The Cal Newport Show

Episodes

• Ep. 376: The Lincoln Protocol

  Oct 27, 2025

  Digital distractions might have historical analogs, as seen in Lincoln's challenges.

• Ep. 375: Did OpenAI Just Kill Social Media?

  Oct 20, 2025

  OpenAI's new app Sora presents both opportunities and concerns, raising questions about the future of creativity and media trust.

• Ep. 374: This is Your Brain on Phones

  Oct 13, 2025

  The brain’s reward system is heavily influenced by smartphone usage, creating a strong compulsion to use devices.

• Ep. 373: The Internet’s Best Advice for Reinventing Your Life

  Oct 6, 2025

  The fall is an ideal time to reset and pursue significant life improvements.

• Ep. 372: Decoding TikTok’s Algorithm

  Sep 29, 2025

  Algorithms shape our online experiences but often lack moral or ethical guidance.

• IN-DEPTH: Focus like a Nobel Prize Winner (w/ Brian Keating)

  Sep 25, 2025

  Focus is essential for success, and learning to avoid distractions is a vital skill for high achievers.

• Ep. 371: Is it Finally Time to Leave Social Media?

  Sep 22, 2025

  Quitting social media can lead to a healthier, more engaged life.

• Ep. 370: Deep Work in the Age of AI

  Sep 15, 2025

  AI tools may hinder productivity in deep work tasks, contrary to popular assumptions.

• Ep. 369: Why Are We Getting Dumber? A Debate.

  Sep 8, 2025

  IQ scores have been declining since around 2010, a phenomenon referred to as the Reverse Flynn Effect.

• IN-DEPTH: The Game of Life (w/ Tim Ferriss)

  Sep 4, 2025

  Tim Ferriss, known for redefining work culture, now ventures into game design with Coyote, promoting social engagement.

• Ep. 368: I Want Work-Life Balance. Am I Doomed to Mediocrity?

  Sep 1, 2025

  Barr's op-ed claims that work-life balance leads to mediocrity by suggesting extreme sacrifices for financial success.

• Ep. 367: What if AI Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This?

  Aug 25, 2025

  The hype around AI has cooled after GPT-5, revealing that current models are more incremental than revolutionary, and the future likely involves steady, specialized improvements rather than a sudden leap to superintelligence.

• Ep. 366: How to Reinvent Your Life in 4 Months (Classic Episode from August, 2023)

  Aug 18, 2025

  The beginning of fall is an ideal time for life reinvention, utilizing a structured four-month plan.

• Ep. 365: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back)

  Aug 11, 2025

  Understanding the difference between additive and extractive technologies can help improve our digital experiences.

• Ep. 364: Metrics 101

  Aug 4, 2025

  Metrics are essential for tracking progress towards meaningful goals; however, mistakes in tracking can lead to frustration.

• Ep. 363: Escaping the Digital Doldrums

  Jul 28, 2025

  Excessive screen time can create a sense of malaise, termed 'digital doldrums,' which requires intentional creativity and projects to combat.

• Ep. 362: The Texting Dilemma

  Jul 21, 2025

  Writing is a process that often involves discarding ideas and iterating upon thoughts to achieve clarity and polish.

• Ep. 361: Do You Need an App Blocker?

  Jul 14, 2025

  It's okay to feel concerned about smartphone overuse; seek solutions like app blockers without guilt.

• Ep. 360: One-Page Productivity

  Jul 7, 2025

  One-page productivity helps balance work demands and recovery by staying organized with minimal effort.

• Ep. 359: Should We Fear Cognitive Debt?

  Jun 30, 2025

  Cognitive Debt: Relying on AI for writing may lead to cognitive debt, diminishing our capacity for deep thinking and creativity.