This IN-DEPTH is brought to you by Defender. In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Kendra Adachi to talk about her new book, THE PLAN, which introduces the innovative idea of “compassionate time management.” Kenda and Cal discuss how to move beyond the forever pursuit of “greatness” to instead seek satisfaction in your current life; the ways in which time management and productivity writing ignores the specific concerns of women; and why flexibility and pivoting are more important skills than precise planning. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Bestselling author Kendra Apache [5:01]Links:https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Apache)

We cover a lot of advice on this podcast, covering a lot of different topics. In today’s episode, Cal takes on the challenge of summarizing every big idea he promotes in less than five minutes. He then provides some theoretical connective tissue to explain how they all connect. This is followed by reader questions and a rant about “productivity.”  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: The Tao of Cal [2:53]  - Why is time blocking more demanding than using a weekly template? [25:04] - Is moving to the country a bad idea? [29:54] - How can I consolidate my email accounts without being stressed out? [34:47] - What’s the best approach to read for general knowledge? [36:20] - How do I apply Slow Productivity without losing career capital? [43:12] - CALL: Should I adjust my deep life lifestyle? [45:58]  CASE STUDY: Cultivating the deep work muscle [56:38]   CAL REACTS (e.g., Rants): “Productivity” Tracking Software [1:05:58]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1gwg7rk/employee_monitoring_software_has_gone_off_the/?rdt=41693 Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionszocdoc.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcastshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 329: The Tao of Cal

There’s a video trending on the internet at the moment arguing that its audience (presumably, young men) should disappear from the world to focus on going “beast mode” on their goals. Cal takes a closer look at this video and argues that it points toward a much larger issue – a mismatch between the modern digital environment and our human brains – that affects all of us. He then answers listener questions and calls and concludes with a tech corner segment.  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: Analog Mode [2:39]  - How do I go about restructuring my life after a shake-up? [29:50] - Should I take breaks from my AirPods? [36:03] - How can I adopt the discipline ladder to “multi-scale” planning? [38:54] - How do I regain a sense of time in a period of isolation and challenge? [43:41] - Should I quit some of my side projects? [48:50] - CALL: How should I time block on sabbatical? [55:27]  CASE STUDY:  Building Studio Z [1:03:18]  TECH CORNER: Section 230 and Poison Pills [1:15:10]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?youtube.com/watch?v=p5a7whN1k64promarket.org/2020/12/13/liberals-conservatives-wrong-section-230-reform-repeal/ Thanks to our Sponsors:  eightsleep.com/deepzbiotics.com/deepblinkist.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 328: Analog Mode

Almost everyone feels uneasy about their relationships with their smartphones. But the question is why? In today’s episode, Cal looks past the most common answers to seek a deeper understanding built on an unexpected source: the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. He then answers listener questions and ends the show with another edition of the tech corner segment.  Below are the questions covered in today'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  Deep Dive: Would Kant Use TikTok? [6:13]  - Do “distraction free” apps work? [30:36] - How can I finish what I start? [34:24] - Is context shifting slowing down my work as a teacher? [37:42] - How should I organize my official podcast duties with my traditional teaching requirements? [43:08] - Is “slow living” and “slow productivity" the same thing? [49:00] - CALL: Deep work blocks in the afternoon [55:58]  CASE STUDY:  Re-designing a life with a new job [1:00:07]  TECH CORNER: How do recommendation algorithms work? [1:11:00]   Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? youtu.be/SeZ1YOgbz18?si=kuCksvy_dGoOfx8Q  Thanks to our Sponsors:  shopify.com/deep drinklmnt.com/deep expressvpn.com/deep mintmoblie.com/deep  Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 327: Would Kant Use TikTok?

During the election season our devices take a particularly hard tole on our health and happiness. Now that the votes have been cast and counted, Cal proposes it’s time to take a temporary but radical break from the exhausting digital chatter. He then answers questions from his listeners and discusses Martha Stewart and the problems of “aesthetic productivity.”Below are the questions covered in today'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: Time to Unplug [2:49]- How do I organize all the information in my life? [39:04]- How can I do a side hustle if it’s against company policy? [42:23]- What is “Humanist Productivity”? [48:46]- Should I use a flip phone in college? [57:05]- How can I work at a natural place in a software company? [1:01:27]- CALL: Oliver Burkeman and imperfectionism [1:08:32]CASE STUDY: Managing with slow productivity [1:13:16] CAL REACTS: Martha Stewart’s Productivity Tips [1:21:36]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?calnewport.com/after-you-vote-unplug/today.com/shop/martha-stewart-shares-her-favorite-tips-staying-organized-t171345Thanks to our Sponsors: mybodytutor.comcozyearth.com/deepnotion.com/calrhone.com/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 326: Time to Unplug

