Cal Newport

Episode Description: In this From the Archive episode, James talks with Cal Newport about a simple but uncomfortable idea: most people are working hard on the wrong things. Newport breaks down the difference between deep work —focused, cognitively demanding effort that produces rare and valuable output—and shallow work , which fills time but doesn’t move the needle. In a world engineered to fragment attention, the ability to focus without distraction is becoming both rarer and more valuable. The conversation moves from theory to application. Newport explains why “follow your passion” is misleading, how career capital actually drives opportunity, and why deliberate practice—not repetition—is what builds real skill. The thread tying it together is practical: if you want meaningful work and success, you have to train your ability to concentrate and aggressively eliminate distractions. What makes this episode useful is that it reframes productivity entirely. It’s not about working more hours or hustling harder—it’s about doing fewer things, better, with full attention. What You’ll Learn: Why becoming “so good they can’t ignore you” is more reliable than chasing passion The difference between deep work and shallow work—and why most people overvalue the latter How career capital (rare and valuable skills) creates leverage for autonomy and success Why deliberate practice—not repetition—is the fastest path to mastery How attention residue and constant distraction quietly destroy cognitive performance Timestamped Chapters: [02:00] The attention economy and why distraction is engineered [02:17] The “deep life” and prioritizing focus [03:01] Why success comes from rare and valuable output [04:16] Why better content beats growth hacks [05:00] “Be so good they can’t ignore you” explained [05:57] Why deep work is becoming rare—and valuable [06:29] The Steve Martin story and mastery over shortcuts [08:08] Innovation only happens at the cutting edge [09:00] Why passion is often discovered, not predefined [10:00] Passion follows skill—not the other way around [11:11] Career capital: what it is and why it matters [13:00] How to build leverage in your career [14:53] Real-world example: designing a flexible life through skill [16:00] Deliberate practice vs repetition [17:34] Why discomfort is required for improvement [19:50] The cost of distraction and attention fragmentation [20:20] The “deep life” as an intentional lifestyle [21:21] Why eliminating low-value communication matters [23:25] Training focus as a skill, not a habit [25:00] Fighting your brain and attention residue [27:00] How deep work

Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? If there was one word to describe modern digital tools, it would be “fast.” But not everyone thinks this is better. In today’s episode, Cal explores the concept of “slow technology” – the embrace of tools that have fewer features and more friction, but nonetheless produce better work and more satisfaction. His guide in this effort is the acclaimed children’s book author Amy Timberlake, who talks to Cal about her recent shift to using a mechanical typewriter. Cal then reviews other examples of slow technology in action, and then proposes several general principles for applying the philosophy in your own life. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to podcast@calnewport.com. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? (w/ Amy Timberlake) [3:20] INBOX: - A book about spiritual sloth [1:03:49] - What is Cal’s opinion about Yuval Harai’s thoughts on AI? [1:05:22] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Deep or Crazy: 2nd edition signed Andromeda Strain for HQ? [1:18:29] - Myth buster gear: display in HQ [1:20:13] - 400th episode [1:23:01] Books: Magic Journey (Kevin Rafferty) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/02/why-some-are-returning-to-mp3-players https://ugmonk.com/blogs/journal/analog-the-simplest-productivity-system https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240102-oppenheimer-and-the-resurgence-of-blu-ray-and-dvds-were-now-in-the-age-of-streaming-anxiety https://ignatius.com/the-noonday-devil-ndevp https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32240681755 Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: https://www.betterhlep.com/deepquestions https://www.calderalab.com/deep https://www.mybodytutor.com https://www.grammarly.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need social media? Which services? For what purposes? These are complicated questions and in today’s episode Cal proposes a simple route to answers: conducting a “social media pause.” To help investigate this strategy, Cal is joined by T.K. Coleman, of The Minimalists, to talk about a social media pause that they tried and the surprising results it generated. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia IDEAS SEGMENT: Interview with T.K. Coleman [3:26] INBOX: - Focused work in early modern time [1:00:18] - Tool suggestion from a programmer [1:05:10] - Staring at a painting for three hours [1:13:26] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Changes to the show [1:18:44] - What Cal read [1:20:04] - What Cal watched [1:21:34] - Renovation of Maker Lab [1:25:38] The Age of Extraction (Tim Wu) John and Paul (Ian Leslie) Movies: Train Dreams The Hurt Locker Three Days of the Condor Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgMUBMqrE7M https://www.reddit.com/r/ObsidianMD/comments/161jik7/please_share_how_you_use_obsidian_for_task/ Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”) https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off https://www.mybodytutor.com https://www.wayfair.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last month, the Atlantic reported that film students are now struggling to sit through entire films. In this episode, Cal argues that this is both an issue and an opportunity. The fact we can’t watch full movies indicates the impact of digital tools on our brains is worse than we assumed. But in this problem, we also find a solution: maybe teaching ourselves to become better movie watchers can be the first step to reclaiming our own minds. Cal then dissects a viral AI essay that seems to have everyone worried (spoiler: Cal’s not impressed), reads a reader note about social media and the Olympics, and gives an update on his next book project. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [2:36] NEWS AND NOTES SEGMENT: Something Big is Happening [31:23] Digital Minimalism and the Olympics [49:31] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [56:03] Attensity The Lost Island (Eilis Dillon) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/ fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/ Thanks to our Sponsors: pipedrive.com/deep drinkag1.com/deep butcherbox.com/deep grammarly.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There remains a gap between the production values of professional streaming services like Netflix and independent content that appears on platforms like YouTube. But what happens when that gap disappears? In the ideas segment of today’s episode, Cal sends a correspondent to investigate a fascinating new “micro-streaming” service producing Netflix-quality shows with a small team. Then, in the practices segment, he explains why he spent $60 on a single productivity application. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Are “Micro-Streamers” the Future of Media? [3:12] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Why Cal Spent $60 on a Task App? [36:33] QUESTIONS: How can I find time to become a Biblical scholar? [45:25] Should I freak out about this AI Superintelligence article? [49:23] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [57:41] The Hidden Book in the Bible (Richard Elliott) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.masterclass.com/calnewport https://culturedcode.com/things/ Thanks to our Sponsors: 1password.com/deep cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP” for 20% off) calderalab.com/deep shopify.com/excellence Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there something rotten in the state of AI reporting at the moment? In the ideas segment of this episode, Cal details three common traps in AI coverage that distort or distract from the reality of this technology. Once you know what to look for, these traps become easy to avoid – greatly improving your experience when trying to keep up to date on the latest advancements. Then, in the practice segment, Cal asks why morning routines have become so popular among young people. His explanation (hint: it involves the fight for depth in a distracted world) uncovers new ideas about how to make morning routines actually useful. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Is AI Reporting Broken? [1:43] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Rethinking Morning Routines [29:27] QUESTIONS: Did I see somewhere that you’re filming a MasterClass? [41:24] Now that David Brooks left the NYT, will he start a Substack? [46:25] Cal reacts to comments [48:25] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [50:45] Time Freedom (Brian Heriott) ARC The Vampire, The Tutor, and the Madman (Josh Douglas) One Direction (Charles Duhigg) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? qz.com/amazon-layoffs-ai-tech-job-losses cnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.html calnewport.com nytimes.com/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.html nypost.com/2026/01/31/tech/moltbook-is-a-new-social-media-platform-exclusively-for-ai/ news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46838834 youtube.com/@WesRoth/videos youtube.com/@airevolutionx/videos youtube.com/watch?v=JoQG25gQyRg newyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infighting Thanks to our Sponsors: factormeals.com/deep50off monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”) pipedrive.com/deep mybodytutor.