Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Most self-help advice is guesswork dressed up as wisdom. We dig into psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to find what actually changes lives.
WHY LISTEN?
Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it?
This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism.
Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn’t have to be.
We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system.
WHAT YOU DON’T GET
No pseudoscience. No oversimplified "hacks." No hustle porn.
Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health.
THE APPROACH
Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development.
Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life.
YOUR HOST
I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives.
This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation.
PREMIUM
Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord.
Growth Mindset Premium
PAST SERIES
Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum.
Past series:
— Psychology vs Stoicism
— Time Management for Busy Mortals
— Independence and Knowing Yourself
— Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking
— Psychology of Connection and Relationships
— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
— Addiction and Behaviour Change
— Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory
— Mental Strength and Self-Discipline
Afleveringen
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How to Spend Money to Buy Happiness: The psychology of what actually works 02.06.2026 38minMoney is not the goal. It’s a tool. Most people were never taught how to use it. Core:We inherit scripts about money. Save more. Earn more. Want more. But those scripts were built for survival, not fulfilment. The shift is subtle but powerful: from accumulation to allocation. This episode is about choosing where your money goes—and what that choice turns you into. When you spend on time, you create space. When you spend on experiences, you create identity. When you spend on others, you create connection. The question isn’t “can money buy happiness?” It’s whether you’re willing to spend in alignment with the life you’re trying to build. Because every purchase is a vote. And most people are voting by default. Takeaways: Align spending with values, not social comparison Treat money as a tool to create time, energy, and connection Experiment with new ways of spending to discover what truly works SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Jack Welch’s Heart Attack Revelation01:03 The Debate: Can Money Buy Happiness?02:19 Exploring the Science of Money and Happiness04:25 Principle 1: Spend on Experiences, Not Things08:09 Principle 2: Invest in Relationships10:15 Principle 3: Prioritize Health12:30 Principle 4: Buy Time to Reduce Stress15:41 Principle 5: Make Smaller, Frequent Purchases16:34 The Upside of Irrationality: Spreading Out Purchases18:27 Conclusion: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff18:34 Understanding the Law of Triviality19:42 The Impact of Trivial Decisions21:36 Delaying Gratification for Greater Happiness22:12 The Power of Anticipation24:07 Investing in Yourself25:54 Spending on Enabling Activities27:32 The Joy of Giving to Charity29:50 Exploring Novel Spending Habits33:44 The Influence of Personal History and Social Dynamics35:20 Aligning Spending with Values Topics How to spend money to actually increase happiness The psychology of money and why more isn’t better Why experiences beat material purchases for long-term happiness Buying time vs buying things: what reduces stress How prosocial spending improves relationships and wellbeing Hedonic adaptation and why new purchases quickly lose impact Small frequent purchases vs big splurges for happiness Using delayed gratification to increase anticipation and joy Aligning spending with values instead of social comparison Smart money habits that turn income into life satisfaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Psychology of Slowing Down Time - How to live a full life 26.05.2026 21minEver look up and realise a whole month has vanished? This episode is about why that happens — and how to get more life out of the same amount of time. Most people think time speeds up because they’re busy. Not quite. Time speeds up when your brain stops noticing. When your days are repetitive, distracted, and half-lived, your memory writes almost nothing down. That’s why a week of scrolling disappears, while one difficult, vivid, meaningful afternoon can feel strangely rich. In this episode, I break down the psychology of time perception using examples from TikTok, procrastination, ADHD, novelty, and emotional reframing. The big idea: a full life isn’t made from more hours. It’s made from more moments that feel real. We talk about why discomfort often stretches time, why autopilot erases it, and how learning to stay with tension can make you calmer, sharper, and more alive. Add novelty on purpose: new places, new conversations, new experiences. Notice when you’re escaping discomfort instead of living through it. Use memory as a metric: if nothing stands out, something needs to change. If time keeps slipping through your hands, this episode will help you hold it differently. UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:01 About time02:48 Tiktok as an example of bending time03:53 The importance of variety and new things07:16 Memory is like a notepad09:18 Edge Surfing12:21 Reframing feelings16:21 Savor those slow moments18:04 Outro Topics discussed How time