Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia ACT #1: Look Closer at the Article [1:20] ACT #2: A Closer Look at the Paper [3:21] ACT #3: But What About… [7:24] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/27/number-of-ai-chatbots-ignoring-human-instructions-increasing-study-says https://x.com/summeryue0/status/2025774069124399363 https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/anthropic-ai-deception-risk Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Here’s a key question: Did technology like smartphones make us miserable, or were we already miserable and smartphones made it worse? To help figure out this answer, I talked to Arthur Brooks, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Harvard professor, about this new book: The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. In our conversation, Brooks argues that our current Age of Emptiness began in the 1990s, but technology like smartphones and social media made it worse. We then discuss smart strategies for finding purpose in our current moment. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected]. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia INTERVIEW: How Do I Find Purpose in a Distracted World? (W/ Arthur Brooks) [1:44] INBOX: Tech employees being evaluated through LLM tokens [1:01:49] Can Cal comment on reading digital books? [1:07:35] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: What Cal is reading [1:13:00] Deep Work HQ update [1:14:37] Books: Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson) 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?gizmodo.com/tech-employees-are-reportedly-being-evaluated-by-how-fast-they-burn-through-llm-tokens-2000736627 Thanks to our Sponsors: monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)butcherbox.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia SUB QUESTION #1: What is Yan LeCun Up To? [2:55] SUB QUESTION #2: How is it possible that LeCun could be right about LLM’s begin a dead-end? We’ve been hearing non-stop recently about how fast they’re advancing. [14:55] SUB QUESTION #3: What would happen next if LeCun is right? [22:26] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/technology/ami-labs-yann-lecun-funding.html Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new study finds that for many workers, AI increases shallow efforts while decreasing time focusing on what really matters. This is not the first digital productivity technology to create this paradoxical effect. In today’s episode, Cal dives deep into why this happens and then details three strategies for avoiding these traps in your own professional life. 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: Why Do “Productivity Technologies” Make My Job Worse? [3:17] INBOX: An article about meetings [36:11] A case study on escaping email overload [47:29] A tool that makes the internet more boring [50:37] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: Deep or Crazy? [57:02] What Cal read [1:02:23] Cal in the news [1:05:57] Books: Reader, Come Home (Maryanne Wolf) What Do You Say? (William Stixrud and Ned Johnson) 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?pmresearcher.substack.com/p/why-meetings-multiplydocs.pluckeye.net/overview Thanks to our Sponsors: calderalab.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.comdrinkag1.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia STORY #1: Did an AI Agent Email an AI Researcher? [1:01] STORY #2: Does the Pentagon Think Claude Has a Soul? [10:20] STORY #3: What’s Going on with Anthropic Revenues? [14:16] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/philosopher-ai-consciousness-startled-ai-email https://x.com/dioscuri/status/2029227527718236359 https://x.com/thomaschattwill/status/2029273517175263679 https://x.com/ns123abc/status/2032122638852640951 https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/anthropic-gives-lesson-ai-revenue-hallucination-2026-03-10/ https://pluralistic.net/2026/03/12/normal-technology/ Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Remember how much we loved our iPhones when they first came out? Can we get back to that relationship with these devices? In this episode, Cal explores five pieces of advice for transforming your current phone back to something that’s less distracting, more useful, and fun once again – a goal he calls “2007 mode.” 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: Can I learn to love my phone again? [3:31] INBOX: A new study on brain fry [30:29] Use of phones in The Pitt [38:58] 17th Century scholar dealing with overload [42:05] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: What I’m trying [43:57] What Cal read [48:45] What Cal watched [49:44] Movies: Secret Agent 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?youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4lsi2RtaIyoutube.com/watch?v=ENUO7dbZ-TYyoutube.com/watch?v=7jVb1lLniEwyoutube.com/watch?v=aC0JKAN5xVIhbr.org/2026/03/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fryinstagram.com/reel/DUxCG_BDvWX/?igsh=a3pyZXNlNTZvdDVp Thanks to our Sponsors: butcherbox.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestions1password.com/deepshopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia ARTICLE #1: America Isn’t Ready for What AI Will Do to Jobs [2:15] ARTICLE #2: Mass Hysteria. Thousands of Jobs Lost. Just How Bad Is It Going to Get? [9:23] ARTICLE #3: THE 2028 GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CRISIS: A Thought Exercise in Financial History, from the Future [14:39] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/03/ai-economy-labor-market-transformation/685731/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/opinion/ai-jobs-white-collar-apocalpyse.html https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/2028gic https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/business/citrini-ai-stock-market.html https://www.citadelsecurities.com/news-and-insights/2026-global-intelligence-crisis/ Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you need social media? Which services? For what purposes? These are complicated questions and in today’s episode Cal proposes a simple route to answers: conducting a “social media pause.” To help investigate this strategy, Cal is joined by T.K. Coleman, of The Minimalists, to talk about a social media pause that they tried and the surprising results it generated. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia IDEAS SEGMENT: Interview with T.K. Coleman [3:26] INBOX: - Focused work in early modern time [1:00:18] - Tool suggestion from a programmer [1:05:10] - Staring at a painting for three hours [1:13:26] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Changes to the show [1:18:44] - What Cal read [1:20:04] - What Cal watched [1:21:34] - Renovation of Maker Lab [1:25:38] The Age of Extraction (Tim Wu) John and Paul (Ian Leslie) Movies: Train Dreams The Hurt Locker Three Days of the Condor Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgMUBMqrE7Mhttps://www.reddit.com/r/ObsidianMD/comments/161jik7/please_share_how_you_use_obsidian_for_task/ Thanks to our Sponsors:https://www.monarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)https://www.factormeals.com/deep50offhttps://www.mybodytutor.comhttps://www.wayfair.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI Reality Check: Did the LLM Job Apocalypse Begin Last Week? Cal Newport takes a closer look at recent AI news. Below are the topics covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:youtube.com/calnewportmedia STORY #1: Jack Dorsey announces layoffs at Block [1:28] STORY #2: The education level of LLM-based tools [11:45] STORY #3: What’s happening in the world of computer programming? [19:24] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ https://x.com/jack/status/2027129697092731343 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/technology/block-square-job-cuts-ai.html https://x.com/emollick/status/2027153371241607420 https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronshevlin/2026/02/27/block-lays-off-40-of-staff-and-blames-it-on-ai-dont-buy-the-excuse/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56HJQm5nb0U http://calnewport.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s hard to live deeply in a distracted world if you don’t have control over how you spend your time. This goal requires a planning system that both works and can last. Do you have a reasonable planning system in place? If not, don’t worry. Today, Cal is joined by planning expert Sarah Hart-Unger (author of “Best Laid Plans”) to discuss the nitty-gritty details of creating sustainable systems that can help you regain autonomy over your schedule without becoming an over-scheduled drone. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Interview with Sarah Hart-Unger [2:12] AUDIENCE FEEDBACK, NOTES, AND CHATTER: Dopamine addictions and TV shows [1:05:06] Watching entire films [1:09:43] Attention span and movies [1:16:38] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: Update on my AI Programmer Project [1:21:12] Other Updates [1:28:02] What Cal Consumed [1:29:17] The Last Kings of Hollywood (Paul Fischer) Movies: The Smashing Machine Song Sung Blue Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/07/why-are-movies-sooooo-long-an-investigation science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz9311 Sarah Hart-Unger online: Sarah Hart-Unger (MD, if you want to use that but I typically don't even bother in my creative work!) practicing pediatric endocrinologist, author, and podcaster Best Laid Plans Podcast Best of Both Worlds Podcast (cohosted with Laura Vanderkam) Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love, Sourcebooks Dec 2025 Website (since 2004 . . .): theshubox.com Social media: none :) Partially due to your influence, I quit FB in 2016, IG in 2021, and thankfully never got into anything else! I guess I do have minimal Youtube (occasional planner videos + feed of podcast eps) @youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is sponsored by Better Help: betterhelp.com/deepquestions zapier.com/deep calderalab.com/deep shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last month, the Atlantic reported that film students are now struggling to sit through entire films. In this episode, Cal argues that this is both an issue and an opportunity. The fact we can’t watch full movies indicates the impact of digital tools on our brains is worse than we assumed. But in this problem, we also find a solution: maybe teaching ourselves to become better movie watchers can be the first step to reclaiming our own minds. Cal then dissects a viral AI essay that seems to have everyone worried (spoiler: Cal’s not impressed), reads a reader note about social media and the Olympics, and gives an update on his next book project. 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 IDEAS SEGMENT: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones? [2:36] NEWS AND NOTES SEGMENT: Something Big is Happening [31:23] Digital Minimalism and the Olympics [49:31] WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [56:03] Attensity The Lost Island (Eilis Dillon) 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? theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/ fortune.com/2026/02/11/something-big-is-happening-ai-february-2020-moment-matt-shumer/ Thanks to our Sponsors: pipedrive.com/deep drinkag1.com/deep butcherbox.com/deep grammarly.com Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There remains a gap between the production values of professional streaming services like Netflix and independent content that appears on platforms like YouTube. But what happens when that gap disappears? In the ideas segment of today’s episode, Cal sends a correspondent to investigate a fascinating new “micro-streaming” service producing Netflix-quality shows with a small team. Then, in the practices segment, he explains why he spent $60 on a single productivity application.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/calnewportmediaIDEAS SEGMENT: Are “Micro-Streamers” the Future of Media? [3:12]PRACTICES SEGMENT: Why Cal Spent $60 on a Task App? [36:33]QUESTIONS:How can I find time to become a Biblical scholar? [45:25]Should I freak out about this AI Superintelligence article? [49:23]WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [57:41]The Hidden Book in the Bible (Richard Elliott)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?https://www.masterclass.com/calnewporthttps://culturedcode.com/things/Thanks to our Sponsors: 1password.