EPISODE · Nov 17, 2025 · 1H 57M
Ep. 379: The Flexibility Myth
from Deep Questions with Cal Newport · host Cal Newport
When companies began instituting return-to-office plans after the pandemic, a disproportionate number of women chose instead to leave the workforce. Why? The obvious answer is that they wanted the flexibility of remote work. But in this episode, Cal draws on a recent New York Times op-ed that offers a deeper explanation – one that affects all knowledge workers. He then explores solutions to the problem, answers listener questions, and (God help him) respond to comments on his recent Superintelligence episode. 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 Flexibility Myth [0:02] How should a venture backed startup team design their work schedule? [51:42] How do I stop my boss from e-mailing me at all hours? [57:02] How should a professor on break schedule his deep work? [1:02:35] How can I better schedule my blocks to prepare for technical interviews? [1:09:59] When considering lifestyle-centric planning, what practices may help determine the type of work to pursue? [1:12:16] CASE STUDY: Completing a Thesis [1:19:08] CALL: Details about time blocking [1:25:08] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: The Case Against Superintelligence [1:33:58] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2025/11/02/opinion/women-work-force-flexibility-shifts.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=y0RI5CnoDvs Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com 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
What this episode covers
When companies began instituting return-to-office plans after the pandemic, a disproportionate number of women chose instead to leave the workforce. Why? The obvious answer is that they wanted the flexibility of remote work. But in this episode, Cal draws on a recent New York Times op-ed that offers a deeper explanation – one that affects all knowledge workers. He then explores solutions to the problem, answers listener questions, and (God help him) respond to comments on his recent Superintelligence episode. 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 Flexibility Myth [0:02] How should a venture backed startup team design their work schedule? [51:42] How do I stop my boss from e-mailing me at all hours? [57:02] How should a professor on break schedule his deep work? [1:02:35] How can I better schedule my blocks to prepare for technical interviews? [1:09:59] When considering lifestyle-centric planning, what practices may help determine the type of work to pursue? [1:12:16] CASE STUDY: Completing a Thesis [1:19:08] CALL: Details about time blocking [1:25:08] CAL READS THE COMMENTS: The Case Against Superintelligence [1:33:58] Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at calnewport.com/slowGet a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?nytimes.com/2025/11/02/opinion/women-work-force-flexibility-shifts.htmlyoutube.com/watch?v=y0RI5CnoDvs Thanks to our Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. betterhelp.com/deepquestionsexpressvpn.com/deepshopify.com/deepmybodytutor.com 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
NOW PLAYING
Ep. 379: The Flexibility Myth
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.