Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- INTERVIEW with Ryan Holiday [10:00]
- Cal and Jesse talk about Holiday interview [1:13:57]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Link to submit questions: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

- Deep Dive: Quiet Quitting [4:00]

- How can I motivate my kids to have Cal’s work ethic? [24:28]
- What are Cal’s tips for writing better articles? [34:48]
- Are someday/maybe lists worth it? [44:33]
- How can a researcher embrace slow productivity? [48:24]
- Why did Cal switch from Roam to Obsidian note-taking software? [53:47]

CASE STUDY: A World Without Email got my team through a crisis [57:01]

- How can I concentrate on work with so many bad things happening in the world? [1:09:31]
- What if I don’t enjoy the deep life I designed? [1:20:16]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: The art of “no” [7:06]

- CALL: Anxiety and timeblock planning [27:38] 
- How do I choose a hobby to master? [37:01]
- Should I leave my job? [43:31]
- How do I break into a knowledge work? [49:00]
- How do I overcome career anxiety? [53:55]
 
CASE STUDY: Closet Office [1:05:10]

- CALL: Thoughts on Monday.com [1:13:38]
- What’s the difference between a quarterly and strategic plan? [1:21:45]
- How do I figure out my values? [1:23:10]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: Will 4-Day Weeks Solve Burnout? [7:01]

- How do I know if I’m doing too much? [24:03]
- Who invented the idea to “follow your passion”? [34:11]
- How can an ER doctor manage his schedule? [41:46]
- CALL: How do you know when it’s time to rest? [45:48]
- Nerd Alert: Is the future of computing more local? [49:59]

- Books Cal read in August 2022 [59:31]

- CALL: What watch does Cal use? [1:16:51]
- How do I create a Feedback Council? [1:25:04]
- Did Jordan Peterson and Bret Weinstein get weirder after leaving academia? [1:28:06]

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This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp.

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

- Deep Dive: How does Cal organize his life? [4:47]

- How do I improve my estimates of how long a task will take?  [27:49]
- How does Cal feel about open office spaces? [30:01] 
- Does listening to a podcast count as reading? [40:54]
- How do I plan a wedding without drowning in minutia? [43:40]
- I lost my love for work. Should I try to get it back? [50:03]

- Does Cal struggle with comparing himself to others? [59:18]
- How do I reset my ambitions after buring out? [1:08:06]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Please take a moment to provide feedback on the podcast using this survey:
bit.ly/3zMTLXp

DEEP DIVE: Loops, Networks, and Links [5:32]

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

- How do I track a long-term project? [30:52]
- How often should I check email? [36:23]
- How do I get my workplace to be less “hyperactive”? [42:14]

LISTENER CASE STUDY: Diane rents an office near her house [46:08]

DEEP LIFE ACADEMY: Lifestyle-centric career planning [53:39]

—

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Click Here To Take Cal’s Survey: https://bit.ly/3zMTLXp

Cal reacts to the news: TikTok and the Fall of the Social Media Giants [3:05]

- How long should I wait for someone to respond to my email? [32:21]
- Do you recommend having multiple email accounts? [35:21]
- Is there a place for “Inbox Zero” in Cal’s productivity system? [38:15]

Habit Tune-Up: Docket Clearing Meetings [44:44]

- How do I balance my many interests after quitting my job? [55:33]
- Why am I stuck in my pursuit of depth?  [1:01:30]
- How can we convince the masses to live deeper? [1:06:57]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Habit Tune-Up: To-Do Lists Are Inhumane [2:03]

- Is distracted deep work the same as shallow work? [18:10]
- How does Cal do quarterly reviews? [23:03]
- What should I include in my quarterly plan? [25:03]
- How do I save my failing productivity system? [27:34]
- Can I sell a book without social media? [36:12]

The Five Books Cal Read in July 2022  [47:56]

- How do I manage the anxiety of not achieving a goal? [1:11:22]
- How do I handle having too many ideas? [1:15:05]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In today’s episode, we try something different: a special two-part conversation in which Cal coaches his longtime friend, comedian and podcast pioneer Jamie Kilstein, through a digital declutter. The first part of the conversation ends with Cal’s prescription for Jamie, while the second part picks up six weeks later to check in on how things actually went.


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

With Cal away on vacation, he decides to tackle 8 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks!
 
Ian Fleming’s writing process [1:13]
 
- How can I get a tech job without credentials? [8:04]
- How do I make progress on tasks in a chaotic job? [10:52]
- Why do you have a problem with social media? [16:07]
- What should I do to succeed in my first internship? [24:16]
- What does Cal think about YouTube shorts? [26:37]
- Is it possible to avoid studying all the time in medical school? [29:14]
- What do you think of Oliver Burkeman’s work on productivity in Four Thousand Weeks? [37:51]
- Can I maintain a social life if I move to the country? [43:41]
 
 
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles 
for mastering.

With Jesse away on vacation, Cal decides to tackle 10 questions in a row, all in one take, with no breaks, covering everything from complaints about Cal’s inaccessibility, to teaching deep work in schools, to a long pontification (read: rant) on the podcasting industry.

- Finding time to self-study [5:38]
- Why Cal is a bad correspondent [11:44]
- Can everyone become so good they can’t be ignored? [25:32]
- Should temperament affect job choice? [29:06]
- Teaching deep work in schools [33:20]
- When does Cal listen to podcasts? [37:46]
- How do I succeed in podcasting? [38:57]
- Why is Cal so contrarian? [56:22]
- How do I stay a digital minimalist after having a baby? [59:31]
- How do I teach my family and friends about the deep life? [1:02:23]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Cal Reacts: A slow productivity case study [5:19]

- What do you think about planning two weeks out instead of one? [25:52]
- How can I brainwash my little brother to make him not follow his passion? [32:43]
- Improving at deliberate practice with a slow feedback loop [42:33]
- How can I stop overthinking? [49:53]

The Six Books Cal Read in June 2022 [54:48]

- Slow productivity and billable hours [1:20:24]
- What are the key principles of living the deep life? [1:24:21]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts: Journalists and Twitter [3:26]

