The Cal Newport Show

In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal is joined by David Dewane, the architect responsible for the “eudaimonia machine” featured in DEEP WORK. In this wide-ranging conversation, Cal and David talk about the challenges of finding depth in a distracted world, and the results of David’s personal experimentation in creating a deep life of his own. 

Video from today’s episode:  youtube.com/calnewportmedia

INTERVIEW: Architecting a Deep Life (w/ David Dewane) [04:06]

Links:
https://www.calnewport.com/slow

https://donedaily.com/ 

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Dr. Vonda Wright: Formula to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle (Why your Current Workout is Not Giving You Results) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How often do you work out?

What’s been the biggest challenge in your fitness journey so far?

In today’s episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher specializing in active aging and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay feeling youthful as you age, lose stubborn fat, and improve your sleep,, this conversation is packed with life changing insights.

Jay and Dr. Wright start by debunking the myth that aging is an inevitable decline. Dr. Wright explains how lifestyle choices in your 20s and 30s directly impact how you feel in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. They dive into how excess fat, especially around the belly, isn’t just about appearance—it’s a sign of inflammation that accelerates aging. Dr. Wright shares how movement, muscle mass, and diet play a crucial role in fat loss and energy levels.

They also explore the powerful body-brain connection. Dr. Wright breaks down how physical activity releases key proteins that protect the brain from cognitive decline and diseases like dementia. Jay and Dr. Wright discuss how poor sleep can sabotage fat loss, slow down recovery, and disrupt hormones—leading to more cravings, weight gain, and reduced longevity.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How fat storage impacts aging and energy levels.

The critical role of sleep in weight loss and brain function.

How movement and muscle mass keep you youthful.

How lifestyle choices in your 30s affect long-term health.

Why fitness-based friendships can improve your health.

If you want to stay sharp, maintain a healthy weight, and build lasting habits that help you thrive for decades, this episode gives you the tools to start now.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free Monk Mode newsletter. Subscribe here.

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro 

01:43 Your Perception Of Aging Is A Myth

05:31 Develop Healthy Habits in Your 20s

10:07 Why Your Sleep Can Fall Apart in Midlife

16:58 Can You Restock Years Of Not Sleeping?

22:09 Sleep Deprivation is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

26:45 The Weight Loss Formula That Actually Works 

36:04 There Is A Difference Between Being Healthy & Fit

43:13 Fitness Is A Great Way To Connect

46:17 How To Lose Stubborn Belly Fat

55:30 The Body Brain Connection is Integral to 

1:01:39 Don’t Make Excuses to Start Making Changes In Your Life

1:04:24 Mobility is One of the Most Important Skills for Aging Well 

1:09:51 Break Free from Your Limiting Beliefs

1:17:15 Vonda Wright on Final 5

Episode Resources:

Vonda Wright| Website

Vonda Wright| YouTube 

Vonda Wright| Linkedin

Vonda Wright| Instagram

Vonda Wright| Facebook

Vonda Wright| Tiktok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Cal has been writing about time management for a *long* time. In this episode, he returns to a chapter from a book he wrote twenty years ago that is titled “manage your time in 5 minutes a day.” He revisits his old advice to see what he thinks still works and what needs updating. He then answers listener questions and returns to the tech corner to get back in the weeds on a topic involving AI. 

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: Manage Your Time in 5 Minutes a Day [3:11]

- How specific should I make my Quarterly Plan? [27:28]

- Does reading Mangas count as reading? [29:30]

- How do I store information related to tasks? [34:14]

- How do I speak better at work in spontaneous conversations? [38:31]

- Are paper and pencil calendars suitable to use if my work is in two different time zones? [45:42]

CALL: Utilizing coaching [51:38]

CALL: Embracing boredom [57:48]

TECH CORNER: RL vs. LLM [1:08:04]

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?

Thanks to our Sponsors:

grammarly.com/podcast

cozyearth.com/deep

oracle.com/deepquestions

expressvpn.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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing LIZZO EXCLUSIVE: “Releasing The Weight Has Affected People” The Real Transformation Story She’s Never Shared Before from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How would your life change if your healing reshaped not just your body, but your entire way of being?

What if the real change wasn’t about losing anything—but about gaining a deeper connection to yourself?