perception changes through attention and stimulation Why novelty creates richer memories and longer-feeling days How repetition and autopilot make months disappear Using photos as a clue for memory density Why a full life means more memorable moments The surfer metaphor for staying with psychological tension Reframing anxiety as excitement to unlock performance Turning anger into empathy, curiosity, and perspective Fasting as practice for not obeying every impulse Time management as pain management and emotional regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How to Create Your Own Opportunities and Stop Waiting for Your One Big Chance 19.05.2026 40minIf you’ve been treating your next decision like THE decision, well... A lot of anxiety comes from believing your future hinges on getting the next move exactly right. However, there’s a particular kind of pressure that shows up when you want your work to mean something, but you also don’t want to blow up your finances, your nervous system, or your sense of self in the process. Today we explore how “one shot” thinking makes people more perfectionistic, more anxious, and often worse at taking risks, then offers a saner alternative: build a life that lets you keep trying. We get into purpose, career change, money, self-worth, and the quiet relief of realising you do not need a flawless master plan to move forward. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stop demanding certainty and start creating conditions where curiosity can actually breathe. Ask whether you need the perfect path, or just the next honest experiment. Reduce pressure by making change more sustainable, not more dramatic. Treat failure as information, not a verdict on your future. Press play if you need a steadier way to move without pretending you’re fearless. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Eminem's Scarcity Mindset00:58 The Psychology of Taking Shots02:04 Listener Question: Career Change and Anxiety02:58 Understanding Your 'Why'06:34 The Importance of Small Steps08:01 Finding Your Passion and Enjoying the Process14:02 The Art of Taking Multiple Shots16:16 Sustainable Risk-Taking20:57 The MVP Mindset23:43 Testing Ideas and Customer Feedback24:49 Dating Ideas: A Personal Story27:18 The Importance of Not Quitting29:06 Reframing Failure as a Positive30:51 Finding Purpose and Passion31:58 The Reality of Difficult Achievements36:03 Conclusion: Infinite Games and Personal Success Topics discussed Scarcity mindset and the myth of one shot Career change anxiety and fear of failure Clarifying your why and core values Small steps, compounding, and patient growth Passion, happiness, and enjoying the process Sustainable risk-taking with side income security Testing ideas through MVPs and feedback Purpose, failure, and taking many shots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Three Psychology Experiments That Changed How I Live 12.05.2026 21minMost self-improvement assumes the problem lives inside you. But what if you've been looking in the wrong place? There's something worth sitting with in the idea that your physical surroundings are already making decisions about how you think — before you've consciously made any. The shape of a room. Whether your body is moving or still. How many open tabs are silently competing for your attention. These aren't peripheral details. They're the architecture of your mental life. This episode revisits three environmental psychology findings that quietly reframe what it actually means to improve yourself — not as a project of relentless internal effort, but as something closer to intelligent design. You are, in a real sense, the product of your environment. The question is whether you're designing it or just inheriting it. The Cathedral Effect — how space shapes cognition before thought begins The Movement Effect — motion as a psychological state, not just a physical one Intentional Laptopping — digital minimalism as a form of cognitive self-respect Treating yourself like someone whose environment matters might be the most honest act of self-improvement you haven't tried yet. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome03:18 Cathedral Effect07:18 The Movement Effect11:11 Intentional Laptopping15:36 Bonus Laptop Tips17:55 Summary & Closing Topics discussed How physical environment shapes thinking and behaviour The cathedral effect and cognitive performance Using movement to solve problems and reduce anxiety Walking meetings and productivity psychology Building focus through intentional digital habits Why willpower alone isn't enough for behaviour change Designing your environment for creativity or concentration The psychology of getting unstuck ADHD, neurodiversity, and environmental self-awareness Simple habits the most clear-headed people actually use Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Dr. Stephen Porges: Where Free Will Lives in Your Body, and Why You Keep Ignoring It 08.05.2026 24minFree will might be smaller than you hoped, but more useful than you imagined. This conversation with Stephen Porges is about the quiet shift in perspective he learnt from 50 years studying the nervous system. We are taught to believe that emotional strength means overriding fear, suppressing anger, and forcing calm. But a different story is available. One where stress is not weakness, pain is not always just pain, and emotions are not commands but signals shaped by physiology, memory, and perceived safety. In that story, awareness becomes agency. The moment you notice your internal state without instantly obeying it, a door opens. Not a dramatic door. A small one. But small doors change lives. This episode explores the psychology of emotional regulation, the biology of threat, and the possibility that resilience is less about control and more about creating the conditions where wiser choices can emerge. See reactions as signals from a system. Create safety before expecting transformation. Practice awareness to widen your range of choice. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction03:38 Free Will and Polyvagal Theory06:33 Levels of the Nervous System08:09 Pain Management and Emotion11:18 Strategies for Self-Regulation14:53 Avoiding Burnout in Healthcare18:57 Conclusion and Final Remarks Topics discussed How Polyvagal Theory redefines the concept of free will through our physiological responses to stress Applying Viktor Frankl's "space between stimulus and response" to build emotional intelligence and resilience Understanding neuroception and how the nervous system detects environmental threats before the conscious mind The psychology of chronic pain and why calming the sympathetic nervous system is crucial for pain management Why negative emotions are actually biological threat responses rather than fixed personality traits The connection between unresolved trauma, emotional suppression, and psychosomatic symptoms like IBS and migraines Actionable self-regulation strategies to pause, manage high-stress situations, and safely process anger How to prevent burnout in healthcare and leadership roles by mastering physiological co-regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How to Finally Commit to One Thing When Everything Feels Important 05.05.2026 34minThe better you get at seeing opportunity, the worse you get at finishing anything. It turns out the same brain wiring that makes curious, growth-oriented people so interesting to talk to also makes them spectacularly bad at committing to one thing. In this episode, we explore the surprisingly rich psychology of focus — from what Taylor Swift's 16 dress changes per concert reveal about sequencing your ambitions, to a landmark study showing that how others perceive your potential literally changes what you become. It's equal parts neuroscience, life philosophy, and one man's genuine attempt to understand what wearing a dress taught him about staying focused. Why your potential is only as useful as your ability to narrow it The science behind why commitment feels like loss — and how to reframe it How to build a life with many chapters without living them all at once Funny, counterintuitive, and oddly practical — this episode might be the permission slip you didn't know you needed. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Infinite Choices, Infinite Decisions02:33 Welcome and the Cross-Pollination of Ideas03:35 What Wearing a Dress Taught Me About Focus06:25 The Psychology of Appearance and Identity09:21 You Can Only Wear One Dress at a Time11:18 Sam's Infinite List of Things He Wants to Do14:41 Why Focus Is the Only Thing That Actually Works17:44 Mental Masturbation and Living at the Destination20:05 Taylor Swift, Career Changes, and Doing Things Sequentially24:40 You Can Do Anything — Just Not All at Once27:15 How I Finally Chose One Thing for Seven Years30:31 Conclusion and Sign-Off Topics Discussed Focus and productivity Decision-making psychology Growth mindset and ambition The paradox of choice Overcoming indecision and overwhelm How to commit to one thing Dealing with too many ideas ADHD and focus The multitasking myth Deep work and mental clarity Identity and self-expression The Pygmalion effect Career changes and reinvention Sequencing goals and priorities Personal development and self-improvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How to Be Genuinely Interesting - Without performing, pretending, or people-pleasing 28.04.2026 20minThere's a story we tell ourselves about interesting people. That they were born that way. That charisma is a trait, not a choice. That fitting in is safe and standing out is risky. None of it is true. Interesting isn't a personality type. It's a decision about how far you're willing to go — into a topic, into yourself, into the slightly terrifying territory of being exactly who you are in a room full of people pretending to be someone else. The person in the pink dress at the tech conference isn't braver than you. They just stopped asking for permission. And the researcher who spent a year going deeper than anyone else on a single subject isn't smarter. They just refused to stay on the surface. Depth compounds — a little more effort creates disproportionately more value Authenticity isn't vulnerability, it's strategy The goal isn't to stand out everywhere — it's to know where it matters You already have a monopoly on being you. The question is whether you're using it. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Sam dives into what really made us human - how we transformed from a bunch of hairy apes into the mostly civilised and occasionally organised, masters of the world. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out?01:00 How to Create More Interesting Interests02:31 10x Depth Is 100x More Interesting03:38 Examples of Geeking Out That Are Fascinating09:10 Wearing a Dress at WebSummit14:31 Don't Overprepare for Everything15:14 Stand Out vs Chill Out Topics discussed How to be more interesting Authenticity and self-expression Overcoming fear of judgment Psychology of magnetic personalities Building confidence Standing out without performing Deep work and expertise The 80/20 rule of energy management Embracing your unique personality Growth mindset psychology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Your Nervous System Has Been Running Your Life - How to finally take control with Stephen Porges (Inventor of Polyvagal Theory) 24.04.2026 57minHow the science of the vagus nerve explains anxiety, ambition, burnout, and the art of becoming who you actually are. Humans, might be the most sophisticated organism on Earth (capable of writing symphonies, landing on the moon, and inventing artisanal sourdough). Yet at our core, we are running threat-detection software that predates the dinosaurs. Stephen Porges, the scientist who mapped the vagus nerve's extraordinary influence on human behaviour, joins us to explain why this ancient wiring is quietly making most of your big life decisions for you. The good news is that evolution, for once, gave us a rather elegant solution. Safety — genuine, physiological safety — unlocks curiosity, creativity, and the particular satisfaction of becoming who you actually are. The even better news is it's achievable without a retreat, a cold plunge, or a subscription. What you'll take away: Why your gut reactions are data, not drama How the environments we build either cage or liberate our best thinking Why the most calming people aren't trying to be calm Your nervous system has been waiting for this conversation. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:12 Polyvagal Theory Basics05:49 Psychology as a Rubik's Cube06:43 How Threat Changes Who We Are07:29 Creating Safe Environments for Learning08:40 Why Stephen Porges Developed Polyvagal Theory11:03 Intuition vs Neural Reflex12:29 The Power of Voice and Intonation13:00 How Stephen Became So Calming — And the Opera Singer Story15:48 Social Pressure and the Problem with Faking It18:16 The Physiology of Safety vs Stress20:24 When Threat Becomes a Habit20:44 Academic Life and the Trap of Evaluation Culture23:52 Stephen's Personal Turning Point at 5030:08 Curiosity, Playfulness and the Nature of Fun32:00 The Dog on a Leash — Safety and Creativity34:00 Time as a River — Staying Present or Getting Left Behind35:30 Biden, Aging, and the Limits of Willpower37:00 Growth Mindset, Polyvagal Theory and What They Share38:00 Talent, Grades and the Problem with How We Measure People39:00 The Clarinet Story — Skills That Don't Match Your Curiosity41:00 What Happens When You Want to Do Everything41:43 The Zen of Loading the Dishwasher42:18 How Polyvagal Theory Was Born Across Disciplines43:16 Polyvagal Music — Healing Through Sound45:13 Testing Polyvagal Music on 1500 People45:38 Co-Regulation and Why the Body Needs Safety to Heal46:08 Floating on the Ocean — What Real Physiological Rest Feels Like46:54 Rocking, Rhythm and Why Babies Know Best48:44 The History of Psychology and Standing on Giants50:12 Libraries, Google Scholar and How to Actually Learn51:53 Goodbyes and What Comes Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Illusion of Panic: How to Master Your Nervous System When It Invents Danger 21.04.2026 1u 2minA Deep Dive into the Vagus Nerve, Neuroception, and Overcoming Burnout Ever walked into a room and instantly felt like something was completely off? That is not your intuition being magical; that is your nervous system running the show. We spend all day trying to "think" our way out of stress, but it rarely works. Your body has a built-in threat radar called neuroception that operates entirely below your conscious awareness. When it misfires, you get the illusion of panic. You feel like you're fighting a sabertooth tiger when you're just staring at an unread email. Modern psychology calls this Polyvagal Theory. It explains why we constantly flip between the cool, collected Bruce Banner and the raging Hulk. The trick isn't fighting the Hulk. It's learning how to speak the biological language of your vagus nerve. Once you understand the mechanics of your own survival instincts, everything changes. You stop fighting your mind and start regulating your body. Use the four-four box breathing method to instantly hack your vagal tone. Restructure your morning tech habits to turn off your body's unconscious threat radar. Harness social co-regulation to lower your cortisol simply by being around safe people. Hit play to stop out-thinking your anxiety and start mastering your nervous system today. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 A Sudden Panic on the Street01:12 Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System02:39 The Growth Mindset Connection03:26 Polyvagal Theory Explained04:32 Understanding the Vagus Nerve06:03 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems09:55 The Dorsal Vagal State15:07 Neuroception: Your Body's Spidey Sense19:57 Ad Break20:53 Breathing Techniques for Calmness24:59 Managing Stress with Lifestyle Changes27:55 The Importance of Vagal Tone29:02 Exercise and Stress Management30:57 The Benefits of Physical Strength31:08 The Impact of Physical Strength on Daily Life32:21 The Neuroscience Behind Exercise and Stress Reduction32:34 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on Neuroception34:07 The Importance of Attachment in Early Development35:09 Healing from Past Trauma37:05 The Role of Pets in Co-Regulation38:23 The Science of Human Connection41:40 Ad Break44:05 Polyvagal Theory in Education46:57 Strengthening Relationships Through Polyvagal Theory52:10 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges54:21 Practical Tips for a Balanced Life56:15 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Topics Discussed Polyvagal Theory and the