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP” for 20% off)calderalab.com/deepshopify.com/excellenceThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is there something rotten in the state of AI reporting at the moment? In the ideas segment of this episode, Cal details three common traps in AI coverage that distort or distract from the reality of this technology. Once you know what to look for, these traps become easy to avoid – greatly improving your experience when trying to keep up to date on the latest advancements. Then, in the practice segment, Cal asks why morning routines have become so popular among young people. His explanation (hint: it involves the fight for depth in a distracted world) uncovers new ideas about how to make morning routines actually useful.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/calnewportmediaIDEAS SEGMENT: Is AI Reporting Broken? [1:43]PRACTICES SEGMENT: Rethinking Morning Routines [29:27]QUESTIONS:Did I see somewhere that you’re filming a MasterClass? [41:24]Now that David Brooks left the NYT, will he start a Substack? [46:25]Cal reacts to comments [48:25]WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [50:45]Time Freedom (Brian Heriott) ARCThe Vampire, The Tutor, and the Madman (Josh Douglas)One Direction (Charles Duhigg)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?qz.com/amazon-layoffs-ai-tech-job-lossescnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.htmlcalnewport.comnytimes.com/2025/07/28/arts/video-games-artificial-intelligence.htmlnypost.com/2026/01/31/tech/moltbook-is-a-new-social-media-platform-exclusively-for-ai/news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46838834youtube.com/@WesRoth/videosyoutube.com/@airevolutionx/videosyoutube.com/watch?v=JoQG25gQyRgnewyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/what-maga-can-teach-democrats-about-organizing-and-infightingThanks to our Sponsors: factormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everyone knows that excessive smartphone use can be harmful. But the question we don’t ask enough is what the advantages are of not using these devices. In the ideas segment, Cal examines the testimonials of four subjects who spent significant time without phones, to learn what they actually experience. Then, in the practices segment, he dissects the latest viral online self-help sensation to see if it holds up or is just fluff. Finally, in the Q&A segment, he tackles a surprising (and distressing) way in which technology plays a role in the violent ICE raids happening in Minnesota.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/calnewportmediaIDEAS SEGMENT: What (Really) Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? [3:07]PRACTICES SEGMENT: Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation [31:53]QUESTIONS:What do the ICE raids in Minnesota teach us about technology and its impacts on our society? [53:17]WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:08:17]The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney (Michael Barrier)Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at [calnewport.com/slow](https://www.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=kzXOyW8Zumgyoutube.com/watch?v=gh5CYvi5E40youtube.com/watch?v=C-Iewo7zUFoyoutube.com/watch?v=5FI1gP_K5K0youtube.com/watch?v=FshYuO6Opwkx.com/thedankoe/status/2010751592346030461prospect.org/2026/01/27/ice-greg-bovino-minneapolis-one-battle-after-another-sean-penn/youtube.com/watch?v=elF0YmsCHvQThanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionrag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)calderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s natural to feel ambition, as we’re wired to find great satisfaction in accomplishing hard goals. But what impact has the internet had on this instinct? To help explore this question, author Brad Stulberg, author of the new book THE WAY OF EXCELLENCE, joins Cal during the ideas segment to explore ways in which the internet hijacks our drive, and what we can do about it. Then, in the practice segment, Cal provides the 2026 of his evolving advice for escaping email and IM overload in your job.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/calnewportmediaIDEAS SEGMENT: Is the internet hijacking ambition? [4:16]PRACTICES SEGMENT: Escaping messaging hell [1:03:06]QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:Have new AI tools actually been as transformative as claimed? [1:23:49]CAL RESPONDS TO COMMENTS [1:38:15]WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:44:52]Future Boy (Michael J. Fox)The Unauthorized Story of Disney’s Haunted Mansion (Jeff Baham)Links:Get The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063385945/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1Buy 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?podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/old-school-with-shilo-brooks/id1841566275instagram.com/p/DFh_mNGSvuZ/?img_index=2microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workdayreddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1o2g1xq/with_all_the_billions_trillions_going_into_it/calnewport.com/a-world-without-email/Thanks to our Sponsors: mybodytutor.commonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)pipedrive.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite some initial skepticism, Jonathan Haidt’s crusade against kids using smartphones has been more or less completely vindicated. Which got us thinking: what’s he worried about next? In the ideas segment, Cal looks closer at three new technological harms that Haidt has begun sounding the alarm about. Then, in the practices segment, he details a somewhat eccentric technology strategy that he and his wife have deployed in their own home to keep their kids away from smartphones. 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/calnewportmediaIDEAS SEGMENT: What’s worrying Jon Haidt? [0:04]PRACTICES SEGMENT: Should you buy a landline (Cal just did…) [50:44]QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:Can we put the social media and video game genies back in their lamp? [1:08:55]Can an artist avoid using social media? [1:13:01]Cal responds to comments [1:16:33]WHAT CAL’S READING: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:19:31]20th Century Fox (Scott Eyman)In the Shadow of Man (Jane Goodall)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?docs.google.com/document/d/1w-HOfseF2wF9YIpXwUUtP65-olnkPyWcgF5BiAtBEy0/edit?tab=t.0x.com/kevinroose/status/2001464352491311196afterbabel.com/p/smartphone-gambling-is-a-disasterfanduel.comafterbabel.com/p/its-not-just-a-game-anymoreafterbabel.com/p/dont-give-your-child-an-ai-companionfuturism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-toys-dangerinstagram.com/reel/DO_7TzvEkzO/?hl=entincan.kidspunkt.ch/products/mp02-4g-minimalist-phonealiexpress.us/item/3256810412310495.htmlnintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-switch-lite-turquoiseThanks to our Sponsors: 1password.com/deepcozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)notion.com/calcalderalab.