Olga Khazan

Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better," dives into the fascinating realm of personality change. She shares insights from her journey exploring whether personality traits are fixed or can be transformed. The discussion unveils the intricate balance between genetics and life experiences, emphasizing mindfulness and self-awareness as keys to personal growth. Khazan also challenges the notion of inherent traits by revealing how intentional changes can lead to meaningful transformations.

Reporter and author Olga Khazan dives into the intriguing world of personality change. Tired of being a 'high-strung misanthrope,' she explored science-backed methods to transform her life. From recognizing personal meltdowns as catalysts to enhancing happiness through overcoming neuroticism, Khazan shares relatable anecdotes. She discusses the dynamics of personality in relationships and the delicate balance between introversion and extroversion. By embracing change, she believes anyone can take steps toward a better version of themselves.

In this engaging discussion, Olga Khazan, a Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me But Better," dives into her year-long experiment on changing personality traits. She uncovers the science behind personality stability and transformation, sharing insights on how traits can block happiness. Olga reveals how small social engagements can cultivate extroverted traits and emphasizes meditation's role in emotional resilience. Discover the fascinating interplay of genetics and environment that shapes who we are and the potential for personal evolution!

Olga Khazan, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better," dives into the fascinating world of personality change. She discusses the misconceptions around authenticity and how adapting behaviors can enhance mental health. The conversation reveals the Big Five personality traits and tools for self-evaluation, while mindfulness is highlighted as a key method for personal transformation. Olga shares practical steps to boost extroversion and emphasizes that personal identity can evolve at any stage of life, encouraging listeners to embrace their own growth.

Join Olga Khazan, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Me But Better," as she dives into the science of personality change, revealing that it's possible to transform who we are at any age. She shares practical strategies for personal growth. Meanwhile, journalist Alexander Clapp, author of "Waste Wars," uncovers the shocking realities of our trash's journey, especially plastic waste, challenging common recycling myths and advocating for significant changes to combat the plastic crisis. Together, they explore self-improvement and the complex recycling landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her keen insights into social trends, sheds light on America's alarming rise in bad behavior. She explores how chronic stress and the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled violent crime and antisocial actions. The ripple effect of rudeness in high-stress situations is revealed, alongside the impacts of political rhetoric and isolation on societal norms. Khazan provides a thought-provoking analysis on how these factors have made communities more unruly.

In this enlightening conversation, Olga Khazan, a writer and author of "Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change," shares her journey of attempting to transform her personality. She discusses how she tested strategies to become more sociable and productive, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. Khazan highlights the role of accountability and support systems in fostering change, as well as the benefits of mindfulness and social engagement for personal growth. Her insights encourage listeners to believe in their capacity to evolve.

Today it's great to have Olga Khazan on the podcast. Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic, covering health, gender, and science. Prior to that, she was The Atlantic's Global editor. She has also written for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Forbes, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Awards for Magazine Online Writing. Topics [02:23] The origin of Olga Khazan's weirdness [04:02] The natural tendency of loner kids to flock together [07:35] The state of our polarized society [08:53] How outcasts bond over the mutual feeling of being different [10:17] Changing social norms without changing people's attitude [11:45] The implications of normalizing everything [12:29] Why most people find it hard to be different [14:10] Gender issues when upholding the norm [16:13] The relationship between tribal instincts and farming [18:03] Why most people tend to overgeneralize stuff [19:34] Why American's warm more towards English speakers than non-English speakers [21:15] Social stresses and how it is related to loneliness [23:59] The link between adverse health outcomes and racial disparities [25:09] Perceived versus real social treatment [26:25] The relationship between weirdness and creativity [28:27] How being different can help you find your true self or your true love [35:48] How to be different [37:06] Comfort with discomfort [39:30] "The weirder you are the fewer and the more precious are the people who truly accept you" [40:35] Why non-conformists desire to improve the lives of others Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olga Khazan, an award-winning writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World,' dives into the complex dynamics of digital advertising. She reveals how feeling like an outsider can spark creativity and unique perspectives in business. The conversation also addresses Google's declining ad sales, Amazon's expanding influence, and the resilience of brands like McCormick amid challenges. Personal anecdotes and insights on corporate strategies make this discussion both engaging and thought-provoking.

Olga Khazan, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World," dives into what it means to be labeled 'weird.' She shares her experiences as a Russian immigrant in Texas and discusses the societal norms that shape perceptions of individuality. The conversation highlights the advantages of embracing one's uniqueness, the psychological effects of ostracism, and the importance of supportive communities. Khazan also explores how cultural dynamics influence conformity and celebrates the strength found in diversity.