
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

357 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 355: Quit Social Media (For Real This Time)
The discussion begins with a critique of social media, likening it to ultra-processed foods and exploring its impact on mental health. Insights into work-life balance shine a light on the benefits of a four-day workweek. Strategies for optimizing cognitive performance focus on avoiding distractions and the detrimental effects of TikTok. A whimsical artwork sparks laughter, while a diverse reading list reveals intriguing new titles. Finally, modern capitalism is examined through a unique lens that blends tradition and critique.

880 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep. 354: The Workload Fairytale
Discover the surprising outcomes of the four-day workweek trials in several countries, revealing that productivity can remain stable or even improve. Explore how modern communication tools like Slack might hinder efficiency. Learn effective strategies for managing multiple writing projects, including the cognitive costs of task switching. Delve into the role of AI in the workforce, with insights into its potential to enhance productivity while considering the future of knowledge work and competition in search technology.

985 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 21min
Ep. 353: Summer Schedules
Summer vibes take center stage as Cal discusses adopting a simpler schedule for the warmer months. He shares strategies to embrace seasonal rhythms, promoting a blend of relaxation and productivity. Listener questions delve into topics like academic collaboration and finding focus in a distraction-filled world. Cal also reacts to the evolving landscape of AI, highlighting challenges faced by companies and the shift toward more tailored models. It's all about balancing work and leisure for a fulfilling summer!

1,193 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 352: It’s Okay to Slow Down
Explore the value of 'slow productivity' through the contrasting writing habits of Haruki Murakami and Joan Didion, highlighting the joy of consistent, intentional work. Delve into effective email management strategies and learn about navigating distractions with creative tools like burner phones. The conversation also touches on mental health in journalism, ethical dilemmas in AI, and the misconceptions surrounding communication, making for a thought-provoking discussion on achieving balance in work and life.

936 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep. 351: Making the Internet Good Again
Explore the intriguing notion that spending time online can be beneficial if navigated wisely. Discover strategies for balancing deep work and family life, and learn how to implement effective productivity techniques, like 'eating the frog.' The podcast also tackles the impact of an algorithm-driven internet versus more genuine online engagement. Additionally, it dives into redefining career success through lifestyle-centric planning, emphasizing fulfillment from daily experiences. Plus, a highlight of interesting books reveals diverse insights!

1,306 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep. 350: Is Inbox Zero Possible?
Discover the elusive goal of inbox zero and why traditional methods often fall short. Explore modern strategies for organizing emails that reduce clutter and improve productivity. Tackle productivity during challenging days with intentional planning and automatic systems. Learn about enhancing focus in distracting environments and developing marketable skills in tech. Finally, dive into the value of being present amidst digital distractions, highlighting the importance of mindful engagement.

4,059 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.

1,573 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.

1,968 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.

779 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.