Does deep work truly boost productivity, or is it just another overhyped trend? This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick J. McGinnis checks in with Molly Sonsteng and Jeremy Redleaf, co-founders of Caveday, a company that claims to help people work smarter, not harder. They discuss how their productivity method has evolved from in-person sessions in Soho to a global online movement—but does it actually deliver results? We examine real data, success stories, and counterarguments, including why some people find deep work ineffective or unsustainable. Plus, we explore the psychology behind the focus, whether deep work benefits everyone (including neurodivergent individuals), and what the skeptics have to say. If you’ve ever felt like productivity hacks don’t work for you, tune in for a candid conversation about what helps—and what doesn’t—when it comes to getting things done.
Meet our guests:
Molly Sonsteng is an entrepreneur and experience designer focused on helping people use their time more intentionally. She has worked with organizations like Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, and Daybreaker and co-founded Madcap Factory, a production house that creates immersive experiences. At Caveday, she helps design research-backed methods to support sustained focus in a world full of distractions.
Jeremy Redleaf is an Emmy-winning artist and entrepreneur with a history of creating unconventional projects at the intersection of business and creativity. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, Fast Company, and more. As a co-founder of Caveday, he explores whether structured deep work can truly improve modern productivity—or if it’s just another fleeting trend.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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