Ep. 336: On Screens and Solitude

In 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/slowGet 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-valleytheatlantic.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/deeplandrover.com/usaexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.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.

One 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/slowGet 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/jockowillinktiktok.com/@spartan/video/7259530421099056427nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/i-tried-miracle-morning-routine-month-here-s-what-happened-ncna981786youtube.com/watch?v=roK4g1e28mMnewyorker.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/deepquestionscozyearth.com/deep (Use code: DEEP)mybodytutor.combyloftie.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.

In this episode, Cal talks about his journey into the tinsel-tinged world of Hallmark Christmas movies, where he discovered an unexpected connection between these low-budget productions and a key idea in the quest to cultivate a deep life in a distracted world. He then answers questions from listeners and reviews the books he read in December. 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: Hallmark Movies and the Deep Life [2:31] - Does Cal use a Commonplace book? [22:53]- How do I create an effective weekly template? [25:54]- Is your monthly book reading separate from “work” reading? [31:18]  - What are the best strategies for a college student to learn calculus? [36:38]- What are other book recommendations that dive deeper into Slow Productivity? [43:50]- CALL: Struggling to apply multi-scale planning to grow a business [46:15] CASE STUDY: Transitioning to knowledge work [52:18] DECEMBER BOOKS: The 5 Books Cal Read in December, 2024 [1:03:17] Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2024/12/08/arts/christmas-movies-hallmark-lohan.htmlimdb.com/title/tt29378386/ Thanks to our Sponsors: landroverusa.comrhone.com/calshopify.com/deepdrinklmnt.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.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: 4 Pieces of Advice to Start 2025 [2:14]- How do I stop doom-scrolling before bed? [32:47]- What is the role of craft in Cal’s “Deep Life Stack 2.0” idea? [36:09]- How do I save money? [41:04]- Do writers need social media audiences? [50:12]- How should I make the most of 90 minutes of commute time? [53:57]- CALL: Life after a career in law [57:31]CASE STUDY: A digital declutter with LinkedIn? [1:01:53]TECH CORNER: Is Social Media Like Dying Malls? (A Debate) [1:07:46]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?honest-broker.com/p/are-social-media-platforms-the-nextThanks to our Sponsors:landroverusa.comzbiotics.com/deepeightsleep.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia- Who are Cal’s “must read” writers? [6:03]- Does Cal think he can get better at writing? [13:37]- When does Cal find time for academic papers? [24:09]- How do you get unstuck? [26:44]- How should students pick a college? [34:04]- What is Cal’s shutdown ritual? [43:00]- Does Cal think about retirement? [48:00]- CAL REACTS: Elon and Twitter [54:30]- Is cal still using his ReMarkable? [1:03:17]- What’s Cal’s post-mortem on his latest book? [1:08:10]FINAL SEGMENT: Checking in on Cal’s New Year Plan [1:26:10]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/see-how-elon-musks-online-audience-dwarfs-donald-trumps/?itid=hp_world-biz-tech_p006_f008Thanks to our Sponsors:notion.com/caldrinklmnt.com/deepblinkist.com/deepzbiotics.com/deepThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Michael Easter to talk about the importance of embracing discomfort in the quest to cultivate a deep life. Drawing from Michael’s two books, THE COMFORT CRISIS and SCARCITY BRAIN, as well as Michael’s personal journey from an unhappy office worker with an alcohol problem to a full-time writer who enjoys daily hikes in the desert, Cal and Michael get into the weeds of our human wiring and what it feels like to build an intentional life.Video from today’s episode: https://www.youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Bestselling author Michael Easter [5:56]Links:https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

One of the most important but often overlooked elements of cultivating a deep life is the role of money. In this episode, Cal takes a contrarian look at this topic, arguing that the monetary cost of your vision is not actually the most important metric. He then answers listener questions and reacts to an article that many people sent him this past week.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Money and the Deep Life [3:17]- How can I tame my wandering mind when reading? [23:34]- How should I schedule time blocks as a real estate agent? [27:21]- How can I improve my quarterly planning? [32:33]- How can I balance intense motivation with finding inner peace? [38:29] - How can a jobseeker demonstrate actual productivity? [45:37]- CALL: Trying to do more with a newborn [53:34]CASE STUDY: A 39-year-old juggling school and work [1:00:18]CAL REACTS: ‘Brain Rot’ [1:12:51]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/youtu.be/mHU_K1o3B-4?si=Tsk1GEgzrhlCiaGw Thanks to our Sponsors:mintmobile.com/deepshopify.com/deepexpressvpn.com/deeppolicygenius.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.

Australia recently passed a world-first law banning social media use for kids under the age of 16. In this episode, Cal looks carefully at the arguments in favor and against this new law before detailing his thoughts. He then connects this specific argument to all of our larger battles to tame technology’s impact in our lives. This is followed by listener questions and a review of the books Cal read in November.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvoVideo from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaDeep Dive: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers [2:08]- How do I find friends now that I don’t use social media? [37:13]- Is continuous hard activity desirable? [42:47]- How does Cal research his books and articles? [46:49]CASE STUDY: A Phone Addict Seeks a Fresh Start [51:08] - How does the idea of the idea of the deep life “Longer Short Way” connect to Slow Productivity? [1:02:07]FINAL SEGMENT: The 5 Books Cal Read in November, 2024 [1:10:34]Links:Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?cnn.com/2024/11/28/australia/australia-passes-social-media-law-intl-hnk/index.htmlapnews.com/article/australia-social-media-children-ban-safeguarding-harm-accounts-d0cde2603bdbc7167801da1d00ecd056Thanks to our Sponsorsmybodytutor.comcozyearth.com/deepdrinklmnt.com/deepbyloftie.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.

This IN-DEPTH is brought to you by Defender. In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Kendra Adachi to talk about her new book, THE PLAN, which introduces the innovative idea of “compassionate time management.” Kendra and Cal discuss how to move beyond the forever pursuit of “greatness” to instead seek satisfaction in your current life; the ways in which time management and productivity writing ignores the specific concerns of women; and why flexibility and pivoting are more important skills than precise planning. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaLinks:https://www.landroverusa.comhttps://www.calnewport.com/slowThanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the theme music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

We cover a lot of advice on this podcast, covering a lot of different topics. In today’s episode, Cal takes on the challenge of summarizing every big idea he promotes in less than five minutes. He then provides some theoretical connective tissue to explain how they all connect. This is followed by reader questions and a rant about “productivity.”  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: The Tao of Cal [2:53]  - Why is time blocking more demanding than using a weekly template? [25:04] - Is moving to the country a bad idea? [29:54] - How can I consolidate my email accounts without being stressed out? [34:47] - What’s the best approach to read for general knowledge? [36:20] - How do I apply Slow Productivity without losing career capital? [43:12] - CALL: Should I adjust my deep life lifestyle? [45:58]  CASE STUDY: Cultivating the deep work muscle [56:38]   CAL REACTS (e.g., Rants): “Productivity” Tracking Software [1:05:58]  Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1gwg7rk/employee_monitoring_software_has_gone_off_the/?rdt=41693 Thanks to our Sponsors:  This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionszocdoc.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcastshopify.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.