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The Cal Newport Show

A podcast about human flourishing in a technological world. Hosted by Cal Newport, an MIT-trained computer professor and bestselling author of numerous books on technology and its impacts, including DEEP WORK, DIGITAL MINIMALISM, A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL, and SLOW PRODUCTIVITY. New episodes weekly.

Cal Newport

What happens when neat theoretical ideas about productivity are deployed in the messy real world? In this episode, Cal is joined by Haley Pulli, a productivity coach from the company DoneDaily, to discuss case studies of clients who initially struggled with some of Cal’s ideas and how they ultimately fixed the issues.



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



(0:00) When productivity theory meets practice

(4:26) Time blocking

(14:50) Multi-scale planning

(24:16) Deep work

(43:05) Attention residue

(50:05) Shutdown ritual

(54:05) Obsess over quality

(1:00:07 ) Shallow work



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/



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions

https://www.calderalab.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.quo.com/deep

https://www.masterclass.com/cal



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Ben Crain and Rob Montz for video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Productivity Theory Meets Practice

Tesla’s recent demo of a rocket-powered Roadster doing a kick-flick over a parked car touched a nerve in me. It seemed to epitomize changes to the tech sector in recent years that have been largely negative. In this short episode, I jump on the mic to explain some of my developing thoughts surrounding these ideas. 

More from Cal

Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas
Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books
Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:40 Factor 1: Growth companies vs. stable companies
05:40 Factor 2: Engagement-pilling
08:00 Factor 3: Building useful products is hard
10:43 Why this is a problem — and what we can do about it
13:49 Outro

Credits:

Podcast Production: Jesse Miller
Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler
Theme Music: Jay Kerstens
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Did Big Tech Stop Building Useful Products?

A lot of attention has been paid recently to examples of AI going “rogue.” What’s missing from this discussion, however, is a more detailed explanation of what specific types of systems are causing problems. Taking a closer look at this problem reveals an issue that’s much more narrow and much more avoidable than some of the frontier labs would like you to believe.



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



(0:00) Rogue AI not inevitable. It’s a choice. 

(54:00) The legal implications of rogue AI

(1:00:03) Rogue AI sending advice emails

(1:07:41) A reaction to the recent episode about “chatbots harming kids”

(1:16:52) What Cal is up to



October books:

 

Telephone: The first hundred years (John Brooks)



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/

https://openai.com/index/how-we-monitor-internal-coding-agents-misalignment/

https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Paul-Ohm-Testimony.pdf

https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-ai-agent-emailed-hundreds-researchers-help-it-told-us-why

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/09/opinion/children-screens-parents-health.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/technology/openai-attack-hugging-face.html?eafs_enabled=false

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/technology/openai-ai-breach-australia.html?eafs_enabled=false

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/anthropics-claude-ai-submitted-false-murder-tip-to-philadelphia-police/



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP” for 20% off)

https://www.gusto.com/deep

https://www.meetfabric.com/deep

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Ben Crain and Rob Montz for video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Rogue” AI Not Inevitable. It’s a Choice.

How do we stop from becoming so reliant on LLMs that we lose our ability to think. A new paper explores answers based on an unlikely source: rigorous mathematical models. In this episode, Cal explains the paper and its conclusions, arguing that once you cut through its complexity it yields a useful way of thinking about our current AI moment.



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



(0:00) An unlikely team tackles AI brain rot

(38:08) What are Cal’s thoughts on how Jesse Singal describes AI?

(56:29) A look at some vision documents

(1:00:42) Cal’s advice for a parenting situation

(1:03:16) What Cal is up to



October books:



Simplify (Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz)



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/

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2609.03344

https://thedispatch.com/article/artificial-intelligence-hugging-face-security-death/



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off (Use code “DEEP50OFF”)

https://www.calderalab.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.notion.com/cal

https://www.mybodytutor.com



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Ben Crain and Rob Montz for video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Unlikely Team Tackles AI Brain Rot

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Cal interviews Emile Torres who provides a stark warning about AI.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) A stark warning from a former AI doomer

(2:01) Interview with Emile Torres

(1:13:57) Cal recaps the interview with Emile



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Ben Crain and Rob Montz for video editing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Stark Warning From a Former AI Doomer

One of the more debilitating experiences in our current digital world is the sense of being trapped in relentless, reactive, busyness. This “whirlwind” can separate you from both ambition and presence, leaving you feeling flat and fried. In this episode, Cal discusses a simple trick he deploys when he finds himself in this state. It requires only a single sheet of paper.

More from Cal

Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas
Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books
Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen



(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:25) Why Overload Makes Life Feel Flat

(00:05:17) The Two Plus Five Plan

(00:21:54) The Long-Term Fix: Workload Management

(00:26:04) Office Hours: Rebuilding After a Health Crisis

(00:31:50) Landlining and Taming Your Phone

(00:46:54) Talking to AI, Star Trek Style

(00:55:57) September Books and Studio Update

Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.superhuman.com

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep

https://www.scribe.how/deep



Credits:

Podcast Production: Jesse Miller
Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler
Theme Music: Jay Kerstens
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Combating the Whirlwind with a Single Sheet of Paper

The conversation around AI harms has become incredibly heated in recent weeks. But it's also incredibly confusing. In this short explainer episode, Cal walks through the three major categories of beliefs around AI in the current moment and helps explain who belongs where and how they all relate to each other. If you're trying to keep up with AI news you have need to learn this framework.



Chapters:

(0:00) Intro

(1:01) Why the debate is so heated

(2:01) Group 1: The Doomers (rationalists and effective altruists)

(9:12) Anthropic, OpenAI, and the doomer civil war

(14:03) Group 2: The Accelerationists

(17:51) Group 3: The Centrists

(24:00) The full landscape and the fight over regulation



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/⁠



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Insider's Guide to AI Doom

With all the recent discussion of the potential catastrophic impacts AI might cause in the future, we’re losing track of the significant harms it is already causing right now. In this episode, Cal goes deep into a serious and tragic topic that he recently learned about in a panel discussion about children and technology. He has an urgent warning for parents that has implications for all of us as well.



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



(0:00) Kids should not use Chatbots

(39:52) What is Cal’s opinion of a recent NY Times article about dumb phones?

(45:04) How should I apply Slow Productivity when my company rewards quick email turnaround?

(51:00) What happens when the craftsman mindset doesn’t yield results?

(56:30) Cal’s reaction to Ezra Klein’s article on AI

(1:10:51) What Cal is up to



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/

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545749/ai-chatbots-safety-openai-meta-characterai-teens-suicide

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3xgwyywe4o

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/parents-allege-harmful-character-ai-chatbot-content-60-minutes/

https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/04/08/alleged-florida-state-shooter-used-chatgpt-plan-attack-victims-attorneys-claim/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12967755/

https://parentstogetheraction.org/character-ai/

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/opinion/dumbphone-smartphone-friendship.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/opinion/ai-ban-self-improvement-recursive-models.html?eafs_enabled=false

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.masterclass.com/deep

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kids Should *Not* Use Chatbots! (You Should Be Wary, Too…)

A recent New York Times op-ed reveals the true nature of “brain rot,” and in doing so reveals a much larger problem affecting us all. In this episode, Cal explores this broader problem then draws from an unlikely source from his childhood to help identify a dramatic solution.



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



(0:00) The truth about brain rot

(31:31) Will you address Immanuale Kants “Critique of Pure Reason” in your upcoming book about thinking?

(33:42) What is the difference between the strategic plan and vision document?

(36:59) Can I buy the “Deep Life” on pre-order?

(39:30) Cal discusses his recent newsletters 

(41:54) My small business uses Claude. Is that ok?

(44:45) Are any AI companies responsible to use?

(45:28) The truth about LLMs

(45:45) What are some AI book recommendations?

(46:42) AI and regulation

(50:25) What Cal is up to?



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/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePNs-G7puA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIeeDcnu9Ck

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/opinion/gen-z-tiktok-ig-reels.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlnmQbPGuls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRKcUtOkbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_zYn-HHcyA

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.quo.com/deep

https://www.gusto.com/deep

https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Truth About Brain Rot

After a week spent debating AI’s impact on humanity, Cal wants to turn his attention back to AI’s impact on humans. To support this shift, he brings on the writer Brad Stulberg who recently decided that he was “done” with AI. They explore whether this is a resistance movement in the making…



Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

More from Cal

Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas
Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books
Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen

Chapters

(0:00) A new paper calls LLMs a "cognitive virus"

(4:03) Brad gave AI a real shot — then quit

(8:13) Why everything online now sounds the same

(13:22) Plank 1: Effort, struggle, and the click-of-a-button economy

(20:11) You can take a gondola to the summit, but you didn't climb it

(28:30) Plank 2: AI is an average maker

(33:39) AI swirl: pseudo-productivity turned up to 11

(49:40) Treat AI like ultra-processed food

(55:08) Getting it off your phone, and the lesson of sports analytics

(1:00:13) Team Human and the humanist resistance

Sponsors:


https://www.horizon3.com/deep

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

https://www.notion.com/cal

https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off (Use code "deep50off")

Credits:

Podcast Production: Jesse Miller
Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler
Theme Music: Jay Kerstens
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The AI Resistance is Forming. (Should You Join?)

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) How Worrisome is GPT-6’s “Stealth Thinking”? 

(8:58) Reasoning models

(15:30) Astra

(21:02) The Good

(24:48) The Bad

(28:28) The Hype



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QNsdr-Qx_I

https://www.theinformation.com/articles/secret-technique-behind-openais-astra-model-sparks-security-concerns?rc=1ycz3a

https://x.com/_NathanCalvin/status/2094957301564092914

https://x.com/sjgadler/status/2094959837691908214?s=61

https://x.com/merettm/status/2095023204993490967?s=20

https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.11473



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Worrisome is GPT-6’s “Stealth Thinking”? | Tech Decoded

It’s that time of year again when Cal tunes up his organizational systems for the onslaught of the fall. In this episode, Cal walks through the exact system he’s personally adopting for the next few months. He also discusses why such systems are key to thriving in our current frenetic technological world, why it’s important to continue to tweak your systems, and best practices for constructing your own setup.



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



(0:00) How I’m organizing my life this fall

(24:36) An Irish novelist talks about her use of AI

(30:11) Developing a more balanced approach to tech products

(35:04) Cal’s opinion on an AI article

(41:55) Large corporations move away from all enterprise AI

(48:46) What Cal is up to



August 2026 Books



The New Dark Age (Nigel Biggar)



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/ 

https://culturedcode.com/things/

https://www.timeblockplanner.com/

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.superhuman.com

https://www.shopify.com/deep

https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.mybodytutor.com



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How I’m Organizing My Life this Fall | Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Does OpenAI create “secret AI civilizations”?

(1:59) What’s the deal with “agent swarms”?

(8:54) Should we be worried that the agents are plotting?

(17:39) How should we be thinking about all of this?



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.dwarkesh.com/p/openai-huggingface

https://calnewport.com/has-ai-gone-rogue/

https://calnewport.com/are-we-at-war-with-ai-agent-civilizations/



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did OpenAI Create “Secret AI Civilizations”? | Tech Decoded

Back in 2023, Cal released an episode on a lifestyle design strategy I called the Deep Life Stack. Today, almost three years later, Cal revisits this idea and replaces it with a more robust concept that he calls “The Deep Life Map.”



