Cal Newport
Mentioned in 39 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
Computer science researcher and author known for books including *Deep Work* and *Digital Minimalism*, which examine productivity, focus, and intentional technology use. Hosts the *Deep Questions* podcast where he discusses digital distraction, cognitive decline from smartphone use, and alternatives to constant connectivity. Frequently cited by other podcasts for his research on deep work methodologies, attention residue, and frameworks for reclaiming focus in an increasingly distracted world.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · May 14, 2026
Is AI About to “Eat Everything”? | AI Reality Check
“Analyzes METR chart and AI industry trends; argues for realistic AI communication standards”
Prof G Markets · May 12, 2026
AI Is Making Us All Dumber
“Guest expert arguing AI threatens cognitive fitness by outsourcing writing, the core activity that strengthens deep thinking”
How to Be a Better Human · May 11, 2026
How to handle uncertainty (w/ Simone Stolzoff)
“Author who coined the concept of 'cognitive fitness' requiring mental tension and effort”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · May 7, 2026
Is the AI Doom Fever Breaking? | AI Reality Check
“Analyzes AI CEO rhetoric shift and traces cultural origins of existential risk messaging in tech”
The Rich Roll Podcast · May 4, 2026
David Epstein On Why Constraints Drive Creativity, The Myth Of Productive Freedom, & How Limits Make Us Better
“Neighbor of Epstein; author of 'Deep Work'; practices structured shutdown rituals and batching work into focused blocks”
My First Million · Apr 27, 2026
How to find your thing
“Wrote 'Deep Work'; cited for framework that passion is byproduct of mastery, not prerequisite”
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk · Apr 26, 2026
685: David Epstein - The Freedom Trap, Narrative Values, General Magic, The Nobel Prize Winner Who Simplified Everything, Wearing the Same Thing Everyday, and Why Constraints Are the Secret to Your Best Work
“Author of 'Deep Work' and 'Slow Productivity'; neighbor of Epstein; uses 'system shutting down' ritual to close workday”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Apr 23, 2026
What has *Actually* Happened in AI in 2026? | AI Reality Check
“Hosts episode reviewing AI stories; synthesizes technical and financial implications”
Better Offline · Apr 22, 2026
Cal Newport on Mythos and Anthropomorphization
“Guest discussing AI reporting credibility, Mythos hype, and limitations of language models as autonomous agents”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Apr 13, 2026
Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?
“Host of Deep Questions podcast exploring slow technology philosophy and interviewing Timberlake about creative process”
John Mark Comer Teachings · Apr 13, 2026
Into the Quiet
“Author of Digital Minimalism; quoted for paradigm of solitude as freedom from external inputs”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Apr 2, 2026
AI Reality Check: Can LLMs “Scheme”?
“Host analyzing and debunking the Guardian article's claims about AI scheming behavior”
Modern Wisdom · Apr 2, 2026
#1079 - Tristan Harris - AI Expert Warns: “This Is The Last Mistake We’ll Ever Make”
“Guest on Modern Wisdom discussing productivity, attention, and AI intersection; advocates tech minimalism”
Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast · Apr 1, 2026
5 Lessons From Writing a Business Leadership Book 4-1-26
“Author of 'Deep Work,' referenced by Becker as influential on the value of focused intellectual effort”
The $100 MBA Show · Mar 27, 2026
The REAL Reason CEOs Hate Remote Work/Want Everyone Back In The Office And Why I Am Doing The Same!
“Cited in discussion about deep work and how remote workers often defer meaningful work to weekends”
Modern Wisdom · Mar 19, 2026
#1073 - Gurwinder Bhogal - 19 Uncomfortable Truths About Human Nature
“Discussed deep work and standing out in field of equals as AI commoditizes content”
Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Mar 16, 2026
Find the Meaning of Your Life Part 1 of 3: Get Better at Boredom
“Georgetown professor and author of time optimization books who practices the phone foyer method for device management”
Modern Wisdom · Mar 5, 2026
#1067 - Cal Newport - The collapse of modern attention (and how to get it back)
“Computer scientist and author; argues deep work is increasingly rare and valuable; published Deep Work 10 years ago”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Mar 2, 2026
Ep. 394: Do I Need a Better Planning System?
