Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep 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-responseThanks to our Sponsors:shopify.com/deepzocdoc.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Introducing Oprah & Jillian Turecki on Looking Within to Improve Your Relationships from The Oprah Podcast.Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@OprahBUY THE BOOK!"It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life" by Jillian Turecki, published by HarperOne, is available wherever books are sold: https://www.jillianturecki.com/book Jillian on Love: https://lnk.to/jillianonloveAre you hitting a wall in your relationships? Are you still looking for “the one”? It is our relationships that determine our happiness in life and reflect back our relationship with ourselves. That essential truth is the core belief of renowned relationship coach Jillian Turecki, Oprah's guest on this episode of "The Oprah Podcast." Jillian’s insightful, no-nonsense relationship advice is on this episode as she breaks down her new book, "It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life." She also shares her revelations as a relationship coach and from hosting over 150 episodes on her hit podcast, "Jillian on Love." Jillian also opens up about her often contentious relationship with her father, famed psychologist Dr. Stanley Turecki, whose groundbreaking book, "The Difficult Child," was somewhat based on his experience with Jillian as a child. Finally, Oprah and Jillian take questions from people looking to foster more love and connection in their lives.Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:https://www.instagram.com/oprah/https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLIhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.