
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 | Twice weekly | Episodes | 430 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Self-ImprovementTechnologyEducation | |||

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 pseud... more
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 th... more
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 ... more
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 ... more
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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.
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.
So much common sense and logic. If you want to reclaim your attention in 2026, this is the pod.
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
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
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 | #17 | |
Apple Podcasts | #37 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #30 | |
Spotify | #20 |
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A thoughtful, evidence-driven show that blends practical strategies for focus, deep work, and thoughtful technology use with interviews and expert analysis. Episodes frequently tackle productivity, attention management, AI implications for knowledge work, and how to design workflows that foster meaningful, high-quality output. Noteworthy traits include a steady emphasis on deliberate practice, cognitive boundaries, and “slow tech” approaches, plus a willingness to challenge hype with careful argument and real-world examples. This combination makes it particularly helpful for professionals seeking deeper work routines or executives evaluating technology's impact on productivity and culture.
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Deep Questions with Cal Newport launched 6 years ago and published 430 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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Recent guests on Deep Questions with Cal Newport include:
1. Laura Vanderkam
2. Anna Lembke
3. David Epstein
4. Jensen Wong
5. Brad Stulberg
6. Amy Timberlake
7. TK Coleman
8. Sarah Hart-Unger
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