In this deeply vulnerable episode, global superstar Lizzo sits down with Jay for an unfiltered conversation about loss, boundaries, transformation, and what it really feels like living in the spotlight. Lizzo shares how her loyalty to friends and her habit of seeing the good in everyone sometimes came at the cost of her own peace.

She shares what happened when she finally stopped chasing relationships that no longer served her—and how distance gave her clarity on who was truly in her corner. Lizzo opens up about the pain of letting people go, the reality of feeling isolated, and the music that came out of her lowest moments.

Lizzo dives deep into how the recent public scandal impacted her—and why she’s now more intentional than ever with her words, her energy, and her healing. Lizzo opens up about the responsibility of being a public figure, how her weight release journey evolved into a powerful personal transformation, and why she's chosen to let go of toxic energy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to Let Go of One-Sided Relationships

Why Some People Disappear When You Set Boundaries

How to Honor Your Emotions Without Editing Them

How Your Energy Shapes What You Attract

How Love Without Drama Becomes a Flow State

What It Means to Grow Apart Without Guilt

Why Intentional Healing Starts With Self-Awareness

Lizzo’s transformation is a reminder that you can still believe in people—and protect yourself. You can evolve—and still be soft. And you can face the hardest season of your life—and still come back to love.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:31 Sound Bath For Healing

07:40 Understanding Astrology to Change Your Life

10:38 Choose How to Lead Your Life 

15:28 How to Protect Your Peace

19:28 Getting Inspiration from Grief

26:02 Set Boundaries to Protect Yourself

35:05 Do You Believe in Love?

39:24 Continue to Be Yourself

43:14 Stand Up for Your Cause

46:39 Stop Forcing Relationships to Happen

50:18 Know Your Role, Stay in Your Lane

56:36 Advice for Aspiring Artist

58:40 How to Become an Unconditional Lover

01:02:40 The Power of Self Love 

01:05:51 Be Real About Your Journey

01:11:03 Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back

01:14:12 Become the Best Version of Yourself

01:15:45 Lizzo on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Lizzo | Website

Lizzo | YouTube

Lizzo | Instagram 

Lizzo | TikTok 

Lizzo| X

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Phones have been receiving a lot of criticism recently, but what if these concerns are missing the mark? In this episode, Cal introduces the difference between primary and secondary phone harms, and argues how our obsession with the former hides the importance of the latter. He then answers reader questions and reviews the books he read in March 2025.

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: The Forgotten Phone Harms [3:32]

- What do you do when your writing doesn’t quite feel right? [24:32]

- How should I prioritize responding to different types of communication? [33:29]

- Should personal and work tasks be split into different Trello boards? [39:10]

- What is the difference between a two-status board and a reverse task list? [41:47]

CASE STUDY: A student adopts the Tao of Cal [45:17]

CALL: Structuring weekly templates [49:00]

MARCH BOOKS: The 5 books Cal read in March 2025 [57:24]

- Believe (Ross Douhut)

- How to Winter (Kari Leibowitz)

- Letter and the Scroll (Jonathan Sacks)

- I and Thou (Martin Buber)

- Coming into the Country (John McPhee)

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?

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/deepquestions and get on your way to being your best self.

shopify.com/deep

indeed.com/deep

mybodytutor.com

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing David Blaine: I Nearly Died Doing This (How to Conquer Fear and Push Your Limits) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s a fear you want to overcome?

How do you stay calm under pressure?

What if the only limits you had were the ones you refused to break? Today, in this spellbinding episode, world-renowned illusionist, endurance artist, and master of the impossible, David Blaine, sits down for a deep and insightful conversation that goes far beyond magic. Known for his jaw-dropping stunts, being buried alive, standing encased in ice for days, and holding his breath underwater for over 17 minutes, David has captivated audiences worldwide. But behind the spectacle lies a profound philosophy of discipline, resilience, and the boundless potential of the human mind.

