Ep. 361: Do You Need an App Blocker?

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Are you worried that you’re using your phone too much? An app blocker might make sense. But how do they work, and which one is right for you? In this episode, Cal goes deep into the motivation, technology, and ultimate end game of this distraction fighting technology. He then answers listener questions and discusses some intriguing comments he’s been seeing about limits to AI’s ability to code.

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: Do You Need an App Blocker? [4:35]

– How do I succeed with task management? [29:07]
– How can I put boundaries on my administrative work for my university job? [33:58]
– How should I manage X if I only use it on my desktop? [39:31]
– How should I read through my weekly collection of newsletters? [41:11]
– What do you think about Polyphasic sleep to prepare for deep work? [44:22]

CASE STUDY: A ticketing system in action [45:21]

WHAT TO READ: On the Limits of “Vibe Coding” [50:58]

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?
sciencefocus.com/science/youre-not-actually-addicted-to-your-smartphone
nytimes.com/2020/01/20/style/quit-smartphone.html
support.apple.com/guide/iphone/get-started-with-screen-time-iphbfa595995/ios
youtu.be/OuizzRCALCU?si=FqHzEEFdq7k4ao13
x.com/AglaiaCodes/status/1942636133248061590
x.com/GaryMarcus/status/1942478390323552588/photo/1

Thanks to our Sponsors:

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp:
betterhelp.com/deepquestions
mybodytutor.com
expressvpn.com/deep
indeed.com/deep

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

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

Are you worried that you’re using your phone too much? An app blocker might make sense. But how do they work and which one is right for you? In this episode, Cal goes deep into the motivation, technology, and ultimate end game of this distraction fighting technology. He then answers listener questions and discusses some intriguing comments he’s been seeing about limits to AI’s ability to code.

Download my FREE Deep Life Guide HERE: https://bit.ly/3QBIcug

Link to submit questions: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo

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

Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.

DEEP DIVE:

– Do You Need an App Blocker? [4:37]

QUESTIONS:

– How do I succeed with task management? [29:08]
– How can I put boundaries on my administrative work for my university job? [34:00]
– How should I manage X if I only use it on my desktop? [39:32]
– How should I read through my weekly collection of newsletters? [41:15]
– What do you think about Polyphasic sleep to prepare for deep work? [44:24]

CASE STUDY:

– A ticketing system in action [45:21]

WHAT TO READ:

– On the Limits of “Vibe Coding” [51:00]

YOUTUBE TITLE

– Your Phone Is Controlling You — Here’s How to Break Free (For Good) | Cal Newport

LINKS:

Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Order a signed copy of “Slow Productivity” here: https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/youre-not-actually-addicted-to-your-smartphone v=448bf8afad0740d18f6b109b4bd40d51
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/20/style/quit-smartphone.html
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/get-started-with-screen-time-iphbfa595995/ios
https://youtu.be/OuizzRCALCU?si=FqHzEEFdq7k4ao13
https://x.com/AglaiaCodes/status/1942636133248061590
https://x.com/GaryMarcus/status/1942478390323552588/photo/1