

Deep Questions with Cal Newport
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

917 snips
Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 259: The Four-Hour Work Day
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover Oliver Burkeman's radical experiment of cutting his workday to just four hours. He shares eye-opening insights on productivity and finding joy in work by doing less. The conversation also touches on lifestyle changes that enhance personal fulfillment, like the idea of a 'celebration bucket.' Additionally, the talk highlights intentional decision-making in our careers and the quest for a richer life, making space for passions alongside work responsibilities.

534 snips
Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 26min
Ep. 258: Godel’s Deep Life Stack
Explore how history's great thinkers, like Kurt Gödel, managed their time for productivity and fulfillment. Delve into the importance of structured planning and personal project motivation. Discover tips for mastering evening routines to boost your next day's productivity while juggling work-life balance. Gain inspiration from unconventional fitness practices and the philosophy of intentional living. Finally, navigate the deep life stack to identify what truly matters in life.

691 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 257: Refusing Overwork
Discover practical strategies for achieving work-life balance through fixed-schedule productivity. Explore how setting clear work boundaries can combat overwork and promote well-being. The discussion emphasizes evaluating routines, managing excessive workloads, and the significance of personalized planning. Hear insights from personal anecdotes and case studies that showcase the benefits of structured schedules and the importance of saying no to additional tasks. Dive into a humorous yet informative journey toward mastering productivity!

1,199 snips
Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 256: Start with Discipline
Discipline is the cornerstone of a meaningful life, according to the latest insights. The conversation highlights how structured routines can transform personal growth by shifting from externally motivated goals to internally driven pursuits. Practical strategies for developing sustainable habits emerge, emphasizing balance over extreme productivity. Listener questions address overcoming distractions and fostering commitment to demanding projects. Humorous commentary on bizarre productivity trends underscores the importance of intentionality in achieving long-term successes.

487 snips
Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 12min
Ep. 255: The Failure of Cybernetic Productivity
Explore how the digital tools meant to enhance productivity are failing to deliver real results. The discussion highlights a need for a shift towards attention-focused methods rather than just speeding up tasks. Insights into time management for potential hires and leadership also emerge. Delve into unique productivity habits, juxtaposing traditional and modern approaches. Plus, discover the surreal writing environment of a renowned screenwriter and the idea of a dedicated space for deep work!

776 snips
Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ep. 254: The Laws of Less
Dive into the transformative idea of 'doing less' to achieve more in your professional life. Discover how focusing on fewer tasks enhances productivity, with anecdotes illustrating the journey of gradual progression. Uncover strategies for managing stress and workload, particularly for teachers, by embracing slow productivity. Plus, hear about captivating reads that explore consciousness and AI, and how they connect with mental health. This enlightening conversation will inspire you to rethink your approach to success.

424 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 39min
Ep. 253: Making Time for What Matters (w/ Laura Vanderkam)
Laura Vanderkam, a renowned time management author and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast, shares her insights on balancing life's demands. She dives into how parents can find time for both work and family while pursuing fulfillment. The discussion highlights practical strategies like time tracking and weekly planning, challenging the myth that a deep life is only for the privileged. Vanderkam also shares fascinating lessons from Japan's Edo period about sustainability and productivity, urging listeners to embrace intentionality in their lives.

931 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ep. 252: The Deep Life Stack
Dive into the journey of escaping superficial distractions to embrace a deeper life. Discover how discipline lays the groundwork for meaningful change and personal growth. Gain insights on co-creating a fulfilling existence with your partner and the intriguing idea of genetic influences on depth. Explore how to master time for pleasure amidst chaos, all while discussing the exciting developments in augmented reality technology and how it’s taking center stage over AI. This conversation is a roadmap to intentional living!

460 snips
Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 251: The Efficiency Trap
Explore the intriguing balance between speed and quality in productivity. The discussion reveals how not all efficiency gains lead to better work outcomes. Delve into the critique of modern productivity tools and the importance of a quality-focused approach. Discover creative environments like the Sylvia Beach Hotel that inspire deep thinking. Plus, find out how AI can play a role in writing without sacrificing depth. This engaging conversation questions our assumptions about what it means to be productive.

539 snips
May 29, 2023 • 1h 19min
Ep. 250: In Defense of Thinking
In a world overtaken by digital distractions, the value of deep, concentrated thinking is under threat. The discussion dives into how this decline impacts our ability to engage with meaningful ideas. It also explores how films can stimulate cognitive presence while contrasting narrative depth with superficial entertainment. Techniques for effective note-taking are examined, alongside a humorous comparison of digital tools. Ultimately, the emphasis is on reclaiming thoughtful engagement in both work and leisure, ensuring the art of thinking isn't lost.