biology of psychological safety The Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic states Understanding the Dorsal Vagal "freeze" or shutdown response Neuroception: How your body detects threats before your conscious mind The connection between a Growth Mindset and the nervous system 4-4 Box Breathing and practical ways to increase Vagal Tone How chronic stress and burnout physically alter the body Healing from past trauma and insecure attachment styles Co-regulation: How humans (and pets) biologically sync their stress levels Applying nervous system mastery to workplace anxiety and education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Psychology of Risk: How Near Death Experiences Help you Quit a Good Life to Pursue a Great One - w. Talia Lazarus 17.04.2026 46minWe are all waiting for permission that is never going to come. We cling to the illusion of a safe life, pretending that incremental improvements are the same thing as actual growth. Talia Lazarus didn’t plan on changing her life; the universe intervened in the form of a devastating bus accident. In the agonizing space of her recovery, she confronted a profound truth: she was living a script written by someone else. So, she burned it down. This episode is about the radical shift from accepting what is, to choosing what could be. It explores the "doorstep mile"—the immense, invisible friction of taking the first step toward true purpose. You don't need a catastrophe to change your posture in the world. You just need to stop looking in the rear-view mirror and realize that your constraints are entirely invented. How to identify the difference between real growth and the illusion of progress. The art of embracing the "doorstep mile" to finally ship your true work. Why surrendering your past is the only way to build a meaningful future. Listen to this conversation and discover how to stop waiting, step over the threshold, and choose a great life today. SPONSORS 🧘 Cheers Health Take Cheers after your last drink and feel 50% better, or your money back 20% off entire order CheersHealth.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Beginning02:41 Introduction to Growth Mindset05:30 Talia's Life-Changing Accident10:09 Trauma Impact on Attachment Style11:27 The Aftermath and Rock Bottom12:23 Small Changes That Add Up13:10 Quitting Her Job to Follow Her Passion16:31 Second Surgery19:09 When Survival Instinct Doesn't Work20:25 Most People Don't Meet Their Potential21:25 Perspective-Shifting Experiences24:15 Dream Experiences vs. Near-Death Experiences26:44 The Doorstep Mile27:40 Starting the I Got Back Up Podcast29:53 The Rear-View Mirror Mentality33:03 Past Behaviours vs Current Self33:48 You Are Never Alone35:44 Everyone Should Nearly Die Once35:54 Best Ways to Die and Resilience Training36:10 Small Acts of Kindness38:12 Spreading More Positivity to Receive It40:48 You Get What You Give41:46 Send Off Topics Covered: Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset Near-death experiences (NDEs) and post-traumatic growth The psychology of risk and radical career pivots Overcoming the "doorstep mile" and the friction of starting over Trauma recovery, resilience, and human survival instincts How traumatic events disrupt attachment styles and cognitive patterns The "rear-view mirror mentality" and letting go of the past Pushing past self-limiting beliefs and perceived physical limits The psychological impact of small acts of kindness and finding your community Building a podcast and the power of storytelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Comfort Zone Trap - How Failure Builds Courage, Confidence, and an Interesting Life 14.04.2026 19minHuman beings have an issue. We want adventure, growth, and transformation, provided they arrive gently, avoid inconvenience, and never make us look foolish. This episode is about that charming contradiction. We spend years building small fortresses of competence, then wonder why life begins to feel boring. The trouble is that courage rarely appears before action; it usually turns up afterwards, slightly out of breath, claiming it was there all along. So we explore three ways to make peace with failure and even, in a highly civilised way, become rather fond of it. There’s a bit of psychology, a bit of neuroscience, and a useful reminder that nearly everyone you admire got good by being bad at things for quite a while. Failure, properly understood, is not a catastrophe. It is more like compost: unpleasant in the wrong light, but extremely useful if you’re trying to grow something interesting. Redefine failure as information, not identity. Make small, repeated discomfort a weekly practice. Stop mistaking safety for a meaningful life. Listen in and give your fears the deeply disappointing experience of being ignored. SPONSORS 🧘 Cheers Health Take Cheers after your last drink and feel 50% better, or your money back 20% off entire order CheersHealth.