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



(0:00) Rethinking the Deep Life stack

(38:07) Too many interests and not enough time

(47:29) Voluntary attention regulates acute immune responses in humans

(55:34) A freelance musician and social media

(1:09:08) What Cal is up to 



August 2026 Books



An Inside Job (Daniel Silva)

Three Years in Wonderland (Todd James Pierce)



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.nature.com/articles/s41562-026-02541-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Cal-Newport/author/B001IGNR0U

https://x.com/RyanHoliday



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.surfshark.com/deepquestions

https://www.quo.com/deep

https://www.masterclass.com/deep

https://www.notion.com/cal



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rethinking the Deep Life Stack (Again!) | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Has AI “Gone Rogue”

(2:25) Observation #1 - Most Superhuman AI is well behaved

(4:28) Observation #2 - A specific type of AI system is causing these problems

(9:59) Observation #3 - This specific type of system is a bad idea

(21:25) Observation #4 - The AI companies are negligent

(27:04) Observation #5 - We can push back



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.anthropic.com/news/investigating-incidents-cybersecurity-evals

https://apnews.com/article/meta-ai-hacking-anthropic-irregular-openai-0e8061437da6779be962b24ac134a514

https://x.com/_NathanCalvin/status/2080685870877757551

https://huggingface.co/learn/agents-course/unit1/agent-steps-and-structure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwAOHVBKTwg



Sponsor:



https://www.donedaily.com



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has AI “Gone Rogue”? Let’s Look Closer… | Tech Decoded

In the world of physical health, we use so-called “key performance indicators” (KPIs) to help measure and improve our fitness. In today’s episode, Cal proposes a collection of three KPIs for measuring and improving your *cognitive* capabilities – a small step toward his larger vision of a cognitive fitness revolution.

 

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

 

(0:00) How to build a cognitive training plan

(29:48) What is Cal’s opinion on information fatigue syndrome?

(37:04) Comments on the new book, “Pardon Our French: The Parisian Way to a Happier Life”

(40:17) An interesting way to think about AI and thinking

(47:37) An article about Disneyland, high quality leisure, and deep living

(57:53) What Cal is up to 

 

August 2026 Books

 

The Laws of Thought (Tom Griffiths)

This is For Everyone (Tim Berners-Lee)

Into the Deep  (Bob Ballard and Christopher Drew)202

  

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://workplacepsychology.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/information-overload-when-information-becomes-noise/

https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2026/08/12/reading-between-the-lines-part-1-a-cognitive-framework-for-ai-in-scholarly-publishing/

https://pluralistic.net/2021/07/18/boredom-and-its-discontents-part-ii/

https://pluralistic.net/2026/08/12/insurance-value-of-biodiversity/

https://archive.ph/WvW1F


Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

https://www.calderalab.com/deep (Use code “DEEP)

https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions

https://www.gusto.com/deep

https://www.babbel.com/deep

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.



















































































Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How to Build a Cognitive Training Plan | Monday Advice

The best way to kick your scrolling habit is to introduce more “high quality leisure” into your life. But how do you accomplish this goal? In this replay of a classic episode from February, 2024, Cal walks through six new habits – what he calls a “high quality leisure toolkit” – for rebuilding your life around more meaningful activities.

  

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



(0:00) Confronting Your Phone 

(13:06) What does Cal think about Neil Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves To Death”? 

(17:45) Can you pursue high quality leisure after a day filled with deep work? 

(21:56) Can commercial breaks be used for high quality leisure? 

(25:04) Will digital minimalism work in an age of augmented reality? 

(31:26) How can a full time YouTuber practice digital minimalism? 

(38:34) How to share content online? 

(46:27) Cost-benefit analysis of technology usage 

(49:09) JRR Tolkien’s Search for Depth 



Links:



https://twitter.com/explore/tabs/trending

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/popular/hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/foryou?lang=en

https://newcriterion.com/blogs/dispatch/the-consolations-of-fantasy



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.shopify.com/deep

https://www.monarch.com (Use code “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

Classic Episode: How Do I Kick My Scrolling Habit? | Monday Advice

Only 8% of people finish their yearly goals. At the same time, the percentage of people feeling a sense of meaning of purpose in their life is falling. These two numbers are connected: the more we struggle to accomplish meaningful projects, the less meaningful our lives might feel. In this episode, Cal looks back to a classic article he wrote nearly twenty years ago to both better understand why this problem is getting worse and how we can solve it.



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



(0:00) How do I finish meaningful projects?

(39:36) A new study about children with cellphones having poorer reading comprehension 

(43:14) A nurse practitioner in search of deep work

(45:45) Using AI to improve both your work and life

(52:24) A recent Wall Street Journal article about AI and jobs

(1:00:07) What Cal is up to



July 2026 Books



Orality and Literacy (Walter Ong)

Lost (Rachel Harrington)

Sapiens (Yuval Harari)

More Everything Forever (Adam Becker)

Disneyland the Rise of Automation (Roland Bethencourt)

A Brief History of Intelligence (Max Bennett)



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.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/science-says-92-percent-of-people-dont-achieve-goals-heres-how-the-other-8-perce.html

https://news.gallup.com/poll/711836/gen-zers-missing-sense-meaning-purpose-life.aspx

https://calnewport.com/the-einstein-principle-accomplish-more-by-doing-less/

https://futureoftuesday.substack.com/p/techno-analog

https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/owning-a-cell-phone-associated-with-poorer-reading-comprehension-schoolchildren

https://www.wsj.com/business/big-companies-are-starting-to-hire-again-defying-predictions-of-ai-wipeout-f4974e99?mod=hp_lead_pos10



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.scribe.how/deep

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https://www.mybodytutor.com

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Do I Finish Meaningful Projects? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Does Open AI’s Astra mean AGI has arrived?

(3:07) What actually happened?

(11:35) What does this mean for mathematics?

(21:35) What does this mean for OpenAI? 



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://x.com/polynoamial/status/2083467194663571701

https://x.com/deanwball/status/2083545756003176724?s=61

https://x.com/kevinroose/status/2083632335438905441

https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2083595078233202919

https://x.com/polynoamial/status/2083478171975082334

https://x.com/__alpoge__/status/2083898804563243033

https://x.com/polynoamial/status/2083476852216369294

https://x.com/thomasfbloom/status/2083444983592284465



Sponsor:



https://www.donedaily.com



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does OpenAI’s Astra Mean AGI Has Arrived? | AI Reality Check

In this replay of a classic episode from January 1st, 2024, Cal walks through the process of learning hard things. The good news is that most people can learn most things. The bad news is that learning is harder than we think. This advice has never been more relevant for those looking to move past the easy dopamine hits offered by their devices and find something deeper.

  

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



(0:00) Learning hard things

(21:19) When it comes to taking notes, what really matters?

(27:32) Can I fit all of my hobbies into my week? 

(31:12) Can YouTube teach me to be a better student? 

(37:37) How do I figure out what to learn next? 

(39:54) How do I learn something fast when I already have a busy schedule?-

(46:24) CALL: How does “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” relate to “Slow Productivity”?

(56:17) CASE STUDY: Slow Productivity affinity group

(1:02:23) The 5 books Cal read in December 2023 



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions



December 2023 Books:



Home Economics (Wendell Berry)

Panora’s Box (Peter Biskind)

Where the Deer and the Antelope Play (Nick Offerman)

Who Wrote the Bible (Richard Elliott Friedman)

The Exodus (Richard Elliott Friedman)



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

Classic Episode: How Do I Learn Hard Things? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Did OpenAI’s model “go rogue”

(11:29) The implications

(11:42) Did this attack reveal surprising new capabilities we didn’t know AI systems possessed?

(12:48) Did the system’s decision to escape the test environment and autonomously attack another company indicate an emerging malicious intent in AI?

(16:28) What changed led to this attack occurring?

(27:32) Who should care about this story?



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://huggingface.co/blog/security-incident-july-2026

https://openai.com/index/hugging-face-model-evaluation-security-incident/

https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openai-models-escaped-and-hacked-a-company-in-cybersecurity-test-gone-wrong-ee388506

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5987397-openai-hugging-face-hack/

https://apnews.com/article/skynet-ai-terminator-artificial-intelligence-eb85da03a0161beaa5f3babc4331e93b

https://www.ft.com/content/7e558951-0c69-459b-8bc8-2c6021d4402d?syn-25a6b1a6=1

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/all-news/2011/08/dhs-anonymous-used-rudimentary-tools-to-hack-contractor/



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did OpenAI’s Model “Go Rogue”? | AI Reality Check

Why do digital detoxes fail to create lasting change? What works better? To answer these questions, Cal draws from the book “A Brief History of Intelligence” to reveal the relevant neuroscience at play, and then use this understanding to figure out a better method for improving your relationship with your devices.



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



(0:00) Why do digital detoxes fail?

(28:28) An article on the phone algorithm addiction

(35:13) Follow up on the Brad Stulberg interview

(40:21) A policy article on digital addiction

(52:34) Deep work in the age of AI

(57:46) What Cal is up to



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.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/us/politics/online-addictions-cut-back-screen-time.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/14/opinion/culture/phone-algorithm-addiction.html

https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/learn/goodharts-law.html

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/digital-addiction-public-health-problem-public-health-law-solution



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Why Do Digital Detoxes Fail? What Works Better? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport talks with Brad Stulberg to explain the optimization paradox in Episode 414 of the Deep Questions podcast.



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



(0:00) The Optimization Paradox

(2:12) Interview with Brad Stulberg

(35:12) Health optimization

(1:09:16) Tail end development

 

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?



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://wealthfront.com/deep

https://calderalab.com/deep

https://cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)



Cal Newport is not a Wealthfront client.

Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account: ⁠https://www.wealthfront.com/deep⁠. This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Cal Newport receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for paid endorsement in his podcast, creating a conflict of interest. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.  Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. If eligible for the overall boosted rate of 4.05% offered in connection with this promo, your boosted rate is also subject to change if the base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which can be found on ⁠wealthfront.com/deep⁠.  Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.












Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Am I Optimizing Too Much? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Anthropic’s new research report

(2:05) Digging into the paper

(3:32) High level tutorial on LLMs

(6:18) Detail on annotations

(13:50) What the Anthropic paper found

(20:39) Why this is interesting research

(26:28) Conclusion on consciousness



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.anthropic.com/research/global-workspace

https://x.com/RileyRalmuto/status/2074195587616964757

https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/anthropic-claude-ai-conscious

https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/07/09/1140293/anthropic-found-a-hidden-space-where-claude-puzzles-over-concepts/

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does Claude Have Private Thoughts? (Everyone Settle Down) | AI Reality Check

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you buy a beautiful notebook, excited by all its possibilities to help refine your thoughts and generate new insights. Then it sits unused until you forget about it. The problem is not *what* notebooks you own but instead *how* you use them. In this episode, Cal walks through the four different notebooks he owns, and the four different ways he uses them.



