Episode description

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/CalNewport

Please 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 tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS
 * Optimizing deep work retreats [17:57]
 * Pomodoro versus longer focus sessions [23:02]
 * Timeblocking in advance [24:55]
 * How to choose a new career [26:42] 
 * Balancing quality and quantity in research [32:44]
 * Deep work for managers [37:31]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 * Online information gathering without distraction [45:35]  
 * Tracking academic papers [48:53]
 * P vs NP [52:24] 
 * Life without Facebook [58:30]


BACKSTAGE PASS: Meeting Tristan Harris and HQ updates [1:06:49]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 * Deep work and leisure activities [1:14:30]
 * Non-digital interaction in the age of COVID [1:18:49]
 * Deep work when dealing with mental health issues [1:25:19]
 * Thinking for yourself in an age of information overload [1:32:34] 


Offer links from this episode's sponsors:
 * Optimize.me/deep
 * ExpressVPN.com/deep
 * Purple.com/deep10


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.