

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

495 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 25min
Ep. 242: The Simple Life
Explore the allure of simple living and why it resonates with overworked professionals. Delve into the life-changing insights drawn from a self-sustaining couple during the Great Depression. Discover practical tips for achieving fulfillment through small lifestyle changes. The discussion also uncovers the importance of keystone habits in productivity, advocating for fewer projects to alleviate cognitive overload. Plus, learn about emerging social media regulations for teens and the complexities of navigating a career in publishing.

125 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 10min
Ep. 241: The Virality Trap
The podcast dives into the gripping hold Twitter has on creatives, questioning the necessity of spending countless hours promoting work there. It critiques the virality culture and discusses why genuine connections matter more than superficial engagement. The dangers of chasing social media trends are illuminated, along with an exploration of alternative platforms like Mastodon. Plus, there's an intriguing look at the potential benefits of a four-day workweek for enhancing focus and productivity in knowledge work.

1,086 snips
Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep. 240: Disciplined Laziness
Discover a fresh perspective on productivity that emphasizes autonomy over relentless hustle. The conversation critiques modern productivity influencers and promotes a balanced approach to work. Explore how to navigate burnout, prioritize diverse interests, and create flexible productivity systems that enhance well-being. Delve into the significance of structured frameworks for side hustles and the importance of mental health support. Plus, enjoy insights from noteworthy nonfiction books that inform this enlightening journey.

363 snips
Mar 13, 2023 • 1h 14min
Ep. 239: On Time and Stress
The podcast dives into our troubled relationship with time, questioning if it’s fundamentally broken due to modern pressures. It discusses the overload many knowledge workers face and the need for systems that lighten our workload. The hosts explore the idea of slow productivity, advocating for a more intentional approach that emphasizes quality over quantity. They also critique AI-driven time management tools, suggesting that manual planning may offer greater clarity. The conversation reflects on the challenges of academia and the balance of work, time, and personal fulfillment.

1,042 snips
Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 10min
Ep. 238: The Joys of the Reading Life
The importance of cultivating a reading life is front and center, contrasting deep reading with the cognitive costs of digital consumption. Listeners explore how to effectively build a library and train themselves to read more. Insights on supporting authors through book purchases and productivity strategies focus on the impact of work. An engaging look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's resilience also adds a unique twist, along with humorous critiques of societal values regarding reading versus superficiality.

174 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 17min
Ep. 237: Reimagining the Internet
The conversation dives into the need for a fundamentally reimagined internet, exploring Urbit as a way to boost user autonomy. There's a robust discussion about the implications of augmented reality on our attention spans and societal interactions. Listeners learn practical tips for digital minimalism and how to disconnect more effectively. The debate extends to Section 230 and its potential to reshape internet liability. Plus, insights into Michael Cera's tech-free lifestyle spark a reflection on prioritizing privacy over social media fame.

656 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 20min
Ep. 236: Hacking Remote Work
Discover how to effectively navigate the remote work landscape, reducing your job's footprint without drawing attention. Learn strategies for enhancing productivity while balancing individual projects. Delve into the importance of team collaboration and managing workloads for fulfillment. Consider practical tools for improving focus and preventing burnout. Plus, enjoy insights on impactful books and a nostalgic look back at the resurgence of 90s culture.

374 snips
Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 235: Is Productivity Overrated?
The discussion dives into whether productivity is truly overrated, highlighting the difference between busyness and real achievement. Insightful reflections on the challenges of deep work reveal the necessity of breathing room in our schedules. Listeners learn the value of idle time and how to balance work with personal fulfillment. The critique of academic culture showcases the obsession with metrics that detracts from meaningful contributions, suggesting a need for a holistic view of success. Engaging listener questions add depth to the conversation.

629 snips
Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 32min
Ep. 234: Ambition without Burnout
In this engaging discussion, Jordan Harbinger, host of The Jordan Harbinger Show, dives into the art of balancing ambition without burnout. He shares insightful strategies for building a successful podcast, emphasizing the need for focused content and quality production. The conversation also tackles overcoming boredom in a structured yet purposeful life. They explore how to manage multiple side hustles and discuss the challenge of reducing screen time for teens. Harbinger's experiences offer valuable lessons on maintaining ambition while prioritizing well-being.

521 snips
Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 20min
Ep. 233: Escaping Your Tyrannical Inbox
Discover innovative strategies to escape the tyranny of your inbox and regain control over your time. Learn why having multiple email addresses can boost your productivity and how to get colleagues to engage with process-centric emails. Get tips on navigating open office dynamics while maintaining focus, as well as the benefits of direct communication to streamline interactions. Plus, gain insight into Alex Haley's unique writing habits aboard cargo ships, showcasing the quest for solitude in a distracted world.