- When should kids get smartphones? [28:08]
- What age should my kids start coding? [37:51]
- How can a non-native English speaker widen his vocabulary for scientific writing? [46:21]

Habit Tune-Up: Cal’s toolbox for taming meetings [47:25]

- What should I read while waiting in line? [1:08:29]
- Are some people not wired to focus? [1:11:39]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts to the News: TikTok Dismisses Facebook [10:40]

- Should I get a PhD in my 50’s? [32:29]
- Do I need two shutdowns if I work on my side hustle in the evening? [40:21]
- Good life vs. Deep life [44:39]

Habit Tune-up: Process-Centric Email [49:49]

- How can I succeed in an academic profession after a lackluster start? [1:07:16]
- Helping young men live deeply  [1:15:07]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts: Making a Living Online [8:26]

- How do you get over the fear of starting a business? [39:21]
- How can I convince my wife I’m unavailable during deep work sessions? [43:09]
- Struggling to focus because of a personal crisis  [54:49]
- What is the potential of AI in productivity optimization? [1:00:30]

Interesting Mail Bag [1:05:52]

- Can you reduce attention residue? [1:19:01]
- Impact of Cal’s podcast on his idea process [1:22:31]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Deep Dive: Feedback Councils [2:58]

- How can you not lose faith if there is always more to be done? [23:22]
- Do you have two shutdowns when you’re working two shifts? [27:04]
- CALL: Decoding the Deep Life [32:13]
- What are some good Deep Leisure activities? [47:32]
- CALL: Looking to write after early retirement [53:16]

Books I read in May 2022 [1:03:13]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Update on Cal’s book writing [ 2:03]

WORK QUESTIONS

- How do I get my family and friends to take my profession seriously? [14:11]
- How should we adjust our work for the arrival of our first baby? [21:33]
- Do maximum deep work durations depend on the type of work? [28:10]
- How do I overcome the sense of being overwhelmed by all of my goals? [31:21]

TECHNOLOGY QUESTION

- What are the most important trends in technology at the moment? [37:25]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Does reading too many books dilute their impact? [1:01:01]
- How do I turn off my ambitious mind? [1:02:35]
- How do I get back on the productivity horse after I fall off? [1:05:05]

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Update on Cal’s book writing [5:11]

- LISTENER CALL: How do I get information out of my inbox? [9:59]
- How do I choose a masters program? (RANT alert) [15:16]
- How do you know what is enough for the next step of your career? [19:47]

HABIT TUNE-UP: Multi-Scale Seasonality (The second principle of slow productivity)  [34:01]

RAPID FIRE CALLS:

- How do I improve my evening wind down routine? [40:36]
- How do you take a Deep Holiday? [42:52]
- How do you organize your books? [46:12]

NEWS: A novel solution to the problems of social media [51:45]

Can I live a Deep Life if I decide to start a family? [57:27]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

The Overlooked Radicalism of Tim Ferriss [13:53]

QUESTIONS:

- Is it time for a career change or do I just lack discipline? [37:30]
- Do occasional leaks mean that my productivity system is broken? [46:02]
- LISTENER CALL: How should this exhausted professorI structure her sabbatical? [50:16]

Habit Tune-Up: The Corner Marking Method [59:03]

- Why use a paper notebook for Time-blocking instead of an app? [1:20:58]
- How can I do longer Deep Work sessions? [1:26:48]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:   youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal reacts to his inbox [7:48]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I manage a two-part workday?  [26:49]
- How do I save my “shut down” ritual? [34:14]
- LISTENER CALL: Should I work on challenging projects or take the easy path? [37:58]

Cal reacts to the news: A Catholic Response to Workism [48:48]

- How do I select projects? [1:10:51]
- How do I tame WhatsApp with my friends and family? [1:20:51]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia


CAL REACTS: His latest article for The New Yorker [16:06]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I balance my walking ‘modes’ when living a Deep Life? [39:43]
- Why not recommend time-blocking for leisure? [44:09]
- LISTENER CALL: How do I avoid my phone when I’m tired? [46:57]

HABIT  TUNE-UP: WorkingMemory.txt

- LISTENER CALL: How does a manager do Deep Work? [1:10:28]
- Where do you put your extended thoughts about your life? [1:19:52]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: The Surprising Math of Doing Less [8:58]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I improve my discipline?  [26:16]
- How do you break down a complicated problem? [37:20]
- LISTENER CALL: Has Cal read “Stolen Focus”? [40:27]

The Books I Read in April 2022 [46:41]

- LISTENER CALL: Playbook for writing in The New Yorker [1:12:37]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

CAL REACTS TO THE NEWS [8:05]

QUESTIONS:

- How do I read more?  [45:35]
- Rapid Fire: TV, Email, and Journaling [54:44]
- Listener Call: How is a weekly plan different than what’s in Trello? [59:33]

HABIT TUNE-UP: Fixed-Schedule Productivity [1:06:07]

- Listener Call: How would Cal design a university? [1:19:47]
- Should college students avoid social media? [1:29:58]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: The Crypto Question No One is Asking [1:43]

QUESTIONS:

- Should I be productive or bill more hours? [24:51]
- Can someone with ADHD succeed with Deep Work? [28:44]
- Can I find depth if I have roommates? [33:12]
- How do I track more publications? [37:49]
- I can’t time-block. What should I do? [43:33]
- How do I tame Netflix? [47:19]
- How does Cal come up with ideas? [55:04]
- How do I shorten weekly planning sessions? [58:26]   


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

QUESTIONS:

- How do I stick with just one organization system? [3:38]
- How do I maintain a routine in a job with wildly changing demands? [9:00]
- Cal Reacts to the News: Is Twitter Ruining Society? [23:30]
- How do I apply your ideas to skilled labor? [44:14]
- How do I cure my current feeling of burnout? [49:25]
- Should I focus on process or results-focused goals? [1:01:51]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

CAL REACTS TO THE NEWS : Elon Joins the Twitter Board [1:32]

QUESTIONS:

- Managing idea notebooks [24:19]
- Doctor who wants to learn advanced math  [29:56]
- Obsessed with instant messaging [34:17]
- Tempering a racing mind [47:35]
- Selecting good keystone habits [54:50]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Cal Reacts to the News: The Times Drops Twitter [4:21]

QUESTIONS:

- Is the hyperactive hive mind ever beneficial? [26:52]
- How do I survive a really busy week? [36:49]
- Should I quit my executive job to write a book?  [42:48]
- Do you have suggestions for improving the trade-off between teaching vs. scholarship obligations? [54:11]
- How do you approach complexity? [57:34]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

OPENING SEGMENT: The Books I Read in March, 2022  [2:05]

- Cal’s frameworks [16:48]
- Time blocking beyond work [26:05]
- How to structure all-day studying [33:53]
- Handling boredom [38:16]
- Deep Work vs. YouTube [48:08]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: Quick Social Media (Revisiting my Viral 2017 Talk) [4:50]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Does career capital theory assume meritocracy? [30:31]
- Is there a middle ground between shallow and deep work? [34:35]
- What tools can help my 100,000 employees be more productive? [37:38]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Is the Deep Life privileged? [47:17]
- When is “left to right” planning preferred? [1:07:10]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

- Is “day batching” a good idea? [16:38]
- Sustainable time-blocking [24:28]
- Earning money versus building things [33:45]
- Escaping a dead end career [48:19]
- Reading deeply and quickly [53:42]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP DIVE: Is Friction Bad? [5:27]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Should a stay-at-home parent pursue deep work? [21:32]
- How do we combat administrative creep? [29:20]
- Has Cal changed his mind on optimal duration of deep work sessions? [39:00]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

- Should we all practice Shabbat? [44:05]
- Why do I keep failing to complete my digital detox? [52:13]
- How do I escape filter bubbles? [56:06]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

This episode is a replay from July 12, 2021.

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

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia


- Breaking up big projects into small tasks. [5:33]
- The productivity baby steps (epic answer alert). [10:12]
- Taming late night meetings. [27:16]
- Best book of mine for college students. [36:34]
- Shutdown routines with unpredictable schedules. [40:17]


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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How do I “practice” my job? [12:41]
- Does software with too many features distract us? [22:12}
- How can an overloaded minister juggle the demands of people and planning? [31:24]
- Should I stop teaching my stock investing course to get better at investing at stocks? (Bonus rant: why you’re not going to beat the stock market) [43:42]
- What lessons for life can we extract from the military experience? [45:47]

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Update on Cal’s writing [0:43]

- Tips for preparing for an upcoming training. [19:32]
- Your business model. [24:06]
- Managing guiding documents. [35:26]
- Becoming a better writer. [44:21]
- Curing deep procrastination. [51:02]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

MyBodyTutor.com
Blinkist.com/Deep
Grammarly.com/Deep
Workable.com/podcast



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia


CORE IDEA: The Case Against Email [2:52]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How do I balance writing and marketing? [30:32]
- How do I find time to time an overwhelming work load? [36:10]
- How do I work even deeper? [40:22]
- Should I read before or after I write? [45:51]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Deep living in retirement? [53:07]
- Should I quit my lawyer job? [55:24]
- Does context switching reduce reading comprehension? [1:07:32]
- Does Nicholas Carr’s hyperlink critique hold up? [1:08:15]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

MyBodyTutor.com
Blinkist.com/Deep
Grammarly.com/Deep
Workable.com/podcast



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  https://youtube.com/calnewportmedia

- Article challenging Cal’s take on productivity. [17:07]
- Alternatives to Cal’s career capital theory. [29:58]
- Cal’s thoughts on shorter work weeks. [37:53]
- Obsessive reading.  [51:59]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

PolicyGenius: policygenius.com
Workable: workable.com/podcast
ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/deep
Athletic Green: athleticgreens.com/deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

The Books I Read in February 2022 [4:45]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Can you implement Cal’s productivity tips without time-blocking? [32:46]
- Does technique beat talent? [37:28]
- Do you recommend multiple email accounts for someone who works at different institutions? [43:12]
- Can intense collaborative work be considered deep? [44:52]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Are podcasts good for you? [52:11]
- Can you elaborate on concentration calisthenics? [57:29]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

PolicyGenius: policygenius.com
Workable: workable.com/podcast
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

DEEP DIVE: On Doing Hard Things [4:42]

LISTENER CALLS:

- People who are bad at planning [31:56]
- What did Cal learn from his mom the computer programmer [40:42]
- Students working on weekends [45:49]
- Living a deep life with anxiety (warning: lecture alert) [56:52]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Blinkist:  Blinkist.com/Deep
Athletic Greens:  Athleticgreens.com/deep
JUST EGG
New Relic:  Newrelic.com/deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj


DEEP DIVE: Is Ambition Worth It? [2:45]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Should you ditch your to-do list with slow productivity mindset? [27:20]
- What should I do while waiting for code to compile? [33:20]
- What do you do when you get tired? [36:26]
- How do I succeed as a postdoc? [39:17]
- What do you eat to support Deep Work? [42:04]
- What is your updated advice about “temporary plans”? [49:53]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How do I balance deep work personal pursuits? [56:35]
- At what age will Cal allow his kids to have phones and social media? [1:00:11]
- Is Cal’s outlook on the future too optimistic? [1:02:52]
- I followed my passion. Am I screwed? [1:08:51]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Blinkist:  Blinkist.com/Deep
Athletic Greens:  Athleticgreens.com/deep
JUST EGG
New Relic:  Newrelic.com/deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

DEEP DIVE: Is TikTok a Good Thing? [2:47]


CALLS:

- Deep work for sales. [16:10]
- Where to find arguments I disagree with. [20:18]
- Little bets. [25:37]
- Taming information overload. [39:45]
- Minimalism as a med student. [48:56]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Headspace:  Headspace.com/QUESTIONS
Blinkist:  Blinkist.com/DEEP
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JUST Egg