“Host of Deep Questions podcast; author discussing planning systems, AI, and digital distraction”
After the Fact · Feb 27, 2026
How Parental Stress Fuels Doomscrolling
“Author of Digital Minimalism, referenced for framework on technology identity and intentional device use”
Morning Brew Daily · Feb 24, 2026
Fictional Story Tanks Stock Market & The iPod Making a Comeback?
“Author of Digital Minimalism cited for explaining appeal of single-purpose devices with built-in usage boundaries”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Feb 23, 2026
Ep. 393: Can Movies Save Us From Our Phones?
“Host; argues smartphone addiction degrades cognitive patience and proposes movie-watching as recovery strategy”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Feb 16, 2026
Ep. 392: Are “Micro-Streamers” the Future of Media? + Why Cal Spent $60 on a Task App
“Host of Deep Questions podcast; author and researcher on productivity, technology, and media trends; created MasterClass course”
The Liz Moody Podcast · Feb 11, 2026
Burnt Out? You Don’t Need a New Job—You Need This
“Referenced for research on work cycles (sprint and rest phases) as alternative to constant productivity”
Better Offline · Feb 11, 2026
Hater Season: Cal Newport on AI Reporting
“Computer Science Professor and Tech Writer at The New Yorker; primary guest discussing AI reporting flaws and agent limitations”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Feb 9, 2026
Ep. 391: Is AI Reporting Broken? + Rethinking Morning Routines
“Host analyzing AI reporting traps and discussing morning routine principles for avoiding technology distraction”
Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing) · Feb 9, 2026
Jim Kwik: Is AI Destroying Your Brain Health? What Entrepreneurs Must Know | Mental Health | E385
“Referenced for his work on deep work and focus training methodologies”
Starter Story · Feb 5, 2026
How I Built A $1M Business From This Starbucks | Starter Story
“Author of 'Deep Work' whose book inspired Pat to develop the discipline and focus needed to build his business”
Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Feb 2, 2026
Ep. 390: What Happens When You Ditch Your Smartphone? + Assessing the Internet’s Latest Self-Help Sensation
“Host and technology critic analyzing smartphone harms, viral self-help content, and algorithmic politics impact on governance”
Starter Story · Jan 19, 2026
How I Grew My SaaS to $150K/Year With Reddit and SEO
“Author of 'Deep Work'; referenced in LFS demo as example content indexed in personal knowledge base”
The Minimalists · Jan 5, 2026
521 | One Day Less
“Referenced for concept of 'slow productivity' as alternative to hustle culture mindset”
The $100 MBA Show · Jan 5, 2026
MBA2725 How To Focus And Get Ahead Of 99% Of People
“Author of 'Deep Work'; extensively cited for research on deep work output and concept of attention residue”
The Mel Robbins Podcast · Dec 15, 2025
How to Make 2026 the Best Year: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself
“Georgetown University professor and expert on time and productivity; advocates for 'subtraction before addition' approach.”
Expert Intelligence with Paul Estes · Dec 2, 2025
Stop Generating, Start Thinking with Kevin Henrikson
“Productivity author who photographed Kevin's 2005 Zimbra demo at hacker house; posted images to Flickr”
Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Nov 17, 2025
My 9-Step Evening Protocol for More Happiness and Better Sleep
“Computer science professor at Georgetown; author of work on digital minimalism and phone management strategies”
Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Nov 10, 2025
A 5-Step Approach to Ending Your Phone Addiction
“Developed 'phone foyer method' for reducing device accessibility and managing phone addiction”
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk · Nov 3, 2025
660: James Clear (Live at Ohio University!) - The Four Laws of Behavior Change, Systems vs Goals, Building Better Habits, Mastering the Two-Minute Rule, Having a Great Marriage, & The Plateau of Latent Potential
“Author of Be So Good They Can't Ignore You; referenced for philosophy on excellence and standing out through quality work”
Starter Story · Aug 20, 2025
9 Things That Make Me $1.8M/Year | Starter Story
“Author of 'Deep Work' book that transformed Pat's approach to productivity and business building while maintaining full-time job”
The Peter Attia Drive · Aug 11, 2025
#360 ‒ How to change your habits: why they form and how to build or break them | Charles Duhigg, M.B.A
“Researched deep work and contemplative routines as drivers of productivity and innovation”