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.

  1. HACE 3 D

    Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

    Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algorithm? How does it work? To what extent can it be controlled? In today’s episode, Cal looks deeper at these questions and arrives at a broader philosophical point about the role these services, in general, should play in our civic culture. He then answers listener questions on the same topic and reacts to the three recent news articles about TikTok’s influence on our culture. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm [0:03] Should I quit social media, even if I don’t live on the slope of terribleness? [44:44]Is it bad to use TikTok to keep up with the news? [49:41]How does quantum computing relate to AI? [53:48]CASE STUDY: Trying to become a great composer [1:02:29] CALL: Tips for dealing with growing kids [1:08:58] CAL REACTS: Three Articles about TikTok (and Three Sighs of Exasperation) [1:18:04] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/tiktok-surfing-challenge-manslaughter-b2832760.html yahoo.com/news/world/article/why-people-on-tiktok-think-the-rapture-is-coming-and-that-the-world-is-ending-this-week-202334215.html bbc.com/news/articles/c4gj5lqq52lo youtube.com/watch?v=z7Df9yGofLo youtube.com/shorts/xWIVA0ZJm-w Thanks to our Sponsors: monarchmoney.com (Use code “DEEP”) reclaim.ai/cal wayfair.com makeheadway.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 27 min

  2. 25 SEPT

    IN-DEPTH: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating)

    In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Dr. Brian Keating, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UCSD, and one of the most prolific popularizers of science around (you may have seen him recently chatting about cosmology with Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman). They talk about Keating’s new book, HOW TO FOCUS LIKE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, as well as many other topics, including a deep look at Keating’s unusual path to academia, and a deconstruction of what’s needed to succeed at the highest levels of academia. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating) [3:20] Links: https://www.amazon.com/Into-Impossible-Laureates-Collaboration-Imagination/dp/1544523491 Sponsors: https://www.donedaily.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 5 min

  3. 22 SEPT

    Ep. 371: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media?

    We seem to be stuck in a purgatory when it comes to the worst of the social media platforms. We know they’re not great, but it’s hard to muster enough motivation to bother to leave. In today’s episode, motivated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Cal puts on his technology critic hat and offers a step-by-step technical explanation for why these platforms are strictly and incessantly making your life worse and why the only reasonable response is to quit them. He then answers listener questions on the topic and reacts to some recent news about the US Congress getting involved. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media? [0:40] How do I find everything I should be blocking on my kid’s phone? [38:59]Is it okay that I make YouTube Videos? [43:39]Shouldn’t we focus on using social media better? [49:13]CASE STUDY: A musician and social media [58:00] CAL REACTS: US House panel asks internet CEOs to testify after Charlie Kirk assassination [1:10:42] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-asks-online-forum-ceos-testify-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-2025-09-17/ youtube.com/watch?v=gjVm0K_ETX8 Thanks to our Sponsors: calderalab.com/deep miro.com grammarly.com/podcast 1password.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 26 min

  4. 15 SEPT

    Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI

    A recent study called into question a core assumption about the generative AI revolution: that these tools, at the very least, will make us more productive. In this episode, Cal dives deep into the study and argues that when it comes to efforts that require deep work, AI can sometimes make things worse. He then answers listener questions and then takes a closer look at an article claiming that the lack of Wi-Fi in a West Virginia school is making their students dumber.  Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Deep Work in the Age of AI [0:38] Can ChatGPT chats act as single purpose notebooks for projects? [26:16]When should I apply active recall? [29:34]Do you have insights into AI’s environmental impact? [31:16]What would you do if you left academia? [38:40]CASE STUDY: Using strategies to develop a Deep Life [43:04] CAL REACTS: Does lack of Wi-Fi make students dumber? [53:09W] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/ theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/ marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2025/08/the-school-without-wifi.html educationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/report_WV_5401140_pocahontas-county-schools.pdf Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/deepquestions cozyearth.com/deep shopify.com/deep mybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 h 11 min

  5. 8 SEPT

    Ep. 369: Why Are We Getting Dumber? A Debate.

