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Artwork for Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal Newport
Productivity
Deep Work
Slow Productivity
Discipline
Transformative Goals
Time Management
Deep Life
Note-Taking
Reverse Goal Setting
Deep Living
Mental Health
Personal Organization
Curiosity
Laziness
Digital Organization
Psychological Barriers
Productivity Techniques
Career Change
Lifestyle Design
Goal Setting

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes403Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Self-ImprovementTechnologyEducation

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Artwork for Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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 ... more

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, th... more

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 w... more

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Recent Guests

Ed Zitron
Notable AI commentator, host of Better Offline podcast and writer at Where Is Your Eds on Substack
Episode: Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron)
Tyler Austin Harper
Journalist and critic, who has written extensively about environmentalism and technology.
The Atlantic
Episode: Ep 383: Why Is Everyone Talking About “Against the Machine”? (w/ Tyler Austin Harper)
Brian Keating
Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Physics and principal investigator of the Simons Observatory
University of California, San Diego
Episode: IN-DEPTH: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating)
Dario Amadei
CEO of Anthropic, talks about AI and its impacts on entry-level jobs and employment.
Anthropic
Episode: Ep. 367: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This?
Brad Stulberg
Author and expert on human performance
Episode: Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?
Chris Guillebeau
Author and entrepreneur, writer of 'Time Anxiety'
Chris Guillebeau
Episode: IN-DEPTH: The Art of Non-Conformity (w/ Chris Guillebeau)
David Blaine
World-renowned illusionist, endurance artist, and mentalist
Episode: You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
David Dewane
An architect known for the eudaemonia machine concept.
Chief Experience Officer at Geniant
Episode: IN-DEPTH: Architecting a Deep Life (w/ David Dewane)
Michael Easter
Health and science journalist
Author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain
Episode: IN-DEPTH: The Comfort Crisis (w/ Michael Easter)

Host

Cal Newport
Host of Deep Questions

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 4.3k ratings
  • you don’t need a smart phone

    I love this show. This is specifically in response to the episode about not needing a smart phone. At one point, Cal mentions that it is impossible to get through life without a smart phone. That at some point, you will need to add a smart phone to your life. He lists two factors security most two factor security systems will allow you to have a number text message to you or allow a hard token key. It takes a little bit of work and some questions from your organization or university but to do tw... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yes459870
    United States23 days ago
  • One of the best podcast i listened in the last months

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Carlom
    2 months ago
  • haha

    i am currently listening to the episode about single topic notebooks and it s just funny. basic academic processes with some pseudo new ideas on top make for a great episode of a white dude s podcast apparently🤣🤣

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    seminarossi
    Germany2 months ago
  • Always makes me think

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    surfchick97
    United States4 months ago
  • Is it for everyone?

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mbller
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, it is seen as an enriching resource for those aiming to lead more intentional lives.
Listeners appreciate the practical strategies and actionable advice for personal productivity.
There are mixed feelings about the repetitiveness of topics and the host's emphasis on his published works.
The podcast is praised for engaging discussions yet criticized for commercial interruptions.
Many find the insights on digital distractions and deep work to be transformative for their work and life.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 390: What Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? + Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation
Q: As a technology and cultural critic, what are your thoughts about what's going on in Minnesota with ICE raids and clashes with protesters?
Newport discusses the connection between the ICE raids and technology, noting that the current political environment is heavily influenced by social media and algorithmic politics, where actions are increasingly directed by what will generate the most attention and engagement online rather than by principled governance.
Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines
Q: Do you think you will follow a similar path to Krugman and write for Substack?
No, David Brooks is moving into new elite institutions, not going independent.
Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines
Q: Have you seen on Netflix the option to watch podcasts now?
Yes, it's interesting how the standards for visual media are changing.
Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines
Q: Did I see somewhere that you're filming a MasterClass?
Yes, I filmed a course for MasterClass that focuses on meaningful work without burning out.
Ep 385: Single-Purpose Notebooks (REPLAY)
Q: How does slow productivity relate to mental models and first principles?
Slow productivity offers a new mental model that rejects pseudo-productivity in favor of fewer, more meaningful outputs, and establishes generative first principles for effective action and decision making.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Questions with Cal Newport

What is Deep Questions with Cal Newport about and what kind of topics does it cover?

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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Which podcasts are similar to Deep Questions with Cal Newport?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Deep Questions with Cal Newport:

1. The Tim Ferriss Show
2. The Daily Stoic
3. The Knowledge Project
4. Huberman Lab
5. Founders

How many episodes of Deep Questions with Cal Newport are there?

Deep Questions with Cal Newport launched 6 years ago and published 403 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Deep Questions with Cal Newport?

Recent guests on Deep Questions with Cal Newport include:

1. Ed Zitron
2. Tyler Austin Harper
3. Brian Keating
4. Dario Amadei
5. Brad Stulberg
6. Chris Guillebeau
7. David Blaine
8. David Dewane

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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