one of my most popular. In the years since, multiple major podcasters and YouTubers have done their own videos on the same theme. In today’s episode, I extract the best ideas from five such recent videos to create an all-star reset strategy. I connect this to my work on technology and its impacts, by noting that taking control of your life can be the most important first step toward taking control of your devices. 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 Internet’s Best Advice for Reinventing Your Life (0:02) How do I extract ideas for living deeply from books? [55:44] How do I avoid being overwhelmed by everything required to seriously change my life? [58:31] How do I visualize my ideal lifestyle in a fast-changing world? [1:02:42] I just quit my teaching job due to burn-out. How do I find what to do next? [1:09:28] CASE STUDY: Crafting a deep life [1:13:21] CALL: How to revise expectations with young kids [1:18:45] CAL REACTS: The Great Lock-In of 2025 [1:28:11] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=mSaI8Rluel8youtu.be/wXcEtxlrPMAyoutu.be/PvvS-0mqD4cyoutube.com/watch?v=2ZXJZnAxHHIyoutube.com/watch?v=0G7Wu4DnDawcalnewport.com/the-great-lock-in-of-2025/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  cozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algorithm? How does it work? To what extent can it be controlled? In today’s episode, Cal looks deeper at these questions and arrives at a broader philosophical point about the role these services, in general, should play in our civic culture. He then answers listener questions on the same topic and reacts to the three recent news articles about TikTok’s influence on our culture. 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: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm [0:03] Should I quit social media, even if I don’t live on the slope of terribleness? [44:44] Is it bad to use TikTok to keep up with the news? [49:41] How does quantum computing relate to AI? [53:48] CASE STUDY: Trying to become a great composer [1:02:29] CALL: Tips for dealing with growing kids [1:08:58] CAL REACTS: Three Articles about TikTok (and Three Sighs of Exasperation) [1:18:04] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/tiktok-surfing-challenge-manslaughter-b2832760.htmlyahoo.com/news/world/article/why-people-on-tiktok-think-the-rapture-is-coming-and-that-the-world-is-ending-this-week-202334215.htmlbbc.com/news/articles/c4gj5lqq52loyoutube.com/watch?v=z7Df9yGofLoyoutube.com/shorts/xWIVA0ZJm-w Thanks to our Sponsors: monarchmoney.com (Use code “DEEP”)reclaim.ai/calwayfair.commakeheadway.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Dr. Brian Keating, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UCSD, and one of the most prolific popularizers of science around (you may have seen him recently chatting about cosmology with Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman). They talk about Keating’s new book, HOW TO FOCUS LIKE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, as well as many other topics, including a deep look at Keating’s unusual path to academia, and a deconstruction of what’s needed to succeed at the highest levels of academia. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating) [3:20] Links:https://www.amazon.com/Into-Impossible-Laureates-Collaboration-Imagination/dp/1544523491 Sponsors:https://www.donedaily.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We seem to be stuck in a purgatory when it comes to the worst of the social media platforms. We know they’re not great, but it’s hard to muster enough motivation to bother to leave. In today’s episode, motivated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Cal puts on his technology critic hat and offers a step-by-step technical explanation for why these platforms are strictly and incessantly making your life worse and why the only reasonable response is to quit them. He then answers listener questions on the topic and reacts to some recent news about the US Congress getting involved. 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: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media? [0:40] How do I find everything I should be blocking on my kid’s phone? [38:59] Is it okay that I make YouTube Videos? [43:39] Shouldn’t we focus on using social media better? [49:13] CASE STUDY: A musician and social media [58:00] CAL REACTS: US House panel asks internet CEOs to testify after Charlie Kirk assassination [1:10:42] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-asks-online-forum-ceos-testify-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-2025-09-17/youtube.com/watch?v=gjVm0K_ETX8 Thanks to our Sponsors: calderalab.com/deepmiro.comgrammarly.com/podcast1password.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recent study called into question a core assumption about the generative AI revolution: that these tools, at the very least, will make us more productive. In this episode, Cal dives deep into the study and argues that when it comes to efforts that require deep work, AI can sometimes make things worse. He then answers listener questions and then takes a closer look at an article claiming that the lack of Wi-Fi in a West Virginia school is making their students dumber.  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: Deep Work in the Age of AI [0:38] Can ChatGPT chats act as single purpose notebooks for projects? [26:16] When should I apply active recall? [29:34] Do you have insights into AI’s environmental impact? [31:16] What would you do if you left academia? [38:40] CASE STUDY: Using strategies to develop a Deep Life [43:04] CAL REACTS: Does lack of Wi-Fi make students dumber? [53:09W] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2025/08/the-school-without-wifi.htmleducationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/report_WV_5401140_pocahontas-county-schools.pdf Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionscozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IQ scores had been steadily rising since WWII. But, more recently, this phenomenon has stopped.  Since 2010, we’ve actually been getting dumber. In this episode, Cal gets into the common theories for why this is true before offering his own take, which leads to some practical takeaways to help you thrive in an increasingly stupider world. He then answers listener questions and talks about something he read recently. 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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [0:41] How can a west coast executive schedule deep work despite constant meetings with east coast colleagues? [37:14] Is it bad that I fill all of my quiet moments with media? [41:04] How can I focus on personal projects? [46:24] How should  a software engineer transition to consulting? [53:05] How should a former lawyer update her systems now that she’s a professor? [56:43] CASE STUDY: A songwriter works deep and slow [1:06:43] CALL: Getting out of the weeds [1:14:04] WHAT I’M READING: Who is still against school cell phone bans? [1:23:28] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289623000156youtube.com/watch?v=u4jW8MOxIKYrebeccaschiffman.com/beachvacationrebeccaschiffman.bandcamp.comnytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/school-cell-phone-ban-nyc.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  expressvpn.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionsindeed.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by bestselling author and podcaster, Tim Ferriss. Tim rocketed to prominence with his 2007 book, “The Four Hour WorkWeek” which basically redefined a generation’s relationship with work, meaning, and the possibilities for building an interesting life. More recently, Tim created a card game! It’s called Coyote. And he created it with one of the top designers in the business, the same company that created Exploding Kittens. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss) [3:16] Links:https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote Sponsorshttps://www.reclaim.ai/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 22-year-old made a splash recently when he published a Wall Street Journal op-ed claiming that work-life balance makes you mediocre. He went on to brag about how sleeping less than 4 hours a night and gaining 80 pounds helped him become a millionaire. In this episode, Cal wades into the furious debate this article sparked. He argues that once you look past the author’s dorm bro bravado, the kid does actually ask a good question. It’s just that his answers are lacking. Cal then tackles listener questions and reviews the books he read in August. 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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [1:06] Is it possible to stay focused when having to check my phone for text messages? [42:20] When did you switch back to your teaching schedule to your summer schedule? [44:05] How has your deep life evolved since Episode 1? [49:22] How can I stop obsessively checking my work email? [53:47] Can you summarize how values and strategic planning documents, birthday projects and lifestyle centric planning combine? [58:14] CASE STUDY: Organizing household admin [1:01:44] CALL: How to tame Trello cards [1:06:39] AUGUST BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in August 2025 [1:13:26]  Boundless Realm (Foxx Note)Collisions (Alec Nevala-Lee)Before the Birds Sang Words (Ken Bruce)Desperation Reef (T Jefferson Parker)Shift (Hugh Howey) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1XHMlX1J0 Thanks to our Sponsors:  ridge.com (use code “Cal”)drinklmnt.com/deepshopify.com/deepcalderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recent years, it’s been hard not to react to the possibilities of generative AI without a mixture of euphoria or dread. But after OpenAI’s lackluster GPT-5 launch, a new, almost heretical-seeming question has emerged: what if progress on AI is stalled well short of the wild predictions we were promised? In today’s episode, Cal draws from reporting on his recent New Yorker article to go deep into this question. What is going on with AI? How did we get here? What does it mean for our personal quest to live deeper lives? He then answers listener questions and ends by discussing his recent brush with literary acclaim. 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: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This? [1:00] Will AI leave me unemployed in 10 years? [1:06:26] How should I structure the next 10 years as a recently retired college professor? [1:13:58] I just moved. How should I arrange my book collection? [1:15:36] CALL: Overhead tax [1:17:47] CAL REACTS: Ed Sheehan and the Booker Prize [1:27:55] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slowGet 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/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-thisyoutube.com/watch?v=zju51INmW7Uyoutube.com/watch?v=Dtdue31z-X8youtube.com/watch?v=0SXCIfFK5r8youtube.com/shorts/dYZmGHOLNRUyoutube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8youtube.com/watch?v=qhnJDDX2hhUyoutube.com/watch?v=qbIk7-JPB2c&t=3syoutube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8youtube.com/shorts/JCImeOUVTJE Thanks to our Sponsors:  grammarly.com/podcastcozyearth.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshipstation.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this replay of one of the more popular episodes from the Deep Questions archives, originally aired in August ,2023, Cal explores some of his early strategies for cultivating a deeper 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 Today’s Deep Question: How can I reinvent my life in 4 months? [1:30] How can I ease into Cal's more advanced time management strategies? [36:58] Can unstructured work be a part of the deep life? [40:33] How can I stop changing my mind about what I want to do with my life? [44:41] Can I pursue the deep life if I need a job? [52:24] How do you pursue the deep life with depression? [56:49] Cover Reveal for Slow Productivity [1:05:27] Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by Better Help. https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions https://www.mybodytutor.com https://www.miro.com https://www.shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do we end up entangled with tools that don’t have our best interests in mind? How can we fix this situation? In this episode, Cal dives deep into the difference between additive and extractive technologies, telling a story that weaves old technology with old versions of modern tools, testimony from recent trials to ideas from leading technology critics – all in the service of improving your relationship with tools. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in July, 2025. 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 Deep Dive: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back) [:54]- Do project trackers work? [34:54]- Is there a downside scenario to engineering wonder? [39:14]- What types of people should I surround myself with? [43:00]- Can you explain your different audiences? [45:02] CALL: Shifting from medical work to a PhD [50:41]JULY BOOKS: The 5 Books that Cal Read in July, 2025 [57:33] L.A. Story (Bill Plunkett)Disney’s Land (Richard Snow)Ingenious (Richard Munson)Original Sin (Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson)Wool (Hugh Howey) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://substack.com/@priscillaharvey1/note/c-133662492https://www.yahoo.com/news/zuckerberg-tells-court-facebook-no-171222971.htmlhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/mark-zuckerberg-is-so-over-facebook-friends?srsltid=AfmBOoo4dysXG_2rXWDJaKnSdG6CfbCqf0O_8op_R1phpz5GQPx2F4XAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jar4KgKxshttps://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ai-fC-2Bpohttps://www.emarketer.com/content/openai-hires-its-first-cmo-kate-rouch-foreshadowing-adshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfUpEWAKPf8&t=2350s Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.expressvpn.com/deephttps://www.oracle.com/deepquestionshttps://www.indeed.com/deephttps://www.calderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Cal recently returned home from his time spent up in New England he set up a whole new set of daily metrics to track in the fall to keep him pointed toward the deep life. And they failed. Hard. In this episode, Cal dissects why metrics matter, why they’re easy to mess up (including the mistakes he made), and how to use them correctly (including how he corrected his own setup). He then answers listener questions and discusses a recent AI article that got him all hot and bothered. 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: Metrics 101 [2:10] How should I navigate the “grey area” when deciding to make a career change? [24:45] Do you have a framework for young people to develop deep critical thinking? [27:36] What should a father of 4 kids do for his next career move? [32:34] Can skills from a high-pressure call center carry over to a career in cybersecurity? [35:36] Should I have anticipated that my job was going to end? [38:36] CALL: Returning back to work after a summer break [43:14] CASE STUDY: Pursuing a hobby while combating digital doldrums [46:47] WHAT I’M (NOT) READING: Vibe Reporting on AI [55:52] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  vanta.com/deepquestionssmalls.com/deepshopify.com/deep1password.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for segment music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Walt Disney’s malaise in the 1940s have to do with our current struggles with our screens? In this episode, Cal uses a little-known story from Disney’s midlife to identify an effective strategy for escaping the nerve-deadening, dull state created by spending more and more of your professional and personal life on screens. He then answers listener questions (with an unusual level of spiciness), tries to calm himself with a reprise of the SLOW PRODUCTIVITY CORNER theme music, and concludes with a discussion of a recent essay he wrote about how no one really knows anything about AI. 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: [1:47] How should I pursue two different goals after leaving my software engineering career? [21:10] Should I leave my business analyst job and buy a retail business? [24:32] I’ve tried writing for editors (and publications) before with no success. Any suggestions on how to break through? [30:08] How do I convince my company that AI assistance is not the answer? [35:27] Is inspiration perishable like Naval Ravikant says? [38:11] CALL: Inbox anxiety [43:15] CASE STUDY: A public school teacher with a blog [51:27] WHAT I’M WRITING: No One Knows Anything About AI [59:13] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?amusingplanet.com/2019/01/walt-disneys-backyard-railway-carolwood.htmlyoutu.be/KyfUysrNaco?si=uE6tJkPuFhdnbla2&t=2490calnewport.com/no-one-knows-anything-about-ai/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deepcozyearth.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshipstation.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we think about unhealthy phone usage, we think about the flashing apps, like TikTok and Instagram, in which billions of dollars have been spent to grab our attention. In this episode, Cal points to an unassuming culprit that may be just as responsible: simple messaging apps. He explores research that connects the social stress of pending messages to phone addiction, and explores ways to free yourself from constant messaging without having to isolate yourself socially. He then answers listener questions and discusses what he’s been reading. 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 Texting Dilemma [5:35] How can I structure my mornings with my sales job if I don’t have two hours for deep work? [31:44] How should I handle mandatory overtime at my aerospace job? [33:18] How can I handle too many open loops with my shutdown ritual? [35:54] How can I better organize communication with my university students? [40:38] Should I take on extra-curricular roles during my first year of my PhD? [44:00] CALL: Household chore task list [48:01] CASE STUDY: 30-day declutter [51:45] WHAT TO READ: An author quits social media [59:45] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563214007626journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/691462pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9671478/carolinecrampton.com/im-done-with-social-media/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  calderalab.com/deepmiro.comshopify.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you worried that you’re using your phone too much? An app blocker might make sense. But how do they work, and which one is right for you? In this episode, Cal goes deep into the motivation, technology, and ultimate end game of this distraction fighting technology. He then answers listener questions and discusses some intriguing comments he’s been seeing about limits to AI’s ability to code. 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: Do You Need an App Blocker? [4:35] - How do I succeed with task management? [29:07]- How can I put boundaries on my administrative work for my university job? [33:58]- How should I manage X if I only use it on my desktop? [39:31]- How should I read through my weekly collection of newsletters? [41:11]- What do you think about Polyphasic sleep to prepare for deep work? [44:22] CASE STUDY: A ticketing system in action [45:21] WHAT TO READ: On the Limits of “Vibe Coding” [50:58] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencefocus.com/science/youre-not-actually-addicted-to-your-smartphonenytimes.com/2020/01/20/style/quit-smartphone.htmlsupport.apple.com/guide/iphone/get-started-with-screen-time-iphbfa595995/iosyoutu.be/OuizzRCALCU?si=FqHzEEFdq7k4ao13x.com/AglaiaCodes/status/1942636133248061590x.com/GaryMarcus/status/1942478390323552588/photo/1 Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deepindeed.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trying to stick to complicated time management systems without any breaks can eventually lead to burn out. But if you stop organizational efforts altogether, your life can become a stressful mess. In this episode, Cal taps the wisdom of an elite running coach to devise what he calls one-page productivity: a minimum time management system, meant to be run for limited periods to help you recharge, but that also maintains just enough organization that you can avoid disaster. He argues such maintenance modes should be an important part of any time management practice. Cal then answers listener questions and concludes by reviewing the books he read in June 2025. 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: One-Page Productivity [1:52] How do you approach decisions when you’re torn between two reasonable options? [18:17] How can I navigate teaching with phone addicted teenagers? [22:06] Have you considered using LLM’s to assist in your writing? [28:03] How many “thinking” walks do you take each week? [32:31] Do you have any recommendations for learning new material outside of the structured framework of a course? [35:00] CASE STUDY: A son explains his parents lifestyle engineering [37:21] CALL: Setting up workflows as a manager [41:09] JUNE BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in June, 2025 [52:05] The Magic of Code (Samuel Arbesman) In the Swarm (Byung-Chul Han) The Fear Index (Robert Harriss) The Explore’s Gene (Alex Hutchinson) Skywalking (Dale Pollock) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/athletic/6453809/2025/06/27/bruce-bochy-walking-exercise-creativity/ Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)oracle.com/deepquestionsvanta.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A blockbuster new study out of MIT takes a closer look at the impact of writing with the help of AI. In today’s episode, Cal breaks down this paper with the help of author Brad Stulberg (who made waves online recently with his reaction to its findings), picking apart the role of AI in deep work activities. Cal then answers listeners questions, and presents a twist on his typical final segment in which he now describes what he is not reading this week, which provides him a thinly-concealed excuse to rant about AI coverage. 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: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt? [2:15] Can AI be creative? [44:35] What’s the smallest change I can make to address my disorganization? [48:31] How do I find time for personal projects? [53:12] How should I choose my next internship? [1:06:08] How did you develop your goal-setting philosophy? [1:11:46] CALL: Inbox Zero and Notion [1:14:50] CASE STUDY: A Thoreau Schedule [1:24:01] WHAT I’M (NOT) READ: AI CEO’s hot takes on work [1:32:49] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?fortune.com/2025/06/20/openai-ceo-sam-altman-ai-phds-entry-level-corporate-job-cuts-what-is-left-gen-z-college-gradautes/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  shipstation.com/deepsmalls.com (Use code “DEEP”)notion.com/calharrys.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in 2023, Cal gave a detailed deep dive that described the three phases of scientific understanding of smartphones, social media, and kids. In today’s episode, Cal argues that we’ve entered a fourth phase; one that will finally lead to (perhaps rapid) cultural changes about what we think is appropriate when it comes to these tools and kids. He then answers listener questions and describes a recent book he enjoyed in his new WHAT TO READ segment. 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 Smartphones Haven’t Defeated Us. Yet. [2:27] Should I temporarily rent a separate space to write my first book? [23:09] What should I do when waiting for AI while coding? [25:29] How should 11 years old boys get organized? [29:31] How can I develop my “soft skills” for my career? [33:54] How can my husband find his ideal career path? [38:48] CASE STUDY: A new dad incorporating lifestyle-centric career planning [43:25] CALL: Hand written notes [47:08] WHAT TO READ: The Explorer’s Gene [55:27] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/2025/06/18/opinion/parents-smartphones-tiktok-facebook.htmlpapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5256747tonyneufeld.blog Thanks to our Sponsors:  cozyearth.com/deepmackweldon.com (Promo code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)calderalab.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few philosophers in recent memory have enjoyed as much attention as Byung-Chul Han. His mix of profundity and pithiness in tackling some of the big issues of the modern technical environment has made him “the internet’s new favorite philosopher” (to quote The New Yorker). But is he saying that is making such an impact? In this episode, Cal seeks to find out. He reports back on five of the biggest ideas he encountered reading Han’s 2017 book, IN THE SWARM. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a WHAT TO READ segment where he tackles a pair of competing articles on AI’s abilities. 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: What Worries the Internet’s Favorite Philosopher? [3:50] - What’s Cal’s writing schedule when traveling? [29:26]- How do I adapt to new job duties after making partner? [31:44]- Should I do memory training? [33:22]- Can you explain how creativity and productivity are related? [36:16]- How do Cal’s responsibilities fit into his lifestyle-centric plan? [39:33] CASE STUDY: A retiree adopts Cal’s principles [43:07] CALL: Adventure work [46:13] WHAT TO READ: Two Dueling Takes on AI’s Abilities [54:35] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/10/billion-dollar-ai-puzzle-break-downscientificamerican.com/article/inside-the-secret-meeting-where-mathematicians-struggled-to-outsmart-ai/arxiv.org/pdf/2504.01995arxiv.org/pdf/2503.21934 Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Chris Guillebeau, the author of the new book, TIME ANXIETY, and creator of the beloved Art of Non-Conformity blog and World Domination Summit annual conferences. Cal and Chris reminisce about their old days as early advice bloggers and dive into his new ideas about re-thinking our relationship with time.  Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: The Art of Non-Conformity (w/ Chris Guillebeau) [03:50] Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slow Sponsors:https://www.donedaily.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The data shows knowledge workers really are more exhausted and more prone to burnout than ever before. But why? In this episode, Cal draws inspiration from an unlikely source to help unpack this troubling trend and then suggest a perhaps radical solution. He then answers listeners’ questions and discusses his latest New Yorker article on the challenges of taming AI. As a bonus, he briefly discusses Cal Network’s new bestselling book. 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: How Much Should We Work? [3:33] - What’s your advice on having a career backup plan? [28:27]- Do you know of any executive coaches who teach your principles? [30:33]- Is my retirement plan too ambitious? [35:13]- Are accountability support tools acceptable to use in order to build discipline? [38:43]- How can I identify if I have an inventory of "rare and valuable skills"? [41:21] CASE STUDY: Crafting a storytelling profession [43:14] CALL: Creating a life dashboard [46:14] TECH CORNER: Why Can’t We Tame AI? (Cal’s latest New Yorker article) [52:08] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/open-questions/what-isaac-asimov-reveals-about-living-with-ai Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionsindeed.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A common complaint about social media skepticism is that we’re falling into a classic moral panic. We’ve been concerned about many past mass media technologies, and ultimately came to realize that they’re not so bad. So why would we expect anything different about social media? In this episode, Cal tackles this complaint, drawing on an unexpected analogy to find clarity. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in May, but not before first confronting a truly bizarre (or, perhaps, brilliant) piece of art work created by a fan of the show. 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: Quit Social Media [6:18] - How can I become a better, more analytical thinker?  [23:04] - How can I stay motivated, productive, and balanced while working mostly alone during my first remote internship? [28:56]- How much time should I dedicate to developing secondary skills? [30:10]- How does TikTok seem to know so much about me? [32:09]- What are the best workflow strategies when using AI agents? [43:45] CASE STUDY: A simple, analog approach to productivity [49:31] CALL: Too focused on metrics [53:15] MAY BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in May 2025 [1:03:19] May Books: Building: A Carpenter’s Notes on Life & the Art of Good Work (Mark Ellison) Thoreau’s Axe (Caleb Smith) 9 Innings (Daniel Okrent) Let Them (Mel Robbins) Against the Machine (Paul Kingsnorth) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?amazon.com/Four-Days-Week-Life-Changing-Well-Being/dp/0063382431/rcalnewport.com/on-ultra-processed-content/podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cal-newport-5-28-19/id814550071?i=1000647135862rehearsal.so/blog/how_to_stay_in_flow_while_using_cursor_or_windsurf Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepharrys.com/deepcalderalab.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A few years ago, in a spirit of post-pandemic experimentation, multiple countries ran formal trials to test a radical idea: shortening the workweek. In this episode, Cal returns to the results of these trials to identify an astounding finding that has critical implications about how we work in the 21st century and how this could be made much better. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a tech corner that addresses a simple question: when will AI begin to automate most of my work? 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 Workload Fairytale [3:39] - How would you rewrite A World Without Email to account for Slack? [18:16]- How should I manage multiple deadlines? [22:14]- How does Values-Based Lifestyle Centric Career Planning relate to Rutger Bregman's concept of Moral Ambition? [27:28]- How can I avoid burnout and use my career capital to find a less demanding job? [34:24]- Should I do my weekly plan on Sunday night to avoid the scaries? [40:32] CASE STUDY: A lawyer argues in front of the New York Court of Appeals [42:57] CALL: What exactly is considered task switching? [47:15] TECH CORNER: When will AI automate my job? [56:04] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?bbc.com/news/business-57724779theguardian.com/money/2023/feb/21/four-day-week-uk-trial-success-patterndw.com/en/german-firms-tested-4-day-workweek-heres-the-outcome/a-70685885calnewport.com/ai-and-work-some-predictions/ Thanks to our Sponsors: udacity.com/deeplandroverusa.comcalderalab.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer is here. It’s time to slow down. In this episode, Cal discusses his radically simplified summer schedule and then suggests you similarly inject some “seasonality” into your life, offering tips for finding a slower gear without tanking your job. He then answers listener questions and reacts to the most important AI article that you likely missed last week.  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: Summer Schedules [5:25] - How should I structure my summer vacation with a significant injury? [27:40]- How do I learn the secrets to publication if the faculty doesn’t know I exist? [32:10]- Should I even attempt long-term content or is it too hard? [33:31]- How can I develop a deliberate practice for crafting narratives for technical documents? [44:33]- Is there an alternative to formal education to improve quantitative skills? [45:13] CASE STUDY: A father balances his different roles [47:40] CALL #1: Finding a side hustle [51:16] CALL #2: College student wondering the tips to focus better [56:02] CAL REACTS: Is the AI boom slowing? [1:07:01] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-is-delaying-the-rollout-of-its-flagship-ai-model-f4b105f7 Thanks to our Sponsors: grammarly.com/podcastvanta.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deepcozyearth.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we think about important accomplishments, we think about grinding through long hours of work. But is this really necessary? In this episode, Cal turns to the lives of two famous authors to argue that sometimes a slow and steady approach can work just as well in the end, while making the journey more sustainable along the way. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a Tech Corner segment about a ridiculous new claim from the world 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: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo   Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia   Deep Dive: It’s Okay to Slow Down [2:28] - How should I tell people my email responses will be delayed without using an autoresponder? [18:07] - Should I read for quantity or quality? [20:31] - How does “one email address” per project work and how do I implement it? [24:51] - Can you comment on Conan O’Brien’s burner phone? [30:42] - Am I working hard enough to get tenure? [38:00]   CASE STUDY: Email processing protocol [44:25] CALL #1: Organizing creative work [49:19] CALL #2: Fan update about Inbox Zero [53:37] TECH CORNER: A.I. Welfare is a PR Stunt [58:36]   Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://thestory.au/articles/daily-routines-famous-writers/ https://youtu.be/cM8HlKoJCHA?si=N-UjnFu-4q-mTJEB https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/technology/ai-welfare-anthropic-claude.html   Thanks to our Sponsors:   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self! https://www.mybodytutor.com https://www.oracle.com/deepquestions https://www.expressvpn.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Cowen recently wrote an article arguing that spending lots of time online is in fact a good thing. In this episode, Cal looks deeper at Cowen’s argument and finds some surprising common ground. The internet can be a major source of good in your life, he argues, but only if you use it in the right way. He then answers listener questions and reviews the books he read in April. 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: Making the Internet Good Again [5:06] What are good activities for “deep breaks”? [28:38] How can I approach parenting without resenting the sacrifices to deep work? [31:36] How does the deep life compare to David Epstein’s book, “Range”? [38:06] What is the difference between a “winner-take-all” field of work and “auction” field of work? [41:12] Does “following your passion” have any connection to “lifestyle centric planning”? [47:39] CASE STUDY: Implementing the concept of “Eat The Frog” [52:48] CALL: Introducing seasonality and the meetings being the work [55:07] APRIL BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in April, 2025 [1:06:08] I, Robot (Isaac Asimov)After Disney (Neil O’brien)The Baseball Book of Why (John McCollister)The Technology Republic (Alexander Karp and Nicholas Zamiska)Everything is Tuberculosis (John Green) Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?thefp.com/p/the-case-for-living-online Thanks to our Sponsors: shopify.com/deepauraframes.com [Use promo code “DEEPQUESTIONS”]indeed.com/deepharrys.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The white whale of modern productivity discourse is achieving an empty email inbox; a goal state that’s often referred to simply as “inbox zero.” In this episode, Cal looks at why the original advice for achieving inbox zero failed and explores a strategy that might work better. He then answers listener questions and in a final segment reacts to a recent guest on the Tim Ferriss podcast who provides an interesting case study of the deep life in action. 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: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Is Inbox Zero Possible? [2:45] How can I perform beyond the bare minimum on “Survival Days”? [29:40] How can I remain sane with a job that changes schedules every week? [34:55] How are computer systems rewarded in AI? [37:08] How can I stop my boss from interrupting me with constant chatter? [41:34] CALL: Identifying the next action [44:02] CALL: Finding true depth during the final years of college [51:33] CAL REACTS: Craig Mod’s walks through Japan [1:01:18] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=z9UjeTMb3Yk Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/deepauraframes.com [Promo Code “DEEPQUESTIONS”]kinsta.com/deepquestionsudacity.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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]- When is the best time to schedule Deep Work? [31:12]- How can a gardener gain career capital? [32:43]- How can one go from good performance to exceptional performance? [36:21]- Is it better to write with a single monitor? [38:33] 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:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?blog.samaltman.com/productivityai-2027.comdaveshap.substack.com/p/common-bad-takes-in-ai-safety-a-response Thanks to our Sponsors: shopify.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by David Dewane, the architect responsible for the “eudaimonia machine” featured in DEEP WORK. In this wide-ranging conversation, Cal and David talk about the challenges of finding depth in a distracted world, and the results of David’s personal experimentation in creating a deep life of his own.  Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Architecting a Deep Life (w/ David Dewane) [04:06] Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slow https://donedaily.com/  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 our Sponsors:   grammarly.com/podcast cozyearth.com/deep oracle.com/deepquestions expressvpn.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phones have been receiving a lot of criticism recently, but what if these concerns are missing the mark? In this episode, Cal introduces the difference between primary and secondary phone harms, and argues how our obsession with the former hides the importance of the latter. He then answers reader questions and reviews the books he read in March 2025.   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 Forgotten Phone Harms [3:32]   - What do you do when your writing doesn’t quite feel right? [24:32] - How should I prioritize responding to different types of communication? [33:29] - Should personal and work tasks be split into different Trello boards? [39:10] - What is the difference between a two-status board and a reverse task list? [41:47]   CASE STUDY: A student adopts the Tao of Cal [45:17]   CALL: Structuring weekly templates [49:00]   MARCH BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in March 2025 [57:24]   - Believe (Ross Douhut) - How to Winter (Kari Leibowitz) - Letter and the Scroll (Jonathan Sacks) - I and Thou (Martin Buber) - Coming into the Country (John McPhee)   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:   This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self. shopify.com/deep indeed.com/deep mybodytutor.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In last week’s episode, Cal discussed data that indicate that the rise of the smartphones is making humans measurably dumber. Here he discusses aggressive strategies for resisting this reality. He then answers listener questions and ends with a 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: Getting Smarter in a Dumb World [3:47]   - With remote work dwindling, should I change careers to achieve my ideal lifestyle? [31:14] - Should a 24-year-old ditch his college degree to pursue another field? [36:25] - How should merit be rewarded in a revenue-constrained environment? [40:40] - How can one find and engage with these more niche online communities? [44:34] - How can partners support each other in building a deep life? [46:48]   CASE STUDY: Using lifestyle planning to turn down a promotion [48:53]   TECH CORNER:  How do AI’s “reason”? [57:53]   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:   zocdoc.com/deep kinsta.com/deepquestions udacity.com/deep [Use code DEEP] notion.com/cal   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? on.ft.com/3DIItJK     Thanks to our Sponsors:   factormeals.com/deep50off landroverusa.com expressvpn.