    IQ scores had been steadily rising since WWII. But, more recently, this phenomenon has stopped.  Since 2010, we’ve actually been getting dumber. In this episode, Cal gets into the common theories for why this is true before offering his own take, which leads to some practical takeaways to help you thrive in an increasingly stupider world. He then answers listener questions and talks about something he read recently. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [0:41] How can a west coast executive schedule deep work despite constant meetings with east coast colleagues? [37:14]Is it bad that I fill all of my quiet moments with media? [41:04]How can I focus on personal projects? [46:24]How should  a software engineer transition to consulting? [53:05]How should a former lawyer update her systems now that she’s a professor? [56:43]CASE STUDY: A songwriter works deep and slow [1:06:43] CALL: Getting out of the weeds [1:14:04] WHAT I’M READING: Who is still against school cell phone bans? [1:23:28] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289623000156 youtube.com/watch?v=u4jW8MOxIKY rebeccaschiffman.com/beachvacation rebeccaschiffman.bandcamp.com nytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/school-cell-phone-ban-nyc.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  expressvpn.com/deep oracle.com/deepquestions indeed.com/deep vanta.com/deepquestions Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1 h 33 min

  6. 4 SEPT · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    IN-DEPTH: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss)

    In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by bestselling author and podcaster, Tim Ferriss. Tim rocketed to prominence with his 2007 book, “The Four Hour WorkWeek” which basically redefined a generation’s relationship with work, meaning, and the possibilities for building an interesting life. More recently, Tim created a card game! It’s called Coyote. And he created it with one of the top designers in the business, the same company that created Exploding Kittens. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss) [3:16] Links: https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote Sponsors https://www.reclaim.ai/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1 h 57 min

  7. 1 SEPT

    Ep. 368: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity?

    A 22-year-old made a splash recently when he published a Wall Street Journal op-ed claiming that work-life balance makes you mediocre. He went on to brag about how sleeping less than 4 hours a night and gaining 80 pounds helped him become a millionaire. In this episode, Cal wades into the furious debate this article sparked. He argues that once you look past the author’s dorm bro bravado, the kid does actually ask a good question. It’s just that his answers are lacking. Cal then tackles listener questions and reviews the books he read in August. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [1:06] Is it possible to stay focused when having to check my phone for text messages? [42:20] When did you switch back to your teaching schedule to your summer schedule? [44:05] How has your deep life evolved since Episode 1? [49:22] How can I stop obsessively checking my work email? [53:47] Can you summarize how values and strategic planning documents, birthday projects and lifestyle centric planning combine? [58:14] CASE STUDY: Organizing household admin [1:01:44] CALL: How to tame Trello cards [1:06:39] AUGUST BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in August 2025 [1:13:26]  Boundless Realm (Foxx Note) Collisions (Alec Nevala-Lee) Before the Birds Sang Words (Ken Bruce) Desperation Reef (T Jefferson Parker) Shift (Hugh Howey) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1XHMlX1J0 Thanks to our Sponsors:  ridge.com (use code “Cal”) drinklmnt.com/deep shopify.com/deep calderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1 h 28 min

  8. 25 AGO

    Ep. 367: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This?

    In recent years, it’s been hard not to react to the possibilities of generative AI without a mixture of euphoria or dread. But after OpenAI’s lackluster GPT-5 launch, a new, almost heretical-seeming question has emerged: what if progress on AI is stalled well short of the wild predictions we were promised? In today’s episode, Cal draws from reporting on his recent New Yorker article to go deep into this question. What is going on with AI? How did we get here? What does it mean for our personal quest to live deeper lives? He then answers listener questions and ends by discussing his recent brush with literary acclaim. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This? [1:00] Will AI leave me unemployed in 10 years? [1:06:26]How should I structure the next 10 years as a recently retired college professor? [1:13:58]I just moved. How should I arrange my book collection? [1:15:36]CALL: Overhead tax [1:17:47] CAL REACTS: Ed Sheehan and the Booker Prize [1:27:55] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-this youtube.com/watch?v=zju51INmW7U youtube.com/watch?v=Dtdue31z-X8 youtube.com/watch?v=0SXCIfFK5r8 youtube.com/shorts/dYZmGHOLNRU youtube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8 youtube.com/watch?v=qhnJDDX2hhU youtube.com/watch?v=qbIk7-JPB2c&t=3s youtube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8 youtube.com/shorts/JCImeOUVTJE Thanks to our Sponsors:  grammarly.com/podcast cozyearth.com/deep calderalab.com/deep shipstation.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1 h 37 min
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Información

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.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Cal Newport
  • Años en activo
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodios
    382
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © 2024 Deep Questions with Cal Newport
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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