

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

479 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 17min
Ep. 334: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life
Delve into the charming world of Hallmark Christmas movies and uncover their surprising ties to living a deep life. Discover why these formulaic films provide low-stakes escapes while exploring themes of love and community. Gain insights on transforming business ideas into reality, effective study techniques for students, and crafting a fulfilling solopreneur lifestyle. Plus, enjoy a whimsical take on reducing social media dependency and captivating book recommendations from Cal's recent reads.

2,045 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 333: New Year Course Correction
Dive into the perils of mobile gambling apps and their societal echoes, alongside strategies for a productive new year. Explore dopamine fasting to reclaim reading time and reduce screen fatigue. Learn practical tips for managing digital clutter and improving mental clarity. Discover techniques for enhancing sleep hygiene and navigating academic pressures. Engage in a thought-provoking debate comparing the decline of social media platforms to shopping malls, shedding light on their addictive traits.

482 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 40min
Ep. 332: Jesse Takeover!
The hosts share their favorite must-read authors and discuss how to overcome writing challenges. They dive into the complexities of choosing a college and the importance of financial considerations. Cal reveals his shutdown ritual for better work-life balance, while debating the impacts of social media on culture. The conversation shifts to innovative productivity tools and their approach to writing and planning for future projects. They also provide intriguing movie recommendations that explore character depth and personal growth.

656 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 22min
IN-DEPTH: The Comfort Crisis (w/ Michael Easter)
In this conversation, Michael Easter, bestselling author and health journalist, shares his transformative journey from an office worker struggling with addiction to a dedicated writer embracing the outdoors. He emphasizes the importance of discomfort for personal growth and how modern conveniences can hinder this process. Michael discusses his shift from traditional journalism to Substack, where he finds greater fulfillment and engagement. Tune in to uncover practical strategies for stepping outside your comfort zone and living a more intentional life!

1,203 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 23min
Ep. 331: Money and the Deep Life
Delve into the intriguing relationship between money and a fulfilling life. Explore how reducing financial burdens can enhance personal engagement in meaningful work. Discover strategies for effective goal setting and cognitive focus through lifestyle-centric planning. Learn about the generational slang 'sigma' and its humorous evolution in modern culture. Plus, gain fresh insights on balancing motivation with inner peace, perfect for navigating life's chaos.

702 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 330: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers
Australia's groundbreaking law banning social media for kids under 16 sparks a lively discussion on youth safety and privacy. The podcast dives deep into the dangers of excessive smartphone use on health, promoting the idea of reclaiming sleep. A case study illustrates the profound changes in someone’s life after ditching their smartphone, emphasizing genuine connections. The host reflects on his diverse November reading, blending personal growth with societal critiques, while exploring the long-term commitment required to reach meaningful goals.

769 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Adachi)
Kendra Adachi, bestselling author and host of the Lazy Genius podcast, joins to discuss her new book, The Plan. She introduces the transformative idea of compassionate time management, emphasizing the shift from chasing greatness to finding contentment. Kendra explores societal pressures affecting women in productivity, advocating for a flexible approach that prioritizes personal growth and meaningful relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability in both planning and navigating the complexities of modern life.

1,958 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep. 329: The Tao of Cal
Discover a whirlwind of insights as the host distills key ideas from past discussions on productivity and personal values. Delve into the benefits of time blocking versus weekly templates. Explore how to navigate feelings of digital disconnection while planning a holistic life. Uncover techniques like active recall for better knowledge retention. Reflect on the balance between lifestyle choices and career aspirations. Plus, a critique of productivity monitoring software and its impact on well-being adds a thought-provoking twist!

1,106 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 29min
Ep. 328: Analog Mode
A viral video encourages going 'beast mode' by disconnecting from the world, prompting a discussion on how digital environments clash with human nature. The show tackles life disruptions with humor and offers journaling tips for clarity. Strategies for balancing audio content with moments of silence are shared, alongside the concept of 'Slow Productivity.' Listeners learn how to manage multiple commitments more effectively and the importance of workspace design for creativity. The legal intricacies of Section 230 and corporate takeover strategies are also explored.

322 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 29min
Ep. 327: Would Kant Use TikTok?
Explore the uneasy relationship with smartphones through the lens of Kant's moral philosophy. Delve into the effectiveness of distraction-free apps and how to successfully finish tasks. Learn about the tension between slow living and productivity. Discover strategies for restructuring academic duties and the role of algorithms in shaping online experiences. Gain insights into the workings of social media algorithms, particularly the differences between Twitter and TikTok. Uncover the complexities behind recommendation systems and their impact on user content preferences.