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Modern knowledge work jobs should be cushy gigs. Fixed hours, air conditioning, no hard manual labor, flexibility. So why are we so often burnt out and what can we do about this reality? In this episode, Cal draws a lesson from an unexpected corner of computer science, computer security research, about how we can fix some of the big problems of work in a digital age. He then answers listener questions and returns once again to the topic of AI in a final 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: You Are Not a Cog [11:00]   - Should I break my large tasks into many small ones? [38:18] - How will AI affect living the deep life? [42:47] - How can I say “no” to more incoming requests? [48:14] - Should an architect take on broader roles that don’t necessarily add to career capital? [52:03] - Can a nurse implement time blocking? [54:33] - Can a Kansan system work across all departments without being overly complex? [58:11] - CALL: Organizing the details of a Trello board [1:03:19]   CASE STUDY: Lifestyle centric value based planning for a young family [1:07:58]   TECH CORNER: AGI is not Super-intelligence [1:15:35]   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? medium.com/@tony.infisical/password-requirements-are-still-confusing-in-2023-also-heres-our-flavor-44ce03a3255c youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJMxh68RGI   Thanks to our Sponsors:   This episode is sponsored by to you BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions mybodytutor.com upliftdesk.com/deep 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:   cozyearth.com/deep byloftie.com (Code: DEEP20) oracle.com/deepquestions indeed.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) - How Dante Can Save Your Life (Rod Dreher) - Buzz Saw (Jesse Dougherty) - The Siren’s Call (Chris Hayes)   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:   landroverusa.com shopify.com/deep thrivemarket.com/deep vanta.com/deepquestions   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:   expressvpn.com/deep zocdoc.com/deep oracle.com/deepquestions 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. shopify.com/deep upliftdesk.com/deep mybodytutor.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:   cozyearth.com/deep byloftie.com (Code: DEEP20) indeed.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:   thrivemarket.com/deep shopify.com/deep landroverusa.com vanta.com/deepquestions   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:   zocdoc.com/deep oracle.com/deepquestions notion.com/cal indeed.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recent article for The Atlantic, Derek Thompson writes about the troubling trends toward increased solitude. In this episode, Cal looks at the role technology plays in these trends, pointing out some surprising factors and then using these insights to come up with a practical plan for reconnecting with the world. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a tech corner segment inspired by yet another New Yorker column.   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 Screens and Solitude [3:09]   - How can I study at night after my doctor work? [26:49] - Can you comment on Leopold Aschenbrenner’s Situational Awareness essay? [36:45] - How do I successfully pursue my non-work values? [51:33] - How can I become a better writer? [1:00:56] - Can someone break into the top 0.1% of their respective field without periods of unsustainable and obsessive work? [1:02:44] - CALL: Managing active projects [1:08:42]   CASE STUDY: A follow-up from Episode 323 [1:13:02]   CAL REACTS: An Offline Person Tries TikTok for the First Time [1:19:34]   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? axios.com/2024/06/23/leopold-aschenbrenner-ai-future-silicon-valley theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/ newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/what-happened-when-an-extremely-offline-person-tried-tiktok   Thanks to our Sponsors:   upliftdesk.com/deep landrover.com/usa expressvpn.com/deep 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? x.com/jockowillink 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) mybodytutor.com 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 imdb.com/title/tt29378386/   Thanks to our Sponsors:   landroverusa.com rhone.com/cal shopify.com/deep drinklmnt.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia 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]TECH CORNER: Is Social Media Like Dying Malls? (A Debate) [1:07:46] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?honest-broker.com/p/are-social-media-platforms-the-next Thanks to our Sponsors: landroverusa.comzbiotics.com/deepeightsleep.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 - Who are Cal’s “must read” writers? [6:03]- Does Cal think he can get better at writing? [13:37]- When does Cal find time for academic papers? [24:09]- How do you get unstuck? [26:44]- How should students pick a college? [34:04]- What is Cal’s shutdown ritual? [43:00]- Does Cal think about retirement? [48:00]- CAL REACTS: Elon and Twitter [54:30]- Is cal still using his ReMarkable? [1:03:17]- What’s Cal’s post-mortem on his latest book? [1:08:10] FINAL SEGMENT: Checking in on Cal’s New Year Plan [1:26:10] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/see-how-elon-musks-online-audience-dwarfs-donald-trumps/?itid=hp_world-biz-tech_p006_f008 Thanks to our Sponsors: notion.com/caldrinklmnt.com/deepblinkist.com/deepzbiotics.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Michael Easter to talk about the importance of embracing discomfort in the quest to cultivate a deep life. Drawing from Michael’s two books, THE COMFORT CRISIS and SCARCITY BRAIN, as well as Michael’s personal journey from an unhappy office worker with an alcohol problem to a full-time writer who enjoys daily hikes in the desert, Cal and Michael get into the weeds of our human wiring and what it feels like to build an intentional life. Video from today’s episode: https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Bestselling author Michael Easter [5:56] Links: https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most important but often overlooked elements of cultivating a deep life is the role of money. In this episode, Cal takes a contrarian look at this topic, arguing that the monetary cost of your vision is not actually the most important metric. He then answers listener questions and reacts to an article that many people sent him this past week. 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: Money and the Deep Life [3:17] - How can I tame my wandering mind when reading? [23:34] - How should I schedule time blocks as a real estate agent? [27:21] - How can I improve my quarterly planning? [32:33] - How can I balance intense motivation with finding inner peace? [38:29]  - How can a jobseeker demonstrate actual productivity? [45:37] - CALL: Trying to do more with a newborn [53:34] CASE STUDY: A 39-year-old juggling school and work [1:00:18] CAL REACTS: ‘Brain Rot’ [1:12:51] 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? corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/ youtu.be/mHU_K1o3B-4?si=Tsk1GEgzrhlCiaGw   Thanks to our Sponsors: mintmobile.com/deep shopify.com/deep expressvpn.com/deep policygenius.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Australia recently passed a world-first law banning social media use for kids under the age of 16. In this episode, Cal looks carefully at the arguments in favor and against this new law before detailing his thoughts. He then connects this specific argument to all of our larger battles to tame technology’s impact in our lives. This is followed by listener questions and a review of the books Cal read in November. 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: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers [2:08] - How do I find friends now that I don’t use social media? [37:13] - Is continuous hard activity desirable? [42:47] - How does Cal research his books and articles? [46:49] CASE STUDY: A Phone Addict Seeks a Fresh Start [51:08]  - How does the idea of the idea of the deep life “Longer Short Way” connect to Slow Productivity? [1:02:07] FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in November, 2024 [1:10:34] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? cnn.com/2024/11/28/australia/australia-passes-social-media-law-intl-hnk/index.html apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-children-ban-safeguarding-harm-accounts-d0cde2603bdbc7167801da1d00ecd056 Thanks to our Sponsors mybodytutor.com cozyearth.com/deep drinklmnt.com/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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We cover a lot of advice on this podcast, covering a lot of different topics. In today’s episode, Cal takes on the challenge of summarizing every big idea he promotes in less than five minutes. He then provides some theoretical connective tissue to explain how they all connect. This is followed by reader questions and a rant about “productivity.”    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 Tao of Cal [2:53]    - Why is time blocking more demanding than using a weekly template? [25:04]  - Is moving to the country a bad idea? [29:54]  - How can I consolidate my email accounts without being stressed out? [34:47]  - What’s the best approach to read for general knowledge? [36:20]  - How do I apply Slow Productivity without losing career capital? [43:12]  - CALL: Should I adjust my deep life lifestyle? [45:58]    CASE STUDY: Cultivating the deep work muscle [56:38]     CAL REACTS (e.g., Rants): “Productivity” Tracking Software [1:05:58]    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? reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1gwg7rk/employee_monitoring_software_has_gone_off_the/?rdt=41693   Thanks to our Sponsors:    This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a video trending on the internet at the moment arguing that its audience (presumably, young men) should disappear from the world to focus on going “beast mode” on their goals. Cal takes a closer look at this video and argues that it points toward a much larger issue – a mismatch between the modern digital environment and our human brains – that affects all of us. He then answers listener questions and calls and concludes with a tech corner segment.    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: Analog Mode [2:39]    - How do I go about restructuring my life after a shake-up? [29:50]  - Should I take breaks from my AirPods? [36:03]  - How can I adopt the discipline ladder to “multi-scale” planning? [38:54]  - How do I regain a sense of time in a period of isolation and challenge? [43:41]  - Should I quit some of my side projects? [48:50]  - CALL: How should I time block on sabbatical? [55:27]    CASE STUDY:  Building Studio Z [1:03:18]    TECH CORNER: Section 230 and Poison Pills [1:15:10]    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? youtube.com/watch?v=p5a7whN1k64 promarket.org/2020/12/13/liberals-conservatives-wrong-section-230-reform-repeal/   Thanks to our Sponsors:    eightsleep.com/deepzbiotics.com/deep blinkist.com/deep drinklmnt.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost everyone feels uneasy about their relationships with their smartphones. But the question is why? In today’s episode, Cal looks past the most common answers to seek a deeper understanding built on an unexpected source: the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. He then answers listener questions and ends the show with another edition of the tech corner segment.    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: Would Kant Use TikTok? [6:13]    - Do “distraction free” apps work? [30:36]  - How can I finish what I start? [34:24]  - Is context shifting slowing down my work as a teacher? [37:42]  - How should I organize my official podcast duties with my traditional teaching requirements? [43:08]  - Is “slow living” and “slow productivity" the same thing? [49:00]  - CALL: Deep work blocks in the afternoon [55:58]    CASE STUDY:  Re-designing a life with a new job [1:00:07]    TECH CORNER: How do recommendation algorithms work? [1:11:00]      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?  youtu.be/SeZ1YOgbz18?si=kuCksvy_dGoOfx8Q    Thanks to our Sponsors:    shopify.com/deep  drinklmnt.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep  mintmoblie.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the election season our devices take a particularly hard tole on our health and happiness. Now that the votes have been cast and counted, Cal proposes it’s time to take a temporary but radical break from the exhausting digital chatter. He then answers questions from his listeners and discusses Martha Stewart and the problems of “aesthetic productivity.” 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: Time to Unplug [2:49] - How do I organize all the information in my life? [39:04] - How can I do a side hustle if it’s against company policy? [42:23] - What is “Humanist Productivity”? [48:46] - Should I use a flip phone in college? [57:05] - How can I work at a natural place in a software company? [1:01:27] - CALL: Oliver Burkeman and imperfectionism [1:08:32] CASE STUDY: Managing with slow productivity [1:13:16]  CAL REACTS: Martha Stewart’s Productivity Tips [1:21:36] 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? calnewport.com/after-you-vote-unplug/ today.com/shop/martha-stewart-shares-her-favorite-tips-staying-organized-t171345 Thanks to our Sponsors:  mybodytutor.com cozyearth.com/deep notion.com/cal rhone.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A common theme on this show is the importance of focus and the need to train the ability. This can be a long term project, but are there things you can do right away to improve your ability to concentrate? In this episode, Cal explores five easy ideas that will immediately improve your focus ability. He then answers listener questions and reviews the books he read in October 2024.    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: Simple Focus Protocols [2:09]    - Can I time-block my personal time if it’s more busy than work? [25:57]  - How do I prioritize when I have so much I want to do? [29:46]  - How can I do deep work to increase my job skills if my days are filled with meetings? [34:50]  - What are your all-time favorite books? [39:25]  - How can I apply the principles of Slow Productivity as a business owner with multiple projects? [44:41]  - CALL: Eyeglasses as a proxy for meaningful effort [49:39]    FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2024 [59:01]    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:    This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions  grammarly.com/podcast  zocdoc.com/deep 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses organizational strategies custom-fit to these types of obligations. He then answers listener questions and checks in on a hidden trend in the world of technology.    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: Taming Non-Work Tasks [4:48]    - How do you manage unexpected projects in your time management system? [26:57]  - How can I implement lifestyle-centric planning if my life has been directed by other people? [29:36]  - How do you figure out what your rare and valuable skill is? [33:57]  - Should I return to social media to promote my new book? [37:30]  - How can I do fewer things if I’m expected to bill 40 client hours every week? [46:23]  - CALL: Hiring an administrative assistant [50:08]    CASE STUDY: A software developer’s “pull” system [57:35]    TECH CORNER: The Quiet Revolution [1:08:34]    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/photo-booth/the-frightening-familiarity-of-late-nineties-office-photos  youtube.com/watch?v=-lRkCbhABvo   Thanks to our Sponsors:    blinkist.com/deep notion.com/cal zbiotics.com/cal drinklmnt.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most common complaints from people attempting to cultivate a deep life in our distracted world is procrastination. You want to make regular progress on something important but find you just can’t get going. In this episode, Cal discusses a less well understood cause of some procrastination and offers unconventional advice for facing it. He also answers listener questions and reacts to an article about a famous author’s unexpected regret.    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: Strategic Procrastination [4:46]    - Should I change my job? [20:28]  - Should I automate my busy work? [24:20]  - How can I speed up my reading? [27:01]  - Should I quit my job to get my PhD? [31:41]  - My team of 3 has 37 open projects. How do we avoid burnout? [43:29]  - CALL: An engineering student’s commute [50:52]    CASE STUDY: Doing a master’s later in life [59:50]    CAL REACTS: Anne Patchett’s Biggest Regret [1:09:40]    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/2024/10/15/opinion/ann-patchett-regret-email.html   Thanks to our Sponsors:    drinklmnt.com/deep shopify.com/deep policygenius.com/deepquestions mintmobile.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Oliver Burkeman to the Deep Work HQ to talk about his new book, MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS, and more generally the tension between wanting to get your act together and becoming unhealthily obsessed with productivity. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: New York Times best seller Oliver Burkeman [3:40] Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you struggle to consistently make progress on hard things that are important to you? In today’s episode, Cal describes a way to improve this state of affairs: a systematic training regime called the discipline ladder. He then answers listener questions about their own struggles with discipline and reacts to an article claiming that professors are lazy (gasp!).    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 Discipline Ladder [4:29]    - How can I overcome procrastination? [24:42]  - How can I make my daily metrics more personal? [27:16]  - How can I get my discipline back on track after a negative event? [32:47]  - How can I be more disciplined to find time for my part-time project? [39:50]  - How can my organization adopt slow productivity principles? [43:49]  - CALL: Process centered emails [50:41]    CASE STUDY: Leveraging Career Capital [58:02]    CAL REACTS: Are Professor’s Lazy? [1:07:19]    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? city-journal.org/article/professor-mia newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/what-kind-of-writer-is-chatgpt   Thanks to our Sponsors:    mybodytutor.com expressvpn.com/deep rhone.com/cal cozyearth.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has become second nature to maintain a continuous partial participation in the world of digital networks. In today’s episode, Cal reflects on a week in which he spent too much time online, and argues why this continuous partial participation is dehumanizing, and what you can do to escape. He then takes questions and calls from listeners and reviews the five books he read in September.    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: How Your Phone Is Changing You [1:43]    - How do I teach my bosses to be deeper? [28:34]  - How can I focus as a doctor when I have to keep switching from one patient to the next?” [35:46]  - How do I overcome notebook overwhelm? [39:13]  - Can “creativity” be added to the deep life buckets? [40:47]  - How do I overcome the guilt of no longer being pseudo-productive? [44:51]  - CALL: The Pomodoro Technique and overcoming distraction [49:33]    CASE STUDY: A 39-year-old changes careers [54:21]    FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in September 2024 [1:02:50]    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:    This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep shopify.com/deep zbiotics.com/cal  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the single most important factors in your attempts to cultivate a deep life is your job. Yet, many people don’t give much thought to the role their work will play in their conception of a life well-lived. In this episode, Cal looks deeper at this topic. He starts by outlining four common traps people fall into when thinking about their work and happiness, then offers an alternative model that works better. He continues by answering listener questions about jobs and happiness, and ends with a look at Robert Caro’s writing shack. 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: Jobs and the Deep Life [3:43] - How can I tame my 12-hour work days? [26:25]- Should I worry about having too many daily metrics? [29:49]- How can I create an inspiring deep work environment if I work out of my car? [33:24]- How can I remain accessible to my kid's daycare without being constantly distracted? [35:36] - How can I use the principles of slow productivity for my MBA studies? [39:58]- CALL: Applying Cal’s principles as a new parent [45:49] CASE STUDY: Focused work for a PhD program [51:37]  CAL REACTS: Robert Caro’s Budget Writing Shack [1:01:18] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?tumblr.austinkleon.com/post/761805215728009216/in-the-shack-with-robert-caro-he-bought-the-prefab Thanks to our Sponsors:  notion.com/calmintmobile.