logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
1h 23m

Ep. 265: Big Ideas for Deeper Living

CAL NEWPORT
About this episode

In this episode, Cal visits eight of the most influential books in personal productivity, identifying for each a single idea that ended up most resonating both with his own work and the culture more generally. 

 

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 

 

Today’s Deep Question: What productivity ideas from other authors are the most worth paying attention to? [4:54] 

 

- How do I time-block for the unanticipated “a-ha!” moment of insight? [40:23] 

- Is my life as a surgeon dooming me to a reactive life? [45:19] 

- Is it possible to read too many productivity books? [52:10] 

- Is the Deep Life influenced by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? [58:55] 

- Am I a disciplined worker if I only respond to deadlines? [1:01:09] 

 

The 5 Books Cal Read in August 2023 [1:09:31] 

 

Thanks to our Sponsors: 

 

cozyearth.com 

hensonshaving.com/cal 

mintmobile.com/deep 

moshlife.com/deep 

 

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

Up next
Yesterday
Ep. 367: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This?
In recent years, it’s been hard not to react to the possibilities of generative AI without a mixture of euphoria or dread. But after OpenAI’s lackluster GPT-5 launch, a new, almost heretical-seeming question has emerged: what if progress on AI is stalled well short of the wild pr ... Show More
1h 37m
Aug 18
Ep. 366: How to Reinvent Your Life in 4 Months (Classic Episode from August, 2023)
In this replay of one of the more popular episodes from the Deep Questions archives, originally aired in August ,2023, Cal explores some of his early strategies for cultivating a deeper life.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your ques ... Show More
1h 17m
Aug 11
Ep. 365: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back)
Why do we end up entangled with tools that don’t have our best interests in mind? How can we fix this situation? In this episode, Cal dives deep into the difference between additive and extractive technologies, telling a story that weaves old technology with old versions of moder ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
#299 Steve Jobs (Make Something Wonderful)
What I learned from reading Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words.----Get access to the World’s Most Valuable Notebook for Founders at Founders Notes.comYou can read, reread, and search all my notes and highlights from every book I've ever read for the podcast. Yo ... Show More
2 h
Mar 2022
#238 Jay Z: Decoded
What I learned from reading Decoded by Jay Z. [1:39] I would practice from the time I woke in the morning until I went to sleep[2:10] Even back then I though I was the best.[2:57] Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography  (Founders #219)[4:32] Belief becomes before ability.[5:06] ... Show More
1h 58m
Jul 2021
078: There and Back (and Forward) Again with Bob Baxley
Bob Baxley, a Silicon Valley pioneer, takes us back in time through the history of Silicon Valley and gives us a glimpse into the future of it. Spoiler alert: He's got concerns. He reveals how every little interaction matters and motivates us to be proud enough of the work we do ... Show More
2h 13m
May 2019
David Epstein – Wide or Deep? - [Invest Like the Best, EP.133]
My guest this week is David Epstein. David is a writer and researcher extraordinaire and the author of two great books. His second, Range, is out today and I highly recommend it. We discuss the pros and cons of both the generalist and specialist mindsets in detail and go down man ... Show More
1h 24m
Jan 2022
#229 Sidney Harman (Founder of Harman Kardon)
What I learned from reading Mind Your Own Business: A Maverick's Guide to Business, Leadership and Life by Sidney Harman----Get access to the World’s Most Valuable Notebook for Founders at Founders Notes.com----[3:46] Foxes and Hedgehogs[7:17] The thing with Hedgehogs is that the ... Show More
1h 34m
Aug 2023
How to Embrace Change | Tom Bilyeu AMA (Replay)
[Original Air Date: March 25, 2018] Enjoy this replay of Tom Bilyeu's Live AMA’s hosted on Facebook and YouTube with the subject line “AMA Question”. BOOK MENTIONED: Mindset by Carol Dweck- http://amzn.to/2uhpdP4 [5:38] Principles by Ray Dalio - http://amzn.to/2HXpg4s [6:00] The ... Show More
49m 25s
Jul 2023
#314 Paul Graham (How To Do Great Work)
What I learned from reading How To Do Great Work by Paul Graham.---Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book---(2:00) All you need to do is find something you have an aptitude for and great interest in.(2:10) Doing great work means doing something ... Show More
57m 38s
Jun 2021
#187 Albert Einstein
What I learned from reading Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. ----Come see a live show with me and Patrick O'Shaughnessy from Invest Like The Best on October 19th in New York City. Get your tickets here! ----Subscribe to listen to Founders Premium  Subscribers c ... Show More
1h 25m
Aug 2022
#265 Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader
What I learned from rereading Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli----Come see a live show with me and Patrick O'Shaughnessy from Invest Like The Best on October 19th in New York City. Get your ticket ... Show More
1h 26m
Feb 2023
Tim Urban - Idea Labs and High-Rung Thinking - [Invest Like the Best, EP.317]
I’m excited to share this conversation with Tim Urban. Tim is, in my opinion, one of the best and most engaging writers of our era. He’s tackled many of the most interesting topics in the world from AI to procrastination. I interviewed him in 2017 in an episode we called “Grand T ... Show More
1h 29m