Avsnitt
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It’s a dream a lot of us have: to finally say “enough!”, and turn off the internet inside our homes, returning us to a lifestyle that requires more presence, introspection, and connection. But is this even possible? And what would it really be like? In this episode, Cal seeks answers to these questions by talking to Chris Moody, a journalism professor at Appalachian State, who lives with his wife and young son in a cabin with no internet, television, or cellular signal.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Should I turn off the internet?
(3:28) Interview with Chris Moody
(1:02:58) Cal’s closing remarks
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This show is sponsored by Better Help:
https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
https://www.shopify.com/deep
https://www.pipedrive.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Back in 2019, Cal published one of the first books arguing that we rethink our personal relationship with online tools. Can his advice still work in an age of TikTok and ChatGPT? In today’s episode, Cal dives deep into the
r/DigitalMinimalism sub-reddit to see what advice contemporary digital
minimalists are following and offers his own thoughts and
recommendations.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Can I be a Digital Minimalist in 2026?
(39:13) How can I capture notes if I’m land lining?
(40:39) For cognitive fitness, is it better to be handwriting or typing?
(42:07) A note on art museum visits
(43:46) Reactions to an article about AI and software engineering
(49:39) What the Deep Life really is
(50:46) What Cal read
(52:08) What Cal watched
Books:
The Jewish Way to a Good Life (Rabbi Shira Stuntman)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeNNYMJwZtI
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1tv0k77/for_the_past_2_years_ive_been_living_like_its_the/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1to631b/three_years_of_digital_minimalism_the_rewiring_is/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1ty27lz/limited_my_14f_screen_time_to_3_hours_a_day_and/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1tm9rce/where_do_you_still_find_human_curation/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1txskw9/deciding_once_instead_of_every_morning_is_the/
https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalminimalism/comments/1u74dob/ran_a_30day_intentional_solitude_experiment/
https://www.normaltech.ai/p/why-ai-hasnt-replaced-software-engineers
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions
https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep
https://www.expressvpn.com/deep
https://www.wealthfront.com/deep
Cal Newport is not a Wealthfront client.
Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account: https://www.wealthfront.com/deep. This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Cal Newport receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for paid endorsement in his podcast, creating a conflict of interest. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. If eligible for the overall boosted rate of 4.05% offered in connection with this promo, your boosted rate is also subject to change if the base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which can be found on wealthfront.com/deep. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value.
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Stop the “doom trolling”
(6:53) Cal’s recent New York Times article
(9:00) Cal’s argument
(10:16) The 2nd option
(12:54) Conclusion
(15:58) Stop playing along with Doom Trolling game
(20:09) Use the term “doom trolling”
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/opinion/ai-dangerous-openai-anthropic.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/opinion/yuval-harari-ai-chatgpt.html
https://www.newyorker.com/science/annals-of-artificial-intelligence/what-kind-of-mind-does-chatgpt-have
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/opinion/anthropic-ai-claude-mythos.html
https://www.anthropic.com/institute/recursive-self-improvement
https://x.com/sapinker/status/2067231673268273547
https://x.com/edzitron/status/2067308832053936276
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices -
Cal Newport explains about if you're lazy or overstimulated in episode 410 of the Deep Questions podcast.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Am I lazy or overstimulated?
(28:29) A reaction to Cal’s recent New Yorker article
(38:23) Positive lessons from box offices successes of Gen Z films
(46:24) An old school tool for a woodshed
(47:32) A new solution to landlining
(49:30) What Cal is reading
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/instead-of-taking-your-job-ai-might-transform-it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKGhxMi50y8
https://aprilowens.substack.com/p/the-art-we-actually-need
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.scribe.how/deep
https://www.shopify.com/deep
https://www.cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices -
Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Was the Mythos ban justified?
(5:32) Is Fable 5 actually dangerous?
(11:03) Is Fable 5 without guardrails actually a unique national security concern?
(15:13) Should the government be more involved with AI?
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.anthropic.com/glasswing
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/technology/anthropic-ai-claude-fable-mythos.html
https://x.com/DavidSacks/status/2065853007619588171
https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/14/donald-trumps-blocking-of-anthropic-is-capricious-and-chaotic
https://x.com/deanwball/status/2066151868556865860
https://x.com/GaryMarcus/status/2066166713453060512
https://x.com/DavidSacks/status/2065853007619588171
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/07/opinion/anthropic-ai-claude-mythos.html
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/06/promoting-advanced-artificial-intelligence-innovation-and-security/
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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In the 1960s, doctors avoided people to avoid exercise. Then everything changed. Now physical fitness is a $100 billion industry. What would it look like if we got equally as serious about cognitive fitness? In this episode, Cal explores three tiers of cognitive fitness advice, ordered from least to most intense.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Do I need a brain gym?
(32:54) Comments on reversing brain rot
(36:57) A disturbing new article from a college professor
(41:55) Do makers need longer blocks for deep work?