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s natural to feel ambition, as we’re wired to find great satisfaction in accomplishing hard goals. But what impact has the internet had on this instinct? To help explore this question, author Brad Stulberg, author of the new book THE WAY OF EXCELLENCE, joins Cal during the ideas segment to explore ways in which the internet hijacks our drive, and what we can do about it. Then, in the practice segment, Cal provides the 2026 of his evolving advice for escaping email and IM overload in your job. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Is the internet hijacking ambition? [4:16] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Escaping messaging hell [1:03:06] QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Have new AI tools actually been as transformative as claimed? [1:23:49] CAL RESPONDS TO COMMENTS [1:38:15] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:44:52] Future Boy (Michael J. Fox) The Unauthorized Story of Disney’s Haunted Mansion (Jeff Baham) Links: Get The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063385945/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-school-with-shilo-brooks/id1841566275 instagram.com/p/DFh_mNGSvuZ/?img_index=2 microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workday reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1o2g1xq/with_all_the_billions_trillions_going_into_it/ calnewport.com/a-world-without-email/ Thanks to our Sponsors: mybodytutor.com monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”) pipedrive.com/deep meetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite some initial skepticism, Jonathan Haidt’s crusade against kids using smartphones has been more or less completely vindicated. Which got us thinking: what’s he worried about next? In the ideas segment, Cal looks closer at three new technological harms that Haidt has begun sounding the alarm about. Then, in the practices segment, he details a somewhat eccentric technology strategy that he and his wife have deployed in their own home to keep their kids away from smartphones. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: What’s worrying Jon Haidt? [0:04] PRACTICES SEGMENT: Should you buy a landline (Cal just did…) [50:44] QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS: Can we put the social media and video game genies back in their lamp? [1:08:55] Can an artist avoid using social media? [1:13:01] Cal responds to comments [1:16:33] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:19:31] 20th Century Fox (Scott Eyman) In the Shadow of Man (Jane Goodall) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? docs.google.com/document/d/1w-HOfseF2wF9YIpXwUUtP65-olnkPyWcgF5BiAtBEy0/edit?tab=t.0 x.com/kevinroose/status/2001464352491311196 afterbabel.com/p/smartphone-gambling-is-a-disaster fanduel.com afterbabel.com/p/its-not-just-a-game-anymore afterbabel.com/p/dont-give-your-child-an-ai-companion futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-toys-danger instagram.com/reel/DO_7TzvEkzO/?hl=en tincan.kids punkt.ch/products/mp02-4g-minimalist-phone aliexpress.us/item/3256810412310495.html nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-lite-turquoise Thanks to our Sponsors: 1password.com/deep cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”) notion.com/cal calderalab.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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'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: Drowning, Treading, or Swimming [6:27] - Will AI productivity gains reduce quality? [27:30] - Can you elaborate on the Digital Declutter? [33:38] - Is reading a book considered deep work? [38:41] - What are Cal’s thoughts on content aggregator services such as Inoreader? [43:49] - Can a large team with ever-changing demands avoid pseudo-productivity? [51:47] - CALL: Dealing with doom-scrolling [58:31] CASE STUDY: A UFC announcer applies Cal’s principles [1:07:40] CAL REACTS: Productivity Meme [1:19:42] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? tim.blog/2025/01/13/the-no-book/ Thanks to our Sponsors: expressvpn.com/deep zocdoc.com/deep oracle.com/deepquestions landroverusa.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 - 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 retirement? [48:00] - CAL REACTS: Elon and Twitter [54:30] - Is cal still using his ReMarkable? [1:03:17] - What’s Cal’s post-mortem on his latest book? [1:08:10] FINAL SEGMENT: Checking in on Cal’s New Year Plan [1:26:10] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/see-how-elon-musks-online-audience-dwarfs-donald-trumps/?itid=hp_world-biz-tech_p006_f008 Thanks to our Sponsors: notion.com/cal drinklmnt.com/deep blinkist.com/deep zbiotics.