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 The Importance of Failure00:57 Growth Mindset Podcast Introduction01:54 Eye-Opening Statistics on Failure02:13 Increasing Your Failure Rate for Success02:50 Job Interviews and Startups05:05 Investing and High Failure Rates06:04 Deliberate Practice and Personal Growth06:21 Learning Faster Through Failure07:09 Pushing Comfort Zones in Skiing09:30 Deliberate Practice Explained10:25 Books on Deliberate Practice10:51 Enjoying the Ride: Embracing Failure16:22 Conclusion: Living an Interesting Life Topics Covered Psychology of failure and success How to expand your comfort zone Deliberate practice and skill acquisition Overcoming fear of failure and rejection The Federer principle and elite performance Growth mindset vs fixed mindset Building confidence through discomfort Neuroscience of learning and adaptability Mental models for personal growth Redefining success and risk taking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Chemistry Isn’t Compatibility: How to Choose Better Partners in Love and Work - w/ Matt Higgins 10.04.2026 23minThe psychology of healthy relationships: hidden rules behind better marriages, better teams, and better choices. In this episode, I sit down with legendary investor Matt Higgins to dissect the psychology of lasting relationships. It turns out that a staggering number of startups and marriages implode for the exact same reason: we mistake thrilling friction for long-term compatibility. We are remarkably bad at predicting who will actually help us bail water when the ship sinks. Rather than seeking our exact opposites to fill our gaps, evidence suggests we should hunt for a deeply unsexy but highly effective alternative: overlapping values. From the unexpected wisdom of arranged marriages to the quiet triumph of marrying your best friend, this is a delightfully sideways look at forming our most vital alliances. Why seeking your exact opposite is a fantastic recipe for mutual resentment The fascinating psychology behind why the fish always rots from the head in bad leadership How to utilize genuine self-awareness to build cheerfully boring, drama-free partnerships Listen in to discover the surprisingly positive science of selecting people who won't drive you mad. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Startups and Marriages Fail02:50 Arranged Marriages in Bangladesh and burning the boats06:43 Identical vs Shared Values10:33 How do you know someone is the one?12:24 Attachment Styles and Self-Awareness17:57 How do you mentor a CEO to become more self-aware?19:14 Wrap up Topics Covered Psychology of relationships and dating Choosing the right startup co-founder The difference between chemistry and compatibility Why startups fail from founder conflict Attachment styles in business and love Developing self-awareness and vulnerability as a leader The importance of shared values in marriage How to find a life partner Overcoming ego and improving emotional intelligence Matt Higgins business and investing advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Psychology of What Matters: How to Stop Wasting Time 07.04.2026 23minA psychological guide to choosing priorities, resisting urgency, and spending time well. Time is the universe’s most brilliant and inescapable invention, relentlessly marching forward whether you are building an empire or merely digesting a rather cheesy burrito. Yet, somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves we can beat it. The universe is terribly indifferent to your productivity. Even Tutankhamun isn't enjoying his enduring fame, mostly on account of being dead for millennia. When we look at positive psychology, the secret to existence isn’t achieving eternal glory, but simply making delightful little patterns in the great river of time while we're here to enjoy them. Today's topics: Why we chase the wrong goals, burn our attention, and forget what makes life feel meaningful How to stop drifting through life and focus on what actually deserves your time A better way to think about time, fulfilment, and the patterns you want your life to create SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Time and Existence00:53 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast01:06 Exploring the Philosophy of Time01:38 Time and Productivity02:49 The Concept of Winning and Time05:41 Patterns in the River of Time06:51 Historical Patterns: Julius Caesar08:01 Patterns in Music and Art09:53 Fighting Entropy with Patterns12:22 The Temporary Nature of Existence13:11 Creating Patterns for Others vs. Self14:11 The Concept of Legacy16:05 Optimizing for the Experiencing Self19:00 Final Thoughts and Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: How to rewire your brain 31.03.2026 36minThe human brain is a wonderfully absurd little organ. It powers civilization, invents jazz, and still somehow convinces you that being bad at something once, means you should never try again. In this episode, we tour through the neuroscience of growth mindset with the cheerful suspicion that your limitations may be considerably less permanent than advertised. Along the way, there are one-armed surfers, overworked taxi drivers, myelinated neurons, and the rather uplifting notion that failure is not a character flaw but a biological instruction manual. This psychology podcast explores how neuroplasticity, executive function, and repeated effort combine to reshape the brain across a lifetime. In other words, your mind is not a dusty attic of fixed talents, but more like a renovation project conducted by a slightly chaotic electrician. The hopeful part is that your errors are not interruptions to learning. They are the very sparks that make learning happen in the first place. See failure as feedback your brain can actually use. Build skill faster by choosing productive struggle over comfort. Replace fixed mindset stories with evidence from brain science. Listen in and give your pessimism the deeply inconvenient experience of being scientifically wrong. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Personal Limitations01:44 Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset04:36 Fixed Mindset Explained06:02 The Science Behind Brain Development10:23 The Role of Nurture in Human Development13:17 Mindsets and Their Impact15:05 Learning Through Mistakes19:26 How mindsets are built24:26 The Importance of Failure27:49 Reframing Failure for Growth29:16 The Problem with School and Mistakes30:08 Celebrating Mistakes and Effort31:01 The Root of Fixed Mindset Beliefs32:27 Final Thoughts on Growth and Learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Are You Thinking Your Thoughts, Or Are They Thinking You? 24.03.2026 34minYou like to think of yourself as someone who thinks for themselves. But what if the ideas running through your head aren't really yours — what if they found you, infected you, and quietly rewrote your behaviour to help themselves spread? In this episode, we take an unusual detour into evolutionary biology — because it turns out the science of genes, parasites, and natural selection explains more about your psychology than most self-help books ever will. We cover why you are, in a very real sense, a vehicle built to carry ancient replicators. How social media, advertising, and even religion use the same cognitive vulnerabilities as a brain parasite that makes rats fall in love with cats. And why understanding the mechanism of influence is the first — and most underrated — step to genuine mental autonomy. This is a preview of an episode from How to Change the World. See details below. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:24 You Are a Robot 04:12 Patterns of Nature 05:45 Act 1: Control 06:20 Nico Tinbergen and the Randy Fish 08:46 The Primordial Soup Starter Kit 10:04 Algorithmic Governance 11:24 Act 2: Co-operation 13:44 Moral Judgement and the Birth of Religion 15:25 Act 3: External Control 17:38 Remote Control 20:44 Act 4: Idea Vats 21:10 Consciousness 23:13 What Is a Meme? 24:14 Genes vs Memes Speed 26:03 Idea Propagation 28:29 Carrier Class 30:23 Act 5: Game Theory 31:00 Where to Find the Full Episode TOPICS Free will, cognitive bias, evolutionary psychology, memes, Richard Dawkins, selfish gene, mindset, belief systems, mental models, psychology of influence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Psychology of Never Feeling Good Enough (Even When You Clearly Are) 20.03.2026 23minHedonic adaption busily sweeps our wins under the rug like they are a nuisance. We look at how to fight back against your own psychology. I once ran further than 99.9% of humans ever will. Then went to bed and forgot about it and spent half the week a little dissappointed with other failures. That's not modesty. That's my brain working exactly as designed. We're wired to stop feeling satisfied — it kept our ancestors alive. But in modern life, it quietly robs us of every win we earn. This episode breaks down why perfectionism, hedonic adaptation, and the inner critic form a tag team that buries your progress before you even notice it happened. With real examples and grounded psychology, you'll see exactly how the loop works — and how to break it. Notice the "already moved on" reflex before it kicks in Separate your experiencing self from your remembering self to enjoy wins twice Build a small, consistent recognition habit that doesn't feel forced Stop letting your best moments disappear into the noise. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and the quest of perfect03:09 Celebrating Successes and 200 Episodes04:01 Perfectionism and Letting Things Go06:25 The Bundling Concept and Other People's Perspectives08:30 Why We're Not Evolved to Stay Content10:01 The Entrepreneur's Stress Spiral11:12 Making Celebration a Priority14:05 Running an Ultra Marathon Unsupported17:24 Recognising Your Own Success18:37 Reflecting on Five Years and 200 Episodes20:35 Future Plans and New Projects22:35 Wrapping Up the Archive Episode23:15 Outro and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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7 Weird Life-Changing Skills that are Strange to Work On 17.03.2026 59minNobody tells you that curiosity is a skill. Or that humor can be built. Or that the way you think is quietly deciding everything. Most of us are running on borrowed opinions — System One thinking dressed up as personality. We consume the same content, absorb the same views, and wonder why we feel forgettable. This episode breaks down five traits that genuinely change your trajectory: deep thinking, curiosity, uniqueness, humor, and enthusiasm. Not as abstract ideals — as practical, buildable skills that compound over time. Sam shares real frameworks, a few uncomfortable truths about how your algorithm is quietly shaping your identity, and why the most interesting people in any room aren't born that way. Train your attention like a muscle — distraction is the enemy of deep thought Curiosity isn't fixed; it's a lens you can deliberately apply to anything Humor follows rules — and once you know them, you can actually get funnier The traits that change your life are the ones nobody thought to teach you — until now. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Unconventional Traits for Success 03:50 The Importance of Deep Thinking 08:55 Focusing on Quality Information 09:17 Train Your Algorithms 10:14 Train Your Attention and Build Your Environment 11:48 Vary Between Fun and Difficult Things 12:32 Keep an Active Document 13:40 Building Curiosity: The Key to Lifelong Learning 17:37 Embracing Uniqueness in a Conformist World 22:57 Discovering and Nurturing Your Interests 27:17 The Power of Humor: A Life-Changing Skill 29:02 Practical Tips for Developing a Sense of Humor 30:27 Developing Your Unique Comedy Style 31:04 The Art of Punching Up in Comedy 31:25 The Power of Relatable Stories 32:39 Mastering the Rule of Threes 34:43 The Magic of Puns 37:07 Building Enthusiasm in Life 41:01 Understanding Ego in Communication 46:09 The Importance of Staying Calm and Patient 52:54 Quick Tips to Leave You With 56:01 Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Why Having a Backup Plan Is Making You Fail - Burn the boats with Matt Higgins 13.03.2026 44minIn 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico and promptly set fire to his own fleet. By any conventional measure of military logistics, this seems profoundly counterproductive. It wasn't. Matt Higgins — Shark Tank investor, Harvard Business School lecturer, and accidental dropout — has spent his career studying what happens when humans remove their own escape routes. Spoiler: it tends to go rather well, and there's solid science to explain why. A landmark Wharton study found that merely having a backup plan measurably reduces both your motivation and your likelihood of success. The safety net, it turns out, is cutting the tightrope. Why the brain mistakes "prudence" for "self-protection" and how to catch it The four-step process for synthesising your risk tolerance before you commit How to extract more value from failure than was taken from you SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Cortés Burning the Boats01:31 Introducing Matt Higgins04:08 The Problem with Plan B06:11 Managing Risks10:53 When You Should Be Able to Retreat15:18 Why We Should Not Romanticise Failure17:38 Life After Shark Tank24:30 Optimising Strengths vs Improving Weaknesses31:48 Importance of Commitment and Setting Intentions33:47 Inspiring Women37:00 The Investor Anxiety Exchange39:45 Rapid Fire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Why You Have Great Ideas but Never Actually Do Anything With Them 10.03.2026 22minWe are spectacularly good at having ideas and remarkably reluctant to do anything with them. It turns out that the distance between "I've got it!" and "here it is" is not a step but a rather long, occasionally bewildering journey. Not unlike flying a plane. It involves a terrifying amount of fuel, significant faith in invisible forces, and a desperate hope that everything holds together on landing. History's great innovators weren't just bold thinkers; they were stubborn completers. Edison filed hundreds of patents before the lightbulb. Jeff Bezos accidentally invented cloud computing whilst trying to sell books. Remember: Ideas evolve mid-flight — your job is to keep steering Feedback isn't optional; even Van Gogh had his brother Consistency across many ideas beats obsessing over one perfect one Fasten your seatbelt — your ideas deserve an actual destination. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Growth Mindset Podcast00:31 The Analogy of Ideas Taking Flight02:09 The Challenge of Execution02:59 The Importance of Persistence03:55 Learning from Historical Figures06:16 Consistency is Key08:01 The Role of Feedback10:01 The Power of Consistency11:03 The Myth of the Perfect Idea12:51 The Concept of Destiny15:07 The Legacy of Actions17:08 The Tragic Endings of Legends18:04 Cultural Insights and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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You Didn't Choose Your Attachment Style, but Here's How You Can Change It - With Jessica Baum 06.03.2026 53minMost people think their relationship problems are about the other person. They're not — they're about an 18-month-old version of you who learned the only way to survive. In this episode, psychotherapist Jessica Baum breaks down why your nervous system is still running a programme it wrote in infancy. Attachment styles — secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganised — aren't personality quirks. They're adaptive strategies your brain built when connection was a matter of survival. The anxious person who chases, the avoidant who disappears, the couple stuck in a loop they can't explain — it all traces back to the same source: early experiences that taught your body what to expect from closeness. Understanding that isn't just interesting. It's the beginning of actually changing it. Your attachment style isn't fixed — it shifts depending on who you're with Co-regulation isn't neediness — it's how the nervous system was designed to heal The goal isn't independence. It's interdependence — being whole and connected If your relationships keep following the same painful script, this episode is where you start rewriting it. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 What Are Attachment Styles?01:55 The Origins of Attachment Theory05:39 Metacognition and Belief Systems in Development08:14 How to Intervene on Your Own Attachment Patterns12:10 Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation15:21 Codependency vs Interdependency19:14 Mirror Neurons and Attunement23:05 Cultural Impacts on Attachment24:56 Attachment Styles — Bug or Evolutionary Feature?28:24 Signs You Need to Explore Your Attachment Style29:54 Gender Differences in Attachment32:03 Narcissism, Borderline, and Attachment Wounds33:50 How to Help a Couple Heal Attachment Issues34:58 The Imago Dialogue Explained37:35 Expectations in Attachment Therapy38:43 What Else Causes Relationship Problems?40:07 Boundaries and Implicit Memory41:46 Neuroception and Building Awareness44:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources44:49 Earliest Memories45:20 The Kindest Thing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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