Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 335: On Morning RoutinesOne of the most popular and most derided topics in online productivity spaces are so-called morning routines. In this episode, Cal wades into this content, identifying three major categories of these routines. For each, he explores what’s good and what’s bad. In the end, he uses these lessons to update his own daily routines in some highly specific ways. He then answers reader questions and ends with a “tech corner” segment that builds on Cal’s latest essay for The New Yorker. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: On Morning Routines [4:04] - How should I choose what podcasts to listen to? [41:49] - How does Cal track daily steps? [52:57] - Can I switch my office hours around? [57:23] - How long should I remain at a large marketing firm? [1:02:37] - How can I reject meetings? [1:10:02] - CALL: How to obsess over quality while researching [1:13:22] CASE STUDY: A career transition to become a pastor [1:18:57] TECH CORNER: YouTube and the Creative Middle Class [1:28:18] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? x.com/jockowillink tiktok.com/@spartan/video/7259530421099056427 nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/i-tried-miracle-morning-routine-month-here-s-what-happened-ncna981786 youtube.com/watch?v=roK4g1e28mM newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-capitalism-from-two-zany-youtubers Thanks to our Sponsors: This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions cozyearth.com/deep (Use code: DEEP) mybodytutor.com byloftie.com (Use code: DEEP20) Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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1H 35min

Ep. 336: On Screens and SolitudeIn a recent article for The Atlantic, Derek Thompson writes about the troubling trends toward increased solitude. In this episode, Cal looks at the role technology plays in these trends, pointing out some surprising factors and then using these insights to come up with a practical plan for reconnecting with the world. He then answers listener questions and concludes with a tech corner segment inspired by yet another New Yorker column. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia Deep Dive: On Screens and Solitude [3:09] - How can I study at night after my doctor work? [26:49] - Can you comment on Leopold Aschenbrenner’s Situational Awareness essay? [36:45] - How do I successfully pursue my non-work values? [51:33] - How can I become a better writer? [1:00:56] - Can someone break into the top 0.1% of their respective field without periods of unsustainable and obsessive work? [1:02:44] - CALL: Managing active projects [1:08:42] CASE STUDY: A follow-up from Episode 323 [1:13:02] CAL REACTS: An Offline Person Tries TikTok for the First Time [1:19:34] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? axios.com/2024/06/23/leopold-aschenbrenner-ai-future-silicon-valley theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/ newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/what-happened-when-an-extremely-offline-person-tried-tiktok Thanks to our Sponsors: upliftdesk.com/deep landrover.com/usa expressvpn.com/deep shopify.com/deep Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

341

1H 30min

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