Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal Newport
Deep Questions with 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. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 361: Do You Need an App Blocker?

    Are you worried that you’re using your phone too much? An app blocker might make sense. But how do they work, and which one is right for you? In this episode, Cal goes deep into the motivation, technology, and ultimate end game of this distraction fighting technology. He then answers listener questions and discusses some intriguing comments he’s been seeing about limits to AI’s ability to code. 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: Do You Need an App Blocker? [4:35] - How do I succeed with task management? [29:07] - How can I put boundaries on my administrative work for my university job? [33:58] - How should I manage X if I only use it on my desktop? [39:31] - How should I read through my weekly collection of newsletters? [41:11] - What do you think about Polyphasic sleep to prepare for deep work? [44:22] CASE STUDY: A ticketing system in action [45:21] WHAT TO READ: On the Limits of “Vibe Coding” [50:58] 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? sciencefocus.com/science/youre-not-actually-addicted-to-your-smartphone nytimes.com/2020/01/20/style/quit-smartphone.html support.apple.com/guide/iphone/get-started-with-screen-time-iphbfa595995/ios youtu.be/OuizzRCALCU?si=FqHzEEFdq7k4ao13 x.com/AglaiaCodes/status/1942636133248061590 x.com/GaryMarcus/status/1942478390323552588/photo/1 Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is sponsored by BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/deepquestions mybodytutor.com expressvpn.com/deep indeed.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1 hr

  2. 7 JUL

    Ep. 360: One-Page Productivity

    Trying to stick to complicated time management systems without any breaks can eventually lead to burn out. But if you stop organizational efforts altogether, your life can become a stressful mess. In this episode, Cal taps the wisdom of an elite running coach to devise what he calls one-page productivity: a minimum time management system, meant to be run for limited periods to help you recharge, but that also maintains just enough organization that you can avoid disaster. He argues such maintenance modes should be an important part of any time management practice. Cal then answers listener questions and concludes by reviewing the books he read in June 2025. 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: One-Page Productivity [1:52] How do you approach decisions when you’re torn between two reasonable options? [18:17]How can I navigate teaching with phone addicted teenagers? [22:06]Have you considered using LLM’s to assist in your writing? [28:03]How many “thinking” walks do you take each week? [32:31]Do you have any recommendations for learning new material outside of the structured framework of a course? [35:00]CASE STUDY: A son explains his parents lifestyle engineering [37:21] CALL: Setting up workflows as a manager [41:09] JUNE BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in June, 2025 [52:05] The Magic of Code (Samuel Arbesman)In the Swarm (Byung-Chul Han)The Fear Index (Robert Harriss)The Explore’s Gene (Alex Hutchinson)Skywalking (Dale Pollock)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? nytimes.com/athletic/6453809/2025/06/27/bruce-bochy-walking-exercise-creativity/ Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”) oracle.com/deepquestions vanta.com/deepquestions shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    57 min

  3. 30 JUN

    Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?

    A blockbuster new study out of MIT takes a closer look at the impact of writing with the help of AI. In today’s episode, Cal breaks down this paper with the help of author Brad Stulberg (who made waves online recently with his reaction to its findings), picking apart the role of AI in deep work activities. Cal then answers listeners questions, and presents a twist on his typical final segment in which he now describes what he is not reading this week, which provides him a thinly-concealed excuse to rant about AI coverage. 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: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt? [2:15] Can AI be creative? [44:35]What’s the smallest change I can make to address my disorganization? [48:31]How do I find time for personal projects? [53:12]How should I choose my next internship? [1:06:08]How did you develop your goal-setting philosophy? [1:11:46]CALL: Inbox Zero and Notion [1:14:50] CASE STUDY: A Thoreau Schedule [1:24:01] WHAT I’M (NOT) READ: AI CEO’s hot takes on work [1:32:49] 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? fortune.com/2025/06/20/openai-ceo-sam-altman-ai-phds-entry-level-corporate-job-cuts-what-is-left-gen-z-college-gradautes/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  shipstation.com/deep smalls.com (Use code “DEEP”) notion.com/cal harrys.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1h 48m

  4. 23 JUN

    Ep. 358: Are Parents (Finally) Ready to Fight Smartphones?

    Back in 2023, Cal gave a detailed deep dive that described the three phases of scientific understanding of smartphones, social media, and kids. In today’s episode, Cal argues that we’ve entered a fourth phase; one that will finally lead to (perhaps rapid) cultural changes about what we think is appropriate when it comes to these tools and kids. He then answers listener questions and describes a recent book he enjoyed in his new WHAT TO READ segment. 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: The Smartphones Haven’t Defeated Us. Yet. [2:27] Should I temporarily rent a separate space to write my first book? [23:09]What should I do when waiting for AI while coding? [25:29]How should 11 years old boys get organized? [29:31]How can I develop my “soft skills” for my career? [33:54]How can my husband find his ideal career path? [38:48]CASE STUDY: A new dad incorporating lifestyle-centric career planning [43:25] CALL: Hand written notes [47:08] WHAT TO READ: The Explorer’s Gene [55:27] 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? nytimes.com/2025/06/18/opinion/parents-smartphones-tiktok-facebook.html papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5256747 tonyneufeld.blog Thanks to our Sponsors:  cozyearth.com/deep mackweldon.com (Promo code “DEEPQUESTIONS”) calderalab.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1h 2m

  5. 16 JUN

    Ep. 357: What Worries the Internet’s Favorite Philosopher?