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj


CORE IDEAS: The Deep Life [4:55]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Does time blocking work with ADHD? [33:39]
- How should I approach my PhD? [35:38]
- How can I meet other deep workers? [39:40]
- How can I improve Zoom meetings? [44:19]
- How do I shutdown while watching kids? [47:21]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How do I balance my personal and professional life? [57:12]
- How do I pick a major if I can’t follow my passion? [59:27]
- Is there a place where I can find all of the ideas from this podcast? [1:04:45]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Headspace:  Headspace.com/QUESTIONS
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Munk Pack:  MunkPack.com - Enter code DEEP
JUST Egg  


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Jesse asks Cal questions about his life.  [2:41]

- Listening to arguments on both sides of an issue. [24:49]
- Designing a fantastic gap year. [33:51]
- Juggling too many hobbies. [42:27]
- Struggling to stay disciplined with home chores. [46:56]
- Cal’s thoughts on the Metaverse. [58:58]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

My Body Tutor:  MyBodyTutor.com: Mention “Deep Questions” for $50 off 1st month
Athletic Greens:  Athleticgreens.com/deep
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

CORE IDEA:  Deep Work [5:10]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How much should I care about promoting my work? [28:07]
- When do you write your weekly plan? [33:22]
- What does Cal think about digital notebooks? [34:00]
- Why is everyone so bad at email? [36:45]
- What is Cal’s advice for a distracted high school student? [40:02]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Does disconnection improve creativity? [50:57]
- How do I teach my kids to focus? [57:52]
- How do I get my students off their phones? [1:02:20]
- What does Cal think about the book “Four-Thousand Weeks”? [1:05:21]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

My Body Tutor:  MyBodyTutor.com: Mention “Deep Questions” for $50 off 1st month
Athletic Greens:  Athleticgreens.com/deep
Stamps.com:  Stamps.com - Use promo code “Deep”
Grammarly:  Grammarly.com/Deep


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode: tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

Cal's January Books: [2:00]

Listener Calls:
- Implementing the deep life [21:30]
- Physical vs. e-books [33:33]
- Finding hobby motivation [37:39]
- Asking for help [45:14]
- Deep student life [52:34]
- Deep work for a new father [1:04:27]


Thank you to this episode's Sponsors:

Policy Genius:  Policygenius.com
Centered:           centered.app/deepquestions
Magic Spoon:    magicspoon.com/cal
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode:  tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

CORE IDEAS: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout? [2:58]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How does Cal manage information?  [35:56]
- What notebooks does Cal use? [38:52]
- What’s the deep approach to job searching? [44:20]
- What did Cal’s readers learn about deep work? [48:00]
-Can I work deeply for more than 4 hours a day? [55:46]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How should Cal’s time management advice be adjusted for students from underrepresented backgrounds? [1:04:58]
- How do I survive college admissions craziness? [1:09:47]


Thanks to our Sponsors:

Policy Genius:  Policygenius.com
Centered:  centered.app/deepquestions
Magic Spoon:  magicspoon.com/cal
ExpressVPN:  expressvpn.com

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj


CORE IDEA: Don’t Follow Your Passion   [3:07]

- Dividing time between multiple pursuits. [17:38]
- Implementing ideas from A World Without Email in small businesses. [22:17]
- Estimating the tie required to complete tasks. [27:42]
- Organizing household space for productivity. [34:12]
- Tips for passing a highly competitive exam. [43:01]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Video from today’s episode: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj


CORE IDEA:  Time Management  [4:37]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- What does deliberate practice look like for computer programming? [30:15]
- Is it rational to quit your job if it implies a potential harm to society? [36:04]
- When is deep work not the most important metric? [39:04]
- Should I stay a job where the management actively tries to stifle productivity? [42:46]
- What are your (Cal’s) tips for a mother of two small kids getting her masters? [51:15]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Is raising kids part of the deep life or an obstacle to achieving it?  [1:00:22]
- Is listening to audiobooks just as beneficial as reading hard-copy books? [1:04:55]
- How do I accomplish a digital detox when all of my leisure involves my phone? [1:06:07]
- How can high school students excel without SATs? [1:11:06]
- Should I worry about social media getting me fired from my job? [1:12:21]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

Videos of today’s questions: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How should we use a ticketing system?  [4:15]
- Should I resign after my boss does? [9:19]
- Are breaks to rest your eyes considered context switching? [13:10]
- How do you time block long but ambiguous intellectual activity?  [21:49] 
- How do you get back to scheduling after a vacation? [24:57] 


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Is it okay for a one activity to fit into two different deep life buckets? [29:51] 
- How do I live deeply with a demanding job (i.e., should I quit my law partner job?) [33:51]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Videos of the podcast are now live! (You can find then here: https://tinyurl.com/b2rkctfj


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How do I decide how much work is enough? [13:35] 
- How do I eliminate post-shutdown anxiety? [28:15]
- How do I get back to work effectively after a lunch break? [37:43]
- Why don’t you (Cal) use Zettelkasten? [40:09]
- How do I limit activities that aren’t important for my long-term success a new job? [46:20]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How do you (Cal) stay focused on campus when surrounded by “woke-ness”? [52:44] 
- How do you (Cal) keep sane as a published author? [58:31]
- How do you “count” time that is between deep work and deep leisure? [1:02:24]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.


