Deep Questions with Cal Newport

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/CalNewportPlease 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: * 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 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/CalNewportThanks 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/CalNewportPlease 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.

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.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.

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/CalNewportPlease 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 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/CalNewportPlease 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 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 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.

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 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.- 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: 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 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 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.