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



(0:00) Should I Use Notebooks More Often? (Cal’s Strategy) 

(30:11) Comments on a controversial article

(33:18 ) Statistics about smartphone bans in schools

(38:15) A practical question about remote work

(40:57) A question about focus and the World Cup

(46:08) What Cal is up to

(48:12) What Cal is reading



Books:



Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word (Walter Ong)

Lost (Rachel Hartigan)



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.msn.com/en-us/money/general/a-neurologist-claims-gen-z-has-a-lower-iq-than-millennials/ar-AA1XAIFu

https://x.com/JimenaJuani/status/2072095851816620191?s=20



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.superhuman.com

https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off

https://www.monarch.com/deep

https://www.mybodytutor.com



Cal Newport is not a Wealthfront client.



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should I Use Notebooks More Often? (Cal’s Strategy) | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

(0:00) Does business actually understand AI?
(2:52) Quote #2
(6:20) Taking a step back
(7:06) Quote #3
(11:39) Quote #4
(17:02) Idea for journalists

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/02/world/europe/germany-sap-ai-jobs-skilled-workers.html
https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/nvidia-ceo-begs-execs-stop-fired-ai
https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/technology/articles/marc-andreessen-says-every-large-033008122.html
https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/technology/articles/sam-altman-says-initially-wrong-132000485.html

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do Managers Actually Understand AI? (I’m Not So Sure.) | AI Reality Check

It’s a dream a lot of us have: to finally say “enough!”, and turn off the internet inside our homes, returning us to a lifestyle that requires more presence, introspection, and connection. But is this even possible? And what would it really be like? In this episode, Cal seeks answers to these questions by talking to Chris Moody, a journalism professor at Appalachian State, who lives with his wife and young son in a cabin with no internet, television, or cellular signal. 

 

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

 

(0:00) Should I turn off the internet?

(3:28) Interview with Chris Moody

(1:02:58) Cal’s closing remarks

 

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?

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

This show is sponsored by Better Help:

https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

https://www.shopify.com/deep

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep

  

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

 



























































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Should I Turn Off the Internet? (Lessons From a Family That Did) | Monday Advice

Back in 2019, Cal published one of the first books arguing that we rethink our personal relationship with online tools. Can his advice still work in an age of TikTok and ChatGPT? In today’s episode, Cal dives deep into the
r/DigitalMinimalism sub-reddit to see what advice contemporary digital
minimalists are following and offers his own thoughts and
recommendations. 

 

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

 

(0:00) Can I be a Digital Minimalist in 2026?

(39:13) How can I capture notes if I’m land lining?

(40:39) For cognitive fitness, is it better to be handwriting or typing?

(42:07) A note on art museum visits

(43:46) Reactions to an article about AI and software engineering

(49:39) What the Deep Life really is

(50:46) What Cal read

(52:08) What Cal watched

 

Books:

 The Jewish Way to a Good Life (Rabbi Shira Stuntman)

 

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=XeNNYMJwZtI

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1tv0k77/for_the_past_2_years_ive_been_living_like_its_the/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1to631b/three_years_of_digital_minimalism_the_rewiring_is/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1ty27lz/limited_my_14f_screen_time_to_3_hours_a_day_and/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1tm9rce/where_do_you_still_find_human_curation/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1txskw9/deciding_once_instead_of_every_morning_is_the/

https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1u74dob/ran_a_30day_intentional_solitude_experiment/

https://www.normaltech.ai/p/why-ai-hasnt-replaced-software-engineers

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions

https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep

https://www.expressvpn.com/deep

https://www.wealthfront.com/deep

 

Cal Newport is not a Wealthfront client.



Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account: https://www.wealthfront.com/deep. This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Cal Newport receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for paid endorsement in his podcast, creating a conflict of interest. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.  Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. If eligible for the overall boosted rate of 4.05% offered in connection with this promo, your boosted rate is also subject to change if the base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which can be found on wealthfront.com/deep.  Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.



































































Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can I Be a Digital Minimalist in 2026? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Stop the “doom trolling”

(6:53) Cal’s recent New York Times article

(9:00) Cal’s argument

(10:16) The 2nd option

(12:54) Conclusion

(15:58) Stop playing along with Doom Trolling game

(20:09) Use the term “doom trolling”



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/opinion/ai-dangerous-openai-anthropic.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.html

https://www.newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-have

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/opinion/anthropic-ai-claude-mythos.html

https://www.anthropic.com/institute/recursive-self-improvement

https://x.com/sapinker/status/2067231673268273547

https://x.com/edzitron/status/2067308832053936276



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dear AI Companies: Stop the “Doom Trolling” | AI Reality Check

Cal Newport explains about if you're lazy or overstimulated in episode 410 of the Deep Questions podcast.



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



(0:00) Am I lazy or overstimulated?

(28:29) A reaction to Cal’s recent New Yorker article

(38:23) Positive lessons from box offices  successes of Gen Z films 

(46:24) An old school tool for a woodshed

(47:32) A new solution to landlining

(49:30) What Cal is reading



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.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/instead-of-taking-your-job-ai-might-transform-it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKGhxMi50y8

https://aprilowens.substack.com/p/the-art-we-actually-need



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.scribe.how/deep

https://www.shopify.com/deep

https://www.cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.calderalab.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Am I Lazy or Overstimulated? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Was the Mythos ban justified?

(5:32) Is Fable 5 actually dangerous?

(11:03) Is Fable 5 without guardrails actually a unique national security concern?

(15:13) Should the government be more involved with AI?



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.anthropic.com/glasswing

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/technology/anthropic-ai-claude-fable-mythos.html

https://x.com/DavidSacks/status/2065853007619588171

https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/14/donald-trumps-blocking-of-anthropic-is-capricious-and-chaotic

https://x.com/deanwball/status/2066151868556865860

https://x.com/GaryMarcus/status/2066166713453060512

https://x.com/DavidSacks/status/2065853007619588171

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/opinion/anthropic-ai-claude-mythos.html

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/06/promoting-advanced-artificial-intelligence-innovation-and-security/



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was the Mythos Ban Justified? (Good Idea. Bad Execution.) | AI Reality Check

In the 1960s, doctors avoided people to avoid exercise. Then everything changed. Now physical fitness is a $100 billion industry. What would it look like if we got equally as serious about cognitive fitness? In this episode, Cal explores three tiers of cognitive fitness advice, ordered from least to most intense.



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



(0:00) Do I need a brain gym?

(32:54) Comments on reversing brain rot

(36:57) A disturbing new article from a college professor

(41:55) Do makers need longer blocks for deep work?

(47:25) What Cal is reading

(50:26) What Cal watched

(56:23) Where Cal went



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://charafeddine.co/letters/your-brain-is-about-to-need-a-gym

https://lanimuelrath.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Aerobics-Points-System.pdf

https://www.joshwaitzkin.com/training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9a2_KqzF7Y

https://archive.ph/XvPXE



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.shipstation.com (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.larridin.com

https://www.pipedrive.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do I Need a “Brain Gym”? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Are we about to lose control of AI?

(3:04) How much should we be afraid of recursive self improvement?

(7:52) Are these fears justified?

(9:36) Faster software development doesn’t equal smarter AI

(12:25) These tools are completely controllable

(16:52) Taking a step back



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.anthropic.com/institute/recursive-self-improvement



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are We About to Lose Control of AI? | AI Reality Check

Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to press pause on your busy life and take a moment to look toward new possibilities. But how is this possible if you can’t afford to literally stop everything and get away? In this episode, Cal explores different strategies for taking what he calls “mini-pauses” that can be integrated into even the most unforgiving of schedules.



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



(0:00) Should I press pause?

(10:46) Make a morning coffee shop loop

(11:33) Schedule a “doctors appointment”

(12:48) Book a 24-hour escape

(13:41) Fly to Asheville

(18:13) What will be your approach to your upcoming sabbatical?

(21:03)  Can you elaborate on the “think” component of read-think-write?

(28:55) What types of books do you read before bed?



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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omni_Grove_Park_Inn#/media/File:Grove_Park_Inn_-_Sunset_Terrace.jpg



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



This episode is sponsored by Better Help:

https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions

https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off

https://www.mybodytutor.com

https://www.calderlab.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Should I Press Pause? | Monday Advice

There has been lots of discussion recently about AI eliminating jobs. But what if the real fear is that AI will instead make existing jobs miserable? In this episode, Cal argues that LLM–based tools are poised to accelerate the worst aspects of pseudo-productivity to an absurd degree. He then shares five ideas for avoiding this fate in your own professional life.



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



(0:00) How Do I Escape the “Busyness Singularity”? 

(29:03) Reaction to Cal’s newsletter about LLMs

(33:35) Slow productivity for managers

(37:26) Efforts to improve cognitive fitness

(40:28) What Cal is reading

(42:21) What Cal is up to

Books:



In Defense of Food (Michael Pollan)



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.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/14/prepare-for-an-ai-jobs-apocalypse

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/technology/newsom-ai-executive-order-california.html

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workday

https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/burnout-2022-2023-slack-remote-work-future-forum

https://calnewport.com/on-god-and-llms/ 



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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How Do I Escape the “Busyness Singularity”? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Did AI just “solve” math?

(2:38) What OpenAI did

(6:30) Question #1 - Is this result that important?

(7:34) Question #2 - Does this mean LLMs are now smarter than human mathematicians?

(17:50) Question #3 - Does this mean all equally hard challenges will now be conquered by AI?

(23:27) Question #4 - What is the future of math?

(28:27) Concluding thoughts



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://openai.com/index/model-disproves-discrete-geometry-conjecture/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br4l9YjCyRU

https://x.com/PeterDiamandis/status/2058956956077871275

https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/74c24085-19b0-4534-9c90-465b8e29ad73/unit-distance-remarks.pdf

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Did AI Just “Solve” Math? (Let’s Take a Closer Look) | AI Reality Check

It’s common to feel like you don’t have enough time in your schedule to build a life that’s both professionally successful and personally deep. But is this true? In today’s episode, Cal interviews time management expert Laura Vanderkam about her new book, BIG TIME, which argues that with the right tweaks and mindset you might be able to start getting more out of your life right away. 

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

 

(0:00) How do I reclaim my schedule? (w/ Laura Vanderkam) 

(2:00) Eliminating distraction and prioritizing deep work

(1:08:18) Batching email responses

(1:13:25) Cal’s upcoming books

(1:18:51) What Cal is reading

(1:24:06) HQ update

 

Books:

 

Grow Healthier as You Grow Older (Kenneth Cooper)

The Ride of a Lifetime (Bob Iger)

MurderBot (Martha Wells)

 

Links:

Sign up for Cal’s newsletter at www.calnewport.com/ideas

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?

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions

https://www.shipstation.com/deep

https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.



































































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How Do I Reclaim My Schedule? (w/ Laura Vanderkam) | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

 

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

 

(0:00) Has AI conquered coding?

(3:21) Lars Faye quote

(5:25) Skipping the struggle step

(6:42) Point #1

(7:08) Point #2

(7:28) Point #3

(7:39) Point #4

(8:35) Solution

 

Links:


Sign up for Cal’s newsletter at www.calnewport.com/ideas
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://larsfaye.com/articles/agentic-coding-is-a-trap

https://www.infoworld.com/article/4143101/pity-the-developers-who-resist-agentic-coding.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has AI Conquered Coding? (It’s Not So Simple…) | AI Reality Check

Many of us ask the question if phone addiction is similar to other addictions. In this episode, Cal is joined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Lembke to explore this question. They dive deep into her book, Dopamine Nation, that captivated readers. 



