
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about the impact of technology on society, and the struggle to work and live deeply in a world increasingly mired in digital distractions. On this podcast, he answers questions from his readers and offers advice about cultivating focus, productivity, and meaning amidst the noise that pervades our lives.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 396 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Self-ImprovementEducationTechnology | |||

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 ... more
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 excee... more
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 ... more
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; profil... more
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I really like this podcast because Cal makes me think about digital life in new ways and slowly develop my own philosophy on tech use slowly but surely. I’m a dumb phone user and consider myself a digital minimalist, so this compliments my lifestyle well. Cal seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I also like how he explains tech boundaries in a very practical way that never feels extreme, just logical. Thank you for the show!
Haha ask your students if chat bots will be here in a couple years.
You should read the book! It’s not a slog, it’s readable and short. The interview didn’t do the book justice, so it doesn’t make sense to review the interview without reading the book.
I honestly did not think Eleazer aimed the point at Cal lol “Cal get off my lawn” it was more that people didn’t thought it could develop into this and so quickly but it did (remember the “limitations” to understanding nuances of speech and conv... more
Helpful, pretty insightful and often funny! Looking forward to the return of Jesse Skeleton….
With so much optimization noise, Cal stands out! Deeply caring about what is important to you is NOT a trend that can be hacked and/ or automated.
I like this podcast and listened to it every week for over a year before I realized that it’s very repetitive and the same ideas are said over and over. Cal’s books are fantastic and well worth reading, but I think after a while this becomes a weekly hour long ad for the books. Not a lot of value is provided
Also, recently the AI talk is getting out of hand. Not specific to this podcast but I am a bit burnt out on all the AI hype and Cal has turned it into a new segment of late
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #18 | |
Apple Podcasts | #24 | |
Spotify | #15 | |
Apple Podcasts | #18 | |
Apple Podcasts | #25 | |
Spotify | #16 |
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Focused on the interplay between technology and productivity, the content engages listeners with thought-provoking discussions about digital minimalism, work-life balance, and the importance of deep work. The host frequently answers audience questions, offering practical advice and insights aimed at enhancing personal efficiency and fostering a more meaningful professional life. Notably, the podcast covers historical perspectives, current trends regarding AI, and psychological impacts of digital distractions, appealing to listeners seeking actionable strategies for improvement in both personal and professional domains. Its blend of humor and philosophical inquiry distinguishes this podcast in the self-improvement space, likely resonating wi... more
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