

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

278 snips
Oct 24, 2022 • 1h 30min
Ep. 219: The Deep Reset
Explore the fascinating concept of a 'deep reset' in lifestyle priorities, especially among millennials navigating the new work culture. Discover effective productivity strategies, including task management and self-tracking techniques. Delve into the implications of screen time on children's development while balancing digital engagement. Plus, insights on the transformative future of augmented reality and its impact on productivity. Expect lively discussions on personal fulfillment, intentional living, and the evolving landscape of work in today's society.

203 snips
Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 42min
Ep. 218: Work vs. Meaning
Delve into the evolving relationship between work and personal fulfillment, as society shifts from civic duty to individual values. Explore the critique of the 'follow your passion' mantra while considering the importance of values-based career planning. Learn about balancing ambition with contentment and the quest for joy in the present. Discover innovative productivity techniques and the fascinating world of creativity, from Holly Black's writing space to the art of stone skipping, emphasizing how contribution shapes meaningful life experiences.

1,342 snips
Oct 10, 2022 • 1h 30min
Ep. 217: Slow Productivity Advice
Dive into a world where creativity meets productivity! Discover the transformation of an underground lair into a haven for authors. Learn about balancing passion and practicality in film amidst the hustle of service jobs. Explore the struggles of note-taking techniques and how to navigate productivity while facing health challenges. Get insights into lifestyle-centric career planning and the intriguing FIRE movement. Plus, find out how focusing on less can lead to greater emotional well-being!

209 snips
Oct 3, 2022 • 1h 26min
Ep. 216: Deep Walking To Work Less
Walking can spark creativity and boost productivity, but isn't always ideal for deep focus. The shift from traditional blogging to newsletters is discussed, highlighting their evolving roles in content discovery. Strategies for managing external team dynamics are offered, while insights on maintaining a professional online identity in legal professions are emphasized. Additionally, the challenges and potential of new tech innovations, including AR and VR, are explored, along with tips for aspiring writers to complete their projects effectively.

665 snips
Sep 26, 2022 • 1h 28min
Ep. 215: RYAN HOLIDAY: Discipline Is Destiny
Join bestselling author Ryan Holiday, known for his insights on Stoicism and marketing, as he dives into the transformative power of self-discipline in his latest work, "Discipline is Destiny." He explores practical strategies for mastering self-discipline and how customizing these approaches can lead to personal growth. The conversation touches on the balance between writing and life, the importance of a supportive community, and how to navigate the modern creative landscape effectively. Discover the profound role discipline plays in achieving your goals!

245 snips
Sep 19, 2022 • 1h 26min
Ep. 214: Quiet Quitting
Explore the rising trend of 'quiet quitting' and its implications for work-life balance in today's post-pandemic world. Discover tips for inspiring children's motivation and insights into effective writing practices. Hear about the advantages of using Obsidian for note-taking and real-life success stories related to productivity. Plus, navigate the impact of media overload on mental health, urging a shift towards engaging in local communities and pursuing personal hobbies for fulfillment.

307 snips
Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 30min
Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No
Explore the essential art of saying no, examining its psychological impact and strategies for setting boundaries in our busy lives. Discover how to conquer anxiety tied to structured schedules and find the balance between commitment and spontaneity. The discussion also delves into prioritizing personal development with a framework of deep life buckets. Learn about career planning and the shift towards human-centric work processes, emphasizing flexibility and reflection to align your professional journey with personal values.

163 snips
Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 36min
Ep. 212: The Productivity Dragon Returns
Explore whether four-day workweeks can effectively combat burnout while considering deeper structural changes for better work-life balance. Hear insights on how to manage schedules, including reflections on the 'Follow Your Passion' advice. Delve into the future of computing and augmented reality's impact on consumer tech. The discussion encourages a more humane approach to productivity, touching on strategies for effective time management and the evolving role of smartwatches in enhancing focus amidst distractions.

506 snips
Aug 29, 2022 • 1h 16min
Ep. 211: How Cal Organizes His Life
Dive into Cal's life organization strategies with tips on improving task estimation. Explore the downsides of open office spaces and how they affect productivity. Listen to discussions on the value of podcasts in the reading ecosystem. Get advice on planning weddings without drowning in details. Reflect on rekindling love for work and resetting ambitions after burnout. Plus, tackle the challenges of self-comparison in academia while fostering a balanced lifestyle. It's all about clarity and personal development!

233 snips
Aug 22, 2022 • 1h 8min
Ep. 210: Visions of a Deep Life
Explore the transformative journey of media content creation and its implications on trust and misinformation. Discover practical strategies for navigating the digital landscape, including effective project management. Learn how batching emails can affect stress levels at work and what to do about it. Delve into the importance of dedicated workspaces for remote employees, and see how aligning career choices with personal fulfillment can lead to greater life satisfaction. Get ready for actionable insights that enhance productivity and well-being!