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



(0:00) Am I addicted to my phone (w/ Anna Lembke)

(1:04:41) Digital minimalism and good uses for your phone

(1:14:31)  AI in academic publishing

(1:20:35) What I read

(1:24:10) What’s coming up



Books:



What to Make of a Life: Cliffs, Fog, Fire and the Self-Knowldge (Jim Collins)



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://internetaddictsanonymous.org/guide-for-newcomers/



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



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https://www.monarch.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.


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Am I Addicted to My Phone? (w/ Anna Lembke) | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

 

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

 

(0:00) Is AI about to “eat everything”?

(2:53) What does the METR chart measure?

(8:08) What do these measurements actually capture?

(12:31-) How are the models getting better? 

(21:26) Does this mean AI is about to “eat everything”?

(26:16) So, what’s with all of these hysterical tweets?

 

Links:

Buy Cal’s
latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://metr.org/time-horizons/

https://x.com/SydSteyerhart/status/2053082873847070911

https://x.com/AISafetyMemes/status/2053169358919328172

https://x.com/ramez/status/2041946766598402459?s=61

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Jay Kerstens for theme music.











































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Is AI About to “Eat Everything”? | AI Reality Check

A new research study reveals that a surprisingly simple intervention into your digital life can yield massive benefits in only two weeks. In this episode, Cal takes a deep dive into this paper, detailing: the intervention, why it works, and tips for increasing your chances of success.

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

 

(0:00) Do I need a digital intervention?

(27:06) AI and academic research

(33:56) Reversing brain rot with cognitive fitness

(37:08) Leaving your phone in the kitchen

(40:07) What Cal is reading

 

Books:

 

How Society Should Deal with Inequality (Frank Newport)

 

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://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf017/8016017

https://orgsci.substack.com/p/more-versus-better-part-i

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

This show is sponsored by Better Help:

https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions

https://www.larridin.com

https://www.calderalab.com/deep

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

































































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Do I Need a Digital Intervention? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



(0:00) Is the AI doom fever breaking?

(4:30) Have the AI CEOs changed their tuen?

(7:23) Why did they change?

(11:21) Why did they ever think this was a good idea?

(24:26) Conclusion



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFnoQkYUqgU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWxHOrn8-rs

https://x.com/sama/status/2050229058425045178

https://fortune.com/2026/05/02/jensen-huang-nvdia-ceo-god-complex-ai-apocalypse-warnings-shortages-critical-jobs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kpb8eu1pEY

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/03/opinion/ai-jobs-unemployment-silicon-valley.html

https://nickbostrom.com/existential/risks.pdf



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the AI Doom Fever Breaking? | AI Reality Check

What can an obscure theory of industrial productivity teach us about producing better results in a distracted world? In this episode, Cal is joined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author David Epstein to explore this question. They dive deep into a chapter of Epstein’s new book, INSIDE THE BOX, that makes a surprising connection between the so-called “Theory of Constraints” and personal productivity.



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



(0:00) How do I get busy to better?

(3:04) INTERVIEW: How Do I Get from Busy to Better? (w/ David Epstein)

(57:58) Post Interview chatter

(1:00:19) A suggestion to break digital news app addictions

(1:05:54) A reaction to a recent newsletter

(1:15:02) What Cal read

(1:16:29) What’s coming up



Books:



Kook (Peter Heller)



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://calnewport.com/who-asked-for-this/



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off

https://www.wayfair.com

https://www.mybodytutor.com

https://www.shopify.com/deep



Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Do Better Tools Make Me Worse at My Job? (w/ David Epstein) | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode also at: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



0:00 Is AI About to Automate Every Office Job? 
3:02 Other Tech Leaders Don’t Agree
5:49 -We Aren’t Seeing Enough Progress
14:09 -LLMS Are Limited
24:19 Conclusion 



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.reddit.com/r/AI4tech/comments/1r4tukp/microsoft_ai_ceo_mustafa_suleyman_says_most_if/

https://x.com/TheChiefNerd/status/2045947286518157395

https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1snhfzd/claude_opus_47_is_a_serious_regression_not_an/ 

https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2047376179414421957

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2025-in-review/why-ai-didnt-transform-our-lives-in-2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOmNa9inA4

https://www.ft.com/video/2c428045-bf4f-45bd-ada2-8ba53983cd81



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Is AI About to Automate Every Office Job? | AI Reality Check

In his recent New York Times essay, Cal argued for a “cognitive fitness” revolution to resist the onslaught of digital tools degrading our ability to think. But how does one actually strengthen their brain? In this episode, Cal details a sustainable cognitive fitness routine built around five key components. 



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



2:25 DEEP DIVE: How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice



INBOX: 



30:51 Message from a social media influencer 

33:02 Reaction to Amy Timberlake interview 

38:01 Putting Cal’s advice into practice 



WHAT CAL IS UP TO:



41:20 What I read 

43:45 What I’m doing 



Books:



The Noonday Devil (by Jean-Charles Nault: translated from original French)



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=PdvqpqHSQas

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/what-kind-of-writer-is-chatgpt

https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MertonCover.jpeg-427330.jpeg?w=992&ssl=1

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/opinion/sunday/steve-jobs-never-wanted-us-to-use-our-iphones-like-this.html

https://anjalibanerjee.com/paws-and-platen/from-typewritten-draft-to-published-page 



Thanks to our Sponsors: 



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Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia



0:00 What has *Actually* Happened in AI in 2026? 

3:07 Open Claw

27:53 Anthropic and the Department of War

49:06 Data Centers



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.axios.com/2026/01/31/ai-moltbook-human-need-tech

https://www.macstories.net/stories/clawdbot-showed-me-what-the-future-of-personal-ai-assistants-looks-like/

https://www.anthropic.com/news/statement-department-of-war

https://futurism.com/science-energy/data-centers-construction-supply

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is AI Trending Up or Down in 2026? | AI Reality Check

Is developing discipline one of the most effective bulwarks against the constant flood of distraction we face daily? And if so, what’s the best way to accomplish this goal? In this Monday Advice episode of the show, Cal Newport investigates these questions with the help of Brad Stulberg, who writes about these ideas in his most recent book, the New York Times bestseller “The Way of Excellence.”

 

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

 

2:27 Do I Need More Discipline? (w/ Brad Stulberg)  

1:07:33 Dealing with abundance of choice in media 

1:11:45 Using typewriters for first drafts 

1:14:44 Success with “information walkabout”  

1:17:22 What I’ve been doing 

1:19:54 What I’ve been reading 



Books:

 

A World Appears (Michael Pollan)

 

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=PdvqpqHSQas

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 https://www.cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)

https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

 


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Do I Need More Discipline? | Monday Advice

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.



Today's episode on YouTube:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia



0:00 What’s Really Going on with Mythos? 

10:09 Security systems

21:27 Conclusion



Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRsycWRQrc8

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/opinion/anthropic-ai-claude-mythos.html

https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.08144

https://x.com/clementdelangue/status/2041953761069793557?s=61

https://x.com/stanislavfort/status/2041922370206654879

https://www.aisi.gov.uk/blog/our-evaluation-of-claude-mythos-previews-cyber-capabilities



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Claude Mythos “Terrifying”? | AI Reality Check

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.


  


  


  


  


  


  

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Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?

AI Reality Check: Is AI Stealing Entry-Level Jobs?

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

OPENING: Is AI stealing entry-level jobs? [1:29]

MAIN STORY: Torsten Slok essay [3:06]

CONCLUSION: AI is not stealing entry-level jobs now [11:32]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-entry-level-jobs-graduates-b224d624

https://www.apolloacademy.com/busting-the-ai-youth-unemployment-myth/

https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/2026/04/job-market-artificial-intelligence/686659/

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Is AI Stealing Entry-Level Jobs?

It’s been a decade since the original publication of DEEP WORK. Do its ideas still hold in 2026? This is the question Cal tackles in today’s episode: reviewing the four major “rules” from his book, reviewing what still holds and what changes he would add.

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

DEEP DIVE: Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026? [2:03]

INBOX:

- Will I lose the ability to write if I use AI? [39:45]

- The effects of AI on education [45:30]

- Avoiding social media [52:24]

WHAT CAL IS UP TO:

- What I’ve been doing [53:38]

- What I’ve been reading [55:26] 

Books:

Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)

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.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off

https://www.shopify.com/deep

https://www.wayfair.com

https://www.notion.com/cal

 

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

Ep. 399: Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026?

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

ACT #1: Look Closer at the Article [1:20]

ACT #2: A Closer Look at the Paper [3:21]

ACT #3: But What About… [7:24]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/27/number-of-ai-chatbots-ignoring-human-instructions-increasing-study-says

https://x.com/summeryue0/status/2025774069124399363

https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/anthropic-ai-deception-risk

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Can LLMs “Scheme”?

Here’s a key question: Did technology like smartphones make us miserable, or were we already miserable and smartphones made it worse? To help figure out this answer, I talked to Arthur Brooks, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Harvard professor, about this new book: The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. In our conversation, Brooks argues that our current Age of Emptiness began in the 1990s, but technology like smartphones and social media made it worse. We then discuss smart strategies for finding purpose in our current moment.

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: How Do I Find Purpose in a Distracted World? (W/ Arthur Brooks) [1:44]  

INBOX: 

Tech employees being evaluated through LLM tokens [1:01:49]
 Can Cal comment on reading digital books? [1:07:35]

WHAT CAL IS UP TO:

What Cal is reading [1:13:00]
 Deep Work HQ update [1:14:37]

Books:
 Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)

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?gizmodo.com/tech-employees-are-reportedly-being-evaluated-by-how-fast-they-burn-through-llm-tokens-2000736627

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)butcherbox.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 398: How Do I Find Purpose in a Distracted World? (w/ Arthur Brooks)

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

SUB QUESTION #1: What is Yan LeCun Up To? [2:55]

SUB QUESTION #2: How is it possible that LeCun could be right about LLM’s begin a dead-end? We’ve been hearing non-stop recently about how fast they’re advancing. [14:55]

SUB QUESTION #3: What would happen next if LeCun is right? [22:26]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/technology/ami-labs-yann-lecun-funding.html


  


  

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

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AI Reality Check: Are LLMs a Dead End?

A new study finds that for many workers, AI increases shallow efforts while decreasing time focusing on what really matters. This is not the first digital productivity technology to create this paradoxical effect. In today’s episode, Cal dives deep into why this happens and then details three strategies for avoiding these traps in your own professional 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: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE:  Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse? [3:17]

INBOX: 


 An article about meetings [36:11]

 A case study on escaping email overload [47:29]

 A tool that makes the internet more boring [50:37]


WHAT CAL IS UP TO:


 Deep or Crazy? [57:02]

 What Cal read [1:02:23]

 Cal in the news [1:05:57]


Books:

Reader, Come Home (Maryanne Wolf)
 What Do You Say? (William Stixrud and Ned Johnson)

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?pmresearcher.substack.com/p/why-meetings-multiplydocs.pluckeye.net/overview

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

calderalab.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.comdrinkag1.com/deep

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 397: Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse?