OPENING DISCUSSION: How I schedule podcasting

LISTENER CALLS:

- My thoughts on psychedelics and the pursuit of awe. [8:38]
- Time-block planning for the visually impaired. [19:07]
- Struggling to escape a job. [23:24]
- Concerns about book editors. [33:26]
- My blog writing process. [43:41]
- The deep life vs. the good life [48:49]





Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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 DIVE: Why Are We Burnt Out?  [1:31]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Should I exercise before or after deep work?  [20:28]
- Why plan every quarter instead of every month or year? [23:56]
- How do I master a hard technical skill?  [26:12]
- What does my (Cal) knowledge management system look like? [30:17] 


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Are my (Cal’s) online courses applicable to people with ADHD?  [40:37]
- How do I apply deep work to my busy life?  [45:10]
- How do I balance work, school, and kids?  [49:45]
- What are my (Cal’s) thoughts on sleep?  [52:36]
- How do I (Cal) think about earnings and personal finance? [56:23]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

LISTENER CALLS:
- Optimal amounts of advanced scheduling. [6:46]
- Recommendations for not going overboard with strategic planning. [14:31] 
- Training for hard intellectual work. [19:12]
- Convincing students to limit social media (rant alert). [28:30]
- Keeping eyes healthy. [43:45] 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

OPENING CHAT: The Books I Read in December 2021

DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:
- How do I handle insecurity about my writing ability? [35:39]
- How do I balance non-work and work activities? [39:51]
- How can I take regular breaks to avoid eye strain? [43:53]
- How can I reduce anxiety around long term projects? [45:43]
- How should academic handle paper rejections? [48:36]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:
- What are your (Cal’s) thoughts on fasting and deep work? [54:59]
- How should I maintain a healthy body posture while at the computer? [01:00:56]
- How do I stick with habits for more than a couple days? [01:01:55]
- How does a digital minimalist find interesting books to read? [01:04:57]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

LISTENER CALLS:
- Getting better vs. selling harder. [3:29]
- Convincing a girlfriend to use less social media [9:15]
- Time-blocking tips [20:29]
- Ambition and the deep life [26:17]
- Advice of an ideal desk set up [32:56]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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 can a freelancer perform deep work? [9:56]
- Should I follow my skill or my passion? [12:50]
- How do you manage group projects in college? [21:51]
- Do you recommend listening to music while doing deep work? [24:16]
- What do you do when your boss has allocated you to a team “half time”? [26:20]

DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How do you return to time blocking after falling off the wagon? [36:25]
- How do you include non-work activities into your workday? [38:53]
- How do you structure you time if you love what you do? [40:10]
- How should you think about the Deep Life in retirement? [43:12]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Because I'm away on vacation these week, I'm replaying a classic show from the Deep Questions archives. This is Episode 125, which originally ran back in August. 

---

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 Reachable Should We Be? [1:45]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What should I do if I finish a time block early? [8:28]
 - How do I work deeply at home with a crying newborn? [12:54]
 - How I work deeply while taking care of a child full time? [17:50]
 - How do I manage a shared mailbox with my team? [23:11]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - What is discipline (and how do I get it)? [32:18]
 - Should I take a harder job to get better faster? [40:04]
 - What about people who don't want to do deep work? [43:49]


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

Because I'm away on vacation these week, I'm replaying a classic show from the Deep Questions archives. This is Episode 109, which originally ran back in June. 

---

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 [04:28]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What should I do if I like my job but dislike the industry? [12:32]
 - How hard should I push back against a shallow company culture? [17:06]
 - Is productivity only for people with certain personality types? [25:57]
 - What is the best strategy for an aspiring academic? [28:22]
 - Should I ask experts or learn on my own? [30:14]
 - Can you tell me more about the CIA's mail tubes? [35:36]
 - How do I get on the New York Times bestseller list? [41:28]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - Is there value in keeping a daily record of significant activity? [50:32]
 - Can I pursue the deep life if I have mental health issues? [56:46]
 - Are there wrong ways to pursue the deep life? [1:01:01]
 - How much time do I (Cal) spend reading? [1:04:48]


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

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

LISTENER CALLS:

- Was Tesla the ultimate deep thinker? [4:01]
- Writing for academic audiences (bonus: the story of my first book deal).  [7:03]
- The difference between deep work and the deep life buckets (bonus: Jesse and I discuss the latest progress on my new book). [19:05]
- Do YouTubers have a terrible job? [45:06]
- Preparing for the GMAT and job interviews. [52:18]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode, author Jenny Blake joins me for a conversation about her new book, FREE TIME: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business  (https://itsfreetime.com/book), which helps entrepreneurs engineer the stress out of their work. I ask her to use myself as a case study and apply her principles to helping me reduce stress in my working life.

Though FREE TIME doesn’t come out until March, if you pre-order a copy now (at https://itsfreetime.com/book) you’ll get immediate access to a pair of free copies of the audiobook: one for you and one for a friend.


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.


OPENING CHAT: Cal is excited about his new email setup.
 

LISTENER CALLS:

- Shutdown struggles. [13:58]
- The difference between value-based planning and the deep life buckets. [17:47]
- Drowning in meeting prep. [28:21]
- Fiction book recommendations. [32:34]
- My process for writing New Yorker Articles. [40:27]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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 DIVE: Is your productivity system leaking? [6:01]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How do I accomplish big projects in small amounts daily effort? [12:50]
- How do I make more money as I become more efficient? [17:28]
- What’s the best way to add structure to chaotic non-profit? [21:22]
- How do I build an autopilot schedule for unpredictable work? [27:10]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How do I modify your student advice for a part-time student? [33:32]
- How do I filter news? [40:31]
- Where should start in planning for the future? [43:22]
- Why does the FIRE movement get so much attention? [47:19]
- How do I convince myself to execute my plans? [53:41]

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

LISTENER CALLS:

- Doctors and depth. [6:42]
- Career capital in the military. [10:39]
- Coping with a hyperactive job. [14:45]
- Making a teaching plan for the semester. [27:32]
- Managing references. [33:53] 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

OPENING CHAT: The 5 Books I Read in November (Bonus Rant: Why did Jurassic Park need an assessment from a chaos theoretician?) [2:06]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Is it worth becoming good at skills that you only need short term? [21:51]
- How do I seem present online when working on side projects? [26:43]
- Should I revise my weekly plan if things change? [36:09]
- How should I manage reading I want to do? [39:29]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How can I take a deep approach to networking? [46:21]
- How can I focus on deep work with so much suffering around me? [50:59
- How do I teach my students to not buy into the hyperactive hive-mind? [57:35]
- What’s your (Cal’s) advice for “jack of all trades” people who want to become so good they can’t be ignored? [59:37]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

OPENING CHAT: YouTube vs. Social Media

LISTENER CALLS:

- The magic of autopilot scheduling [16:35]
- Tips for finding a non-hyperactive good boss [23:18]
- Alternatives to email-based workflows [27:24]
- Taming Trello [35:07]
- Study tactics [38:58] 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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 DIVE: Should you move to the country?  [3:55]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- Is it worth time blocking for long projects? [20:11]
- What’s your (Cal’s) opinion on bosses stopping by the office to chat?  [22:16]
- How can I remember all of your advice? [25:39]
- How do I avoid the feeling of just going through the motions? [32:41]
- How do I better get started in the morning? [38:31]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- What’s your advice for studying while also working in a warehouse? [44:38]
- How can I improve my meditative walks? [50:10]
- How can working parents maximize time spent with children? [54:12]
- Are you so good you can’t be ignored in computer science?  [58:40]
- How do I choose a thesis topic? [1:03:41]  

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.

