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.
Cal dives into an MIT study showing that heavy AI use in writing leads to reduced brain activity, decreased memory retention, and lower writing quality, introducing the concept of "cognitive debt." He and guest Brad Stulberg debate when intellectual strain is beneficial versus a burden, drawing parallels to physical fitness and processed food consumption. The episode also covers listener questions on AI creativity, overcoming disorganization, finding time for personal projects, choosing internships using the career capital framework, Cal's goal-setting approach, and features a case study on building a flexible, deep work-focused schedule.
Back in 2023, Cal gave a detailed deep dive that described the three phases of scientific understanding of smartphones, social media, and kids. In today’s episode, Cal argues that we’ve entered a fourth phase; one that will finally lead to (perhaps rapid) cultural changes about what we think is appropriate when it comes to these tools and kids. He then answers listener questions and describes a recent book he enjoyed in his new WHAT TO READ segment. Below are the questions covered in today's epi...
Cal dives into the work of philosopher Byung-Chul Han, exploring his critiques of digital society, including his ideas on respect, outrage, modern work culture, virality, and thinking. He then answers a variety of listener questions covering topics like writing while traveling, adapting to new job duties, memory training, the relationship between creativity and productivity, and fitting responsibilities into a lifestyle plan. The episode concludes with Cal's "What to Read" segment, where he recommends a book and dissects contrasting articles on the reasoning capabilities of large language models.
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Chris Guillebeau, the author of the new book, TIME ANXIETY, and creator of the beloved Art of Non-Conformity blog and World Domination Summit annual conferences. Cal and Chris reminisce about their old days as early advice bloggers and dive into his new ideas about re-thinking our relationship with time. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: The Art of Non-Conformity (w/ Chris Guillebeau) [03:50] Links: https://www.calnew...
Cal explores why knowledge workers feel increasingly burnt out, drawing inspiration from Henry David Thoreau's writings on attention. He argues that modern technology, like personal computers and digital communication, has made the unsustainable model of 'renting brains' for 8 hours a day a reality, unlike in the past. Cal proposes a more natural 'Thoreau schedule' and discusses why organizational inertia makes such changes difficult, despite potential productivity benefits. The episode also covers listener questions on career planning, retirement goals, discipline tools, and a case study on building a niche profession, concluding with a tech corner segment on Cal's New Yorker article about the challenges of taming AI ethics, referencing Isaac Asimov.
Cal tackles the argument that social media concerns are just another moral panic, proposing an analogy comparing social media content to ultra-processed food and suggesting it might be uniquely harmful. He then answers listener questions on topics including improving analytical thinking, staying productive during remote internships, prioritizing skill development, understanding the TikTok algorithm, and workflow strategies for AI agents. The episode concludes with a case study on simple analog productivity and a review of the books Cal read in May.
Recent trials of the four-day work week in several countries show surprising results: productivity often remained stable or improved despite reduced hours. Cal Newport argues these findings expose the "workload fairy tale," suggesting most knowledge workers do not utilize their full time on truly valuable tasks, highlighting the need for better workload management. He also tackles listener questions covering the hyperactive hive mind enabled by tools like Slack, strategies for managing multiple writing projects, aligning career planning with moral ambition, finding less demanding jobs, overcoming Sunday Scaries, and clarifying the concept of task switching. The episode concludes with a tech corner examining AI's potential to automate jobs, suggesting widespread automation is less likely than the enhancement of workflows through natural language interfaces and advanced smart search capabilities.
Cal shares his radically simplified summer schedule and argues for injecting seasonality into your own work life, explaining its historical basis and offering practical tips. He then answers listener questions on structuring summer breaks, navigating academic publication, long-term content creation, balancing multiple roles (case study), developing side hustles, and improving college focus. The episode concludes with a reaction to recent news about the slowing progress in AI scaling and its implications.
Cal Newport discusses the benefits of slow productivity, drawing lessons from famous authors, and addresses listener questions on email management, reading habits, and career strategies. The episode also explores the concept of "AI welfare" and its potential as a public relations tactic, questioning the likelihood of AI consciousness in the near future. The episode also includes calls on creative work and inbox zero success.
