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Episode Details
EPISODE INFO
- Released
- July 20, 2026
- Duration
- 1h 18m
- Channel
- Cal Newport
- Watch on YouTube
- ▶ Open ↗
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Cal Newport talks with Brad Stulberg to explain the optimization paradox in Episode 414 of the Deep Questions podcast. 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) The Optimization Paradox (2:12) Interview with Brad Stulberg (35:12) Health optimization (1:09:16) Tail end development Resources Mentioned: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Sponsors: https://wealthfront.com/deep https://calderalab.com/deep https://cozyearth.com (Use code “DEEP”) Cal Newport is not a Wealthfront client. Wealthfront’s high-yield cash account: https://www.wealthfront.com/deep. This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Cal Newport receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for paid endorsement in his podcast, creating a conflict of interest. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. If eligible for the overall boosted rate of 4.05% offered in connection with this promo, your boosted rate is also subject to change if the base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which can be found on wealthfront.com/deep. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value. Credits: Podcast Production: Jesse Miller Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler Theme Music: Jay Kerstens
SPEAKERS
Cal Newport
hostAuthor and professor known for writing about deep work, digital minimalism, and productivity.
Brad Stulberg
guestAuthor and writer focused on performance, wellbeing, and sustainable excellence (including the book "The Way of Excellence").
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Cal Newport, featuring Cal Newport and Brad Stulberg, The Optimization Paradox Explained explores How constant metrics turn self-improvement into anxiety and worse performance Brad Stulberg defines “optimization culture” as an obsession with measuring and managing increasingly granular metrics across health, work, and social life under the belief that what gets measured gets improved.
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