Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Cal Newport
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about the impact of technology on society, and the struggle to work and live deeply in a world increasingly mired in digital distractions. On this podcast, he answers questions from his readers and offers advice about cultivating focus, productivity, and meaning amidst the noise that pervades our lives.
Ep. 341: Drowning, Treading, or Swimming
Tim Ferris is working on a new book about saying “no” and has posted the introduction online. In this episode, Cal reads an excerpt from this introduction and then tries to make sense of it with a metaphor about a shipwreck that helps unwind the complexity of dealing with the scourge of having too much to do. Cal then answers listener questions and reacts to a productivity meme inspired by a recent episode. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! Below are the questions covered in today
Ep. 340: Productivity Rain Dances
Sometimes the quest for productivity can seem like the embrace of activity for the sake of activity, a prospect that inevitably leads to exhaustion. In today’s episode, Cal explores this idea by discussing “productivity rain dances,” why they’re dangerous, and what works better instead. He then answers listener questions and ends with a Tech Corner segment in which he fact checks Joe Rogan’s understanding of ChatGPT. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! Below are the questions covere
Ep. 339: Let Brandon Cook
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! In a recent appearance on the Tim Ferriss podcast, the prolific fantasy author Brandon Sanderson revealed how he reshaped his media company to help him do what he does best. In this episode, Cal explores the idea, and asks the key question: why is this not more common? While exploring an answer, Cal uncovers a bigger issue in modern digital knowledge work and points towards potential answers. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a
Ep. 338: Why You’re Always Distracted
Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! One of the most common complaints from listeners to the podcast is the feeling that they’re too distracted; both at work and at home. In today’s episode, Cal reviews five major explanations for this current state of affairs, and then uses this new understanding to identify concrete actions to make things better. He then answers reader questions and reviews the five books he read in January. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with
Ep. 337: Hacking Remote Work
Remote work is a hot discussion topic right now as president Trump moves to eliminate it from government work. For those who are still allowed to work from home this new focus provides a good chance to rethink how to get the most out of these arrangements. In today’s episode, Cal presents three foundational ideas from his reporting about what makes remote work actually work, and for each provides concrete advice individuals can apply to make their own virtual setups better. He then answers reade
Ep. 336: On Screens and Solitude
In a recent article for The Atlantic, Derek Thompson writes about the troubling trends toward increased solitude. In this episode, Cal looks at the role technology plays in these trends, pointing out some surprising factors and then using these insights to come up with a practical plan for reconnecting with the world. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a tech corner segment inspired by yet another New Yorker column. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with thei
Ep. 335: On Morning Routines
One of the most popular and most derided topics in online productivity spaces are so-called morning routines. In this episode, Cal wades into this content, identifying three major categories of these routines. For each, he explores what’s good and what’s bad. In the end, he uses these lessons to update his own daily routines in some highly specific ways. He then answers reader questions and ends with a “tech corner” segment that builds on Cal’s latest essay for The New Yorker. Below are the ques
Ep. 334: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life
In this episode, Cal talks about his journey into the tinsel-tinged world of Hallmark Christmas movies, where he discovered an unexpected connection between these low-budget productions and a key idea in the quest to cultivate a deep life in a distracted world. He then answers questions from listeners and reviews the books he read in December. 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
Ep. 333: New Year Course Correction
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: 4 Pieces of Advice to Start 2025 [2:14]- How do I stop doom-scrolling before bed? [32:47]- What is the role of craft in Cal’s “Deep Life Stack 2.0” idea? [36:09]- How do I save money? [41:04]- Do writers need social media audiences? [50:12]- How should I make the most of 90 minutes of comm
Ep. 332: Jesse Takeover!
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia- Who are Cal’s “must read” writers? [6:03]- Does Cal think he can get better at writing? [13:37]- When does Cal find time for academic papers? [24:09]- How do you get unstuck? [26:44]- How should students pick a college? [34:04]- What is Cal’s shutdown ritual? [43:00]- Does Cal think about retiremen
IN-DEPTH: The Comfort Crisis (w/ Michael Easter)
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Michael Easter to talk about the importance of embracing discomfort in the quest to cultivate a deep life. Drawing from Michael’s two books, THE COMFORT CRISIS and SCARCITY BRAIN, as well as Michael’s personal journey from an unhappy office worker with an alcohol problem to a full-time writer who enjoys daily hikes in the desert, Cal and Michael get into the weeds of our human wiring and what it feels like to build an intentional l
Ep. 331: Money and the Deep Life
One of the most important but often overlooked elements of cultivating a deep life is the role of money. In this episode, Cal takes a contrarian look at this topic, arguing that the monetary cost of your vision is not actually the most important metric. He then answers listener questions and reacts to an article that many people sent him this past week.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVi
Ep. 330: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers
Australia recently passed a world-first law banning social media use for kids under the age of 16. In this episode, Cal looks carefully at the arguments in favor and against this new law before detailing his thoughts. He then connects this specific argument to all of our larger battles to tame technology’s impact in our lives. This is followed by listener questions and a review of the books Cal read in November.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your
IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Adachi)
This IN-DEPTH is brought to you by Defender. 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 m
Ep. 329: The Tao of Cal
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 Video
Ep. 328: Analog Mode
There’s a video trending on the internet at the moment arguing that its audience (presumably, young men) should disappear from the world to focus on going “beast mode” on their goals. Cal takes a closer look at this video and argues that it points toward a much larger issue – a mismatch between the modern digital environment and our human brains – that affects all of us. He then answers listener questions and calls and concludes with a tech corner segment. Below are the questions covered in tod
Ep. 327: Would Kant Use TikTok?
Almost everyone feels uneasy about their relationships with their smartphones. But the question is why? In today’s episode, Cal looks past the most common answers to seek a deeper understanding built on an unexpected source: the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. He then answers listener questions and ends the show with another edition of the tech corner segment. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.
Ep. 326: Time to Unplug
During the election season our devices take a particularly hard tole on our health and happiness. Now that the votes have been cast and counted, Cal proposes it’s time to take a temporary but radical break from the exhausting digital chatter. He then answers questions from his listeners and discusses Martha Stewart and the problems of “aesthetic 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/3U
Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols
A common theme on this show is the importance of focus and the need to train the ability. This can be a long term project, but are there things you can do right away to improve your ability to concentrate? In this episode, Cal explores five easy ideas that will immediately improve your focus ability. He then answers listener questions and reviews the books he read in October 2024. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Her
Ep. 324: Taming Non-Work Tasks
We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses organizational strategies custom-fit to these types of obligations. He then answers listener questions and checks in on a hidden trend in the world of technology. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Her
Ep. 323: Strategic Procrastination
One of the most common complaints from people attempting to cultivate a deep life in our distracted world is procrastination. You want to make regular progress on something important but find you just can’t get going. In this episode, Cal discusses a less well understood cause of some procrastination and offers unconventional advice for facing it. He also answers listener questions and reacts to an article about a famous author’s unexpected regret. Below are the questions covered in today's epi
IN-DEPTH:The Productivity Trap (w/ Oliver Burkeman)
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Oliver Burkeman to the Deep Work HQ to talk about his new book, MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS, and more generally the tension between wanting to get your act together and becoming unhealthily obsessed with productivity.Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: New York Times best seller Oliver Burkeman [3:40]Links:https://www.calnewport.
Ep. 322: The Discipline Ladder
Do you struggle to consistently make progress on hard things that are important to you? In today’s episode, Cal describes a way to improve this state of affairs: a systematic training regime called the discipline ladder. He then answers listener questions about their own struggles with discipline and reacts to an article claiming that professors are lazy (gasp!). Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link:
Ep. 321: Escaping Your Phone
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 C
Ep. 320: Jobs and the Deep Life
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 wit
IN-DEPTH: Systematic Depth (w/ Ryan Holiday)
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 ep
Ep. 319: Reclaim Your Time
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
Ep. 318: Take a Break
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 questi
Ep. 317: The 10-Year Rule
Becoming notably good at something valuable is one of the most powerful tools for crafting a deep life. But how do people do this? In this episode, Cal explores three useful rules for getting good in search of depth. He then answers listener questions and reacts to a remarkable collection of advice from almost seven decades ago. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode
Ep. 316: Weekly Templates
The fall is the perfect time to tune up your productivity and organizational systems. With this in mind, in this episode, Cal discusses a tool he has long used in his own life but never discussed before in public: the weekly template. He then answers questions on the theme of personal productivity from listeners and reviews the books he read in August. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVi
Ep. 315: The Surprising Myth of Doing Less
In this classic episode, Cal talks about the surprising myth of doing less. Cal then answers questions about discipline and solving complicated problems. Cal concludes the episode with a review of the books he read back in April 2022. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Surprising Math of Doing Less [3:33]- How do I impro
Ep. 314: Elements of the Deep Life
In this classic episode Cal talks about the elements of the Deep Life. He then answers a variety of questions about work, family, and phone distractions.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 Elements of the Deep Life [2:31] - How should I get started in a new remote work job? [17:39] - How I time block a purely reactive j
Ep. 313: Structured Journaling
Summer is the perfect time to ready yourself for significant changes in your life. A chance to seek more depth in a distracted world. But for many, the goal for these changes is unclear. They know they want something deeper, but they don’t know what exactly that is. In this episode, Cal describes a method called structured journaling that can help you clarify your vision for what you seek. He then answers readers’ questions and ends with a final segment in which reacts to a provocative claim by
Ep. 312: Productivity Basics
It’s mid-summer, people have some extra breathing room in their schedule, they’re relaxed. This moment of quiet seems like a perfect time to revisit some of this show’s most popular ideas about finding productivity in a world drowning in digital distractions. In this episode, Cal reviews his five most effective productivity related ideas. He then answers reader questions and reviews the seven books he read in July 2024. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps).
Ep. 311: Finding Focus in Distracting Times
In our current digital world, distracting world events have a way of completely destabilizing our ability to focus on work that matters. In today’s episode, Cal provides advice for escaping these destabilizing attention environments and regaining some sense of mental peace and depth. He then answers questions, takes a call, and reports on some fun sightings of his book Deep Work out in the wild. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answe
Ep. 310: Rethinking Discipline
Discipline is critical to cultivating a deep life, but what exactly does this concept mean? In this episode, Cal uses a concrete case study from Reddit to dive deeper into the nuances of discipline and to then identify concrete, practical advice for improving your ability to take disciplined action. He then answers listener questions and asks for Jesse’s judgment on a battle of the writing sheds. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answ
Ep. 309: Deep Habits
On this show, we often talk about major overhauls to your work and life. In this episode, we go the other way and focus on the small habits that can make a big difference. In more detail, Cal describes eight surprisingly small strategies – four focused on work and four focused on life outside of work – for finding more depth in a distracted world. He then answers listener questions and reacts to a recent article about pushback to calls to limiting social media for kids.Below are the questions co
Ep. 308: The Power of the Quiet Mind
One of the trickiest aspects of new technology is that it can sometimes destabilize parts of our lives that we didn’t even realize existed and are important. In this episode, Cal talks about one such idea: the quiet mind. Our constant phone usage is eliminating this critical cognitive state, and by doing so is diminishing our humanity. Cal makes the case for the importance of the quiet mind, and then gives concrete ideas for cultivating it in a distracted world. He also answers questions from li
Ep. 307: Ultra-Processed Content
Why are we comfortable with the idea that ultra-processed foods are bad for us but feel somehow anti-technology to say something similar about the ultra-processed content generated by social media platforms. In this episode, Cal draws analogy to the food system to find a more sustainable and practical way to repair our relationship with various forms of media. He then answers questions and calls, shares an inspiring case study, and, due to popular request, gives his opinion on Jonathan Haidt’s n
Ep. 306: Defusing AI Panic
One of the simmering concerns surrounding the current AI revolution is the fear that we might accidentally create an “alien mind” smarter than we expected. In this episode, Cal puts on his Computer Scientist hat and directly addresses this potential by sketching his emerging concept of intentional artificial intelligence (or, iAI for short). He then answers tech-themed questions from listeners and reacts to an article that many, many different people sent to him last week.Below are the questions
Ep. 305: Is Time Blocking Oppressive?