    Few philosophers in recent memory have enjoyed as much attention as Byung-Chul Han. His mix of profundity and pithiness in tackling some of the big issues of the modern technical environment has made him “the internet’s new favorite philosopher” (to quote The New Yorker). But is he saying that is making such an impact? In this episode, Cal seeks to find out. He reports back on five of the biggest ideas he encountered reading Han’s 2017 book, IN THE SWARM. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a WHAT TO READ segment where he tackles a pair of competing articles on AI’s abilities. 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 Worries the Internet’s Favorite Philosopher? [3:50] - What’s Cal’s writing schedule when traveling? [29:26] - How do I adapt to new job duties after making partner? [31:44] - Should I do memory training? [33:22] - Can you explain how creativity and productivity are related? [36:16] - How do Cal’s responsibilities fit into his lifestyle-centric plan? [39:33] CASE STUDY: A retiree adopts Cal’s principles [43:07] CALL: Adventure work [46:13] WHAT TO READ: Two Dueling Takes on AI’s Abilities [54:35] 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? theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/10/billion-dollar-ai-puzzle-break-down scientificamerican.com/article/inside-the-secret-meeting-where-mathematicians-struggled-to-outsmart-ai/ arxiv.org/pdf/2504.01995 arxiv.org/pdf/2503.21934 Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/deepquestions expressvpn.com/deep shopify.com/deep mybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1h 13m

  6. 12 JUN · BONUS

    IN-DEPTH: The Art of Non-Conformity (w/ Chris Guillebeau)

    In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Chris Guillebeau, the author of the new book, TIME ANXIETY, and creator of the beloved Art of Non-Conformity blog and World Domination Summit annual conferences. Cal and Chris reminisce about their old days as early advice bloggers and dive into his new ideas about re-thinking our relationship with time.  Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: The Art of Non-Conformity (w/ Chris Guillebeau) [03:50] Links: https://www.calnewport.com/slow Sponsors: https://www.donedaily.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1h 8m

  7. 9 JUN

    Ep. 356: How Much Should We Work?

    The data shows knowledge workers really are more exhausted and more prone to burnout than ever before. But why? In this episode, Cal draws inspiration from an unlikely source to help unpack this troubling trend and then suggest a perhaps radical solution. He then answers listeners’ questions and discusses his latest New Yorker article on the challenges of taming AI. As a bonus, he briefly discusses Cal Network’s new bestselling book. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! 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: How Much Should We Work? [3:33] - What’s your advice on having a career backup plan? [28:27] - Do you know of any executive coaches who teach your principles? [30:33] - Is my retirement plan too ambitious? [35:13] - Are accountability support tools acceptable to use in order to build discipline? [38:43] - How can I identify if I have an inventory of "rare and valuable skills"? [41:21] CASE STUDY: Crafting a storytelling profession [43:14] CALL: Creating a life dashboard [46:14] TECH CORNER: Why Can’t We Tame AI? (Cal’s latest New Yorker article) [52:08] 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? newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-isaac-asimov-reveals-about-living-with-ai Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.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.

    1h 4m

  8. 2 JUN

    Ep. 355: Quit Social Media (For Real This Time)

    A common complaint about social media skepticism is that we’re falling into a classic moral panic. We’ve been concerned about many past mass media technologies, and ultimately came to realize that they’re not so bad. So why would we expect anything different about social media? In this episode, Cal tackles this complaint, drawing on an unexpected analogy to find clarity. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in May, but not before first confronting a truly bizarre (or, perhaps, brilliant) piece of art work created by a fan of the show. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! 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: Quit Social Media [6:18] - How can I become a better, more analytical thinker?  [23:04]  - How can I stay motivated, productive, and balanced while working mostly alone during my first remote internship? [28:56] - How much time should I dedicate to developing secondary skills? [30:10] - How does TikTok seem to know so much about me? [32:09] - What are the best workflow strategies when using AI agents? [43:45] CASE STUDY: A simple, analog approach to productivity [49:31] CALL: Too focused on metrics [53:15] MAY BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in May 2025 [1:03:19] May Books: Building: A Carpenter’s Notes on Life & the Art of Good Work (Mark Ellison)Thoreau’s Axe (Caleb Smith)9 Innings (Daniel Okrent)Let Them (Mel Robbins)Against the Machine (Paul Kingsnorth)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? amazon.com/Four-Days-Week-Life-Changing-Well-Being/dp/0063382431/r calnewport.com/on-ultra-processed-content/ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cal-newport-5-28-19/id814550071?i=1000647135862 rehearsal.so/blog/how_to_stay_in_flow_while_using_cursor_or_windsurf Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/deep shopify.com/deep harrys.com/deep calderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

    1h 12m
See All (369)

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
167 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cal Newport
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    369
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Deep Questions with Cal Newport
  • Show Website
    Deep Questions with Cal Newport

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada