Few professional experiences feel worse than overload. But what really causes this unfortunate state? In this episode, Cal takes a closer look at overload, identifying its main culprits, identifying solutions, and helping listeners with their specific overload-related questions.  Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo  Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia  Today’s Deep Question: How does overload actually operate? [3:54]  - Does Cal use an executive assistant? [26:15] - How do I write an effective communication policy for my team? [36:35] - Does overhead compound exponentially? [42:50] - How rare are high expectation/low overhead jobs? [48:05] - My job has few shallow obligations. What should I do with my free time? [51:41]  Something Interesting: The future of social media is less social [59:39]  Links:  wsj.com/articles/workers-say-its-harder-to-get-things-done-now-heres-why-2a5f1389 nytimes.com/2023/04/19/technology/personaltech/tiktok-twitter-facebook-social.html  Thanks to our Sponsors:  huel.com/questions blinkist.com/deep rhone.com/cal zocdoc.com/deep  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 248: Decoding Overload

We talk a lot on this show about how to be more organized and intentional in how you spend your time at work. But what about at home? In this episode, Cal is joined by Sarah Hart-Unger (https://theshubox.com/), a leading thinker on the challenges of staying organized amidst the chaotic busyness that defines family life, to help explore strategies for organizing life outside of work.  Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo  Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia  Today’s Deep Question: How do I adapt professional productivity techniques to my life outside of work? (With Sarah Hart-Unger) [7:16] To learn more about Sarah, read her blog, or subscribe to her podcasts, visit: https://theshubox.com/ — What system does Cal use to track his life admin? [1:05:55] — Don’t I need some sort of plan for time outside of work? [1:11:46] — How do I stay on top of ongoing projects, initiatives, or hobbies? [1:15:36] — Should I calculate the monetary cost of household tasks? [1:20:20]  Something Interesting: The AI Null Hypothesis [1:33:24]  Thanks to our Sponsors:  huel.com/questions expressvpn.com/deep hensonshaving.com/cal fieldofgreens.com (promo code: Deep)  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 247: The Productive Life (w/ Sarah Hart-Unger)

Are smartphones bad for kids? Cal walks through the data on this question, including how researchers came to be worried, their findings, critiques of their findings, and where we are today. He then gives recommendations for how to think about technology when it comes to your kids.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Are smartphones bad for kids? [3:10]- Is the deep life dull? [49:35]- How do I stop doom-scrolling when I’m tired? [53:49]- Are smartphones bad for older people? [57:35]- How does Cal decide to adopt new technology or software? [1:02:06]- How do I stay deep while traveling at conferences? [1:06:33]The Books Cal read in March 2023 [1:12:38]Thanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/gostamps.com/deepmybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 246: Kids and Phones

In this episode Cal – against his better judgment – answers questions on the fly, with no advance plan or preparation. He also does a Deep Dive about the  Twitter fog dissipating and discusses something interesting.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: What was Twitter anyway? [4:46]- Is there a difference between passion and calling? [27:09]- What are the four principles to reimagine knowledge work? [31:50]- Is movie watching part of the Deep Life? [36:05]- Does fixed schedule productivity work on a weekly scale? [38:54]- How does effective altruism fit in value-based lifestyle career planning? [41:01]- What are Cal’s thoughts on David Graber’s book, “Bull Shit Jobs”? [44:00]- Do distracted adolescents risk losing the ability to focus as they grow older? [46:57]- Does slow productivity assist with parenting and professional development? [48:29]Something Interesting: Rob Drydek’s productivity system [1:00:37]   Links:nytimes.com/2023/04/18/magazine/twitter-dying.htmlThanks to our Sponsors:fieldofgreens.com Promo Code: Deephensonshaving.com/calrhone.com/calhuel.com/questionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 245: “Crazy” Productivity

Are new AI technologies like ChatGPT about to massively disrupt our world? Drawing from his recent New Yorker article on the topic, Cal explains exactly how programs like ChatGPT work, and uses this knowledge to explain why we can calm our fears about this new technology.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How does ChatGPT work? (And should we worry about it?)  [11:24]- Is there anything AI won’t do better than humans? [57:30]- How will AI end up disrupting knowledge work? [1:02:27]- Should I quit web development before AI eliminates the industry? [1:07:32] - Will AI create mass job loss in the next five years? [1:11:52]SOMETHING INTERESTING:- NPR leaves Twitter [1:21:11]npr.org/2023/04/12/1169269161/npr-leaves-twitter-government-funded-media-label  Links:newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-havetwitter.com/tqbf/status/1598513757805858820twitter.com/goodside/status/1598077257498923010 nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/chatgpt-passes-mba-exam-wharton-professor-rcna67036time.com/6240569/ai-childrens-book-alice-and-sparkle-artists-unhappy/nytimes.com/2023/02/16/technology/bing-chatbot-microsoft-chatgpt.html nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.htmlThanks to our Sponsors:This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionszocdoc.com/deepladderlife.com/deepblinkist.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 244: Thoughts on ChatGPT

Cal Newport answers 10 questions from his audience ranging from idea management to the Deep Life to writing. Throughout all the answers, you’ll hear Cal explain his core concepts and how they apply to everyday working life.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia- Why doesn’t Cal care about idea management systems? [2:46]- Does Cal still use Workflowy to capture tasks?  [12:52]- Are women better at multi-tasking than men? [16:56]- What is the difference between pursuing depth versus passion? [23:16]- What are the  “Contemplation” and “Celebration” buckets in the context of the Deep Life? [28:56]- What’s the best way to study math? [32:56]- Can I jump from a master’s at a small school to a PhD at a prestigious one? [35:19]- How do I know if I’ve successfully cultivated a Deep Life? [37:11]- How do I become a successful political nonfiction writer? [44:38]- Is the Deep Work hypothesis affected by survivorship bias? [50:36]Links:calnewport.com/blog/2011/06/23/lab-notes-my-closed-loop-research-system/Thanks to our Sponsors:fieldofgreens.com Promo Code: Deepstamps.com/deeppolicygenius.comhensonshaving.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 243: In The Weeds!

Why do stories of people moving to the country to dedicate their lives to simple living resonate so strongly with us overworked knowledge workers? Cal explores lessons we can extract from these instincts that can improve our lives right now, even without the need to become a homesteader.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: What do we (really) seek when we seek the Simple Life? [7:39]- Are daly deep life habits too frequent? [32:35]- How do I juggle more projects? [36:44]- Can I quit my job to reach online full time? [41:53]- How do I convince my husband that the “deep life” isn’t an excuse to ignore me? [55:36]CASE STUDY: A Writing Shed For Slow Productivity [1:01:37]SOMETHING INTERESTING:- Utah limits teens’ ability to use social media [1:12:38]https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-1st-state-limiting-teens-access-social-media-98089159https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/simple-living-zmaz03onzgoe/Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.mybodytutor.comhttps://www.expressvpn.com/deephttps://www.grammarly.com/tonehttps://www.blinkist.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 242: The Simple Life

Why does Twitter maintain such a strong grip on those who produce things with their minds for a living? Is it really so critical that we all spend so many hours spreading our output on this particular platform? In today’s episode, we explore this question, seeking new, more sustainable and humane ways to be an online creative professional.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Given all the advantages of controlling your own digital press, why do so many content producers rely on Twitter? [5:39]- Does Twitter’s new view count feature make the service even worse? [27:10]- Why do so many important business/thought leaders spend so much time on Twitter? [35:14]- Does this professor need Twitter? [43:00]- Does Mastadon stand a chance against Twitter? [53:26]SOMETHING INTERESTING:Started From the Bottom podcast [1:01:04]pushkin.fm/podcasts/started-from-the-bottomAustralian senators backing 4-day work week [1:03:12]theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/09/australia-four-day-work-week-labor-greens-senators-supportThanks to our Sponsors:hensonshaving.com/calzocdoc.com/deepmintmobile.com/deepcozyearth.com (Promo code: Deep)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 241: The Virality Trap

You can’t just turn a “work harder” or “relax” knob. Once you realize that productivity ideas can offer you great autonomy in shaping your life - however you decide to do that - your relationship with it becomes more nuanced and fruitful. Productivity can be understood as applying organization tools and deliberate processes to take back control of your obligations.Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Is productivity about optimization or autonomy? [6:06] - Should I start a blog to prepare to write a book? [23:18]- How do I recover from burn out? [30:11]- How do I prioritize when I have too many interests? [35:15]- Should I ditch my side hustle? [39:25]- How do I convince my self-focused colleagues to participate in more efficient group systems? [43:24]Something Interesting: - The five books I read in February 2023 [53:24]Links:vice.com/en/article/akdyje/the-relentless-rise-of-the-productivity-influenceyoutube.com/watch?v=YctcDlPixb8Thanks to our Sponsors:This episode is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestionsblinkist.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepladderlife.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 240: Disciplined Laziness