Cal Newport analyzes Tyler Cowen's argument for the benefits of internet use, finding common ground while distinguishing between algorithmic and non-algorithmic online experiences. He emphasizes the importance of non-algorithmic internet for genuine connection and suggests strategies for balancing digital and real-world social lives. The episode also covers deep work strategies, parenting, career planning, and a review of books read in April.
Cal Newport explores the challenges of achieving Inbox Zero, revisiting Merlin Mann's original advice and explaining why it often fails today. He offers a more effective strategy focused on utilizing task management systems and organizing messages by context to reduce brain strain. Cal also reacts to Craig Mod's approach to deep presence and digital minimalism during long walks in Japan, connecting it to the pursuit of a more meaningful life.
Cal Newport analyzes Sam Altman's 2018 productivity essay, discussing concepts like compound growth, prioritization, and time management. He then answers listener questions on topics such as administrative tasks, deep work scheduling, and career capital. The episode concludes with a discussion on a dystopian AI prediction for 2027 and the future of AI development, offering alternative perspectives on the discussed potential risks and business models.
Cal Newport and architect David Dewane explore how to architect a deep life through intentionality, environmental design, and managing expectations. They discuss creating spaces conducive to deep work, the Collins Score for measuring flourishing, and lifestyle-centric planning, while advocating for a balanced approach to productivity and personal satisfaction.
Cal Newport revisits a time management system he created 20 years ago, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses for modern knowledge workers. He emphasizes full capture, intentional time use, and low friction, while also stressing the need for focus in today's distraction-filled world. The episode further addresses listener questions on quarterly planning, reading habits, task management, communication skills, and managing multiple time zones.
Cal Newport discusses the overlooked 'secondary harms' of phone use, focusing on lost connections and autonomy. He contrasts this with 'primary harms' like radicalization, and advocates for intentional living. The episode includes listener questions, a student case study, and book reviews, offering practical strategies for a deeper, more meaningful life.
Cal Newport discusses aggressive strategies for resisting the dumbing-down effects of smartphones, including interval training, dialectical reading, and digital diets, to cultivate a sharper mind. He addresses listener questions on career changes, rewarding merit, finding niche online communities, and supporting partners in building a deep life. He also explores how AI models "reason" in the tech corner.
Cal Newport examines an article questioning whether humans have passed peak intelligence, exploring the role of smartphones and attention-grabbing apps. He suggests practical steps individuals can take to counteract this trend, emphasizing cognitive exercise routines and mindful technology use. The episode also features listener questions on career strategy and a tech corner discussing a blind spot in AI discussions.
Cal Newport discusses how a human-centric approach, borrowed from computer security, can help knowledge workers combat burnout by focusing on sustainable practices over isolated efficiency. He addresses listener questions on task management, AI's impact, and saying no to requests, offering practical strategies for a deeper, more intentional work life. The episode also covers lifestyle-centric planning and the distinctions between AGI and superintelligence.
Cal Newport discusses a minimal viable productivity system, including task, workload, and time management. He also answers listener questions about passion vs purpose, capturing podcast ideas, project work with PhD students, and navigating values in federal work. The episode wraps up with a tech corner on AGI and AI safety.
Cal Newport, Brad Stulberg, and Clay Skipper dissect the concept of "greatness" in today's society, exploring the tension between performative displays of success and genuine skill. They analyze Elon Musk's work ethic, discuss the impact of social media, and differentiate between pseudo and real productivity. The conversation navigates the complexities of ambition, fulfillment, and the pursuit of excellence, offering practical advice for listeners to define and achieve their own versions of greatness.
Cal Newport discusses cultivating a meaningful life by using a "Good Life Algorithm", emphasizing iterative changes over grand leaps, inspired by Jim Collins' data-driven approach. He also answers listener questions on topics like managing news stress, relationships, and productivity, while reviewing the books he read in February. The episode highlights strategies for deep work, slow productivity, and resisting shallow distractions for a more fulfilling existence.
Cal Newport discusses overload and productivity using a shipwreck metaphor, drawing from Tim Ferriss's upcoming book on saying "no." He explores the balance between productivity systems and consciously limiting commitments. Cal also answers listener questions on AI's impact, digital decluttering, deep work, and offers advice on reclaiming focus through alternative activities.
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...
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...
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 ...
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 read...
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...
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...
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...
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: 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 o...
