Deep Questions with Cal Newport

• Ep. 345: Are We Getting Dumber?

  Multiple listeners recently sent in a Financial Times article that asks whether humans have passed “peak intelligence.” In this episode, Cal looks closer at the data in this article to try to understand why we seem to be getting dumber, and more importantly, what are the practical steps individuals can take to avoid the trend. He then answers listener questions and ends with a tech corner segment that highlights a blind spot in current discussions of AI. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! 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: Are We Getting Dumber? [2:58] - Is it possible to build a better Twitter? [24:58]- Should I ditch my higher paying job to avoid stress? [29:59]- Can I remain relevant with younger, tech-savvy colleagues? [34:56]- How should I navigate my time during while receiving severance? [38:35]- What should I do next after being fired from my federal job? [41:18]- CALL: Practicing focus on the weekends [45:01] CASE STUDY: An engineering Kansan system [48:41] TECH CORNER: The AI Blind Spot [1:00:04] 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?on.ft.com/3DIItJK  Thanks to our Sponsors: factormeals.com/deep50offlandroverusa.comexpressvpn.com/deepgrammarly.com/podcast 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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• You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  Introducing Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay ShettyWhat’s one thing that’s been stressing you out lately? Have you noticed any physical signs of stress in your body? Today, Jay with renowned neuroscientist, professor, and author Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore the science of anxiety, stress, and resilience. Wendy is the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion and Healthy Brain, Happy Life, where she explores how movement, mindfulness, and positive habits can enhance brain function. Jay and Wendy discuss the physiological effects of chronic stress, how it impacts key brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and why movement, breathwork, and mindfulness are essential for improving brain health. They also examine why so many people ignore their own stress cues and how simple daily habits can rewire the brain for greater well-being. Wendy opens up about her personal experience with grief, explaining that the flip side of anxiety and grief is deep love. She shares why embracing these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is key to healing. Jay also reflects on his own journey of overcoming anxiety and the mindset shifts that foster growth and resilience. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Through Breathwork How to Use Movement to Improve Brain Health How to Identify Your Personal Stress Cues How to Build Resilience After Trauma How to Create a Morning Routine for Mental Clarity How to Foster Meaningful Social Connections for Brain Health Instead of letting stress and anxiety control you, start taking small, intentional steps to rewire your mind for resilience, clarity, and joy. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Get to Know the Brain's Potential 02:10 What Makes a Healthy Brain? 04:35 The Complexity of the Brain 06:12 Scientific Difference Between Anxiety and Stress 09:42 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety 15:36 The Dangers of Chronic Stress 17:34 Protect Your Brain from Stress and Anxiety 19:38 What's Your Morning Routine? 21:39 Exercise Promotes Better Brain Function 23:36 Staying Focused Takes Effort 26:34 Start Small to Build a Habit 28:38 Everyday Anxiety Versus Anxiety Disorder 33:05 How to Look at Anxiety Differently 36:24 Approaching Grief with Positivity 40:03 How Resilient is the Brain? 42:57 Emotional Trauma 45:19 Can We Resilience Against Trauma? 47:29 The Joy Conditioning 52:32 The Classic Growth Mindset 57:13 What Happens in the Brain During Healing 01:00:20 The 5 Pillars of Better Brain Health 01:05:48 Find a Natural Place of Community Gathering 01:07:43 Develop the Love for Learning 01:11:37 Your Brain is Beautiful 01:14:04 Does Positive Affirmation Work? 01:15:05 4 Things That Make Memories Stick 01:19:35 How to Strengthen Your Memory 01:20:47 Wendy on Final Five Episode Resources: Wendy Suzuki | Website Wendy Suzuki | Flickr Wendy Suzuki | Instagram Wendy Suzuki | Facebook Wendy Suzuki | LinkedIn Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood EmotionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

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• Ep. 344: You Are Not a Cog

  Modern knowledge work jobs should be cushy gigs. Fixed hours, air conditioning, no hard manual labor, flexibility. So why are we so often burnt out and what can we do about this reality? In this episode, Cal draws a lesson from an unexpected corner of computer science, computer security research, about how we can fix some of the big problems of work in a digital age. He then answers listener questions and returns once again to the topic of AI in a final tech corner segment. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! 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: You Are Not a Cog [11:00] - Should I break my large tasks into many small ones? [38:18]- How will AI affect living the deep life? [42:47]- How can I say “no” to more incoming requests? [48:14]- Should an architect take on broader roles that don’t necessarily add to career capital? [52:03]- Can a nurse implement time blocking? [54:33]- Can a Kansan system work across all departments without being overly complex? [58:11]- CALL: Organizing the details of a Trello board [1:03:19] CASE STUDY: Lifestyle centric value based planning for a young family [1:07:58] TECH CORNER: AGI is not Super-intelligence [1:15:35] 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?medium.com/@tony.infisical/password-requirements-are-still-confusing-in-2023-also-heres-our-flavor-44ce03a3255cyoutube.com/watch?v=ZzJMxh68RGI Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by to you BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestionsmybodytutor.comupliftdesk.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.

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• Ep. 343: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your LIfe

  One of the most commonly recurring themes on this show is the conflict between too much versus not enough productivity. In this episode, Cal attempts to find new clarity in this debate by identifying a minimal viable productivity system – that is, what are the bare minimum components needed to escape the chaos and stress of total disorganization. He then answers listener questions and dives into a A.I. themed Tech Corner segment. Find out more about Done Daily at DoneDaily.com! 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: A Minimal Protocol for Taking Control of Your Life [3:23] - Is “finding purpose” and “following your passion” the same thing? [32:38]- How can I capture key takeaways from podcasts if I’m always on the move? [37:18]- Can you elaborate on project work with your PhD students? [39:22]- How can I deal with my federal job with drastic priority changes due to political party shifts? [41:40]- Is it possible for some managers to avoid pseudo-productivity? [49:15]- CALL: Writing a book as a side hustle [51:58] CASE STUDY: An athletic trainer makes a career transition [59:19] TECH CORNER: A.G.I. versus SkyNet [1:07:30] 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/2025/03/04/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ben-buchanan.html Thanks to our Sponsors: cozyearth.com/deepbyloftie.com (Code: DEEP20)oracle.com/deepquestionsindeed.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.

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• IN-DEPTH: Greatness on Trial (w/ Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper)

  In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by the writers Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper to talk about the topic of “greatness.” They attempt to pick apart the weird moment we are in where, on the one hand, we feel aversion to performative demonstrations of “pseudo-greatness” (think: Elon Musk on-stage with his chainsaw) but on the other, still admire useful skill and seek it in our own lives. Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmediaINTERVIEW: Greatness on Trial (w/ Brad Stulberg and Clay Skipper)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.

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