Deep Questions with Cal Newport

I recently found this podcast and think it’s outstanding. Cal is very thoughtful. I first found him through the AI reality check episodes, but there’s a lot more to like. This has quickly become one of my must listen podcasts when a new episode drops.

Yes it's Deep Work generally, but the thoughts, insights and actionable recommendations are spot on for writers, and there even in the topics not, on their surface, about writing at all. Thank you Cal for bringing so much thought and attention to what matters and so much grounded skepticism to what does not.

I love this show. This is specifically in response to the episode about not needing a smart phone. At one point, Cal mentions that it is impossible to get through life without a smart phone. That at some point, you will need to add a smart phone to your life. He lists two factors security most two factor security systems will allow you to have a number text message to you or allow a hard token key. It takes a little bit of work and some questions from your organization or university but to do two factor authentication without a smart phone. I have found it to be helpful to retain the use of my iPad. after going to a Sunbeam phone and I still have my old iPhone in the drawer for certain tasks that I might need it for. But honestly, I’ve not pulled it out since getting the sunbeam. It’s been three months. I agree with all of the comments Cal had and the benefits that he listed. An iPad can still be problematic, but it just doesn’t fit in your pocket.. It is simply not as easy to carry around, so there’s that one barrier to having it quite as often as a smart phone..

Cal, my experience with your statistics you used is that they don’t answer the question of under employed. I have 2 children graduating college now, and they are keeping their non white collar jobs, because they have not found higher paying or entry level jobs. They are not unemployed. They are delayed from entering their careers they invested 4 years in getting a college degree in. I’ve also talked to and have seen many companies do layoffs specifically around AI replacing these entry level positions. I do enjoy your show and it helps keep me informed. B.O.