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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
Work-Life Balance
Discipline
Digital Minimalism
Digital Distractions
Artificial Intelligence
Smartphones
Knowledge Work
Self-Improvement
Attention Economy
Creativity
Writing
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes420Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Self-ImprovementTechnologyEducation

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Artwork for Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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:

Bu... more

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 que... more

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 ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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)
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?

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 4.4k ratings
  • 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 States19 days 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 States3 months ago
  • One of the best podcast i listened in the last months

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Carlom
    4 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
    Germany4 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 States6 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.

Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?
Q: What are the four general principles of slow technology?
Speed is not the main factor; cognitive context matters; friction can be beneficial; and assess tools on a broader timescale to prioritize long-term outcomes over immediate efficiency.
Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?
Q: What are your current writing habits and environment?
Her ideal schedule involves mornings, space dedicated to writing, and a habit of physical drafting with notebooks and cards before typing, which helps maintain structure and creative momentum.
Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?
Q: What prompted the experiment with a mechanical typewriter?
A long-standing struggle with distractions on the laptop and a desire to control the writing environment led Timberlake to try a typewriter, which slowed her down in a way that sharpened focus and depth.
Ep. 397: Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse?
Q: Why do these tools sometimes make our jobs worse?
Because faster throughput increases total task load and can trigger more context switching, while reducing cognitive effort can degrade quality and require more later work.
Ep. 397: Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse?
Q: What do we mean by digital productivity tools?
Tools that speed up tasks or reduce mental effort, such as email or AI assistants, which can improve throughput yet may not improve true productivity.

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 Daily Stoic
2. Best Laid Plans
3. The Rich Roll Podcast
4. Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais
5. excellence, actually

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

Deep Questions with Cal Newport launched 6 years ago and published 420 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. Amy Timberlake
2. Arthur Brooks
3. TK Coleman
4. Sarah Hart-Unger
5. Ed Zitron
6. Tyler Austin Harper
7. Brian Keating
8. Dario Amadei

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