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

STORY #1: Did an AI Agent Email an AI Researcher? [1:01]

STORY #2: Does the Pentagon Think Claude Has a Soul? [10:20]

STORY #3: What’s Going on with Anthropic Revenues? [14:16]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/philosopher-ai-consciousness-startled-ai-email

https://x.com/dioscuri/status/2029227527718236359

https://x.com/thomaschattwill/status/2029273517175263679

https://x.com/ns123abc/status/2032122638852640951

https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/anthropic-gives-lesson-ai-revenue-hallucination-2026-03-10/

https://pluralistic.net/2026/03/12/normal-technology/

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Did AI Just Become Sentient?

Remember how much we loved our iPhones when they first came out? Can we get back to that relationship with these devices? In this episode, Cal explores five pieces of advice for transforming your current phone back to something that’s less distracting, more useful, and fun once again – a goal he calls “2007 mode.”

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: Can I learn to love my phone again? [3:31]

INBOX: 


 A new study on brain fry [30:29]

 Use of phones in The Pitt [38:58]

 17th Century scholar dealing with overload [42:05]


WHAT CAL IS UP TO:


 What I’m trying [43:57]

 What Cal read [48:45]

 What Cal watched [49:44]


Movies:

Secret Agent

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?youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4lsi2RtaIyoutube.com/watch?v=ENUO7dbZ-TYyoutube.com/watch?v=7jVb1lLniEwyoutube.com/watch?v=aC0JKAN5xVIhbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fryinstagram.com/reel/DUxCG_BDvWX/?igsh=a3pyZXNlNTZvdDVp

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

butcherbox.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions1password.com/deepshopify.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

Ep. 396: Can I Learn To Love My Phone Again?

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.

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

ARTICLE #1: America Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs [2:15]

ARTICLE #2: Mass Hysteria. Thousands of Jobs Lost. Just How Bad Is It Going to Get? [9:23] 

ARTICLE #3: THE 2028 GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CRISIS: A Thought Exercise in Financial History, from the Future [14:39]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow 

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/ai-economy-labor-market-transformation/685731/

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/opinion/ai-jobs-white-collar-apocalpyse.html

https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/2028gic

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/business/citrini-ai-stock-market.html

https://www.citadelsecurities.com/news-and-insights/2026-global-intelligence-crisis/

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Is the Economy About to Collapse?

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=sgMUBMqrE7Mhttps://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/deep50offhttps://www.mybodytutor.comhttps://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

Ep. 395: Should I Try a “Social Media Pause”?

AI Reality Check: Did the LLM Job Apocalypse Begin Last Week?

Cal Newport takes a closer look at recent AI news.

Below are the topics 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

STORY #1: Jack Dorsey announces layoffs at Block [1:28]

STORY #2: The education level of LLM-based tools [11:45]

STORY #3: What’s happening in the world of computer programming? [19:24]

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/

https://x.com/jack/status/2027129697092731343

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/technology/block-square-job-cuts-ai.html

https://x.com/emollick/status/2027153371241607420

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2026/02/27/block-lays-off-40-of-staff-and-blames-it-on-ai-dont-buy-the-excuse/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56HJQm5nb0U

http://calnewport.com

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering.

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Reality Check: Did the LLM Job Apocalypse Begin Last Week?

It’s hard to live deeply in a distracted world if you don’t have control over how you spend your time. This goal requires a planning system that both works and can last. Do you have a reasonable planning system in place? If not, don’t worry. Today, Cal is joined by planning expert Sarah Hart-Unger (author of “Best Laid Plans”) to discuss the nitty-gritty details of creating sustainable systems that can help you regain autonomy over your schedule without becoming an over-scheduled drone.

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:  Interview with Sarah Hart-Unger [2:12]

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK, NOTES, AND CHATTER: 

Dopamine addictions and TV shows [1:05:06]

Watching entire films [1:09:43]

Attention span and movies [1:16:38]

WHAT CAL IS UP TO:

Update on my AI Programmer Project [1:21:12]

Other Updates [1:28:02]

What Cal Consumed [1:29:17]

The Last Kings of Hollywood (Paul Fischer)

Movies:

The Smashing Machine

Song Sung Blue

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?

vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/07/why-are-movies-sooooo-long-an-investigation

science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz9311

Sarah Hart-Unger online:

Sarah Hart-Unger (MD, if you want to use that but I typically don't even bother in my creative work!)

practicing pediatric endocrinologist, author, and podcaster

Best Laid Plans Podcast

Best of Both Worlds Podcast (cohosted with Laura Vanderkam)

Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love, Sourcebooks Dec 2025

Website (since 2004 . . .): theshubox.com

Social media: none :) Partially due to your influence, I quit FB in 2016, IG in 2021, and thankfully never got into anything else! I guess I do have minimal Youtube (occasional planner videos + feed of podcast eps) @youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

This show is sponsored by Better Help: 

betterhelp.com/deepquestions

zapier.com/deep

calderalab.com/deep

shopify.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

Ep. 394: Do I Need a Better Planning System?

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

Ep. 393: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones?

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

Ep. 392: Are “Micro-Streamers” the Future of Media? + Why Cal Spent $60 on a Task App

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) ARCThe Vampire, The Tutor, and the Madman (Josh Douglas)One Direction (Charles Duhigg)
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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-lossescnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.htmlcalnewport.comnytimes.com/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.htmlnypost.com/2026/01/31/tech/moltbook-is-a-new-social-media-platform-exclusively-for-ai/news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46838834youtube.com/@WesRoth/videosyoutube.com/@airevolutionx/videosyoutube.com/watch?v=JoQG25gQyRgnewyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infighting
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
factormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmybodytutor.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

Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines

Everyone knows that excessive smartphone use can be harmful. But the question we don’t ask enough is what the advantages are of not using these devices. In the ideas segment, Cal examines the testimonials of four subjects who spent significant time without phones, to learn what they actually experience. Then, in the practices segment, he dissects the latest viral online self-help sensation to see if it holds up or is just fluff. Finally, in the Q&A segment, he tackles a surprising (and distressing) way in which technology plays a role in the violent ICE raids happening in Minnesota.
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 (Really) Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? [3:07]
PRACTICES SEGMENT: Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation [31:53]
QUESTIONS:
What do the ICE raids in Minnesota teach us about technology and its impacts on our society? [53:17]
WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:08:17]
The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney (Michael Barrier)
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at [calnewport.com/slow](https://www.calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=kzXOyW8Zumgyoutube.com/watch?v=gh5CYvi5E40youtube.com/watch?v=C-Iewo7zUFoyoutube.com/watch?v=5FI1gP_K5K0youtube.com/watch?v=FshYuO6Opwkx.com/thedankoe/status/2010751592346030461prospect.org/2026/01/27/ice-greg-bovino-minneapolis-one-battle-after-another-sean-penn/youtube.com/watch?v=elF0YmsCHvQ
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionrag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)calderalab.com/deepshopify.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

Ep. 390: What Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? + Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation

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/slowGet 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/id1841566275instagram.com/p/DFh_mNGSvuZ/?img_index=2microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workdayreddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1o2g1xq/with_all_the_billions_trillions_going_into_it/calnewport.com/a-world-without-email/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
mybodytutor.commonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 389: Is the Internet Hijacking Ambition? + Escaping Messaging Hell

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/slowGet 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.0x.com/kevinroose/status/2001464352491311196afterbabel.com/p/smartphone-gambling-is-a-disasterfanduel.comafterbabel.com/p/its-not-just-a-game-anymoreafterbabel.com/p/dont-give-your-child-an-ai-companionfuturism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-toys-dangerinstagram.com/reel/DO_7TzvEkzO/?hl=entincan.kidspunkt.ch/products/mp02-4g-minimalist-phonealiexpress.us/item/3256810412310495.htmlnintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-lite-turquoise
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
1password.com/deepcozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)notion.com/calcalderalab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 388: What’s Worrying Jon Haidt Now? + Should You Buy a Landline? (Cal just did…)

Last year, when columnist Paul Krugman left the NYT, it seemed like yet another example of the traditional media crumbling. But Krugman, as it turns out, is doing great. His popular substack now reaches massive audiences and earns him a seven-figure salary. Inspired by this story, in the ideas segment of today’s episode, we take a closer look at key numbers relevant to whether paid newsletters can replace traditional print media. Then, in the practices segment, we study some viral advice for spending less time on your phone.
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: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone [0:02]
PRACTICES SEGMENT: How to successfully delete social media [50:40]

Is it ok to use ChatGPT to try to better understand some classics? [1:04:51]

How do I decide what to write down when I use the notebook method? [1:06:10]

For professional writers trying to succeed today, isn’t Substack the platform of the moment? [1:12:00]

CAL’S READING UPDATE: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:18:28]
Airframe (Michael Crichton)The Great Train Robbery (Michael Crichton) Fantastic Voyage  (Isaac Asimov)
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?cjr.org/analysis/paul-krugman-leaving-new-york-times-heavy-hand-editing-less-frequent-columns-newsletter.phpsubstack.com/@paulkrugmannatesilver.net/p/always-be-bloggingreallygoodbusinessideas.com/p/most-popular-substackspewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/rnz.co.nz/life/culture/any-attempt-to-simplify-elon-musk-is-futile-the-nz-cofounder-of-substackdaringfireball.net/2024/11/regarding_and_well_against_substackyoutube.com/watch?v=eUSBKj5ZQpo
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
meetfabric.com/deeppipedrive.com/deepfactormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep 387: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone

Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron) 
2025 was a year that was saturated in AI news, from Deep Seek, through claims of economic “bloodbaths,” to GPT-5, Sora, and Chatbot girlfriends. Frankly, it was exhausting. As we now look back on 2025 an interesting question arises: all in all, did this end up being a good or bad year for AI? To help me answer this question, I’m joined by hard-hitting AI commentator Ed Zitron, who's been everywhere in the media in recent months helping to make sense of the wild claims being thrown in the public’s direction. Together we go through the biggest AI stories of the year to try to make sense of what just happened. 
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: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI (w/ Ed Zitron) [3:16]
Cal Reacts to Comments: Is the Internet Becoming Television? [1:58:25]  
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal's monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9poaxios.com/2025/01/23/davos-2025-ai-agentsblog.google/technology/google-deepmind/gemini-model-updates-february-2025/openai.com/index/sora/openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-4-5/ai-2027.com/fortune.com/2025/05/28/anthropic-ceo-warning-ai-job-loss/media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/08/07/chat-gpt-5-release-date-open-ai/85566627007/#:~:text=GPT%2D5%20release%20date,release%20date%20for%20Part%202newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-thiswsj.com/tech/ai/ai-bubble-building-spree-55ee6128nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/openai-and-nvidia-announce-strategic-partnership-to-deploy-10gw-of-nvidia-systemsnytimes.com/2025/10/02/technology/openai-sora-video-app.htmlanthropic.com/news/claude-opus-4-5ft.com/content/064bbca0-1cb2-45ab-85f4-25fdfc318d89youtube.com/watch?v=Z_WEmjygNK0
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsreclaim.ai/calexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron)