Oliver Burkeman recently noted that time blocking seems oppressive? In this episode, Cal responds to this reaction in a surprising way. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to this podcast being featured at the recent Apple WWDC event.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Is Time Blocking Oppressive? [2:38]- Ca
Ep. 304: Seinfeld on The Deep Life
In a recent interview, held to promote his new Netflix movie, Jerry Seinfeld went on a remarkable 10-minute run in which he rattled off one insight after another about deep work, procrastination, and the quest to live an intentional life in a distracted world. In this episode, Cal extracts four key lessons from this segment of Jerry’s interview. He then takes listener questions and ends with a segment in which he apologizes to an internet personality whom he incorrectly associated with the dread
Ep. 303: The Problem with Grand Goals
The desire to cultivate a more intentional and remarkable existence – what we call “the deep life” – is universal. In today’s episode, Cal talks about one of the most common traps in this pursuit: hoping that the achievement of a singular grand goal will make all parts of your life better. Cal discusses the problems with the grand goal approach and argues why the more systematic lifestyle-centric mindset will not only produce better results, but end up leading to remarkable opportunities anyway.
Ep. 302: Re-Enchanting Work
We talk a lot on this show about how to organize and execute your work, but not enough about where to do it. In this episode, Cal explores the theory and practice of “adventure working,” in which you escape to novel and inspiring locations to tackle your most demanding and interesting cognitive efforts. He then answers reader questions about habits and rituals, before ending with a critical look at a famous football club’s distressing embrace of pseudo-productivity.Below are the questions covere
Ep. 301: Reclaiming Time and Focus (w/ Jordan Harbinger)
In this episode, the proverbial tables are turned, with Cal being interviewed by Jordan Harbinger about time, focus, and the quest for a slower notion of productivity. (This interview originally aired as episode 975 Jordan's can’t-miss podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show).Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia- INTERVIEW: Cal being interv
Ep. 300: Hidden Technology Traps
There has been a lot of attention paid recently to the impact of technology like social media on the mental health of young people. But this is not the only technology trap lurking for this generation. In this episode, Cal talks about three subtle but significant ways in which our current technology culture is setting up young people for professional failure in the years ahead. He then provides some advice for resisting this fate. In addition to this discussion, he answers questions from the aud
Ep. 299: Our Love/Hate Relationship with Personal Productivity
Cal has been writing professionally about issues related to personal productivity for two decades. In today’s episode, he provides a short history of what he’s observed during this period about out constantly shifting relationship with this topic, from the quiet optimism of the 1990s, to the techno-mania of the early 2000s, to the whiplash shift from anti-distraction to anti-work sentiments in the 2010s. He ends with a summary of where we are today and what he currently thinks matters in thinkin
Ep. 298: Rethinking Attention
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
Ep. 297: The Deep Life Hardware
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 obsol
Ep. 296: Jane Austen’s To-Do List (LIVE)
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Jane Austen’s To-Do List [3:22]— Is Cal building his You
Ep. 295: Artists Revolt Against Social Media
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 ar
Ep. 294: A Tactical Assault on Busyness
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'
Ep. 293: Can A.I. Empty My Inbox?
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 mi
Ep. 292: Single-Purpose Notebooks
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/3U3s
Ep. 291: Do Better, Do Less
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
Ep. 290: Financing the Deep Life (w/ Noah Kagan)
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 qu
Ep. 289: The Email Catastrophe
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/3U
Ep. 288: Confronting Your Phone
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnew
Ep. 287: Minimalist Notes
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/3U3sTvoVideo fr
Ep. 286: Rethinking Self Help
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 sophis
Ep. 285: The Productivity Paradox
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: The Produc
Ep. 284: Feel-Good Productivity (w/ Ali Abdaal)
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: YouTube Star Ali Abdaal [3:41]Cal Reacts: Dissecting Ali’s YouTube career pa
Ep. 283: How To Organize Your Life
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 question
Ep. 282: Slow Distractions
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:
Ep. 281: Learning Hard Things
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 you
Ep. 280: Proven Rules for Deep Living (w/ Arthur Brooks)
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s
Ep. 279: Confronting Overload
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Controlling Overload [4:48]- Is building a “second
Ep. 278: How to Think
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: http
Ep. 277: From Chaos to Calm (in 1 day)
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/calnewportm
Ep. 276: Lazy or Disorganized?
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 e
Ep. 275: Accomplishing Hard Goals
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
Ep. 274: The Deep Life Stack v2.0
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 prio
Ep. 273: A Deep Response to Distraction
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
Ep. 272: The Essential Tools (w/ David Epstein)
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 (w
Ep. 271: The Long Game
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 questi
Ep. 270: Depth vs. Distraction
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).
Ep. 269: Don’t Get Started
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
Ep. 268: Stoicism and the Deep Life
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: T
Ep. 267: Why Are You Tired?
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive:
Ep. 266: Take Control of Your Technology Habits
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: y
Ep. 265: Big Ideas for Deeper Living
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 p
Ep. 264: IN-DEPTH: How to Master Change (with Brad Stulberg)
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
Ep. 263: Overhaul Your Life
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 qu
Ep. 262: Creativity Hacking
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/3
Ep. 261: Control Your Time
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 V
Ep. 260: Make Haste Slowly
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 A
Ep. 259: The Four-Hour Work Day
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 t
Ep. 258: Godel’s Deep Life Stack
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 st
Ep. 257: Refusing Overwork
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
Ep. 256: Start with Discipline
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
Ep. 255: The Failure of Cybernetic Productivity
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 to
Ep. 254: The Laws of Less
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
Ep. 253: Making Time for What Matters (w/ Laura Vanderkam)
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewport
Ep. 252: The Deep Life Stack
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 l
Ep. 251: The Efficiency Trap
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 epi
Ep. 250: In Defense of Thinking
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 Questio
Ep. 249: The Good Enough Job (w/ Simone Stolzoff)
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! Her
Ep. 248: Decoding Overload
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 Que
Ep. 247: The Productive Life (w/ Sarah Hart-Unger)
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! H
Ep. 246: Kids and Phones
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Questio
Ep. 245: “Crazy” Productivity
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: What was Twitter anyway? [4:46]- Is there a difference between passion and
Ep. 244: Thoughts on ChatGPT
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question
Ep. 243: In The Weeds!
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia- Why doesn’t Cal care about idea management systems? [2:46]- Does Cal still u
Ep. 242: The Simple Life
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday
Ep. 241: The Virality Trap
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today
Ep. 240: Disciplined Laziness
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.
Ep. 239: On Time and Stress
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.comBelow are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s
Ep. 238: The Joys of the Reading Life
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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-fic
Ep. 237: Reimagining the Internet
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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
Ep. 236: Hacking Remote Work
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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
Ep. 235: Is Productivity Overrated?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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
Ep. 234: Ambition without Burnout
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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 pl
Ep. 233: Escaping Your Tyrannical Inbox
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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
Ep. 232: The Lumberjack Paradox
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/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’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 [5
Ep. 231: Fight Burnout with Work Cycles
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDEEP 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:
Ep. 230: How Well Are You Living?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaDEEP 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
Ep. 229: Developing Discipline
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/calnewportmediaGet your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoQUESTIONS:- 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
Ep. 228: A World Without Busyness
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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/
Ep. 227: Visions of the Deep Life?
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 TH
Ep. 226: The Productivity Dragon
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]-
Ep. 225: Should I Become A Thriller Writer? (w/ J.T. Ellison)
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Did Alan Turing Invent The Computer? [5:25]INTERVIEW: Thriller writer J.T. Ellison [25:23]Thanks to our Sponsors:policygenius.comeightsleep.com/deephensonshaving.com/calGet 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.
Ep. 224: A World Without Twitter?
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: A World Without Twitter? [7:28]bit.ly/3hQ9Wh4LIVE 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
Ep. 223: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email?
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP DIVE: Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? [5:48]bit.ly/3EDcuZ0Questions 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 exact
Ep. 222: Did Cavemen Use To-Do Lists?
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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
Ep. 221: Can Parents Do Deep Work?
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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 usershttps://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-where-did-tweeters-go-twitter-is-losing-its-most-active-users-internal-2022-10-25/ Thanks to our Sponsors:policygenius.comhensonshaving.com/calamazon.com/deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for p
Ep. 220: The Two Types of Ambition
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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]Than
Listen to This: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
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 storie
Ep. 219: The Deep Reset
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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:
Ep. 218: Work vs. Meaning
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvoDEEP 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 ke
Ep. 217: Slow Productivity Advice
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvoCAL 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 i
Ep. 216: Deep Walking To Work Less
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
Ep. 215: RYAN HOLIDAY: Discipline Is Destiny
Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo- INTERVIEW with Ryan Holiday [10:00] - Cal and Jesse talk about Holiday interview [1:13:57]Thanks to our Sponsors:mybodytutor.comwren.co/deepnotion.comhensonshaving.com/cal (enter Cal at checkout for 100 free blades)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 214: Quiet Quitting
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 happeni
Ep. 213: The Art Of Saying No
- 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 our Sponsors:https://www.blinkist.com/deephttps://w
Ep. 212: The Productivity Dragon Returns
- 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
Ep. 211: How Cal Organizes His Life
- 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:Gra
Ep. 210: Visions of a Deep Life
Please take a moment to provide feedback on the podcast using this survey: bit.ly/3zMTLXpDEEP 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] —Thanks to our Sponsors:MagicSpoon.com/CalTryMiracle.com/CAL25ZocDoc.c
Ep. 209: Email and Living with Purpose
Click Here To Take Cal’s Survey: https://bit.ly/3zMTLXpCal 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]- Ho
Ep. 208: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane
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
Ep. 207: A Digital Minimalism Intervention (w/ JAMIE KILSTEIN)
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 our Sponsors:Miracle.com/CalGrammarly.com/DeepBetterhelp.com/deepquestionsStamps.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerst
Ep 206 – Striving to do less
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
Ep. 205: Why I’m a Bad Correspondent
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 d
Ep. 204: Deep Life Principles
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:PolicyGenius
Ep. 203: Taming Meetings
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/calnewportmediaCal 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 sh
Ep. 202: TikTok Dismisses Facebook
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcastVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaCal 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 pro
Ep. 201: Making a Living Online
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/calnewportmediaCal 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 o
Ep. 200: Decoding the Deep Life
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/calnewportmediaDeep 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 writ
Ep. 199: Quieting an Ambitious Brain
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/calnewportmediaUpdate 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
Ep. 198: The Second Principle of Slow Productivity
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/calnewportmediaUpdate 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 princi
Ep. 197: I’m Writing a New Book
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/calnewportmediaThe 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]
Ep. 196: Shutting Down Anxiety
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/calnewportmediaCal 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
Ep. 195: Deep Walks
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/calnewportmediaCAL 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
Ep. 194: The Surprising Math of Doing Less
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/calnewportmediaDEEP 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 i
Ep. 193: How do I read more?
