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

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Content provided by Cal Newport. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Cal Newport or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

2M ago 1:30:50

MP3•Episode home

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/slow

Get 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/deep

byloftie.com (Code: DEEP20)

oracle.com/deepquestions

indeed.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.

357 episodes

#Cal Newport #Productivity #Self-Improvement #Tech Tips #Tech #Podcasting Education #Talk A Lot