(47:25) What Cal is reading
(50:26) What Cal watched
(56:23) Where Cal went
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://charafeddine.co/letters/your-brain-is-about-to-need-a-gym
https://lanimuelrath.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Aerobics-Points-System.pdf
https://www.joshwaitzkin.com/training
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9a2_KqzF7Y
https://archive.ph/XvPXE
Thanks to our Sponsors:
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Are we about to lose control of AI?
(3:04) How much should we be afraid of recursive self improvement?
(7:52) Are these fears justified?
(9:36) Faster software development doesn’t equal smarter AI
(12:25) These tools are completely controllable
(16:52) Taking a step back
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.anthropic.com/institute/recursive-self-improvement
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to press pause on your busy life and take a moment to look toward new possibilities. But how is this possible if you can’t afford to literally stop everything and get away? In this episode, Cal explores different strategies for taking what he calls “mini-pauses” that can be integrated into even the most unforgiving of schedules.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Should I press pause?
(10:46) Make a morning coffee shop loop
(11:33) Schedule a “doctors appointment”
(12:48) Book a 24-hour escape
(13:41) Fly to Asheville
(18:13) What will be your approach to your upcoming sabbatical?
(21:03) Can you elaborate on the “think” component of read-think-write?
(28:55) What types of books do you read before bed?
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omni_Grove_Park_Inn#/media/File:Grove_Park_Inn_-_Sunset_Terrace.jpg
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by Better Help:
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https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off
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https://www.calderlab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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There has been lots of discussion recently about AI eliminating jobs. But what if the real fear is that AI will instead make existing jobs miserable? In this episode, Cal argues that LLM–based tools are poised to accelerate the worst aspects of pseudo-productivity to an absurd degree. He then shares five ideas for avoiding this fate in your own professional life.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) How Do I Escape the “Busyness Singularity”?
(29:03) Reaction to Cal’s newsletter about LLMs
(33:35) Slow productivity for managers
(37:26) Efforts to improve cognitive fitness
(40:28) What Cal is reading
(42:21) What Cal is up to
Books:
In Defense of Food (Michael Pollan)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/14/prepare-for-an-ai-jobs-apocalypse
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/technology/newsom-ai-executive-order-california.html
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workday
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/burnout-2022-2023-slack-remote-work-future-forum
https://calnewport.com/on-god-and-llms/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
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https://www.masterclass.com/deep
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Did AI just “solve” math?
(2:38) What OpenAI did
(6:30) Question #1 - Is this result that important?
(7:34) Question #2 - Does this mean LLMs are now smarter than human mathematicians?
(17:50) Question #3 - Does this mean all equally hard challenges will now be conquered by AI?
(23:27) Question #4 - What is the future of math?
(28:27) Concluding thoughts
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://openai.com/index/model-disproves-discrete-geometry-conjecture/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br4l9YjCyRU
https://x.com/PeterDiamandis/status/2058956956077871275
https://cdn.openai.com/pdf/74c24085-19b0-4534-9c90-465b8e29ad73/unit-distance-remarks.pdf
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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It’s common to feel like you don’t have enough time in your schedule to build a life that’s both professionally successful and personally deep. But is this true? In today’s episode, Cal interviews time management expert Laura Vanderkam about her new book, BIG TIME, which argues that with the right tweaks and mindset you might be able to start getting more out of your life right away.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected].
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) How do I reclaim my schedule? (w/ Laura Vanderkam)
(2:00) Eliminating distraction and prioritizing deep work
(1:08:18) Batching email responses
(1:13:25) Cal’s upcoming books
(1:18:51) What Cal is reading
(1:24:06) HQ update
Books:
Grow Healthier as You Grow Older (Kenneth Cooper)
The Ride of a Lifetime (Bob Iger)
MurderBot (Martha Wells)
Links:
Sign up for Cal’s newsletter at www.calnewport.com/ideas
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices -
Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Has AI conquered coding?
(3:21) Lars Faye quote
(5:25) Skipping the struggle step
(6:42) Point #1
(7:08) Point #2
(7:28) Point #3
(7:39) Point #4
(8:35) Solution
Links:
Sign up for Cal’s newsletter at www.calnewport.com/ideas
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://larsfaye.com/articles/agentic-coding-is-a-trap
https://www.infoworld.com/article/4143101/pity-the-developers-who-resist-agentic-coding.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Many of us ask the question if phone addiction is similar to other addictions. In this episode, Cal is joined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Lembke to explore this question. They dive deep into her book, Dopamine Nation, that captivated readers.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected].
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Am I addicted to my phone (w/ Anna Lembke)
(1:04:41) Digital minimalism and good uses for your phone
(1:14:31) AI in academic publishing
(1:20:35) What I read
(1:24:10) What’s coming up
Books:
What to Make of a Life: Cliffs, Fog, Fire and the Self-Knowldge (Jim Collins)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://internetaddictsanonymous.org/guide-for-newcomers/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.shopify.com/deep
https://www.monarch.com/deep (Use code “DEEP”)
https://www.expressvpn.com/deep
https://www.cozyearth.com/deep (Use code “DEEP” for 30% off)
Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Is AI about to “eat everything”?
(2:53) What does the METR chart measure?
(8:08) What do these measurements actually capture?
(12:31-) How are the models getting better?
