Deep Questions with Cal Newport

We think of information as something neutral; a spotlight that helps illuminate the reality of the outside world. Accordingly, more information is better than less. In this episode, Cal pushes back on this model, arguing that the form in which information arrives can strongly impact the understanding we extract. We must therefore be more intentional about what and how we pay attention. He then answers reader questions and surveys some unusual but entertaining stories about slowness.

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: Rethinking attention [4:08]

- What books should I read to help me develop a deep life? [34:35]
- Does writing by hand have benefits for your brain? [38:40]
- Should I get a brain scan to prove I have a low IQ? [43:46]
- Should I use ChatGPT for book recommendations? [47:39]
- How can I avoid wasting your gap year? [49:40]
- CALL: Is “Slow Productivity” related to “The Burnout Society” by Buying-Chui Han? [55:32]

CASE STUDY: Utilizing the phone foyer method [1:01:58]  

FINAL SEGMENT: Slow news [1:10:58]

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?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 
• slow-watches.com/
• penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318747/help-wanted-one-rooster-by-julie-falatko-illustrated-by-andrea-stegmaier/
• rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/1108/1415296-why-handwriting-is-good-for-your-brain/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• mintmobile.com/deep
• mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions
• notion.com/cal
• listening.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Why do you struggle with your grand attempts to escape distraction and aimlessness to make your life deeper? In this episode, Cal draws on an unexpected metaphor – Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, and the Analytical Engine – to help identify the subtle obstacle on your path to increase depth. With this new understanding in hand, he then details a specific gameplan to get around it. Later, he takes questions from the audience and reacts to the new AI Pin, a tool intended to render smartphones obsolete.

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 Deep Life Hardware [4:09]

- Does personal productivity make us anxious? [34:04]
- How can I build skills without getting in the way of my existing work? [42:11]
- How can I build a deeper life after years of neglect? [46:00]
- How is Sam Sulek’s stripped down YouTube channel doing so well? [52:12]
- How can I convince my husband that I’m not a time management snob? [1:02:38]
- CALL: Obsessing over quality [1:06:04]

CASE STUDY: Shifting a mindset to do more deep work [1:11:04] 

CAL REACTS: Is the Al Pin the End of Smartphones? [1:17:46]

Links:

• Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 
• computerhistory.org/babbage/engines/
• theverge.com/24126502/humane-ai-pin-review
• podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversation-with-cal-newport-the-key-to/id1498802610?i=1000652834277 
• samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/363-knowledge-work 
• Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• rhone.com/cal
• shopify.com/deep
• policygenius.com/deepquestions
• grammarly.com/podcast
• tim.blog

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In the first ever live episode of Deep Questions, recorded at People’s Book in Takoma Park, MD, Cal extracts a modern productivity lesson from the tale of Jane Austen’s frustrated ambitions, before taking questions from the audience.

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: Jane Austen’s To-Do List [3:22]

— Is Cal building his YouTube channel with social media tactics? [27:36]
— How can I do less in such a busy world? [31:53]
— How do I escape the flow state? [37:01]
— How can someone become a star while obsessing over craft? [40:52]
— How can I apply Slow Productivity to unrelated projects? [46:40]
— How does Cal develop his writing frameworks? [50:20]
— How can I apply Slow Productivity principles to a team? [52:48]
— How can I avoid the Zoom apocalypse? [57:48]
— Is there a conflict between working at a natural pace and obsessing over quality? [1:07:16]
— How can a personal trainer build a wellness solution company? [1:09:46]
— How can our team not get delayed with technical problems? [1:13:00]
— How can a young lawyer manage peer relationships with teams? [1:16:38]         


Links:

— Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow
— Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/
— Cal’s Monthly Books directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51


Thanks to our Sponsors:

blinkist.com/deep
drinklmnt.com/deep
expressvpn.com/deep
cozyearth.com  (Use promo code “Cal”)


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode Cal takes a closer look at a growing trend of artists quitting social media and instead reverting to old-fashioned websites. Are these acts of principled sacrifice or a sustainable way to be creative online? Cal argues for the latter, showing how the internet without social media curation algorithms can be a place of rich discovery and audience building. He then takes questions on similar topics and ends by playing a few rounds of “deep or crazy” during the final 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: A Quiet Revolt Against Social Media [7:37]

- Is my deep living too extreme? [45:06]
- LinkedIn is getting toxic. Should I quit that too? [47:39]
- Where do online articles fit into the life of a digital minimalist? [51:09]
- Did Cal design the specifications for the hardcover copy of “Slow Productivity”? [54:04]
- How do I not feel overwhelmed by online content after a Digital Declutter? [58:07]
- CALL: Obsessing over quality [1:01:08]

CASE STUDY: Applying lessons from “Digital Minimalism” [1:06:37]

CAL REACTS: Deep or Crazy? [1:13:54]

Links:

• Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow
• peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
• twitter.com/HumanitiesGU/status/1772436799727472942
• youtube.com/watch?v=W3h9gV_z8OM
• youtube.com/watch?v=tV6BbPTN5PQ
• youtube.com/watch?v=r0RqucKwIcw

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• mybodytutor.com
• shopify.com/deep
• drinklmnt.com/deep
• mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the biggest problems afflicting knowledge workers in the digital age is frantic busyness; days filled with emails, chats, and meetings, without much to show for all the effort. In today’s episode, Cal dives into one of the most-discussed ideas from his new book, Slow Productivity, which offers a simple, tactical assault on this state of persistent busyness. He then answers listener questions about similar issues and lists the book he read in March.

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:  hyoutube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: A Tactical Assault on Busyness [3:47]

- How can I stop chasing the “perfect” productivity system? [34:51]
- How do I avoid losing my day to distraction? [39:08] 
- How do I help my partner escape meeting quickstand? [42:31]
- How do we design the perfect client/task/scheduling system? [48:59]
- Can Apple Vision Pro help deep work? [54:46]

The 5 Books Cal Read in March 2024 [1:06:43]

A Short History of England (Simon Jenkins)
Into the Impossible (Brian Keating)
The Amen Effect (Sharon Brous)
Sink the Bismark! (CS Forester)
Hidden Potential (Adam Grant)

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow
newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/can-an-ai-make-plans
Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions
expressvpn.com/deep
zocdoc.com/deep
notion.com/cal

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Imagine a world in which AI could handle your email inbox on your behalf. No more checking for new messages every five minutes. No more worries that people need you. No more exhausting cognitive context shifts. In this episode, Cal explores how close cutting-edge AI models are to achieving this goal, including using ChatGPT to help him answer some real email. He then dives into his latest article for The New Yorker, which explains the key technical obstacle to fully automated email and how it might be solved. This is followed by reader questions and a look at something interesting.

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: Can A.I. Empty My Inbox? [4:33]
- Should I continue to study programming if AI will eventually replace software jobs? [44:40]
- Is it bad to use ChatGPT to assist with your writing? [49:22]
- How do I reclaim my workspace for Deep Work? [55:24]
- How do I decide what to do on my scheduled mini-breaks at work? [1:00:11]
- CALL: Heidegger’s view on technology [1:02:48]
- CALL: Seasonality with a partner and kids [1:09:11]

CASE STUDY: A Silicon Valley Chief of Staff balancing work and ego [1:20:07]

Something Interesting: General Grant’s Slow Productivity [1:30:08]

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity”at calnewport.com/slow

newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/can-an-ai-make-plans


Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• listening.com/deep
• rhone.com/cal
• drinklmnt.com/deep
• shopify.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

On his recent book tour, Cal found great success using a small notebook dedicated to developing a single idea. In this episode, he explores this “single-purpose notebook” strategy, identifying when it makes sense and why it works. He also takes listener questions about his new book, “Slow Productivity,” and reacts to a recent article about TikTok’s stumbles.

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: Single-Purpose Notebooks [5:02]

- If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [27:07]
- Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [34:59]
- Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [39:21]
- How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [48:12]
- Should I read your new book slowly? [52:44]
- CALL: Does Cal ever stress about work? [55:24]

CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [1:00:31]

SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:08:56]

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow

• bramses.notion.site/bramses/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51
• notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/
• anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived
• notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/
• com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1
• newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• mintmobile.com/deep
• policygenius.com/deepquestions
• notion.com/cal
• cozyearth.com (Use promo code “Cal”)

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

What does the story of the rise of the singing superstar Jewel teach us about escaping busyness in our knowledge work jobs? In this episode, Cal makes the connection, extracting a key lesson about quality as an engine for slowness, and then providing concrete advice and examples for applying this lesson to your own professional life. Also: listener questions and the books Cal read in February.

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: Doing Better, Do Less [5:00]

- Is my job too hard? [38:25]
- How do I sell myself better? [42:52]
- How do I convince myself to do actual hard work? [45:42]
- How do I find time to get better if I'm busy? [48:46]
- What is the values plan? [53:23]

The 5 books Cal read in February 2024 [1:01:45]

The Sabbath (AJ Heschel)
Making Movies (Sidney Lumet)
Killer of the Flower Moon (David Grann)
Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton)
The Good Shepherd (CA Forestor)

Links:
FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”:
calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

shopify.com/deep
drinklmnt.com/deep
mybodytutor.com
blinkist.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the most common strategies for achieving a powerful ideal lifestyle vision is to leverage entrepreneurial activities to find a stable source of income that allows autonomy and flexibility. To help understand how to succeed in such ventures, Cal interviews the entrepreneur and author Noah Kagan about his new book, "The Million Dollar Weekend." Recording on the road as part of his book tour for "Slow Productivity," Cal also shares some lessons about what he's been observing.

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

INTERVIEW: Marketing guru Noah Kagan [11:06]

Links:
Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”:
peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/
FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”:
calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at
betterhelp.com/deepquestions
mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions
zocdoc.com/deep
expressvpn.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

How did we end up tyrannized by our inboxes? How is this related to Tyrannosaurus? What was it like working at a high-tech company at the exact moment email was introduced? In this episode, Cal weaves together all these questions into a story about the unexpected ways technology impacts our lives and what we can do after the fact to make things better.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: The Email Catastrophe [3:47]

- How do I deal with email overload in a government job? [45:34]
- How do I deal with an employer who demands constant responsiveness?[55:36]
- How can I concentrate when coding when I need to use my web browser? [58:27]
- How do I overcome my fear of missing important emails? [1:02:35]
- CALL: Can slow productivity work for an academic? [1:06:38]

CAL REACTS: Reader Comments on his NYT Op-Ed [1:17:47]

Links:

• newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/08/the-day-the-dinosaurs-died
• pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1817407116
• newyorker.com/magazine/1994/01/10/e-mail-from-bill-gates
• blog.rescuetime.com/communication-multitasking-switches/
• nytimes.com/2024/02/16/opinion/creative-work-productivity-seasonality.html
• Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”: peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/
• FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

 
Thanks to our Sponsors: 

• zocdoc.com/deep
• policygenius.com/deepquestions
• blinkist.com/deep
• moshlife.com/deep
• shopify.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

We’ve become so used to our phones in our lives that we’ve stopped realizing how arbitrary and unusual the content we’re watching really has become. In this episode, Cal looks closer at what we’re really spending time doing on our phones, then provides step-by-step instructions for healing this relationship. 