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/calnewportmediaCAL 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 un
Ep. 192 : Habit Tune-Up Returns!
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/calnewportmediaDEEP 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
Ep. 191: Can We Fix the Internet?
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/calnewportmediaQUESTIONS:- 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 feel
Ep. 190: CALLS: Managing Idea Notebooks
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/calnewportmediaCAL 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 Sponsor
Ep. 189: Why Did The Times Drop Twitter?
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/calnewportmediaCal 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 tea
Ep. 188: The Books I Read in March 2022
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/calnewportmediaOPENING 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/podcastPolicyGenius.comBlinkist.com
Ep. 187: Helping 100K Employees Work Deeper
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/calnewportmediaDEEP DIVE: Quick Social Media (Revisiting my Viral 2017 Talk) [4:50]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Does career capital theory assume meritocracy? [30:31]- Is there a middle ground between shallow and deep work? [34:35]- What tools can help my 100,000 employees be more productive? [37:38]DEEP LIFE
Ep. 186: The Power of “Day Batching”
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- Is “day batching” a good idea? [16:38]- Sustainable time-blocking [24:28]- Earning money versus building things [33:45]- Escaping a dead end career [48:19]- Reading deeply and quickly [53:42]Thanks to our Sponsors:Magicmind.co/DEEP (Code DEEP20)MunkPack.com (Code DEEP)Stamps.com (Code
Ep. 185: How Do I Escape Filter Bubbles?
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/calnewportmediaDEEP DIVE: Is Friction Bad? [5:27]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Should a stay-at-home parent pursue deep work? [21:32]- How do we combat administrative creep? [29:20]- Has Cal changed his mind on optimal duration of deep work sessions? [39:00]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS- Should we all practice Shabbat?
Ep. 184: REPLAY: The Productivity Baby Steps
This episode is a replay from July 12, 2021.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- Breaking up big projects into small tasks. [5:33]- The productivity baby steps (epic answer alert). [10:12]- Taming late night meetings. [27:16]- Best book of mine for college students. [36:34]- Shutdown routines with unpredictable schedules.
Ep. 183: Crazy or Deep?
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/calnewportmediaDEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I “practice” my job? [12:41]- Does software with too many features distract us? [22:12}- How can an overloaded minister juggle the demands of people and planning? [31:24]- Should I stop teaching my stock investing course to get better at investing at stocks?
Ep. 182: Cal’s Business Model
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/calnewportmediaUpdate on Cal’s writing [0:43]- Tips for preparing for an upcoming training. [19:32]- Your business model. [24:06]- Managing guiding documents. [35:26]- Becoming a better writer. [44:21]- Curing deep procrastination. [51:02]Thanks to our Sponsors:MyBodyTutor.comBlinkist.com/DeepGrammarly
Ep. 181: Should I Quit My Lawyer Job?
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/calnewportmediaCORE IDEA: The Case Against Email [2:52]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I balance writing and marketing? [30:32]- How do I find time to time an overwhelming work load? [36:10]- How do I work even deeper? [40:22]- Should I read before or after I write? [45:51]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:- Deep livin
Ep. 180: CALLS: Four Day Weeks Aren’t Enough
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: https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia- Article challenging Cal’s take on productivity. [17:07]- Alternatives to Cal’s career capital theory. [29:58]- Cal’s thoughts on shorter work weeks. [37:53]- Obsessive reading. [51:59]Thanks to our Sponsors:PolicyGenius: policygenius.comWorkable: workable.com/podcastExpressVPN
Ep. 179: Do Techniques Beat Talent?
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/calnewportmediaThe Books I Read in February 2022 [4:45] DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Can you implement Cal’s productivity tips without time-blocking? [32:46]- Does technique beat talent? [37:28]- Do you recommend multiple email accounts for someone who works at different institutions? [43:12]- Can intense col
Ep. 178: CALLS: On Doing Hard Things
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcastVideo from today’s episode: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjDEEP DIVE: On Doing Hard Things [4:42] LISTENER CALLS:- People who are bad at planning [31:56]- What did Cal learn from his mom the computer programmer [40:42]- Students working on weekends [45:49]- Living a deep life with anxiety (warning: lecture alert) [56:52]Thanks to our Sponsors:Blinkist:
Ep. 177: Is Ambition Worth It?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcastVideo from today’s episode: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjDEEP DIVE: Is Ambition Worth It? [2:45]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Should you ditch your to-do list with slow productivity mindset? [27:20]- What should I do while waiting for code to compile? [33:20]- What do you do when you get tired? [36:26]- How do I succeed as a postdoc? [39:17]- What do you eat
Ep. 176: CALLS: Taming Information Overload
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjDEEP DIVE: Is TikTok a Good Thing? [2:47]CALLS:- Deep work for sales. [16:10]- Where to find arguments I disagree with. [20:18]- Little bets. [25:37]- Taming information overload. [39:45]- Minimalism as a med student. [48:56]Thanks to our Sponsors:Headspace: Headspace.com/QUESTIONSBlinkist: B
Ep. 175: What is the Deep Life?
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCORE IDEAS: The Deep Life [4:55]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Does time blocking work with ADHD? [33:39]- How should I approach my PhD? [35:38]- How can I meet other deep workers? [39:40]- How can I improve Zoom meetings? [44:19]- How do I shutdown while watching kids? [47:21]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:- How
Ep. 174: CALLS: Thinking for Yourself
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjBEHIND THE CURTAIN: Jesse asks Cal questions about his life. [2:41]- Listening to arguments on both sides of an issue. [24:49]- Designing a fantastic gap year. [33:51]- Juggling too many hobbies. [42:27]- Struggling to stay disciplined with home chores. [46:56]- Cal’s thoughts on the Metaverse
Ep. 173: What is Deep Work?
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCORE IDEA: Deep Work [5:10]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How much should I care about promoting my work? [28:07]- When do you write your weekly plan? [33:22]- What does Cal think about digital notebooks? [34:00]- Why is everyone so bad at email? [36:45]- What is Cal’s advice for a distracted high scho
Ep. 172: CALLS: The Books I Read in January 2022
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCal's January Books: [2:00]Listener Calls:- Implementing the deep life [21:30]- Physical vs. e-books [33:33]- Finding hobby motivation [37:39]- Asking for help [45:14]- Deep student life [52:34]- Deep work for a new father [1:04:27]Thank you to this episode's Sponsors:Policy Genius: Policygeniu
Ep. 171: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout?
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: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCORE IDEAS: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout? [2:58]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How does Cal manage information? [35:56]- What notebooks does Cal use? [38:52]- What’s the deep approach to job searching? [44:20]- What did Cal’s readers learn about deep work? [48:00] -Can I work deeply for
Ep. 170: CALLS: Don’t Follow Your Passion
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: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCORE IDEA: Don’t Follow Your Passion [3:07]- Dividing time between multiple pursuits. [17:38]- Implementing ideas from A World Without Email in small businesses. [22:17]- Estimating the tie required to complete tasks. [27:42]- Organizing household space for productivity. [34:12]- Tips
Ep. 169: How Do I Manage My Time?
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: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjCORE IDEA: Time Management [4:37]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- What does deliberate practice look like for computer programming? [30:15]- Is it rational to quit your job if it implies a potential harm to society? [36:04]- When is deep work not the most important metric? [39:04]- Should I stay
Ep. 168: Should I Quit My Law Partner Job?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.Videos of today’s questions: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjDEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How should we use a ticketing system? [4:15]- Should I resign after my boss does? [9:19]- Are breaks to rest your eyes considered context switching? [13:10]- How do you time block long but ambiguous intellectual activity? [21:49] - How do you get back to scheduli
Ep. 167: What Do We Look Like? (Videos Are Now Live!)
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.ANNOUNCEMENT: Videos of the podcast are now live! (You can find then here: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfjDEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I decide how much work is enough? [13:35] - How do I eliminate post-shutdown anxiety? [28:15]- How do I get back to work effectively after a lunch break? [37:43]- Why don’t you (Cal) use Zettelkasten? [40:09]- Ho
Ep. 166: LISTENER CALLS: The Deep Life vs. The Good Life
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING DISCUSSION: How I schedule podcastingLISTENER CALLS:- My thoughts on psychedelics and the pursuit of awe. [8:38]- Time-block planning for the visually impaired. [19:07]- Struggling to escape a job. [23:24]- Concerns about book editors. [33:26]- My blog writing process. [43:41]- The deep life vs. the good life [48:49]Thanks
Ep. 165: Why Are We Burnt Out?
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: Why Are We Burnt Out? [1:31]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Should I exercise before or after deep work? [20:28]- Why plan every quarter instead of every month or year? [23:56]- How do I master a hard technical skill? [26:12]- What does my (Cal) knowledge management system look like? [30:17] DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:- Are my (Cal’s) online cou
Ep. 164: LISTENER CALLS: Training for Hard Intellectual Work
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.LISTENER CALLS:- Optimal amounts of advanced scheduling. [6:46]- Recommendations for not going overboard with strategic planning. [14:31] - Training for hard intellectual work. [19:12]- Convincing students to limit social media (rant alert). [28:30]- Keeping eyes healthy. [43:45] Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens
Ep. 163: The Books I Read in December 2021
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING CHAT: The Books I Read in December 2021DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I handle insecurity about my writing ability? [35:39]- How do I balance non-work and work activities? [39:51]- How can I take regular breaks to avoid eye strain? [43:53]- How can I reduce anxiety around long term projects? [45:43]- How should academic handle paper rej
Ep. 162: LISTENER CALLS: Ambition and the Deep Life
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.LISTENER CALLS:- Getting better vs. selling harder. [3:29]- Convincing a girlfriend to use less social media [9:15]- Time-blocking tips [20:29]- Ambition and the deep life [26:17]- Advice of an ideal desk set up [32:56]Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 161: Should I Follow My Skill or My Passion?
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 WORK QUESTIONS:- How can a freelancer perform deep work? [9:56]- Should I follow my skill or my passion? [12:50]- How do you manage group projects in college? [21:51]- Do you recommend listening to music while doing deep work? [24:16]- What do you do when your boss has allocated you to a team “half time”? [26:20]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:- How
Ep. 160: REPLAY: What is Discipline (and How Do I Get It?)
Because I'm away on vacation these week, I'm replaying a classic show from the Deep Questions archives. This is Episode 125, which originally ran back in August. ---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: How Reachable Should We Be? [1:45]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - What should I do if I finish a time block early? [8:28] - How do I work deeply at home with a crying newborn? [1
Ep. 159: REPLAY: How Much Should I Read?
Because I'm away on vacation these week, I'm replaying a classic show from the Deep Questions archives. This is Episode 109, which originally ran back in June. ---Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.BOOK REPORT: The Square and the Tower [04:28]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - What should I do if I like my job but dislike the industry? [12:32] - How hard should I push back against a shallo
Ep. 158: LISTENER CALLS: The Story of My First Book Deal
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.LISTENER CALLS:- Was Tesla the ultimate deep thinker? [4:01]- Writing for academic audiences (bonus: the story of my first book deal). [7:03]- The difference between deep work and the deep life buckets (bonus: Jesse and I discuss the latest progress on my new book). [19:05]- Do YouTubers have a terrible job? [45:06]- Preparing for the
Ep. 157: JENNY BLAKE: Help Me Do Less!
In this episode, author Jenny Blake joins me for a conversation about her new book, FREE TIME: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business (https://itsfreetime.com/book), which helps entrepreneurs engineer the stress out of their work. I ask her to use myself as a case study and apply her principles to helping me reduce stress in my working life.Though FREE TIME doesn’t come out until March, if you pre-order a copy now (at https://itsfreetime.com/book) you’ll get immediate access to a pair of free co
Ep. 156: LISTENER CALLS: My Process for Writing New Yorker Articles
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING CHAT: Cal is excited about his new email setup. LISTENER CALLS:- Shutdown struggles. [13:58]- The difference between value-based planning and the deep life buckets. [17:47]- Drowning in meeting prep. [28:21]- Fiction book recommendations. [32:34]- My process for writing New Yorker Articles. [40:27]Thanks to Jesse Miller for
Ep. 155: Is Your Productivity System Leaking?
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: Is your productivity system leaking? [6:01]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I accomplish big projects in small amounts daily effort? [12:50]- How do I make more money as I become more efficient? [17:28]- What’s the best way to add structure to chaotic non-profit? [21:22]- How do I build an autopilot schedule for unpredictable work? [27
Ep. 154: LISTENER CALLS: Coping With a Hyperactive Job
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.LISTENER CALLS:- Doctors and depth. [6:42]- Career capital in the military. [10:39]- Coping with a hyperactive job. [14:45]- Making a teaching plan for the semester. [27:32]- Managing references. [33:53] Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 153: Why Was Ian Malcom Sent to Jurassic Park?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING CHAT: The 5 Books I Read in November (Bonus Rant: Why did Jurassic Park need an assessment from a chaos theoretician?) [2:06]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Is it worth becoming good at skills that you only need short term? [21:51]- How do I seem present online when working on side projects? [26:43]- Should I revise my weekly plan if things cha
Ep. 152: LISTENER CALLS: The Magic of Autopilot Scheduling
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING CHAT: YouTube vs. Social MediaLISTENER CALLS:- The magic of autopilot scheduling [16:35]- Tips for finding a non-hyperactive good boss [23:18]- Alternatives to email-based workflows [27:24]- Taming Trello [35:07]- Study tactics [38:58] Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles f
Ep. 151: Should you move to the country?
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: Should you move to the country? [3:55]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- Is it worth time blocking for long projects? [20:11]- What’s your (Cal’s) opinion on bosses stopping by the office to chat? [22:16]- How can I remember all of your advice? [25:39]- How do I avoid the feeling of just going through the motions? [32:41]- How do I better get
Ep. 150: LISTENER CALLS: Finding More Family Time
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: When should tasks live on my calendar? [7:24]LISTENER CALLS:- Online presences for novelists [14:13]- Not getting stuff done outside of work [26:10]- Managing team workload [32:19]- Finding more family time [39:37]- Leveraging career capital early in one’s career [47:48]Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kersten
Ep. 149: How Do I Tame Email?
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: How do I tame email? [9:51]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:- How to accomplish deep work in the context of meeting overload? [29:09]- What is difference between the productivity funnel and capture/configure/control? [36:06]- Do you (Cal) have a filing system for emails? [40:18]- What time blocking granularity is best? [42:53]- How do you (Cal)
Ep. 148: LISTENER CALLS: Decoding the Productive Pause
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: Decoding the Productive Pause [2:43]LISTENER CALLS:- Finding a research interests. [10:00]- Trading moments of your life for money. [13:23] - Scheduling more deep work. [23:14]- Handling the difficult switch from work to leisure and then back again. [27:30] - Creating temporal Eudamonia Machines. [32:31]
Ep.147: Why Did I Never Join Social Media?
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 WORK QUESTIONS:- Are some people more suited for deep work than others? [4:54]- How do I tame post-shutdown excitement? [8:33]- How to I deal with ambiguous deep work? [14:41]- Can you (Cal) elaborate on the Friction/Flow/Finalization project pathway? [17:41] - How do you time-block plan in a company obsessed with last minute meeti
Ep. 146: LISTENER CALLS: A Revolution is Coming in Knowledge Work
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.A conversation with Producer Jesse about my next book [1:48]LISTENER CALLS:- Twitter FOMO for a journalist. [16:40]- Tracking small amounts of time. [25:12]- My quarterly planning process. [30:07]- Tedious tasks with an entry level job. [34:22]- Timeblock planners spiral bindings. [38:24]- Struggling to balance teaching with resear
Ep. 145: Is the Deep Life Compatible with Serving Humanity?
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: My October reading list [1:49]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - How do you avoid burn out from deep work? [11:55] - Are your (Cal's) systems for tracking deep work and for tracking GTD projects independent? [13:59] - Does studying “on the go” incur cognitive burden? [18:07] - What category of things do you track on your (Cal's) Trello boards?
Ep. 144: LISTENER CALLS: Is Overload Necessary?
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: Is Overload Necessary? (Epic rant alert) [3:53]LISTENER CALLS: - Beyond the most important task of the day. [27:00] - "Pseudo-blocking" household admin. [31:53] - A doctor struggling to find leisure time. [36:47] - Defanging the internet with strategic browser plug-ins. [44:26] - Applying sprints outside of the tech se
Ep. 143: What Would You Say You Do Here?
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: What would you say you do here? [3:05]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - What time management strategies do you suggest if I work a 9-5 and want to pursue master's or phd? [13:32] - How to overcome productivity pr0n? - Lifehacker addict is hung up on the fomo (fear of missing out) of potential shortcuts. [19:51]- could save time - How to time
Ep. 142: LISTENER CALLS: Making Hard Work Routine
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: On Facebook, Misinformation, and the Death of Collaborative Curation [2:59]LISTENER CALLS: - My thoughts on speed reading. [21:29] - My system for writing New Yorker articles (routinizing demanding work). [24:43] - The importance of media for academic careers. [34:07] - Re-assessing linked note-taking. [40:02] - The absu
Ep. 141: Is the Era of Social Media Ending?
DEEP DIVE: Is the Era of Social Media Ending? [2:37]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - Did COVID-19 closures change my (Cal's) thoughts on my working situation? [18:01] - Should I stick with management consulting? [37:06] - How do I lead my organization away from email? [40:17] - How do I pick a specialization in a broad field? [44:55]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS: - Do I (Cal) use my smartphone for directions and photos? [48:48] - How do I choose my minor? [51:37] - What is something I (Cal) have changed my opinion
Ep. 140: LISTENER CALLS: Frustration and the Deep Life
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.DEEP DIVE: Smartphones and moral panics. [3:43]LISTENER CALLS: - Scheduling when you've fallen behind. [12:29] - Squandering autonomy. [18:06] - Hacking habits and the shortcomings of raw discipline. [26:11] - Tenure and valuable skills. [31:38] - Adding more to your plate without it tipping over. [36:24] - Frustration and the Deep
Ep. 139: Am I Good at Time Management or Just Lazy?
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: Will Offices Survive the Pandemic? [6:01]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do I practice my writing better? [22:07] - Is it harder to write a dissertation or a book? [25:08] - Will 10-minute sitting breaks destroy my concentration? [29:04] - Am I good at time management or just lazy? [35:52] - How do I get the most out of an assistant who
Ep. 138: LISTENER CALLS: How I Read So Much
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Interacting with potential clients while avoiding constant distraction. [2:10] - Self-promotion without social media. [8:21] - Dealing with an overflowing "to read" folder. [13:19] - Correcting weekly plan drift. [18:13] - The secrets of my high-volume reading. [22:47] - Personal vs. organizational productivity. [27:29] - Balanc
Ep. 137: Why Am I Uncomfortable With Facebook Backlash?
DEEP DIVE: Why Am I Uncomfortable With Facebook Backlash? [1:16]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - How do I work deeper in a job that is inherently fractured? [17:29] - How do I switch tasks without everything going to hell? [23:21] - How do I build relationships with colleagues if I prioritize deep work? [26:50] - How can I reduce the craziness of my college schedule? [33:39]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS: - How can I relaxed if I'm extremely driven? [38:49] - Can on lead a life as a recognized intellectual outside o
Ep. 136: LISTENER CALLS: Reversing Burnout
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING: Some Thoughts on Slow Productivity. [0:21]LISTENER CALLS - Taming client email as a busy lawyer.[3:44] - How I maintain my systems. [11:42] - The danger of too much productivity. [[17:02] - Benjamin Franklin, tedious Harvard types, and awe. [22:54] - Students and theory. [34:12] - Reversing burnout. [38:05]
Ep. 135: Is Screen Time Bad?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - How do virtual office hours work with multiple participants? [4:26] - Is time spent in front of a computer screen bad (bonus rant: we work too much!)? [8:18] - How do I remember goals when I'm in danger of distraction? [14:20] - Why do I ignore monthly planning? [16:26] - How do I survive running two companies? [18:
Ep. 134: LISTENER CALLS: Returning to Deep Work After the Pandemic
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.RANT FOLLOW-UP: A doctor's perspective on kids and smartphones. [0:35]GUEST CHAT: Scott Young stops by to talk about our new online course. [5:00]LISTENER CALLS: - Returning to regular deep work after the pandemic. [22:06] - Deciding what tasks to execute. [29:34] - Integrating your values into your daily activities. [34:08] - Less
Ep. 133: How Do I Defeat Distraction?
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: Is the Desire to Produce Negative? [5:14]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - What are the most popular workflows used to escape excessive email? [17:07] - How do I read academic papers effectively? [27:40] - How much studying is enough for a college student? [31:38] - How do I defeat the allure of distraction? (Plus: Why Soto should get more MVP
Ep. 132: LISTENER CALLS: Managing Non-Work Tasks
OPENING RANT: Facebook Knows It's Hurting Teenagers [3:22]LISTENER CALLS: - Interfacing with the hive mind. [17:45] - The relationship between tasks and daily plans. [24:58] - My weekly planning ritual. [31:04] - Discovering books. [39:42] - How I manage my non-work tasks. [46:25]
Ep. 131: The Elements of the Deep Life
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm hiring! [0:20]DEEP DIVE: The Elements of the Deep Life [3:51]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How should I get started in a new remote work job? [16:56] - How I time block a purely reactive job? [21:56] - Should I bother capturing tasks that are fast to complete? [25:26] - How do I tame multiple concurrent projects? [29:00] - How do I
Ep. 130: LISTENER CALLS: Leadership vs. Availability
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Balancing availability and depth as a leader. [5:12]- Being available to students without being overwhelmed. [12:08]- Rapid fire questions (each answer under 1 minute). [18:18] -- Working eight hours in a row. -- Quarterly plan format. -- Reading metrics.- Sticking to a schedule once made. [26:36]- Keeping up with an
Ep. 129: How Do I Get My Kid Off His Smartphone?
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: Is Organization the Opiate of the Knowledge Work Masses? [1:02]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do I choose skills to work deeply on? [15:18] - What if I don't know what I want to do with my career or life? [20:11] - How do I stop my students from overwhelming me right before deadlines? [23:38] - When should you say "no" to interesting pr
Ep. 128: LISTENER CALLS: The Art of "No"
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.OPENING: My new reading habit [6:53]LISTENER CALLS: - Retaining information from books. [11:16] - The value of an agile personal productivity system. [18:33] - An impractical vision for a highly productive building. [26:16] - Marketing a course without social media. [37:45] - The art of "no". [43:14]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the i
Ep. 127: Does Productivity Diminish Leisure? (with Brad Stulberg)
In today's episode, I am joined by longtime friend of the show Brad Stulberg, who has a new book out called THE PRACTICE OF GROUNDEDNESS (https://thegrowtheq.com/books/groundedness/).Brad helps me answer your questions on topics including the decision to start a company, recovering from a pandemic-induced demotion, preventing productivity from diminishing leisure, and dealing with inertia. Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 126: LISTENER CALLS: A Tour of My Home Offices
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- My home office setup. [3:59]- Working while tired. [12:29]- Writing three hours a day. [17:19]- Details of my strategic plans. [26:09]- Ignoring strategic plans. [31:08]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 125: What is Discipline (and How Do I Get It?)
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: How Reachable Should We Be? [1:48]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - What should I do if I finish a time block early? [8:31] - How do I work deeply at home with a crying newborn? [12:57] - How I work deeply while taking care of a child full time? [17:54] - How do I manage a shared mailbox with my team? [23:14]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - What is disci
Ep. 124: LISTENER CALLS: Preserving Depth in the Vast Shallows
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Organizing notes on technical articles and books. [3:00] - Finding depth amidst a vast shallows. [8:35] - Should I get an MBA if it's free? [24:12] - Optimal counts of deep projects. [33:30] - The value habit. [36:37]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 123: What Is My Daily Routine?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - Does deep work apply to everybody? [5:15] - Who watches your kids when you do deep work? [12:48] - How do I design a deeper work environment from scratch? [19:23] - What should I focus on as a postdoc? [23:39] - Do I (Cal) really not work in the evening? [28:12]DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS - How much deep leisure should I schedu
Ep. 122: LISTENER CALLS: Figuring Out Your Values
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Naturally disorganized people. [3:23] - Coping with highly reactionary schedules. [11:07] - Digital versus analog weekly plans. [16:32] - Summer reading (plus: my idea for a novel). [21:29] - Prioritizing friendly connections. [32:25] - Figuring out your values. [36:59]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles f
Ep. 121: Is Writing Everyday Overrated? (with Srini Rao)
In today's episode, I am joined in studio by my longtime podcasting friend Srini Rao, host of the incredible Unmistakable Creative podcast (https://unmistakablecreative.com/), on which I've been a guest many times.Srini helps me answer your questions on both deep work and the deep life. We also talk about his podcasting company recently raising a series A round of venture capital funding, and what it was like appearing on the Netflix reality show Indian Matchmaker.I apologize that I don't have t
Ep. 120: LISTENER CALLS: Students' Diminishing Focus
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Saving a software team from the hyperactive hive mind. [3:21] - Working from near home on a student budget [6:18] - Students' diminishing focus. [13:10] - Useful academic work. [24:15] - Deep work subverting deep leisure. [29:09]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 119: Does Accomplishment Require Overload?
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: Does Accomplishment Require Overload? [3:16]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do you figure out what to get good at? [15:35] - Should I quit teaching to become a lifestyle coach? [23:24] - Why did I (Cal) become a computer scientist? [28;39] - How do I stop my firm from killing itself with email? [34:07] - As the multipurpose nature of com
Ep. 118: LISTENER CALLS: A Primer On My Planning Philosophy
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Stopping excess emails from students. [8:39]- Finding ideas for books. [16:46]- The nuances of weekly planning. [19:58]- A primer on my value-driven planning philosophy. [29:46]- Deep work for politicians. [43:47]- Inefficient workflows. [49:53]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 117: Should I Quit My Job to Become a Writer?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - How do I find free time as a working mother? [2:10] - How do I time block unpredictable support tasks? [13:56] - How many items are on my (Cal's) task lists and how often do I review? [18:51] - How do I stay productive without clear deadlines? [27:09] - How do get started writing? [32:33] - How do I know if an idea is go
Ep. 116: RE-READING: Shop Class as Soulcraft (with Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness)
In this episode, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness join me to talk through Matt Crawford's classic 2009 book: "Shop Class as Soulcraft." We get into its impact on our own thinking, attempt to deconstruct its popularity, and seriously consider quitting our jobs to repair motorcycles. For more on Brad and Steve: https://wthegrowtheq.comThanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 115: JORDAN HARBINGER: What is the Future of Podcasting?
In this episode, podcast maven Jordan Harbinger joins me for a collaborative deep dive on the topic of podcasting. We take a close look at the current state of this technology, including a look at specific numbers: How much money are people making? How many people are making that money? Why is SMARTLESS worth $20 million a year to Amazon? We then tackle the future of the industry. Will independent audio-only podcasting as we know it today still be around in 5 years, or is this just a step toward
Ep. 114: LISTENER CALLS: Growing a Podcast Without Social Media
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Balancing necessary shallow and important deep work. [3:23]- Increasing reading retention. [9:556]- Keeping track of goals or ideas for future pursuit. [13:59]- Growing a podcast without social media. [19:32]- Seasonal breaks from work. [30:51]- Community bucket struggles. [33:54]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mar
Ep. 113: How Do I Become a Deep Life Radical?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.BOOK REPORT: The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin [1:30]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do I eliminate the hive mind from interaction with other departments? [13:36] - How do I capture small tasks so I don't forget them? [23:23] - How do I (Cal) feel about career counselors? [29:31] - Are there professions for which time blocking doesn't work?
Ep. 112: LISTENER CALLS: The Productivity Baby Steps
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Breaking up big projects into small tasks. [4:19]- The productivity baby steps (epic answer alert). [8:58]- Taming late night meetings. [26:02]- Best book of mine for college students. [34:45]- Shutdown routines with unpredictable schedules. [38:28]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 111: How Do I Tame Distracting Thoughts?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.FROM THE NEWSLETTER: Notes on Quentin Tarantino's Writing Routine [3:39]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How fluid are my quarterly plans? [17:00] - What is a good approach to take notes in meetings? [19:59] - What do you include ads o your podcast? [23:31] - How do I install a deep work mindset in my team? [25:25] - How do you (Cal) use Evernote? [32:3
Ep. 110: LISTENER CALLS: Making the Deep Life Happen
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Why people get mad at me. [1:21]- Scheduling reading. [7:06]- Semester goals and time block planners. [11:41]- McKeown's effortlessness vs. Newport's automation. [25:05]- Translating the deep life into concrete action. [30:23]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 109: How Much Should I Read?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.BOOK REPORT: The Square and the Tower [3:6]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - What should I do if I like my job but dislike the industry? [11:41] - How hard should I push back against a shallow company culture? [16:15] - Is productivity only for people with certain personality types? [25:05] - What is the best strategy for an aspiring academic? [27:30] -
Ep. 108: LISTENER CALLS: Becoming Productive
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - The hyperactive hive mind and the return to the office. [2:57]- Becoming productive. [12:23]- Time tracking apps. [24:51]- Scheduling continuous projects. [27:19]- Struggling with time blocking. [36:51]- Working on problems past when it's useful. [41:47]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 107: How Do I Stay Motivated on Long-Term Projects?
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 WORK QUESTIONS:- How do I cultivate urgency for long-term projects? [2:49]- How do I learn more about deliberate practice? [11:54]- How do deal with an "open door" policy at work? [17:06]- How can I return to academia after taking an industry job? [19:57]- Does a commitment to deep work block me from management? [21:37]- How do I avoid d
Ep. 106: LISTENER CALLS: Art Without Social Media
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Balancing work and school. [3:34] - Deep work and ADHD. [8:28] - Building career capital as an account executive. [15:15] - Do I know Naval Ravikant? P22:35] - Art without social media. [27:31] - Pursuing a PhD purely for passion. [33:53]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.
Ep. 105: Should I Read the News?
DEEP WORK QUESTIONS - How do you apply deep work when your job is entirely shallow? [4:37] - Is batching emails a few times a day a good practice? [12:20] - Why are some tips for managing the flow of emails and texts from clients? [19:54] - What am I (Cal) working during my teaching sabbatical this spring? [26:45] - What are the ideal ratios for writing, thinking, and reading in a day? [29:47] - Can I (Cal) elaborate on how I track deep work? [34:17] - How do you avoid easing up on the gas after
Ep. 104: LISTENER CALLS: Saying "No" Without Saying "No"
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Balancing the unpredictable demands of a small business. [3:16] - Taming emails when it's hard to say "no". [10:02] - Notebook overkill. [20:47] - On adverting and social media.[29:52] - My thoughts on video games. [35:45]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 103: What is the Relationship Between Order and Well-Being?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - How do you do deep work when you're not in the mood? [3:48] - How do you mange time for side hustle projects? [13:38] - What future technologies will have the biggest positive impact on focus and attention? [16:51] - How do I avoid prioritizing other peoples' task needs above my own? [24:28] - How do I build career capit
Ep. 102: BRAD STULBERG: How Do We Work Less?
In this episode, author Brad Stulberg joins me in person at my Deep Work HQ (!) for a deep dive into the topic of busyness, burn out, and the quest to craft more sustainable professional lives. For more on Brad: https://thegrowtheq.com/ or my interview from Episode 47.Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 101: Does Productivity Impede the Deep Life?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - Should I maintain a day free from all work? [3:55] - How do I take notes on a Kindle? [9:06] - How an I integrate accountability with my time-block planning? (Bonus rant on making workloads transparent.) [11:31] - How do I avoid over-structuring my life as a student? [19:49] - What is my (Cal) computer science research a
Ep. 100: LISTENER CALLS: Scheduling Household Admin
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Dealing with time blocking overload. [4:13] - Planning household admin. [9:04] - How theoreticians schedule proof work. [16:24] - Retyping notes (or not). [27:57] - Becoming a better conductor. [34:15]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 99: Should I Move to Sweden or Make Money?