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: The Tao of Cal [2:53] - Why is time blocking more demanding than using a weekly template? [25:04] - Is moving to the country a bad idea? [29:54] - How can I consolidate my email accounts without being stressed out? [34:47] - What’s the best approach to read for general knowledge? [36:20] - How do I apply Slow Productivity without losing career capital? [43:12] - CALL: Should I adjust my deep life lifestyle? [45:58] CASE STUDY: Cultivating the deep work muscle [56:38] CAL REACTS (e.g., Rants): “Productivity” Tracking Software [1:05:58] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1gwg7rk/employee_monitoring_software_has_gone_off_the/?rdt=41693 Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep grammarly.com/podcast shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the more viral suggestions from Cal’s recent book, SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, was to occasionally skip out of work to see a movie. In this episode, Cal dives deep into criticisms of this advice and decodes what this tells us about where knowledge work is faltering and how we can make things better. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to some productivity advice given from a well-known CEO. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: [7:47] - Can I work deeply in my chaotic job? [27:17] - Can I use my inbox as a task list? [31:36] - How do you look at travel within your plans for a deep life? [35:12] - How can I get my partner to stop talking about work? [41:14] - How do I practice slow productivity with health issues? [44:54] - CALL: How can I decide on what career path to pursue? [49:14] CASE STUDY: Switching careers after a 20 year law stint [56:11] CAL REACTS: The CEO Who Swears by Time Blocking [1:05:04] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? cnbc.com/2024/05/09/want-to-boost-your-productivity-hit-the-movies-during-work-expert-says.html cnbc.com/amp/2024/09/09/whole-foods-ceo-swears-by-time-blocking-to-boost-productivity.html Thanks to our Sponsors: mybodytutor.com blinkist.com/deep cozyearth.com/deep rhone.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Weekly Templates [3:29] - How does Cal schedule his evening writing sessions? [26:08] - How can I leverage my current career capital to become an entrepreneur? [30:30] - How do I find time for non-urgent but interesting deep work? [35:59] - Is afternoon deep work possible? [39:16] - Can I use slow productivity to help prepare for a job interview? [45:49] - CALL: How do I not be reactionary during my busy season? [51:42] CASE STUDY: Using Cal’s toolkit while working in the Peace Corps [56:52] FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in August 2024 [1:06:05] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions zocdoc.com/deep notion.com/cal ladderlife.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: The Surprising Math of Doing Less [3:33] - How do I improve my discipline? [20:01] - How do you break down a complicated problem? [31:04] - CALL: Has Cal read “Stolen Focus”? [34:07] The Books I Read in April 2022 [40:28] LISTENER CALL: Playbook for writing in The New Yorker [1:05:30] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deep indeed.com/deep shopify.com/deep factormeals.com/deep50 Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Jon M. Chu, the director of the new WICKED film adaptation. 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: Structured journaling [6:10] - What does Cal think of goal planning systems? [30:32] - How can college students cultivate a deep life? [32:44] - Can I live a deep life as a lawyer? [40:19] - How does Cal keep track of the books he wants to read? [46:19] - I finish all my work in a single day. Is this unethical? [49:15] - How do I cultivate a deep life in a busy career? [53:11] - CALL: Should I leave a perfect job? [56:54] CASE STUDY: Career capital theory in action [1:02:38] FINAL SEGMENT: Jon M. Chu on Creativity and Hard Work [1:10:05] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02540-0 nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02381-x Thanks to our Sponsors: grammarly.com/podcast mybodytutor.com rhone.com/cal shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Rethinking Discipline [5:44] - Should I work harder at finding a job? [36:13] - How can I measure the Discipline layer of the Deep Life Stack? [39:38] - How do I stay off my phone in times of stress? [44:34] - How can I regain the control over my phone that I once had in college? [48:44] - Does Cal only write on a laptop to avoid distractions? [51:54] - How can a new knowledge worker apply the slow productivity principles when starting a new job? [58:13] CASE STUDY: Shifting jobs between teaching and administration [1:04:10] FINAL SEGMENT: Battle of the Sheds [1:12:01] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/15sjr2h/lpt_request_how_to_stop_favoring_short_term/ ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958859/ sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121448.htm english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-07-06/cal-newport-the-man-who-never-procrastinates.html Thanks to our Sponsors: mintmobile.com/deep rhone.com/cal greenlight.com/deep blinkist.