Maya Shankar

In this discussion, Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and former senior advisor to the White House, dives into the intricacies of identity and goal-setting. She explores how our upbringing and experiences shape our self-perception and emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation in pursuing passions. Dr. Shankar shares her personal journey through identity shifts and offers science-backed strategies to effectively frame and achieve goals. Listeners will gain insights into fostering resilience and connection amidst life's transitions.

Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and former White House Senior Advisor, shares her journey from aspiring Juilliard violinist to leading in behavioral science. She delves into how identity shapes personal transformation and goal achievement. Shankar emphasizes the importance of a flexible self-perception and offers strategies for setting goals rooted in one's identity. The conversation also touches on the role of empathy in success, making it a rich exploration of human motivation and growth.

Maya Shankar, a cognitive neuroscientist and former advisor at the Obama White House, shares her insights on navigating life's unexpected changes. She explores the tension between voluntary and involuntary changes and how our brains resist uncertainty. Maya discusses her personal journey through identity crises caused by injuries and losses, emphasizing the importance of redefining identity beyond roles. She offers practical strategies for embracing change as a revelation while cultivating curiosity and agency in the face of adversity.

Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and author known for her insights on navigating life changes, shares powerful wisdom on managing life's curveballs. She discusses the terrifying nature of unexpected shifts like breakups and job losses, emphasizing how they challenge our sense of control. Maya introduces concepts like self-affirmation and moral elevation to help expand our possible identities after change. She also highlights techniques for managing emotions, tolerating uncertainty, and breaking free from rumination, encouraging a transformative approach to adversity.

Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and the host of A Slight Change of Plans, dives into the complexities of unexpected life changes. She discusses how such changes can feel threatening, highlighting the fear of uncertainty and loss. Sharing personal stories, Maya introduces three insightful questions to help reframe our perspectives on transformation. By illustrating how change can enhance capabilities and redefine values, she encourages listeners to embrace the opportunities that come with life’s unpredictability.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, joins Maya Shankar, a cognitive science expert and podcast host, for an enlightening discussion. They reveal how potential isn't just innate ability but can be unlocked through growth and perseverance. The duo emphasizes the significance of soft skills and character development in achieving success. They also tackle how to filter constructive feedback from the unhelpful and share personal stories on embracing imperfection to enhance relationships and foster personal growth.

Peter McIndoe, creator of the satirical 'Birds Aren't Real' movement, humorously critiques societal issues and conspiracy theories. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, explores why we are drawn to wrongdoing, weaving together historical insights with personal anecdotes. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, discusses navigating life changes, emphasizing emotional resilience and the transformative power of unexpected events. Together, they highlight how shock and satire can inspire growth, foster community, and reshape our understanding of human behavior.

In this uplifting discussion, Tim Harford, a journalist and economist, shares a touching story of unexpected kindness experienced while traveling in Cameroon. J.R. Martinez, an Army veteran and actor, reveals how a gifted puppy played a crucial role in his healing journey. Psychologist Maya Shankar reflects on her personal growth through acts of kindness, highlighting the concept of moral elevation. The conversation illuminates how simple acts of giving can not only change lives but also enhance our own happiness.

Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and author, dives into navigating life's changes and uncertainties. She shares her own experiences with fertility struggles, highlighting that change often feels insurmountable and can challenge our identity. Together with Dr. Becky, they discuss the 'end-of-history illusion' and how we underestimate our capacity for growth. Maya emphasizes anchoring identity in our motivations rather than our roles, encouraging curiosity about future possibilities. Their conversation blends personal stories with practical strategies to cope with life's unpredictability.

Nudges are all around you. They might help you choose your meal at a restaurant, navigate a busy airport terminal, or start saving for the future. But nudges are often subtle, so you might not notice them until they’re pointed out. In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we’re doing things a little differently. This episode is your guide to the many ways nudges have changed the world for the better. We'll revisit examples of nudges you may recognize from previous episodes of Choiceology. UCLA professor Shlomo Benartzi explains why defaults help more people save for retirement. University of Chicago professor Ayelet Fishbach reminds us how making the best choice a fun one is a great way to encourage better decisions. Harvard professor Todd Rogers discusses how social norms can help people reduce water and energy usage in hotels. You'll hear a feature interview with Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler, who along with Harvard law professor Cass Sunstein popularized nudges more than a decade ago in their book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. And Cass Sunstein himself talks about how simplifying application forms can have an outsized impact on financial aid programs for students.Richard Thaler is the Charles R. Walgreen Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He is the author of several books, including Nudge: The Final Edition and Misbehaving: The Making Of Behavioral Economics.Next, you'll hear from cognitive scientist Maya Shankar about how reading Nudge led her to work in the White House. She served as a senior advisor in the federal government where she founded the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team. She's also the creator, host, and executive producer of the award-winning podcast A Slight Change of Plans.Finally, Katy discusses ways you can incorporate nudges in your own life to help you make better decisions. Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/podcast.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresAll expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions.The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.The book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the book and makes no representations about its content.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.(0422-2A4K) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.