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last year, when columnist Paul Krugman left the NYT, it seemed like yet another example of the traditional media crumbling. But Krugman, as it turns out, is doing great. His popular substack now reaches massive audiences and earns him a seven-figure salary. Inspired by this story, in the ideas segment of today’s episode, we take a closer look at key numbers relevant to whether paid newsletters can replace traditional print media. Then, in the practices segment, we study some viral advice for spending less time on your phone.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: Can Substack Save Journalism? + Viral Advice for Ignoring Your Phone [0:02]PRACTICES SEGMENT: How to successfully delete social media [50:40]Is it ok to use ChatGPT to try to better understand some classics? [1:04:51]How do I decide what to write down when I use the notebook method? [1:06:10]For professional writers trying to succeed today, isn’t Substack the platform of the moment? [1:12:00]CAL’S READING UPDATE: Cal gives his weekly reading update [1:18:28]Airframe (Michael Crichton)The Great Train Robbery (Michael Crichton) Fantastic Voyage (Isaac Asimov)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?cjr.org/analysis/paul-krugman-leaving-new-york-times-heavy-hand-editing-less-frequent-columns-newsletter.phpsubstack.com/@paulkrugmannatesilver.net/p/always-be-bloggingreallygoodbusinessideas.com/p/most-popular-substackspewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/rnz.co.nz/life/culture/any-attempt-to-simplify-elon-musk-is-futile-the-nz-cofounder-of-substackdaringfireball.net/2024/11/regarding_and_well_against_substackyoutube.com/watch?v=eUSBKj5ZQpoThanks to our Sponsors: meetfabric.com/deeppipedrive.com/deepfactormeals.com/deep50offmonarch.com (Use code “DEEP”)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron) 2025 was a year that was saturated in AI news, from Deep Seek, through claims of economic “bloodbaths,” to GPT-5, Sora, and Chatbot girlfriends. Frankly, it was exhausting. As we now look back on 2025 an interesting question arises: all in all, did this end up being a good or bad year for AI? To help me answer this question, I’m joined by hard-hitting AI commentator Ed Zitron, who's been everywhere in the media in recent months helping to make sense of the wild claims being thrown in the public’s direction. Together we go through the biggest AI stories of the year to try to make sense of what just happened. 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/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI (w/ Ed Zitron) [3:16]Cal Reacts to Comments: Is the Internet Becoming Television? [1:58:25] 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?bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9poaxios.com/2025/01/23/davos-2025-ai-agentsblog.google/technology/google-deepmind/gemini-model-updates-february-2025/openai.com/index/sora/openai.com/index/introducing-gpt-4-5/ai-2027.com/fortune.com/2025/05/28/anthropic-ceo-warning-ai-job-loss/media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/08/07/chat-gpt-5-release-date-open-ai/85566627007/#:~:text=GPT%2D5%20release%20date,release%20date%20for%20Part%202newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/what-if-ai-doesnt-get-much-better-than-thiswsj.com/tech/ai/ai-bubble-building-spree-55ee6128nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/openai-and-nvidia-announce-strategic-partnership-to-deploy-10gw-of-nvidia-systemsnytimes.com/2025/10/02/technology/openai-sora-video-app.htmlanthropic.com/news/claude-opus-4-5ft.com/content/064bbca0-1cb2-45ab-85f4-25fdfc318d89youtube.com/watch?v=Z_WEmjygNK0Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsreclaim.ai/calexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this replay of a classic episode from March 2024, Cal discusses his transformative experience using a small analog notebook to tackle a complicated problem in his life. He makes the broader argument that sometimes simple analog tools can far exceed the utility of their digital counterparts.Below are the questions covered in today'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/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Single-Purpose Notebooks [1:21]- If “pseudo-productivity” isn’t effective, why is it so common? [21:58] - Can you explain the difference between limiting missions, projects, and daily goals? [29:54] - Should everyone buy a $50 notebook? [34:18]- How does “Slow Productivity” relate to mental models and first principles? [43:08]- Should I read your new book slowly? [47:40]- CALL: Struggling writer obsessing over quality [53:10]CASE STUDY: Applying lifestyle-centric career planning [58:14]SOMETHING INTERESTING: TikTok Falters [1:01:39]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://www.notebookstories.com/2013/05/06/picasso-sketchbook/https://www.anothermanmag.com/life-culture/10788/remembering-bruce-chatwin-the-greatest-travel-writer-that-ever-livedhttps://www.notebookstories.com/2023/12/22/a-notebook-in-the-movie-elf/https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/quitting-tiktok-less-swiping-more-sleeping-1e166a39?page=1https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giantsGet your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaThanks to our Sponsors: monarch.com/deep1password.com/deepmakeheadway.com/deepmeetfabric.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our annual holiday episode, Cal tackles one of the questions he’s asked most often: What should I read? But with a twist. He recommends six books that are not from the self-help or advice genre that will nonetheless help you change your life into something deeper. For the rest of the episode, he then answers listener calls.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/calnewportmediaCAL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:Walden by Henry David Thoreau [2:40]Lincoln’s Virtues by William Lee Miller [7:28]The Case for God by Karen Armstrong [10:54]You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier [21:25]The Shallows by Nicholas Carr [26:28]Falling Upward by Richard Rohr [28:45]CALLS: Concerned father and husband about smartphones [37:48]Living deeply with multiple gigs [43:27]Effective timeblocking [47:19]The Deep Life for non-knowledge workers [54:01]Dealing with overwhelming technology [58:59]The real cost of AI [1:02:59]Where to start with deep work? [1:07:33]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: monarch.com/deepwayfair.comnotion.com/calreclaim.ai/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earlier this fall, the activist, novelist, and essayist Paul Kingsnorth published an anti-technology polemic called “Against the Machine.” To say it hit a nerve is an understatement. In the months that followed, Kingsnorth has been everywhere; profiled, among places, in the New York Times, the New Yorker, and The Atlantic. In today’s episode, I want to find out why Kingsnorth’s take on technology is resonating so strongly. To help me answer this question, I’m joined by the journalist and scholar Tyler Austin Harper, who wrote a great review of Kingsnorth’s book for The Atlantic. We dive deep into Kingsnorth’s ideas and explore what they teach us about our current moment more generally.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/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Why Is Everyone Talking About “Against the Machine”? (w/ Tyler Austin Harper) [0:00] Is the simple awareness of a notification as harmful as full context switching? [1:15:49]Is there an “ideal ratio” for consuming information across different mediums? [1:17:12]How can I effectively implement your shutdown routine and not keep checking emails? [1:20:21]How can I manage my social media obligations with my marketing job? [1:23:52]CASE STUDY: Reframing a career to utilize career capital [1:26:07]CALL: Dealing with conflicting views about digital minimalism in a relationship [1:30:21]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?theatlantic.com/books/2025/11/paul-kingsnorth-against-the-machine/684848/Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is sponsored by Better Help:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.comexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last month, Derek Thompson published an intriguing essay that made waves in technology criticism circles. It was titled: “Everything is Television.” In today’s episode, Cal takes a closer look at this essay, unpacking and expanding Thompson’s arguments, and ultimately concluding with a series of predictions about what to expect next from the internet. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five books he read in November 2025.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: Is the Internet Becoming Television [00:03]Can AI reduce distractions for developers? [38:32]How do I time block in a job with heavy interruptions? [44:03]How should I manage what I read, watch and listen to for books, magazines, shows, and podcasts? [47:31]How should I cope with family and friends always scrolling TikTok during the holiday season? [52:50]Does endless scrolling make people less motivated to be physically active? [54:48]CASE STUDY: Developing a Deep Life after selling a company [56:15]CALL: Eliminating Instagram in graduate school [1:04:19]NOVEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in November 2025 [1:09:08]Realityland (David Koening)Becoming Mary Poppins (Todd James Pierce)Tradition in an Untraditional Age (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks)What is the Bible? (Rob Bell)Notes on Being a Man (Scott Galloway)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?flowingdata.com/2025/10/03/passed-peak-social-media-maybe/derekthompson.org/p/why-everything-became-televisionyoutube.com/watch?v=QaiecWzeHFMcsmonitor.com/1985/0610/z2vid1.htmlThanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/DEEP (for up to 40% off)auraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS” to get $35 off)indeed.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcastThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today’s episode, Cal reviews some of his favorite advice from legendary writers (plus a bonus piece of advice from his own craft). Within each suggestion, he finds a general idea that can apply to anyone looking to build a deep life in an increasingly distracted world. He then answers listener questions and responds to comments about last week’s episode.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: Life Advice from Legendary Writers [0:02]How do you balance managing your energy vs. time? [45:29]How can I recharge without feeling antsy as a working mom? [48:39]Should I eliminate Reddit to gain a more intentional mind? [50:56]What’s the difference for reading based on the Lincoln protocol and for sheer joy? [54:53]Does active podcast listening qualify as a learning endeavor? [57:01]CASE STUDY: A project manager reorganizes his life [1:02:19]CALL: Developing a 5-year plan for work [1:06:54]CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Can LLMs be Conscious? [1:09:51]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=CQHK_AlJTQcThanks to our Sponsors: calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)shopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There has been a lot of loose talk online recently about the capabilities of existing AI tools. In this episode, Cal reacts to a specific recent clip from the Joe Rogan podcast in which the guest argues that language models are like a child’s brain, and may already be conscious. Cal puts on his (always stylish) computer scientist had to explain why this cannot be true. He then answers listener questions and reacts to feedback on his recent episode about using a notebook to enhance long thinking.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: ChatGPT is Not Alive [0:04]Are there other forms of dangerous AI other than LLMs? [49:03]What are the immediate concerns of AI? [53:24]Will AI be smart enough to evolve to not destroy itself? [55:47]Does James Somers make a valid argument in his recent New Yorker article that the AI can think? [1:01:49]How can I build career capital if I’m forced to integrate AI into my workflow? [1:04:52]CASE STUDY: A Workplace Productivity System [1:06:31]CAL READS THE COMMENTS: Regaining Your Ability to Think (in 60 Minutes a Week) [1:10:48]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=gXbsq5nVmT0youtube.com/watch?v=NnA2OoH_NFYThanks to our Sponsors:calderalab.com/deepauraframes.com (Use code “DEEPQUESTIONS”)byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”)Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When companies began instituting return-to-office plans after the pandemic, a disproportionate number of women chose instead to leave the workforce. Why? The obvious answer is that they wanted the flexibility of remote work. But in this episode, Cal draws on a recent New York Times op-ed that offers a deeper explanation – one that affects all knowledge workers. He then explores solutions to the problem, answers listener questions, and (God help him) respond to comments on his recent Superintelligence episode.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: The Flexibility Myth [0:02]How should a venture backed startup team design their work schedule? [51:42]How do I stop my boss from e-mailing me at all hours? [57:02]How should a professor on break schedule his deep work? [1:02:35]How can I better schedule my blocks to prepare for technical interviews? [1:09:59]When considering lifestyle-centric planning, what practices may help determine the type of work to pursue? [1:12:16]CASE STUDY: Completing a Thesis [1:19:08]CALL: Details about time blocking [1:25:08]CAL READS THE COMMENTS: The Case Against Superintelligence [1:33:58]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?nytimes.com/2025/11/02/opinion/women-work-force-flexibility-shifts.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=y0RI5CnoDvsThanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We often talk on this show about how digital devices undermine our ability to consume more complicated and meaningful ideas. But what about our ability to produce such ideas from scratch? In this episode, Cal identifies a key productive skill – long thinking – that we’re increasingly losing. He argues that it’s critical for living a deep life and provides a simple strategy to help regain the skill. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in October 2025.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: The Lost Art of Long Thinking [0:02]How does Cal organize his notebooks for his books and New Yorker articles? [42:40]How can an 18 year old student get better at reading? [45:42]How can I restart my creative writing if I don’t want to use a computer? [47:56]Is it important to write reflections on the books I read? [56:57]How often should I take reflection walks with single purpose notebooks? [59:00]CASE STUDY: Trying to live a Deep Life [1:00:47]CALL: Adventure Work [1:09:00]OCTOBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in October 2025 [1:11:57]The Gift of the Jews (Thomas Cahill)Lin-Manuel Miranda (Daniel Pollack-Pelzner)Inspired (Rachel Held Evans)The Future of Tutoring (Liz Cohen)Society of the Spectacle (Guy Debord)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?calnewport.com/solutions-beyond-the-screen-the-adventure-work-method-for-producing-creative-insights/youtube.com/watch?v=bEusrD8g-dMcalnewport.com/the-notebook-method-how-pen-and-paper-can-transform-you-into-an-star-student/Thanks to our Sponsors:indeed.com/deepcozyearth.com/deep for up to 40% offwayfair.comgrammarly.com/podcastThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Techno-philosopher Eliezer Yudkowsky recently went on Ezra Klein's podcast to argue that if we continue on our path toward superintelligent AI, these machines will destroy humanity. In this episode, Cal responds to Yudkowsky’s argument point by point, concluding with a more general claim that these general styles of discussions suffer from what he calls “the philosopher’s fallacy,” and are distracting us from real problems with AI that are actually afflicting us right now. He then answers listener questions about AI, responds to listener comments from an earlier AI episode, and ends by discussing Alpha schools, which claim to use AI to 2x the speed of education. 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: The Case Against Superintelligence [0.01]How should students think about “AI Literacy”? [1:06:35]Did AI blackmail an engineer to not turn it off? [1:09:06]Can I use AI to mask my laziness? [1:12:31]COMMENTS: Cal reads LM comments [1:16:58]CALL: Clarification on Lincoln Protocol [1:21:36]CAL REACTS: Are AI-Powered Schools the Future? [1:24:46]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=2Nn0-kAE5c0alpha.school/the-program/astralcodexten.com/i/166959786/part-three-how-alpha-works-partThanks to our Sponsors: byloftie.com (Use code “DEEP20”)expressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you escape a world where constant digital distractions and darkness threatens to pull you down? Maybe take a page out of Abraham Lincoln’s life. In this episode, Cal argues that Lincoln faced analog versions of many of the same issues we face in our contemporary digital world, and by studying how he escaped we can learn a method to accomplish something similar. He then answers listener questions on this theme and revisits the comments from a 2008 essay where he first introduced some of these questions.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: The Lincoln Protocol [0:30]When do you read long-form articles amongst your book reading? [41:39]Will reading improve my focus? [44:03]What are the mechanics of keeping a deep reading habit alive? [48:17]At what point does it make sense to prioritize autonomy and alignment over prestige and security? [54:48]How do you suggest spending the time playing with the toddler, while also balancing reasonable stimuli without a phone? [1:00:01]CASE STUDY: A military spouse goes back to work after motherhood [1:03:47]CALL: Cal’s thoughts on Apple Watches [1:07:35]CAL READS THE COMMENTS: What people thought about digital distraction in 2008 [1:12:06]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?calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/calnewport.com/would-lincoln-have-become-president-if-he-had-e-mail/Thanks to our Sponsors: drinklmnt.com/deepmiro.comcalderalab.com/deep1password.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?OpenAI has been making waves recently with their release of their Sora 2 video generation model, which they have launched alongside a TikTok-style social media sharing app. The internet is usually pretty excited about AI innovations, but this one has people unsettled. In today’s episode, Cal looks at one implication of Sora 2 in particular that is both important but currently overcooked: the impact of AI content generation on the existing social media giants. He then answers listener questions on AI and social media and reacts to a new Sam Altman tweet that signals bad news for OpenAI.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: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media? [0:02]Will Sora 2 kill creativity? [46:12]Am I doing myself a disservice by using AI tools to help me code? [51:36]Is Substack better than social media? [55:55]What are your thoughts on a “family smartphone”? [1:06:35]What should I do when others disregard the structures that are meant to reduce the digital back and forth? [1:07:53]CASE STUDY: A Digital Declutter [1:15:38]CALL: Children with dumb phones or smartphones [1:19:49]CAL REACTS: Sam Altman Proposes AI Erotica [1:27:46]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?SORA: the all Ai TikTok Clone. will slop end creativity?youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0oQ0v0W10newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/tiktok-and-the-fall-of-the-social-media-giantsyoutube.com/watch?v=I1dW-nZqhewx.com/sama/status/1978129344598827128Thanks to our Sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepshopify.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s hard to cultivate a deep life when you cannot go more than a few minutes without checking your phone. In this episode, Cal looks closer at the precise neural mechanisms at play that make the physical act of looking at your phone irresistible. Then armed with this knowledge, he explains why many popular remedies fail, and which specific responses are most likely to succeed. He then answers listener questions and discusses the five old-fashioned analog books (!) that he read last month.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: This is your brain on phones [0:02]My 11 year-old is bullied for not having a smartphone. What should I do? [47:00]How can I overcome my irrational urge to show off on social media? [55:39]How is video game addiction different than phone addiction? [59:12]Can I become addicted to messaging? [1:03:23]Is it ok to use newspaper apps on my phone? [1:06:42]CASE STUDY: A 5th grader drops her Apple Watch [1:13:51]CALL: An aspiring photographer and Instagram [1:18:11]SEPTEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal in September 2025 [1:22:51]The Ice Limit (Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston)The Burnout Society (Byung-Chul Han)Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom (Cory Doctorow)As a Jew (Sarah Hurwitz)The Searcher (Tana French)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: rag-bone.com (Use code “DEEP”)grammarly.com/podcastmybodytutor.comindeed.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2023, I published an episode about resetting your life that became one of my most popular. In the years since, multiple major podcasters and YouTubers have done their own videos on the same theme. In today’s episode, I extract the best ideas from five such recent videos to create an all-star reset strategy. I connect this to my work on technology and its impacts, by noting that taking control of your life can be the most important first step toward taking control of your devices.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: The Internet’s Best Advice for Reinventing Your Life (0:02)How do I extract ideas for living deeply from books? [55:44]How do I avoid being overwhelmed by everything required to seriously change my life? [58:31]How do I visualize my ideal lifestyle in a fast-changing world? [1:02:42]I just quit my teaching job due to burn-out. How do I find what to do next? [1:09:28]CASE STUDY: Crafting a deep life [1:13:21]CALL: How to revise expectations with young kids [1:18:45]CAL REACTS: The Great Lock-In of 2025 [1:28:11]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=mSaI8Rluel8youtu.be/wXcEtxlrPMAyoutu.be/PvvS-0mqD4cyoutube.com/watch?v=2ZXJZnAxHHIyoutube.com/watch?v=0G7Wu4DnDawcalnewport.com/the-great-lock-in-of-2025/Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, it was announced that Oracle would take over operation of TikTok in the US. One of the primary reasons proposed for this deal is that it was in national interests for us to take over control of TikTok’s fabled “algorithm.” But what is this algorithm? How does it work? To what extent can it be controlled? In today’s episode, Cal looks deeper at these questions and arrives at a broader philosophical point about the role these services, in general, should play in our civic culture. He then answers listener questions on the same topic and reacts to the three recent news articles about TikTok’s influence on our culture.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: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm [0:03]Should I quit social media, even if I don’t live on the slope of terribleness? [44:44]Is it bad to use TikTok to keep up with the news? [49:41]How does quantum computing relate to AI? [53:48]CASE STUDY: Trying to become a great composer [1:02:29]CALL: Tips for dealing with growing kids [1:08:58]CAL REACTS: Three Articles about TikTok (and Three Sighs of Exasperation) [1:18:04]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?the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/tiktok-surfing-challenge-manslaughter-b2832760.htmlyahoo.com/news/world/article/why-people-on-tiktok-think-the-rapture-is-coming-and-that-the-world-is-ending-this-week-202334215.htmlbbc.com/news/articles/c4gj5lqq52loyoutube.com/watch?v=z7Df9yGofLoyoutube.com/shorts/xWIVA0ZJm-wThanks to our Sponsors:monarchmoney.com (Use code “DEEP”)reclaim.ai/calwayfair.commakeheadway.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by Dr. Brian Keating, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UCSD, and one of the most prolific popularizers of science around (you may have seen him recently chatting about cosmology with Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman). They talk about Keating’s new book, HOW TO FOCUS LIKE A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, as well as many other topics, including a deep look at Keating’s unusual path to academia, and a deconstruction of what’s needed to succeed at the highest levels of academia.Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating) [3:20]Links:https://www.amazon.com/Into-Impossible-Laureates-Collaboration-Imagination/dp/1544523491Sponsors:https://www.donedaily.