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: How Can I Significantly Reduce Email? [6:30]DEEP WORK QUESTIONS: - How do I account for transition time between time blocks? [20:20] - Rant Alert: How do I creeping combat corporate complexity?[21:58] - How do I identify processes to optimize? [29:58] - How much should one rely on technology to think? [33:10] - How important is me
Ep. 98: LISTENER CALLS: Choosing the Right Job
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - How long to keep items on a "done" list. [2:09] - When is it worth spending money on productivity software? [4:57] - Troubleshooting time blocks. [14:33] - Scheduling short breaks (or not). [19:30] - Avoiding distractions during planning. [30:04] - Helping young people figure out their career. [33:31]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for
Ep. 97: Should I Outsource My Inbox?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - How can I get others to accept a deeper work environment? [6:16] - How can I escape meeting overload? [10:12] - How can I ready myself for a deep work sessions? [18:00] - Should I hire an assistant to help me with my emails? [22:14] - How should indie authors use social media? [27:10] - How do I stop being so distracted
Ep. 96: LISTENER CALLS: Emotional Distractions
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Managing a "waiting on" list. [2:57] - Emotion-driven attention residue. [9:40] - Drifting from time block schedules. [15:29] - Relationship Counseling: Batching dirty dishes? [20:48] - Organizing research. [25:39] - Emotions, energy, and productivity. [32:20]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 95: How Do I Maintain the Will to Do Deep Work?
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 WORK QUESTIONS - What challenges will I face switching to time-block planning for the first time? [3:43] - How do I time block very long days? [8:20] - How do I move external colleagues and clients away from email collaboration? [11:10] - How do I manage multiple email addresses? [18:57] - How do I avoid Slack FOMO? [20:21] - How can I
Ep. 94: LISTENER CALLS: Battling Bothersome Bosses
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Productivity with a chronic illness. [4:28] - Coordinating strategic plans with a partner. [12:44] - Getting your boss to bother you less. [17:56] - High quality leisure for students [25:59] - Feeling overwhelmed by Facebook Groups. [29:58]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 93: Am I Overcommitted or Bad at Time Management?
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: What happens if you stop using your phone for a year? [3:55]WORKING DEEPLY: - How do I avoid the hyperactive hive mind in a new job? [11:36] - How can the author of A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL have an email list? [14:02] - When did personal productivity become a thing? [16:25] - Am I overcommitted or bad at time management? [25:47] - How
Ep. 92: LISTENER CALLS: The Perils of Coercive Productivity
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Time block specificity (coercive versus collaborative productivity). [6:24] - Balancing time spent on different types of work. [11:34] - Project priorities. [18:34] - Building a social life during a pandemic. [26:57] - Making use of unexpected free time. [33:27]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 91: GREG MCKEOWN on Making Essential Work Effortless
I'm joined in today's episode by Greg McKeown, author of the mega-bestseller Essentialism, and his new book, Effortless.We talk about the massive success of Essentialism, decoding why it did so well and discussing how it changed his life. We then get into the origin of the ideas that became Effortless, and use some of my own attempts to make essential work easier as a case study.Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 90: LISTENER CALLS: My Current Scheduling Setup
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.Behind the Curtain: My Current Scheduling Setup [0:22]Book Recommendation: The Unspoken Rules [9:34]Listener Calls: - Perfectionism and time-block schedules. [12:58] - Constructing effective student schedules. [18:56] - Organizing the tasks that make up a project. [26:58] - Optimal task structure. [35:47] - RANT ALERT: social media
Ep. 89: Do I Need a Dumb Phone?
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: What Does "Productivity" Actually Mean? [5:04]WORK QUESTIONS - How do I stay productive after the pandemic? [17:56] - How do I relearn how to think deeply? [22:51] - Can I build a world without email with non-knowledge workers? [31:38] - Are some people more aligned to some jobs than others? [34:47]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Do I need
Ep. 88: LISTENER CALLS: My Notebooks and Instagram-Addicted Artists
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Determining if your work is deep. [3:21]- Limits for daily deep work. [6:30]- Taking notes in a time block planner. [11:17]- My notebooks. [17:24]- Instagram and artists. [24:16]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 87: Should I Switch Careers to Pursue my Dream?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS - What algorithm should I use to implement the Eisenhower Matrix? [6:21] - Should I switch careers to pursue my dream? [9:34] - How did I (Cal) fit research, teaching, and writing into my 9 to 5 graduate student schedule? [20:37] - What advice should I give students about deep work? [23:55]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Can I succeed
Ep. 86: LISTENER CALLS: Mastering the Art of Thinking While Walking
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Transferring tasks from capture to configure tools. [4:07]- Getting better at thinking while walking (plus bonus MIT nostalgia). [6:53] - Deep work breaks. [14:44]- Dedicated task lists for projects (what I do). [25:28]- Incompatible calendars. [30:43]Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 85: Are NFTs Frivolous or Fundamental?
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: Are NFTs frivolous or fundamental? [6:57]WORK QUESTIONS - Does a world without email mean the return of voicemail? [23:42] - Is Elon Musk right about not pursuing a PhD? [26:31] - Is mastery incompatible with the deep life? [28:47] - Do I need a todo list for my personal life? [39:15] - How do you come up with catchy phrases like "
Ep. 84: LISTENER CALLS: Prioritizing Projects and Deep Decor
Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Scheduling multiple concurrent projects. [5:06] - Prioritizing projects. [12:03] - Work from home wardrobes (and virtual commutes). [15:58] - Maintaining focusing during mini-delays. [23:49] - Decorating an office to support deep work. [28:11]Link for my Clubhouse conversation with Kevin Roose (3pm Eastern on 4/1): https://www.
Ep. 83: Is Email Work?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS - How do I concentrate in an open office? [5:27] - Do professors need to work 60+ hours a week? [9:10] - What's the best workflow for student reference letters? [17:38] - How does an MS student prepare to become a CS professor? [21:21] - How can a high school principal find time to do deep work? [25:28]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Ca
Ep. 82: Habit Tune-Up: The Joys and Sorrows of Binge Working
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Taming scattered schedules. [3:10]- Phantom part time work in the office. [11:04]- The joys and sorrows of binge working. [18:12]- Organizing reading when you're slow at reading. [25:05]- Combatting administrative overload in academia (including a bonus unsolicited rant). [29:57]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 81: How Do I Avoid Burnout?
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: What Are My Core Systems? [2:40]WORK QUESTIONS - How do I avoid burnout? [13:33] - How do I measure effectiveness in a vague job? [19:58] - How do I teach myself to become a better programmer? [22:19] - What is a good way to become a better leader? [27:50] - How do non-fiction writers become better at their craft? [30:56] - What m
Ep. 80: Habit Tune-Up: Deep Work After Hard Days
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - On the value of expensive productivity systems. [3:58] - Phantom part-time jobs. [11:16] - Working deeply after hard days. [16:24] - Must all leisure be quality? [28:27]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 79: Should This Meeting Have Been an Email?
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: Should this meeting have been an email? [5:30]WORK QUESTIONS - How do I recharge after a hard year of work? [17:14] - How do I write blog posts? [20:46] - How important is working from home for accomplishing deep work? [22:52] - How can I apply productive meditation to work that requires a computer? [28:52]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Ho
Ep. 78: Habit Tune-Up: Time Blocking vs. Bullet Journaling
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Active recall in the office. [4:58]- Processes for problem solving. [9:58]- Time blocking versus the pomodoro method. [14:20]- Time blocking versus bullet journaling. [23:51]- The necessity of a second brain. [28:46]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 77: Does Email Have a Mind of Its Own?
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: Does email have a mind of its own? [6:23]WORK QUESTIONS - How do I avoid boring research? [16:35] - How do I learn new skills without becoming overwhelmed? [19:44] - How do I better structure workplace communication? [23:34] - How do I say "no" more often? [29:41]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - When should I stop listening to your podcast?
Ep. 76: Habit Tune-Up: Email On Speed (Taming WhatsApp)
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Updating strategic plans. [4:13] - Capturing small projects. [8:26] - Archiving tasks. [12:47] - Email on speed (dealing with WhatsApp). [17:15] - Coping with an abundance of depth. [31:28]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 75: JOSHUA FIELDS MILBURN on Saying "No" to Almost Everything
In today's episode, I talk with Joshua Fields Milburn, who along with Ryan Nicodemus make up the powerhouse duo known simply as the Minimalists. You probably know Joshua from the wildly successful Netflix documentaries, MINIMALISM and LESS IS NOW, or the popular podcast he co-hosts with Ryan. The story of how the Minimalists got started is well-told, so I thought I would focus on a natural follow question: what happened next? Starting with when I first met him in 2012, I ask Joshua to walk us th
Ep. 74: Habit Tune-Up: Taming Trello
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Spending too much time on Trello. [8:47]- Reducing instant messenger use. [18:33]- The inflexibility of time blocking. [27:30]- Finishing a thesis on time. [34:32]- Working deeply during a coup. [37:33]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 73: Can I Become Rich Living Deeply?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS - What makes a day "productive" for a researcher? [5:10] - How do I get past imposter syndrome in academia? [9:29] - Should I get a PhD to become a writer? [14:22] - How can I make my team less reactive? [18:06] - How do I make daily/weekly planning a habit that sticks? [28:12]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS - Is attention training going
Ep. 72: Habit Tune-Up: Excessive Planning Syndrome
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Excessive planning syndrome. [3:29]- Deep work and the distraction of social anxiety. [6:48]- Writing for top tier publications. [11:53]- Social media for artists. [17:16]- Hobby overload (and the curse of busyness). [30:18]- Getting started on hard creative work. [38:15]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 71: How Do We Escape the Autonomy Trap?
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 Autonomy Trap [7:25]WORK QUESTIONS - How do I focus when working on a distracting computer? [19:58] - How do you maintain energy while increasing deep work? [23:34] - Can the pomodoro technique help achieve deep work? [29:00] - How can I time block when working with two kids in a small apartment? [31:29] - Have I thought about
Ep. 70: Habit Tune-Up: Getting Things Done During a Terrible, Isolating Pandemic
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Timing productive meditation. [6:32] - Extracting wisdom from past plans. [14:00] - Writing a thesis as a side project. [22:44] - Adapting college advice to high school students (plus: a bonus digression on my experience writing books in academia). [30:00] - Getting things done during an isolating pandemic. [36:30]Thanks to listener Jay Kerste
Ep. 69: How Do I Find Joy in Leisure?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS - How do I finish my day strong when time blocking? [5:09] - What should I do to succeed as a new professor? [9:48] - How do I protect deep work even as I become more recognized? [14:38] - What are strategies for handling large ambiguous work tasks? [19:37] - How do I stay productive in a one-bedroom apartment? [24:06]TECHNOLOG
Ep. 68: Habit Tune-Up: The Power of Becoming Your Own Assistant
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Handling short tasks. [4:37] - Time blocking with auto-scheduled meetings. [11:45] - Taming excessive phone usage. [18:18] - Hiring yourself as an assistant. [25:05] - How to avoid losing steam during time off. [36:05]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 67: TIM HARFORD on Leaving Academia to Become a Bestselling Writer
In today's episode I interview bestselling author Tim Harford. We talk about his path from economics to writing and broadcasting, his thoughts on using data to make sense of the world (without getting tricked), and his experience working for Malcolm Gladwell's podcasting company.His latest book, called THE DATA DETECTIVE in the US and HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UP everywhere else, comes out this week and is available wherever you buy books.Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 66: Habit Tune-Up: Bullet Journaling vs. Trello
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Taking notes in meetings. [3:41]- Switching from Bullet Journal to Trello. [8:42]- Speeding up time blocking. [13:56]- Scheduling daily tasks. [23:41]- Avoiding hard assignments (plus: a comment on YouTube addiction). [28:26]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 65: Is Productivity Bad?
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: Is productivity good or bad? [4:28]WORK QUESTIONS - How do you extract good career advice from successful people? [19:16] - How do I improve my GRE score? [27:38] - Is there a category of work between deep and shallow? [29:53] - Should high school students time block? [31:53] - How should I search for my first job during the pandem
Ep. 64: Habit Tune-Up: A Look Inside My Book Research Systems
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Dealing with boring (but important) work. [8:11]- Best tools for day planning. [18:26]- An insider look at my book research process. [20:31]- Advice for returning to school later in life. [32:46]- Making time for non-urgent pursuits. [38:35]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 63: How Do I Minimize Meetings?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS - How do I minimize meetings at my large corporation? [5:01] - Hod do I accomplish deep work in a responsive role? [11:30] - How do I prioritize self-learning when earning a PhD? [15:19] - How do I optimize time spend waiting for data to crunch? [19:27] - How do I get important work done with kids at home? [21:48] - How do I e
Ep. 62: Habit Tune-Up: Managing Information in Your Inbox
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- "Thank you" emails and overload. [3:14]- Managing information contained in emails. [5:35]- Dividing time into ten minute chunks. [13:30]- Restarting a drive toward digital minimalism. [26:07]- Personal metrics and weekend planning. [34:21]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 61: How Should I Tackle Big Projects?
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: Executing Big Projects [10:18]WORK QUESTIONS - Is pairing a problem for programmers? [20:21] - When do you review past time block schedules? [25:46] - How do I force myself to execute my plans? [29:48] - How do you figure out what projects to pursue? [36:38] - Should you take personality traits into mind when choosing a job? [41:39
Ep. 60: Habit Tune-Up: Getting Things Done on Distracting Days
Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.- Reflections on productivity during distracting events. [3:35]- Trouble getting started. [12:09]- Dealing with cognitive exhaustion after hard periods. [18:01]- Avoiding tool overload. [27:10]- Focused work that's not demanding. [32:01]- Metric tracking tune-ups. [39:58]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 59: Why Be Productive?
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.WORK QUESTIONS- Preparing for deep work. [6:41]- Keeping on top of everything when you have many roles. [12:32]- Is it possible to time block without a clock? [18:25]- Overcoming graduate student procrastination. [24:18]- Predictable schedules with unpredictable children at home. [29:36]TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS- Scheduling asynchronous classes. [
Ep. 58: Habit Tune-Up: Clarifying Task Organization, Graduate Student Advice, and My Research Workflow
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover:- Struggling with organizing tasks. [7:41]- Advice for becoming a fantastic graduate student. [14:18]- My research workflow. [19:43]- Book writing basics. [31:14]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 57: Troubleshooting Shutdowns, Taming Overflowing Inboxes, and Tuning Core Values
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about solidifying your shutdown routines, taming overflowing inboxes, and tuning core values, among many other topics. We also conclude our deep dive into the topic of the deep reset.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new
Ep. 56: Habit Tune-Up: Escaping Academic Twitter, Time Blocking During Vacation, and Making Time for Big Projects
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: - Using task boards to plan big projects. [2:49] - Academic Twitter. [8:31] - Time block breaks + Workflowy vs Trello. [13:04] - Deep work while traveling. [19:46] - Setting aside time for big projects. [26:0
Ep. 55: Shallow Teams, Vague Goals, and Pandemic Screen Time
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about working deeply with shallow teams, taking action on vague goals, and reducing screen time during a pandemic. We also celebrate reaching the million download milestone for this podcast.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which he
Ep. 54: Habit Tune-Up: Capture Tools, Getting Started, and Building Skills at Home
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: - Clarifying capturing and configuring. [2:09] - Time blocking for teachers. [9:24] - Starting from scratch on a hard professional challenge. [15:20] - Building professional skills as a stay-at-home parent
Ep. 53: Covey's Quads, "Perfect" Productivity Systems, and Reducing Laziness
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about Stephen Covey's quad systems, the quixotic quest for a "perfect" productivity system, and reducing laziness, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s th
Ep. 52: Habit Tune-Up: Pandemic-Induced Overload, Side Hustles, and Managing for Depth
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Capturing ideas outside the office. [4:31] * Prioritizing leisure. [9:08] * Coping with pandemic-induced shallow work. [11:58] * Succeeding with a side hustle [21:59] * Deep work at the organizational level
Ep. 51: Saying "No", Building an Email List Without Social Media, and Falling Short of High Expectations | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about saying "no" when others will say "yes" to the same offer, building an email list without social media, and falling short of high expectations for your life, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps
Ep. 50: Habit Tune-Up: Artificial Overload, Deep Retirement, and Motivational Crises
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * When deep work creates more shallow obligations. [2:49] * Avoiding artificial overload. [10:00] * Deep retirement. [23:06] * Defusing deep procrastination. [27:00]Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intr
Ep. 49: Organizing Massive Projects, Taming IM, and Exploring the Deep Life Canon
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about organizing massive projects, taming IM, and elaborating the books I would include in the Deep Life Canon.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s the full list of topics tackle
Ep. 48: Habit Tune-Up: Deep Athletes, Idea Capture, and Distracting Rumination
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover:* Time blocking versus calendar planning [6:07]* Deep work for professional athletes [12:24]* Capturing non-urgent ideas [21:33] * Distracted by rumination [35:09]* Prioritizing interesting projects [43:17]Than
Ep. 47: BRAD STULBERG on Burn Out, Career Transformation, and Intentional Living
In this episode of DEEP QUESTIONS we're joined by a guest host: Brad Stulberg.Brad is a bestselling writer who focuses on human performance. He's known for his books PEAK PERFORMANCE and THE PASSION PARADOX, as well as for his popular "Do It Better" column for Outside Magazine.We go deep on Brad's story, using it to illustrate timeless points on burnout, recovery, transformation, and intentional living. We also talk about the unexpected television commercial that helped vault his first book to s
Ep. 46: Habit Tune-Up: Mastering Teaching, Containing Emotional Emails, and Working Deeply with a Newborn
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: Opening: When did productivity become personal? (My new article for The New Yorker.)* Becoming so good they can't ignore you as a teacher [19:07]* Finding focused after receiving emotional emails [30:18]* Sche
Ep. 45: My Trello Setup, Student and Screens, My Call for a Deep Reset | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about dealing my Trello setup, reducing student screen time, and our collective need for a "deep reset," among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s the full list of
Ep. 44: Habit Tune-Up: Prioritizing Tasks, Balancing My Many Endeavors, and Resisting Radicalization
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Prioritizing tasks when you have too much to do [9:28]* Making the most of the weekend [18:53]* Balancing my academic and writing obligations [26:42]* Improving reading habits [35:25]* Resisting radicalizati
Ep. 43: Unproductive Days, Content Fatigue, and Cultivating Character | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about dealing with unproductive days, avoiding curated content fatigue, and the importance of developing character, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s the fu
Ep. 42: GREG MCKEOWN and I Discuss Unplugging, Doing Less, and Finding Focus
In this special episode of DEEP QUESTIONS, I rebroadcast a conversation recorded earlier this summer, featuring me and the bestselling author Greg McKeown. It originally aired on Greg's fantastic podcast, WHAT'S ESSENTIAL (https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/).You probably know Greg from his influential 2014 book, ESSENTIALISM, which I recommend all the time. In this conversation, we talk about unplugging from distraction, the art of doing less (without accomplishing less), and how to improve your a
Ep. 41: Selling Your First Book, Shallow Spouses, and My Dream Schedule | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about selling your first book (and end up accidentally ranting about publishing industry misconceptions), going deep when your spouse is defiantly shallow, and day dreaming about my ideal schedule, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a
Ep. 40: Habit Tune-Up: Optimal Notebook Usage, Quarterly Planning, and Combating Burn Out
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Notebooks for personal reflections vs. business organization. [5:50]* Elite quarterly planning tactics. [10:18]* Diminishing distracting day dreams. [18:37]* Combating burn out. [32:58]Special Offer Links fr
Ep. 39: DAVID EPSTEIN on Skills, Practice, and the Subtle Art of Cultivating a Meaningful Career
In this episode of DEEP QUESTIONS we're joined by a guest host: David Epstein.David is the New York Times bestselling author of THE SPORTS GENE and RANGE. I probably get asked questions about RANGE more than any other book by listeners of this podcast, so I knew we had to get David on the show to share his wisdom.We talk about his career, his (short-lived) public feud with Malcolm Gladwell, and his research habits, but most importantly, we go deep on his breakthrough ideas about skills, practice
Ep. 38: Habit Tune-Up: Daily vs. Weekly Planning, Supercharging Home Offices, and Taming Demanding Jobs
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * The difference between daily and weekly planning [10:08]* Fighting shallow work in medicine. [16:44]* On the value of taking off a work day each week. [24:14]* Maximizing home offices. [30:29]* Scheduling de
Ep.37: The Planning Fallacy, Inbox Zero, and the Limits of Ethical Technology | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about avoiding the planning fallacy, my thoughts on Inbox Zero, and the limits of the ethical technology movement, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Here’s the ful
Ep. 36: Habit Tune-Up: Scheduling Life Admin, Finding Time for Practice, and High-Tech Metric Tracking
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.I also officially announce my new Time-Block Planner! Available for pre-order everyone you buy books. Find out more about the Time Block Academy event I'm holding for those who pre-order at calnewport.com/blog.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover:
Ep. 35: Managing Deeply, Quitting Facebook, and Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Information Overload | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about deep work for managers, life without Facebook, and original thought in an age of information overload, among many other topics. I also continue our ongoing discussion of household productivity by sharing systems sent in by readers.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings
Ep. 34: Habit Tune-Up: Productivity Chimeras, OmniFocus, and Finding Time to Write
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Productivity chimera's and processing captured tasks [9:53] * Thoughts on OmniFocus [16:37] * Taming a team's early email habit [21:39] * Finding time to write in a busy life [25:09] * Struggling to write ev
Ep 33: Rethinking Delegation, Pandemic Childcare, and Balancing Deep Work with Deep Hobbies
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about the hidden difficulties of delegation, the impact of pandemic childcare on productivity (hint: it's not good), and the balance between deep work and deep hobbies, among many other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which help
Ep. 32: Habit Tune-Up: Tracking Deliberate Practice, Getting Over the Fact Work is Hard, and Taming the Emotional Rigors of Depth
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Tracking deliberate practice initiatives. [8:21]* Helping an overwhelmed teacher. [12:33]* Dealing with hard work. [23:54]* Shutting down when you have too much to do. [29:26]* Taming the emotional rigors of
Ep. 31: RYAN HOLIDAY on Ranch Life, Fostering Discipline, and the Loss of Reading Culture
In this episode of Deep Questions we try something a little different: our first guest!Bestselling author Ryan Holiday joins me to help answer reader questions, as well as more than a few queries from me. We cover a variety of topics, including his life as a writer living on a ranch, how he fosters discipline, the impact of our diminishing reading culture, and why everyone keeps trying to get me to move to Austin.Be sure to check out Ryan's new book: LIVES OF THE STOICS (https://dailystoic.com/p
Ep. 30: Habit Tune-Up: Easing into Time Blocks, Planning Big Goals, and the Story of How I Sold My First Book
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Easing into time block planning. [6:24]* Keeping up when taking notes. [11:49]* Optimal delay between learning and recall. [17:12]* Planning big goals. [20:59]* Insider advice on book publishing [29:36]Speci
Ep. 29: My Daily Routine, Returning to Deep Work, and Digital Minimalism During a Pandemic | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about my daily routine, restarting a deep work practice, and embracing digital minimalism during a pandemic, among other topics.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).Thanks to our sponsor to
Ep. 28: Habit Tune-Up: Multiplying Eureka Moments, My Capture Setup, and Reducing Mass Email Destruction
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Generating more eureka moments [3:59]* Working past shutdowns [8:08]* How I capture tasks [17:10]* Blocking distractions with music [23:22]* Solving excessive mass emails [27:18]As always, if you enjoy the p
Ep. 27: Inside My Planning Discipline, the Joys and Sorrows of Slack, and Finding Depth Among Shallow Friends | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about what’s on my weekly plan at the moment, the complicated impact of Slack, and pursuing depth among friends more interested in fun.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which help
Ep. 26: Habit Tune-Up: My Fall Schedule, Tough Love for a Distracted Listener, and Deep Meetings
In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * How I'm scheduling everything I have to do this fall [6:33]* Working on one thing at a time versus rotating between them [16:17]* Some tough love for a distracted listener [18:43]* The perils of context swit
Ep. 25: Student Shutdown Rituals, Optimal Deep-to-Shallow Ratios, and the $20 Million Question | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about shutdown rituals for college students, deep-to-shallow work ratios, and what I would do with $20 million (and why that's the wrong question). I also play some question roulette and give you a peak into my own efforts to live a deep life with my backstage pass segment.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions
Ep. 24: Habit Tune-Up: Slaying the Productivity Hydra, Upgrading Careers, and Mastering a Difficult Job
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Coping with surprise shallow tasks (aka., "slaying the productivity hydra") [2:09]* Reading strategies for PhD students [12:37]* Switching to a more fulfilling career [16:33]* Improve or quit in response to a challeng
Ep. 23: Email Saunas, Preaching Depth, and Rooted Productivity | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about the puzzling connection between email and saunas, the best way to preach depth to your team, and the under-appreciated power of rooted productivity, among many other topics. I also take some time to answer an Audio Question of the Day.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalN
Ep. 22: Habit Tune-Up: Seeking Depth When Working from Home, Academia's Email Problem, and Sequencing Projects
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Seeking depth when working from home [2:22]* Feeling guilty about long afternoon naps [11:17]* Rant Alert: Fixing academia's email overload problem [18:15]* Advice for someone returning to school later in life [28:56]
Ep. 21: Taming Writer's Block, the Exaggerated Importance of a Digital Presence, and the Miseries of Digital Living | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on taming writer's block, the exaggerated importance of digital presence, and the miseries of digital living, among many other topics. I also play some question roulette and give an update on the current status and ambitious future plans for my Deep Work HQ.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.s
Ep. 20: Habit Tune-Up: Productivity System Indecision, Embracing Boredom, and Craving Depth in a Shallow Job
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Problems settling on a productivity system [1:01] * Figuring out which professional skill to improve [7:20] * The difference between boredom and solitude [21:12] * Craving depth in a shallow job [32:20] * Keystone hab
Ep. 19: Calendar Shaming, Digital Detox Struggles, and the Unexpected Challenges of Autonomy | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on calendar shaming, digital detox struggles, and the unexpected challenges of gaining more professional autonomy, among many other topics.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportPlease consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which
Ep. 18: Habit Tune-Up: Outsourcing Chores, Mitigating Unavoidable Distractions, and Productivity Beyond Basic Lists
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * outsourcing household work [1:46]* mitigating the damage caused by unavoidable distractions [6:45]* the utility of fancy flashcard software [12:43] * tips for becoming a professor [24:04] * productivity beyond basic
Ep. 17: Delegation Without Email, Fighting Imposter Syndrome, and My Thoughts on Critical Theory | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on delegating without email, effective methods for fighting imposter syndrome, and my take on critical theory (which leads to an impromptu history seminar, which is the price one pays for asking an academic a question about academic theory), among many other topics.I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at http
Ep. 16: Habit Tune-Up: Why Relaxation is Overrated and the Importance of Facing the Productivity Dragon
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Does capturing thoughts diminish deep work? [2:09]* Trouble relaxing after periods of intense focus. [7:37]* Should you list specific tasks on time block schedules? [14:23]* Time blocking for jobs with regular unexpec
Ep. 15: Deep Work in Groups, Social Media in Politics, and Confronting Common Arguments Against My Work | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on deep work in groups, the double-edge sword of deploying social media in politics, and a discussion of the most common objection about my work, among many other topics.You can submit your audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportI will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com.Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and
Ep. 14: Habit Tune-Up: Publishing Strategies, Surviving Side Hustles, Productivity for Support Roles, and Cultivating Balance in the Pursuit of Depth
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.Here are the topics we cover: * Figuring out where to publish different types of writing [1:29]* Balancing two careers [7:08]* On productivity in support roles [13:04]* Keeping all aspects of the deep life in balance [22:22]As always, if you enjoy t
Ep. 13: Where I Work, Convincing Students to Disconnect, and Applying Deep Work to Deep Social Problems | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on where I work (hint: an absurd number of different places), convincing students to disconnect, and applying deep work to deep social problems, among many other topics.I need more audio questions for my habit tune-up mini-episodes. You can submit your audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewportI will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.co
Ep. 12: Habit Tune-Up: Office Hours, Rabbit Holes, Perfectionism, Phones as Escape, and Making Deep Work Deeper
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.Here are the topics we cover: * Advice on using "office hours" to reduce email [1:51] * Random thoughts and internet rabbit holes [11:18]* Fear of mistakes crippling productivity [16:27]* Escaping to phone when tried at work [22:11]* The secret to making deep work deeper [25:10]As always, if you enjoy the podcast, p
Ep. 11: Work Resistance, Techno-Criticism, Tales from MIT, and the Depth-Destroying Power of Children | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on work resistance, the state of techno-criticism, tales from the MIT theory group, and the depth-destroying power of children. I also play some question roulette and tackle the audio question of the day. (Hint: it’s about my reading habits.)To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis).Here’s the full list of topics tackled in toda
Ep. 10: Battling Email, Online Learning, and a Game Plan for Escaping a Shallow Life | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on battling email, online learning, and a game plan for escaping a shallow life. I also play some question roulette and answer the audio question of the day.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:* [1:23] Fighting the email onslaught* [4:50] Shutting down when work never ends* [9
Ep. 9: Habit Tune-Up: Dumbing Down Smartphones, Deep Habits, Progress on Non-Urgent Projects and Training Focus
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.Here are the topics we cover: [1:30] Making an iPhone less distracting.[9:08] Keystone habits to help deep work stick.[12:45] Making progress on a non-urgent big project.[17:29] Training your ability to focus.Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 8: Fleeing a Collapsing Career, Taking Notes on Books, Building a Deep Life | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on fleeing a collapsing career, taking notes on books, and building a deep life. I also play some question roulette and answer the audio question of the day.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode: * Fleeing a collapsing career. * The coming knowledge work productivity revolution.
Ep. 7: Habit Tune-Up: Time Blocking, Document Collaboration, Protecting Time and Doing Too Much
In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.(Going forward, I plan to occasionally augment my standard full length weekly episode, where I go deep on many different topics, with these shorter mini-episodes, where I can focus on specific themes and experiment with new formats.)Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.
Ep. 6: Balancing the Personal and Professional, Unreasonable Email Expectations, and Avoiding Hard Creative Work | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on balancing the professional and the personal, unreasonable email expectations and using the internet to escape hard creative work. I also play some question roulette and attempt a lightening round in which I answer as many question as possible in a single minute.To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)Full list of topics tac
Ep. 5: Tackling Procrastination, Building a Productivity System from Scratch, and the Intellectual Shallowness of Social Media | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on tackling procrastination, building a productivity system from scratch, and the intellectual shallowness of social media. I also play some question roulette, and in a new segment, provide an update on what I'm up to in my own deep life at moment. To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.comFull list of topics tackled in today’s episode: * Deep work without alienating customers. * Reducing attention resid
Ep. 4: Promoting Books without Social Media, Facebook's Fatal Flaw, and Escaping Soul-Crushing Jobs | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on book publicity without social media, Facebook's fatal flaw, and escaping soul-crushing jobs. I also try out a new segment where I answer on the fly randomly selected questions I have not previously seen (to interesting effect). To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.comFull list of topics tackled in today’s episode: * Do I plan to ever have guests on the podcast to help me answer questions? (Yes.) * D
Ep. 3: Origin of my Productivity Obsession, Analog Relationships, and Detaching from Digital Judgment | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on the origin of my productivity obsession, how digital minimalists can form relationships in a distracted world, and how to care less about what people thing about you (hint: stop using social media).To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.comFull list of topics tackled in today’s episode: * Ideal length of deep work sessions. * Origin of my productivity obsession. * Making progress on projects in lockdown
Ep. 2: Improving Concentration, Influential Books, and Figuring Out What to Focus On | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on how to improve your ability to concentrate, books that proved influential on my thinking (including the origin of the term “deep work”), the complex process of figuring out what to devote your limited attention toward, and so much more.For more about me about my writing: www.calnewport.comThis episode features the Swoosh 1 sound effect, used under a Sampling Plus 1.0 license (see here for details: http://soundbible.com/682-Swoosh-1.htm
Ep. 1: My New Task System, Deep Work with Kids, and Finding Purpose in Distracted Times | DEEP QUESTIONS
In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on how I manage my tasks, the conflict between deep work and kids, moving beyond fairy tale messages when seeking purpose in difficult times, and so much more.For more about me about my writing: www.calnewport.comThis episode features the Swoosh 1 sound effect, used under a Sampling Plus 1.0 license (see here for details: http://soundbible.com/682-Swoosh-1.html).