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: Confronting Your Phone [4:30]

- What does Cal think about Neil Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves To Death”? [28:35]
- Can you pursue high quality leisure after a day filled with deep work? [33:14]
- Can commercial breaks be used for high quality leisure? [37:24]
- Will digital minimalism work in an age of augmented reality? [40:34]
- How can a full time YouTuber practice digital minimalism? [46:53]
-CALL: How to share content online? [52:38]

CASE STUDY: Cost-benefit analysis of technology usage [1:00:39]

CAL REACTS: J. R. R. Tolkien’s Search for Depth [1:06:43]

Links:
twitter.com/explore/tabs/trending
instagram.com/explore/tags/popular/?hl=en
tiktok.com/foryou?lang=en
newcriterion.com/blogs/dispatch/the-consolations-of-fantasy
Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”:
peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/
FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”:
calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

ladderlife.com/deep
mybodytutor.com
rhone.com/cal
mintmobile.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

A deep life requires that you encounter and make sense of a large amount of incoming information, from narrow data relevant to a professional project, to broad insights into your purpose. How do you keep track of all of this? In this episode, Cal proposes a minimalist approach aimed at minimizing the friction required to keep tabs on what matters.

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 to track information that matters [2:55]

- How should I make use of non-cognitive time? [27:37]
- Can people with ADHD become better at learning? [32:49]
- What does Cal think of Gloria Mark’s “4 myths of attention span”? [36:31]
- How can I concentrate on my dissertation when I have a full-time job? [47:04]
- How can I stop wasting my afternoon time blocks? [53:20]
- CALL: How can I better organize my idea notebooks? [1:01:38]

CASE STUDY: Avoiding the hyperactive hive mind to work more efficiently [1:05:46]   

CAL REACTS: Is it bad to be slow? [1:13:46]

Links:
dailystoic.com/try-not-to-be-so-slow/
gloriamark.com/attention-span

Use this link to preorder a signed copy of “Slow Productivity”:
peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/

FREE download excerpt and 2 Bonuses for “Slow Productivity”:
calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

grammarly.com/podcast
drinklmnt.com/deep
cozyearth.com (promo code “cal”)
expressvpn.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

A key step in cultivating a deep life is reflecting on what matters to you and the best strategies for pursuing it. This, in turn, requires that you engage in the consumption of some manner of self help. It’s here that many people sell themselves short, limiting this intake to short videos and the occasional advice guide. In today’s episode, Cal talks about cultivating a much richer approach to self-help in which you’re able to take in wisdom from a variety of sources of various levels of sophistication.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Rethinking Self Help [3:21]

- How can I prevent hard tasks from derailing my productivity systems? [38:47]
- Should I get ahead in my career with a project that I hate? [47:54]
- How can I make progress on my novel when my day job drains me? [52:39]
- Is there such a thing as too much deep work? [59:32]
- CALL: Will short deep work sessions work to write effectively? [1:12:17]

CASE STUDY: Reducing stress with slow productivity [1:18:40] 

The 5 Books Cal Read in January 2024 [1:30:22] 

Links:
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/preorder-slow-productivity/
FREE Download  for “Slow Productivity”: www.calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

https://www.grammarly.com/podcast
https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep
https://www.shopify.com/deep
This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the more interesting realities of people who live remarkable lives is that they are often much less busy than the rest of us. In this episode, Cal explores three ideas that help explain why this is true, then explains how we can use these ideas to reduce our own workloads.

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 Productivity Paradox [7:31]

- How does a weekly plan work? [32:26]
- Do errands or reading count toward fixed schedule productivity? [36:55]
- How should a graduate embrace slow productivity? [40:11]
- If I embrace slow productivity, how can I be sure I’m doing enough? [41:54]
- Did Cal follow Slow Productivity in his 20’s? [47:45]
- CALL: Uprooting a good planning system? [53:23]

CASE STUDY: Playing video games with intention [58:05]

CAL REACTS:  How to Have a Productive Year [1:06:34]

Links:
calnewport.com/if-youre-busy-youre-doing-something-wrong-the-surprisingly-relaxed-lives-of-elite-achievers/
newyorker.com/culture/office-space/how-to-have-a-more-productive-year
FREE Download  for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

mauinuivenison.com/deepquestions
blinkist.com/deep
moshlife.com/deep
policygenius.com/deepquestions

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Call talks with Ali Abdaal about his journey from doctor to YouTube sensation, and then dives deep into Ali’s new book, “Feel-Good Productivity,” and the possibilities of making accomplishment something enjoyable.

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

INTERVIEW: YouTube Star Ali Abdaal [3:41]

Cal Reacts: Dissecting Ali’s YouTube career path [1:32:27]

Links:

FREE download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

expressvpn.com/deep
rhone.com/cal
shopify.com/deep
notion.com/cal

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

What is the correct first step in transforming your life into something deeper? Traditional advice says to start with a clear vision of what you value. Cal has been arguing that it’s instead more important to develop a foundation of discipline. In this episode, he explores a more specific variation of this idea: perhaps the best way to prepare to pursue the big is to first learn how to control the small.

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 to organize your life [2:31]

- How do I “stay deep” when facing major changes? [36:37]

- How do I relax when I’m always so busy? [39:13]

- What is the difference between rituals and routines? [43:09]

- Can playing video games be part of a deep life? [51:27]

- Can deep life buckets connect to strategic plans? [57:39]

- CALL: Juggling multiple priorities to live a deep life [1:01:39]

CASE STUDY: Becoming organized to prevent overwhelm [1:07:32]

CAL REACTS:  How many books did you read in 2023? [1:13:47]


Links:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/05/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up/

FREE download for “Slow Productivity”: calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

drinklmnt.com/deep

mintmobile.com/deep

cozyearth.com (promo code CAL)

mybodytutor.com

 
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

During the New Year season it is common to talk about how to be more productive. But what about the downtime between your major pursuits? In this episode, Cal argues for rewiring your brain to crave slow distractions over their faster (often digital) alternatives. The goal here is not to get more done but to transform your life into something slower and more meaningful.

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: Slow Distractions [2:25]

- How do I work deeply as a stay-at-home parent? [29:12]
- Isn’t it myopic not to let young children use smartphones? [36:44]
- How do I succeed as a musician without social media? [38:09]
- How do I make plans without social media? [48:37]
- CALL: How to share ideas without allowing social media to take control [55:02]

CAL REACTS: I’m a 33-year old woman without a job [1:05:55]

Links:

youtu.be/YQLVWficcwc?si=lOIBa23I_0-4sJl6

Download a FREE chapter from my upcoming book, "Slow Productivity" HERE: https://www.calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

expressvpn.com/deep
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shopify.com/deep
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the more important abilities to cultivate for the year ahead is comfort learning complicated (and therefore valuable) new things. In this episode, Cal tackles the myths surrounding mastery and presents a new mental model for internalizing non-trivial information. As he elaborates, there is both good news and bad news when it comes to this topic: you can learn almost anything, but you can’t learn everything.

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: Learning Hard Things [2:50]

- When it comes to taking notes, what really matters? [29:49]
- Can I fit all of my hobbies into my week? [36:02]
- Can YouTube teach me to be a better student? [39:40]
- How do I figure out what to learn next? [46:09]
- How do I learn something fast when I already have a busy schedule? [48:23]
- CALL: How does “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” relate to “Slow Productivity”? [55:11]

CASE STUDY: Slow Productivity affinity group [1:03:46]

The 5 books Cal read in December 2023 [1:13:28]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

drinklmnt.com/deep
zocdoc.com/deep
This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

The mega-bestselling writer Arthur Brooks is one of the rare individuals to have both lived a carefully cultivated deep life and written a book on the topic (co-authored with Oprah!). In today’s episode, Cal interviews Brooks, going deep into the details of his unusual and inspiring career and extracting proven rules from his experience.

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

INTERVIEW: Mega-bestselling writer Arthur Brooks [6:39]

Cal’s Favorite Completely Unnecessary and Embarrassingly Geeky Things for 2024 [1:16:04]

Links:
https://www.calnewport.com/slow

Thanks to our Sponsors:

rhone.com/cal
shopify.com/deep
notion.com/cal

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

We talk a lot on this show about getting more done, but what’s the best way to handle the inevitable situation in which you have too much to do? Cal walks through a sensible response to the crazy-making reality of overload.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Controlling Overload [4:48]

- Is building a “second brain” important? [37:53]
- How can I bill 40 hours a week without getting overloaded? [43:30]
- What book should I buy my department to best increase their work quality? [46:31]
- How do I make progress on projects that have lots of overhead? [51:53]
- How can my wife deal with her new position and the overload that comes with it? [57:35]
- CALL: What is Cal excited to gif this holiday season? [1:06:14]

CASE STUDY: Quitting Twitter to build a better life [1:09:55]

CAL REACTS: Why did students get dumber starting in 2012? [1:17:31]

Links:
https://twitter.com/DKThomp/status/1734436486727254218


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the most important skills for cultivating a satisfying and high impact life is one we rarely discuss: the art of serious thinking. In this episode, Cal makes the case for serious thinking as an ability to specifically cultivate, then describes five specific practices you can put into place to launch a crash course in developing an effective life of the mind.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: How to Think [4:07]

- Does reading count as Deep Work? [38:50]
- How do I make sense of the topics I think about? [41:48]
- How should I manage boredom in a job without hurting my ability to focus? [45:12]
- How can I provide quick answers to management if I’m a slow thinker? [50:40]
- CALL: How should I structure my Deep Holiday? [56:44]

CASE STUDY: A successful Digital Detox allowing one to think in peace. [59:55]

CAL REACTS: Does collaboration make us less creative? [1:07:29]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

https://www.shopify.com/deep
https://www.mintmobile.com/deep
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https://www.mybodytutor.com

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

We talk a lot on this show about remaining organized in a digital workplace that drowns us with incoming obligations. In this episode, Cal focuses on the key question of how you get *started* toward this goal. What do you do, in other words, on day one of your quest to find depth amidst the shallows. 

