It’s been a decade since the original publication of DEEP WORK. Do its ideas still hold in 2026? This is the question Cal tackles in today’s episode: reviewing the four major “rules” from his book, reviewing what still holds and what changes he would add.
More from Cal
Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas
Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books
Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen
Chapters
0:00 Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026?
39:45 Will I lose the ability to write if I use AI?
45:30 The effects of AI on education
52:24 Avoiding social media
53:38 What I’ve been doing
55:26 What I’ve been reading
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html
Books:
Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
Sponsors:
https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off
https://www.shopify.com/deep
https://www.wayfair.com
https://www.notion.com/cal
Credits:
Podcast Production: Jesse Miller
Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler
Theme Music:
