

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

12 snips
Jul 27, 2020 • 1h 6min
Ep. 13: Where I Work, Convincing Students to Disconnect, and Applying Deep Work to Deep Social Problems | DEEP QUESTIONS
Discover the speaker's unconventional workspaces and the challenges of productivity in high-pressure environments like law firms. Hear a passionate rant about social media's mythic necessity for success. Get insights on helping students disconnect from technology and the balance between deep and shallow work. Uncover the importance of tailored environments, structured reading, and deep thinking in moral discourse. It's a mix of practical advice and thought-provoking discussions!

35 snips
Jul 23, 2020 • 32min
Ep. 12: Habit Tune-Up: Office Hours, Rabbit Holes, Perfectionism, Phones as Escape, and Making Deep Work Deeper
This mini-episode dives into the art of boosting productivity amid distractions. Listeners learn how office hours can streamline communication, replacing cumbersome email chains. The discussion highlights the allure of internet rabbit holes and the impact of perfectionism on work efficiency. Strategies are shared for overcoming the urge to escape into phone usage, especially during fatigue. Finally, insights on time blocking reveal how to align tasks with energy levels for deeper, more meaningful work.

39 snips
Jul 20, 2020 • 1h 31min
Ep. 11: Work Resistance, Techno-Criticism, Tales from MIT, and the Depth-Destroying Power of Children | DEEP QUESTIONS
Discover tools for tackling work resistance and the joys of minimalism in productivity. Explore deep procrastination's emotional toll and learn how to balance responsibilities with well-being. Dive into the fascinating world of techno-criticism and the ethical implications of technology in our lives. Hear captivating tales from the competitive MIT Theory Group and navigate the challenges of parenting while maintaining focus on work. Get insights on managing reading habits and conquering social media distractions!

46 snips
Jul 13, 2020 • 1h 2min
Ep. 10: Battling Email, Online Learning, and a Game Plan for Escaping a Shallow Life | DEEP QUESTIONS
Explore strategies to tackle overwhelming email and regain work-life balance. Discover the concept of deliberate practice and how it can enhance skills across various fields. Delve into the challenges of online learning and social media in schools, and pick up tips for managing distractions. Learn about effective daily planning and the potential of self-directed education, while considering the future of learning. Plus, practical insights on escaping a shallow life and cultivating a meaningful existence.

86 snips
Jul 9, 2020 • 28min
Ep. 9: Habit Tune-Up: Dumbing Down Smartphones, Deep Habits, Progress on Non-Urgent Projects and Training Focus
In a world filled with distractions, the conversation dives deep into strategies for simplifying smartphone use and regaining focus. Techniques to establish keystone habits for better productivity are discussed, alongside ways to make progress on significant projects that aren't time-sensitive. The idea of productive meditation is introduced, offering a fresh approach to maintain concentration. This enlightening discussion is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their work habits and embrace deep focus in their daily lives.

182 snips
Jul 6, 2020 • 1h 13min
Ep. 8: Fleeing a Collapsing Career, Taking Notes on Books, Building a Deep Life | DEEP QUESTIONS
Explore the challenges of escaping a collapsing career while maintaining valuable skills. Discover effective methods for task configuration and deep work in productivity. Delve into selective social media usage and entrepreneurial tips for students. Learn about time management strategies like time blocking that balance work and personal life. Uncover a five-bucket framework for enhancing productivity and embracing a deep life, emphasizing solitude and analog hobbies for personal growth.

106 snips
Jul 3, 2020 • 25min
Ep. 7: Habit Tune-Up: Time Blocking, Document Collaboration, Protecting Time and Doing Too Much
Explore effective time blocking techniques to enhance productivity and tackle task duration challenges. Discover the importance of postmortems in refining time management and learn about document collaboration methods. Gain insights on protecting deep work time through boundary-setting, all while navigating distractions and disruptions in the modern work environment. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh approaches to boost your work habits!

125 snips
Jun 28, 2020 • 1h 8min
Ep. 6: Balancing the Personal and Professional, Unreasonable Email Expectations, and Avoiding Hard Creative Work | DEEP QUESTIONS
This discussion dives into the art of balancing personal and professional lives, especially during challenging times like lockdowns. It addresses the unrealistic expectations surrounding email response times and offers strategies for managing tasks without social media. Listeners also hear about the importance of deep work, setting boundaries, and overcoming procrastination in creative endeavors. Plus, insights on tracking personal metrics for improvement and building a blog audience through quality content are shared, making for a wealth of practical advice.

496 snips
Jun 21, 2020 • 1h 11min
Ep. 5: Tackling Procrastination, Building a Productivity System from Scratch, and the Intellectual Shallowness of Social Media | DEEP QUESTIONS
Tackle procrastination and craft a productivity system from the ground up. Discover the impact of attention residue on your focus and productivity. Uncover the pitfalls of compulsive smartphone use and its comparison to traditional addiction. Explore the importance of deep, long-form content versus the shallow nature of social media. Delve into mindfulness meditation and its role in meaningful living while getting inspired to embrace a deeper life despite cultural challenges. Get ready for insights that amplify your work philosophy!

86 snips
Jun 14, 2020 • 1h 12min
Ep. 4: Promoting Books without Social Media, Facebook's Fatal Flaw, and Escaping Soul-Crushing Jobs | DEEP QUESTIONS
Dive into the world of book promotion without social media and learn about the secret flaws of Facebook. Discover strategies for escaping soul-crushing jobs while cultivating productive work rituals. Unpack the balance between digital engagement and personal fulfillment, tackling topics like how to manage overwhelming obligations and navigating modern dating. Plus, hear insights on the worth of pursuing a PhD and the role of interpersonal skills in success. This conversation is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking questions!