DEEP DIVE: When should tasks live on my calendar? [7:24]

LISTENER CALLS:

- Online presences for novelists  [14:13]
- Not getting stuff done outside of work [26:10]
- Managing team workload [32:19]
- Finding more family time [39:37]
- Leveraging career capital early in one’s career [47:48]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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 DIVE: How do I tame email? [9:51]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

- How to accomplish deep work in the context of meeting overload? [29:09]
- What is difference between the productivity funnel and capture/configure/control? [36:06]
- Do you (Cal) have a filing system for emails? [40:18]
- What time blocking granularity is best? [42:53]
- How do you (Cal) manage projects vs tasks on your board system? [44:52]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- How does one get a sense of satisfaction from goals that continue ad infinitum? [50:33]
- How soon after the birth of a child is it realistic to start employing time blocking? [55:29]
- How should one combine having young children and pursuing newfound ambitions? [59:24]
- How should I think about career capital when taking time off to be a stay-at-home parent? [1:03:19]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.


DEEP DIVE: Decoding the Productive Pause [2:43]

LISTENER CALLS:

- Finding a research interests.  [10:00]
- Trading moments of your life for money. [13:23] 
- Scheduling more deep work. [23:14]
- Handling the difficult switch from work to leisure and then back again.  [27:30]            
- Creating temporal Eudamonia Machines.  [32:31]      
- Leading a new team away from email.  [39:14]


Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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:

- Are some people more suited for deep work than others?  [4:54]
- How do I tame post-shutdown excitement?   [8:33]
- How to I deal with ambiguous deep work?  [14:41]
- Can you  (Cal) elaborate on the Friction/Flow/Finalization project pathway?  [17:41] 
- How do you time-block plan in a company obsessed with last minute meetings?  [23:21]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

- Are you (Cal) a control freak?  [41:16]
- What have you (Cal) learned from the pandemic?  [45:07]
- Would you (Cal) do your CS research and writing if you couldn’t share it?  [51:54]
- How did you (Cal) never get tempted to join a social media platform?  [56:11]
- Is the monastic life the ultimate deep life?  [59:24]



Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, 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.


A conversation with Producer Jesse about my next book [1:48]


LISTENER CALLS:

- Twitter FOMO for a journalist. [16:40]
- Tracking small amounts of time. [25:12]
- My quarterly planning process. [30:07]
- Tedious tasks with an entry level job. [34:22]
- Timeblock planners spiral bindings. [38:24]
- Struggling to balance teaching with research (PLUS: a bonus rant about the coming knowledge work revolution). [42:15]


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 DIVE: My October reading list [1:49]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

 - How do you avoid burn out from deep work? [11:55]
 - Are your (Cal's) systems for tracking deep work and for tracking GTD projects independent? [13:59]
 - Does studying “on the go” incur cognitive burden? [18:07]
 - What category of things do you track on your (Cal's) Trello boards? [26:42]
 - What skills are most important for an undergraduate looking to become a professor? [32:12]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

 - What would you recommend to a doctoral student without a mentor?  [36:53]
 - How do you balance physical and digital tools in productivity?  [39:16]
 - Do you suggest reading for quality or quantity with non-fiction books?  [41:34]
 - How do you apply your ideas to make sure your family can pursue a deeper life?  [43:25]
 - Is the deep life compatible with helping humanity?  [48:27]


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.


DEEP DIVE: Is Overload Necessary? (Epic rant alert) [3:53]

LISTENER CALLS:

 - Beyond the most important task of the day. [27:00] 
 - "Pseudo-blocking" household admin. [31:53] 
 - A doctor struggling to find leisure time. [36:47]
 - Defanging the internet with strategic browser plug-ins. [44:26]
 - Applying sprints outside of the tech sector. [49:35]


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 DIVE: What would you say you do here? [3:05]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

 - What time management strategies do you suggest if I work a 9-5 and want to pursue master's or phd? [13:32]
 - How to overcome productivity pr0n?  
- Lifehacker addict is hung up on the fomo (fear of missing out) of potential shortcuts. [19:51]
- could save time
 - How to time block deep work while juggling the demands of "in the moment questions". [25:03]
- Pharmacist manager gets bogged down with constant questions despite needing time to do deep work.
 - How do you differentiate productive meditation with "day-dreaming mode" to solve problems?  [32:28]
        - Relaxing the pre-frontal cortex
 - What are your thoughts on scaling up for sole proprietors? [35:37]
- A digital marketer thinking of outsourcing for book keeping, etc.


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

 - What do you do/read to keep the path of living a deep life?  [38:57]
 - What's your class policy regarding your students and their phone use?  [42:38]
 - How do you combat confirmation bias as an author and academic?  [44:58]

 
 - How do you balance reading new books and re-reading books (especially past ones that have proven valuable)?


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.


