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Artwork for Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal Newport
Productivity
Deep Work
Slow Productivity
Social Media
Time Management
Mental Health
Technology
Deep Life
Discipline
Work-Life Balance
Digital Minimalism
Digital Distractions
Artificial Intelligence
Smartphones
Writing
Knowledge Work
Self-Improvement
Attention Economy
Creativity
Cal Newport

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes426Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationSelf-ImprovementTechnology

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Artwork for Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Latest Episodes

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 captiv... more

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... more

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 ... more

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 ... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

David Epstein
New York Times bestselling author, author of Inside the Box
Riverhead Books / author
Episode: Why Do Better Tools Make Me Worse at My Job? (w/ David Epstein) | Monday Advice
Jensen Wong
Industry figure referenced in clip; associated with NVIDIA
NVIDIA
Episode: Is AI About to Automate Every Office Job? | AI Reality Check
Amy Timberlake
Acclaimed author of children's and middle grade books
Author
Episode: Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?
Arthur Brooks
Number one New York Times bestselling author, columnist for the Atlantic, professor at Harvard
Harvard University; The Meaning of Your Life
Episode: Ep. 398: How Do I Find Purpose in a Distracted World? (w/ Arthur Brooks)
TK Coleman
Guest, The Minimalists contributor and collaborator in the discussion
The Minimalists
Episode: Ep. 395: Should I Try a “Social Media Pause”?
Sarah Hart-Unger
Doctor and mother; planning aficionado; host of Best Laid Plans
Best Laid Plans Podcast
Episode: Ep. 394: Do I Need a Better Planning System?
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)

Host

Cal Newport
Cal Newport is a computer science professor and a New York Times bestselling author who discusses technology's impact on society and offers advice on productivity and meaningful living.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 4.5k ratings
  • Wish I found this sooner

    I recently found this podcast and think it’s outstanding. Cal is very thoughtful. I first found him through the AI reality check episodes, but there’s a lot more to like. This has quickly become one of my must listen podcasts when a new episode drops.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    go_birds17
    United States10 days ago
  • The best writing podcast out there

    Yes it's Deep Work generally, but the thoughts, insights and actionable recommendations are spot on for writers, and there even in the topics not, on their surface, about writing at all. Thank you Cal for bringing so much thought and attention to what matters and so much grounded skepticism to what does not.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ValKat12
    United States14 days ago
  • The best!

    So much common sense and logic. If you want to reclaim your attention in 2026, this is the pod.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RuhtRow
    Canadaa month ago
  • AI reality check

    Cal, my experience with your statistics you used is that they don’t answer the question of under employed. I have 2 children graduating college now, and they are keeping their non white collar jobs, because they have not found higher paying or entry level jobs. They are not unemployed. They are delayed from entering their careers they invested 4 years in getting a college degree in.

    I’ve also talked to and have seen many companies do layoffs specifically around AI replacing these entry leve... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    bigbroracin
    United Statesa month ago
  • 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 States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some criticisms mention repetitiveness and a focus on book promotion over new content, but overall, the podcast is well-received for its engaging depth.
Many find the insights on deep work and personal growth transformative, resonating well with their professional lives.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful discussions about technology and productivity, offering practical advice for managing digital distractions.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Do I Need a Digital Intervention? | Monday Advice
Q: Why did the researchers choose a randomized control trial design?
To compare the intervention group with a no-block control group so that observed effects on attention, mental health, and well-being could be attributed to the blocking intervention rather than self-selection or other confounds.
Do I Need a Digital Intervention? | Monday Advice
Q: What was the intervention studied in the research paper?
The intervention was blocking all mobile internet from smartphones using an app (Freedom) to block internet-powered apps while keeping essential functions like messaging and calls, implemented over two weeks in a randomized control trial.
Is AI Trending Up or Down in 2026? | AI Reality Check
Q: How serious is the data-center and GPU saturation concern for the AI market?
There are real risks of overinvestment and misaligned signaling, with many announced data centers not under construction and GPUs sitting in warehouses, which could trigger a broader market adjustment or 'AI winter.'
Is AI Trending Up or Down in 2026? | AI Reality Check
Q: What do you see as a healthier direction for AI development beyond the OpenClaw moment?
A more sustainable future would involve smaller, task-specific, modular AI systems that are hand‑coded or combined with small LLMs to handle language, rather than one giant, all-powerful AI entity.
Do I Need More Discipline? | Monday Advice
Q: What benefits should you expect from implementing this plan in your life?
Beyond reduced distractibility, you gain a sense of mastery, self-reliance, and a grounded life, with the discipline acting as a stabilizing governor.

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?

This podcast engages listeners with insightful discussions on the intersection of technology, productivity, and personal development. It addresses contemporary challenges related to digital distractions, offering listeners practical advice for maintaining focus and cultivating a meaningful life. The host often explores themes such as digital minimalism, effective work routines, and the psychological impacts of technology on society, appealing to those interested in how to reclaim their attention in an increasingly noisy world. Unique perspectives and actionable insights contribute to a thought-provoking listening experience, making it particularly relevant for audiences seeking to enhance their productivity and philosophical approach to tec... 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. excellence, actually
3. The Daily Stoic
4. Huberman Lab
5. Best Laid Plans

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

Deep Questions with Cal Newport launched 6 years ago and published 426 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. David Epstein
2. Jensen Wong
3. Amy Timberlake
4. Arthur Brooks
5. TK Coleman
6. Sarah Hart-Unger
7. Ed Zitron
8. Tyler Austin Harper

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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