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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 Habits [2:46] - Can I keep my weekly plan in my workingmemory.txt file? [31:13] - Do you experience any pleasure during deep work? [33:39] - How many deep work sessions should I do each working week? [38:23] - How can I prioritize my goals in my personal life? [40:58] - Does the suggestion to “limit daily goals” conflict with time blocking? [44:09] CASE STUDY: Building my career around a desired lifestyle [45:53] CAL REACTS: Countering Pushback to Limiting Social Media for Kids [54:26] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/27/social-media-warning-label-surgeon-general-counterarguments/ english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2024-07-06/cal-newport-the-man-who-never-procrastinates.html Thanks to our Sponsors: grammarly.com/podcast cozyearth.com/cal mybodytutor.com drinklmnt.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 listeners and reviews the five books he read in June. 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 Power of the Quiet Mind [3:58] - What are the benefits of walking meditation? [29:13] - How can a new dad find time to advance his career? [34:16] - How do I manage a temporary increase in admin responsibilities? [38:48] - How can my son organize his sports and school schedule? [43:31] - How can I do less when my colleagues are getting ahead for doing more? [45:54] - CALL: Pre-scheduling with a pull system [51:14] CASE STUDY: Collaborating with colleagues to effectively do hard work [57:54] FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in June 2024 [1:08:05] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors: indeed.com/deep notion.com/cal shopify.com/deep expressvpn.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: Is Time Blocking Oppressive? [2:38] - Can Cal elaborate on his experience with his Acceptance and Commitment therapy? [26:46] - How can I sustain my deep life program? [35:03] - How can I stop my girlfriend from always checking her phone? [38:07] - How long are your time blocks in your planner? [43:07] - How do I obsess over quality with filling into procrastination? [47:07] - CALL: Getting back on track after travel [55:10] CASE STUDY: Adopting principles from Cal’s book to design my life [1:00:11] CAL REACTS: Deep Questions featured at Apple’s WWDC! [1:10:32] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51 shows.acast.com/farewell/episodes/045-the-reason-you-cant-ever-get-through-your-to-do-list-wit developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2024/102/ Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deep cozyearth.com/cal mintmobile.com/deep policygenius.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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: Re-Enchanting Work [5:39] - What are Cal’s health habits? [31:12] - What’s the difference between discipline and rituals? [34:08] - How does Cal read so much? [37:37] - What are Cal’s writing-related rituals? [40:44] - Should I go slow in my job hunting? [45:05] - CALL: Working at a natural pace as a teacher [49:47] - CALL: How to navigate the “pull system” [54:31] CASE STUDY: Organizing files in a household [1:00:57] CAL REACTS: Manchester’s United’s Pseudo-Productivity [1:11:13] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ calnewport.com/adventure-studying-an-unconventional-new-approach-to-exam-preperation/ calnewport.com/bonus-post-an-adventure-studying-case-study/ instagram.com/p/B1y5dV3HSC9/?igshid=1r2acwbmfztew apcc.org/pond-stories-mary-olivers-blackwater-pond-provincetown/ scottishfield.co.uk/scotland-travel/the-black-heart-of-scots-crime-writer-ian-rankin/ calnewport.com/the-power-of-the-outdoor-office/ calnewport.com/deep-habits-my-office-in-the-woods/ theguardian.com/football/article/2024/may/08/sir-jim-ratcliffe-manchester-united-remote-work-ban-email-traffic theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/hybrid-work-attention-productivity/677598/ Thanks to our Sponsors: shopify.com/deep blinkist.com/deep listening.com/deep drinklmnt.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices