In this episode, Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness join me to talk through Matt Crawford's classic 2009 book: "Shop Class as Soulcraft." We get into its impact on our own thinking, attempt to deconstruct its popularity, and seriously consider quitting our jobs to repair motorcycles.
 
For more on Brad and Steve: https://wthegrowtheq.com

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode, podcast maven Jordan Harbinger joins me for a collaborative deep dive on the topic of podcasting. We take a close look at the current state of this technology, including a look at specific numbers: How much money are people making? How many people are making that money? Why is SMARTLESS worth $20 million a year to Amazon? 

We then tackle the future of the industry. Will independent audio-only podcasting as we know it today still be around in 5 years, or is this just a step toward a radical new configuration of the media landscape? (I have a theory on this which I run by Jordan for his opinion.)

We get into it all...

For more on Jordan and his massively successful show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Balancing necessary shallow and important deep work. [3:23]
- Increasing reading retention. [9:556]
- Keeping track of goals or ideas for future pursuit. [13:59]
- Growing a podcast without social media. [19:32]
- Seasonal breaks from work. [30:51]
- Community bucket struggles. [33:54]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


BOOK REPORT: The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin [1:30]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I eliminate the hive mind from interaction with other departments? [13:36]
 - How do I capture small tasks so I don't forget them? [23:23]
 - How do I (Cal) feel about career counselors? [29:31]
 - Are there professions for which time blocking doesn't work? [33:42]
 - How do I organize my tasks without using task boards? [37:55]
 - Should I build a radical setting to support the deep life? [39:50]
 - How do I become the right person to write a book? [42:52]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Can a digital minimalist use a fitness tracker? [54:33]
 - When should I switch from work to leisure? [56:27]
 - How do I get back on track with a deep life after a hard pandemic? [59:24]
 - What is my (Cal's) top piece of parenting advice? [1:02:04]
 - Cal's Curmudgeon Corner: How do I find meaning beyond simply expressing myself? [1:05:01]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 


- Breaking up big projects into small tasks. [4:19]
- The productivity baby steps (epic answer alert). [8:58]
- Taming late night meetings. [26:02]
- Best book of mine for college students. [34:45]
- Shutdown routines with unpredictable schedules. [38:28]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


FROM THE NEWSLETTER: Notes on Quentin Tarantino's Writing Routine [3:39]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How fluid are my quarterly plans? [17:00]
 - What is a good approach to take notes in meetings? [19:59]
 - What do you include ads o your podcast? [23:31]
 - How do I install a deep work mindset in my team? [25:25]
 - How do you (Cal) use Evernote? [32:37]
 - Am I planning an app version of my time-block planner? [35:30]
 - Any tips to help me actually do the things I have time blocked? [37:21]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do I stop embracing my distracting thoughts? [45:37]
 - How does a high school student find things to be interested in? [55:24]
 - How do I get started writing on an already popular topic? [59:42]
 - How does deep work relate to Dave Epstein's idea go Generalists vs. Specialists? [1:05:45]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

- Why people get mad at me. [1:21]
- Scheduling reading. [7:06]
- Semester goals and time block planners. [11:41]
- McKeown's effortlessness vs. Newport's automation. [25:05]
- Translating the deep life into concrete action. [30:23]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


BOOK REPORT: The Square and the Tower [3:6]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What should I do if I like my job but dislike the industry? [11:41]
 - How hard should I push back against a shallow company culture? [16:15]
 - Is productivity only for people with certain personality types? [25:05]
 - What is the best strategy for an aspiring academic? [27:30]
 - Should I ask experts or learn on my own? [29:23]
 - Can you tell me more about the CIA's mail tubes? [34:45]
 - How do I get on the New York Times bestseller list? [40:36]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - Is there value in keeping a daily record of significant activity? [49:50]
 - Can I pursue the deep life if I have mental health issues? [56:06]
 - Are there wrong ways to pursue the deep life? [1:00:22]
 - How much time do I (Cal) spend reading? [1:04:09]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

- The hyperactive hive mind and the return to the office. [2:57]
- Becoming productive. [12:23]
- Time tracking apps. [24:51]
- Scheduling continuous projects. [27:19]
- Struggling with time blocking. [36:51]
- Working on problems past when it's useful. [41:47]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How do I cultivate urgency for long-term projects? [2:49]
- How do I learn more about deliberate practice? [11:54]
- How do deal with an "open door" policy at work? [17:06]
- How can I return to academia after taking an industry job? [19:57]
- Does a commitment to deep work block me from management? [21:37]
- How do I avoid distractions when working from home? [24:56]
- Can condensed deep work rituals still be effective? [27:45]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:


- How should I use boredom? [37:09]
- Will organized schedules undermine my social life? [45:42]
- What is my (Cal) take on Clubhouse? [52:11]
- How can someone with few resources cultivate meaningful leisure? [56:48]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

 - Balancing work and school. [3:34]
 - Deep work and ADHD. [8:28]
 - Building career capital as an account executive. [15:15]
 - Do I know Naval Ravikant? P22:35]
 - Art without social media. [27:31]
 - Pursuing a PhD purely for passion. [33:53]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music and Mark Miles for mastering.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do you apply deep work when your job is entirely shallow? [4:37]
 - Is batching emails a few times a day a good practice? [12:20]
 - Why are some tips for managing the flow of emails and texts from clients? [19:54]
 - What am I (Cal) working during my teaching sabbatical this spring? [26:45]
 - What are the ideal ratios for writing, thinking, and reading in a day? [29:47]
 - Can I (Cal) elaborate on how I track deep work? [34:17]
 - How do you avoid easing up on the gas after tenure? [35:58]
 - How do I teach my kids to appreciate career capital? [40:08]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How does Cal Newport handle stress? [46:44]
 - how much news should I be reading? [51:55]
 - Is there a connection between Stephen Covey's saw and Newport's buckets? [57:59]
 - How do you (Cal) deal with failure and setbacks? [1:00:21]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 
 
 - Balancing the unpredictable demands of a small business. [3:16]
 - Taming emails when it's hard to say "no". [10:02]
 - Notebook overkill. [20:47]
 - On adverting and social media.[29:52]
 - My thoughts on video games. [35:45]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do you do deep work when you're not in the mood? [3:48]
 - How do you mange time for side hustle projects? [13:38]
 - What future technologies will have the biggest positive impact on focus and attention? [16:51]
 - How do I avoid prioritizing other peoples' task needs above my own? [24:28]
 - How do I build career capital without guidance? [30:12]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do I stop my social media relapses? [43:50]
 - How do I remain committed to the deep life? [48:28]
 - What is the relationship between order and well-being? [52:56]
 - How do I (Cal) track my values? [1:00:45]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music

In this episode, author Brad Stulberg joins me in person at my Deep Work HQ (!) for a deep dive into the topic of busyness, burn out, and the quest to craft more sustainable professional lives.
 
For more on Brad: https://thegrowtheq.com/ or my interview from Episode 47.

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - Should I maintain a day free from all work? [3:55]
 - How do I take notes on a Kindle? [9:06]
 - How an I integrate accountability with my time-block planning? (Bonus rant on making workloads transparent.) [11:31]
 - How do I avoid over-structuring my life as a student? [19:49]
 - What is my (Cal) computer science research about? [21:35]
 - What is the best productivity system for someone who manages hundreds of tasks across numerous projects? [25:26]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do you decide when to commit to a new role or project? [34:07
 - Are my (Cal) ideas on passion in stark contrast to most philosophers? [39:44]
 - Have I (Cal) started a new book yet? [44:25]
 - Should I spend time on investing or my side project? [45:07]
 - What is the role of productivity in the deep life? [51:19]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

 - Dealing with time blocking overload. [4:13]
 - Planning household admin. [9:04]
 - How theoreticians schedule proof work. [16:24]
 - Retyping notes (or not). [27:57]
 - Becoming a better conductor. [34:15]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: How Can I Significantly Reduce Email? [6:30]

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

 - How do I account for transition time between time blocks? [20:20]
 - Rant Alert: How do I creeping combat corporate complexity?[21:58]
 - How do I identify processes to optimize? [29:58]
 - How much should one rely on technology to think? [33:10] 
 - How important is memorization in deep work? [36:07]
 - Should I move to Sweden or make more money? [38:09]  
 - Should I take a promotion that requires lots of shallow work? [46:50]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS: 

 - Would people use Facebook if it cost money? [52:54]
 - Do you (Cal) identify with philosophy of Ayn Rand? [57:56]
 - How do you balance discipline and enjoyment in leisure? [59:03]
 - What's the best way to prioritize which books to read? [1:03:18]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

 - How long to keep items on a "done" list. [2:09]
 - When is it worth spending money on productivity software? [4:57]
 - Troubleshooting time blocks. [14:33]
 - Scheduling short breaks (or not). [19:30]
 - Avoiding distractions during planning. [30:04]
 - Helping young people figure out their career. [33:31]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How can I get others to accept a deeper work environment? [6:16]
 - How can I escape meeting overload? [10:12]
 - How can I ready myself for a deep work sessions? [18:00]
 - Should I hire an assistant to help me with my emails? [22:14]
 - How should indie authors use social media? [27:10]
 - How do I stop being so distracted at work? [35:11]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - What is my (Cal) next book going to be about? [42:26]
 - How do I preserve energy for home projects? [44:43]
 - What do you (Cal) find valuable in the work of Abraham Joshua Heschel? [50:02]
 - What is my (Cal) favorite Neil Postman book? [53:06]
 - Can I write a novel if I'm a full-time computer programmer? [56:20]
 - Nina how do you choose what to work deeply on? [58:56]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

 - Managing a "waiting on" list. [2:57]
 - Emotion-driven attention residue. [9:40] 
 - Drifting from time block schedules. [15:29]
 - Relationship Counseling: Batching dirty dishes? [20:48]
 - Organizing research. [25:39]
 - Emotions, energy, and productivity. [32:20]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What challenges will I face switching to time-block planning for the first time? [3:43]
 - How do I time block very long days? [8:20]
 - How do I move external colleagues and clients away from email collaboration? [11:10]
 - How do I manage multiple email addresses? [18:57]
 - How do I avoid Slack FOMO? [20:21] 
 - How can I avoid Twitter if it's where important updates are posted? [25:49]
 - RANT ALERT: What do I (Cal) think about big tech data collection? [28:45]
 - How do you hit a bestseller list without social media? [35:57]
 - What were my (Cal's) early blogging habits? [40:21]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Do I (Cal) listen to audio books? [50:10]
 - How do I (Cal) remember thoughts from my walks? [51:31]
 - Will social media usage go down oner time? [54:10]
 - How do I be a digital minimalist in a maximalist family? [58:30]
 - What are the drawbacks of working more seasonly? [59:52]
 - How do I maintain the will to do deep work? [1:07:55]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. 

 - Productivity with a chronic illness. [4:28]
 - Coordinating strategic plans with a partner. [12:44]
 - Getting your boss to bother you less. [17:56]
 - High quality leisure for students [25:59]
 - Feeling overwhelmed by Facebook Groups. [29:58]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: What happens if you stop using your phone for a year? [3:55]

WORKING DEEPLY:

 - How do I avoid the hyperactive hive mind in a new job? [11:36]
 - How can the author of A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL have an email list? [14:02]
 - When did personal productivity become a thing? [16:25]
 - Am I overcommitted or bad at time management? [25:47]
 - How do I decide on roles for my task boards? [29:23]
 - How can I become established as a content creator? (Or, the perils of "checklist productivity") [33:16]
 - Recreating the water color in a world without email? [38:44]

LIVING DEEPLY:

 - What are some good biographies for deep life inspiration? [46:38]
 - What are my top 3 recommendations for someone looking to live deeper? [49:12]
 - Can a commute be contemplative? [54:50]
 - Where do I (Cal) write about "the deep life" in my books? [58:51]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

 - Time block specificity (coercive versus collaborative productivity). [6:24] 
 - Balancing time spent on different types of work. [11:34]
 - Project priorities. [18:34]
 - Building a social life during a pandemic. [26:57]
 - Making use of unexpected free time. [33:27]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

I'm joined in today's episode by Greg McKeown, author of the mega-bestseller Essentialism, and his new book, Effortless.

We talk about the massive success of Essentialism, decoding why it did so well and discussing how it changed his life. We then get into the origin of the ideas that became Effortless, and use some of my own attempts to make essential work easier as a case study.


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Behind the Curtain: My Current Scheduling Setup [0:22]

Book Recommendation: The Unspoken Rules [9:34]

Listener Calls:

 - Perfectionism and time-block schedules. [12:58]
 - Constructing effective student schedules. [18:56]
 - Organizing the tasks that make up a project. [26:58]
 - Optimal task structure. [35:47]
 - RANT ALERT: social media and danger of algorithmic attention. [40:32]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: What Does "Productivity" Actually Mean? [5:04]

WORK QUESTIONS
 - How do I stay productive after the pandemic? [17:56]
 - How do I relearn how to think deeply? [22:51]
 - Can I build a world without email with non-knowledge workers? [31:38]
 - Are some people more aligned to some jobs than others? [34:47]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 - Do I need a dumb phone? [38:48]
 - How will the pandemic impact higher education? [42:28]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - Has my liberal arts education helped my CS career? [51:23]
 - How do the "deep life" buckets related to quarterly planning? [56:05]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Determining if your work is deep. [3:21]
- Limits for daily deep work. [6:30]
- Taking notes in a time block planner. [11:17]
- My notebooks. [17:24]
- Instagram and artists. [24:16]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.



 

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


WORK QUESTIONS

 - What algorithm should I use to implement the Eisenhower Matrix? [6:21]
 - Should I switch careers to pursue my dream? [9:34]
 - How did I (Cal) fit research, teaching, and writing into my 9 to 5 graduate student schedule? [20:37] 
 - What advice should I give students about deep work? [23:55]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Can I succeed in music without social media? [28:06]
 - How can I avoid social media during Zoom classes? [32:28]
 - What are my (Cal) favorite sources for book research? [40:03]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do I (Cal) decide what books to read? [42:00]
 - How can I combine deep leisure with an exhausting job? [45:40]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Transferring tasks from capture to configure tools. [4:07]
- Getting better at thinking while walking (plus bonus MIT nostalgia). [6:53] 
- Deep work breaks. [14:44]
- Dedicated task lists for projects (what I do). [25:28]
- Incompatible calendars. [30:43]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: Are NFTs frivolous or fundamental? [6:57]

WORK QUESTIONS
 - Does a world without email mean the return of voicemail? [23:42]
 - Is Elon Musk right about not pursuing a PhD? [26:31]
 - Is mastery incompatible with the deep life? [28:47]
 - Do I need a todo list for my personal life? [39:15]
 - How do you come up with catchy phrases like "hyperactive hive mind"? [41:26]
 - Why am I wary of building a team? [44:12]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 - How do I use the internet responsibly when there is so much information? [48:02]
 - How do I learn to code while working a demanding job? [49:33]
 - What are my (Cal) thoughts on Microsoft Teams? [55:41]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - How do I (Cal) spend my time outside of work and family? [58:49]
 - How do I unplug from the "productivity machine" and relax? [1:01:10]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's listener calls mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

 - Scheduling multiple concurrent projects. [5:06]
 - Prioritizing projects. [12:03]
 - Work from home wardrobes (and virtual commutes). [15:58] 
 - Maintaining focusing during mini-delays. [23:49]
 - Decorating an office to support deep work. [28:11]

Link for my Clubhouse conversation with Kevin Roose (3pm Eastern on 4/1): https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xeeZL4DE

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I concentrate in an open office? [5:27]
 - Do professors need to work 60+ hours a week? [9:10]
 - What's the best workflow for student reference letters? [17:38]
 - How does an MS student prepare to become a CS professor? [21:21]
 - How can a high school principal find time to do deep work? [25:28]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Can email itself be the work? [35:36]
 - Do I need constant pings and messaging to foster community? [43:27]
 - Must I stop watching TV and movies to be productive? [46:51]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - In what order should a teenager read the Cal Newport Canon? [53:42]
 - Are Peloton badges just another digital addiction? [58:48]
 - How do I stop avoiding the need to live deeper? [1:01:36]

Link for my Clubhouse conversation with Kevin Roose (3pm Eastern on 4/1): https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xeeZL4DE

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Taming scattered schedules. [3:10]
- Phantom part time work in the office. [11:04]
- The joys and sorrows of binge working. [18:12]
- Organizing reading when you're slow at reading. [25:05]
- Combatting administrative overload in academia (including a bonus unsolicited rant). [29:57]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


DEEP DIVE: What Are My Core Systems? [2:40]


WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I avoid burnout? [13:33] 
 - How do I measure effectiveness in a vague job? [19:58]
 - How do I teach myself to become a better programmer? [22:19]
 - What is a good way to become a better leader? [27:50]
 - How do non-fiction writers become better at their craft? [30:56]
 - What motivates a boss to promote you? (Plus a bonus digression on personal versus societal improvement) [34:27]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Does personal email make people miserable? [39:40] 
 - Should I quit social media for good? [42:09]
 - How do I help someone kick their TikTok addiction? [49:23]
 - Is it possible to succeed in business without a personal brand? [56:40]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do we teach deep thinking to kids? (warning: your kids will now like my answer) [1:00:36]
 - Why did I move to Takoma Park? [1:04:32]
 - How do I focus when dealing with emotional turmoil? [1:15]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

 - On the value of expensive productivity systems. [3:58]
 - Phantom part-time jobs. [11:16]
 - Working deeply after hard days. [16:24]
 - Must all leisure be quality? [28:27]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


DEEP DIVE: Should this meeting have been an email? [5:30]


WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I recharge after a hard year of work? [17:14]
 - How do I write blog posts? [20:46]
 - How important is working from home for accomplishing deep work? [22:52]
 - How can I apply productive meditation to work that requires a computer? [28:52]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - How do I step away from WhatsApp? [33:13]
 - Are spaced repetition flashcard programs worth it? [36:47]
 - What should I replace social media with in my life? [43:24]
 - How can I start a business without social media? [51:19]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Why are kitchens such appealing work locations? [54:53]
 - How do I overcome deep procrastination during remote learning? [58:10]
 - Should I time block after retirement?


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Active recall in the office. [4:58]
- Processes for problem solving. [9:58]
- Time blocking versus the pomodoro method. [14:20]
- Time blocking versus bullet journaling. [23:51]
- The necessity of a second brain. [28:46]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: Does email have a mind of its own? [6:23]

WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I avoid boring research? [16:35]
 - How do I learn new skills without becoming overwhelmed? [19:44]
 - How do I better structure workplace communication? [23:34]
 - How do I say "no" more often? [29:41]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - When should I stop listening to your podcast? [39:12]
 - How do I deal with excessive browser tabs? [40:14]
 - Will the world eventually force me to buy a smartphone? [49:08]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - (A brief meditation on the pleasures of regular autonomous creative work) [52:20]
 - How long should planning take? [57:28]
 - Is reading fiction a waste of time? [59:04]
 - What is your opinion of Alexa? [1:02:41]
 - Is a mission different than a passion? [1:06:22]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

 - Updating strategic plans. [4:13]
 - Capturing small projects. [8:26]
 - Archiving tasks. [12:47]
 - Email on speed (dealing with WhatsApp). [17:15]
 - Coping with an abundance of depth. [31:28]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In today's episode, I talk with Joshua Fields Milburn, who along with Ryan Nicodemus make up the powerhouse duo known simply as the Minimalists. You probably know Joshua from the wildly successful Netflix documentaries, MINIMALISM and LESS IS NOW, or the popular podcast he co-hosts with Ryan. 

The story of how the Minimalists got started is well-told, so I thought I would focus on a natural follow question: what happened next? Starting with when I first met him in 2012, I ask Joshua to walk us through the building of the Minimalist brand -- how they went from an amateur blog to being recognized on the street a dozen times a day. In doing so, we learn a lot about the inspiring, value-driven approach that Joshua and Ryan have taken in their careers, in which living right is more important than making the most money or accusing the most likes. 


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Spending too much time on Trello. [8:47]
- Reducing instant messenger use. [18:33]
- The inflexibility of time blocking. [27:30]
- Finishing a thesis on time. [34:32]
- Working deeply during a coup. [37:33]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


WORK QUESTIONS
 - What makes a day "productive" for a researcher? [5:10]
 - How do I get past imposter syndrome in academia? [9:29] 
 - Should I get a PhD to become a writer? [14:22]
 - How can I make my team less reactive? [18:06]
 - How do I make daily/weekly planning a habit that sticks? [28:12]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 - Is attention training going to become an important sector? [31:47] 
 - How do I organize my electronic files and folders? [37:26]
 - Where do I store random ideas? [44:46]
 - How do I schedule my podcasting and blogging? [48:35]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - What do I do about a significant other who wallows in the shallows? [50:45] 
 - Can I become rich while living a deep life? [58:00]
 - How do I cultivate a stronger sense of community? [1:01:56]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Excessive planning syndrome. [3:29]
- Deep work and the distraction of social anxiety. [6:48]
- Writing for top tier publications. [11:53]
- Social media for artists. [17:16]
- Hobby overload (and the curse of busyness). [30:18]
- Getting started on hard creative work. [38:15]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


DEEP DIVE: The Autonomy Trap [7:25]


WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I focus when working on a distracting computer? [19:58]
 - How do you maintain energy while increasing deep work? [23:34]
 - Can the pomodoro technique help achieve deep work? [29:00]
 - How can I time block when working with two kids in a small apartment? [31:29]
 - Have I thought about updating my student books? [38:!7]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Are project management tools like Basecamp just a fancier version oof email? [42:26]
 - How can I integrate OmniFocus into daily, weekly, quarterly planned work schedules? [46:38]
 - What about the social costs of missing invitations because you're not on social media? [55:09]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do I organize my life as a newly published author? [1:01:10]
 - How do I balance rigor and accessibility in my non-fiction writing? [1:07:52]
 - How young is too young for getting kids started on the deep life? [1:14:08]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

 - Timing productive meditation. [6:32]
 - Extracting wisdom from past plans. [14:00]
 - Writing a thesis as a side project. [22:44]
 - Adapting college advice to high school students (plus: a bonus digression on my experience writing books in academia). [30:00]
 - Getting things done during an isolating pandemic. [36:30]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I finish my day strong when time blocking? [5:09]
 - What should I do to succeed as a new professor? [9:48]
 - How do I protect deep work even as I become more recognized? [14:38]
 - What are strategies for handling large ambiguous work tasks? [19:37]
 - How do I stay productive in a one-bedroom apartment? [24:06]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Can ASMR support deep work? [32:44]
 - Do audiobooks count as long-form reading? [40:21]
 - Should families use shared task lists? [40:45]
 - How how I use YouTube while avoiding entertainment black holes? [46:29]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How does one find joy in deep leisure? [50:00]
 - It Eisenhower Box useful for constructing a deep life? [58:05] 
 - How do I escape the social media bubble the pandemic trapped me inside? [1:03:44]


Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

  - Handling short tasks. [4:37]
  - Time blocking with auto-scheduled meetings. [11:45]
  - Taming excessive phone usage. [18:18]
  - Hiring yourself as an assistant. [25:05]
  - How to avoid losing steam during time off. [36:05]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In today's episode I interview bestselling author Tim Harford. We talk about his path from economics to writing and broadcasting, his thoughts on using data to make sense of the world (without getting tricked), and his experience working for Malcolm Gladwell's podcasting company.

His latest book, called THE DATA DETECTIVE in the US and HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UP everywhere else, comes out this week and is available wherever you buy books.

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Taking notes in meetings. [3:41]
- Switching from Bullet Journal to Trello. [8:42]
- Speeding up time blocking. [13:56]
- Scheduling daily tasks. [23:41]
- Avoiding hard assignments (plus: a comment on YouTube addiction). [28:26]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE: Is productivity good or bad? [4:28]

WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do you extract good career advice from successful people? [19:16]
 - How do I improve my GRE score? [27:38]
 - Is there a category of work between deep and shallow? [29:53]
 - Should high school students time block? [31:53]
 - How should I search for my first job during the pandemic? [37:33]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Can psychedelics play a role in the deep life? [45:19]
 - What are my favorite single-use technologies? [49:22]
 - Are AI-based writing suggestions a problem? [52:20]
 - What social internet technologies deserve a resurgence? [57:34]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How can I work deeply in a small apartment? [1:01:58]
 - How do I help people who hate self help? [1:08:18]
 - How can I encourage my friends to be deeper? [1:12:18]

Thanks to Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Dealing with boring (but important) work. [8:11]
- Best tools for day planning. [18:26]
- An insider look at my book research process. [20:31]
- Advice for returning to school later in life. [32:46]
- Making time for non-urgent pursuits. [38:35]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I minimize meetings at my large corporation? [5:01]
 - Hod do I accomplish deep work in a responsive role? [11:30]
 - How do I prioritize self-learning when earning a PhD? [15:19]
 - How do I optimize time spend waiting for data to crunch? [19:27] 
 - How do I get important work done with kids at home? [21:48]
 - How do I encourage my teenagers to do deep work? [26:35]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Will a digital shabbat make a difference? [31:04]
 - Is LinkedIn Useful? [35:50] 
 - Do I worry about a lack of end-to-end encryption on Trello? [40:00]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How I create challenge when my job has become boring? [47:26] 
 - How an I stay motivated after reaching the pinnacle of success? [54:29]
 - How do I stay motivated when I'm not good? [57:40]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- "Thank you" emails and overload. [3:14]
- Managing information contained in emails. [5:35]
- Dividing time into ten minute chunks. [13:30]
- Restarting a drive toward digital minimalism. [26:07]
- Personal metrics and weekend planning. [34:21]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

Deep Dive: Executing Big Projects [10:18]


WORK QUESTIONS

 - Is pairing a problem for programmers? [20:21]
 - When do you review past time block schedules? [25:46]
 - How do I force myself to execute my plans? [29:48]
 - How do you figure out what projects to pursue? [36:38]
 - Should you take personality traits into mind when choosing a job? [41:39]
 - Organizing rapidly expanding research rabbit holes. [47:27]
 - How do I pursue depth surrounded by toddlers? [54:53]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Why do I use Overleaf as my LaTex editor? [59:40]
 - How do I stay informed about current events without falling into the "Twitter Trap"? [1:02:26]
 - What is the deal with Zettelkasten note taking? [1:09:10] 


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Should I time block personal time? [1:16:54]
 - Should I relax between college and my first job? [1:20:39]
 - How can I develop curiosity? [1:22:38]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

- Reflections on productivity during distracting events. [3:35]
- Trouble getting started. [12:09]
- Dealing with cognitive exhaustion after hard periods. [18:01]
- Avoiding tool overload. [27:10]
- Focused work that's not demanding. [32:01]
- Metric tracking tune-ups. [39:58]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.


WORK QUESTIONS

- Preparing for deep work. [6:41]
- Keeping on top of everything when you have many roles. [12:32]
- Is it possible to time block without a clock? [18:25]
- Overcoming graduate student procrastination. [24:18]
- Predictable schedules with unpredictable children at home. [29:36]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

- Scheduling asynchronous classes. [34:49]
- Plain text productivity using Markdown. [36:57]
- Long Term storage of promising ideas. [49:59]
- Overcoming fear of what other people will think. [58:49]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Sports as a distraction. [1:02:55]
- Leisure that’s very similar to your work. [1:06:19]
- Why be productive? [1:09:55]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

- Struggling with organizing tasks. [7:41]
- Advice for becoming a fantastic graduate student. [14:18]
- My research workflow. [19:43]
- Book writing basics. [31:14]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about solidifying your shutdown routines, taming overflowing inboxes, and tuning core values, among many other topics. We also conclude our deep dive into the topic of the deep reset.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 5


WORK QUESTIONS

- Advanced preparation for deep work blocks. [14:52]
- Time blocking chaotic sales jobs. [18:07]
- Being supportive of peer success. [20:11]
- Shut down ritual troubles. [24:21]
- Building the ideal home office. [27:31]
- Dealing with deep work dips during busy periods. [31:29]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

- Are podcasts distractions? [35:00]
- Dealing with an overflowing inbox. [41:10]
- Time blocking household activities. [50:11]
- Remembering what you read. [54:06]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Updating core values and productivity roots. [57:02]
- When productivity swamps out everything else. [1:01:06]
- The deep life versus maximizing success. [1:05:54]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

 - Using task boards to plan big projects. [2:49] 
 - Academic Twitter. [8:31]
 - Time block breaks + Workflowy vs Trello. [13:04]
 - Deep work while traveling. [19:46]
 - Setting aside time for big projects. [26:02]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about working deeply with shallow teams, taking action on vague goals, and reducing screen time during a pandemic. We also celebrate reaching the million download milestone for this podcast.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 4

WORK QUESTIONS
 * Overcoming failure to launch with self-help advice [12:19]
 * Time blocking unpredictable events. [16:34]
 * Working with people who are the opposite of deep. [18:60]
 * Deep work for sales jobs (or managers, or support staff). [26:13]
 * Juggling multiple big projects. [31:14]
 * Pursuing vague goals. [33:55]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 * Distraction withdrawal symptoms. [37:41]
 * My tech setup. [45:12]
 * Achieving video-game level concentration. [50:11]
 * Learning algorithms on your own. [52:34]
 * Building a brand without social media. [59:17]
 * My podcast ingestion strategy. [1:01:42]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 * Digital minimalism and human connection during lockdowns. [1:03:08]
 * Scheduling free time. [1:13:24]
 * How to review metrics. [1:16:36]
 * Overcoming deep work avoidance. [1:17:42]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

 -  Clarifying capturing and configuring. [2:09]
 -  Time blocking for teachers. [9:24]
 -  Starting from scratch on a hard professional challenge. [15:20]
 -  Building professional skills as a stay-at-home parent. [25:35]
 -  Bottom up versus top down when reorganizing your life. [32:04]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about Stephen Covey's quad systems, the quixotic quest for a "perfect" productivity system, and reducing laziness, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 3

WORK QUESTIONS
- Why did I become a scientist? [13:50]
- Time blocking scrum teams. [18:27]
- Stephen Covey’s quad systems. [22:50]
- Is an MS essential? [27:28]
- Time blocking the night before. [28:52]
 
TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
- The futility of perfecting productivity systems [31:41]
- Thoughts on pair programming. [41:44]
- Keeping track of novel connections between ideas. [52:14]
- Forced social media use [55:15]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
- Deep living for stay-at-home parents. [1:02:02]
- Dealing with people not interested in personal development. [1:08:56]
- Reducing laziness. [1:12:51]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

 * Capturing ideas outside the office. [4:31]
 * Prioritizing leisure. [9:08]
 * Coping with pandemic-induced shallow work. [11:58]
 * Succeeding with a side hustle [21:59]
 * Deep work at the organizational level [28:45]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about saying "no" when others will say "yes" to the same offer, building an email list without social media, and falling short of high expectations for your life, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 2

WORK QUESTIONS
 - Saying “no” when others will say “yes” [12:51]
 - Implicit time blocking [16:31]
 - Academic overwhelm [19:31]
 - Slogging through the early stages of writing [27:55]
 - Working hard without being hard on yourself [31:15] 
 
TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 - Building an email list without social media [35:26]
 - Reviewing metrics [41:45]
 - Why I started this podcast [51:42]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - My thoughts on academia [56:24] 
 - Money/possessions in the deep life [1:00:03]
 - Falling short of idealistic ideas [1:03:42] 
 - Is it worth trying to be exceptional? [1:09:46]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

 * When deep work creates more shallow obligations. [2:49]
 * Avoiding artificial overload. [10:00]
 * Deep retirement. [23:06]
 * Defusing deep procrastination. [27:00]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about organizing massive projects, taming IM, and elaborating the books I would include in the Deep Life Canon.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can also submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


DEEP DIVE: The Deep Reset, Part 1

WORK QUESTIONS

 - The limits of deliberate practice? [12:09]
 - Getting started on massive projects. [20:11] 
 - Social media and the dissemination of academic research. [25:04]
 - Digital time blocking. [31:59]
 - My opinion on GTD-style contexts. [35:50]  
 - When a job requires social media use. [40:01]
 

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 - Taming IM. [42:13]
 - How to attend online classes. [50:08]
 - Breaking a YouTube addiction. [1:00:30]
 - Controlling heavy RSS use. [1:03:40]
 - On the phenomenology of technology. [1:06:31] 


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Deciding when to give up on a book [1:12:25].
 - Dealing with an overwhelming amount of advice. [1:14:05]
 - Living deeply in high school. [1:17:30] 
 - The Deep Life Canon. [1:23:47]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover:

* Time blocking versus calendar planning [6:07]
* Deep work for professional athletes [12:24]
* Capturing non-urgent ideas [21:33] 
* Distracted by rumination [35:09]
* Prioritizing interesting projects [43:17]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of DEEP QUESTIONS we're joined by a guest host: Brad Stulberg.

Brad is a bestselling writer who focuses on human performance. He's known for his books PEAK PERFORMANCE and THE PASSION PARADOX, as well as for his popular "Do It Better" column for Outside Magazine.

We go deep on Brad's story, using it to illustrate timeless points on burnout, recovery, transformation, and intentional living. We also talk about the unexpected television commercial that helped vault his first book to success and, of course, answer your questions.

You can find out more about Brad at https://www.bradstulberg.com/

To submit your own questions for this podcast, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com.

Thank you to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 


Opening: When did productivity become personal? (My new article for The New Yorker.)

* Becoming so good they can't ignore you as a teacher [19:07]
* Finding focused after receiving emotional emails [30:18]
* Scheduling deep work amidst unpredictable childcare [43:19]
* Fitting a large amount of leisure into a small amount of free time [52:19]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about dealing my Trello setup, reducing student screen time, and our collective need for a "deep reset," among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Entry level jobs and shallow work [11:24]
* The future of bullshit jobs [16:25]
* Staying in the zone over the weekend [23:09]
* Deciding what to read as an academic [26:45]
* Calibrating academic service [29:15]
* Revisiting my 2009 advice on grad school [34:43]
* Deep work with a new kid [44:50]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* My Trello setup [50:06]
* Reducing student screen time [54:46]
* Boredom versus high quality diversions [58:37]
* Note-taking apps [1:07:25]
* Agile methodologies and deep work [1:10:11]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Young mother seeking better friends [1:17:05] 
* Young father seeking improvement [1:21:36] 
* Kids versus career [1:27:45]
* Thoughts on the Astros [1:29:23]
* My call for a “Deep Reset” [1:29:48] 


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Prioritizing tasks when you have too much to do [9:28]
* Making the most of the weekend [18:53]
* Balancing my academic and writing obligations [26:42]
* Improving reading habits [35:25]
* Resisting radicalization (sermon alert) [41:07]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about dealing with unproductive days, avoiding curated content fatigue, and the importance of developing character, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


OPENING: The terribleness of my recent experiment with constant online news consumption.


WORK QUESTIONS

* Dealing with unproductive days [11:50] 
* My system versus David Allen’s systems [15:16] 
* The timeline for developing deep habits [22:35]
* Assessing your own career capital [31:17] 
* The road to academic superstardom [36:05] 
* Ideal number of working hours [45:28] 
* Building a reasonable schedule for an unreasonable workload [51:32]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Avoiding curated content fatigue [53:41]
* Capture technology [58:22]
* The plan for this podcast [1:00:19]
* Music and concentration [1:07:01]
* Instant messaging and distraction [1:08:02] 


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Essentialism versus the deep life [1:13:48] 
* Deep home life [1:16:57] 
* My ideal work environment [1:23:37]
* Character and the deep life [1:27:58] 


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this special episode of DEEP QUESTIONS, I rebroadcast a conversation recorded earlier this summer, featuring me and the bestselling author Greg McKeown. It originally aired on Greg's fantastic podcast, WHAT'S ESSENTIAL (https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/).

You probably know Greg from his influential 2014 book, ESSENTIALISM, which I recommend all the time. In this conversation, we talk about unplugging from distraction, the art of doing less (without accomplishing less), and how to improve your ability to focus.

I hope you enjoy it. 

Thanks to our sponsors Magic Spoon (use magicspoon.com/CAL to receive free shipping) and Blinkist (use blinkist.com/DEEP for a 7 day free trial).

Also thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about selling your first book (and end up accidentally ranting about publishing industry misconceptions), going deep when your spouse is defiantly shallow, and day dreaming about my ideal schedule, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

 * Planning unpredictable work [2:27]
 * On the supposed upsides of procrastination [12:02]
 * Cutting back on academic obligations [14:43]
 * Dropping out of grad school [18:02]
 * Publishing your first book (rant alert) [21:07]
 * Getting serious about personal productivity [30:35]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

 * A look at my own phone usage [37:36]
 * On cannabis and deep work [40:16]
 * When your spouse is mad at you for reducing technology [47:12]
 * Rethinking education post-pandemic [53:09]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 
 * Dream schedules for lovers of depth [1:01:01]
 * Staying motivated when school is online [1:03:51]
 * FIRE and the deep life [1:09:3]


Links to Special Offers from our Sponsors:
 - blinkist.com/DEEP
 - magicspoon.com/CAL


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 


* Notebooks for personal reflections vs. business organization. [5:50]
* Elite quarterly planning tactics. [10:18]
* Diminishing distracting day dreams. [18:37]
* Combating burn out. [32:58]


Special Offer Links from Sponsors:
 - magicspoon.com/CAL


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of DEEP QUESTIONS we're joined by a guest host: David Epstein.

David is the New York Times bestselling author of THE SPORTS GENE and RANGE. I probably get asked questions about RANGE more than any other book by listeners of this podcast, so I knew we had to get David on the show to share his wisdom.

We talk about his career, his (short-lived) public feud with Malcolm Gladwell, and his research habits, but most importantly, we go deep on his breakthrough ideas about skills, practice, and meaning in careers -- answering many of your questions as well as a few of my own.

You can find out more about David at https://davidepstein.com.

To submit your own questions for this podcast, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com.

Thanks to our sponsor Magic Spoon (use magicspoon.com/CAL to receive free shipping).

Thank you to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* The difference between daily and weekly planning [10:08]
* Fighting shallow work in medicine. [16:44]
* On the value of taking off a work day each week. [24:14]
* Maximizing home offices. [30:29]
* Scheduling deep work with a chronic illness [43:08]
* Taming jobs with large hour demands. [49:32]


Special Offer Sponsor Links:
 - grammarly.com/DEEP
 - indeed.com/QUESTIONS
 - foursigmatic.com/DEEP

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about avoiding the planning fallacy, my thoughts on Inbox Zero, and the limits of the ethical technology movement, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


OPENING: The three stages of hard creative work.

WORK QUESTIONS

* Cutting back on meetings. [23:06]
* Improving your coworkers habits (without them knowing). [26:44]
* Teaching depth to kids. [39:52]
* Choosing between graduate school and a job. [46:30] 
* Scheduling side hustles. [48:55]
* Career capital theory for parents. [49:44]
* Avoiding the planning fallacy. [52:21] 


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* My thoughts on Inbox Zero. [54:08]
* Preventing short breaks from derailing depth. [57:47]
* Reading on book per week. [1:04:04]
* How much a serious college student should read. [1:12:33]
* Digital minimalism for college students. [1:13:32]
* On the limits of ethical technology (sermon alert). [1:20:20]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Planning for family in the deep life. [1:36:02]
* Fostering depth later in life. [1:41:00]
* Living deeply during pandemic homeschooling. [1:44:12]


Special Offer Sponsor Links:
 - grammarly.com/DEEP
 - foursigmatic.com/DEEP
 - indeed.com/QUESTIONS


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

I also officially announce my new Time-Block Planner! Available for pre-order everyone you buy books. Find out more about the Time Block Academy event I'm holding for those who pre-order at calnewport.com/blog.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

 * Trello versus Workflowy for task management. [9:08]
 * Integrating life admin into your work day. [12:54]
 * Finding time for deliberate practice in an unpredictable work day. [18:46]
 * Rekindling a reading habit lost to distraction. [30:10]
 * High-tech metric tracking. [36:46]

Offer links from this episode's sponsors:
 * Optimize.me/deep
 * ExpressVPN.com/deep
 * Purple.com/deep10

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about deep work for managers, life without Facebook, and original thought in an age of information overload, among many other topics. I also continue our ongoing discussion of household productivity by sharing systems sent in by readers.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS
 * Optimizing deep work retreats [17:57]
 * Pomodoro versus longer focus sessions [23:02]
 * Timeblocking in advance [24:55]
 * How to choose a new career [26:42] 
 * Balancing quality and quantity in research [32:44]
 * Deep work for managers [37:31]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 * Online information gathering without distraction [45:35]  
 * Tracking academic papers [48:53]
 * P vs NP [52:24] 
 * Life without Facebook [58:30]


BACKSTAGE PASS: Meeting Tristan Harris and HQ updates [1:06:49]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 * Deep work and leisure activities [1:14:30]
 * Non-digital interaction in the age of COVID [1:18:49]
 * Deep work when dealing with mental health issues [1:25:19]
 * Thinking for yourself in an age of information overload [1:32:34] 


Offer links from this episode's sponsors:
 * Optimize.me/deep
 * ExpressVPN.com/deep
 * Purple.com/deep10


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Productivity chimera's and processing captured tasks [9:53] 
* Thoughts on OmniFocus [16:37] 
* Taming a team's early email habit [21:39] 
* Finding time to write in a busy life [25:09] 
* Struggling to write even when you have the time [32:30] 

Special thanks to our sponsor Blinkist. For a 7-day free trial and 25% off a subscription, go to blinkist.com/DEEP.

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about the hidden difficulties of delegation, the impact of pandemic childcare on productivity (hint: it's not good), and the balance between deep work and deep hobbies, among many other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Thanks to our sponsor Optimize. For a free trial and 10% off go to optimize.me/DEEP.

Thanks to our sponsor Blinkist. For a free trial and 25% off go to blinkist.com/DEEP.  

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS
  * Spreading yourself too thin [11:11]
  * Willpower fatigue [16:58]
  * Deciding when to delegate [20:06]
  * Work hour equity [23:03]
  * Pandemic-induced childcare [28:45]
  * Digital minimalism in the entertainment industry [34:19]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
 * Storing longterm notes [43:38]
 * The value of site/app blocking software [45:22]
 * Concentration and pornography (rant alert) [46:44]

BACKSTAGE PASS [54:50]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 * Deep work versus deep hobbies [1:00:49]
 * Stopping ruminations [1:03:57]
 * Binging on productivity videos [1:07:47]
 * Seeking depth when hopelessly distracted [1:10:32]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Tracking deliberate practice initiatives. [8:21]
* Helping an overwhelmed teacher. [12:33]
* Dealing with hard work. [23:54]
* Shutting down when you have too much to do. [29:26]
* Taming the emotional rigors of a deep work habit. [37:28]

Special thanks to our sponsor Optimize. For a 14-day free trial go to optimize.me/DEEP.

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions we try something a little different: our first guest!

Bestselling author Ryan Holiday joins me to help answer reader questions, as well as more than a few queries from me. We cover a variety of topics, including his life as a writer living on a ranch, how he fosters discipline, the impact of our diminishing reading culture, and why everyone keeps trying to get me to move to Austin.

Be sure to check out Ryan's new book: LIVES OF THE STOICS (https://dailystoic.com/preorder).

To submit your own questions for the show, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. 

You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Easing into time block planning. [6:24]
* Keeping up when taking notes. [11:49]
* Optimal delay between learning and recall. [17:12]
* Planning big goals. [20:59]
* Insider advice on book publishing [29:36]

Special thanks to our sponsor Grammarly. For 20% off Grammarly Premium go to Grammarly.com/DEEP.  Use your laptop or desktop (this link doesn't always work on phones).

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about my daily routine, restarting a deep work practice, and embracing digital minimalism during a pandemic, among other topics.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Thanks to our sponsor to Grammarly. For 20% off Grammarly Premium go to Grammarly.com/DEEP. Use your laptop or desktop (this link doesn't always work on phones).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS

* My daily routine. [3:56]
* Ensuring employees are working deeply at home [9:09]
* Keeping a to-do list constantly open. [12:18]
* The best way to start deep working. [14:31]
* Advice for someone just starting a job [22:38]
* Restarting research after a stint in an administrative position. [32:01]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Speed reading versus strategic skimming. [39:05]
* The cost of occasional hyper-distraction [41:00]
* Thoughts on Reddit and Quora. [45:35]

BACKSTAGE PASS [50:17]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Digital minimalism versus Covid-19. [58:05]
* Struggling to find time for depth. [1:06:52]
* Strategies for transitioning to a deep life. [1:12:48]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Generating more eureka moments [3:59]
* Working past shutdowns [8:08]
* How I capture tasks [17:10]
* Blocking distractions with music [23:22]
* Solving excessive mass emails [27:18]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about what’s on my weekly plan at the moment, the complicated impact of Slack, and pursuing depth among friends more interested in fun.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Is monthly planning necessary? (Bonus: A look at my current plans) [2:12] 

* Breaking up time blocks [10:03]

* Debunking writer’s blocks [11:28]

* Favoritism versus career capital [17:56]

* When to stop studying [27:35]

* Getting back up when struggling in your work [30:19]


QUESTION ROULETTE [34:58]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* The productivity apps I use [42:49]

* Do academics need good digital presences? [43:37]

* Leaving social media when you can’t leave the house [45:13]

* The mixed impact of the rise of Slack [50:53]


BACKSTAGE PASS [57:41]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Finding a calling when you’re interesting in many things [1:01:57]

* Sticking to the deep life when you’re friends are deeply into the fun life (Bonus: tales from my one day as a Dartmouth frat brother) [1:07:14]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I answer audio questions from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* How I'm scheduling everything I have to do this fall [6:33]

* Working on one thing at a time versus rotating between them [16:17]

* Some tough love for a distracted listener [18:43]

* The perils of context switching [25:48]

* Can meetings be deep? [31:05]

* Struggling with productive meditation [36:35]


As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about shutdown rituals for college students, deep-to-shallow work ratios, and what I would do with $20 million (and why that's the wrong question). I also play some question roulette and give you a peak into my own efforts to live a deep life with my backstage pass segment.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Should I learn one hard thing or multiple easy things? [5:21]
* Shutdown rituals for college students [6:39]
* An optimal deep-to-shallow work ratio [12:56]
* Getting better at writing scientific papers [15:05]
* Richard Hamming's advice to keep your door pen [16:42]

Question Roulette [25:19]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Succeeding with blogging [28:51]
* Bullet journals [35:51]
* Getting my students to not use their phones in class [39:42]
* Working with groups that only communicate on social media [40:44]

Backstage Pass [46:08]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Developing personal life philosophies/politics/ethics [50:35]
* Small versus big changes for transforming your life [56:43]
* What I would do with $20 million [1:03:00]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Coping with surprise shallow tasks (aka., "slaying the productivity hydra") [2:09]
* Reading strategies for PhD students [12:37]
* Switching to a more fulfilling career [16:33]
* Improve or quit in response to a challenging new job [24:32]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions about the puzzling connection between email and saunas, the best way to preach depth to your team, and the under-appreciated power of rooted productivity, among many other topics. I also take some time to answer an Audio Question of the Day.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Email saunas and the struggle for depth [6:08]
* Saying "no" when new to a job [10:24]
* Dealing with unexpected free time [14:57]
* Should I become a professor? [17:55]
* Getting others to buy in on Deep Work [25:12]
* Find time for hard thinking in a job that focuses on soft skills [27:07]

AUDIO QUESTION OF THE DAY [31:51]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Effective reading [36:58]
* Being productive in an organization that embraces Outlook [40:26]
* Using entertainment-only devices [44:19]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Exercise routines for focus [46:48]
* Keeping track of your productivity habits [53:10]
* Feeling stuck at home during the pandemic [59:56]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Seeking depth when working from home [2:22]
* Feeling guilty about long afternoon naps [11:17]
* Rant Alert: Fixing academia's email overload problem [18:15]
* Advice for someone returning to school later in life [28:56]
* Tackling projects one at a time versus in parallel [36:46]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on taming writer's block, the exaggerated importance of digital presence, and the miseries of digital living, among many other topics. I also play some question roulette and give an update on the current status and ambitious future plans for my Deep Work HQ.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Using music to help focus [1:58]
* Limits on deep work quantities [3:07]
* Teaching a team to value depth [7:36]
* Taming writer's block [16:14]
* Deciding whether to pursue an MBA [18:58]
* Measuring success in academia [21:37]
* Taking breaks from time blocking [25:03]


QUESTION ROULETTE [28:47]


TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Thoughts on iPads + Apple pencil as productivity booster [35:52]
* Overcoming the paradox of choice with productivity apps [38:17]
* YouTube detoxing [43:12]
* Organizing academic research [44:59]
* The false necessity of building a digital presence [47:19]

WHAT I'M UP TO 
* A closer look at Deep Work HQ [53:08]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Instilling focus in kids [1:02:22]
* On the value of my hyper-focused fitness [1:05:55]
* Conversing with distracted people [1:12:50]
* Managing multiple projects [1:15:44]
* Unsolicited Sermon: The miseries of a life lived on screens [1:19:53]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Problems settling on a productivity system [1:01] 
* Figuring out which professional skill to improve [7:20] 
* The difference between boredom and solitude [21:12] 
* Craving depth in a shallow job [32:20] 
* Keystone habits [38:39]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on calendar shaming, digital detox struggles, and the unexpected challenges of gaining more professional autonomy, among many other topics.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:


WORK QUESTIONS

* Modernizing GTD [2:18]
* Calendar Shaming [7:59]
* How I keep track of projects [14:15]
* Staying relevant when less connected [16:29]
* The inherent unpredictability of kids and facing the productivity dragon [19:21]
* Quantifying career capital [25:09]

AUDIO QUESTION OF THE DAY [28:17]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* Dealing with screen time overload [31:36]
* Is a Kindle a screen? [36:32]
* The relative depth of books versus podcasts [36.48]
* Digital detox struggles [39:26]
* Instagram struggles (hint: my suggestion starts with a ‘Q’ and rhymes with ‘bit’) [44:02]

QUESTION ROULLETE [45:49]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

* Interviewing people you want to emulate [49:04]
* Dealing with psychological hurdles such as negative self-talk and impostor syndrome  [54:30]
* Learning hard things fast [1:03:53]
* Vitamin solitude [1:05:24]
* The challenges of autonomy [1:07:54]
*  Understanding those upset by depth [1:11:05]


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

*  outsourcing household work [1:46]

* mitigating the damage caused by unavoidable distractions [6:45]

* the utility of fancy flashcard software [12:43] 

* tips for becoming a professor [24:04] 

* productivity beyond basic lists [34:01] 

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on delegating without email, effective methods for fighting imposter syndrome, and my take on critical theory (which leads to an impromptu history seminar, which is the price one pays for asking an academic a question about academic theory),  among many other topics.

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com. You can submit audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

WORK QUESTIONS

* Effective delegation (hint: don't send an email) [8:09]
* Bosses with varied productivity styles [16:25]
* Crucial skills for the 21st century [18:54]
* The danger of using a pseudonym to evade imposter syndrome [23:34]
* How I choose my career [26:23]
* Optimal specificity for daily plans [29:40]
* Advice for someone new to writing [33:55]

QUESTION ROULETTE [35:43]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

* My thoughts on smart watches [38:49]
* Using "memory palaces" to train your brain (random story alert) [40:56]
* Moving tasks out of email, even if annoying [44:52]
* The limited use of social media for a non-established writer [46:29]
* My thoughts on the Boycott Facebook movement [48:11]

DEEP LIFE QUESTION

* The secret to my "smooth" answers to questions [50:38]
* Getting back on track after a professional failure [54:14]
* Sticking with a job you dislike [59:32]
* An impromptu history seminar on critical theory [1:05:00]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Does capturing thoughts diminish deep work? [2:09]

* Trouble relaxing after periods of intense focus. [7:37]

* Should you list specific tasks on time block schedules? [14:23]

* Time blocking for jobs with regular unexpected emergencies. [18:46]

* What administrators can do to help teachers work deeply. [26:08]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing or leaving a rating/review.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on deep work in groups, the double-edge sword of deploying social media in politics, and a discussion of the most common objection about my work, among many other topics.

You can submit your audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com.

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners decide to try the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

* Deep work in groups [1:42]
* Rethinking the "Dorsey Exception" [3:52]
* The wrong reason to pursue a PhD [9:04]
* Background noise and distraction [10:10]
* Managing tedious life admin [14:02]
* Turning down a promotion to avoid shallow work [22:30]
* Audio Question of the Day: Can attention residue ever be positive? [25:32]
* Staying up on news in depressing times [30:57]
* Thoughts on the Kindle [35:00]
* Thoughts on the Pomodoro Technique [38:00]
* Social media and politics [41:23]
* Deep work versus social media [47:20]
* Question Roulette: When will depth become mainstream? [50:31]
* Habits to pick up in childhood [54:56]
* How students can cultivate a deep life [57:02]
* Recharging during deep work breaks [1:02]
* Uncommon sources of high quality leisure [1:05]
* Teaching the deep life to children [1:06]
* The strongest arguments against my work [1:08]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

You can submit your own audio questions at speakpipe.com/calnewport.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Figuring out where to publish different types of writing [1:29]

* Balancing two careers [7:08]

* On productivity in support roles [13:04]

* Keeping all aspects of the deep life in balance [22:22]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing. 

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on where I work (hint: an absurd number of different places), convincing students to disconnect, and applying deep work to deep social problems, among many other topics.

I need more audio questions for my habit tune-up mini-episodes. You can submit your audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/CalNewport

I will be sending out a new request for text questions to my mailing list soon. You can sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com.

Please consider subscribing (which helps iTunes rankings) and leaving a review or rating (which helps new listeners consider the show).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

 * My (many) deep work environments [1:50] 

 * Law firms are deep work disasters [6:42] 
 
 * On the deepness of business development efforts [13:03] 

 * Deep work for high school teachers [14:17] 

 * The danger of using random masters degree to "fix" your professional life [17:04] 

 * On becoming a great thinker (in graduate school) [18:26] 

 * Question Roulette: coping with mission failure. [20:12]

 * My book writing toolbox [24:38] 

 * The myth of the necessity of social media for professional success (rant alert!) [26:56] 

 * Getting students to disconnect [31:19] 

 * On social media and democratization movements [34:48]

 * The right order to teach my books [39:54] 

 * Moving past repeated failures to minimize technology use [44:48] 

 * Finding motivation to get things done (sermon alert!) [44:48] 

 * Deep work on deep social problems [52:37] 


Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

Here are the topics we cover: 

* Advice on using "office hours" to reduce email [1:51] 

* Random thoughts and internet rabbit holes [11:18]

* Fear of mistakes crippling productivity [16:27]

* Escaping to phone when tried at work [22:11]

* The secret to making deep work deeper [25:10]

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please considering subscribing. 

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on work resistance, the state of techno-criticism, tales from the MIT theory group, and the depth-destroying power of children. I also play some question roulette and tackle the audio question of the day. (Hint: it’s about my reading habits.)

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis).

Here’s the full list of topics tackled in today’s episode along with the timestamps:

* The organizational power of plain text files [1:18]

* Confronting an overwhelming number of obligations [4:00]

* Getting back on track after lockdown disrupted work habits [7:15]

* Dealing with resistance to work [9:39]

* Audio question of the day: managing a variety of different inputs [18:28]

* Avoiding social media on the phone browser [23:26]

* The need for a distraction-reducing phone operating system [26:06]

* Tracking birthdays without Facebook [28:32] 

* My podcast habits [31:07]

* Humane tools and the state of techno-criticism [33:57]

* Question roulette:  my book reading habits [43:46]

* Life inside the MIT Theory Group (bonus: cracking the superstar code) [48:47]

* The seeming impossibility of deep work with kids [1:02:42]

* Curing your spouse’s Facebook addiction [1:14:10]

* On the deep value of work [1:16:12]

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on battling email, online learning, and a game plan for escaping a shallow life. I also play some question roulette and answer the audio question of the day.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)

Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

* [1:23] Fighting the email onslaught

* [4:50] Shutting down when work never ends

* [9:53] Abandoning work blocks

* [11:03] Grad school later in life

* [12:20] Getting into grad school

* [14:15] How to win at grad school

* [15:40] My deliberate practice routines

* [21:45] Question roulette: overhaul deep work habits

* [25:31] Schools and social media

* [28:00] Adapting to online learning 

* [31:40] Bullet journaling: yay or nay?

* [34:40] Audio question of the day: too many tasks

* [37:50] Elite learning without schools (bonus rant: the future of higher education)

* [45:09] My dharma

* [48:17] Escaping a long stay in the shallows

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

Here are the topics we cover: 

[1:30] Making an iPhone less distracting.

[9:08] Keystone habits to help deep work stick.

[12:45] Making progress on a non-urgent big project.

[17:29] Training your ability to focus.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on fleeing a collapsing career, taking notes on books, and building a deep life. I also play some question roulette and answer the audio question of the day.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)

Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

 * Fleeing a collapsing career.

 * The coming knowledge work productivity revolution.

 * Configuring your tasks.

 * Amending Deep Work.

 * Audio Question: Finding depth in a social office.

 * Taking notes on books (plus: Kindle versus physical)

  * News from social media.

  * Thoughts on LinkedIn.

  * Running a business as a student.

  * Optimal amounts of solitude.

  * Finding quality leisure.

  * How to build a deep life.

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this mini-episode, I take "calls" from listeners asking for advice about how best to tune-up their productivity and work habits in a moment of increased distraction and disruption.

(Going forward, I plan to occasionally augment my standard full length weekly episode, where I go deep on many different topics, with these shorter mini-episodes, where I can focus on specific themes and experiment with new formats.)

Thanks to listener Jay Kerstens for the intro music.

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on balancing the professional and the personal, unreasonable email expectations and using the internet to escape hard creative work. I also play some question roulette and attempt a lightening round in which I answer as many question as possible in a single minute.

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com (I send a survey to this list soliciting questions on a semi-regular basis.)

Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

 * Separating personal and professional when planning.
 * Inducing a sense of urgency.
 * Balancing work and relationships in lockdown.
 * Getting into graduate school with bad grades.
 * Starting a productivity journey.
 * Resetting expectations about email response time.
 * Tracking health metrics.
 * Finding blog readers without social media.
 * Lightening Round:
   - how much deep work can fit in a day?
   - what is minimum deep work block length?
   - what are tips for overcoming resistance?
   - what do you do during your downtime?
 * A pastor seeking depth when on call.
 * The origin of my discipline.
 * A novelist struggling to work.
 * Managing reading.
 * On schools and the deep life.

As always, thank you to listener Bit Holiday for the original theme music and transition sound effect (bitholiday.net).

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on tackling procrastination, building a productivity system from scratch, and the intellectual shallowness of social media. I also play some question roulette, and in a new segment, provide an update on what I'm up to in my own deep life at moment. 

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com

Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

 * Deep work without alienating customers.
 * Reducing attention residue.
 * The distinction between deep and shallow work.
 * Combating procrastination.
 * Unpacking my work philosophy.
 * The future of VR.
 * Building a productivity system from scratch.
 * Storing notes for future books and articles.
 * The promises and peril of YouTube.
 * The Study Hacks story.
 * On smartphones and addiction.
 * How to learn about the world. (Hint: not on Twitter.)
 * Meditation skepticism.
 * Getting started with a Deep Life.
 * People not interested in depth. (Sermon alert.)


Thank you to listener Bit Holiday for the original theme music and transition sound effect (bitholiday.net).

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader questions on book publicity without social media, Facebook's fatal flaw, and escaping soul-crushing jobs. I also try out a new segment where I answer on the fly randomly selected questions I have not previously seen (to interesting effect).

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com

Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

 * Do I plan to ever have guests on the podcast to help me answer questions? (Yes.)
 * Deep work in a reactive organization (rant alert).
 * Tackling an overwhelming number of obligations.
 * Dealing with unproductive days.
 * Building good depth rituals.
 * Deliberate practice and social skills.
 * When is a PhD program worth it?
 * Productive people who also use social media.
 * The good and bad sides of technology.
 * Side-stepping the YouTube rabbit hole.
 * Publicizing books when you don't use social media.
 * Reducing text volume when dating.
 * Encouraging teens to spend last time on their phones (difficult, but possible!).
 * Facebook's fatal flaw.
 * Dealing with a job that "eats" your soul.
 * Advice for teenagers about to start college.
 * Fear of failure while pursuing a PhD.
 * Quarantine ruts impacting productivity (sermon alert).
 * PLUS: two randomly selected questions (mega sermon alert)

Thank you to listener Bit Holiday for the original theme music and transition sound effect (bitholiday.net).

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on the origin of my productivity obsession, how digital minimalists can form relationships in a distracted world, and how to care less about what people thing about you (hint: stop using social media).

To submit your own questions, sign up for my mailing list at calnewport.com


Full list of topics tackled in today’s episode:

 * Ideal length of deep work sessions.
 * Origin of my productivity obsession.
 * Making progress on projects in lockdown.
 * Dealing with jobs that don’t respect deep work.
 * My notebook habits.
 * Finding relationships as a digital minimalist.
 * How to study on a phone.
 * Building a blog audience.
 * Caring less about what people thing about you.
 * The origins of drive.
 * Cutting back on self-help.
 * Advice for my 20-year-old self.
 * Better organizing information.
 * Solidifying lockdown lessons.

Thank you to listener Bit Holiday for the original theme music and transition sound effect (bitholiday.net).

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on how to improve your ability to concentrate, books that proved influential on my thinking (including the origin of the term “deep work”), the complex process of figuring out what to devote your limited attention toward, and so much more.

For more about me about my writing: www.calnewport.com

This episode features the Swoosh 1 sound effect, used under a Sampling Plus 1.0 license (see here for details: http://soundbible.com/682-Swoosh-1.html).

In this episode of Deep Questions I answer reader queries on how I manage my tasks, the conflict between deep work and kids, moving beyond fairy tale messages when seeking purpose in difficult times, and so much more.

For more about me about my writing: www.calnewport.com

This episode features the Swoosh 1 sound effect, used under a Sampling Plus 1.0 license (see here for details: http://soundbible.com/682-Swoosh-1.html).