

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

60 snips
Feb 17, 2022 • 1h 10min
Ep. 174: CALLS: Thinking for Yourself
Engaging in a deep dive on intellectual curiosity, the conversation illuminates the balance between open-mindedness and structured learning. A compelling guide emerges for designing a transformative gap year that fosters growth and confidence. The hosts tackle juggling responsibilities with hobbies, offering savvy tips to manage distractions. Cal shares thoughts on the Metaverse and its implications on social interaction, while also addressing the challenges of sustaining motivation in personal endeavors. It's a mix of humor and insightful advice on navigating life's complexities.

152 snips
Feb 14, 2022 • 1h 8min
Ep. 173: What is Deep Work?
Explore the powerful concept of deep work, emphasizing focused engagement for productivity and creativity. Discover strategies to resist distractions, particularly from social media and email. Learn the importance of quality over mere self-promotion and how proper planning and digital tools can enhance your efforts. The dialogue also touches on teaching kids to focus and the relationship between disconnection and creativity. Humorous anecdotes weave through practical advice, making it an engaging conversation about modern challenges in work and life.

17 snips
Feb 10, 2022 • 1h 9min
Ep. 172: CALLS: The Books I Read in January 2022
Discover the books that shaped January 2022 and enjoy a humorous tale of navigating productivity as a new parent. Dive into the lively debate between physical and e-books, and find inspiration in exploring personal passion projects while managing work. Learn strategies for transforming schoolwork into a personal identity. Finally, get insights from biographies of historical giants and the challenges of self-improvement practices. It's a lively journey through literature, motivation, and the deep life!

141 snips
Feb 7, 2022 • 1h 24min
Ep. 171: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout?
Explore the transformative concept of slow productivity as a remedy for burnout, emphasizing the need to prioritize quality over quantity in our tasks. Discover effective knowledge management strategies that blend digital and analog tools for enhanced creativity. Hear personal insights on maximizing productivity through intentional planning and the importance of uninterrupted deep work. The conversation also touches on navigating college admissions and supporting underrepresented students in balancing academic pressures with personal well-being.

52 snips
Feb 3, 2022 • 51min
Ep. 170: CALLS: Don’t Follow Your Passion
Discover why following your passion might not be the best career advice. Explore the importance of developing valuable skills over mere enthusiasm in finding job satisfaction. Get practical tips on managing your time better and optimizing your home for productivity. Learn how to separate work from personal life and enhance focus through smart organization. Plus, enjoy some humor about workspace decor and gather effective strategies for passing tough exams!

203 snips
Jan 31, 2022 • 1h 17min
Ep. 169: How Do I Manage My Time?
Time management strategies take center stage with key insights on 'full capture' methods to alleviate mental burden. Delve into the ethics of quitting a job that hinders societal progress and explore how to balance family life with personal goals. Discover tips for mastering skills like programming through deliberate practice while juggling parenting. The discussion also covers the impacts of social media on professional life and the importance of community in leading a fulfilling existence.

9 snips
Jan 27, 2022 • 44min
Ep. 168: Should I Quit My Law Partner Job?
Explore the art of effective communication through ticketing systems and learn how to navigate job uncertainty after a manager's departure. Delve into the cognitive risks of context switching and the value of breaks that rejuvenate creativity. Gain insights on mastering time blocking for deep work while adapting to disruptions. Plus, tackle the dilemma of pursuing passions amidst a demanding career and consider whether it's time to make significant life changes for a more fulfilling existence.

15 snips
Jan 24, 2022 • 1h 5min
Ep. 167: What Do We Look Like? (Videos Are Now Live!)
Explore the exciting shift to video content, enhancing audience engagement and storytelling. Discover sustainable productivity strategies to avoid burnout and manage workloads effectively. Learn about post-lunch rituals to boost focus and how to maximize your breaks without falling into mindless scrolling. Delve into the Zettelkasten method and its benefits for organized note-taking. Plus, insights on maintaining focus amidst distractions and social pressures during work.

35 snips
Jan 20, 2022 • 56min
Ep. 166: LISTENER CALLS: The Deep Life vs. The Good Life
Listeners explore the intriguing concept of the deep life versus the good life, emphasizing intentionality and personal values. Discussions include the pursuit of awe through psychedelics and its impact on productivity. There are practical tips for time-block planning tailored for the visually impaired and insights into navigating the complexities of book publishing. The host also shares thoughts on escaping unfulfilling jobs and personal blogging processes, enriching the conversation around meaningful living.

43 snips
Jan 17, 2022 • 1h 3min
Ep. 165: Why Are We Burnt Out?
Explore the causes of burnout and why busy work cultures need to rethink productivity. Delve into the neuroscience behind overwhelm and how task overload affects mental health. Discover the benefits of slow productivity for better work-life balance. Learn to integrate fitness routines into hectic schedules while maintaining focus. Gain insights into financial wellness and sustainable living in today’s millennial landscape. Plus, enjoy some humorous takes on aging and managing personal challenges!


