

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

95 snips
Mar 24, 2022 • 45min
Ep. 184: REPLAY: The Productivity Baby Steps
Dive into effective strategies for managing big projects by breaking them into bite-sized tasks for better focus. Discover a transformative seven-step system designed to enhance productivity through clarity and planning. Learn how to tackle late-night meetings and streamline your commitments for lower stress. Plus, uncover essential tips for college students on mastering study habits and creating effective routines, all aimed at cultivating a more productive and fulfilling academic journey.

20 snips
Mar 21, 2022 • 51min
Ep. 183: Crazy or Deep?
Explore the concept of deliberate practice as a means of mastering skills in today's tech-driven landscape. Discover the importance of physical books and their value in a digital age. Learn about managing the demands of life through military-inspired resilience and service principles. Engage in a playful game evaluating unique habits while contemplating the distractions caused by overly-featured software. Unpack the nuances of stock investing using practical insights, including the wisdom that you may not beat the stock market.

25 snips
Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 2min
Ep. 182: Cal’s Business Model
Discover the art of slow productivity with insights on consistent writing efforts leading to big results. Explore how a well-designed home library can enhance creativity. Learn effective strategies for navigating intense training while maintaining energy. Delve into the importance of documenting personal values and improving writing skills with helpful tools. Uncover practical advice for overcoming deep procrastination, particularly among high achievers, to stay motivated in both academic and creative pursuits.

12 snips
Mar 14, 2022 • 1h 11min
Ep. 181: Should I Quit My Lawyer Job?
Discover the chaos of the hyperactive hive mind and its impact on productivity. Explore how constant context switching harms our cognitive function and learn the benefits of structured communication. Get insights on balancing creativity with marketing efforts and time management tips for overwhelming workloads. Dive into the dilemma of career fulfillment, especially for lawyers questioning their paths. Finally, ponder the erosion of deep reading in our digital age and its effects on comprehension and critical thinking.

15 snips
Mar 10, 2022 • 60min
Ep. 180: CALLS: Four Day Weeks Aren’t Enough
A humorous take on remote work reveals how even kids are adapting to digital life. An inspiring journey from city living to rural fulfillment highlights the value of community and intentionality. Productivity culture gets a critical eye, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to combat burnout. The contradictions of capitalism in podcasting spark discussions about career growth. Finally, tech habits and the struggles of obsessive reading provide relatable insights for managing both academic and personal lives.

49 snips
Mar 7, 2022 • 1h 1min
Ep. 179: Do Techniques Beat Talent?
The discussion explores whether technique can surpass talent when achieving success. Listeners learn how to implement productivity without strictly time-blocking by focusing on capture, configure, and control. The hosts also delve into the benefits of managing multiple email accounts to reduce cognitive overload. Additionally, they reflect on the health impact of podcasts and the significance of embracing boredom to enhance concentration in today’s distracted world. Insights into collaborative deep work also highlight the importance of sustained focus.

134 snips
Mar 3, 2022 • 1h 11min
Ep. 178: CALLS: On Doing Hard Things
This discussion dives into the challenges of planning and how to tackle anxiety around it. Listeners hear about the importance of setting achievable goals, inspired by insights from fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. Personal experiences shape perspectives on technology and professional growth, highlighting lessons learned from family. Strategies like time blocking are explored to enhance productivity. The conversation also touches on navigating anxiety while pursuing a fulfilling life and embracing challenges, promoting a balanced and intentional approach to living.

23 snips
Feb 28, 2022 • 1h 13min
Ep. 177: Is Ambition Worth It?
This discussion dives deep into the complexity of ambition, weighing its motivational benefits against the risks of burnout and social comparison. Listeners are prompted to rethink productivity by shifting focus from task lists to balanced lifestyles and intentional dietary choices. Insights on managing temporary plans and fostering meaningful connections underscore the need for community in an ambitious world. Personal anecdotes and humorous moments enrich the conversation, offering a light approach to serious life questions.

78 snips
Feb 24, 2022 • 57min
Ep. 176: CALLS: Taming Information Overload
The hosts dive into the TikTok dilemma, weighing its addictive nature against user freedom. They explore integrating deep work into sales, emphasizing the importance of deliberate practice amidst distractions. Discussions on finding diverse viewpoints and making 'little bets' for growth are also featured. There's a humorous take on social media's evolution and a focus on managing responsibilities while avoiding information overload. Lastly, they highlight the significance of meaningful achievements for aspiring medical students.

121 snips
Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 9min
Ep. 175: What is the Deep Life?
Explore the journey of creating a fulfilling 'deep life' in a world of distractions. Discover effective strategies for time management, especially for those with ADHD. Delve into the complexities of selecting a college major and how balancing personal values can lead to fulfillment. Learn practical tips for navigating work-life balance, particularly in parenting. Plus, find out how to build community around deep work and enhance your mental health with intentional life changes.