A common theme on this show is the importance of focus and the need to train the ability. This can be a long term project, but are there things you can do right away to improve your ability to concentrate? In this episode, Cal explores five easy ideas that will immediately improve your focus ability. He then answers listener questions and reviews the books he read in October 2024.  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: Simple Focus Protocols [2:09]  - Can I time-block my personal time if it’s more busy than work? [25:57] - How do I prioritize when I have so much I want to do? [29:46] - How can I do deep work to increase my job skills if my days are filled with meetings? [34:50] - What are your all-time favorite books? [39:25] - How can I apply the principles of Slow Productivity as a business owner with multiple projects? [44:41] - CALL: Eyeglasses as a proxy for meaningful effort [49:39]  FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2024 [59:01]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions grammarly.com/podcast zocdoc.com/deepshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols

We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses organizational strategies custom-fit to these types of obligations. He then answers listener questions and checks in on a hidden trend in the world of technology.  Below are the questions covered in today'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  Deep Dive: Taming Non-Work Tasks [4:48]  - How do you manage unexpected projects in your time management system? [26:57] - How can I implement lifestyle-centric planning if my life has been directed by other people? [29:36] - How do you figure out what your rare and valuable skill is? [33:57] - Should I return to social media to promote my new book? [37:30] - How can I do fewer things if I’m expected to bill 40 client hours every week? [46:23] - CALL: Hiring an administrative assistant [50:08]  CASE STUDY: A software developer’s “pull” system [57:35]  TECH CORNER: The Quiet Revolution [1:08:34]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/the-frightening-familiarity-of-late-nineties-office-photos youtube.com/watch?v=-lRkCbhABvo Thanks to our Sponsors:  blinkist.com/deepnotion.com/calzbiotics.com/caldrinklmnt.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 324: Taming Non-Work Tasks

One of the most common complaints from people attempting to cultivate a deep life in our distracted world is procrastination. You want to make regular progress on something important but find you just can’t get going. In this episode, Cal discusses a less well understood cause of some procrastination and offers unconventional advice for facing it. He also answers listener questions and reacts to an article about a famous author’s unexpected regret.  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: Strategic Procrastination [4:46]  - Should I change my job? [20:28] - Should I automate my busy work? [24:20] - How can I speed up my reading? [27:01] - Should I quit my job to get my PhD? [31:41] - My team of 3 has 37 open projects. How do we avoid burnout? [43:29] - CALL: An engineering student’s commute [50:52]  CASE STUDY: Doing a master’s later in life [59:50]  CAL REACTS: Anne Patchett’s Biggest Regret [1:09:40]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2024/10/15/opinion/ann-patchett-regret-email.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  drinklmnt.com/deepshopify.com/deeppolicygenius.com/deepquestionsmintmobile.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 323: Strategic Procrastination

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Oliver Burkeman to the Deep Work HQ to talk about his new book, MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS, and more generally the tension between wanting to get your act together and becoming unhealthily obsessed with productivity.Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: New York Times best seller Oliver Burkeman [3:40]Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

IN-DEPTH:The Productivity Trap (w/ Oliver Burkeman)

Do you struggle to consistently make progress on hard things that are important to you? In today’s episode, Cal describes a way to improve this state of affairs: a systematic training regime called the discipline ladder. He then answers listener questions about their own struggles with discipline and reacts to an article claiming that professors are lazy (gasp!).  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: The Discipline Ladder [4:29]  - How can I overcome procrastination? [24:42] - How can I make my daily metrics more personal? [27:16] - How can I get my discipline back on track after a negative event? [32:47] - How can I be more disciplined to find time for my part-time project? [39:50] - How can my organization adopt slow productivity principles? [43:49] - CALL: Process centered emails [50:41]  CASE STUDY: Leveraging Career Capital [58:02]  CAL REACTS: Are Professor’s Lazy? [1:07:19]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?city-journal.org/article/professor-mianewyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/what-kind-of-writer-is-chatgpt Thanks to our Sponsors:  mybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deeprhone.com/calcozyearth.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 322: The Discipline Ladder

