A recent New York Times op-ed reveals the true nature of “brain rot,” and in doing so reveals a much larger problem affecting us all. In this episode, Cal explores this broader problem then draws from an unlikely source from his childhood to help identify a dramatic solution.

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:&nbsp; youtube.com/calnewportmedia

(0:00) The truth about brain rot
(31:31) Will you address Immanuale Kants “Critique of Pure Reason” in your upcoming book about thinking?
(33:42) What is the difference between the strategic plan and vision document?
(36:59) Can I buy the “Deep Life” on pre-order?
(39:30) Cal discusses his recent newsletters&nbsp;
(41:54) My small business uses Claude. Is that ok?
(44:45) Are any AI companies responsible to use?
(45:28) The truth about LLMs
(45:45) What are some AI book recommendations?
(46:42) AI and regulation
(50:25) What Cal is up to?

Links:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at <a href="www.calnewport.com/slow&nbsp;">www.calnewport.com/slow&nbsp;</a>
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at <a href="https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/">https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePNs-G7puA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePNs-G7puA</a>
<a href="%20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIeeDcnu9Ck">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIeeDcnu9Ck</a>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/opinion/gen-z-tiktok-ig-reels.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/opinion/gen-z-tiktok-ig-reels.html</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlnmQbPGuls">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlnmQbPGuls</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRKcUtOkbs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRKcUtOkbs</a>
<a href="⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_zYn-HHcyA⁠">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_zYn-HHcyA</a>
&nbsp;
Thanks to our Sponsors:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cozyearth.com">https://www.cozyearth.com</a> (Use code “DEEP”)
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<a href="https://www.gusto.com/deep">https://www.gusto.com/deep</a>
<a href="https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep">https://www.drinklmnt.com/deep</a>

Thanks to Jesse Miller for production and mastering, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

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