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionslandroverusa.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a new semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal interviews bestselling author Ryan Holiday about the systematic construction of an intentional life. They begin by talking about lessons from Ryan’s new book. RIGHT THING, RIGHT NOW, then go deep on Ryan’s own journey from a college drop-out working in a Hollywood talent agency to becoming a fully independent and massively successful writer and media personality. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Mega-bestselling writer Ryan Holiday [3:33] Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why can you never seem to find enough time to make progress on the non-urgent but important priorities that can move you closer to the ideal of the deep life? In this episode, Cal reviews three common “time destroyers,” and for each offers solutions to fight back. He then takes questions and calls from his listeners and ends with a discussion of Amazon and the bureaucracy mailbox.  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: Reclaim Your Time [3:43]   - Is Agile compatible with slow productivity? [34:20] - How can I better structure my days as a master’s student with a job? [36:37] - How often and in what medium should I check my calendar? [42:43] - On days when I have no time, does reading for 20 minutes actually do anything? [46:52] - Will slow productivity make me less ambitious? [52:16] - CALL: Different types of Deep Work [58:04]  CASE STUDY:  A teacher’s shutdown ritual [1:03:55]  CAL REACTS: A Bureaucracy Mailbox [1:10:24]  Links:  Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/ceo-andy-jassy-latest-update-on-amazon-return-to-office-manager-team-ratio Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deepgreenlight.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the more viral suggestions from Cal’s recent book, SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, was to occasionally skip out of work to see a movie. In this episode, Cal dives deep into criticisms of this advice and decodes what this tells us about where knowledge work is faltering and how we can make things better. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to some productivity advice given from a well-known CEO.    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:  [7:47]    - Can I work deeply in my chaotic job? [27:17]  - Can I use my inbox as a task list? [31:36]  - How do you look at travel within your plans for a deep life? [35:12]  - How can I get my partner to stop talking about work? [41:14]  - How do I practice slow productivity with health issues? [44:54]  - CALL: How can I decide on what career path to pursue? [49:14]    CASE STUDY: Switching careers after a 20 year law stint [56:11]    CAL REACTS: The CEO Who Swears by Time Blocking [1:05:04]    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? cnbc.com/2024/05/09/want-to-boost-your-productivity-hit-the-movies-during-work-expert-says.html cnbc.com/amp/2024/09/09/whole-foods-ceo-swears-by-time-blocking-to-boost-productivity.html   Thanks to our Sponsors:    mybodytutor.com blinkist.com/deep cozyearth.com/deep rhone.com/cal   Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Becoming notably good at something valuable is one of the most powerful tools for crafting a deep life. But how do people do this? In this episode, Cal explores three useful rules for getting good in search of depth. He then answers listener questions and reacts to a remarkable collection of advice from almost seven decades ago.  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 10-Year Rule [2:29]  - Why can’t I succeed with Cal’s time management system? [32:03] - Can RSS feeds make “fast content” slow? [39:06] - Can persuading people be considered deep work? [45:05] - How can I guide my teenage son towards a deep life? [47:05] - How do I find time to launch my new business? [49:53] - CALL: Testing a book idea without social media [55:04]   CASE STUDY: A professional athlete utilizing career capital [1:06:10]   CAL REACTS: C.S. Lewis’s Advice for Writers [1:15:32]   Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/ryan-holiday-stoic-king-bastrop-painted-porch/youtube.com/watch?v=hB3tBI-KNLktwitter.com/InfiniteB88ks/status/1824108211081019821 Thanks to our Sponsors:  shopify.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepfactor.com/deep50 Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fall is the perfect time to tune up your productivity and organizational systems. With this in mind, in this episode, Cal discusses a tool he has long used in his own life but never discussed before in public: the weekly template. He then answers questions on the theme of personal productivity from listeners and reviews the books he read in August.  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: Weekly Templates [3:29] - How does Cal schedule his evening writing sessions? [26:08] - How can I leverage my current career capital to become an entrepreneur? [30:30] - How do I find time for non-urgent but interesting deep work? [35:59] - Is afternoon deep work possible? [39:16] - Can I use slow productivity to help prepare for a job interview? [45:49] - CALL: How do I not be reactionary during my busy season? [51:42] CASE STUDY: Using Cal’s toolkit while working in the Peace Corps [56:52] FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in August 2024 [1:06:05] 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:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep notion.com/cal ladderlife.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Cal talks about the surprising myth of doing less. Cal then answers questions about discipline and solving complicated problems. Cal concludes the episode with a review of the books he read back in April 2022. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Surprising Math of Doing Less [3:33]- How do I improve my discipline?  [20:01]- How do you break down a complicated problem? [31:04] - CALL: Has Cal read “Stolen Focus”? [34:07]The Books I Read in April 2022 [40:28]LISTENER CALL: Playbook for writing in The New Yorker [1:05:30]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?Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepindeed.com/deepshopify.com/deepfactormeals.com/deep50Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode Cal talks about the elements of the Deep Life. He then answers a variety of questions about work, family, and phone distractions.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 Elements of the Deep Life [2:31]  - How should I get started in a new remote work job? [17:39] - How I time block a purely reactive job? [22:49] - Should I bother capturing tasks that are fast to complete? [26:20] - How do I tame multiple concurrent projects? [29:53] - How do I schedule optional deep work in an exhausting job? [32:51] - How much time is left for family after goals and deep work? [39:56] - Is there such a thing as deep fun? [42:44] - I am addicted to my phone. What do I do? [44:48] - How do I make a big life decision when I have lots of options? [50:35]  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:   cozyearth.com/cal mintmobile.com/deep policygenius.com/deepquestions blinkist.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Summer is the perfect time to ready yourself for significant changes in your life. A chance to seek more depth in a distracted world. But for many, the goal for these changes is unclear. They know they want something deeper, but they don’t know what exactly that is. In this episode, Cal describes a method called structured journaling that can help you clarify your vision for what you seek. He then answers readers’ questions and ends with a final segment in which reacts to a provocative claim by Jon M. Chu, the director of the new WICKED film adaptation.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Structured journaling [6:10]- What does Cal think of goal planning systems? [30:32]- How can college students cultivate a deep life? [32:44]- Can I live a deep life as a lawyer? [40:19]- How does Cal keep track of the books he wants to read? [46:19]- I finish all my work in a single day. Is this unethical? [49:15]- How do I cultivate a deep life in a busy career? [53:11]- CALL: Should I leave a perfect job? [56:54]CASE STUDY: Career capital theory in action [1:02:38]FINAL SEGMENT: Jon M. Chu on Creativity and Hard Work [1:10:05]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? nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02540-0 nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02381-x Thanks to our Sponsors: grammarly.com/podcast mybodytutor.com rhone.com/cal 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s mid-summer, people have some extra breathing room in their schedule, they’re relaxed. This moment of quiet seems like a perfect time to revisit some of this show’s most popular ideas about finding productivity in a world drowning in digital distractions. In this episode, Cal reviews his five most effective productivity related ideas. He then answers reader questions and reviews the seven books he read in July 2024.   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 Basics [2:55] - How closely should I schedule my leisure activities? [46:32] - How do I time block a day that lasts longer than 11 hours? [51:57] - Can I save mental energy at work to be more alive outside of work? [58:59] - How do I actually motivate myself to execute the work I planned? [1:04:38] - Am I obsessing over the right things for promotion? [1:10:16] - CALL: Dealing with AI driven calendars [1:16:29] FINAL SEGMENT: The 7 Books Cal Read in July 2024 [1:26:11]   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?   Thanks to our Sponsors:   This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep expressvpn.com/deep drinklmnt.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our current digital world, distracting world events have a way of completely destabilizing our ability to focus on work that matters. In today’s episode, Cal provides advice for escaping these destabilizing attention environments and regaining some sense of mental peace and depth. He then answers questions, takes a call, and reports on some fun sightings of his book Deep Work out in the wild.    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: Finding focus in distracting times [7:06]    - How can I convince my boss to stop interrupting me? [34:05]  - Should I switch jobs? [41:13]  - How do I integrate unpredictable calls into an otherwise structured schedule? [43:38]  - What’s the ideal reading ratio of difficult to easy books? [47:25]  - I just turned 30. Am I too late to apply the slow productivity principles? [50:32]    CASE STUDY: Using lifestyle-centered career planning to improve work and pursue a hobby [57:07]    CALL: Switching roles to an unstructured team [1:02:06]    CAL REACTS: Two Wild Deep Work Sightings [1:11:45]    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/interactive/2024/books/authors-top-books-21st-century.html    Thanks to our Sponsors:    oracle.com/deepquestions  indeed.com/deep  notion.com/cal  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discipline is critical to cultivating a deep life, but what exactly does this concept mean? In this episode, Cal uses a concrete case study from Reddit to dive deeper into the nuances of discipline and to then identify concrete, practical advice for improving your ability to take disciplined action. He then answers listener questions and asks for Jesse’s judgment on a battle of the writing sheds.    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:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia    Deep Dive:  Rethinking Discipline [5:44]    - Should I work harder at finding a job? [36:13]  - How can I measure the Discipline layer of the Deep Life Stack? [39:38]  - How do I stay off my phone in times of stress? [44:34]  - How can I regain the control over my phone that I once had in college? [48:44]  - Does Cal only write on a laptop to avoid distractions? [51:54]  - How can a new knowledge worker apply the slow productivity principles when starting a new job? [58:13]    CASE STUDY: Shifting jobs between teaching and administration [1:04:10]    FINAL SEGMENT: Battle of the Sheds [1:12:01]    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?  reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/15sjr2h/lpt_request_how_to_stop_favoring_short_term/  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958859/  sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121448.htm  english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-07-06/cal-newport-the-man-who-never-procrastinates.html      Thanks to our Sponsors:    mintmobile.com/deep  rhone.com/cal  greenlight.com/deep  blinkist.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this show, we often talk about major overhauls to your work and life. In this episode, we go the other way and focus on the small habits that can make a big difference. In more detail, Cal describes eight surprisingly small strategies – four focused on work and four focused on life outside of work – for finding more depth in a distracted world. He then answers listener questions and reacts to a recent article about pushback to calls to limiting social media 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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Habits [2:46]- Can I keep my weekly plan in my workingmemory.txt file? [31:13]- Do you experience any pleasure during deep work? [33:39]- How many deep work sessions should I do each working week? [38:23]- How can I prioritize my goals in my personal life? [40:58]- Does the suggestion to “limit daily goals” conflict with time blocking? [44:09] CASE STUDY: Building my career around a desired lifestyle [45:53]CAL REACTS: Countering Pushback to Limiting Social Media for Kids [54:26] 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? washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/27/social-media-warning-label-surgeon-general-counterarguments/ english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-07-06/cal-newport-the-man-who-never-procrastinates.html  Thanks to our Sponsors:  grammarly.com/podcast cozyearth.com/cal mybodytutor.com drinklmnt.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the trickiest aspects of new technology is that it can sometimes destabilize parts of our lives that we didn’t even realize existed and are important. In this episode, Cal talks about one such idea: the quiet mind. Our constant phone usage is eliminating this critical cognitive state, and by doing so is diminishing our humanity. Cal makes the case for the importance of the quiet mind, and then gives concrete ideas for cultivating it in a distracted world. He also answers questions from listeners and reviews the five books he read in June. 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 Power of the Quiet Mind [3:58] - What are the benefits of walking meditation? [29:13] - How can a new dad find time to advance his career? [34:16] - How do I manage a temporary increase in admin responsibilities? [38:48] - How can my son organize his sports and school schedule? [43:31] - How can I do less when my colleagues are getting ahead for doing more? [45:54] - CALL: Pre-scheduling with a pull system [51:14]   CASE STUDY: Collaborating with colleagues to effectively do hard work [57:54] FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in June 2024 [1:08:05] 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: indeed.com/deep notion.com/cal shopify.com/deep expressvpn.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are we comfortable with the idea that ultra-processed foods are bad for us but feel somehow anti-technology to say something similar about the ultra-processed content generated by social media platforms. In this episode, Cal draws analogy to the food system to find a more sustainable and practical way to repair our relationship with various forms of media. He then answers questions and calls, shares an inspiring case study, and, due to popular request, gives his opinion on Jonathan Haidt’s new book, THE ANXIOUS GENERATION. 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 Deep Dive:  Ultra-Processed Content [2:11] - How would Cal update his college books to deal with the modern day technology distractions? [28:38] - How can I introduce more balance into my highly focused life? [34:56] - Is it ok to play Candy Crush while listening to podcasts? [42:23] - How do I find time for deep thinking in a distracted life? [45:26] - How can I work deeper in a shallow pond? [49:48] - CALL: Using extended periods of time to plan [57:36]  CASE STUDY: Making a career change with a safety net [1:00:29] CAL REACTS: The Anxious Generation [1:10:20] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/  Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://calnewport.com/on-ultra-processed-content/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionshttps://www.zocdoc.com/deephttps://www.drinklmnt.com/deephttps://www.ladder.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the simmering concerns surrounding the current AI revolution is the fear that we might accidentally create an “alien mind” smarter than we expected. In this episode, Cal puts on his Computer Scientist hat and directly addresses this potential by sketching his emerging concept of intentional artificial intelligence (or, iAI for short). He then answers tech-themed questions from listeners and reacts to an article that many, many different people sent to him last week. 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:  Defusing AI Panic [5:23] - Will A.I. agents spread misinformation on a large scale? [46:31] - Is lack of good measurement and evaluation for A.I. systems a major problem? [51:16]   - Is the development of A.I. the biggest thing to happen in technology since the internet? [56:50] - How do I balance a 30 day declutter with my overall technology use? [1:00:40] - How do I convince my team that prioritizing quality over quantity will help them get promotions? [1:07:46] - CALL: Distributed trust models and social media [1:13:12]    CASE STUDY: Using Deep Work and Slow Productivity to engineer a better work situation [1:22:55] CAL REACTS: Employees fired for using “mouse jigglers” [1:32:03] 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?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51  axios.com/2024/06/18/wells-fargo-mouse-jiggler-fired-employee-productivity nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.html arxiv.org/pdf/2303.12712  Thanks to our Sponsors:  moshlife.com/deep shopify.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast rhone.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oliver Burkeman recently noted that time blocking seems oppressive? In this episode, Cal responds to this reaction in a surprising way. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to this podcast being featured at the recent Apple WWDC event.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive:  Is Time Blocking Oppressive? [2:38]- Can Cal elaborate on his experience with his Acceptance and Commitment therapy? [26:46]- How can I sustain my deep life program? [35:03]- How can I stop my girlfriend from always checking her phone? [38:07]- How long are your time blocks in your planner? [43:07]- How do I obsess over quality with filling into procrastination? [47:07]- CALL: Getting back on track after travel [55:10] CASE STUDY: Adopting principles from Cal’s book to design my life [1:00:11]CAL REACTS: Deep Questions featured at Apple’s WWDC! [1:10:32] 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?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 shows.acast.com/farewell/episodes/045-the-reason-you-cant-ever-get-through-your-to-do-list-wit developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2024/102/  Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deep cozyearth.com/cal mintmobile.com/deep policygenius.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recent interview, held to promote his new Netflix movie, Jerry Seinfeld went on a remarkable 10-minute run in which he rattled off one insight after another about deep work, procrastination, and the quest to live an intentional life in a distracted world. In this episode, Cal extracts four key lessons from this segment of Jerry’s interview. He then takes listener questions and ends with a segment in which he apologizes to an internet personality whom he incorrectly associated with the dreaded “hustle culture.”Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive:  Seinfeld on The Deep Life [4:31]- Do I need to practice outside of work to improve my craft? [30:26]- Can I tackle learning goals sequentially? [38:44]- How do I get through “grinding” at work? [43:10]- How can I build my craft to grow my YouTube channel? [49:56]- Can Cal talk about being an assistant professor with young kids? [54:49] CASE STUDY: Using lifestyle-centric career planning to upgrade my job and life [1:00:09]CAL REACTS: James Scholz studies twelve hours a day [1:05:19]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/ youtube.com/watch?v=TXAvkqXD-Fcyoutube.com/c/jamesscholz Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepblinkist.com/deepmybodytutor.comshopify.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The desire to cultivate a more intentional and remarkable existence – what we call “the deep life” – is universal. In today’s episode, Cal talks about one of the most common traps in this pursuit: hoping that the achievement of a singular grand goal will make all parts of your life better. Cal discusses the problems with the grand goal approach and argues why the more systematic lifestyle-centric mindset will not only produce better results, but end up leading to remarkable opportunities anyway. He then takes questions and calls from readers and reviews the five books he read in May.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: How to create a deep life [9:55]- Is it too late to start living deep at the age of 27? [31:29]- Is it possible to cultivate a deep life at a job that requires full attention? [36:05]- How come there are different Deep Life Stacks? [38:57]- How do I cultivate a deep life with small children? [46:40]- Do I need to “limit my missions” if I have a standard day job? [54:40]- CALL: Keeping focus after having children [58:28]CASE STUDY: Finding books to help cultivate a deep life [1:12:18]FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in May 2024 [1:22:47]Science and Human Values (J. Bronowski)The Hot Zone (Richard Preston)Extinction (Douglas Preston)When the Shooting Stops…the Cutting Begins (Ralph Rosenbaum and Robert Karen)The Great Partnership (Jonathan Sacks)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/   Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep expressvpn.com/deep notion.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk a lot on this show about how to organize and execute your work, but not enough about where to do it. In this episode, Cal explores the theory and practice of “adventure working,” in which you escape to novel and inspiring locations to tackle your most demanding and interesting cognitive efforts. He then answers reader questions about habits and rituals, before ending with a critical look at a famous football club’s distressing embrace of pseudo-productivity.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Re-Enchanting Work [5:39]- What are Cal’s health habits? [31:12]- What’s the difference between discipline and rituals? [34:08]- How does Cal read so much? [37:37]- What are Cal’s writing-related rituals? [40:44]- Should I go slow in my job hunting? [45:05]- CALL: Working at a natural pace as a teacher [49:47]- CALL:  How to navigate the “pull system” [54:31]CASE STUDY: Organizing files in a household [1:00:57]CAL REACTS: Manchester’s United’s Pseudo-Productivity [1:11:13] 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/ calnewport.com/adventure-studying-an-unconventional-new-approach-to-exam-preperation/ calnewport.com/bonus-post-an-adventure-studying-case-study/ instagram.com/p/B1y5dV3HSC9/?igshid=1r2acwbmfztew apcc.org/pond-stories-mary-olivers-blackwater-pond-provincetown/ scottishfield.co.uk/scotland-travel/the-black-heart-of-scots-crime-writer-ian-rankin/ calnewport.com/the-power-of-the-outdoor-office/ calnewport.com/deep-habits-my-office-in-the-woods/ theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/08/sir-jim-ratcliffe-manchester-united-remote-work-ban-email-traffic theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/hybrid-work-attention-productivity/677598/  Thanks to our Sponsors:  shopify.com/deep blinkist.com/deep listening.com/deep drinklmnt.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the proverbial tables are turned, with Cal being interviewed by Jordan Harbinger about time, focus, and the quest for a slower notion of productivity. (This interview originally aired as episode 975 Jordan's can’t-miss podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show).Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia- INTERVIEW: Cal being interviewed by Jordan Harbinger [1:54]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/  Thanks to our Sponsors: mintmobile.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcastlandroverusa.com/defenderrhone.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There has been a lot of attention paid recently to the impact of technology like social media on the mental health of young people. But this is not the only technology trap lurking for this generation. In this episode, Cal talks about three subtle but significant ways in which our current technology culture is setting up young people for professional failure in the years ahead. He then provides some advice for resisting this fate. In addition to this discussion, he answers questions from the audience and reacts to one of the coolest examples of slow craft that he’s encountered in a long while.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Burnout Society [7:53]- How can I stop distraction relapses? [35:18]- How can I reduce my social media addiction without abandoning these technologies? [39:37]- How can I schedule deep work with a scattered class schedule? [44:29]- How should I reintroduce video games after a successful digital declutter? [47:14]- How do I apply Slow Productivity later in life? [51:04]- CALL: How to formulate a deep life when you’re young [54:41]   CASE STUDY: Tweaking the time block planner [1:06:44] CAL REACTS: A Slow Reconstruction of an Ancient City [1:11:00]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/  www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEJ4hkpQW8E www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2023-cs-smartphone-research-report_final-for-web.pdf tenochtitlan.thomaskole.nl/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deep cozyearth.com/cal expressvpn.com/deep mybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cal has been writing professionally about issues related to personal productivity for two decades. In today’s episode, he provides a short history of what he’s observed during this period about out constantly shifting relationship with this topic, from the quiet optimism of the 1990s, to the techno-mania of the early 2000s, to the whiplash shift from anti-distraction to anti-work sentiments in the 2010s. He ends with a summary of where we are today and what he currently thinks matters in thinking about getting things done. During the Q&A session, Cal is joined by special guest host Scott Young (whose new book is GET BETTER AT ANYTHING) to help answer your questions. We conclude with a list of the books Cal read in April.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The 20-year history with personal productivity [4:20]- How does Cal organize his files as a technical researcher? [1:04:55]- How slow is too slow? [1:18:48]- Does “Monk Mode” actually work? [1:27:25]- How do I adapt my organizational systems to do more complicated work? [1:36:07]- What are the most underrated habits for living a great life? [1:49:46]CASE STUDY: Unconventional slow productivity [1:55:56]FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in April 2024 [2:04:51]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?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 moehrbetter.com/gtd-advanced-workflow-diagram.htmlBooks Discussed in Deep Dive:7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleHow To Become CEOGetting Things DoneThe Four Hour Work WeekEssentialismHow To Do NothingApril Books:An Empire of Their Own by Neal GablerCo-intelligence by Ethan Mollick Dragons of Eden by Carl SaganThe Perfect Mile by Neal BascombTo Heal a Fractured World by Jonathan SacksThanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionsnotion.com/calzocdoc.com/deepshopify.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We think of information as something neutral; a spotlight that helps illuminate the reality of the outside world. Accordingly, more information is better than less. In this episode, Cal pushes back on this model, arguing that the form in which information arrives can strongly impact the understanding we extract. We must therefore be more intentional about what and how we pay attention. He then answers reader questions and surveys some unusual but entertaining stories about slowness.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Rethinking attention [4:08]- What books should I read to help me develop a deep life? [34:35]- Does writing by hand have benefits for your brain? [38:40]- Should I get a brain scan to prove I have a low IQ? [43:46]- Should I use ChatGPT for book recommendations? [47:39]- How can I avoid wasting your gap year? [49:40]- CALL: Is “Slow Productivity” related to “The Burnout Society” by Buying-Chui Han? [55:32]CASE STUDY: Utilizing the phone foyer method [1:01:58]  FINAL SEGMENT: Slow news [1:10:58]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?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51  slow-watches.com/ penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318747/help-wanted-one-rooster-by-julie-falatko-illustrated-by-andrea-stegmaier/ rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/1108/1415296-why-handwriting-is-good-for-your-brain/  Thanks to our Sponsors:  mintmobile.com/deep mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions notion.com/cal listening.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do you struggle with your grand attempts to escape distraction and aimlessness to make your life deeper? In this episode, Cal draws on an unexpected metaphor – Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, and the Analytical Engine – to help identify the subtle obstacle on your path to increase depth. With this new understanding in hand, he then details a specific gameplan to get around it. Later, he takes questions from the audience and reacts to the new AI Pin, a tool intended to render smartphones obsolete.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Deep Life Hardware [4:09]- Does personal productivity make us anxious? [34:04]- How can I build skills without getting in the way of my existing work? [42:11]- How can I build a deeper life after years of neglect? [46:00]- How is Sam Sulek’s stripped down YouTube channel doing so well? [52:12]- How can I convince my husband that I’m not a time management snob? [1:02:38]- CALL: Obsessing over quality [1:06:04]CASE STUDY: Shifting a mindset to do more deep work [1:11:04] CAL REACTS: Is the Al Pin the End of Smartphones? [1:17:46]Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow  computerhistory.org/babbage/engines/ theverge.com/24126502/humane-ai-pin-review podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversation-with-cal-newport-the-key-to/id1498802610?i=1000652834277  samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/363-knowledge-work  Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  rhone.com/cal shopify.com/deep policygenius.com/deepquestions grammarly.com/podcast tim.blog Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first ever live episode of Deep Questions, recorded at People’s Book in Takoma Park, MD, Cal extracts a modern productivity lesson from the tale of Jane Austen’s frustrated ambitions, before taking questions from the audience. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Jane Austen’s To-Do List [3:22]— Is Cal building his YouTube channel with social media tactics? [27:36]— How can I do less in such a busy world? [31:53]— How do I escape the flow state? [37:01]— How can someone become a star while obsessing over craft? [40:52]— How can I apply Slow Productivity to unrelated projects? [46:40]— How does Cal develop his writing frameworks? [50:20]— How can I apply Slow Productivity principles to a team? [52:48]— How can I avoid the Zoom apocalypse? [57:48]— Is there a conflict between working at a natural pace and obsessing over quality? [1:07:16]— How can a personal trainer build a wellness solution company? [1:09:46]— How can our team not get delayed with technical problems? [1:13:00]— How can a young lawyer manage peer relationships with teams? [1:16:38]          Links:— Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow— Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ — Cal’s Monthly Books directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 Thanks to our Sponsors: blinkist.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepcozyearth.com  (Use promo code “Cal”)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Cal takes a closer look at a growing trend of artists quitting social media and instead reverting to old-fashioned websites. Are these acts of principled sacrifice or a sustainable way to be creative online? Cal argues for the latter, showing how the internet without social media curation algorithms can be a place of rich discovery and audience building. He then takes questions on similar topics and ends by playing a few rounds of “deep or crazy” during the final segment.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: A Quiet Revolt Against Social Media [7:37]- Is my deep living too extreme? [45:06]- LinkedIn is getting toxic. Should I quit that too? [47:39]- Where do online articles fit into the life of a digital minimalist? [51:09]- Did Cal design the specifications for the hardcover copy of “Slow Productivity”? [54:04]- How do I not feel overwhelmed by online content after a Digital Declutter? [58:07]- CALL: Obsessing over quality [1:01:08]CASE STUDY: Applying lessons from “Digital Minimalism” [1:06:37]CAL REACTS: Deep or Crazy? [1:13:54]Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ twitter.com/HumanitiesGU/status/1772436799727472942 youtube.com/watch?v=W3h9gV_z8OM youtube.com/watch?v=tV6BbPTN5PQ youtube.com/watch?v=r0RqucKwIcw Thanks to our Sponsors:  mybodytutor.com shopify.com/deep drinklmnt.com/deep mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the biggest problems afflicting knowledge workers in the digital age is frantic busyness; days filled with emails, chats, and meetings, without much to show for all the effort. In today’s episode, Cal dives into one of the most-discussed ideas from his new book, Slow Productivity, which offers a simple, tactical assault on this state of persistent busyness. He then answers listener questions about similar issues and lists the book he read in March.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  hyoutube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: A Tactical Assault on Busyness [3:47]- How can I stop chasing the “perfect” productivity system? [34:51] - How do I avoid losing my day to distraction? [39:08]  - How do I help my partner escape meeting quickstand? [42:31]- How do we design the perfect client/task/scheduling system? [48:59]- Can Apple Vision Pro help deep work? [54:46]The 5 Books Cal Read in March 2024 [1:06:43] A Short History of England (Simon Jenkins)Into the Impossible (Brian Keating)The Amen Effect (Sharon Brous)Sink the Bismark! (CS Forester)Hidden Potential (Adam Grant)Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/can-an-ai-make-plansThanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepnotion.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine a world in which AI could handle your email inbox on your behalf. No more checking for new messages every five minutes. No more worries that people need you. No more exhausting cognitive context shifts. In this episode, Cal explores how close cutting-edge AI models are to achieving this goal, including using ChatGPT to help him answer some real email. He then dives into his latest article for The New Yorker, which explains the key technical obstacle to fully automated email and how it might be solved. This is followed by reader questions and a look at something interesting.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Can A.I. Empty My Inbox? [4:33]- Should I continue to study programming if AI will eventually replace software jobs? [44:40]- Is it bad to use ChatGPT to assist with your writing? [49:22]- How do I reclaim my workspace for Deep Work? [55:24]- How do I decide what to do on my scheduled mini-breaks at work? [1:00:11]- CALL: Heidegger’s view on technology [1:02:48]- CALL: Seasonality with a partner and kids [1:09:11]CASE STUDY: A Silicon Valley Chief of Staff balancing work and ego [1:20:07]Something Interesting: General Grant’s Slow Productivity [1:30:08]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity”at calnewport.com/slow newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/can-an-ai-make-plansThanks to our Sponsors:  listening.com/deep rhone.com/cal drinklmnt.com/deep shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On his recent book tour, Cal found great success using a small notebook dedicated to developing a single idea. In this episode, he explores this “single-purpose notebook” strategy, identifying when it makes sense and why it works. He also takes listener questions about his new book, “Slow Productivity,” and reacts to a recent article about TikTok’s stumbles.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [5:02]- If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [27:07]- Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [34:59]- Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [39:21]- How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [48:12]- Should I read your new book slowly? [52:44]- CALL: Does Cal ever stress about work? [55:24]CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [1:00:31]SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:08:56]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow bramses.notion.site/bramses/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/ anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/ com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1 newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants Thanks to our Sponsors:  mintmobile.com/deep policygenius.com/deepquestions notion.com/cal cozyearth.com (Use promo code “Cal”) Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the story of the rise of the singing superstar Jewel teach us about escaping busyness in our knowledge work jobs? In this episode, Cal makes the connection, extracting a key lesson about quality as an engine for slowness, and then providing concrete advice and examples for applying this lesson to your own professional life. Also: listener questions and the books Cal read in February.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Doing Better, Do Less [5:00]- Is my job too hard? [38:25]- How do I sell myself better? [42:52] - How do I convince myself to do actual hard work? [45:42]- How do I find time to get better if I'm busy? [48:46]- What is the values plan? [53:23]The 5 books Cal read in February 2024 [1:01:45]The Sabbath (AJ Heschel)Making Movies (Sidney Lumet)Killer of the Flower Moon (David Grann)Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton)The Good Shepherd (CA Forestor)Links:FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: shopify.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepmybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most common strategies for achieving a powerful ideal lifestyle vision is to leverage entrepreneurial activities to find a stable source of income that allows autonomy and flexibility. To help understand how to succeed in such ventures, Cal interviews the entrepreneur and author Noah Kagan about his new book, "The Million Dollar Weekend." Recording on the road as part of his book tour for "Slow Productivity," Cal also shares some lessons about what he's been observing.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Marketing guru Noah Kagan [11:06]Links:Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionsmauinuivenison.com/deepquestionszocdoc.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did we end up tyrannized by our inboxes? How is this related to Tyrannosaurus? What was it like working at a high-tech company at the exact moment email was introduced? In this episode, Cal weaves together all these questions into a story about the unexpected ways technology impacts our lives and what we can do after the fact to make things better.