No one is coming to save you—but staying stuck isn’t the only option.
Steven Kotler and Ryan Wickes welcome back Columbia professor and humanistic psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman—author of the just-released Rise Above, and one of today’s leading voices on human potential.
Kaufman joins to unpack the victim mindset, the neurobiology of agency, and how narcissism, entitlement, and impostor syndrome can quietly block the path to self-actualization.
At the heart of this conversation is a powerful truth: flow demands agency. When we feel powerless, we avoid challenge—and without challenge, there is no flow. A victim mindset disrupts the neural circuitry behind motivation, focus, and drive.
This episode breaks down the science of that disruption—and maps out a way through. From learned helplessness to learned hopefulness, you’ll hear how reclaiming agency reactivates your growth, unlocks flow, and strengthens resilience.
The journey is personal. The tools are universal.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a humanistic psychologist, Columbia University professor, and one of the world’s leading experts on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. Ranked in the top 1% of most-cited scientists worldwide, he’s the founder of Self-Actualization Coaching, director of the Center for Human Potential, and host of The Psychology Podcast (30M+ downloads). Named one of Business Insider’s 50 groundbreaking scientists, he’s authored 11 books—including Transcend, Choose Growth, and his latest, Rise Above.
In This Episode:
03:03 The Journey from Creativity to Self-Actualization
06:07 Overcoming the Victim Mindset
09:07 Neurobiology of Mindsets
15:06 Understanding the Victim Mindset
17:53 Evolutionary Perspectives on Victimhood
20:53 Empathy and Honest Love
25:29 Empowerment Through Adversity
28:39 Challenging the Trauma Narrative
32:39 Navigating the Victim Mindset
45:12 Imposter Syndrome: A Signal for Growth
52:08 Narcissism and Wellbeing
Episode Resources:
Self-Actualizing People in the 21st Century by Scott Barry Kaufman
A modern, data-driven update to Maslow’s theory—complete with a validated scale and new insights into well-being, resilience, and creative expression.
→ Read the full paper
Scott’s New Book — Rise Above
Want to go deeper on the science behind the victim mindset, resilience, and human potential?
Grab Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s latest book, Rise Above…
→ scottbarrykaufman.com/books/rise-above
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