Why Do Better Tools Make Me Worse at My Job? (w/ David Epstein) Monday Advice

What can an obscure theory of industrial productivity teach us about producing better results in a distracted world? In this episode, Cal is joined by the New York Times bestselling author David Epstein to explore this question. They dive deep into a chapter of Epstein’s new book, INSIDE THE BOX, that makes a surprising connection between the so-called “Theory of Constraints” and personal productivity. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Send an email to podcast@calnewport.com. Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia (0:00) How do I get busy to better? (3:04) INTERVIEW: How Do I Get from Busy to Better? (w/ David Epstein) (57:58) Post Interview chatter (1:00:19) A suggestion to break digital news app addictions (1:05:54) A reaction to a recent newsletter (1:15:02) What Cal read (1:16:29) What’s coming up Books: Kook (Peter Heller) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? Thanks to our Sponsors: Thanks to Jesse Miller for mastering and production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Nate Mechler for research and newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Why Do Better Tools Make Me Worse at My Job? (w/ David Epstein) Monday Advice is an episode from Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport.

This episode is 81:12 long.

This episode was published on May 4, 2026.

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