If there was one word to describe modern digital tools, it would be “fast.” But not everyone thinks this is better. In today’s episode, Cal explores the concept of “slow technology” – the embrace of tools that have fewer features and more friction, but nonetheless produce better work and more satisfaction. His guide in this effort is the acclaimed children’s book author Amy Timberlake, who talks to Cal about her recent shift to using a mechanical typewriter. Cal then reviews other examples of slow technology in action, and then proposes several general principles for applying the philosophy in your own life.
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Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia
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Below are the questions covered in today’s episode (with their timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast.
INTERVIEW:
– Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? (w/ Amy Timberlake) [2:05]
INBOX:
– A book about spiritual sloth [1:03:49]
– What is Cal’s opinion about Yuval Harai’s thoughts on AI? [1:05:22]
WHAT IS CAL UP TO:
– Deep or Crazy: 2nd edition signed Andromeda Strain for HQ? [1:18:29]
– Myth buster gear: display in HQ [1:20:13]
– 400th episode [1:23:01]
BOOKS:
Magic Journey (Kevin Rafferty)
YOUTUBE TITLE:
– Can Downgrading Your Tech Upgrade Your Results? | 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.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/04/02/why-some-are-returning-to-mp3-players
https://ugmonk.com/blogs/journal/analog-the-simplest-productivity-system
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240102-oppenheimer-and-the-resurgence-of-blu-ray-and-dvds-were-now-in-the-age-of-streaming-anxiety
https://ignatius.com/the-noonday-devil-ndevp
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=32240681755
Thanks to our Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp:
https://www.betterhlep.com/deepquestions
https://www.calderalab.com/deep
https://www.mybodytutor.com
https://www.grammarly.com
Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter.