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We seem to be stuck in a purgatory when it comes to the worst of the social media platforms. We know they’re not great, but it’s hard to muster enough motivation to bother to leave. In today’s episode, motivated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Cal puts on his technology critic hat and offers a step-by-step technical explanation for why these platforms are strictly and incessantly making your life worse and why the only reasonable response is to quit them. He then answers listener questions on the topic and reacts to some recent news about the US Congress getting involved.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: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media? [0:40]How do I find everything I should be blocking on my kid’s phone? [38:59]Is it okay that I make YouTube Videos? [43:39]Shouldn’t we focus on using social media better? [49:13]CASE STUDY: A musician and social media [58:00]CAL REACTS: US House panel asks internet CEOs to testify after Charlie Kirk assassination [1:10:42]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?reuters.com/world/us/us-house-panel-asks-online-forum-ceos-testify-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-2025-09-17/youtube.com/watch?v=gjVm0K_ETX8Thanks to our Sponsors:calderalab.com/deepmiro.comgrammarly.com/podcast1password.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A recent study called into question a core assumption about the generative AI revolution: that these tools, at the very least, will make us more productive. In this episode, Cal dives deep into the study and argues that when it comes to efforts that require deep work, AI can sometimes make things worse. He then answers listener questions and then takes a closer look at an article claiming that the lack of Wi-Fi in a West Virginia school is making their students dumber. 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: Deep Work in the Age of AI [0:38]Can ChatGPT chats act as single purpose notebooks for projects? [26:16]When should I apply active recall? [29:34]Do you have insights into AI’s environmental impact? [31:16]What would you do if you left academia? [38:40]CASE STUDY: Using strategies to develop a Deep Life [43:04]CAL REACTS: Does lack of Wi-Fi make students dumber? [53:09W]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?metr.org/blog/2025-07-10-early-2025-ai-experienced-os-dev-study/theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/09/ai-bubble-us-economy/684128/marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2025/08/the-school-without-wifi.htmleducationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/report_WV_5401140_pocahontas-county-schools.pdfThanks to our Sponsors: This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:betterhelp.com/deepquestionscozyearth.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.comThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IQ scores had been steadily rising since WWII. But, more recently, this phenomenon has stopped. Since 2010, we’ve actually been getting dumber. In this episode, Cal gets into the common theories for why this is true before offering his own take, which leads to some practical takeaways to help you thrive in an increasingly stupider world. He then answers listener questions and talks about something he read recently.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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [0:41]How can a west coast executive schedule deep work despite constant meetings with east coast colleagues? [37:14]Is it bad that I fill all of my quiet moments with media? [41:04]How can I focus on personal projects? [46:24]How should a software engineer transition to consulting? [53:05]How should a former lawyer update her systems now that she’s a professor? [56:43]CASE STUDY: A songwriter works deep and slow [1:06:43]CALL: Getting out of the weeds [1:14:04]WHAT I’M READING: Who is still against school cell phone bans? [1:23:28]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?sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289623000156youtube.com/watch?v=u4jW8MOxIKYrebeccaschiffman.com/beachvacationrebeccaschiffman.bandcamp.comnytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/school-cell-phone-ban-nyc.htmlThanks to our Sponsors: expressvpn.com/deeporacle.com/deepquestionsindeed.com/deepvanta.com/deepquestionsThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by bestselling author and podcaster, Tim Ferriss. Tim rocketed to prominence with his 2007 book, “The Four Hour WorkWeek” which basically redefined a generation’s relationship with work, meaning, and the possibilities for building an interesting life. More recently, Tim created a card game! It’s called Coyote. And he created it with one of the top designers in the business, the same company that created Exploding Kittens.Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss) [3:16]Links:https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyoteSponsorshttps://www.reclaim.ai/calThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A 22-year-old made a splash recently when he published a Wall Street Journal op-ed claiming that work-life balance makes you mediocre. He went on to brag about how sleeping less than 4 hours a night and gaining 80 pounds helped him become a millionaire. In this episode, Cal wades into the furious debate this article sparked. He argues that once you look past the author’s dorm bro bravado, the kid does actually ask a good question. It’s just that his answers are lacking. Cal then tackles listener questions and reviews the books he read in August.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: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity? [1:06]Is it possible to stay focused when having to check my phone for text messages? [42:20]When did you switch back to your teaching schedule to your summer schedule? [44:05]How has your deep life evolved since Episode 1? [49:22]How can I stop obsessively checking my work email? [53:47]Can you summarize how values and strategic planning documents, birthday projects and lifestyle centric planning combine? [58:14]CASE STUDY: Organizing household admin [1:01:44]CALL: How to tame Trello cards [1:06:39]AUGUST BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in August 2025 [1:13:26] Boundless Realm (Foxx Note)Collisions (Alec Nevala-Lee)Before the Birds Sang Words (Ken Bruce)Desperation Reef (T Jefferson Parker)Shift (Hugh Howey)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?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1XHMlX1J0Thanks to our Sponsors: ridge.com (use code “Cal”)drinklmnt.com/deepshopify.com/deepcalderalab.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.