DEEP DIVE: On Facebook, Misinformation, and the Death of Collaborative Curation [2:59]


LISTENER CALLS:

 - My thoughts on speed reading. [21:29]
 - My system for writing New Yorker articles (routinizing demanding work). [24:43]
 - The importance of media for academic careers. [34:07]
 - Re-assessing linked note-taking. [40:02]
 - The absurdity of live study streams. [44:12]
 - Time blocking without a time-block planner. [51:21]


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

DEEP DIVE: Is the Era of Social Media Ending? [2:37]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

 - Did COVID-19 closures change my (Cal's) thoughts on my working situation? [18:01]
 - Should I stick with management consulting? [37:06]
 - How do I lead my organization away from email? [40:17]
 - How do I pick a specialization in a broad field? [44:55]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:

 - Do I (Cal) use my smartphone for directions and photos? [48:48]
 - How do I choose my minor? [51:37]
 - What is something I (Cal) have changed my opinion on in recent years? [55:00]
 - Should I publish this book? [56:53]
 - Do I (Cal) regret becoming a public intellectual? [1:02:28]


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.


DEEP DIVE: Smartphones and moral panics. [3:43]


LISTENER CALLS:
 - Scheduling when you've fallen behind. [12:29]
 - Squandering autonomy. [18:06]
 - Hacking habits and the shortcomings of raw discipline. [26:11]
 - Tenure and valuable skills. [31:38]
 - Adding more to your plate without it tipping over. [36:24]
 - Frustration and the Deep Life (and an update on my next book). [42:41]


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 DIVE: Will Offices Survive the Pandemic? [6:01]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS
 - How do I practice my writing better? [22:07]
 - Is it harder to write a dissertation or a book? [25:08]
 - Will 10-minute sitting breaks destroy my concentration? [29:04]
 - Am I good at time management or just lazy? [35:52]
 - How do I get the most out of an assistant who handles my inbox? [40:24]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - How do I structure all my leisure time when I have no kids? [44:13]
 - Is digital nomadism making a comeback? [46:53]
 - Are RSS feeds a good alternative to social media? [52:37]
 - How do I find fellow Deep Questions listeners to hang out with? [58:49]


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.


 - Interacting with potential clients while avoiding constant distraction. [2:10]
 - Self-promotion without social media. [8:21]
 - Dealing with an overflowing "to read" folder. [13:19]
 - Correcting weekly plan drift. [18:13]
 - The secrets of my high-volume reading. [22:47]
 - Personal vs. organizational productivity. [27:29]
 - Balancing deep and shallow work. [36:10]


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

DEEP DIVE: Why Am I Uncomfortable With Facebook Backlash? [1:16]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS:

 - How do I work deeper in a job that is inherently fractured? [17:29]
 - How do I switch tasks without everything going to hell? [23:21]
 - How do I build relationships with colleagues if I prioritize deep work? [26:50]
 - How can I reduce the craziness of my college schedule? [33:39]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS:
 - How can I relaxed if I'm extremely driven? [38:49]
 - Can on lead a life as a recognized intellectual outside of academia? [42:48]
 - How do I get better at thinking critically? [47:38]

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.


OPENING: Some Thoughts on Slow Productivity. [0:21]

LISTENER CALLS

 - Taming client email as a busy lawyer.[3:44]
 - How I maintain my systems. [11:42]
 - The danger of too much productivity. [[17:02]
 - Benjamin Franklin, tedious Harvard types, and awe. [22:54]
 - Students and theory. [34:12]
 - Reversing burnout. [38:05]

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 virtual office hours work with multiple participants? [4:26]
  - Is time spent in front of a computer screen bad (bonus rant: we work too much!)? [8:18]
  - How do I remember goals when I'm in danger of distraction? [14:20]
  - Why do I ignore monthly planning? [16:26]
  - How do I survive running two companies? [18:08]
  - How do I make my YouTube channel popular? [22:43]
  - How should I train new hires? [27:09]
  - How do I avoid getting stuck waiting for a needed response? [30:43]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

  - Can I (Cal) give feedback to all submitted questions [32:48]
  - Can my (Cal) philosophy be summarized as "deep intentionalism"? [34:33]
  - Which phones and phone apps do you use? [37:18]
  - What are some ideas for keystone habits in the creativity bucket? [38:41]
  - How should a college student approach digital minimalism? [43:17]


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.


RANT FOLLOW-UP: A doctor's perspective on kids and smartphones. [0:35]

GUEST CHAT: Scott Young stops by to talk about our new online course. [5:00]

LISTENER CALLS:
 - Returning to regular deep work after the pandemic. [22:06]
 - Deciding what tasks to execute. [29:34]
 - Integrating your values into your daily activities. [34:08]
 - Lessons from Virginia Woolf. [39:44]
 - Phone use degrading reading ability. [44:28]


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.


DEEP DIVE: Is the Desire to Produce Negative? [5:14]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What are the most popular workflows used to escape excessive email? [17:07]
 - How do I read academic papers effectively? [27:40]
 - How much studying is enough for a college student? [31:38]
 - How do I defeat the allure of distraction? (Plus: Why Soto should get more MVP votes than Harper) [35:17]
 - Is it too inefficient to copy a time block schedule into Outlook? [36:51]
 - Are the processes from A World Without Email productivity pr0n? [38:59]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - Why do you (Cal) not pursue FIRE? [42:52]
 - How do you avoid confirmation bias? [49:50]
 - Should I use TikTok because that's where people are? [54:07]
 - Is deep work a philosophy? [55:26]


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

OPENING RANT: Facebook Knows It's Hurting Teenagers [3:22]

LISTENER CALLS:

 - Interfacing with the hive mind. [17:45]
 - The relationship between tasks and daily plans. [24:58]
 - My weekly planning ritual. [31:04]
 - Discovering books. [39:42]
 - How I manage my non-work tasks. [46:25]

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


ANNOUNCEMENT: I'm hiring! [0:20]


DEEP DIVE: The Elements of the Deep Life [3:51]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS
 - How should I get started in a new remote work job? [16:56]
 - How I time block a purely reactive job? [21:56]
 - Should I bother capturing tasks that are fast to complete? [25:26]
 - How do I tame multiple concurrent projects? [29:00]
 - How do I schedule optional deep work in an exhausting job? [31:58]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - How much time is left for family after goals and deep work? [38:32]
 - Is there such a thing as deep fun? [41:20]
 - I am addicted to my phone. What do I do? [43:24]
 - How do I make a big life decision when I have lots of options? [49:11]


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 availability and depth as a leader. [5:12]
- Being available to students without being overwhelmed. [12:08]
- Rapid fire questions (each answer under 1 minute). [18:18]
     -- Working eight hours in a row.
     -- Quarterly plan format.
     -- Reading metrics.
- Sticking to a schedule once made. [26:36]
- Keeping up with an academic literature. [30:24]
- Taking breaks between big projects. [35:20]


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 DIVE: Is Organization the Opiate of the Knowledge Work Masses? [1:02]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - How do I choose skills to work deeply on? [15:18]
 - What if I don't know what I want to do with my career or life? [20:11]
 - How do I stop my students from overwhelming me right before deadlines? [23:38]
 - When should you say "no" to interesting projects? [27:13]
 - How do I preserve deep work now that I'm back in a real offie? [30:08]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - What are my (Cal) plans regarding my next book? [40:50]
 - Would I (Cal) consider interviewing my wife? [41:32]
 - What are the origins of my (Cal) ideas on leisure? [44:12]
 - How do we get our 13-year-old off his iPhone? [50:31]


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.


OPENING: My new reading habit [6:53]

LISTENER CALLS:

 - Retaining information from books. [11:16]
 - The value of an agile personal productivity system. [18:33]
 - An impractical vision for a highly productive building. [26:16]
 - Marketing a course without social media. [37:45]
 - The art of "no". [43:14]



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

In today's episode, I am joined by longtime friend of the show Brad Stulberg, who has a new book out called THE PRACTICE OF GROUNDEDNESS (https://thegrowtheq.com/books/groundedness/).

Brad helps me answer your questions on topics including the decision to start a company, recovering from a pandemic-induced demotion, preventing productivity from diminishing leisure, and dealing with inertia. 

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.


- My home office setup. [3:59]
- Working while tired. [12:29]
- Writing three hours a day. [17:19]
- Details of my strategic plans. [26:09]
- Ignoring strategic plans. [31:08]


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 DIVE: How Reachable Should We Be? [1:48]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS

 - What should I do if I finish a time block early? [8:31]
 - How do I work deeply at home with a crying newborn? [12:57]
 - How I work deeply while taking care of a child full time? [17:54]
 - How do I manage a shared mailbox with my team? [23:14]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - What is discipline (and how do I get it)? [31:49]
 - Should I take a harder job to get better faster? [39:35]
 - What about people who don't want to do deep work? [43:21]


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.


 - Organizing notes on technical articles and books. [3:00]
 - Finding depth amidst a vast shallows. [8:35]
 - Should I get an MBA if it's free? [24:12]
 - Optimal counts of deep projects. [33:30]
 - The value habit. [36:37]

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
 - Does deep work apply to everybody? [5:15]
 - Who watches your kids when you do deep work? [12:48]
 - How do I design a deeper work environment from scratch? [19:23]
 - What should I focus on as a postdoc? [23:39]
 - Do I (Cal) really not work in the evening? [28:12]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
  - How much deep leisure should I schedule if I have kids? [36:40]
 - How can I apply deep work in retirement? [41:28]
 - What is my (Cal) daily routine? [44:36]

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.

 - Naturally disorganized people. [3:23]
 - Coping with highly reactionary schedules. [11:07]
 - Digital versus analog weekly plans. [16:32]
 - Summer reading (plus: my idea for a novel). [21:29] 
 - Prioritizing friendly connections. [32:25]
 - Figuring out your values. [36:59]


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

In today's episode, I am joined in studio by my longtime podcasting friend Srini Rao, host of the incredible Unmistakable Creative podcast (https://unmistakablecreative.com/), on which I've been a guest many times.

Srini helps me answer your questions on both deep work and the deep life. We also talk about his podcasting company recently raising a series A round of venture capital funding, and what it was like appearing on the Netflix reality show Indian Matchmaker.

I apologize that I don't have timestamps for the individual questions for this episode. In the moment, I forgot to take notes. In future collaborative Q&A episodes I'll make sure to get the questions written down so I can deliver the timestamps to you here.

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.

 - Saving a software team from the hyperactive hive mind. [3:21]
 - Working from near home on a student budget [6:18]
 - Students' diminishing focus. [13:10]
 - Useful academic work. [24:15]
 - Deep work subverting deep leisure. [29:09]

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 DIVE: Does Accomplishment Require Overload? [3:16]


DEEP WORK QUESTIONS
 - How do you figure out what to get good at? [15:35]
 - Should I quit teaching to become a lifestyle coach? [23:24]
 - Why did I (Cal) become a computer scientist? [28;39]
 - How do I stop my firm from killing itself with email? [34:07]
 - As the multipurpose nature of computers a problem? [39:23]
 - What do I (Cal) think about four day work weeks? [41:30]


DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS
 - Should I reschedule miss deep work for later in the day? [46:56]
 - Do you (Cal) ever fix your big picture plans once in motion? [48"37]
 - Should I apply 4DX to my deep life buckets? [56:09]
 - How does one balance deep work with a partner who is equally as ambitious? [1:01:42]


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.


- Stopping excess emails from students. [8:39]
- Finding ideas for books. [16:46]
- The nuances of weekly planning. [19:58]
- A primer on my value-driven planning philosophy. [29:46]
- Deep work for politicians. [43:47]
- Inefficient workflows. [49:53]


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 find free time as a working mother? [2:10]
 - How do I time block unpredictable support tasks? [13:56]
 - How many items are on my (Cal's) task lists and how often do I review? [18:51]
 - How do I stay productive without clear deadlines? [27:09]
 - How do get started writing? [32:33]
 - How do I know if an idea is good? [37:56]



DEEP LIFE QUESTIONS

 - How do I integrate uncertainty into my goal setting? [43:01]
 - How should I configure my smartphone notifications? (Rant Alert) [52:18]
 - Should I quit my design job to become a writer? (Rant Alert #2) [57:50]
 - How do I make progress on meaningful goals in difficult circumstances? [1:09:37]


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

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).