Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Episodes
Has AI “Gone Rogue”? Let’s Look Closer… | Tech Decoded
Cal Newport debunks the "rogue AI" narrative, arguing that recent security breaches stem from irresponsible LLM-powered agent architectures, not inevitable loss of control.
How to Build a Cognitive Training Plan | Monday Advice
Cal Newport proposes three cognitive Key Performance Indicators to measure and improve mental fitness amidst digital distraction.
Classic Episode: How Do I Kick My Scrolling Habit? | Monday Advice
Cal Newport revisits his "high-quality leisure toolkit," offering six activities like reading and skill-based hobbies to replace mindless scrolling.
How Do I Finish Meaningful Projects? | Monday Advice
Cal Newport revisits his 2007 "Einstein Principle," arguing that meaningful accomplishment requires relentless focus on few projects rather than scattering energy across many.
Does OpenAI’s Astra Mean AGI Has Arrived? | AI Reality Check
Cal Newport analyzes OpenAI’s Astra system, which solved ten discrete math problems, arguing it is an orchestrated harness rather than a fundamental AI leap.
Classic Episode: How Do I Learn Hard Things? | Monday Advice
Cal Newport replays a 2024 episode on mastering complex skills, arguing that expertise stems from time investment rather than innate intelligence.
Did OpenAI’s Model “Go Rogue”? | AI Reality Check
Cal Newport analyzes the OpenAI-Hugging Face breach, debunking media hype about rogue AI.
Why Do Digital Detoxes Fail? What Works Better? | Monday Advice
Cal Newport uses neuroscience from Max Bennett’s *A Brief History of Intelligence* to explain why digital detoxes fail while "analog reprogramming" succeeds.
Am I Optimizing Too Much? | Monday Advice
Cal Newport interviews Brad Stulberg about how constant metric tracking creates anxiety and hinders true performance.