

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

73 snips
Jul 8, 2021 • 44min
Ep. 112: LISTENER CALLS: The Productivity Baby Steps
Discover how to break big projects into bite-sized tasks for better productivity. Learn the seven baby steps to master your professional life, inspired by financial principles. Find strategies to handle late night meetings and the best book recommendations for college students. Delve into creating effective shutdown routines to navigate unpredictable schedules, ensuring you maintain a balanced approach to work and life.

29 snips
Jul 5, 2021 • 1h 9min
Ep. 111: How Do I Tame Distracting Thoughts?
Explore the clash between generalism and specialization in the realm of deep work. Learn how students can carve out their unique paths by engaging authentically and embracing unstructured exploration. Discover Quentin Tarantino's writing routine and how it shifts from chaos to structure for enhanced creativity. Get practical strategies on fostering a deep work mindset within teams and uncover expert time management tips to help you stick to your plans. Dive into how consistency and rhythm in your work can supercharge productivity!

38 snips
Jul 1, 2021 • 36min
Ep. 110: LISTENER CALLS: Making the Deep Life Happen
Listeners dive into the challenge of setting boundaries, particularly in academic life. Strategies for scheduling reading amid busy routines are explored. The conversation shifts to effective time block planning for managing academic and personal goals. The discussion includes the blend of effortlessness and automation to enhance productivity. Finally, transforming the idea of a deep life into actionable steps is emphasized, offering listeners practical insights for a more meaningful existence.

24 snips
Jun 28, 2021 • 1h 9min
Ep. 109: How Much Should I Read?
Explore the intriguing dynamics of social networks with insights from 'The Square and the Tower.' Discover strategies for improving workplace culture while navigating personal values. Delve into how daily activity tracking can enhance awareness and lead to a more fulfilling life. Learn to cultivate reading habits and discipline for personal growth, alongside tips for aspiring authors looking to hit bestseller lists. Perfect for anyone seeking to elevate productivity and pursue a deeper, more meaningful existence.

60 snips
Jun 24, 2021 • 45min
Ep. 108: LISTENER CALLS: Becoming Productive
Listeners dive into the challenges of returning to the office and the chaos of informal interactions. The discussion covers productivity strategies, emphasizing a structured approach to organizing and executing tasks. Time tracking apps are evaluated for their efficiency, while time blocking techniques receive a detailed examination. The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of overworking on problems and importance of balancing deep work rituals for maximum focus.

26 snips
Jun 21, 2021 • 1h 1min
Ep. 107: How Do I Stay Motivated on Long-Term Projects?
Discover effective strategies to maintain motivation for long-term projects, from planning to perfecting your workspace. Learn how to turn boredom into a productive ally and dive into the significance of meaningful leisure without breaking the bank. Explore how to balance academic pursuits with enjoyable experiences and receive insights on managing a work environment with an open-door policy. Tune in for practical tips on enhancing focus and lasting engagement in your endeavors.

6 snips
Jun 17, 2021 • 39min
Ep. 106: LISTENER CALLS: Art Without Social Media
Listeners dive into balancing work and academic life, exploring strategies for effective time management. They discuss the intersection of deep work and ADHD, uncovering tips for focus. The conversation also highlights the journey of building career capital, especially as an account executive. Interestingly, artists share their experiences creating without social media, advocating for artistic integrity. Finally, there's a thought-provoking discussion on pursuing a PhD driven by passion rather than external pressures.

Jun 14, 2021 • 1h 5min
Ep. 105: Should I Read the News?
Discover strategies for integrating deep work into shallow job roles while negotiating for a more fulfilling experience. Learn how batching emails can help combat communication overload and boost productivity, and explore the importance of focusing on sequential work processes. Delve into effective stress management techniques for high-pressure environments and the benefits of taking breaks from news consumption to enhance critical thinking and personal well-being. Gain insights into parenting techniques that support focus and growth.

Jun 10, 2021 • 42min
Ep. 104: LISTENER CALLS: Saying "No" Without Saying "No"
Listeners tackle the tricky art of saying 'no' while managing the demands of small business life. Strategies for taming email overload come up, alongside the challenge of notebook clutter. Insights on marketing online courses without relying on social media reveal a fresh perspective. The conversation dives into the complexities of video gaming, discussing its social benefits and potential pitfalls. Finally, listeners gain tips on setting productivity boundaries for a more balanced workflow.

45 snips
Jun 7, 2021 • 1h 6min
Ep. 103: What is the Relationship Between Order and Well-Being?
Discover strategies to conquer deep work even when motivation dwindles. Learn how to prioritize your own tasks over others' demands effectively. Explore the impact of future technologies on focus and attention. Dive into the compelling link between order and well-being, and understand how to build career capital without a roadmap. Plus, tackle the temptation of social media and examine how to maintain commitment to a meaningful life. It's all about enhancing productivity and aligning your life with your core values!