Do I Need a Digital Intervention? | Monday Advice

Do I Need a Digital Intervention? | Monday Advice

Author: Cal Newport May 11, 2026 Duration: 43:01
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, a computer science professor and bestselling author, brings his thoughtful exploration of technology's role in our lives into an audio format with Deep Questions with Cal Newport. Moving beyond the pages of his books, this podcast creates a direct dialogue where he addresses the real-world challenges submitted by his readers. Each episode feels like a focused conversation, tackling the practicalities of building a meaningful and productive life in an age of constant connectivity. You’ll hear specific strategies for cultivating sustained focus, designing a work life that allows for depth, and establishing boundaries with the digital tools that so often fragment our attention. The discussions are grounded in his research and philosophy, avoiding simplistic life-hacks in favor of sustainable systems. Whether it's navigating the demands of a distracted workplace, finding time for deep hobbies, or managing technology without feeling overwhelmed, Newport provides nuanced advice that connects the dots between personal effectiveness and broader societal trends. This isn't just another productivity podcast; it's a consistent source for rethinking how we engage with our work, our time, and our devices to reclaim a sense of purpose and control. The overall tone is both analytical and accessible, making complex ideas about living and working deeply feel immediately applicable to daily routines. Tuning into this podcast offers a regular opportunity to step back from the noise and consider a more intentional approach to everything you do.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 331: Money and the Deep Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:11
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 ac…
Ep. 330: Tackling Social Media’s Hidden Dangers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:05
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…
IN-DEPTH: Greatness vs. Contentment (w/ Kendra Adachi) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
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 tim…
Ep. 329: The Tao of Cal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:37
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 theo…
Ep. 328: Analog Mode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:22
There’s a video trending on the internet at the moment arguing that its audience (presumably, young men) should disappear from the world to focus on going “beast mode” on their goals. Cal takes a closer look at this vide…
Ep. 327: Would Kant Use TikTok? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:52
Almost everyone feels uneasy about their relationships with their smartphones. But the question is why? In today’s episode, Cal looks past the most common answers to seek a deeper understanding built on an unexpected sou…
Ep. 326: Time to Unplug [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:36
During the election season our devices take a particularly hard tole on our health and happiness. Now that the votes have been cast and counted, Cal proposes it’s time to take a temporary but radical break from the exhau…
Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:54
A common theme on this show is the importance of focus and the need to train the ability. This can be a long term project, but are there things you can do right away to improve your ability to concentrate? In this episod…
Ep. 324: Taming Non-Work Tasks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:21
We talk a lot on this show about how to organize your professional efforts. But what about all your obligations outside of work? The personal goals, the household repairs, the family tasks? In this episode, Cal discusses…

«1...678910