Ep. 307: Ultra-Processed Content

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Why are we comfortable with the idea that ultra-processed foods are bad for us but feel somehow anti-technology to say something similar about the ultra-processed content generated by social media platforms. In this episode, Cal draws analogy to the food system to find a more sustainable and practical way to repair our relationship with various forms of media. He then answers questions and calls, shares an inspiring case study, and, due to popular request, gives his opinion on Jonathan Haidt’s new book, THE ANXIOUS GENERATION.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

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

Deep Dive: Ultra-Processed Content [2:11]

- How would Cal update his college books to deal with the modern day technology distractions? [28:38]

- How can I introduce more balance into my highly focused life? [34:56]

- Is it ok to play Candy Crush while listening to podcasts? [42:23]

- How do I find time for deep thinking in a distracted life? [45:26]

- How can I work deeper in a shallow pond? [49:48]

- CALL: Using extended periods of time to plan [57:36]

CASE STUDY: Making a career change with a safety net [1:00:29]

CAL REACTS: The Anxious Generation [1:10:20]

Links:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow

Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/

Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?

https://calnewport.com/on-ultra-processed-content/

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/deepquestions
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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, Kieron Rees for the slow productivity music, and Mark Miles for mastering.

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1. Ep. 307: Ultra-Processed Content (00:00:00)

2. Deep Dive: Ultra-Processed Content (00:02:12)

3. How would Cal update his college books to deal with the modern day technology distractions? (00:28:38)

4. How can I introduce more balance into my highly focused life? (00:34:56)

5. Is it ok to play Candy Crush while listening to podcasts? (00:42:24)

6. How do I find time for deep thinking in a distracted life? (00:45:26)

7. How can I work deeper in a shallow pond? (00:49:48)

8. CALL: Using extended periods of time to plan (00:57:36)

9. CASE STUDY: Making a career change with a safety net (01:00:30)

10. CAL REACTS: The Anxious Generation (01:10:20)