The relationship with time is one of the more interesting things going on in work culture. Many knowledge workers take on too much work and become overloaded. If we have less to do, our relationship with time can be repaired. So we have to think very concretely about building systems and mindsets that reduce how much we have to do.Life of Focus link here: life-of-focus-course.comBelow are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Is our relationship to time broken? [16:12]- Do we need AI-driven time management tools? (Rant alert) [39:39]- Is slow productivity compatible with becoming world class in a competitive field? [47:46]- What deep accomplishments are Cal and Jesse most proud about? [50:15]- CASE STUDY: A composer embraces slow productivity [59:40]Something Interesting: - Quiet quitting in academia? [1:08:35]Links:https://www.ft.com/content/176c104a-32c0-4267-b122-add10e5405f9https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/books/time-jenny-odell-.htmlhttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00633-wThanks to our Sponsors:https://www.hensonshaving.com/calhttps://www.huel.com/questionshttps://www.stamps.com/deephttps://www.80000hours.org/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 239: On Time and Stress

The reading life is a deep life. The screen-filled life can be primitive and exhausting. Which one do you want?Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Why is it important to read books? [7:23]- Should I buy physical copies of books I enjoyed on my kindle? [30:45]- How should I organize my notes when writing a non-fiction book? [34:38]- How do I train myself to become a reader? [40:34]- How should I build a library? [50:25]- What does Cal think about Sam Bankman-Fried’s claim that books are worthless? [55:12]Something Interesting: [1:02:21]- Napoleon’s solution to inbox overload- Rethinking productivity: impact vs. velocityLinks:abc.net.au/religion/maryanne-wolf-cultivating-deep-reading-in-a-digital-age/102001224reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/11fphcy/til_napoleon_bonaparte_refused_to_open_his_mail/itamargilad.com/velocity-vs-impact/Thanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/tonemybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 238: The Joys of the Reading Life

Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Should we consider a radically reimagined internet? [7:03]- Can we build a better internet? [29:20]- Will the coming augmented reality make the deep life impossible? [36:18]- How do I become more disciplined about shutting down my phone? [44:26]- Is the internet alive? [49:35]- How does Cal see the connection between his professor and writer roles? [55:40]Something Interesting: Michael Cera Doesn’t Use a Smartphone [1:10:47]Links:https://www.buzzfeed.com/mychalthompson/michael-cera-smartphone-social-mediahttps://urbit.orghttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/21/us/google-supreme-court-youtube.html Elevate Your Team  Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.hensonshaving.com/calhttps://www.huel.com/questionshttps://www.mintmobile.com/deephttps://www.policygenius.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 237: Reimagining the Internet

Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How can I significantly decrease the footprint of my remote job (without anyone noticing)? [10:46]- How do I leverage a shift to remote work to gain a deeper life? [39:23]- How can I work deeply in a remote job that requires me to be available? [43:16]- How do I make time for my individual projects while working remotely? [53:47]- How do I avoid being promoted out of a nice remote position into a miserable management role? [55:35]CASE STUDY: Alternative Workflow Pitfalls [1:00:07]Something Interesting: The five books I read in January, 2023 [1:09:54] Links:https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/04/return-to-office-occupancy-statusThanks to our Sponsors:This episode is sponsored by Better Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestionshttps://www.ladderlife.com/deephttps://www.zocdoc.com/deephttps://www.expressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 236: Hacking Remote Work

Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: Does Cal Still Think That Productivity is Overrated? [6:46]- Should I abandon my careful plan when I get on a roll? [30:47]- How do I achieve slow-and-steady work mode? [35:38]- How do I make my the most out of idle time? [41:37]- How does a deep work lover survive the shallows? [47:34]- Does productivity require that you’re anti-social? [51:16]Something Interesting: Rethinking productivity in academia [1:02:44] Links:calnewport.com/blog/2007/08/31/dangerous-ideas-productivity-is-overrated/  Thanks to our Sponsors:Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at stamps.com/deep. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!hensonshaving.com/calblinkist.com/deep80000hours.org/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 235: Is Productivity Overrated?

Below are the questions covered in today&apos;s episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaToday’s Deep Question: How can we be ambitious without burning out? [8:23]- How do I create a hit podcast? (Special guest JORDAN HARBINGER) [41:59]- How do I overcome boredom in my purposefully under-scheduled life? [1:01:57]- How do I manage multiple side hustle projects? [1:06:11]- Do I need two planning documents if I have two jobs? [1:13:14]- How do I get my 15-year-old brother to stop using his phone so much? [1:15:30]Something Interesting: The slow productivity of Maryam Mirzakhani [1:23:48]Links:screenrant.com/calvin-hobbes-bill-watterson-merchandising-lost-millions-reason/web.archive.org/web/20150302235823/http://www.calnewport.com/blogwired.com/2014/08/maryam-mirzakhani-fields-medal/thedeeplife.com/podcasts/episodes/ep-115-jordan-harbinger-what-is-the-future-of-podcasting/   Thanks to our Sponsors:grammarly.com/deepladderlife.com/deepmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 234: Ambition without Burnout

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.

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Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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