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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Email Catastrophe [3:47]- How do I deal with email overload in a government job? [45:34]- How do I deal with an employer who demands constant responsiveness?[55:36]- How can I concentrate when coding when I need to use my web browser? [58:27]- How do I overcome my fear of missing important emails? [1:02:35]- CALL: Can slow productivity work for an academic? [1:06:38]CAL REACTS: Reader Comments on his NYT Op-Ed [1:17:47]Links: newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/08/the-day-the-dinosaurs-died pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1817407116 newyorker.com/magazine/1994/01/10/e-mail-from-bill-gates blog.rescuetime.com/communication-multitasking-switches/ nytimes.com/2024/02/16/opinion/creative-work-productivity-seasonality.html Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow  Thanks to our Sponsors:  zocdoc.com/deep policygenius.com/deepquestions blinkist.com/deep moshlife.com/deep shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve become so used to our phones in our lives that we’ve stopped realizing how arbitrary and unusual the content we’re watching really has become. In this episode, Cal looks closer at what we’re really spending time doing on our phones, then provides step-by-step instructions for healing this relationship. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Confronting Your Phone [4:30]- What does Cal think about Neil Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves To Death”? [28:35]- Can you pursue high quality leisure after a day filled with deep work? [33:14]- Can commercial breaks be used for high quality leisure? [37:24]- Will digital minimalism work in an age of augmented reality? [40:34]- How can a full time YouTuber practice digital minimalism? [46:53]-CALL: How to share content online? [52:38]CASE STUDY: Cost-benefit analysis of technology usage [1:00:39] CAL REACTS: J. R. R. Tolkien’s Search for Depth [1:06:43]Links:twitter.com/explore/tabs/trendinginstagram.com/explore/tags/popular/?hl=entiktok.com/foryou?lang=ennewcriterion.com/blogs/dispatch/the-consolations-of-fantasyUse this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: ladderlife.com/deepmybodytutor.comrhone.com/calmintmobile.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A deep life requires that you encounter and make sense of a large amount of incoming information, from narrow data relevant to a professional project, to broad insights into your purpose. How do you keep track of all of this? In this episode, Cal proposes a minimalist approach aimed at minimizing the friction required to keep tabs on what matters.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: How to track information that matters [2:55]- How should I make use of non-cognitive time? [27:37]- Can people with ADHD become better at learning? [32:49]- What does Cal think of Gloria Mark’s “4 myths of attention span”? [36:31]- How can I concentrate on my dissertation when I have a full-time job? [47:04]- How can I stop wasting my afternoon time blocks? [53:20]- CALL: How can I better organize my idea notebooks? [1:01:38]CASE STUDY: Avoiding the hyperactive hive mind to work more efficiently [1:05:46]   CAL REACTS: Is it bad to be slow? [1:13:46]Links:dailystoic.com/try-not-to-be-so-slow/gloriamark.com/attention-spanUse this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: grammarly.com/podcastdrinklmnt.com/deepcozyearth.com (promo code “cal”)expressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A key step in cultivating a deep life is reflecting on what matters to you and the best strategies for pursuing it. This, in turn, requires that you engage in the consumption of some manner of self help. It’s here that many people sell themselves short, limiting this intake to short videos and the occasional advice guide. In today’s episode, Cal talks about cultivating a much richer approach to self-help in which you’re able to take in wisdom from a variety of sources of various levels of sophistication.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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Rethinking Self Help [3:21]- How can I prevent hard tasks from derailing my productivity systems? [38:47]- Should I get ahead in my career with a project that I hate? [47:54]- How can I make progress on my novel when my day job drains me? [52:39]- Is there such a thing as too much deep work? [59:32]- CALL: Will short deep work sessions work to write effectively? [1:12:17]CASE STUDY: Reducing stress with slow productivity [1:18:40]  The 5 Books Cal Read in January 2024 [1:30:22]  Links:https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/ FREE Download  for “Slow Productivity”: www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.grammarly.com/podcasthttps://www.drinklmnt.com/deephttps://www.shopify.com/deepThis show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the more interesting realities of people who live remarkable lives is that they are often much less busy than the rest of us. In this episode, Cal explores three ideas that help explain why this is true, then explains how we can use these ideas to reduce our own workloads.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Productivity Paradox [7:31]- How does a weekly plan work? [32:26]- Do errands or reading count toward fixed schedule productivity? [36:55]- How should a graduate embrace slow productivity? [40:11]- If I embrace slow productivity, how can I be sure I’m doing enough? [41:54]- Did Cal follow Slow Productivity in his 20’s? [47:45]- CALL: Uprooting a good planning system? [53:23]CASE STUDY: Playing video games with intention [58:05] CAL REACTS:  How to Have a Productive Year [1:06:34]Links:calnewport.com/if-youre-busy-youre-doing-something-wrong-the-surprisingly-relaxed-lives-of-elite-achievers/newyorker.com/culture/office-space/how-to-have-a-more-productive-yearFREE Download  for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: mauinuivenison.com/deepquestionsblinkist.com/deepmoshlife.com/deeppolicygenius.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Call talks with Ali Abdaal about his journey from doctor to YouTube sensation, and then dives deep into Ali’s new book, “Feel-Good Productivity,” and the possibilities of making accomplishment something enjoyable. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: YouTube Star Ali Abdaal [3:41]Cal Reacts: Dissecting Ali’s YouTube career path [1:32:27]Links:FREE download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slowThanks to our Sponsors: expressvpn.com/deeprhone.com/cal shopify.com/deepnotion.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the correct first step in transforming your life into something deeper? Traditional advice says to start with a clear vision of what you value. Cal has been arguing that it’s instead more important to develop a foundation of discipline. In this episode, he explores a more specific variation of this idea: perhaps the best way to prepare to pursue the big is to first learn how to control the small.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: How to organize your life [2:31]- How do I “stay deep” when facing major changes? [36:37]- How do I relax when I’m always so busy? [39:13]- What is the difference between rituals and routines? [43:09]- Can playing video games be part of a deep life? [51:27]- Can deep life buckets connect to strategic plans? [57:39]- CALL: Juggling multiple priorities to live a deep life [1:01:39]CASE STUDY: Becoming organized to prevent overwhelm [1:07:32]CAL REACTS:  How many books did you read in 2023? [1:13:47]Links:https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/05/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up/FREE download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slowThanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepmintmobile.com/deepcozyearth.com (promo code CAL)mybodytutor.com  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the New Year season it is common to talk about how to be more productive. But what about the downtime between your major pursuits? In this episode, Cal argues for rewiring your brain to crave slow distractions over their faster (often digital) alternatives. The goal here is not to get more done but to transform your life into something slower and more meaningful.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Slow Distractions [2:25]- How do I work deeply as a stay-at-home parent? [29:12]- Isn’t it myopic not to let young children use smartphones? [36:44]- How do I succeed as a musician without social media? [38:09]- How do I make plans without social media? [48:37]- CALL: How to share ideas without allowing social media to take control [55:02]CAL REACTS: I’m a 33-year old woman without a job [1:05:55] Links:youtu.be/YQLVWficcwc?si=lOIBa23I_0-4sJl6Download a FREE chapter from my upcoming book, "Slow Productivity" HERE: https://www.calnewport.com/slow Thanks to our Sponsors: expressvpn.com/deepnotion.com/calshopify.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcastThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the more important abilities to cultivate for the year ahead is comfort learning complicated (and therefore valuable) new things. In this episode, Cal tackles the myths surrounding mastery and presents a new mental model for internalizing non-trivial information. As he elaborates, there is both good news and bad news when it comes to this topic: you can learn almost anything, but you can’t learn everything.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Learning Hard Things [2:50]- When it comes to taking notes, what really matters? [29:49]- Can I fit all of my hobbies into my week? [36:02]- Can YouTube teach me to be a better student? [39:40]- How do I figure out what to learn next? [46:09]- How do I learn something fast when I already have a busy schedule? [48:23]- CALL: How does “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” relate to “Slow Productivity”? [55:11]CASE STUDY: Slow Productivity affinity group [1:03:46] The 5 books Cal read in December 2023 [1:13:28]Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepThis show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mega-bestselling writer Arthur Brooks is one of the rare individuals to have both lived a carefully cultivated deep life and written a book on the topic (co-authored with Oprah!). In today’s episode, Cal interviews Brooks, going deep into the details of his unusual and inspiring career and extracting proven rules from his experience.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Mega-bestselling writer Arthur Brooks [6:39]Cal’s Favorite Completely Unnecessary and Embarrassingly Geeky Things for 2024 [1:16:04]Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to our Sponsors: rhone.com/calshopify.com/deepnotion.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk a lot on this show about getting more done, but what’s the best way to handle the inevitable situation in which you have too much to do? Cal walks through a sensible response to the crazy-making reality of overload.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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Controlling Overload [4:48]- Is building a “second brain” important? [37:53]- How can I bill 40 hours a week without getting overloaded? [43:30]- What book should I buy my department to best increase their work quality? [46:31]- How do I make progress on projects that have lots of overhead? [51:53]- How can my wife deal with her new position and the overload that comes with it? [57:35]- CALL: What is Cal excited to gif this holiday season? [1:06:14]CASE STUDY: Quitting Twitter to build a better life [1:09:55] CAL REACTS: Why did students get dumber starting in 2012? [1:17:31]Links:https://twitter.com/DKThomp/status/1734436486727254218Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.ladderlife.com/deephttps://www.blinkist.com/deephttps://www.hensonshaving.com/calThis show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most important skills for cultivating a satisfying and high impact life is one we rarely discuss: the art of serious thinking. In this episode, Cal makes the case for serious thinking as an ability to specifically cultivate, then describes five specific practices you can put into place to launch a crash course in developing an effective life of the mind.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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: How to Think [4:07] - Does reading count as Deep Work? [38:50]- How do I make sense of the topics I think about? [41:48]- How should I manage boredom in a job without hurting my ability to focus? [45:12]- How can I provide quick answers to management if I’m a slow thinker? [50:40] - CALL: How should I structure my Deep Holiday? [56:44] CASE STUDY: A successful Digital Detox allowing one to think in peace. [59:55] CAL REACTS: Does collaboration make us less creative? [1:07:29]Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.shopify.com/deephttps://www.mintmobile.com/deephttps://www.cozyearth.com (promo code: CAL)https://www.mybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk a lot on this show about remaining organized in a digital workplace that drowns us with incoming obligations. In this episode, Cal focuses on the key question of how you get *started* toward this goal. What do you do, in other words, on day one of your quest to find depth amidst the shallows.    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: Getting organized in a distracted world [6:46]    - How do I get more excited about my work plans? [45:55]  - How do I get my classmates to get better about time management? [53:59]  - How should I organize my deep work blocks? [1:00:13]  - How do I account for contingencies in my quarterly plan? [1:05:11]  - When does Cal find time to read? [1:05:50]  - CALL: How to train Deep Focus muscles [1:11:06]    CASE STUDY: Investing concentrated time [1:17:04]    The 5 books Cal read in November 2023 [1:24:08]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    expressvpn.com/deep  blinkist.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  zocdoc.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most common types of messages sent in from listeners of this podcast are self-recriminations about laziness. But what does “laziness” actually mean? In this episode, Cal takes a deeper look at the common terms and sees that it’s often used to describe two unrelated phenomena. He then gives a big idea for overcoming each.    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: Overcoming laziness [4:00]    - How should I track small projects? [39:39]  - How do I find time to bodybuilder when I have a demanding job? [44:56]  - How do I remain motivated to work after graduation?[53:12]  - How do I make the shift from warehouse work to web development? [59:20]  - How do I deal with decision fatigue? [1:03:18]  - CALL: Implementing advice from pragmatic non-fiction books [1:07:53]    CASE STUDY: Pursuing a life of depth [1:11:31]    CAL REACTS: Algorithms act as conveyor belts [1:22:51]    LINKS:    jonathanhaidt.substack.com/p/algorithms-hijacked-my-generation    Thanks to our Sponsors:    rhone.com/cal  moshlife.com/deep  grammarly.com/podcast  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at  betterhlep.com/deepquestions    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 How you accomplish important goals: The type that can transform your life in remarkable ways? In this episode, Cal breaks down the common mistakes we make in pursuing hard goals and then details the reverse goal setting strategy he has found to work much more consistently.    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 follow through on transformative goals? [2:18]    - How do I prepare for an upcoming change to my professional life? [42:26]  - How do I schedule abundant free time? [49:43]  - Should I feel guilty that I’m so efficient I barely work? [53:47]  - How do I avoid doing too much? [1:00:27]  - How do I time block work of unknown durations? [1:07:31]  - CALL: Pursuing a career with two different paths [1:13:52]    CAL REACTS: Joe Rogan and The Rock Talk Passion [1:21:35]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    shopify.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  mybodytutor.com  blinkist.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Based on extensive feedback from listeners and new research, Cal is ready to unveil his new and improved version of the Deep Life Stack, his foundational approach for transforming your life from shallow and distracted to deep and remarkable.    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 Deep Life Stack 2.0 [4:40]    - Does prioritizing deep work grow your task list? [38:02]  - Does deep work impede the development of soft skills? [41:04]  - How do I shut down work without clean stopping points? [46:31]  - CALL: Intrusive thoughts while doing deep work [52:29]  - CALL: How does Cal organize his working memory.txt [57:49]    CASE STUDY: Using slow productivity to build a house [1:00:30]    CAL REACTS: Should you “burn the boats” to motivate ambitious action? [1:08:00]    Links:    amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X    Thanks to our Sponsors:    rhone.com/cal  mintmobile.com/deep  cozyearth.com  ladderlife.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A viral video making the rounds recently argues that the key to promoting learning is to deliver education in apps that are equally addictive as social media. Cal takes a closer look at the brain science behind this claim and argues why it is fundamentally impossible to beat attention engineered apps at their own game. We shouldn’t, however, give up hope, as our brain has a completely unrelated motivation system, built on a behavior called episodic future thinking (EFT), that we can leverage to make deep activities like learning seem more rewarding than the short term distractions beckoning from our phones. Mastering the EFT system is indeed critical to cultivating a deep 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    Deep Dive: Can we make learning as addictive as social media? [2:33]    - Can I be happy in a job that doesn’t require me to learn? [33:44]  - How can I fight deep procrastination to learn better? [40:52]  - How can I identify the school for my kid to learn better? [47:11]  - How can I reflect on work concepts without feeling the urge to work? [51:48]  - How does Ultralearning apply to Slow Productivity? [55:36]  - CALL: Recommendations on learning [58:02]    CASE STUDY: Designing a system to learn [1:00:50]    The 5 books Cal read in October 2023 [1:10:14]    Links:    www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6FORpg0KVo  youtu.be/wmdG-uZk6JY?si=2_S6Mer1VnBJE3Wv&t=120 sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/  calnewport.com/the-father-of-deliberate-practice-disowns-flow/  ideas.ted.com/mental-time-travel-is-a-great-decision-making-tool-this-is-how-to-use-it/      Thanks to our Sponsors:    zocdoc.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  blinkist.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Cal reviews what he believes to be the four essential tools for feeling on top of everything you need to do. If you’re missing one of these, you might struggle. If you use all four, you’re probably safe never thinking about “productivity” again. Cal is then joined by friend of the show, New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, to answer listener questions about their personal struggles to take control of their lives.    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 Productivity Toolkit [2:30]    - What is the most underrated productivity superpower? [35:05]  - Should I journal? [43:59]  - How do I build a system to help me remember things? [48:23]  - Can I use a split-day strategy to time block a reactive job? [52:01]  - Help! I’m stuck at age 30. How do I get unstuck? [54:42]    CAL REACTS: How can we make learning as addictive as social media? [1:16:06]    Links:    youtube.com/watch?v=P6FORpg0KVo    Thanks to our Sponsors:    rhone.com/cal  grammarly.com/podcast  policygenius.com/deepquestions  mybodytutor.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much of the advice we discuss is about how to improve things right now. But what are the right strategies for ensuring that we’re happy about where we are five or even ten years in the future. How do we ensure, in other words, that we won’t look back at major swaths of our lives with regret? In this episode, Cal discusses three big ideas for playing the long game when it comes to cultivating a deep life.    