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: Getting organized in a distracted world [6:46] 

- How do I get more excited about my work plans? [45:55] 

- How do I get my classmates to get better about time management? [53:59] 

- How should I organize my deep work blocks? [1:00:13] 

- How do I account for contingencies in my quarterly plan? [1:05:11] 

- When does Cal find time to read? [1:05:50] 

- CALL: How to train Deep Focus muscles [1:11:06] 

CASE STUDY: Investing concentrated time [1:17:04] 

The 5 books Cal read in November 2023 [1:24:08] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

expressvpn.com/deep 

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hensonshaving.com/cal 

zocdoc.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the most common types of messages sent in from listeners of this podcast are self-recriminations about laziness. But what does “laziness” actually mean? In this episode, Cal takes a deeper look at the common terms and sees that it’s often used to describe two unrelated phenomena. He then gives a big idea for overcoming each. 

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: Overcoming laziness [4:00] 

- How should I track small projects? [39:39] 

- How do I find time to bodybuilder when I have a demanding job? [44:56] 

- How do I remain motivated to work after graduation?[53:12] 

- How do I make the shift from warehouse work to web development? [59:20] 

- How do I deal with decision fatigue? [1:03:18] 

- CALL: Implementing advice from pragmatic non-fiction books [1:07:53] 

CASE STUDY: Pursuing a life of depth [1:11:31] 

CAL REACTS: Algorithms act as conveyor belts [1:22:51] 

LINKS: 

jonathanhaidt.substack.com/p/algorithms-hijacked-my-generation 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

rhone.com/cal 

moshlife.com/deep 

grammarly.com/podcast 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at 

betterhlep.com/deepquestions 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

 How you accomplish important goals: The type that can transform your life in remarkable ways? In this episode, Cal breaks down the common mistakes we make in pursuing hard goals and then details the reverse goal setting strategy he has found to work much more consistently. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How do I follow through on transformative goals? [2:18] 

- How do I prepare for an upcoming change to my professional life? [42:26] 

- How do I schedule abundant free time? [49:43] 

- Should I feel guilty that I’m so efficient I barely work? [53:47] 

- How do I avoid doing too much? [1:00:27] 

- How do I time block work of unknown durations? [1:07:31] 

- CALL: Pursuing a career with two different paths [1:13:52] 

CAL REACTS: Joe Rogan and The Rock Talk Passion [1:21:35] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

shopify.com/deep 

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mybodytutor.com 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Based on extensive feedback from listeners and new research, Cal is ready to unveil his new and improved version of the Deep Life Stack, his foundational approach for transforming your life from shallow and distracted to deep and remarkable. 

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 Deep Life Stack 2.0 [4:40] 

- Does prioritizing deep work grow your task list? [38:02] 

- Does deep work impede the development of soft skills? [41:04] 

- How do I shut down work without clean stopping points? [46:31] 

- CALL: Intrusive thoughts while doing deep work [52:29] 

- CALL: How does Cal organize his working memory.txt [57:49] 

CASE STUDY: Using slow productivity to build a house [1:00:30] 

CAL REACTS: Should you “burn the boats” to motivate ambitious action? [1:08:00] 

Links: 

amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

rhone.com/cal 

mintmobile.com/deep 

cozyearth.com 

ladderlife.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

A viral video making the rounds recently argues that the key to promoting learning is to deliver education in apps that are equally addictive as social media. Cal takes a closer look at the brain science behind this claim and argues why it is fundamentally impossible to beat attention engineered apps at their own game. We shouldn’t, however, give up hope, as our brain has a completely unrelated motivation system, built on a behavior called episodic future thinking (EFT), that we can leverage to make deep activities like learning seem more rewarding than the short term distractions beckoning from our phones. Mastering the EFT system is indeed critical to cultivating a deep life. 

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: Can we make learning as addictive as social media? [2:33] 

- Can I be happy in a job that doesn’t require me to learn? [33:44] 

- How can I fight deep procrastination to learn better? [40:52] 

- How can I identify the school for my kid to learn better? [47:11] 

- How can I reflect on work concepts without feeling the urge to work? [51:48] 

- How does Ultralearning apply to Slow Productivity? [55:36] 

- CALL: Recommendations on learning [58:02] 

CASE STUDY: Designing a system to learn [1:00:50] 

The 5 books Cal read in October 2023 [1:10:14] 

Links: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6FORpg0KVo 

youtu.be/wmdG-uZk6JY?si=2_S6Mer1VnBJE3Wv&t=120

sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/ 

calnewport.com/the-father-of-deliberate-practice-disowns-flow/ 

ideas.ted.com/mental-time-travel-is-a-great-decision-making-tool-this-is-how-to-use-it/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

zocdoc.com/deep 

hensonshaving.com/cal 

blinkist.com/deep 

expressvpn.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode, Cal reviews what he believes to be the four essential tools for feeling on top of everything you need to do. If you’re missing one of these, you might struggle. If you use all four, you’re probably safe never thinking about “productivity” again. Cal is then joined by friend of the show, New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, to answer listener questions about their personal struggles to take control of their lives. 

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 Productivity Toolkit [2:30] 

- What is the most underrated productivity superpower? [35:05] 

- Should I journal? [43:59] 

- How do I build a system to help me remember things? [48:23] 

- Can I use a split-day strategy to time block a reactive job? [52:01] 

- Help! I’m stuck at age 30. How do I get unstuck? [54:42] 

CAL REACTS: How can we make learning as addictive as social media? [1:16:06] 

Links: 

youtube.com/watch?v=P6FORpg0KVo 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

rhone.com/cal 

grammarly.com/podcast 

policygenius.com/deepquestions 

mybodytutor.com 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Much of the advice we discuss is about how to improve things right now. But what are the right strategies for ensuring that we’re happy about where we are five or even ten years in the future. How do we ensure, in other words, that we won’t look back at major swaths of our lives with regret? In this episode, Cal discusses three big ideas for playing the long game when it comes to cultivating a deep life. 

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo 

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia 

Deep Dive: What can you do now to stay content later? [3:30]  

- What habits help you escape complacency? [25:51] 

- How do I know if I need a major change to my life? [31:00] 

- How can I rediscover my drive to live deep with a boring (but stable) job? [36:08] 

- CALL: Avoiding the stress of having a large “to-do” list [41:07] 

CASE STUDY: Designing a deep work t-shirt to be productive [47:22] 

CAL REACTS: Is Social Media a Collective Trap? [56:03] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions 

https://www.hensonshaving.com/cal 

https://www.expressvpn.com/deep 

https://www.shopify.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

An increasing number of people are suffering from “super distractions” that rise above the level of harmless diversion and instead start to actively hold them back in their life. Some of the common culprits cited include social media, online pornography, and alcohol. In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at what creates super distractions and uses this insight to come up with an effective game plan for fighting back. 

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:  Taking control of your life from super distractions [8:09] 

- How can I stay productive while in between goals? [36:24] 

- Will I become depressed from a dopamine fast? [40:46] 

- How can I overcome negative thoughts? [44:01] 

- Are there rituals to help me handle shallow work more efficiently? [50:19] 

CASE STUDY: Success with an electronic detox [58:27] 

Cal Reacts: NPR left Twitter and the effects are negligible [1:06:59] 

Links: 

niemanreports.org/articles/npr-twitter-musk/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

mintmobile.com/deep 

cozyearth.com 

blinkist.com/deep 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

After an episode in which Cal reviewed ancient wisdom on cultivating a deeper life, he turns his attention back to more recent advice. Focusing on three of the more unconventional but unambiguously effective ideas that he has proposed in his twenty years of professional writing on these topics. 

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: Getting started is overrated [6:29] 

- How can I become more confident in social settings? [36:15] 

- Is it ok to be an ordinary person? [40:52] 

- Is it important to have friends? [46:41] 

- I took a pay cut to become a teacher again. How can I better organize my life to prioritize craft? [49:36] 

- Is it ok to use YouTube to discover new ideas? [57:28] 

Reader’s React: Is Productivity Natural? [1:05:04] 

Links: 

calnewport.com/dangerous-ideas-getting-started-is-overrated/ 

calnewport.com/treat-your-mind-as-you-would-a-private-garden/ 

calnewport.com/should-you-work-like-maya-angelou-or-eric-schmidt/ 

calnewport.com/on-tire-pressure-and-productivity/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

moshlife.com/deep 

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hensonshaving.com/cal 

mybodytutor.com 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Stoicism seems to be all the rage at the moment. In what ways is it relevant to our question to live deeply in a distracted world? And in what ways is it not? Cal takes a closer look at Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and discusses his relationship with the philosophy more generally. 

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 Ideas from Marcus Aurelius’s, “Meditations” [2:30] 

- Can I realistically make an impact as an English teacher? [35:28] 

- Can a seasoned professional screenwriter switch careers after 23 years? [40:02] 

- I’m an accomplished professional but lack a competitive drive to do more. Is there a way to build this? [45:34] 

- How can a CEO lower his anxiety with elements of work that aren’t strengths? [54:37] 

- How can I bounce back from a deflating work setback? [1:02:52] 

The 5 Books Cal Read in September 2023 [1:11:07] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

grammarly.com/podcast 

policygenius.com 

blinkist.com/deep 

expressvpn.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Knowledge workers increasingly describe themselves as exhausted and burnt out. Why is this happening? In this episode, Cal argues that some of the obvious answers aren’t enough to explain the phenomenon. The real answer is both less expected and perhaps more fixable than we expect.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Tiredness and the ability to produce work [8:18] 
- How can I read more without falling asleep? [34:25]
- Is screen time before bed killing my sleep? [38:19]
- How can I still have fun while being productive? [44:20]
- Is discipline an identity or a tool? [50:21]
- How do I find my way back to the deep life? [56:39]

CASE STUDY: A magazine editor integrates projects into a deep life [1:02:00]

Final Segment: Lauren Groff’s slow productivity [1:35:06]

Links:

Authors for Voices of Color auction: Afvoc2023.givesmart.com
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/books/lauren-groff-vaster-wilds.html
https://www.thefp.com/p/why-i-traded-my-smartphone-for-an-ax
https://midland-school.org/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749597809000399
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/books/lauren-groff-vaster-wilds.html

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
https://www.hensonshaving.com/cal
https://www.rhone.com/cal
https://www.shopify.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Do we need to move to a ranch in the middle of nowhere to take control of our technology habits? Cal argues that these types of extreme examples are counter-productive, making it seem like real changes are close to impossible. He offers instead an alternative approach based on zero-based budgeting your technological life. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: What does it really take to cure your smartphone addiction? [3:33] 

- How can I build an audience without being consumed by social media? [31:20] 

- If my kid uses an iPad for school, will he become cursed with digital distraction? [40:33] 

- Does the digital minimalist community approve of Goodreads and Letterboxd? [48:52] 

- I’m 30 years old and lost. How can I get my life back on track? [53:43] 

- How can I stay on top of current events without scrolling social media? [1:02:11] 

Closing Discussion: Is the Friendship Recession Real? What can you do to escape it? (w/ Jamie Kilstein) [1:08:38] 

 Links:

https://www.thefp.com/p/why-i-traded-my-smartphone-for-an-ax
https://midland-school.org

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

ladderlife.com/deep 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode, Cal visits eight of the most influential books in personal productivity, identifying for each a single idea that ended up most resonating both with his own work and the culture more generally. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: What productivity ideas from other authors are the most worth paying attention to? [4:54] 

- How do I time-block for the unanticipated “a-ha!” moment of insight? [40:23] 

- Is my life as a surgeon dooming me to a reactive life? [45:19] 

- Is it possible to read too many productivity books? [52:10] 

- Is the Deep Life influenced by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? [58:55] 

- Am I a disciplined worker if I only respond to deadlines? [1:01:09] 

The 5 Books Cal Read in August 2023 [1:09:31] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

cozyearth.com 

hensonshaving.com/cal 

mintmobile.com/deep 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Change is unavoidable. You can either fear it or learn to master it. In this interview episode, Cal talks with longtime friend of the show, Brad Stulberg, about his new book, “Master of Change.” 

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 

INTERVIEW: How to Master Change (with Brad Stulberg) [3:55] 

Links: 

bradstulberg.com/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

blinkist.com/deep 

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expressvpn.com/deep 

zocdoc.com/deep 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Too many people believe that the New Year is the right time to undertake major improvements to your life. In this episode, Cal argues that it is instead right now, at the beginning of fall, that is the best time to turn over a new page. He lays out a detailed 4-month journey through the deep stack that will have you done with a major overhaul by the time everyone else is just getting started early next year. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How can I reinvent my life in 4 months? [6:30] 

- How can I ease into Cal's more advanced time management strategies? [44:06] 

- Can unstructured work be a part of the deep life? [47:42] 

- How can I stop changing my mind about what I want to do with my life? [51:50] 

- Can I pursue the deep life if I need a job? [59:33] 

- How do you pursue the deep life with depression? [1:03:58] 

Cover Reveal for Slow Productivity [1:13:20] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

mybodytutor.com 

policygenius.com 

shopify.com/deep 

cozyearth.com 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

When it comes to generating fantastic ideas – the type that can make your career – you don’t have to passively wait for inspiration to strike. You can, instead, *hack* the creative process to increase the odds of coming up with something great. In this episode, Cal explores one of the more powerful forms of “creativity hacking”: making use of strange locations.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Why do you work better in strange locations? [3:31]

- Does Cal read online articles? [34:35]

- Is fitness tracking on my Apple Watch an excuse to stay distracted? [40:09]

- Which is better for original thinking: the city or the country? [43:05]

- How do I organize the pursuit of deep ideas? [47:19]

- Does reading books from unrelated genres help idea generation? [51:57]

CAL REACTS: Over stimulation is ruining your life! [59:11]

Links:

blog.computationalcomplexity.org/2020/02/pre-publish-and-perish.html

calnewport.com/on-using-inspiring-locations-to-inspire-deeper-work/

youtube.com/watch?v=yYWvUoN4yt8

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self

hensonshaving.com/cal

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In celebration of the newly released *second* edition of the Time Block Planner, Cal provides some additional expert tips for getting the most out of a time blocking discipline before answering listener questions on the general topic of time management. He closes by discussing the recent claim that phones are ruining peoples’ ability to watch movies. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How can I double what I accomplish each week by better controlling my time? [16:54] 

- How do I deal with the guilt of missing time blocks? [44:17] 

- How does Cal reconcile slow productivity with the urgency of time blocking? [49:22] 

- How do I block enough time to keep up with all the internet content I want to read? [52:40] 

- How do I stick to my block schedule if no one is forcing me to? [1:02:11] 

- How can Cal be both a computer science professor and yet still be so bad at technology? [1:07:00] 

Something Interesting: Have Phones Ruined Movies? [1:15:45] 

Links: 

washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/08/05/barbenheimer-bad-movie-behavior/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the most popular (and widely forgotten) slogans of the ancient world was Festina Lente, or, “Make Haste Slowly.” In this episode, Cal looks deeper at what this phrase meant, and in doing so uncovers an ancient version of slow productivity. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: What can Octavian Caesar Augustus teach us about productivity? [5:37] 

- How can I help my team move fast to slow productivity? [26:12] 

- How do I figure out how long to spend on a task? [33:08] 

- What’s up with Cal’s podcast album art? [38:14] 

- Why is my partner so slow? [40:49] 

- How does Cal’s Remarkable tablet change his working memory.txt habit? [46:23] 

CASE STUDY: Not allowing work to dominate your life [53:28] 

The 5 Book Cal Read in July 2023 [1:03:21] 

Links: 

bigthink.com/the-learning-curve/festina-lente/ 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festina_lente 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed by everything you have to do? The writer Oliver Burkeman recently experimented with an unexpected response to this common sensation: he decided to work much less. In more detail, he wanted to see what would happen if he reacted to overload by restricting his work to only four hours per day. In this episode, Cal reviews what Burkeman discovered in this experiment and what it teaches the rest of us. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: What happens when you cut your workday in half? [5:51] 

- What does the “celebrate” deep life bucket include? [30:34] 

- When are big life changes the right thing to do? [38:38] 

- When does Cal “start” his work day? [49:04] 

- How do I save for a good retirement without making my current lifestyle worse? [50:05] 

CASE STUDY: The Joys of Doing Less [56:44] 

CAL REACTS: Chris Nolan doesn’t own a phone [1:05:21] 

Links: 

hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/oppenheimer-christopher-nolan-cast-interview-film-1235535418/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Do history’s greatest thinkers care about time management? In today’s episode, Cal analyzes the system that the mathematician and philosopher, Kurt Godel, used to structure his days, weeks, and years to produce meaningful work over a long period of time. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How do geniuses structure their life? [8:00] 

- How do I follow through on the projects I start? [34:33] 

- Is creating a deep environment one of the deep life buckets? [42:14] 

- How do I find examples of my ideal lifestyle? [48:24] 

- Should I switch jobs, I’m bored (but effective)? [59:20] 

CAL REACTS: The ReMarkable 2 tablet. Is it worth it? [1:11:57] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Sometimes the most effective way to contain your workload is to simply declare how long you’re willing to work and then refuse to violate your pledge. In this episode, Cal revisits this “fixed-schedule productivity” strategy, which he first introduced way back in 2008. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How does fixed-schedule productivity work, and how has Cal’s thoughts on it changed over the years? [3:02] 

- What activities can fall outside fixed schedules? [30:12] 

- How do you manage a workload determined by other people? [33:08] 

- Why doesn’t Cal build his weekly plan on his calendar? [43:24] 

- How do I deal with having too much work piled up? [51:23] 

CASE STUDY: Implementing tactics from “A World Without Email” [53:14] 

The 5 Books Cal Read in June 2023 [1:02:28] 

Links: 

calnewport.com/fixed-schedule-productivity-how-I-accomplish-a-large-amount-of-work-in-a-small-number-of-work-hours/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In Cal’s new “deep life stack” the first layer toward finding more meaning is to develop discipline. Why does this come first? In this episode, Cal dives deeper into the importance of starting with discipline. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: Why does cultivating the deep life start with discipline? [4:33] 

- How do I stop falling off the productivity wagon? [26:38] 

- How do I cultivate more consistent discipline? [32:35] 

- How do I convince myself to follow through on demanding projects? [41:22] 

- What’s the problem with studying for 10 hours a day? [54:37]  

Something Interesting: Harrison Ford’s Slow Productivity [1:07:35] 

Links: 

linkedin.com/posts/billy-oppenheimer-70612782_before-he-was-han-solo-or-indiana-jones-activity-7069305284627730432-CRJA 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Over the past twenty years, “productivity” has come to be synonymous with using digital tools to speed up non-essential parts of knowledge work. As cal argues in this episode, this “cybernetic” approach has proven to be a complete failure. He explores why speeding up isn’t working and what this teaches us about what we need to do instead. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: Why doesn’t cybernetic productivity work? [8:40] 

- What should I ask a potential hire about their time management habits? [31:55] 

- How do I teach leaders how to work more deeply? [38:17] 

- How did Cal become good at breaking things down into systems and processes? [48:06] 

- How do I build task boards if I have many roles? [51:05] 

- How do I find time to think in my busy job? [54:20] 

Something Interesting: Taylor Sheridan’s “writing bunker” [1:02:48] 

Links: 

hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/taylor-sheridan-yellowstone-interview-1235519261/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

shopify.com/deep 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Some of the most interesting and impactful people in the world build their work around a commitment to doing only a few things very well. No one remembers that it took Newton decades to finish The Principia, they just know that he wrote a book that changed science forever. In this episode, Cal defines some concrete laws for successfully implementing a shift toward doing less – but doing what you do better – in your own professional life. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: Why should I do less? [7:29] 

- How can a teacher embrace slow productivity? [31:26] 

- How do you know if an idea is good enough to spend years working on? [39:07] 

- How can I slowly build the success needed to pivot into a new career? [46:16] 

- How does Cal read 5 books a month? [49:58] 

CASE STUDY: I can do my job in 4 hours a day [55:53] 

The 5 Book Cal Read in May 2023 [1:07:04] 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode, Cal is joined by Laura Vanderkam (author of Tranquility by Tuesday and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast). Cal and Laura tackle a collection of your questions about the struggle to make time for the various things that matter most, from your career to your family to your hobbies.

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

INTERVIEW: Laura Vanderkam [19:46] 

— Is the deep life only available to people with high salaries? [31:47]
— Is it possible for a mom to succeed in academia? [40:19]
— How do I find the time to land a job that requires less time? [50:26]
— Am I too old to leave a career that fills me with dread? [55:53]
— Am I crazy for thinking I can work from home with a baby? [1:00:31]
— How do I create a deep life with kids? [1:05:31]
— How do I stop over-committing? [1:13:47]

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Slow Time During Japan’s Edo Period [1:30:11]

Links:

scroll.in/article/1030173/how-japan-became-an-exemplar-of-sustainability-over-centuries-of-self-isolation

lauravanderkam.com/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

How do you leave a life of superficial distraction and cultivate something deeper? In today’s episode, Cal describes “The Deep Life Stack,” an approach to cultivating a deep life that starts with overhauling the person before making the big decisions. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How do I rebuild my life into something deeper? [6:29] 

- Is the deep life only available to those with high salaries? [31:55] 

- How do I co-create a deep life with my partner? [41:48] 

- Is there a genetic component to depth? [45:24] 

- What are Cal’s thoughts on the book “Designing Your Life”? [58:31] 

Something Interesting: Forget AI. Apple’s all in on AR. (And this is smart.) [1:06:34] 

Links: 

apple.com/apple-vision-pro/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Productivity YouTube is filled with breathless videos about optimizing systems and squeezing every ounce of speed out of your common habits. But does all of this efficiency really end up improving the quality of the most important things you produce? In this episode, Cal takes a deeper look at the different ways that productivity systems and tools can help your professional life, separating the boring but effective from the exciting but over-hyped. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: Does working faster make work better? [3:56] 

- Why doesn’t Cal agree with other productivity YouTubers about apps? [27:50] 

- How can I be productive if my organization bans third-party tools? [32:36] 

- How do top writers keep their research process “efficient”? [37:29] 

- How do I stop teaching from devouring all my time? [44:00] 

- Is it a problem that I don’t feel overwhelmed? [50:19] 

Something Interesting: The Productivity Diet & A Hotel for Book Lovers [1:02:33] 

Links: 

kickstarter.com/projects/mikevardy/the-productivity-diet-by-mike-vardy 

sylviabeachhotel.com/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

The art of thinking – plain, old-fashioned, hard concentration on useful ideas – is rapidly vanishing as our culture recasts humans as the custodians and recipients of digital computation. In this episode, Cal explains why this is a problem and what we should do in response. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: Why is it important to preserve the vanishing art of thinking? [5:02] 

- How do I integrate movies and shows into the deep life? [27:42] 

- Can I read after a long day of deep work? [33:30] 

- Is a digital “second brain” a good idea to keep up with the latest advancements in your field? [36:25] 

- Would Cal consider consolidating his notebooks? [42:37] 

- Is Maria Popva’s note-taking method better than Cal’s method? [51:40] 

The Books I Read in April 2023 [1:04:29] 

Links: 

Edward Teller talking about John Von Neumann 

youtube.com/watcv=vQp70uqsBV4#t=55m0s

Aristotle on “philosophic wisdom.” See book 10, section 7 of The Ethics: 

classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.7.vii.html 

Arnold Bennet on training concentration (See chapter 7 of How to Live on 24 Hours a Day): 

gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2274/pg2274-images.html 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Do you live to work or work to live? In this episode, Cal talks with author Simone Stolfzoff about his provocative new book, THE GOOD ENOUGH JOB. Cal then answers listener questions about escaping professional unhappiness, and then switches gears in the Something Interesting segment to talk about the critical technological breakthrough that not enough people yet are talking about. 

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: Cal talks about the Good Enough Job with author Simone Stolzoff [4:39] 

- What kind of a job do I want? [59:31] 

- If I enjoy my job, why can’t I focus? [1:05:28] 

- Should I give up on finding an academic job? [1:17:23] 

- Should I cut my salary in half to escape the hyperactive hive mind? [1:25:07] 

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Apple’s most interesting new tech strategy has nothing to do with A.I. [1:34:41] 

Links: 

wsj.com/articles/apple-is-breaking-its-own-rules-with-a-new-headset-80c9b36c 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Few professional experiences feel worse than overload. But what really causes this unfortunate state? In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at overload, identifying its main culprits, identifying solutions, and helping listeners with their specific overload-related questions. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How does overload actually operate? [3:54] 

- Does Cal use an executive assistant? [26:15] 

- How do I write an effective communication policy for my team? [36:35] 

- Does overhead compound exponentially? [42:50] 

- How rare are high expectation/low overhead jobs? [48:05] 

- My job has few shallow obligations. What should I do with my free time? [51:41] 

Something Interesting: The future of social media is less social [59:39] 

Links: 

wsj.com/articles/workers-say-its-harder-to-get-things-done-now-heres-why-2a5f1389 

nytimes.com/2023/04/19/technology/personaltech/tiktok-twitter-facebook-social.html 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

We talk a lot on this show about how to be more organized and intentional in how you spend your time at work. But what about at home? In this episode, Cal is joined by Sarah Hart-Unger (https://theshubox.com/), a leading thinker on the challenges of staying organized amidst the chaotic busyness that defines family life, to help explore strategies for organizing life outside of work. 

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 

Today’s Deep Question: How do I adapt professional productivity techniques to my life outside of work? (With Sarah Hart-Unger) [7:16] 

To learn more about Sarah, read her blog, or subscribe to her podcasts, visit: https://theshubox.com/

— What system does Cal use to track his life admin? [1:05:55] 

— Don’t I need some sort of plan for time outside of work? [1:11:46] 

— How do I stay on top of ongoing projects, initiatives, or hobbies? [1:15:36] 

— Should I calculate the monetary cost of household tasks? [1:20:20] 

Something Interesting: The AI Null Hypothesis [1:33:24] 

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Are smartphones bad for kids? Cal walks through the data on this question, including how researchers came to be worried, their findings, critiques of their findings, and where we are today. He then gives recommendations for how to think about technology when it comes to your kids.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Are smartphones bad for kids? [3:10]

- Is the deep life dull? [49:35]

- How do I stop doom-scrolling when I’m tired? [53:49]

- Are smartphones bad for older people? [57:35]

- How does Cal decide to adopt new technology or software? [1:02:06]

- How do I stay deep while traveling at conferences? [1:06:33]

The Books Cal read in March 2023 [1:12:38]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode Cal – against his better judgment – answers questions on the fly, with no advance plan or preparation. He also does a Deep Dive about the  Twitter fog dissipating and discusses something interesting.

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 was Twitter anyway? [4:46]

- Is there a difference between passion and calling? [27:09]
- What are the four principles to reimagine knowledge work? [31:50]
- Is movie watching part of the Deep Life? [36:05]
- Does fixed schedule productivity work on a weekly scale? [38:54]
- How does effective altruism fit in value-based lifestyle career planning? [41:01]
- What are Cal’s thoughts on David Graber’s book, “Bull Shit Jobs”? [44:00]
- Do distracted adolescents risk losing the ability to focus as they grow older? [46:57]
- Does slow productivity assist with parenting and professional development? [48:29]

Something Interesting: Rob Drydek’s productivity system [1:00:37]   

Links:

nytimes.com/2023/04/18/magazine/twitter-dying.html

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Are new AI technologies like ChatGPT about to massively disrupt our world? Drawing from his recent New Yorker article on the topic, Cal explains exactly how programs like ChatGPT work, and uses this knowledge to explain why we can calm our fears about this new technology.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: How does ChatGPT work? (And should we worry about it?)  [11:24]

- Is there anything AI won’t do better than humans? [57:30]

- How will AI end up disrupting knowledge work? [1:02:27]

- Should I quit web development before AI eliminates the industry? [1:07:32] 

- Will AI create mass job loss in the next five years? [1:11:52]

SOMETHING INTERESTING:

- NPR leaves Twitter [1:21:11]

npr.org/2023/04/12/1169269161/npr-leaves-twitter-government-funded-media-label  

Links:

newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-have

twitter.com/tqbf/status/1598513757805858820

twitter.com/goodside/status/1598077257498923010 

nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/chatgpt-passes-mba-exam-wharton-professor-rcna67036

time.com/6240569/ai-childrens-book-alice-and-sparkle-artists-unhappy/

nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html 

nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.html

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Cal Newport answers 10 questions from his audience ranging from idea management to the Deep Life to writing. Throughout all the answers, you’ll hear Cal explain his core concepts and how they apply to everyday working life.

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

- Why doesn’t Cal care about idea management systems? [2:46]

- Does Cal still use Workflowy to capture tasks?  [12:52]

- Are women better at multi-tasking than men? [16:56]

- What is the difference between pursuing depth versus passion? [23:16]

- What are the  “Contemplation” and “Celebration” buckets in the context of the Deep Life? [28:56]

- What’s the best way to study math? [32:56]

- Can I jump from a master’s at a small school to a PhD at a prestigious one? [35:19]

- How do I know if I’ve successfully cultivated a Deep Life? [37:11]

- How do I become a successful political nonfiction writer? [44:38]

- Is the Deep Work hypothesis affected by survivorship bias? [50:36]

Links:

calnewport.com/blog/2011/06/23/lab-notes-my-closed-loop-research-system/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Why do stories of people moving to the country to dedicate their lives to simple living resonate so strongly with us overworked knowledge workers? Cal explores lessons we can extract from these instincts that can improve our lives right now, even without the need to become a homesteader.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: What do we (really) seek when we seek the Simple Life? [7:39]

- Are daly deep life habits too frequent? [32:35]

- How do I juggle more projects? [36:44]

- Can I quit my job to reach online full time? [41:53]

- How do I convince my husband that the “deep life” isn’t an excuse to ignore me? [55:36]

CASE STUDY: A Writing Shed For Slow Productivity [1:01:37]

SOMETHING INTERESTING:

- Utah limits teens’ ability to use social media [1:12:38]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-1st-state-limiting-teens-access-social-media-98089159

https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/simple-living-zmaz03onzgoe/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

https://www.mybodytutor.com
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Why does Twitter maintain such a strong grip on those who produce things with their minds for a living? Is it really so critical that we all spend so many hours spreading our output on this particular platform? In today’s episode, we explore this question, seeking new, more sustainable and humane ways to be an online creative professional.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Given all the advantages of controlling your own digital press, why do so many content producers rely on Twitter? [5:39]

- Does Twitter’s new view count feature make the service even worse? [27:10]
- Why do so many important business/thought leaders spend so much time on Twitter? [35:14]
- Does this professor need Twitter? [43:00]
- Does Mastadon stand a chance against Twitter? [53:26]

SOMETHING INTERESTING:

Started From the Bottom podcast [1:01:04]
pushkin.fm/podcasts/started-from-the-bottom

Australian senators backing 4-day work week [1:03:12]
theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/09/australia-four-day-work-week-labor-greens-senators-support


Thanks to our Sponsors:

hensonshaving.com/cal
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cozyearth.com (Promo code: Deep)

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

You can’t just turn a “work harder” or “relax” knob. Once you realize that productivity ideas can offer you great autonomy in shaping your life - however you decide to do that - your relationship with it becomes more nuanced and fruitful. Productivity can be understood as applying organization tools and deliberate processes to take back control of your obligations.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Is productivity about optimization or autonomy? [6:06]

- Should I start a blog to prepare to write a book? [23:18]
- How do I recover from burn out? [30:11]
- How do I prioritize when I have too many interests? [35:15]
- Should I ditch my side hustle? [39:25]
- How do I convince my self-focused colleagues to participate in more efficient group systems? [43:24]

Something Interesting:

- The five books I read in February 2023 [53:24]

Links:

vice.com/en/article/akdyje/the-relentless-rise-of-the-productivity-influence
youtube.com/watch?v=YctcDlPixb8

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestions
blinkist.com/deep
expressvpn.com/deep
ladderlife.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

The relationship with time is one of the more interesting things going on in work culture. Many knowledge workers take on too much work and become overloaded. If we have less to do, our relationship with time can be repaired. So we have to think very concretely about building systems and mindsets that reduce how much we have to do.

Life of Focus link here: life-of-focus-course.com

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: Is our relationship to time broken? [16:12]

- Do we need AI-driven time management tools? (Rant alert) [39:39]
- Is slow productivity compatible with becoming world class in a competitive field? [47:46]
- What deep accomplishments are Cal and Jesse most proud about? [50:15]
- CASE STUDY: A composer embraces slow productivity [59:40]

Something Interesting:

- Quiet quitting in academia? [1:08:35]

Links:

https://www.ft.com/content/176c104a-32c0-4267-b122-add10e5405f9
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/books/time-jenny-odell-.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00633-w

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

The reading life is a deep life. The screen-filled life can be primitive and exhausting. Which one do you want?

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

Today’s Deep Question: Why is it important to read books? [7:23]

- Should I buy physical copies of books I enjoyed on my kindle? [30:45]
- How should I organize my notes when writing a non-fiction book? [34:38]
- How do I train myself to become a reader? [40:34]
- How should I build a library? [50:25]
- What does Cal think about Sam Bankman-Fried’s claim that books are worthless? [55:12]

Something Interesting: [1:02:21]

- Napoleon’s solution to inbox overload
- Rethinking productivity: impact vs. velocity

Links:

abc.net.au/religion/maryanne-wolf-cultivating-deep-reading-in-a-digital-age/102001224

reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/11fphcy/til_napoleon_bonaparte_refused_to_open_his_mail/

itamargilad.com/velocity-vs-impact/


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: Should we consider a radically reimagined internet? [7:03]

- Can we build a better internet? [29:20]
- Will the coming augmented reality make the deep life impossible? [36:18]
- How do I become more disciplined about shutting down my phone? [44:26]
- Is the internet alive? [49:35]
- How does Cal see the connection between his professor and writer roles? [55:40]

Something Interesting: Michael Cera Doesn’t Use a Smartphone [1:10:47]

Links:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/mychalthompson/michael-cera-smartphone-social-media
https://urbit.org
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/21/us/google-supreme-court-youtube.html
Elevate Your Team  


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: How can I significantly decrease the footprint of my remote job (without anyone noticing)? [10:46]

- How do I leverage a shift to remote work to gain a deeper life? [39:23]
- How can I work deeply in a remote job that requires me to be available? [43:16]
- How do I make time for my individual projects while working remotely? [53:47]
- How do I avoid being promoted out of a nice remote position into a miserable management role? [55:35]

CASE STUDY: Alternative Workflow Pitfalls [1:00:07]

Something Interesting: The five books I read in January, 2023 [1:09:54]

Links:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/04/return-to-office-occupancy-status


Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by Better Help:
https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
https://www.ladderlife.com/deep
https://www.zocdoc.com/deep
https://www.expressvpn.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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

Today’s Deep Question: Does Cal Still Think That Productivity is Overrated? [6:46]

- Should I abandon my careful plan when I get on a roll? [30:47]
- How do I achieve slow-and-steady work mode? [35:38]
- How do I make my the most out of idle time? [41:37]
- How does a deep work lover survive the shallows? [47:34]
- Does productivity require that you’re anti-social? [51:16]

Something Interesting: Rethinking productivity in academia [1:02:44]

Links:

calnewport.com/blog/2007/08/31/dangerous-ideas-productivity-is-overrated/ 

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at stamps.com/deep. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
hensonshaving.com/cal
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80000hours.org/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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

Today’s Deep Question: How can we be ambitious without burning out? [8:23]

- How do I create a hit podcast? (Special guest JORDAN HARBINGER) [41:59]
- How do I overcome boredom in my purposefully under-scheduled life? [1:01:57]
- How do I manage multiple side hustle projects? [1:06:11]
- Do I need two planning documents if I have two jobs? [1:13:14]
- How do I get my 15-year-old brother to stop using his phone so much? [1:15:30]

Something Interesting: The slow productivity of Maryam Mirzakhani [1:23:48]

Links:

screenrant.com/calvin-hobbes-bill-watterson-merchandising-lost-millions-reason/

web.archive.org/web/20150302235823/http://www.calnewport.com/blog

wired.com/2014/08/maryam-mirzakhani-fields-medal/

thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/ep-115-jordan-harbinger-what-is-the-future-of-podcasting/   

Thanks to our Sponsors:

grammarly.com/deep
ladderlife.com/deep
mybodytutor.com
expressvpn.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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

Today’s Deep Question: How can I free myself from spending all day in my inbox? [8:24]

- Why does Cal suggest having multiple email addresses? [43:27]
- How do I convince my colleagues to actually read process-centric emails? [47:16]
- How do I work with people who enjoy email check-ins? [52:16]
- How do I get key information out of email an into a better system? [57:25]
- How can I focus when my job demands an open door policy? [1:01:11]

Something Interesting: Alex Haley wrote on a cargo ship [1:12:42]

Links:

affect.media.mit.edu/pdfs/16.Mark-CHI_Email.pdf
tim.blog/autoresponse/
blog.rescuetime.com/communication-multitasking-switches/
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/01/23/magazine/cal-newport-interview.html  
alexhaley.com/2018/08/04/aboard-the-african-star-by-alex-haley/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

mintmobile.com/deep
huel.com/questions
hensonshaving.com/cal
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: Why are lumberjacks happier than lawyers? [3:06]

- Should I leave a good job to gain more autonomy? [32:34]
- Should I quit my trainer job? [38:31]
- What does Cal’s workday look like? [45:52]
- How can I create a career without skills? [54:48]

CASE STUDY: The Slow Lawyer [58:38]

Books Cal Read in December [1:05:33]

Links:

- washingtonpost.com/business/2023/01/06/happiest-jobs-on-earth/
- frugalwoods.com/2021/09/15/mr-fw-retired-and-we-paid-off-our-mortgage-frugalwoods-fire-is-complete/
- bench.co/blog/small-business-stories/paul-jarvis/
- calnewport.com/blog/2017/05/22/john-grishams-15-hour-workweek/
- itsfreetime.com/about


Thanks to our Sponsors:

This episode is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestions
huel.com/questions
policygenius.com
notion.com/cal

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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:  Work Cycles [6:57]

- Should I leave my relaxing job to make more money? [33:54]
- Is there a need for deep work retreats? [45:59]
- How do I find time to work deeply when I’m busy? [53:07]

Case Study: On Walking and Remote Work [57:25]

- Can Cal explain more about the “celebration” bucket? [1:02:09]

SOMETHING INTERESTING:

- Deep work cafe [1:10:28]
cbsnews.com/news/manuscript-cafe-in-tokyo-serves-an-antidote-to-writers-block/

- Gloria Mark’s new book [1:12:50]
amazon.com/Attention-Span-Finding-Fighting-Distraction/dp/1335449418

Links:

basecamp.com/handbook/09-how-we-work
bluemountaincenter.org/life-at-bmc
cnn.com/travel/article/amtrak-free-residency/index.html
myfranciscan.org/visit/hermitage/


Thanks to our Sponsors:

80000hours.org/deep
blinkist.com/deep
ladderlife.com/deep
zocdoc.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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 well are you living? [11:14]

- How do you track deep life habits? [28:07]
- How do I become more social? (Bonus: How does Cal avoid being killed by Jocko?) [34:15]
- How do I distill essential ideas from complex topics? [46:13]
- How does Cal research his articles? [53:49]
- Should I get a Deep Life tattoo? [59:41]

THREE INTERESTING THINGS:

- Guillermo Del Toro Bought a Second House to Boost his Creativity [1:13:33]
kpcc.org/show/the-frame/2016-07-22/bleak-house-a-tour-inside-guillermo-del-toros-creative-man-cave

- Kary Mullis’s Nobel-Winning Moment of Insight [1:19:56]
nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1993/mullis/lecture/

- Charles Dickens Wrote “A Christmas Carol” on Foot [1:22:38]



Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

QUESTIONS:

- How do I find time to study for a better job? [5:14]
- How do I find rare and valuable skills to develop? [8:37]
- How do I develop discipline if I have an easy job? [12:33]

CASE STUDY: A graduate student with 5 kids takes control of his life [30:06]

- Should I work or spend all my time with my son? [35:50]
- How do I manage a strategic plan with lots of unpredictable projects? [42:54]
- How does role-based communication work? [46:09]
- How do I plan projects with unpredictable time demands? [50:58]
- Should I move my family across the country to accept my dream job? [52:56]
- How do you make time for Quality time with your wife with such a busy schedule? [58:43]
- Does Cal write reports on the books he reads? [1:01:18]
- Does slow productivity apply only to knowledge workers? [1:07:17]
- Why do my side hustles fail? [1:10:35]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

https://www.notion.com/cal
https://www.cozyearth.com
https://www.blinkist.com/deep
https://www.expressvpn.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: A World Without Busyness? [4:51]

- In an era of Quiet Quitting is it easier to become a star? [22:09]
- How do I resist my job’s demand for out-of-hours work? [29:52]
- Should new writers use social media to get feedback? [35:31]
- Should I use social media to promote my filmmaking website? [46:11]
- Am I too busy find new ideas? [53:54]

THREE INTERESTING THINGS:

- On Teenage Luddites [1:03:07]
calnewport.com/blog/2022/12/16/on-teenage-luddites/

- Deep Work in Stocism [1:07:48]

- Finding the Deep Life in the Mountains [1:09:09]
outsideonline.com/culture/essays-culture/moving-to-a-ski-town-steamboat-springs-colorado-no-regrets/




Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- DEEP DIVE: Should I Manage Time or Stress? [2:50]

-  How do I switch from a push to pull model of task management? [27:05]
- Where should I live? [40:13]
- Is “rare and valuable” the same as “impressive”? [49:01]
- CALL: Integrating Deep Work to create a Deep Life [54:43]
- How do I reconcile my lifestyle vision with my husbands very different vision? [58:09]
- How does Cal structure his values document? [1:04:12]

THREE INTERESTING THINGS:

Twitter, Attention, and Democracy [1:14:28]
(nytimes.com/2022/12/11/opinion/what-twitter-can-learn-from-quakers.html)

Research: Walking Helps Thinking [1:22:10]
(apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf )

Novelist Ian Rankin’s Slow Productivity [1:23:47]
(theguardian.com/books/2016/may/07/my-writing-day-ian-rankin)


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal!
Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- CALL: How do I balance different productivity systems? [5:24]
- How do I deal with a sudden increase in my work responsibilities? [12:29]
- How use the “waiting for” column on my task board when crafting a weekly plan? [18:39]

- If I adopt a natural pace to my work will I lose the race to success? [30:57]
- Should I quit my job to pursue a new business idea? [45:04]
- How do I handle a short period of having too much work? [50:20]
- I’ve lost my will to work. What do I do? [56:28]
- Does Cal get annoyed when people incorrectly cite his ideas? [1:02:56]

Books I Read in November 2022 [1:11:39]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: Did Alan Turing Invent The Computer? [5:25]

INTERVIEW: Thriller writer J.T. Ellison  [25:23]


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Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at  stamps.com/deep. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: A World Without Twitter? [7:28]
bit.ly/3hQ9Wh4

LIVE CALLER: Starting a new company alone [34:28]

- How do I (carefully) convince my employer to embrace Deep Work? [51:48]
- I just quit my job. How do I reset my life? [1:03:36]
- How do I deal with having too much freedom in my job? [1:10:09]
- CALL: Which tool should I bring when I only have room for one? [1:17:53]
- Who does Cal personally admire? [1:23:43]

THREE INTERESTING THINGS:

- A novel solution to cell phones in schools [1:41:57]
bit.ly/3i2olHd

- The age of social media ending. Welcome to my party! [1:47:19]
bit.ly/3gosVit

- Eat, pray, herd [1:50:26]
wsj.com/3tOv6za


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? [5:48]
bit.ly/3EDcuZ0

Questions for special guest host David Sax:

- Is the Light Phone worth the money? [28:38]
- How do I get started seeking higher quality leisure? [38:43]
- How do I become a successful freelance writer? [49:01]

- How do I make technical writing compelling?  [1:08:03]
- How do I kick my podcast habit while trying to work? [1:15:06]
- Do weekly plans have to cover exactly one week? [1:18:44]
- Should I join the Overemployed Underground? [1:26:36]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: Did Caveman Use To-Do Lists? [1:28]
Article Link: bit.ly/3NYRbnF

- LIVE CALL: Debating a master’s program [27:59]
- How do I practice the “journalistic” mode of scheduling deep work? [37:32]
- How do I determine when something I’m working on is good enough? [44:20]
- Should I take two months off work to write in a cabin? [49:14]
- Is answering email quickly really a good marker of talent? [53:45]
- Is there a tutorial for Cal’s planning system? [1:00:04]
- When is the new version of the Time Block Planner coming? [1:01:34]

CASE STUDY: A Freelancer Crafts a Deep Life [1:04:18]

CAL REACTS: New Insights on Kids and Phones [1:16:33]

School Took Smartphones Away: on.wsj.com/3Trj4G3
Social Media and Teenage Mental Health: bit.ly/3A3KN99

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link:
bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: The 20% Paradox [4:54]

- INTERVIEW with Yael Schonbrun [18:59]
- Cal and Jesse talk about Schonbrun interview [1:13:18]

MAILBAG: [1:24:00]

- Twitter is losing its most active users
https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-where-did-tweeters-go-twitter-is-losing-its-most-active-users-internal-2022-10-25/

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: The Two Types of Ambition [4:36]

- LIVE CALL: Escaping the “Second Control Tap” [28:10]
- Can journaling make me a better writer? [53:26]
- What’s an example of a keystone habit for building community? [56:03]
- Can Cal give an example of a quarterly plan? [1:00:00]
- How does Cal choose what books to read? [1:06:16]

- What’s is Cal’s philosophy on caffeine? [1:15:12]
- How can a teenager prepare to live deeply? [1:20:59]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Here’s a special preview of the new season of The Happiness Lab, a podcast from Pushkin Industries. You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. She’ll take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.

Hear more from The Happiness Lab at:

podcasts.pushkin.fm/thls5?sid=questions

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset [8:58]

- Should I use Seinfeld’s “Don’t Break the Chain” method? [37:48]

- Does Cal have a separate task board and weekly plan for his personal life? [42:07]

- How do I track my metrics over the long term? [47:18]

- Are Facebook and Instagram doomed? [52:25]

- CALL: Children and video games [58:47]

- When do I add a task to my list versus straight into my weekly plan? [1:07:50]

CASE STUDY: Implementing Deep Work advice [1:13:18]

MAILBAG: [1:19:40]

- Cal’s vision of the AR future as it grows closer

https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/1580917421757587456?s=20&t=-deRWeIvOuCdPhhnAOFm9Q

- Andrew Huberman on the “Cathedral Effect”

https://hubermanlab.com/5-science-based-steps-to-improve-your-workspace/

- Obligatory Focus Porn: Writing in an isolated hut

https://alastairhumphreys.com/important-or-urgent/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

DEEP DIVE: Work vs. Meaning [4:48]

- How do I design a life I love? [33:37]
- Is it okay that I use adult coloring books? [47:19]
- Is listening to music a good source of solitude? [49:33]
- How do I enjoy the present while planning for a deeper future? [54:42]
- CALL: Should I take over my dad’s business? [1:03:24]
- How do I stop binge-watching YouTube after work? [1:12:02]
- Does Cal process his WorkingMemory.txt file to empty every day? [1:18:06]
- Does Cal keep a journal? [1:22:09]

MAILBAG: [1:29:25]

- Holly Black’s enchanted home [1:30:10] 
enchantedlivingmagazine.com/a-writers-cozy-lair/

- Bram Stoker’s “method writing” [1:34:17]
theguardian.com/books/2022/oct/09/cutting-his-teeth-how-bram-stoker-found-his-inner-dracula-in-scotland

- A new deep life bucket [1:35:56]

- The deep life of a professional stone skipper [1:37:23]
outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/stone-skipping-kurt-steiner/


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

CAL REACTS: Brandon Sanderson’s Underground Lair [2:49]

- Was it a mistake to drop out of college? [21:49]
- What tools should I use to manage my processes? [28:47]
- CALL: Help with slow productivity [32:12]
- What hobbies will improve my concentration? [37:34]

CASE STUDY: Building a Deep Life on House Hacking (plus: thoughts on FIRE) [43:22]

- Is Cal using Zettelkasten? [58:06]
- How I schedule work with an unpredictable medical issue? [1:01:38]

Books Cal Read in September, 2022 [1:15:07]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- Interesting Mail Bag [7:10]

- Does walking help or hurt my work? [25:01]
- How do I tame the flow of work from outside teams? [29:10]
- Do performers need an active social media presence? [33:12]
- CALL: Should Robert keep on a writing role? [35:18]
- CALL: Should Robert be worried about his full-time job discovering his side job? [39:18]
- Are newsletters the new blogs? [44:34]
- How can I prevent my law clients from interrupting me so much? [53:33]
- Is Cal’s prediction about the rise of virtual screens a ‘hellscape’? [56:22]

- CASE STUDY: What should I put on my new website? [1:10:46]

- How do I complete things on time? [1:18:04]
- How do I take notes on a complicated project? [1:19:56]
- How can I buckle down and finish my novel? [1:22:17]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- INTERVIEW with Ryan Holiday [10:00]
- Cal and Jesse talk about Holiday interview [1:13:57]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- Deep Dive: Quiet Quitting [4:00]

- How can I motivate my kids to have Cal’s work ethic? [24:28]
- What are Cal’s tips for writing better articles? [34:48]
- Are someday/maybe lists worth it? [44:33]
- How can a researcher embrace slow productivity? [48:24]
- Why did Cal switch from Roam to Obsidian note-taking software? [53:47]

CASE STUDY: A World Without Email got my team through a crisis [57:01]

- How can I concentrate on work with so many bad things happening in the world? [1:09:31]
- What if I don’t enjoy the deep life I designed? [1:20:16]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: The art of “no” [7:06]

- CALL: Anxiety and timeblock planning [27:38] 
- How do I choose a hobby to master? [37:01]
- Should I leave my job? [43:31]
- How do I break into a knowledge work? [49:00]
- How do I overcome career anxiety? [53:55]
 
CASE STUDY: Closet Office [1:05:10]

- CALL: Thoughts on Monday.com [1:13:38]
- What’s the difference between a quarterly and strategic plan? [1:21:45]
- How do I figure out my values? [1:23:10]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: Will 4-Day Weeks Solve Burnout? [7:01]

- How do I know if I’m doing too much? [24:03]
- Who invented the idea to “follow your passion”? [34:11]
- How can an ER doctor manage his schedule? [41:46]
- CALL: How do you know when it’s time to rest? [45:48]
- Nerd Alert: Is the future of computing more local? [49:59]

- Books Cal read in August 2022 [59:31]

- CALL: What watch does Cal use? [1:16:51]
- How do I create a Feedback Council? [1:25:04]
- Did Jordan Peterson and Bret Weinstein get weirder after leaving academia? [1:28:06]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp.

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: How does Cal organize his life? [4:47]

- How do I improve my estimates of how long a task will take?  [27:49]
- How does Cal feel about open office spaces? [30:01] 
- Does listening to a podcast count as reading? [40:54]
- How do I plan a wedding without drowning in minutia? [43:40]
- I lost my love for work. Should I try to get it back? [50:03]

- Does Cal struggle with comparing himself to others? [59:18]
- How do I reset my ambitions after buring out? [1:08:06]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Please take a moment to provide feedback on the podcast using this survey:
bit.ly/3zMTLXp

DEEP DIVE: Loops, Networks, and Links [5:32]

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

- How do I track a long-term project? [30:52]
- How often should I check email? [36:23]
- How do I get my workplace to be less “hyperactive”? [42:14]

LISTENER CASE STUDY: Diane rents an office near her house [46:08]

DEEP LIFE ACADEMY: Lifestyle-centric career planning [53:39]

—

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Click Here To Take Cal’s Survey: https://bit.ly/3zMTLXp

Cal reacts to the news: TikTok and the Fall of the Social Media Giants [3:05]

- How long should I wait for someone to respond to my email? [32:21]
- Do you recommend having multiple email accounts? [35:21]
- Is there a place for “Inbox Zero” in Cal’s productivity system? [38:15]

Habit Tune-Up: Docket Clearing Meetings [44:44]

- How do I balance my many interests after quitting my job? [55:33]
- Why am I stuck in my pursuit of depth?  [1:01:30]
- How can we convince the masses to live deeper? [1:06:57]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Habit Tune-Up: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane [2:03]

- Is distracted deep work the same as shallow work? [18:10]
- How does Cal do quarterly reviews? [23:03]
- What should I include in my quarterly plan? [25:03]
- How do I save my failing productivity system? [27:34]
- Can I sell a book without social media? [36:12]

The Five Books Cal Read in July 2022  [47:56]

- How do I manage the anxiety of not achieving a goal? [1:11:22]
- How do I handle having too many ideas? [1:15:05]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Blinkist.com/Deep
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In today’s episode, we try something different: a special two-part conversation in which Cal coaches his longtime friend, comedian and podcast pioneer Jamie Kilstein, through a digital declutter. The first part of the conversation ends with Cal’s prescription for Jamie, while the second part picks up six weeks later to check in on how things actually went.


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

With Cal away on vacation, he decides to tackle 8 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks!
 
Ian Fleming’s writing process [1:13]
 
- How can I get a tech job without credentials? [8:04]
- How do I make progress on tasks in a chaotic job? [10:52]
- Why do you have a problem with social media? [16:07]
- What should I do to succeed in my first internship? [24:16]
- What does Cal think about YouTube shorts? [26:37]
- Is it possible to avoid studying all the time in medical school? [29:14]
- What do you think of Oliver Burkeman’s work on productivity in Four Thousand Weeks? [37:51]
- Can I maintain a social life if I move to the country? [43:41]
 
 
Thanks to our Sponsors:
 
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles 
for mastering.

With Jesse away on vacation, Cal decides to tackle 10 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks, covering everything from complaints about Cal’s inaccessibility, to teaching deep work in schools, to a long pontification (read: rant) on the podcasting industry.

- Finding time to self-study [5:38]
- Why Cal is a bad correspondent [11:44]
- Can everyone become so good they can’t be ignored? [25:32]
- Should temperament affect job choice? [29:06]
- Teaching deep work in schools [33:20]
- When does Cal listen to podcasts? [37:46]
- How do I succeed in podcasting? [38:57]
- Why is Cal so contrarian? [56:22]
- How do I stay a digital minimalist after having a baby? [59:31]
- How do I teach my family and friends about the deep life? [1:02:23]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Cal Reacts: A slow productivity case study [5:19]

- What do you think about planning two weeks out instead of one? [25:52]
- How can I brainwash my little brother to make him not follow his passion? [32:43]
- Improving at deliberate practice with a slow feedback loop [42:33]
- How can I stop overthinking? [49:53]

The Six Books Cal Read in June 2022 [54:48]

- Slow productivity and billable hours [1:20:24]
- What are the key principles of living the deep life? [1:24:21]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts: Journalists and Twitter [3:26]

- When should kids get smartphones? [28:08]
- What age should my kids start coding? [37:51]
- How can a non-native English speaker widen his vocabulary for scientific writing? [46:21]

Habit Tune-Up: Cal’s toolbox for taming meetings [47:25]

- What should I read while waiting in line? [1:08:29]
- Are some people not wired to focus? [1:11:39]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts to the News: TikTok Dismisses Facebook [10:40]

- Should I get a PhD in my 50’s? [32:29]
- Do I need two shutdowns if I work on my side hustle in the evening? [40:21]
- Good life vs. Deep life [44:39]

Habit Tune-up: Process-Centric Email [49:49]

- How can I succeed in an academic profession after a lackluster start? [1:07:16]
- Helping young men live deeply  [1:15:07]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts: Making a Living Online [8:26]

- How do you get over the fear of starting a business? [39:21]
- How can I convince my wife I’m unavailable during deep work sessions? [43:09]
- Struggling to focus because of a personal crisis  [54:49]
- What is the potential of AI in productivity optimization? [1:00:30]

Interesting Mail Bag [1:05:52]

- Can you reduce attention residue? [1:19:01]
- Impact of Cal’s podcast on his idea process [1:22:31]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Feedback Councils [2:58]

- How can you not lose faith if there is always more to be done? [23:22]
- Do you have two shutdowns when you’re working two shifts? [27:04]
- CALL: Decoding the Deep Life [32:13]
- What are some good Deep Leisure activities? [47:32]
- CALL: Looking to write after early retirement [53:16]

Books I read in May 2022 [1:03:13]

Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Update on Cal’s book writing [ 2:03]

WORK QUESTIONS

- How do I get my family and friends to take my profession seriously? [14:11]
- How should we adjust our work for the arrival of our first baby? [21:33]
- Do maximum deep work durations depend on the type of work? [28:10]
- How do I overcome the sense of being overwhelmed by all of my goals? [31:21]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTION

- What are the most important trends in technology at the moment? [37:25]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Does reading too many books dilute their impact? [1:01:01]
- How do I turn off my ambitious mind? [1:02:35]
- How do I get back on the productivity horse after I fall off? [1:05:05]

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Update on Cal’s book writing [5:11]

- LISTENER CALL: How do I get information out of my inbox? [9:59]
- How do I choose a masters program? (RANT alert) [15:16]
- How do you know what is enough for the next step of your career? [19:47]

HABIT TUNE-UP: Multi-Scale Seasonality (The second principle of slow productivity)  [34:01]

RAPID FIRE CALLS:

- How do I improve my evening wind down routine? [40:36]
- How do you take a Deep Holiday? [42:52]
- How do you organize your books? [46:12]

NEWS: A novel solution to the problems of social media [51:45]

Can I live a Deep Life if I decide to start a family? [57:27]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

The Overlooked Radicalism of Tim Ferriss [13:53]

QUESTIONS:

- Is it time for a career change or do I just lack discipline? [37:30]
- Do occasional leaks mean that my productivity system is broken? [46:02]
- LISTENER CALL: How should this exhausted professorI structure her sabbatical? [50:16]

Habit Tune-Up: The Corner Marking Method [59:03]

- Why use a paper notebook for Time-blocking instead of an app? [1:20:58]
- How can I do longer Deep Work sessions? [1:26:48]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:   youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal reacts to his inbox [7:48]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I manage a two-part workday?  [26:49]
- How do I save my “shut down” ritual? [34:14]
- LISTENER CALL: Should I work on challenging projects or take the easy path? [37:58]

Cal reacts to the news: A Catholic Response to Workism [48:48]

- How do I select projects? [1:10:51]
- How do I tame WhatsApp with my friends and family? [1:20:51]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia


CAL REACTS: His latest article for The New Yorker [16:06]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I balance my walking ‘modes’ when living a Deep Life? [39:43]
- Why not recommend time-blocking for leisure? [44:09]
- LISTENER CALL: How do I avoid my phone when I’m tired? [46:57]

HABIT  TUNE-UP: WorkingMemory.txt

- LISTENER CALL: How does a manager do Deep Work? [1:10:28]
- Where do you put your extended thoughts about your life? [1:19:52]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: The Surprising Math of Doing Less [8:58]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I improve my discipline?  [26:16]
- How do you break down a complicated problem? [37:20]
- LISTENER CALL: Has Cal read “Stolen Focus”? [40:27]

The Books I Read in April 2022 [46:41]

- LISTENER CALL: Playbook for writing in The New Yorker [1:12:37]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

CAL REACTS TO THE NEWS [8:05]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I read more?  [45:35]
- Rapid Fire: TV, Email, and Journaling [54:44]
- Listener Call: How is a weekly plan different than what’s in Trello? [59:33]

HABIT TUNE-UP: Fixed-Schedule Productivity [1:06:07]

- Listener Call: How would Cal design a university? [1:19:47]
- Should college students avoid social media? [1:29:58]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: The Crypto Question No One is Asking [1:43]

QUESTIONS:

- Should I be productive or bill more hours? [24:51]
- Can someone with ADHD succeed with Deep Work? [28:44]
- Can I find depth if I have roommates? [33:12]
- How do I track more publications? [37:49]
- I can’t time-block. What should I do? [43:33]
- How do I tame Netflix? [47:19]
- How does Cal come up with ideas? [55:04]
- How do I shorten weekly planning sessions? [58:26]   


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

QUESTIONS:

- How do I stick with just one organization system? [3:38]
- How do I maintain a routine in a job with wildly changing demands? [9:00]
- Cal Reacts to the News: Is Twitter Ruining Society? [23:30]
- How do I apply your ideas to skilled labor? [44:14]
- How do I cure my current feeling of burnout? [49:25]
- Should I focus on process or results-focused goals? [1:01:51]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

CAL REACTS TO THE NEWS : Elon Joins the Twitter Board [1:32]

QUESTIONS:

- Managing idea notebooks [24:19]
- Doctor who wants to learn advanced math  [29:56]
- Obsessed with instant messaging [34:17]
- Tempering a racing mind [47:35]
- Selecting good keystone habits [54:50]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

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Grammarly.com/Deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts to the News: The Times Drops Twitter [4:21]

QUESTIONS:

- Is the hyperactive hive mind ever beneficial? [26:52]
- How do I survive a really busy week? [36:49]
- Should I quit my executive job to write a book?  [42:48]
- Do you have suggestions for improving the trade-off between teaching vs. scholarship obligations? [54:11]
- How do you approach complexity? [57:34]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

MyBodyTutor.com
ExpressVPN.com/Deep
Workable.com/Podcast
Grammarly.com/Deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

OPENING SEGMENT: The Books I Read in March, 2022  [2:05]

- Cal’s frameworks [16:48]
- Time blocking beyond work [26:05]
- How to structure all-day studying [33:53]
- Handling boredom [38:16]
- Deep Work vs. YouTube [48:08]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Workable.com/podcast
PolicyGenius.com
Blinkist.com/Deep
AthleticGreens.com/Deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.