In this replay of a classic episode from March 2024, Cal discusses his transformative experience using a small analog notebook to tackle a complicated problem in his life. He makes the broader argument that sometimes simple analog tools can far exceed the utility of their digital counterparts.
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
Deep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [1:21]
- If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [21:58] 
- Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [29:54] 
- Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [34:18]
- How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [43:08]
- Should I read your new book slowly? [47:40]
- CALL: Struggling writer obsessing over quality [53:10]
CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [58:14]
SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:01:39]
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.notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/
https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-lived
https://www.notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/
https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giants
Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
monarch.com/deep1password.com/deepmakeheadway.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep 385: Single-Purpose Notebooks (REPLAY)

In our annual holiday episode, Cal tackles one of the questions he’s asked most often: What should I read? But with a twist. He recommends six books that are not from the self-help or advice genre that will nonetheless help you change your life into something deeper. For the rest of the episode, he then answers listener calls.
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
CAL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Walden by Henry David Thoreau [2:40]Lincoln’s Virtues by William Lee Miller [7:28]The Case for God by Karen Armstrong [10:54]You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier [21:25]The Shallows by Nicholas Carr [26:28]Falling Upward by Richard Rohr [28:45]
CALLS: 

Concerned father and husband about smartphones [37:48]

Living deeply with multiple gigs [43:27]

Effective timeblocking [47:19]

The Deep Life for non-knowledge workers [54:01]

Dealing with overwhelming technology [58:59]

The real cost of AI [1:02:59]

Where to start with deep work? [1:07:33]

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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: 
monarch.com/deepwayfair.comnotion.com/calreclaim.ai/cal
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep 384: What Should I Read for a Deeper New Year?

Earlier this fall, the activist, novelist, and essayist Paul Kingsnorth published an anti-technology polemic called “Against the Machine.” To say it hit a nerve is an understatement. In the months that followed, Kingsnorth has been everywhere; profiled, among places, in the New York Times, the New Yorker, and The Atlantic. In today’s episode, I want to find out why Kingsnorth’s take on technology is resonating so strongly. To help me answer this question, I’m joined by the journalist and scholar Tyler Austin Harper, who wrote a great review of Kingsnorth’s book for The Atlantic. We dive deep into Kingsnorth’s ideas and explore what they teach us about our current moment 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
INTERVIEW: Why Is Everyone Talking About “Against the Machine”? (w/ Tyler Austin Harper) [0:00] 

Is the simple awareness of a notification as harmful as full context switching? [1:15:49]

Is there an “ideal ratio” for consuming information across different mediums? [1:17:12]

How can I effectively implement your shutdown routine and not keep checking emails? [1:20:21]

How can I manage my social media obligations with my marketing job? [1:23:52]

CASE STUDY: Reframing a career to utilize career capital [1:26:07]
CALL: Dealing with conflicting views about digital minimalism in a relationship [1:30:21]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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/books/2025/11/paul-kingsnorth-against-the-machine/684848/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This show is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep 383: Why Is Everyone Talking About “Against the Machine”? (w/ Tyler Austin Harper)

Last month, Derek Thompson published an intriguing essay that made waves in technology criticism circles. It was titled: “Everything is Television.” In today’s episode, Cal takes a closer look at this essay, unpacking and expanding Thompson’s arguments, and ultimately concluding with a series of predictions about what to expect next from the internet. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five books he read in November 2025.
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 the Internet Becoming Television [00:03]

Can AI reduce distractions for developers? [38:32]

How do I time block in a job with heavy interruptions? [44:03]

How should I manage what I read, watch and listen to for books, magazines, shows, and podcasts? [47:31]

How should I cope with family and friends always scrolling TikTok during the holiday season? [52:50]

Does endless scrolling make people less motivated to be physically active? [54:48]

CASE STUDY: Developing a Deep Life after selling a company [56:15]
CALL: Eliminating Instagram in graduate school [1:04:19]
NOVEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in November 2025 [1:09:08]
Realityland (David Koening)Becoming Mary Poppins (Todd James Pierce)Tradition in an Untraditional Age (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks)What is the Bible? (Rob Bell)Notes on Being a Man (Scott Galloway)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?flowingdata.com/2025/10/03/passed-peak-social-media-maybe/derekthompson.org/p/why-everything-became-televisionyoutube.com/watch?v=QaiecWzeHFMcsmonitor.com/1985/0610/z2vid1.html
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
cozyearth.com/DEEP (for up to 40% off)auraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS” to get $35 off)indeed.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 382: Is the Internet Becoming Television?

In today’s episode, Cal reviews some of his favorite advice from legendary writers (plus a bonus piece of advice from his own craft). Within each suggestion, he finds a general idea that can apply to anyone looking to build a deep life in an increasingly distracted world. He then answers listener questions and responds to comments about last week’s episode.
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: Life Advice from Legendary Writers [0:02]

How do you balance managing your energy vs. time? [45:29]

How can I recharge without feeling antsy as a working mom? [48:39]

Should I eliminate Reddit to gain a more intentional mind? [50:56]

What’s the difference for reading based on the Lincoln protocol and for sheer joy? [54:53]

Does active podcast listening qualify as a learning endeavor? [57:01]

CASE STUDY: A project manager reorganizes his life [1:02:19]
CALL: Developing a 5-year plan for work [1:06:54]
CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Can LLMs be Conscious? [1:09:51]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=CQHK_AlJTQc
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)shopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. Ep 381: Life Advice from Legendary Writers

There has been a lot of loose talk online recently about the capabilities of existing AI tools. In this episode, Cal reacts to a specific recent clip from the Joe Rogan podcast in which the guest argues that language models are like a child’s brain, and may already be conscious. Cal puts on his (always stylish) computer scientist had to explain why this cannot be true. He then answers listener questions and reacts to feedback on his recent episode about using a notebook to enhance long thinking.
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: ChatGPT is Not Alive [0:04]

Are there other forms of dangerous AI other than LLMs? [49:03]

What are the immediate concerns of AI? [53:24]

Will AI be smart enough to evolve to not destroy itself? [55:47]

Does James Somers make a valid argument in his recent New Yorker article that the AI can think? [1:01:49]

How can I build career capital if I’m forced to integrate AI into my workflow? [1:04:52]

CASE STUDY: A Workplace Productivity System [1:06:31]
CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Regaining Your Ability to Think (in 60 Minutes a Week) [1:10:48]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=gXbsq5nVmT0youtube.com/watch?v=NnA2OoH_NFY
Thanks to our Sponsors:
calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 380: ChatGPT is Not Alive!

When companies began instituting return-to-office plans after the pandemic, a disproportionate number of women chose instead to leave the workforce. Why? The obvious answer is that they wanted the flexibility of remote work. But in this episode, Cal draws on a recent New York Times op-ed that offers a deeper explanation – one that affects all knowledge workers. He then explores solutions to the problem, answers listener questions, and (God help him) respond to comments on his recent Superintelligence episode.
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 Flexibility Myth [0:02]

How should a venture backed startup team design their work schedule? [51:42]

How do I stop my boss from e-mailing me at all hours? [57:02]

How should a professor on break schedule his deep work? [1:02:35]

How can I better schedule my blocks to prepare for technical interviews? [1:09:59]

When considering lifestyle-centric planning, what practices may help determine the type of work to pursue? [1:12:16]

CASE STUDY: Completing a Thesis [1:19:08]
CALL: Details about time blocking [1:25:08]
CAL READS THE COMMENTS: The Case Against Superintelligence [1:33:58]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2025/11/02/opinion/women-work-force-flexibility-shifts.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=y0RI5CnoDvs
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.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

Ep. 379: The Flexibility Myth

We often talk on this show about how digital devices undermine our ability to consume more complicated and meaningful ideas. But what about our ability to produce such ideas from scratch? In this episode, Cal identifies a key productive skill –  long thinking – that we’re increasingly losing. He argues that it’s critical for living a deep life and provides a simple strategy to help regain the skill. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in October 2025.
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 Lost Art of Long Thinking [0:02]

How does Cal organize his notebooks for his books and New Yorker articles? [42:40]

How can an 18 year old student get better at reading? [45:42]

How can I restart my creative writing if I don’t want to use a computer? [47:56]

Is it important to write reflections on the books I read? [56:57]

How often should I take reflection walks with single purpose notebooks? [59:00]CASE STUDY: Trying to live a Deep Life [1:00:47]CALL: Adventure Work [1:09:00]OCTOBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2025 [1:11:57]

The Gift of the Jews (Thomas Cahill)Lin-Manuel Miranda (Daniel Pollack-Pelzner)Inspired (Rachel Held Evans)The Future of Tutoring (Liz Cohen)Society of the Spectacle (Guy Debord)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?calnewport.com/solutions-beyond-the-screen-the-adventure-work-method-for-producing-creative-insights/youtube.com/watch?v=bEusrD8g-dMcalnewport.com/the-notebook-method-how-pen-and-paper-can-transform-you-into-an-star-student/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
indeed.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep for up to 40% offwayfair.comgrammarly.com/podcast
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 378: The Lost Art of Long Thinking

Techno-philosopher Eliezer Yudkowsky recently went on Ezra Klein's podcast to argue that if we continue on our path toward superintelligent AI, these machines will destroy humanity. In this episode, Cal responds to Yudkowsky’s argument point by point, concluding with a more general claim that these general styles of discussions suffer from what he calls “the philosopher’s fallacy,” and are distracting us from real problems with AI that are actually afflicting us right now. He then answers listener questions about AI, responds to listener comments from an earlier AI episode, and ends by discussing Alpha schools, which claim to use AI to 2x the speed of education. 
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 Case Against Superintelligence [0.01]

How should students think about “AI Literacy”? [1:06:35]

Did AI blackmail an engineer to not turn it off? [1:09:06]

Can I use AI to mask my laziness? [1:12:31]

COMMENTS: Cal reads LM comments [1:16:58]
CALL: Clarification on Lincoln Protocol [1:21:36]
CAL REACTS: Are AI-Powered Schools the Future? [1:24:46]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=2Nn0-kAE5c0alpha.school/the-program/astralcodexten.com/i/166959786/part-three-how-alpha-works-part
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)expressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 377: The Case Against Superintelligence

How do you escape a world where constant digital distractions and darkness threatens to pull you down? Maybe take a page out of Abraham Lincoln’s life. In this episode, Cal argues that Lincoln faced analog versions of many of the same issues we face in our contemporary digital world, and by studying how he escaped we can learn a method to accomplish something similar. He then answers listener questions on this theme and revisits the comments from a 2008 essay where he first introduced some of these 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
Deep Dive: The Lincoln Protocol [0:30]

When do you read long-form articles amongst your book reading? [41:39]

Will reading improve my focus? [44:03]

What are the mechanics of keeping a deep reading habit alive? [48:17]

At what point does it make sense to prioritize autonomy and alignment over prestige and security? [54:48]

How do you suggest spending the time playing with the toddler, while also balancing reasonable stimuli without a phone? [1:00:01]

CASE STUDY: A military spouse goes back to work after motherhood [1:03:47]
CALL: Cal’s thoughts on Apple Watches [1:07:35]
CAL READS THE COMMENTS: What people thought about digital distraction in 2008 [1:12:06]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
drinklmnt.com/deepmiro.comcalderalab.com/deep1password.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 376: The Lincoln Protocol

Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?
OpenAI has been making waves recently with their release of their Sora 2 video generation model, which they have launched alongside a TikTok-style social media sharing app. The internet is usually pretty excited about AI innovations, but this one has people unsettled. In today’s episode, Cal looks at one implication of Sora 2 in particular that is both important but currently overcooked: the impact of AI content generation on the existing social media giants. He then answers listener questions on AI and social media and reacts to a new Sam Altman tweet that signals bad news for OpenAI.
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: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media? [0:02]

Will Sora 2 kill creativity? [46:12]

Am I doing myself a disservice by using AI tools to help me code? [51:36]

Is Substack better than social media? [55:55]

What are your thoughts on a “family smartphone”? [1:06:35]

What should I do when others disregard the structures that are meant to reduce the digital back and forth? [1:07:53]

CASE STUDY: A Digital Declutter [1:15:38]
CALL: Children with dumb phones or smartphones [1:19:49]
CAL REACTS: Sam Altman Proposes AI Erotica  [1:27:46]
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?SORA: the all Ai TikTok Clone. will slop end creativity?youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0oQ0v0W10newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giantsyoutube.com/watch?v=I1dW-nZqhewx.com/sama/status/1978129344598827128
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?

