Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”?

From Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

April 13, 2026 · 1h 32m · Episode 400

About this episode

Cal Newport explores the concept of 'slow technology' with guest Amy Timberlake, discussing its benefits and principles.

Ep. 400: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? If there was one word to describe modern digital tools, it would be “fast.” But not everyone thinks this is better. In today’s episode, Cal explores the concept of “slow technology” – the embrace of tools that have fewer features and more friction, but nonetheless produce better work and more satisfaction. His guide in this effort is the acclaimed children’s book author Amy Timberlake, who talks to Cal about her recent shift to using a mechanical typewriter. Cal then reviews other examples of slow technology in action, and then proposes several general principles for applying the philosophy in your own life. 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 INTERVIEW: Should I Embrace “Slow Technology”? (w/ Amy Timberlake) [3:20] INBOX: - A book about spiritual sloth [1:03:49] - What is Cal’s opinion about Yuval Harai’s thoughts on AI? [1:05:22] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - Deep or Crazy: 2nd edition signed Andromeda Strain for HQ? [1:18:29] - Myth buster gear: display in HQ [1:20:13]…

People in this episode

Host: Cal Newport

Guest: Amy Timberlake

Topics covered

slow technology
digital tools
productivity
satisfaction
mechanical typewriter
self-improvement

Keywords

slow technology
digital tools
mechanical typewriter
productivity
self-improvement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: youtube.com/calnewportmedia, peoplesbooktakoma.com, bramses.notion.site

Books & works: Magic Journey, Slow Productivity