Jay and David explore what drives someone to willingly push themselves to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally. David opens up about his mindset, revealing how he prepares for extreme feats that defy human expectations. He explains the power of visualization, breathwork, and sheer willpower in overcoming pain, fear, and doubt. But this conversation isn’t just about physical endurance, it’s about the mental and emotional strength required to navigate life’s greatest challenges. David shares personal stories of setbacks and perseverance, showing that even in moments of failure, there is wisdom to be gained.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Train Your Mind to Overcome Fear

How to Build Unbreakable Mental Resilience

How to Use Breathwork to Enhance Endurance

How to Stay Calm Under Extreme Pressure

How to Push Past Your Physical Limits

How to Cultivate Childlike Curiosity for Creativity

How to Reframe Failure as a Stepping Stone

No matter what obstacles stand in your way, remember: you are stronger than you think, and capable of more than you realize. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop challenging what’s possible.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:41 The Subway Trick that Started It All

04:39 Lessons from the Above the Below

09:10 What Happens When You Don’t Feel Hunger

11:34 Pushing the Body Beyond Its Limit

17:25 The Capabilities of the Human Body

22:52 The Knife Stunt   

26:25 The Bullet-Catch Trick

30:12 Break Free from Your Comfort Zone

32:27 Push the Boundaries of Your Growth

34:41 Some Stunts are Just Too Dangerous

41:46 Pushing Yourself Without Risking Your Life

45:04 Failure Leads to Continuous Learning

47:26 The Riskiest Illusion 

49:29 Processing the Pain of Grief

53:32 Everything is About Perspective

57:14 Open Up Your Mind with Books

01:01:24 Every Person is Unique

01:03:06 The Bridge Jump, Anything is Possible

01:09:13 David on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

David Blaine | Website

David Blaine | YouTube

David Blaine | Instagram 

David Blaine | Facebook 

David Blaine | X 

David Blaine Do Not Attempt

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

In last week’s episode, Cal discussed data that indicate that the rise of the smartphones is making humans measurably dumber. Here he discusses aggressive strategies for resisting this reality. He then answers listener questions and ends with a tech corner.

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: Getting Smarter in a Dumb World [3:47]

- With remote work dwindling, should I change careers to achieve my ideal lifestyle? [31:14]

- Should a 24-year-old ditch his college degree to pursue another field? [36:25]

- How should merit be rewarded in a revenue-constrained environment? [40:40]

- How can one find and engage with these more niche online communities? [44:34]

- How can partners support each other in building a deep life? [46:48]

CASE STUDY: Using lifestyle planning to turn down a promotion [48:53]

TECH CORNER:  How do AI’s “reason”? [57:53]

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?

Thanks to our Sponsors:

zocdoc.com/deep

kinsta.com/deepquestions

udacity.com/deep [Use code DEEP]

notion.com/cal

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco EXCLUSIVE: Their Love Story Like You’ve Never Heard Before from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How did Selena and Benny first meet?

What makes their love story unique?

On today’s episode of On Purpose, Jay sits down with global superstar Selena Gomez and acclaimed music producer Benny Blanco where they share their love story like they never have before. They open up about their personal journey—one that didn’t start with an immediate spark.

Their story is full of humor, mixed signals, and that moment when it all clicked. Benny once thought Selena didn’t like him, while Selena, protecting her heart, kept her distance. But as their friendship grew, they built something real—a relationship rooted in trust, respect, open communication, and always supporting each other. Their story is a true testament that love unfolds when the timing is right.

Together, Jay, Selena, and Benny reflect on the power of embracing love, letting go of past fears, and choosing a partner who helps you grow. Their journey serves as a beautiful reminder that love often comes when you least expect it—but when it’s right, you’ll know.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Build a Strong Friendship Before Dating

How to Communicate Openly in a Relationship

How to Maintain Trust in a Long-Distance Relationship

How to Support Your Partner’s Emotional Needs

How to Balance a Busy Career with a Healthy Relationship

Selena and Benny’s story reminds us that true love isn’t defined by grand gestures or perfection—it’s about finding someone who sees you for who you are, supports you through life’s challenges, and makes even the simplest moments feel special.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:10 Male Friendships Can Be Challenging

03:01 First Meeting & Deep Conversations

08:48 How It All Started

16:32 Opening Up to Love Again

18:57 It All Happens for a Reason

21:08 Finding Genuine Love

27:13 Be Kind to Yourself

33:37 Don’t Let Negativity Dictate Your Life

37:55 Cultivating Relationships with Trust

48:22 This is How Emotionally Mature Relationships Work      

57:08 The Proposal 

01:05:29 Wedding Planning

01:06:26 Recording an Album Together

01:13:17 Future Family Plans

01:18:03 Selena and Benny on Fun Questions

Episode Resources:

Selena Gomez | Website

Selena Gomez | Facebook

Selena Gomez | Twitter

Selena Gomez | Instagram

Selena Gomez | YouTube

Benny Blanco | TikTok

Benny Blanco | Instagram

Benny Blanco | YouTube

Benny Blanco | Twitter

Benny Blanco | Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Multiple listeners recently sent in a Financial Times article that asks whether humans have passed “peak intelligence.” In this episode, Cal looks closer at the data in this article to try to understand why we seem to be getting dumber, and more importantly, what are the practical steps individuals can take to avoid the trend. He then answers listener questions and ends with a tech corner segment that highlights a blind spot in current discussions of AI.

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: Are We Getting Dumber? [2:58]

- Is it possible to build a better Twitter? [24:58]

- Should I ditch my higher paying job to avoid stress? [29:59]

- Can I remain relevant with younger, tech-savvy colleagues? [34:56]

- How should I navigate my time during while receiving severance? [38:35]

- What should I do next after being fired from my federal job? [41:18]

- CALL: Practicing focus on the weekends [45:01]

CASE STUDY: An engineering Kansan system [48:41]

TECH CORNER: The AI Blind Spot [1:00:04]

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?

on.ft.com/3DIItJK

Thanks to our Sponsors:

factormeals.com/deep50off

landroverusa.com

expressvpn.com/deep

grammarly.com/podcast

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s one thing that’s been stressing you out lately?

Have you noticed any physical signs of stress in your body?

Today, Jay with renowned neuroscientist, professor, and author Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore the science of anxiety, stress, and resilience. Wendy is the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion and Healthy Brain, Happy Life, where she explores how movement, mindfulness, and positive habits can enhance brain function. 

Jay and Wendy discuss the physiological effects of chronic stress, how it impacts key brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and why movement, breathwork, and mindfulness are essential for improving brain health. They also examine why so many people ignore their own stress cues and how simple daily habits can rewire the brain for greater well-being.

Wendy opens up about her personal experience with grief, explaining that the flip side of anxiety and grief is deep love. She shares why embracing these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is key to healing. Jay also reflects on his own journey of overcoming anxiety and the mindset shifts that foster growth and resilience.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Through Breathwork

How to Use Movement to Improve Brain Health

How to Identify Your Personal Stress Cues

How to Build Resilience After Trauma

How to Create a Morning Routine for Mental Clarity

How to Foster Meaningful Social Connections for Brain Health

Instead of letting stress and anxiety control you, start taking small, intentional steps to rewire your mind for resilience, clarity, and joy.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:11 Get to Know the Brain's Potential

02:10 What Makes a Healthy Brain?

04:35 The Complexity of the Brain

06:12 Scientific Difference Between Anxiety and Stress

09:42 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety

15:36 The Dangers of Chronic Stress

17:34 Protect Your Brain from Stress and Anxiety

19:38 What's Your Morning Routine?

21:39 Exercise Promotes Better Brain Function

23:36 Staying Focused Takes Effort

26:34 Start Small to Build a Habit

28:38 Everyday Anxiety Versus Anxiety Disorder

33:05 How to Look at Anxiety Differently

36:24 Approaching Grief with Positivity

40:03 How Resilient is the Brain?

42:57 Emotional Trauma 

45:19 Can We Resilience Against Trauma?

47:29 The Joy Conditioning

52:32 The Classic Growth Mindset

57:13 What Happens in the Brain During Healing 

01:00:20 The 5 Pillars of Better Brain Health

01:05:48 Find a Natural Place of Community Gathering

01:07:43 Develop the Love for Learning

01:11:37 Your Brain is Beautiful

01:14:04 Does Positive Affirmation Work?

01:15:05 4 Things That Make Memories Stick

01:19:35 How to Strengthen Your Memory

01:20:47 Wendy on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

Wendy Suzuki | Website

Wendy Suzuki | Flickr

Wendy Suzuki | Instagram 

Wendy Suzuki | Facebook 

Wendy Suzuki | LinkedIn

Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].