It’s hard to cultivate a deep life when you cannot go more than a few minutes without checking your phone. In this episode, Cal looks closer at the precise neural mechanisms at play that make the physical act of looking at your phone irresistible. Then armed with this knowledge, he explains why many popular remedies fail, and which specific responses are most likely to succeed. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five old-fashioned analog books (!) that he read last month.
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: This is your brain on phones [0:02]

My 11 year-old is bullied for not having a smartphone. What should I do? [47:00]

How can I overcome my irrational urge to show off on social media? [55:39]

How is video game addiction different than phone addiction? [59:12]

Can I become addicted to messaging? [1:03:23]

Is it ok to use newspaper apps on my phone? [1:06:42]

CASE STUDY: A 5th grader drops her Apple Watch [1:13:51]
CALL: An aspiring photographer and Instagram [1:18:11]
SEPTEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal in September 2025 [1:22:51]
The Ice Limit (Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston)The Burnout Society (Byung-Chul Han)Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom (Cory Doctorow)As a Jew (Sarah Hurwitz)The Searcher (Tana French)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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: 
rag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.com/podcastmybodytutor.comindeed.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 374: This is Your Brain on Phones

In 2023, I published an episode about resetting your life that became one of my most popular. In the years since, multiple major podcasters and YouTubers have done their own videos on the same theme. In today’s episode, I extract the best ideas from five such recent videos to create an all-star reset strategy. I connect this to my work on technology and its impacts, by noting that taking control of your life can be the most important first step toward taking control of your devices.
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 Internet’s Best Advice for Reinventing Your Life (0:02)

How do I extract ideas for living deeply from books? [55:44]

How do I avoid being overwhelmed by everything required to seriously change my life? [58:31]

How do I visualize my ideal lifestyle in a fast-changing world? [1:02:42]

I just quit my teaching job due to burn-out. How do I find what to do next? [1:09:28]

CASE STUDY: Crafting a deep life [1:13:21]
CALL: How to revise expectations with young kids [1:18:45]
CAL REACTS: The Great Lock-In of 2025 [1:28:11]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=mSaI8Rluel8youtu.be/wXcEtxlrPMAyoutu.be/PvvS-0mqD4cyoutube.com/watch?v=2ZXJZnAxHHIyoutube.com/watch?v=0G7Wu4DnDawcalnewport.com/the-great-lock-in-of-2025/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
cozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 373: The Internet’s Best Advice for Reinventing Your Life

Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algorithm? How does it work? To what extent can it be controlled? In today’s episode, Cal looks deeper at these questions and arrives at a broader philosophical point about the role these services, in general, should play in our civic culture. He then answers listener questions on the same topic and reacts to the three recent news articles about TikTok’s influence on our culture.
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: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm [0:03]

Should I quit social media, even if I don’t live on the slope of terribleness? [44:44]

Is it bad to use TikTok to keep up with the news? [49:41]

How does quantum computing relate to AI? [53:48]

CASE STUDY: Trying to become a great composer [1:02:29]
CALL: Tips for dealing with growing kids [1:08:58]
CAL REACTS: Three Articles about TikTok (and Three Sighs of Exasperation) [1:18:04]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/tiktok-surfing-challenge-manslaughter-b2832760.htmlyahoo.com/news/world/article/why-people-on-tiktok-think-the-rapture-is-coming-and-that-the-world-is-ending-this-week-202334215.htmlbbc.com/news/articles/c4gj5lqq52loyoutube.com/watch?v=z7Df9yGofLoyoutube.com/shorts/xWIVA0ZJm-w
Thanks to our Sponsors:
monarchmoney.com (Use code “DEEP”)reclaim.ai/calwayfair.commakeheadway.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Dr. Brian Keating, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UCSD, and one of the most prolific popularizers of science around (you may have seen him recently chatting about cosmology with Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman). They talk about Keating’s new book, HOW TO FOCUS LIKE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, as well as many other topics, including a deep look at Keating’s unusual path to academia, and a deconstruction of what’s needed to succeed at the highest levels of academia.
Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia
INTERVIEW: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating) [3:20]
Links:https://www.amazon.com/Into-Impossible-Laureates-Collaboration-Imagination/dp/1544523491
Sponsors:https://www.donedaily.com
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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IN-DEPTH: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating)

We seem to be stuck in a purgatory when it comes to the worst of the social media platforms. We know they’re not great, but it’s hard to muster enough motivation to bother to leave. In today’s episode, motivated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Cal puts on his technology critic hat and offers a step-by-step technical explanation for why these platforms are strictly and incessantly making your life worse and why the only reasonable response is to quit them. He then answers listener questions on the topic and reacts to some recent news about the US Congress getting involved.
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 it Finally Time to Leave Social Media? [0:40]

How do I find everything I should be blocking on my kid’s phone? [38:59]

Is it okay that I make YouTube Videos? [43:39]

Shouldn’t we focus on using social media better? [49:13]

CASE STUDY: A musician and social media [58:00]
CAL REACTS: US House panel asks internet CEOs to testify after Charlie Kirk assassination [1:10:42]
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-asks-online-forum-ceos-testify-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-2025-09-17/youtube.com/watch?v=gjVm0K_ETX8
Thanks to our Sponsors:
calderalab.com/deepmiro.comgrammarly.com/podcast1password.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

Ep. 371: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media?

A recent study called into question a core assumption about the generative AI revolution: that these tools, at the very least, will make us more productive. In this episode, Cal dives deep into the study and argues that when it comes to efforts that require deep work, AI can sometimes make things worse. He then answers listener questions and then takes a closer look at an article claiming that the lack of Wi-Fi in a West Virginia school is making their students dumber. 
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: Deep Work in the Age of AI [0:38]

Can ChatGPT chats act as single purpose notebooks for projects? [26:16]

When should I apply active recall? [29:34]

Do you have insights into AI’s environmental impact? [31:16]

What would you do if you left academia? [38:40]

CASE STUDY: Using strategies to develop a Deep Life [43:04]
CAL REACTS: Does lack of Wi-Fi make students dumber? [53:09W]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2025/08/the-school-without-wifi.htmleducationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/report_WV_5401140_pocahontas-county-schools.pdf
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionscozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI

IQ scores had been steadily rising since WWII. But, more recently, this phenomenon has stopped.  Since 2010, we’ve actually been getting dumber. In this episode, Cal gets into the common theories for why this is true before offering his own take, which leads to some practical takeaways to help you thrive in an increasingly stupider world. He then answers listener questions and talks about something he read recently.
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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [0:41]

How can a west coast executive schedule deep work despite constant meetings with east coast colleagues? [37:14]

Is it bad that I fill all of my quiet moments with media? [41:04]

How can I focus on personal projects? [46:24]

How should  a software engineer transition to consulting? [53:05]

How should a former lawyer update her systems now that she’s a professor? [56:43]

CASE STUDY: A songwriter works deep and slow [1:06:43]
CALL: Getting out of the weeds [1:14:04]
WHAT I’M READING: Who is still against school cell phone bans? [1:23:28]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289623000156youtube.com/watch?v=u4jW8MOxIKYrebeccaschiffman.com/beachvacationrebeccaschiffman.bandcamp.comnytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/school-cell-phone-ban-nyc.html
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
expressvpn.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionsindeed.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 369: Why Are We Getting Dumber? A Debate.

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by bestselling author and podcaster, Tim Ferriss. Tim rocketed to prominence with his 2007 book, “The Four Hour WorkWeek” which basically redefined a generation’s relationship with work, meaning, and the possibilities for building an interesting life. More recently, Tim created a card game! It’s called Coyote. And he created it with one of the top designers in the business, the same company that created Exploding Kittens.
Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia
INTERVIEW: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss) [3:16]
Links:https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote
Sponsorshttps://www.reclaim.ai/cal
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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IN-DEPTH: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss)

A 22-year-old made a splash recently when he published a Wall Street Journal op-ed claiming that work-life balance makes you mediocre. He went on to brag about how sleeping less than 4 hours a night and gaining 80 pounds helped him become a millionaire. In this episode, Cal wades into the furious debate this article sparked. He argues that once you look past the author’s dorm bro bravado, the kid does actually ask a good question. It’s just that his answers are lacking. Cal then tackles listener questions 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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [1:06]
Is it possible to stay focused when having to check my phone for text messages? [42:20]
When did you switch back to your teaching schedule to your summer schedule? [44:05]
How has your deep life evolved since Episode 1? [49:22]
How can I stop obsessively checking my work email? [53:47]
Can you summarize how values and strategic planning documents, birthday projects and lifestyle centric planning combine? [58:14]
CASE STUDY: Organizing household admin [1:01:44]
CALL: How to tame Trello cards [1:06:39]
AUGUST BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in August 2025 [1:13:26] 
Boundless Realm (Foxx Note)Collisions (Alec Nevala-Lee)Before the Birds Sang Words (Ken Bruce)Desperation Reef (T Jefferson Parker)Shift (Hugh Howey)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet 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.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1XHMlX1J0
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
ridge.com (use code “Cal”)drinklmnt.com/deepshopify.com/deepcalderalab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 368: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity?

In recent years, it’s been hard not to react to the possibilities of generative AI without a mixture of euphoria or dread. But after OpenAI’s lackluster GPT-5 launch, a new, almost heretical-seeming question has emerged: what if progress on AI is stalled well short of the wild predictions we were promised? In today’s episode, Cal draws from reporting on his recent New Yorker article to go deep into this question. What is going on with AI? How did we get here? What does it mean for our personal quest to live deeper lives? He then answers listener questions and ends by discussing his recent brush with literary acclaim.
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: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This? [1:00]

Will AI leave me unemployed in 10 years? [1:06:26]

How should I structure the next 10 years as a recently retired college professor? [1:13:58]

I just moved. How should I arrange my book collection? [1:15:36]

CALL: Overhead tax [1:17:47]
CAL REACTS: Ed Sheehan and the Booker Prize [1:27:55]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-thisyoutube.com/watch?v=zju51INmW7Uyoutube.com/watch?v=Dtdue31z-X8youtube.com/watch?v=0SXCIfFK5r8youtube.com/shorts/dYZmGHOLNRUyoutube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8youtube.com/watch?v=qhnJDDX2hhUyoutube.com/watch?v=qbIk7-JPB2c&t=3syoutube.com/watch?v=k82RwXqZHY8youtube.com/shorts/JCImeOUVTJE
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
grammarly.com/podcastcozyearth.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshipstation.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 367: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This?

In this replay of one of the more popular episodes from the Deep Questions archives, originally aired in August ,2023, Cal explores some of his early strategies for cultivating a deeper 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
Today’s Deep Question: How can I reinvent my life in 4 months? [1:30]

How can I ease into Cal's more advanced time management strategies? [36:58]

Can unstructured work be a part of the deep life? [40:33]

How can I stop changing my mind about what I want to do with my life? [44:41]

Can I pursue the deep life if I need a job? [52:24]

How do you pursue the deep life with depression? [56:49]

Cover Reveal for Slow Productivity [1:05:27]
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This show is brought to you by Better Help.
https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
https://www.mybodytutor.com
https://www.miro.com
https://www.shopify.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 366: How to Reinvent Your Life in 4 Months (Classic Episode from August, 2023)

Why do we end up entangled with tools that don’t have our best interests in mind? How can we fix this situation? In this episode, Cal dives deep into the difference between additive and extractive technologies, telling a story that weaves old technology with old versions of modern tools, testimony from recent trials to ideas from leading technology critics – all in the service of improving your relationship with tools. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in July, 2025.
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
Deep Dive: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back) [:54]- Do project trackers work? [34:54]- Is there a downside scenario to engineering wonder? [39:14]- What types of people should I surround myself with? [43:00]- Can you explain your different audiences? [45:02]
CALL: Shifting from medical work to a PhD [50:41]JULY BOOKS: The 5 Books that Cal Read in July, 2025 [57:33]
L.A. Story (Bill Plunkett)Disney’s Land (Richard Snow)Ingenious (Richard Munson)Original Sin (Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson)Wool (Hugh Howey)
Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slowGet 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://substack.com/@priscillaharvey1/note/c-133662492https://www.yahoo.com/news/zuckerberg-tells-court-facebook-no-171222971.htmlhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/mark-zuckerberg-is-so-over-facebook-friends?srsltid=AfmBOoo4dysXG_2rXWDJaKnSdG6CfbCqf0O_8op_R1phpz5GQPx2F4XAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jar4KgKxshttps://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ai-fC-2Bpohttps://www.emarketer.com/content/openai-hires-its-first-cmo-kate-rouch-foreshadowing-adshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfUpEWAKPf8&t=2350s
Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.expressvpn.com/deephttps://www.oracle.com/deepquestionshttps://www.indeed.com/deephttps://www.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

Ep. 365: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back)

When Cal recently returned home from his time spent up in New England he set up a whole new set of daily metrics to track in the fall to keep him pointed toward the deep life. And they failed. Hard. In this episode, Cal dissects why metrics matter, why they’re easy to mess up (including the mistakes he made), and how to use them correctly (including how he corrected his own setup). He then answers listener questions and discusses a recent AI article that got him all hot and bothered.
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: Metrics 101 [2:10]

How should I navigate the “grey area” when deciding to make a career change? [24:45]

Do you have a framework for young people to develop deep critical thinking? [27:36]

What should a father of 4 kids do for his next career move? [32:34]

Can skills from a high-pressure call center carry over to a career in cybersecurity? [35:36]

Should I have anticipated that my job was going to end? [38:36]

CALL: Returning back to work after a summer break [43:14]
CASE STUDY: Pursuing a hobby while combating digital doldrums [46:47]
WHAT I’M (NOT) READING: Vibe Reporting on AI [55:52]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.html
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for segment music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 364: Metrics 101

What does Walt Disney’s malaise in the 1940s have to do with our current struggles with our screens? In this episode, Cal uses a little-known story from Disney’s midlife to identify an effective strategy for escaping the nerve-deadening, dull state created by spending more and more of your professional and personal life on screens. He then answers listener questions (with an unusual level of spiciness), tries to calm himself with a reprise of the SLOW PRODUCTIVITY CORNER theme music, and concludes with a discussion of a recent essay he wrote about how no one really knows anything about AI.
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: [1:47]

How should I pursue two different goals after leaving my software engineering career? [21:10]

Should I leave my business analyst job and buy a retail business? [24:32]

I’ve tried writing for editors (and publications) before with no success. Any suggestions on how to break through? [30:08]

How do I convince my company that AI assistance is not the answer? [35:27]

Is inspiration perishable like Naval Ravikant says? [38:11]

CALL: Inbox anxiety [43:15]
CASE STUDY: A public school teacher with a blog [51:27]
WHAT I’M WRITING: No One Knows Anything About AI [59:13]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?amusingplanet.com/2019/01/walt-disneys-backyard-railway-carolwood.htmlyoutu.be/KyfUysrNaco?si=uE6tJkPuFhdnbla2&t=2490calnewport.com/no-one-knows-anything-about-ai/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 363: Escaping the Digital Doldrums

When we think about unhealthy phone usage, we think about the flashing apps, like TikTok and Instagram, in which billions of dollars have been spent to grab our attention. In this episode, Cal points to an unassuming culprit that may be just as responsible: simple messaging apps. He explores research that connects the social stress of pending messages to phone addiction, and explores ways to free yourself from constant messaging without having to isolate yourself socially. He then answers listener questions and discusses what he’s been reading.
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 Texting Dilemma [5:35]

How can I structure my mornings with my sales job if I don’t have two hours for deep work? [31:44]

How should I handle mandatory overtime at my aerospace job? [33:18]

How can I handle too many open loops with my shutdown ritual? [35:54]

How can I better organize communication with my university students? [40:38]

Should I take on extra-curricular roles during my first year of my PhD? [44:00]

CALL: Household chore task list [48:01]
CASE STUDY: 30-day declutter [51:45]
WHAT TO READ: An author quits social media [59:45]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563214007626journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/691462pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9671478/carolinecrampton.com/im-done-with-social-media/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
calderalab.com/deepmiro.comshopify.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 362: The Texting Dilemma

Are you worried that you’re using your phone too much? An app blocker might make sense. But how do they work, and which one is right for you? In this episode, Cal goes deep into the motivation, technology, and ultimate end game of this distraction fighting technology. He then answers listener questions and discusses some intriguing comments he’s been seeing about limits to AI’s ability to code.
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: Do You Need an App Blocker? [4:35]
- How do I succeed with task management? [29:07]- How can I put boundaries on my administrative work for my university job? [33:58]- How should I manage X if I only use it on my desktop? [39:31]- How should I read through my weekly collection of newsletters? [41:11]- What do you think about Polyphasic sleep to prepare for deep work? [44:22]
CASE STUDY: A ticketing system in action [45:21]
WHAT TO READ: On the Limits of “Vibe Coding” [50:58]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newportCal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?sciencefocus.com/science/youre-not-actually-addicted-to-your-smartphonenytimes.com/2020/01/20/style/quit-smartphone.htmlsupport.apple.com/guide/iphone/get-started-with-screen-time-iphbfa595995/iosyoutu.be/OuizzRCALCU?si=FqHzEEFdq7k4ao13x.com/AglaiaCodes/status/1942636133248061590x.com/GaryMarcus/status/1942478390323552588/photo/1
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deepindeed.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 361: Do You Need an App Blocker?

Trying to stick to complicated time management systems without any breaks can eventually lead to burn out. But if you stop organizational efforts altogether, your life can become a stressful mess. In this episode, Cal taps the wisdom of an elite running coach to devise what he calls one-page productivity: a minimum time management system, meant to be run for limited periods to help you recharge, but that also maintains just enough organization that you can avoid disaster. He argues such maintenance modes should be an important part of any time management practice. Cal then answers listener questions and concludes by reviewing the books he read in June 2025.
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: One-Page Productivity [1:52]

How do you approach decisions when you’re torn between two reasonable options? [18:17]

How can I navigate teaching with phone addicted teenagers? [22:06]

Have you considered using LLM’s to assist in your writing? [28:03]

How many “thinking” walks do you take each week? [32:31]

Do you have any recommendations for learning new material outside of the structured framework of a course? [35:00]

CASE STUDY: A son explains his parents lifestyle engineering [37:21]
CALL: Setting up workflows as a manager [41:09]
JUNE BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in June, 2025 [52:05]

The Magic of Code (Samuel Arbesman)

In the Swarm (Byung-Chul Han)

The Fear Index (Robert Harriss)

The Explore’s Gene (Alex Hutchinson)

Skywalking (Dale Pollock)

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/athletic/6453809/2025/06/27/bruce-bochy-walking-exercise-creativity/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)oracle.com/deepquestionsvanta.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 360: One-Page Productivity

A blockbuster new study out of MIT takes a closer look at the impact of writing with the help of AI. In today’s episode, Cal breaks down this paper with the help of author Brad Stulberg (who made waves online recently with his reaction to its findings), picking apart the role of AI in deep work activities. Cal then answers listeners questions, and presents a twist on his typical final segment in which he now describes what he is not reading this week, which provides him a thinly-concealed excuse to rant about AI coverage.
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: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt? [2:15]

Can AI be creative? [44:35]

What’s the smallest change I can make to address my disorganization? [48:31]

How do I find time for personal projects? [53:12]

How should I choose my next internship? [1:06:08]

How did you develop your goal-setting philosophy? [1:11:46]

CALL: Inbox Zero and Notion [1:14:50]
CASE STUDY: A Thoreau Schedule [1:24:01]
WHAT I’M (NOT) READ: AI CEO’s hot takes on work [1:32:49]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?fortune.com/2025/06/20/openai-ceo-sam-altman-ai-phds-entry-level-corporate-job-cuts-what-is-left-gen-z-college-gradautes/
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
shipstation.com/deepsmalls.com (Use code “DEEP”)notion.com/calharrys.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?

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 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 Smartphones Haven’t Defeated Us. Yet. [2:27]

Should I temporarily rent a separate space to write my first book? [23:09]

What should I do when waiting for AI while coding? [25:29]

How should 11 years old boys get organized? [29:31]

How can I develop my “soft skills” for my career? [33:54]

How can my husband find his ideal career path? [38:48]

CASE STUDY: A new dad incorporating lifestyle-centric career planning [43:25]
CALL: Hand written notes [47:08]
WHAT TO READ: The Explorer’s Gene [55:27]
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2025/06/18/opinion/parents-smartphones-tiktok-facebook.htmlpapers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5256747tonyneufeld.blog
Thanks to our Sponsors: 
cozyearth.com/deepmackweldon.com (Promo code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)calderalab.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast
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