

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

May 24, 2021 • 1h 8min
Ep. 99: Should I Move to Sweden or Make Money?
Explore effective strategies to significantly reduce email overload and streamline your workflow. Discuss the importance of aligning your career with personal lifestyle aspirations, especially when facing pivotal decisions like promotions. Delve into how technology impacts our thinking and the role of memorization in deep work. Consider whether moving to a new country offers more fulfillment than financial gain. Finally, reflect on the evolving nature of social media and the quest for deeper, more meaningful leisure activities.

May 20, 2021 • 40min
Ep. 98: LISTENER CALLS: Choosing the Right Job
Listeners dive into effective productivity strategies, discussing how long to keep items on a 'done' list and when to invest in productivity software. Time blocking techniques are explored, along with tips to manage distractions. The conversation shifts to scheduling breaks for optimal focus, especially for those with ADHD. Finally, the importance of guiding young people through career choices is highlighted, promoting a lifestyle-centric approach to planning their futures.

May 17, 2021 • 1h 3min
Ep. 97: Should I Outsource My Inbox?
Explore how to foster a deeper work environment and battle meeting overload. Discover the benefits of outsourcing your email management with an assistant. Dive into strategies for minimizing distractions during work. Get insight into how indie authors can effectively use social media. Plus, hear thoughts on future writing projects and the enduring value of insights from legendary thinkers like Heschel and Postman. Tune in for practical tips to enhance both professional and personal life!

May 13, 2021 • 39min
Ep. 96: LISTENER CALLS: Emotional Distractions
Listeners dive into the art of managing a 'waiting on' list for improved productivity. The discussion highlights the impact of emotion-driven distractions and attention residue on focus. Tips for maintaining effective time blocks are shared, including a comical take on relationship dynamics, like batching dirty dishes. There's also a deep exploration of organizing research systematically, along with strategies to balance emotions and energy for enhanced productivity. Perfect for those eager to optimize their work habits!

95 snips
May 10, 2021 • 1h 13min
Ep. 95: How Do I Maintain the Will to Do Deep Work?
Delve into the art of time-block planning and tackle the challenges of adopting this method for productivity. Discover how to steer colleagues away from email chaos and conquer Slack FOMO with effective strategies. Explore the impact of big tech on privacy and learn about achieving success without social media. Gain insights on maintaining the will to do deep work and the complexities of balancing personal and professional life, even in a digital maximalist environment.

May 6, 2021 • 35min
Ep. 94: LISTENER CALLS: Battling Bothersome Bosses
Listeners dive into the challenges of workplace dynamics, tackling everything from managing a troublesome boss to strategic planning with a partner. Productivity hacks for those with chronic illnesses take center stage, offering a unique take on balancing health and work. Students are encouraged to find high-quality leisure activities that foster learning without the overwhelm of social media. Plus, tips on transforming workplace frustrations into motivation light the path to improved organizational skills. It's a treasure trove of relatable insights!

27 snips
May 3, 2021 • 1h 6min
Ep. 93: Am I Overcommitted or Bad at Time Management?
A listener shares their transformative experience of spending a year without a smartphone, unveiling the benefits of digital minimalism. The conversation dives into the evolution of personal productivity, examining its historical roots and how it affects modern knowledge work. Strategies for balancing deep work with collaboration are discussed, emphasizing the importance of high-quality content creation. Additionally, the challenges and joys of fostering social connections in the workplace post-pandemic are explored, highlighting the value of intentional living.

5 snips
Apr 29, 2021 • 37min
Ep. 92: LISTENER CALLS: The Perils of Coercive Productivity
Listeners dive into the clash between coercive and collaborative productivity, exploring effective time blocking techniques. They tackle the challenge of managing various work types while prioritizing projects. The discussion sheds light on building social connections during the pandemic, emphasizing the balance between digital engagement and real-life interactions. Unexpected free time becomes an opportunity for growth, reminding listeners to embrace productivity without the pressure of perfection. The episode offers valuable strategies for enhancing well-being and social life.

76 snips
Apr 26, 2021 • 1h 23min
Ep. 91: GREG MCKEOWN on Making Essential Work Effortless
In this engaging discussion, Greg McKeown, bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless, dives into the power of prioritizing essential tasks. He reveals the secrets behind the success of his first book and how those ideas paved the way for Effortless. The conversation explores simplifying processes to make hard work enjoyable and the balance between personal and professional commitments. Greg also shares insights on navigating the anxiety of creative endeavors and the evolving nature of communication in our tech-driven world.

39 snips
Apr 22, 2021 • 52min
Ep. 90: LISTENER CALLS: My Current Scheduling Setup
Discover effective strategies for managing your schedule, tackling perfectionism, and prioritizing deep work. Explore how to construct an optimal student schedule and organize tasks for better project management. The dangers of social media and algorithmic attention are discussed, shedding light on its impact on productivity. Plus, get valuable book recommendations and insights into using scheduling tools for enhanced collaboration. A fascinating journey into time management awaits!