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:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia    Deep Dive: What can you do now to stay content later? [3:30]     - What habits help you escape complacency? [25:51]  - How do I know if I need a major change to my life? [31:00]  - How can I rediscover my drive to live deep with a boring (but stable) job? [36:08]  - CALL: Avoiding the stress of having a large “to-do” list [41:07]    CASE STUDY: Designing a deep work t-shirt to be productive [47:22]    CAL REACTS: Is Social Media a Collective Trap? [56:03]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions  https://www.hensonshaving.com/cal  https://www.expressvpn.com/deep https://www.shopify.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An increasing number of people are suffering from “super distractions” that rise above the level of harmless diversion and instead start to actively hold them back in their life. Some of the common culprits cited include social media, online pornography, and alcohol. In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at what creates super distractions and uses this insight to come up with an effective game plan for fighting back.    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:  Taking control of your life from super distractions [8:09]    - How can I stay productive while in between goals? [36:24]  - Will I become depressed from a dopamine fast? [40:46]  - How can I overcome negative thoughts? [44:01]  - Are there rituals to help me handle shallow work more efficiently? [50:19]    CASE STUDY: Success with an electronic detox [58:27]    Cal Reacts: NPR left Twitter and the effects are negligible [1:06:59]    Links:    niemanreports.org/articles/npr-twitter-musk/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    mintmobile.com/deep  cozyearth.com  blinkist.com/deep  ladderlife.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an episode in which Cal reviewed ancient wisdom on cultivating a deeper life, he turns his attention back to more recent advice. Focusing on three of the more unconventional but unambiguously effective ideas that he has proposed in his twenty years of professional writing on these topics.    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: Getting started is overrated [6:29]    - How can I become more confident in social settings? [36:15]  - Is it ok to be an ordinary person? [40:52]  - Is it important to have friends? [46:41]  - I took a pay cut to become a teacher again. How can I better organize my life to prioritize craft? [49:36]  - Is it ok to use YouTube to discover new ideas? [57:28]    Reader’s React: Is Productivity Natural? [1:05:04]    Links:    calnewport.com/dangerous-ideas-getting-started-is-overrated/  calnewport.com/treat-your-mind-as-you-would-a-private-garden/  calnewport.com/should-you-work-like-maya-angelou-or-eric-schmidt/  calnewport.com/on-tire-pressure-and-productivity/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    moshlife.com/deep  zocdoc.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  mybodytutor.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stoicism seems to be all the rage at the moment. In what ways is it relevant to our question to live deeply in a distracted world? And in what ways is it not? Cal takes a closer look at Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and discusses his relationship with the philosophy more generally.    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 Ideas from Marcus Aurelius’s, “Meditations” [2:30]    - Can I realistically make an impact as an English teacher? [35:28]  - Can a seasoned professional screenwriter switch careers after 23 years? [40:02]  - I’m an accomplished professional but lack a competitive drive to do more. Is there a way to build this? [45:34]  - How can a CEO lower his anxiety with elements of work that aren’t strengths? [54:37]  - How can I bounce back from a deflating work setback? [1:02:52]    The 5 Books Cal Read in September 2023 [1:11:07]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    grammarly.com/podcast  policygenius.com  blinkist.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Knowledge workers increasingly describe themselves as exhausted and burnt out. Why is this happening? In this episode, Cal argues that some of the obvious answers aren’t enough to explain the phenomenon. The real answer is both less expected and perhaps more fixable than we expect. 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 Deep Dive: Tiredness and the ability to produce work [8:18] - How can I read more without falling asleep? [34:25]- Is screen time before bed killing my sleep? [38:19]- How can I still have fun while being productive? [44:20]- Is discipline an identity or a tool? [50:21]- How do I find my way back to the deep life? [56:39] CASE STUDY: A magazine editor integrates projects into a deep life [1:02:00] Final Segment: Lauren Groff’s slow productivity [1:35:06] Links: Authors for Voices of Color auction: Afvoc2023.givesmart.com https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/books/lauren-groff-vaster-wilds.htmlhttps://www.thefp.com/p/why-i-traded-my-smartphone-for-an-axhttps://midland-school.org/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749597809000399https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/books/lauren-groff-vaster-wilds.html Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionshttps://www.hensonshaving.com/calhttps://www.rhone.com/calhttps://www.shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do we need to move to a ranch in the middle of nowhere to take control of our technology habits? Cal argues that these types of extreme examples are counter-productive, making it seem like real changes are close to impossible. He offers instead an alternative approach based on zero-based budgeting your technological 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    Today’s Deep Question: What does it really take to cure your smartphone addiction? [3:33]    - How can I build an audience without being consumed by social media? [31:20]  - If my kid uses an iPad for school, will he become cursed with digital distraction? [40:33]  - Does the digital minimalist community approve of Goodreads and Letterboxd? [48:52]  - I’m 30 years old and lost. How can I get my life back on track? [53:43]  - How can I stay on top of current events without scrolling social media? [1:02:11]    Closing Discussion: Is the Friendship Recession Real? What can you do to escape it? (w/ Jamie Kilstein) [1:08:38]   Links: https://www.thefp.com/p/why-i-traded-my-smartphone-for-an-axhttps://midland-school.org Thanks to our Sponsors:    ladderlife.com/deep  mybodytutor.com  blinkist.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Cal visits eight of the most influential books in personal productivity, identifying for each a single idea that ended up most resonating both with his own work and the culture more generally.    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: What productivity ideas from other authors are the most worth paying attention to? [4:54]    - How do I time-block for the unanticipated “a-ha!” moment of insight? [40:23]  - Is my life as a surgeon dooming me to a reactive life? [45:19]  - Is it possible to read too many productivity books? [52:10]  - Is the Deep Life influenced by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? [58:55]  - Am I a disciplined worker if I only respond to deadlines? [1:01:09]    The 5 Books Cal Read in August 2023 [1:09:31]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    cozyearth.com  hensonshaving.com/cal  mintmobile.com/deep  moshlife.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Change is unavoidable. You can either fear it or learn to master it. In this interview episode, Cal talks with longtime friend of the show, Brad Stulberg, about his new book, “Master of Change.”    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    INTERVIEW: How to Master Change (with Brad Stulberg) [3:55]    Links:    bradstulberg.com/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    blinkist.com/deep  grammarly.com/go  expressvpn.com/deep  zocdoc.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Too many people believe that the New Year is the right time to undertake major improvements to your life. In this episode, Cal argues that it is instead right now, at the beginning of fall, that is the best time to turn over a new page. He lays out a detailed 4-month journey through the deep stack that will have you done with a major overhaul by the time everyone else is just getting started early next year.    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 can I reinvent my life in 4 months? [6:30]    - How can I ease into Cal's more advanced time management strategies? [44:06]  - Can unstructured work be a part of the deep life? [47:42]  - How can I stop changing my mind about what I want to do with my life? [51:50]  - Can I pursue the deep life if I need a job? [59:33]  - How do you pursue the deep life with depression? [1:03:58]    Cover Reveal for Slow Productivity [1:13:20]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    mybodytutor.com  policygenius.com  shopify.com/deep  cozyearth.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to generating fantastic ideas – the type that can make your career – you don’t have to passively wait for inspiration to strike. You can, instead, *hack* the creative process to increase the odds of coming up with something great. In this episode, Cal explores one of the more powerful forms of “creativity hacking”: making use of strange locations. 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 do you work better in strange locations? [3:31] - Does Cal read online articles? [34:35] - Is fitness tracking on my Apple Watch an excuse to stay distracted? [40:09] - Which is better for original thinking: the city or the country? [43:05] - How do I organize the pursuit of deep ideas? [47:19] - Does reading books from unrelated genres help idea generation? [51:57] CAL REACTS: Over stimulation is ruining your life! [59:11] Links: blog.computationalcomplexity.org/2020/02/pre-publish-and-perish.html calnewport.com/on-using-inspiring-locations-to-inspire-deeper-work/ youtube.com/watch?v=yYWvUoN4yt8 Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self hensonshaving.com/cal blinkist.com/deep ladderlife.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In celebration of the newly released *second* edition of the Time Block Planner, Cal provides some additional expert tips for getting the most out of a time blocking discipline before answering listener questions on the general topic of time management. He closes by discussing the recent claim that phones are ruining peoples’ ability to watch movies.    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 can I double what I accomplish each week by better controlling my time? [16:54]    - How do I deal with the guilt of missing time blocks? [44:17]  - How does Cal reconcile slow productivity with the urgency of time blocking? [49:22]  - How do I block enough time to keep up with all the internet content I want to read? [52:40]  - How do I stick to my block schedule if no one is forcing me to? [1:02:11]  - How can Cal be both a computer science professor and yet still be so bad at technology? [1:07:00]    Something Interesting: Have Phones Ruined Movies? [1:15:45]    Links:    washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/08/05/barbenheimer-bad-movie-behavior/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    moshlife.com/deep  mintmobile.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep  80000hours.org/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most popular (and widely forgotten) slogans of the ancient world was Festina Lente, or, “Make Haste Slowly.” In this episode, Cal looks deeper at what this phrase meant, and in doing so uncovers an ancient version of slow productivity.    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: What can Octavian Caesar Augustus teach us about productivity? [5:37]    - How can I help my team move fast to slow productivity? [26:12]  - How do I figure out how long to spend on a task? [33:08]  - What’s up with Cal’s podcast album art? [38:14]  - Why is my partner so slow? [40:49]  - How does Cal’s Remarkable tablet change his working memory.txt habit? [46:23]    CASE STUDY: Not allowing work to dominate your life [53:28]    The 5 Book Cal Read in July 2023 [1:03:21]    Links:    bigthink.com/the-learning-curve/festina-lente/    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festina_lente    Thanks to our Sponsors:    zocdoc.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  mybodytutor.com  blinkist.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed by everything you have to do? The writer Oliver Burkeman recently experimented with an unexpected response to this common sensation: he decided to work much less. In more detail, he wanted to see what would happen if he reacted to overload by restricting his work to only four hours per day. In this episode, Cal reviews what Burkeman discovered in this experiment and what it teaches the rest of us.    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: What happens when you cut your workday in half? [5:51]    - What does the “celebrate” deep life bucket include? [30:34]  - When are big life changes the right thing to do? [38:38]  - When does Cal “start” his work day? [49:04]  - How do I save for a good retirement without making my current lifestyle worse? [50:05]    CASE STUDY: The Joys of Doing Less [56:44]    CAL REACTS: Chris Nolan doesn’t own a phone [1:05:21]    Links:    hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/oppenheimer-christopher-nolan-cast-interview-film-1235535418/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    shopfiy.com/deep  cozyearth.com  grammarly.com/go  policygenius.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do history’s greatest thinkers care about time management? In today’s episode, Cal analyzes the system that the mathematician and philosopher, Kurt Godel, used to structure his days, weeks, and years to produce meaningful work over a long period of time.    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 geniuses structure their life? [8:00]    - How do I follow through on the projects I start? [34:33]  - Is creating a deep environment one of the deep life buckets? [42:14]  - How do I find examples of my ideal lifestyle? [48:24]  - Should I switch jobs, I’m bored (but effective)? [59:20]    CAL REACTS: The ReMarkable 2 tablet. Is it worth it? [1:11:57]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self  drinklmnt.com/deep  80000hours.org/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes the most effective way to contain your workload is to simply declare how long you’re willing to work and then refuse to violate your pledge. In this episode, Cal revisits this “fixed-schedule productivity” strategy, which he first introduced way back in 2008.    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 fixed-schedule productivity work, and how has Cal’s thoughts on it changed over the years? [3:02]    - What activities can fall outside fixed schedules? [30:12]  - How do you manage a workload determined by other people? [33:08]  - Why doesn’t Cal build his weekly plan on his calendar? [43:24]  - How do I deal with having too much work piled up? [51:23]    CASE STUDY: Implementing tactics from “A World Without Email” [53:14]    The 5 Books Cal Read in June 2023 [1:02:28]    Links:    calnewport.com/fixed-schedule-productivity-how-I-accomplish-a-large-amount-of-work-in-a-small-number-of-work-hours/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    mintmobile.com/deep  blinkist.com/deep  ladderlife.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Cal’s new “deep life stack” the first layer toward finding more meaning is to develop discipline. Why does this come first? In this episode, Cal dives deeper into the importance of starting with discipline.    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 does cultivating the deep life start with discipline? [4:33]    - How do I stop falling off the productivity wagon? [26:38]  - How do I cultivate more consistent discipline? [32:35]  - How do I convince myself to follow through on demanding projects? [41:22]  - What’s the problem with studying for 10 hours a day? [54:37]     Something Interesting: Harrison Ford’s Slow Productivity [1:07:35]    Links:    linkedin.com/posts/billy-oppenheimer-70612782_before-he-was-han-solo-or-indiana-jones-activity-7069305284627730432-CRJA    Thanks to our Sponsors:    drinklmnt.com/deep  zocdoc.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  mybodytutor.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past twenty years, “productivity” has come to be synonymous with using digital tools to speed up non-essential parts of knowledge work. As cal argues in this episode, this “cybernetic” approach has proven to be a complete failure. He explores why speeding up isn’t working and what this teaches us about what we need to do instead.    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 doesn’t cybernetic productivity work? [8:40]    - What should I ask a potential hire about their time management habits? [31:55]  - How do I teach leaders how to work more deeply? [38:17]  - How did Cal become good at breaking things down into systems and processes? [48:06]  - How do I build task boards if I have many roles? [51:05]  - How do I find time to think in my busy job? [54:20]    Something Interesting: Taylor Sheridan’s “writing bunker” [1:02:48]    Links:    hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/taylor-sheridan-yellowstone-interview-1235519261/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    shopify.com/deep  grammarly.com/go  expressvpn.com/deep  blinkist.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some of the most interesting and impactful people in the world build their work around a commitment to doing only a few things very well. No one remembers that it took Newton decades to finish The Principia, they just know that he wrote a book that changed science forever. In this episode, Cal defines some concrete laws for successfully implementing a shift toward doing less – but doing what you do better – in your own professional 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    Today’s Deep Question: Why should I do less? [7:29]    - How can a teacher embrace slow productivity? [31:26]  - How do you know if an idea is good enough to spend years working on? [39:07]  - How can I slowly build the success needed to pivot into a new career? [46:16]  - How does Cal read 5 books a month? [49:58]    CASE STUDY: I can do my job in 4 hours a day [55:53]    The 5 Book Cal Read in May 2023 [1:07:04]    Thanks to our Sponsors:    betterhelp.com/deepquestions  cozyearth.com  hensonshaving.com/cal  drinklmnt.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Cal is joined by Laura Vanderkam (author of Tranquility by Tuesday and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast). Cal and Laura tackle a collection of your questions about the struggle to make time for the various things that matter most, from your career to your family to your hobbies.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Laura Vanderkam [19:46]  — Is the deep life only available to people with high salaries? [31:47]— Is it possible for a mom to succeed in academia? [40:19] — How do I find the time to land a job that requires less time? [50:26]— Am I too old to leave a career that fills me with dread? [55:53]— Am I crazy for thinking I can work from home with a baby? [1:00:31]— How do I create a deep life with kids? [1:05:31]— How do I stop over-committing? [1:13:47] SOMETHING INTERESTING: Slow Time During Japan’s Edo Period [1:30:11]Links:scroll.in/article/1030173/how-japan-became-an-exemplar-of-sustainability-over-centuries-of-self-isolationlauravanderkam.com/ Thanks to our Sponsors:rhone.com/calladderlife.com/deepmybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:    apple.com/apple-vision-pro/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    hensonshaving.com/cal  drinklmnt.com/deep  80000hours.org/deep  zocdoc.