
Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about the impact of technology on society, and the struggle to work and live deeply in a world increasingly mired in digital distractions. On this podcast, he answers questions from his readers and offers advice about cultivating focus, productivity, and meaning amidst the noise that pervades our lives.
Latest episodes

2,353 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 349: Sam Altman On Productivity
Explore the intriguing world of productivity with insights from Sam Altman's philosophy. Discover strategies to transition from good to exceptional performance and learn about the impact of digital tools on focus. Investigate the multi-monitor mindset and its humorous comparisons to military setups. The discussion also dives into AI's future scenarios by 2027, balancing optimism and caution. Plus, enjoy anecdotes on golf, VPNs for online security, and optimizing meaningful work over mere busyness.

14 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 0sec
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Jillian Turecki, a certified relationship coach and host of the podcast 'Jillian on Love,' shares her transformative insights on love and relationships. She emphasizes the importance of looking within for personal growth to enhance our connections. Jillian recounts her own complex family dynamics and discusses how childhood experiences shape adult relationships. The conversation also explores the value of embracing diversity in relationships and the lessons learned from heartbreak, highlighting the journey toward self-discovery and deeper intimacy.

1,109 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 35min
IN-DEPTH: Architecting a Deep Life (w/ David Dewane)
David Dewane, an architect and chief experience officer of Genient, shares his visionary concept of the eudaimonia machine, designed to enhance deep work. The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining focus in a distracted world and the journey of creating a fulfilling life. Dewane discusses transitioning from city life to a farm, experimenting with time management, and tracking daily productivity. He emphasizes a balance between ambition and authenticity while redefining productivity to prioritize well-being and meaningful connections.

1,610 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Ep. 348: Manage Your Time in 5 Minutes a Day
Discover practical time management tricks that fit into your busy life! Explore timeless strategies like time blocking and task batching to boost productivity. Dive into the debate over whether reading manga counts as reading and learn how to communicate better in spontaneous work situations. Also, get insights into digital minimalism, the transformative power of coaching, and how to handle distractions in the age of technology. Plus, unpack the latest advancements in AI and their implications for everyday life.

741 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep. 347: The Forgotten Phone Harms
The discussion dives into the overlooked harms of phone usage, contrasting primary and secondary effects. A focus on personal habits reveals how distractions impact productivity and team dynamics, illustrated by a baseball team's phone policy. Creative struggles are explored, emphasizing the iterative nature of writing alongside anecdotes from business technology. Additionally, insights from recent books are shared, connecting literature with resilience and personal growth. The conversation offers a unique perspective on phone addiction and meaningful engagement.

3,022 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 346: Getting Smarter in a Dumb World
Smartphones are making us dumber, but there are strategies to combat this decline. The discussion dives into improving cognitive fitness through techniques like interval training and dialectical reading. Listeners ask about navigating career changes, and the importance of niche online communities is emphasized. Insights into adapting to the tech job market and choosing values over high-paying offers make for a thought-provoking conversation. Additionally, advancements in AI reasoning and the effectiveness of chatbots are explored, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of technology.

1,273 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep. 345: Are We Getting Dumber?
The podcast dives into the alarming idea that human intelligence may have peaked, particularly in the age of smartphones, which distract and diminish cognitive abilities. It offers practical tips to combat this decline, such as prioritizing reading and reflective activities. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of navigating modern careers amidst technological distractions and the importance of aligning job choices with personal values. The tech corner reveals intriguing insights about AI's potential risks and benefits, underscoring its role in enhancing productivity.

1,261 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 26min
Ep. 344: You Are Not a Cog
Explore the surprising reasons behind burnout in cushy knowledge work. Learn how lessons from computer security can reshape our approach to productivity. Discover personalized strategies for effective time management and why a human-centric workplace matters. Delve into the impact of AI on our lives and the blurred lines with superintelligence. Plus, gain insights on maintaining a healthier relationship with your brain while managing tasks effectively.

3,643 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 31min
Ep. 343: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your LIfe
Explore the intriguing balance between productivity and chaos as the discussion reveals a minimal viable productivity system. Dive into the challenges of aligning career choices with personal values, steering clear of the passion and purpose traps. Gain insights into navigating major life transitions, including career shifts and the impact of political changes on work. Plus, uncover the future implications of artificial general intelligence and its potential effects on society and economy.

689 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 19min
IN-DEPTH: Greatness on Trial (w/ Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper)
Brad Stulberg, a writer and co-founder of The Growth Equation, joins Clay Skipper, a GQ veteran and insightful commentator, to dissect our modern concept of greatness. They explore the contradiction of admiring skill while rejecting performative displays, drawing examples from figures like Elon Musk. The discussion digs into the detrimental effects of social media on perceptions of success, urging a shift towards valuing authentic effort over superficial marks of achievement. Ultimately, they advocate for a personal definition of greatness rooted in integrity and genuine connections.
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