(21:26) Does this mean AI is about to “eat everything”?
(26:16) So, what’s with all of these hysterical tweets?
Links:
Buy Cal’s
latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://metr.org/time-horizons/
https://x.com/SydSteyerhart/status/2053082873847070911
https://x.com/AISafetyMemes/status/2053169358919328172
https://x.com/ramez/status/2041946766598402459?s=61
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Nate Mechler for research and newsletter, and Jay Kerstens for theme music.
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A new research study reveals that a surprisingly simple intervention into your digital life can yield massive benefits in only two weeks. In this episode, Cal takes a deep dive into this paper, detailing: the intervention, why it works, and tips for increasing your chances of success.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo
Video from today’s episode:
youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Do I need a digital intervention?
(27:06) AI and academic research
(33:56) Reversing brain rot with cognitive fitness
(37:08) Leaving your phone in the kitchen
(40:07) What Cal is reading
Books:
How Society Should Deal with Inequality (Frank Newport)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at
https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory:
bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf017/8016017
https://orgsci.substack.com/p/more-versus-better-part-i
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This show is sponsored by Better Help:
https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
https://www.larridin.com
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices -
Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) Is the AI doom fever breaking?
(4:30) Have the AI CEOs changed their tuen?
(7:23) Why did they change?
(11:21) Why did they ever think this was a good idea?
(24:26) Conclusion
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFnoQkYUqgU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWxHOrn8-rs
https://x.com/sama/status/2050229058425045178
https://fortune.com/2026/05/02/jensen-huang-nvdia-ceo-god-complex-ai-apocalypse-warnings-shortages-critical-jobs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kpb8eu1pEY
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/03/opinion/ai-jobs-unemployment-silicon-valley.html
https://nickbostrom.com/existential/risks.pdf
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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What can an obscure theory of industrial productivity teach us about producing better results in a distracted world? In this episode, Cal is joined by the #1 New York Times bestselling author David Epstein to explore this question. They dive deep into a chapter of Epstein’s new book, INSIDE THE BOX, that makes a surprising connection between the so-called “Theory of Constraints” and personal productivity.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected].
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
(0:00) How do I get busy to better?
(3:04) INTERVIEW: How Do I Get from Busy to Better? (w/ David Epstein)
(57:58) Post Interview chatter
(1:00:19) A suggestion to break digital news app addictions
(1:05:54) A reaction to a recent newsletter
(1:15:02) What Cal read
(1:16:29) What’s coming up
Books:
Kook (Peter Heller)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://calnewport.com/who-asked-for-this/
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off
https://www.wayfair.com
https://www.mybodytutor.com
https://www.shopify.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode also at: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
0:00 Is AI About to Automate Every Office Job?
3:02 Other Tech Leaders Don’t Agree
5:49 -We Aren’t Seeing Enough Progress
14:09 -LLMS Are Limited
24:19 Conclusion
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.reddit.com/r/AI4tech/comments/1r4tukp/microsoft_ai_ceo_mustafa_suleyman_says_most_if/
https://x.com/TheChiefNerd/status/2045947286518157395
https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1snhfzd/claude_opus_47_is_a_serious_regression_not_an/
https://x.com/mattshumer_/status/2047376179414421957
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2025-in-review/why-ai-didnt-transform-our-lives-in-2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDOmNa9inA4
https://www.ft.com/video/2c428045-bf4f-45bd-ada2-8ba53983cd81
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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In his recent New York Times essay, Cal argued for a “cognitive fitness” revolution to resist the onslaught of digital tools degrading our ability to think. But how does one actually strengthen their brain? In this episode, Cal details a sustainable cognitive fitness routine built around five key components.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to [email protected].
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
2:25 DEEP DIVE: How Do I Build “Cognitive Fitness”? | Monday Advice
INBOX:
30:51 Message from a social media influencer
33:02 Reaction to Amy Timberlake interview
38:01 Putting Cal’s advice into practice
WHAT CAL IS UP TO:
41:20 What I read
43:45 What I’m doing
Books:
The Noonday Devil (by Jean-Charles Nault: translated from original French)
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdvqpqHSQas
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/what-kind-of-writer-is-chatgpt
https://i0.wp.com/www.americamagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MertonCover.jpeg-427330.jpeg?w=992&ssl=1
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/opinion/sunday/steve-jobs-never-wanted-us-to-use-our-iphones-like-this.html
https://anjalibanerjee.com/paws-and-platen/from-typewritten-draft-to-published-page
Thanks to our Sponsors:
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions
https://www.shipstation.com/deep
https://www.zapier.com/deep
Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
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Cal Newport takes a critical look at recent AI News.
Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
0:00 What has *Actually* Happened in AI in 2026?
3:07 Open Claw
27:53 Anthropic and the Department of War
49:06 Data Centers
Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
https://www.axios.com/2026/01/31/ai-moltbook-human-need-tech
https://www.macstories.net/stories/clawdbot-showed-me-what-the-future-of-personal-ai-assistants-looks-like/
https://www.anthropic.com/news/statement-department-of-war
https://futurism.com/science-energy/data-centers-construction-supply
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices - Visa fler