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  sylviabeachhotel.com/    Thanks to our Sponsors:    expressvpn.com/deep  blinkist.com/deep  policygenius.com  grammarly.com/go    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:    huel.com/questions  rhone.come/cal  hensonshaving.com/calmybodytutor.com    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  betterhelp.com/deepquestions    ladderlife.com/deep  expressvpn.com/deep  80000hours.org/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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:    huel.com/questions  blinkist.com/deep  rhone.com/cal  zocdoc.com/deep    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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] To learn more about Sarah, read her blog, or subscribe to her podcasts, visit: https://theshubox.com/   — 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:    huel.com/questions  expressvpn.com/deep  hensonshaving.com/cal  fieldofgreens.com (promo code: Deep)    Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: grammarly.com/go stamps.com/deep mybodytutor.com blinkist.com/deep  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: What was Twitter anyway? [4:46]- Is there a difference between passion and calling? [27:09]- What are the four principles to reimagine knowledge work? [31:50]- Is movie watching part of the Deep Life? [36:05]- Does fixed schedule productivity work on a weekly scale? [38:54]- How does effective altruism fit in value-based lifestyle career planning? [41:01]- What are Cal’s thoughts on David Graber’s book, “Bull Shit Jobs”? [44:00]- Do distracted adolescents risk losing the ability to focus as they grow older? [46:57]- Does slow productivity assist with parenting and professional development? [48:29]Something Interesting: Rob Drydek’s productivity system [1:00:37]   Links:nytimes.com/2023/04/18/magazine/twitter-dying.htmlThanks to our Sponsors:fieldofgreens.com Promo Code: Deephensonshaving.com/calrhone.com/calhuel.com/questionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep ladderlife.com/deep blinkist.com/deep  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 stamps.com/deep policygenius.com hensonshaving.com/cal  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia 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/ Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.mybodytutor.comhttps://www.expressvpn.com/deephttps://www.grammarly.com/tonehttps://www.blinkist.com/deep  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Given all the advantages of controlling your own digital press, why do so many content producers rely on Twitter? [5:39]- Does Twitter’s new view count feature make the service even worse? [27:10]- Why do so many important business/thought leaders spend so much time on Twitter? [35:14]- Does this professor need Twitter? [43:00]- Does Mastadon stand a chance against Twitter? [53:26]SOMETHING INTERESTING:Started From the Bottom podcast [1:01:04]pushkin.fm/podcasts/started-from-the-bottomAustralian senators backing 4-day work week [1:03:12]theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/09/australia-four-day-work-week-labor-greens-senators-supportThanks to our Sponsors:hensonshaving.com/calzocdoc.com/deepmintmobile.com/deepcozyearth.com (Promo code: Deep)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Is productivity about optimization or autonomy? [6:06] - Should I start a blog to prepare to write a book? [23:18]- How do I recover from burn out? [30:11]- How do I prioritize when I have too many interests? [35:15]- Should I ditch my side hustle? [39:25]- How do I convince my self-focused colleagues to participate in more efficient group systems? [43:24]Something Interesting: - The five books I read in February 2023 [53:24]Links:vice.com/en/article/akdyje/the-relentless-rise-of-the-productivity-influenceyoutube.com/watch?v=YctcDlPixb8Thanks to our Sponsors:This episode is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestionsblinkist.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepladderlife.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.Life of Focus link here: life-of-focus-course.comBelow are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Is our relationship to time broken? [16:12]- Do we need AI-driven time management tools? (Rant alert) [39:39]- Is slow productivity compatible with becoming world class in a competitive field? [47:46]- What deep accomplishments are Cal and Jesse most proud about? [50:15]- CASE STUDY: A composer embraces slow productivity [59:40]Something Interesting: - Quiet quitting in academia? [1:08:35]Links:https://www.ft.com/content/176c104a-32c0-4267-b122-add10e5405f9https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/books/time-jenny-odell-.htmlhttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00633-wThanks to our Sponsors:https://www.hensonshaving.com/calhttps://www.huel.com/questionshttps://www.stamps.com/deephttps://www.80000hours.org/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The reading life is a deep life. The screen-filled life can be primitive and exhausting. Which one do you want?Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Why is it important to read books? [7:23]- Should I buy physical copies of books I enjoyed on my kindle? [30:45]- How should I organize my notes when writing a non-fiction book? [34:38]- How do I train myself to become a reader? [40:34]- How should I build a library? [50:25]- What does Cal think about Sam Bankman-Fried’s claim that books are worthless? [55:12]Something Interesting: [1:02:21]- Napoleon’s solution to inbox overload- Rethinking productivity: impact vs. velocityLinks:abc.net.au/religion/maryanne-wolf-cultivating-deep-reading-in-a-digital-age/102001224reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/11fphcy/til_napoleon_bonaparte_refused_to_open_his_mail/itamargilad.com/velocity-vs-impact/Thanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/tonemybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Should we consider a radically reimagined internet? [7:03]- Can we build a better internet? [29:20]- Will the coming augmented reality make the deep life impossible? [36:18]- How do I become more disciplined about shutting down my phone? [44:26]- Is the internet alive? [49:35]- How does Cal see the connection between his professor and writer roles? [55:40]Something Interesting: Michael Cera Doesn’t Use a Smartphone [1:10:47]Links:https://www.buzzfeed.com/mychalthompson/michael-cera-smartphone-social-mediahttps://urbit.orghttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/21/us/google-supreme-court-youtube.html Elevate Your Team  Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.hensonshaving.com/calhttps://www.huel.com/questionshttps://www.mintmobile.com/deephttps://www.policygenius.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How can I significantly decrease the footprint of my remote job (without anyone noticing)? [10:46]- How do I leverage a shift to remote work to gain a deeper life? [39:23]- How can I work deeply in a remote job that requires me to be available? [43:16]- How do I make time for my individual projects while working remotely? [53:47]- How do I avoid being promoted out of a nice remote position into a miserable management role? [55:35]CASE STUDY: Alternative Workflow Pitfalls [1:00:07]Something Interesting: The five books I read in January, 2023 [1:09:54] Links:https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/04/return-to-office-occupancy-statusThanks to our Sponsors:This episode is sponsored by Better Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionshttps://www.ladderlife.com/deephttps://www.zocdoc.com/deephttps://www.expressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Does Cal Still Think That Productivity is Overrated? [6:46]- Should I abandon my careful plan when I get on a roll? [30:47]- How do I achieve slow-and-steady work mode? [35:38]- How do I make my the most out of idle time? [41:37]- How does a deep work lover survive the shallows? [47:34]- Does productivity require that you’re anti-social? [51:16]Something Interesting: Rethinking productivity in academia [1:02:44] Links:calnewport.com/blog/2007/08/31/dangerous-ideas-productivity-is-overrated/  Thanks to our Sponsors:Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at stamps.com/deep. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!hensonshaving.com/calblinkist.com/deep80000hours.org/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How can we be ambitious without burning out? [8:23]- How do I create a hit podcast? (Special guest JORDAN HARBINGER) [41:59]- How do I overcome boredom in my purposefully under-scheduled life? [1:01:57]- How do I manage multiple side hustle projects? [1:06:11]- Do I need two planning documents if I have two jobs? [1:13:14]- How do I get my 15-year-old brother to stop using his phone so much? [1:15:30]Something Interesting: The slow productivity of Maryam Mirzakhani [1:23:48]Links: 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/    Thanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/deepladderlife.com/deepmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How can I free myself from spending all day in my inbox? [8:24]- Why does Cal suggest having multiple email addresses? [43:27]- How do I convince my colleagues to actually read process-centric emails? [47:16]- How do I work with people who enjoy email check-ins? [52:16]- How do I get key information out of email an into a better system? [57:25]- How can I focus when my job demands an open door policy? [1:01:11]Something Interesting: Alex Haley wrote on a cargo ship [1:12:42]Links:affect.media.mit.edu/pdfs/16.Mark-CHI_Email.pdftim.blog/autoresponse/blog.rescuetime.com/communication-multitasking-switches/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/01/23/magazine/cal-newport-interview.html  alexhaley.com/2018/08/04/aboard-the-african-star-by-alex-haley/Thanks to our Sponsors:mintmobile.com/deephuel.com/questionshensonshaving.com/calblinkist.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Why are lumberjacks happier than lawyers? [3:06]- Should I leave a good job to gain more autonomy? [32:34]- Should I quit my trainer job? [38:31]- What does Cal’s workday look like? [45:52]- How can I create a career without skills? [54:48]CASE STUDY: The Slow Lawyer [58:38]Books Cal Read in December [1:05:33]Links: - washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/06/happiest-jobs-on-earth/ - frugalwoods.com/2021/09/15/mr-fw-retired-and-we-paid-off-our-mortgage-frugalwoods-fire-is-complete/ - bench.co/blog/small-business-stories/paul-jarvis/ - calnewport.com/blog/2017/05/22/john-grishams-15-hour-workweek/ - itsfreetime.com/aboutThanks to our Sponsors:This episode is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestionshuel.com/questionspolicygenius.comnotion.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDEEP DIVE:  Work Cycles [6:57]- Should I leave my relaxing job to make more money? [33:54]- Is there a need for deep work retreats? [45:59]- How do I find time to work deeply when I’m busy? [53:07]Case Study: On Walking and Remote Work [57:25]- Can Cal explain more about the “celebration” bucket? [1:02:09]SOMETHING INTERESTING: - Deep work cafe [1:10:28]cbsnews.com/news/manuscript-cafe-in-tokyo-serves-an-antidote-to-writers-block/- Gloria Mark’s new book [1:12:50]amazon.com/Attention-Span-Finding-Fighting-Distraction/dp/1335449418Links:basecamp.com/handbook/09-how-we-workbluemountaincenter.org/life-at-bmccnn.com/travel/article/amtrak-free-residency/index.htmlmyfranciscan.org/visit/hermitage/Thanks to our Sponsors:80000hours.org/deepblinkist.com/deepladderlife.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDEEP DIVE: How well are you living? [11:14]- How do you track deep life habits? [28:07]- How do I become more social? (Bonus: How does Cal avoid being killed by Jocko?) [34:15]- How do I distill essential ideas from complex topics? [46:13]- How does Cal research his articles? [53:49]- Should I get a Deep Life tattoo? [59:41]THREE INTERESTING THINGS: - Guillermo Del Toro Bought a Second House to Boost his Creativity [1:13:33]kpcc.org/show/the-frame/2016-07-22/bleak-house-a-tour-inside-guillermo-del-toros-creative-man-cave- Kary Mullis’s Nobel-Winning Moment of Insight [1:19:56]nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1993/mullis/lecture/ - Charles Dickens Wrote “A Christmas Carol” on Foot [1:22:38]Thanks to our Sponsors:stamps.com/deepgrammarly.com/deephensonshaving.com/calmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaGet your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoQUESTIONS:- How do I find time to study for a better job? [5:14]- How do I find rare and valuable skills to develop? [8:37]- How do I develop discipline if I have an easy job? [12:33]CASE STUDY: A graduate student with 5 kids takes control of his life [30:06]- Should I work or spend all my time with my son? [35:50]- How do I manage a strategic plan with lots of unpredictable projects? [42:54]- How does role-based communication work? [46:09]- How do I plan projects with unpredictable time demands? [50:58]- Should I move my family across the country to accept my dream job? [52:56]- How do you make time for Quality time with your wife with such a busy schedule? [58:43]- Does Cal write reports on the books he reads? [1:01:18]- Does slow productivity apply only to knowledge workers? [1:07:17]- Why do my side hustles fail? [1:10:35]Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.notion.com/calhttps://www.cozyearth.comhttps://www.blinkist.com/deephttps://www.expressvpn.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: A World Without Busyness? [4:51]- In an era of Quiet Quitting is it easier to become a star? [22:09]- How do I resist my job’s demand for out-of-hours work? [29:52]- Should new writers use social media to get feedback? [35:31]- Should I use social media to promote my filmmaking website? [46:11]- Am I too busy find new ideas? [53:54]THREE INTERESTING THINGS: - On Teenage Luddites [1:03:07]calnewport.com/blog/2022/12/16/on-teenage-luddites/- Deep Work in Stocism [1:07:48]- Finding the Deep Life in the Mountains [1:09:09]outsideonline.com/culture/essays-culture/moving-to-a-ski-town-steamboat-springs-colorado-no-regrets/Thanks to our Sponsors:ladderlife.com/deepeightsleep.com/deepwren.co/deepzocdoc.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo- DEEP DIVE: Should I Manage Time or Stress? [2:50] -  How do I switch from a push to pull model of task management? [27:05]- Where should I live? [40:13]- Is “rare and valuable” the same as “impressive”? [49:01]- CALL: Integrating Deep Work to create a Deep Life [54:43]- How do I reconcile my lifestyle vision with my husbands very different vision? [58:09]- How does Cal structure his values document? [1:04:12] THREE INTERESTING THINGS: Twitter, Attention, and Democracy [1:14:28](nytimes.com/2022/12/11/opinion/what-twitter-can-learn-from-quakers.html)Research: Walking Helps Thinking [1:22:10](apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf )Novelist Ian Rankin’s Slow Productivity [1:23:47](theguardian.com/books/2016/may/07/my-writing-day-ian-rankin)Thanks to our Sponsors:shopify.com/deeprhone.com/calblinkist.com/deepmasterclass.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo- CALL: How do I balance different productivity systems? [5:24]- How do I deal with a sudden increase in my work responsibilities? [12:29]- How use the “waiting for” column on my task board when crafting a weekly plan? [18:39]- If I adopt a natural pace to my work will I lose the race to success? [30:57]- Should I quit my job to pursue a new business idea? [45:04]- How do I handle a short period of having too much work? [50:20]- I’ve lost my will to work. What do I do? [56:28]- Does Cal get annoyed when people incorrectly cite his ideas? [1:02:56]Books I Read in November 2022 [1:11:39]Thanks to our Sponsors:mybodytutor.comrhone.com/calblinkist.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Did Alan Turing Invent The Computer? [5:25]INTERVIEW: Thriller writer J.T. Ellison  [25:23]Thanks to our Sponsors:policygenius.comeightsleep.com/deephensonshaving.com/calGet a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at  stamps.com/deep. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: A World Without Twitter? [7:28]bit.ly/3hQ9Wh4LIVE CALLER: Starting a new company alone [34:28]- How do I (carefully) convince my employer to embrace Deep Work? [51:48]- I just quit my job. How do I reset my life? [1:03:36]- How do I deal with having too much freedom in my job? [1:10:09]- CALL: Which tool should I bring when I only have room for one? [1:17:53]- Who does Cal personally admire? [1:23:43]THREE INTERESTING THINGS:- A novel solution to cell phones in schools [1:41:57]bit.ly/3i2olHd- The age of social media ending. Welcome to my party! [1:47:19]bit.ly/3gosVit- Eat, pray, herd [1:50:26]wsj.com/3tOv6zaThanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/deepeightsleep.com/deepladderlife.com/deepwren.co/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? [5:48]bit.ly/3EDcuZ0Questions for special guest host David Sax:- Is the Light Phone worth the money? [28:38]- How do I get started seeking higher quality leisure? [38:43]- How do I become a successful freelance writer? [49:01]- How do I make technical writing compelling?  [1:08:03]- How do I kick my podcast habit while trying to work? [1:15:06]- Do weekly plans have to cover exactly one week? [1:18:44]- Should I join the Overemployed Underground? [1:26:36]Thanks to our Sponsors:mybodytutor.comeightsleep.com/deepblinkist.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Did Caveman Use To-Do Lists? [1:28]Article Link: bit.ly/3NYRbnF- LIVE CALL: Debating a master’s program [27:59]- How do I practice the “journalistic” mode of scheduling deep work? [37:32]- How do I determine when something I’m working on is good enough? [44:20]- Should I take two months off work to write in a cabin? [49:14]- Is answering email quickly really a good marker of talent? [53:45]- Is there a tutorial for Cal’s planning system? [1:00:04]- When is the new version of the Time Block Planner coming? [1:01:34]CASE STUDY: A Freelancer Crafts a Deep Life [1:04:18]CAL REACTS: New Insights on Kids and Phones [1:16:33]School Took Smartphones Away: on.wsj.com/3Trj4G3Social Media and Teenage Mental Health: bit.ly/3A3KN99Thanks to our Sponsors:rhone.com/calblinkist.com/deephensonshaving.com/calexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: The 20% Paradox [4:54]- INTERVIEW with Yael Schonbrun [18:59]- Cal and Jesse talk about Schonbrun interview [1:13:18]MAILBAG: [1:24:00]- Twitter is losing its most active usershttps://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-where-did-tweeters-go-twitter-is-losing-its-most-active-users-internal-2022-10-25/ Thanks to our Sponsors:policygenius.comhensonshaving.com/calamazon.com/deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: The Two Types of Ambition [4:36]- LIVE CALL: Escaping the “Second Control Tap” [28:10]- Can journaling make me a better writer? [53:26]- What’s an example of a keystone habit for building community? [56:03]- Can Cal give an example of a quarterly plan? [1:00:00]- How does Cal choose what books to read? [1:06:16]- What’s is Cal’s philosophy on caffeine? [1:15:12]- How can a teenager prepare to live deeply? [1:20:59]Thanks to our Sponsors:givingwhatwecan.org/deepmasterclass.com/deepeightsleep.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Hear more from The Happiness Lab at: podcasts.pushkin.fm/thls5?sid=questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: rhone.com/Cal ladderlife.com/Deep eightsleep.com/Deep stamps.com/Deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Work vs. Meaning [4:48]- How do I design a life I love? [33:37]- Is it okay that I use adult coloring books? [47:19]- Is listening to music a good source of solitude? [49:33]- How do I enjoy the present while planning for a deeper future? [54:42]- CALL: Should I take over my dad’s business? [1:03:24]- How do I stop binge-watching YouTube after work? [1:12:02]- Does Cal process his WorkingMemory.txt file to empty every day? [1:18:06]- Does Cal keep a journal? [1:22:09]MAILBAG: [1:29:25]- Holly Black’s enchanted home [1:30:10]  enchantedlivingmagazine.com/a-writers-cozy-lair/- Bram Stoker’s “method writing” [1:34:17]theguardian.com/books/2022/oct/09/cutting-his-teeth-how-bram-stoker-found-his-inner-dracula-in-scotland- A new deep life bucket [1:35:56]- The deep life of a professional stone skipper [1:37:23]outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/stone-skipping-kurt-steiner/Thanks to our Sponsors:rhone.com/Calwren.co/Deepblinkist.com/Deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvoCAL REACTS: Brandon Sanderson’s Underground Lair [2:49]- Was it a mistake to drop out of college? [21:49]- What tools should I use to manage my processes? [28:47]- CALL: Help with slow productivity [32:12]- What hobbies will improve my concentration? [37:34]CASE STUDY: Building a Deep Life on House Hacking (plus: thoughts on FIRE) [43:22]- Is Cal using Zettelkasten? [58:06]- How I schedule work with an unpredictable medical issue? [1:01:38]Books Cal Read in September, 2022 [1:15:07]Thanks to our Sponsors:eightsleep.com/Deeppolicygenius.comrhone.com/Calexpressvpn.com/DeepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices