Explore every episode of the podcast Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Dive into the complete episode list for Deep Questions with Cal Newport. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Adachi)
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Kendra Adachi to talk about her new book, THE PLAN, which introduces the innovative idea of “compassionate time management.” Kendra and Cal discuss how to move beyond the forever pursuit of “greatness” to instead seek satisfaction in your current life; the ways in which time management and productivity writing ignores the specific concerns of women; and why flexibility and pivoting are more important skills than precise planning.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 329: The Tao of Cal
02 Dec 2024
01:17:37
We cover a lot of advice on this podcast, covering a lot of different topics. In today’s episode, Cal takes on the challenge of summarizing every big idea he promotes in less than five minutes. He then provides some theoretical connective tissue to explain how they all connect. This is followed by reader questions and a rant about “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
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 321: Escaping Your Phone
07 Oct 2024
01:15:38
It has become second nature to maintain a continuous partial participation in the world of digital networks. In today’s episode, Cal reflects on a week in which he spent too much time online, and argues why this continuous partial participation is dehumanizing, and what you can do to escape. He then takes questions and calls from listeners and reviews the five books he read in September.
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
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 232: The Lumberjack Paradox
23 Jan 2023
01:14:13
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
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]
- 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]
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 229: Developing Discipline
02 Jan 2023
01:16:47
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
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 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.
Ep. 228: A World Without Busyness
26 Dec 2022
01:11:54
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 227: Visions of the Deep Life?
19 Dec 2022
01:28:27
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 226: The Productivity Dragon
12 Dec 2022
01:28:51
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 224: A World Without Twitter?
28 Nov 2022
01:57:26
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
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 223: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email?
21 Nov 2022
01:38:23
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 320: Jobs and the Deep Life
30 Sep 2024
01:06:48
One of the single most important factors in your attempts to cultivate a deep life is your job. Yet, many people don’t give much thought to the role their work will play in their conception of a life well-lived. In this episode, Cal looks deeper at this topic. He starts by outlining four common traps people fall into when thinking about their work and happiness, then offers an alternative model that works better. He continues by answering listener questions about jobs and happiness, and ends with a look at Robert Caro’s writing shack.
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
- How can I tame my 12-hour work days? [26:25] - Should I worry about having too many daily metrics? [29:49] - How can I create an inspiring deep work environment if I work out of my car? [33:24] - How can I remain accessible to my kid's daycare without being constantly distracted? [35:36] - How can I use the principles of slow productivity for my MBA studies? [39:58] - CALL: Applying Cal’s principles as a new parent [45:49]
CASE STUDY: Focused work for a PhD program [51:37]
CAL REACTS: Robert Caro’s Budget Writing Shack [1:01:18]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 222: Did Cavemen Use To-Do Lists?
14 Nov 2022
01:30:28
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 221: Can Parents Do Deep Work?
07 Nov 2022
01:29:15
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/
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 220: The Two Types of Ambition
01 Nov 2022
01:33:53
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Listen to This: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
26 Oct 2022
00:04:37
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.
- 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]
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]
- 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]
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
IN-DEPTH: Systematic Depth (w/ Ryan Holiday)
26 Sep 2024
01:14:02
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a new semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal interviews bestselling author Ryan Holiday about the systematic construction of an intentional life. They begin by talking about lessons from Ryan’s new book. RIGHT THING, RIGHT NOW, then go deep on Ryan’s own journey from a college drop-out working in a Hollywood talent agency to becoming a fully independent and massively successful writer and media personality.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
INTERVIEW: Mega-bestselling writer Ryan Holiday [3:33]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No
12 Sep 2022
01:29:43
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 212: The Productivity Dragon Returns
05 Sep 2022
01:36:26
- 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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 211: How Cal Organizes His Life
29 Aug 2022
01:16:12
- 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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 209: Email and Living with Purpose
15 Aug 2022
01:12:04
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 208: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane
08 Aug 2022
01:21:32
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 207: A Digital Minimalism Intervention (w/ JAMIE KILSTEIN)
02 Aug 2022
01:30:13
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.
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep 206 – Striving to do less
25 Jul 2022
00:48:30
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 205: Why I’m a Bad Correspondent
18 Jul 2022
01:07:24
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 204: Deep Life Principles
11 Jul 2022
01:33:07
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 319: Reclaim Your Time
23 Sep 2024
01:16:00
Why can you never seem to find enough time to make progress on the non-urgent but important priorities that can move you closer to the ideal of the deep life? In this episode, Cal reviews three common “time destroyers,” and for each offers solutions to fight back. He then takes questions and calls from his listeners and ends with a discussion of Amazon and the bureaucracy mailbox.
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
- Is Agile compatible with slow productivity? [34:20] - How can I better structure my days as a master’s student with a job? [36:37] - How often and in what medium should I check my calendar? [42:43] - On days when I have no time, does reading for 20 minutes actually do anything? [46:52] - Will slow productivity make me less ambitious? [52:16] - CALL: Different types of Deep Work [58:04]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 203: Taming Meetings
04 Jul 2022
01:25:03
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 202: TikTok Dismisses Facebook
27 Jun 2022
01:22:21
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 201: Making a Living Online
20 Jun 2022
01:30:36
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 200: Decoding the Deep Life
13 Jun 2022
01:18:23
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 199: Quieting an Ambitious Brain
10 Jun 2022
01:09:54
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 198: The Second Principle of Slow Productivity
30 May 2022
01:04:47
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 197: I’m Writing a New Book
23 May 2022
01:33:51
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 196: Shutting Down Anxiety
15 May 2022
01:28:44
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 195: Deep Walks
09 May 2022
01:24:32
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
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 Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 194: The Surprising Math of Doing Less
02 May 2022
01:18:59
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 318: Take a Break
16 Sep 2024
01:14:04
One of the more viral suggestions from Cal’s recent book, SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, was to occasionally skip out of work to see a movie. In this episode, Cal dives deep into criticisms of this advice and decodes what this tells us about where knowledge work is faltering and how we can make things better. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to some productivity advice given from a well-known CEO.
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
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 193: How do I read more?
25 Apr 2022
01:34:50
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 192 : Habit Tune-Up Returns!
21 Apr 2022
01:02:20
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
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]
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 191: Can We Fix the Internet?
18 Apr 2022
01:04:42
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
- 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]