It has become second nature to maintain a continuous partial participation in the world of digital networks. In today’s episode, Cal reflects on a week in which he spent too much time online, and argues why this continuous partial participation is dehumanizing, and what you can do to escape. He then takes questions and calls from listeners and reviews the five books he read in September.  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive: How Your Phone Is Changing You [1:43]  - How do I teach my bosses to be deeper? [28:34] - How can I focus as a doctor when I have to keep switching from one patient to the next?” [35:46] - How do I overcome notebook overwhelm? [39:13] - Can “creativity” be added to the deep life buckets? [40:47] - How do I overcome the guilt of no longer being pseudo-productive? [44:51] - CALL: The Pomodoro Technique and overcoming distraction [49:33]  CASE STUDY: A 39-year-old changes careers [54:21]  FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in September 2024 [1:02:50]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionszocdoc.com/deepshopify.com/deepzbiotics.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 321: Escaping Your Phone

One of the single most important factors in your attempts to cultivate a deep life is your job. Yet, many people don’t give much thought to the role their work will play in their conception of a life well-lived. In this episode, Cal looks deeper at this topic. He starts by outlining four common traps people fall into when thinking about their work and happiness, then offers an alternative model that works better. He continues by answering listener questions about jobs and happiness, and ends with a look at Robert Caro’s writing shack.Below are the questions covered in today'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: Jobs and the Deep Life [3:43]- How can I tame my 12-hour work days? [26:25]- Should I worry about having too many daily metrics? [29:49]- How can I create an inspiring deep work environment if I work out of my car? [33:24]- How can I remain accessible to my kid's daycare without being constantly distracted? [35:36] - How can I use the principles of slow productivity for my MBA studies? [39:58]- CALL: Applying Cal’s principles as a new parent [45:49]CASE STUDY: Focused work for a PhD program [51:37] CAL REACTS: Robert Caro’s Budget Writing Shack [1:01:18]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?tumblr.austinkleon.com/post/761805215728009216/in-the-shack-with-robert-caro-he-bought-the-prefabThanks to our Sponsors: notion.com/calmintmobile.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionslandroverusa.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 320: Jobs and the Deep Life

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, a new semi-regular interview series with people at the frontiers of deep living, Cal interviews bestselling author Ryan Holiday about the systematic construction of an intentional life. They begin by talking about lessons from Ryan’s new book. RIGHT THING, RIGHT NOW, then go deep on Ryan’s own journey from a college drop-out working in a Hollywood talent agency to becoming a fully independent and massively successful writer and media personality.Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Mega-bestselling writer Arthur Brooks [3:33]Links:https://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

IN-DEPTH: Systematic Depth (w/ Ryan Holiday)

Why can you never seem to find enough time to make progress on the non-urgent but important priorities that can move you closer to the ideal of the deep life? In this episode, Cal reviews three common “time destroyers,” and for each offers solutions to fight back. He then takes questions and calls from his listeners and ends with a discussion of Amazon and the bureaucracy mailbox. Below are the questions covered in today'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: Reclaim Your Time [3:43]  - Is Agile compatible with slow productivity? [34:20] - How can I better structure my days as a master’s student with a job? [36:37] - How often and in what medium should I check my calendar? [42:43] - On days when I have no time, does reading for 20 minutes actually do anything? [46:52] - Will slow productivity make me less ambitious? [52:16] - CALL: Different types of Deep Work [58:04] CASE STUDY:  A teacher’s shutdown ritual [1:03:55] CAL REACTS: A Bureaucracy Mailbox [1:10:24] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/ceo-andy-jassy-latest-update-on-amazon-return-to-office-manager-team-ratioThanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepgreenlight.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering. 

Ep. 319: Reclaim Your Time

One of the more viral suggestions from Cal’s recent book, SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, was to occasionally skip out of work to see a movie. In this episode, Cal dives deep into criticisms of this advice and decodes what this tells us about where knowledge work is faltering and how we can make things better. He then answers questions from listeners and reacts to some productivity advice given from a well-known CEO.  Below are the questions covered in today'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 Deep Dive:  [7:47]  - Can I work deeply in my chaotic job? [27:17] - Can I use my inbox as a task list? [31:36] - How do you look at travel within your plans for a deep life? [35:12] - How can I get my partner to stop talking about work? [41:14] - How do I practice slow productivity with health issues? [44:54] - CALL: How can I decide on what career path to pursue? [49:14]  CASE STUDY: Switching careers after a 20 year law stint [56:11]  CAL REACTS: The CEO Who Swears by Time Blocking [1:05:04]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?cnbc.com/2024/05/09/want-to-boost-your-productivity-hit-the-movies-during-work-expert-says.htmlcnbc.com/amp/2024/09/09/whole-foods-ceo-swears-by-time-blocking-to-boost-productivity.html Thanks to our Sponsors:  mybodytutor.comblinkist.com/deepcozyearth.com/deeprhone.com/cal Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Ep. 318: Take a Break

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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