

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

7 snips
Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 6min
Ep. 151: Should you move to the country?
Dive into the transformative decision of moving from the city to the country, exploring the benefits of a slower lifestyle and remote work. Discover essential productivity techniques and how to maintain connections in simpler work environments. Learn about the importance of intentional living and aligning actions with your core values. Tackle the 'inspiration trap' to gain clarity in decision-making and career stability. Plus, get practical advice for working parents and effective techniques for enhancing morning routines.

7 snips
Nov 25, 2021 • 55min
Ep. 150: LISTENER CALLS: Finding More Family Time
Listeners tackle the challenge of finding family time in a busy world. Strategies for balancing work duties and personal life take center stage, with practical tips shared on managing tasks effectively. The conversation also dives into the impact of online presence for authors, alongside insights on leveraging early career potential. The speakers highlight the contrast between social media's portrayal of parenting and the realities many face, stressing the importance of cultivating genuine family bonds.

55 snips
Nov 22, 2021 • 1h 10min
Ep. 149: How Do I Tame Email?
Taming email takes center stage, with practical methods to ease the cognitive load of managing your inbox. Discover how to accomplish deep work amidst the chaos of endless meetings. Cal delves into effective time-blocking strategies and the distinction between managing projects and tasks. The challenges of balancing parenthood with personal ambitions are thoughtfully explored, offering insightful advice for new parents navigating their changing identities. Plus, learn how to find satisfaction in goals that seem to stretch on forever.

10 snips
Nov 18, 2021 • 46min
Ep. 148: LISTENER CALLS: Decoding the Productive Pause
Listeners explore the concept of the 'productive pause', a strategy that enhances focus and task efficiency. They discuss how to discover meaningful research interests and the challenge of transitioning between work and leisure. The idea of creating 'Eudamonia Machines' to optimize well-being is examined. Additionally, there’s talk about leading teams without relying on email and scheduling more deep work for better productivity. Each call sheds light on practical strategies for a more fulfilling life and work balance.

6 snips
Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 7min
Ep.147: Why Did I Never Join Social Media?
The conversation dives into the nuances of deep work and the traits that might make someone more predisposed to it. There's a fascinating discussion on managing post-shutdown excitement and tackling ambiguous tasks at work. The speaker shares insights on maintaining focus in chaotic environments plagued by last-minute meetings. Reflecting on personal experiences, they reveal why they've never been tempted by social media and explore the timeless appeal of a monastic lifestyle in achieving a fulfilling, deep life.

26 snips
Nov 11, 2021 • 51min
Ep. 146: LISTENER CALLS: A Revolution is Coming in Knowledge Work
A new book proposal dives into the 'deep life,' focusing on balance and productivity. Listeners grapple with Twitter FOMO and the challenge of tracking time effectively. There's a discussion about tedious entry-level tasks and the struggle academics face in balancing teaching and research. Plus, a passionate rant about the impending revolution in knowledge work highlights the need for better organizational systems. Enjoy insights on quarterly planning and the fascinating mechanics behind effective time management!

Nov 8, 2021 • 56min
Ep. 145: Is the Deep Life Compatible with Serving Humanity?
Discover the value of reading as a tool for personal growth. Explore effective strategies for avoiding burnout while engaging in deep work. Learn how to balance productivity tools in a digital world, and the importance of maintaining meaningful local relationships for wider humanitarian efforts. Delve into the complexities of managing family life alongside professional obligations while advocating for minimalism. Plus, gain insights on the best study environments to enhance focus and productivity.

8 snips
Nov 4, 2021 • 54min
Ep. 144: LISTENER CALLS: Is Overload Necessary?
Dive into the debate on whether overload is actually necessary for productivity. Listeners share their struggles with balancing important tasks and household admin. A doctor seeks strategies for carving out leisure time in a busy schedule. Discover how browser plugins can help defang the internet's distractions. Plus, learn about applying sprint methodologies beyond the tech sector to enhance focus and efficiency. It’s a lively exploration of navigating today's complex work-life demands!

10 snips
Nov 1, 2021 • 55min
Ep. 143: What Would You Say You Do Here?
The discussion dives into the essence of understanding what you really do at work and how to articulate it effectively. Strategies for managing time while balancing a full-time job and pursuing advanced education are explored. The podcast also tackles overcoming productivity distractions and the importance of carving out deep work time. Moreover, it reflects on living a meaningful life, touching on technology's impact on focus and how to combat confirmation bias in writing and academia.

44 snips
Oct 28, 2021 • 55min
Ep. 142: LISTENER CALLS: Making Hard Work Routine
Listeners grapple with the challenges of hard work and routine. A deep dive into Facebook's misinformation crisis highlights the platform's pitfalls. Tips on speed reading and unique writing systems showcase innovative productivity hacks. The discussion emphasizes traditional networking over social media for academic success. Furthermore, critiques of lengthy study sessions urge a more thoughtful approach to learning, advocating for efficient note-taking and time management strategies. It's all about optimizing processes for better outcomes!