

Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Growth Mindset Psychology
There are a lot of opinions on how to master your mind, but then there’s PSYCHOLOGY.We’re all stuck with the brain we’re born with, but we aren’t stuck with how we use it.Learn science-backed answers to make the most of your mind and your life.CURIOUS?Growth Mindset Psychology is the "self-help sceptic" podcast for the curious.Whether you want to improve performance, navigate setbacks, or know who you are.We find answers to the true science of self-improvement.So put down the astrology chart and start working with your mind, instead of against it.With over 8 million downloads and 60,000 monthly listeners, you’re invited to join.PROCESSInstead of telling you what to think, we discuss how thinking works.Armed with a stack of science journals, textbooks and a boatload of curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of the mind.Why? >>> Success is personal!You might want to make the most of your neurodiverse strengths, start a business, or simply find more reasons to smile.Hone your ability for independent thinking and growth with mental models to pursue your definition of success.HOSTI’m Sam Webster Harris, a lifelong learner with ADHD, a raging curiosity, and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions.After launching several businesses, travelling the world and nearly dying a few times I concluded that science and Psychology are where it’s at.What actually makes people happy? What’s the best way to treat a brain? How can I get more done?Studying the answers we find that changing behaviours requires building mindsets, mental models, and a healthy relationship with failure.I run the show to help listeners enjoy nutritious content that feeds their minds (and I needed a legitimate excuse to cover for my reading addiction).PREMIUMGo Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content.Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord.Growth Mindset PremiumARCHIVEPrevious 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— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2025 • 54min
The Top 3 Fitness Mistakes and How to 20:80 your Health - w/ Coach Jake Parker, Beyond Fitness
In a thought-provoking conversation with Jake Parker, a fitness coach at Beyond Fitness, listeners discover that fitness is more about identity than discipline. Jake explores how environment shapes habits over willpower and discusses the top three mistakes people make when getting fit. He emphasizes embracing sustainable habits, flexible dieting, and transforming exercise into an act of self-kindness. The chat also highlights gender differences in fitness beliefs and the importance of shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.

Aug 26, 2025 • 18min
Where To Spend Your Life Energy: A 3-step framework for brilliance
Discover the secret to channeling your energy wisely as you juggle life's demands. Delve into the balance between finishing projects and managing expectations for true value. Explore how social media shapes personal connections and the pitfalls of perfectionism. Through a charming parable, learn to find joy in simplicity while navigating societal pressures. Finally, uncover the beauty of pursuing meaningful goals beyond mere functionality, and embrace the fulfillment of everyday happiness in your journey.

Aug 22, 2025 • 42min
Defining Your Own Success in a World Full of Self-Appointed Experts - w/ Mike Winnet (Worlds #1 Demotivational Coach)
Mike Winnet, the UK's number one demotivational speaker, challenges our perceptions of success and happiness. He critiques the glamorized entrepreneurial culture and advocates for finding contentment in average life. The discussion emphasizes redefining success metrics that align with personal values, rather than societal expectations. Mike encourages listeners to embrace authenticity over social media illusions and to see responsibility as a path to freedom. Ultimately, he inspires a shift from chasing achievements to cultivating deeper self-fulfillment.

21 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
The Evolutionary Psychology of Gender Roles, Male Violence & Food - How Fire Transformed Us
Explore how our ancient relationship with fire has shaped humanity! Discover its transformative role in human evolution and its eerie connection to gender roles and aggression. Learn why shared meals around the fire fueled social bonding. Uncover the psychological interplay between fear and innovation, and how fire's control rewired our minds and society. From wildfires to campfire chats, this discussion navigates the surprising impacts of flames on our lives, communities, and self-improvement.

10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 25min
Why Taking Life Less Seriously Could Be the Productivity Boost You Need
Explore how integrating play into work can transform productivity and reduce stress. Discover the dangers of comparison and checklists that steal our joy, urging a shift to a playful mindset. Learn to build tiny rituals that make tasks feel less like chores and more like adventures. Embrace imperfection as a guide, not a judge, and create contagious moments of fun in the workplace. It's time to redefine productivity by choosing joy and playfulness every day!

Aug 15, 2025 • 45min
How to Stay MOTIVATED When You Keep LOSING - w/ Gold Medal Olympian Sir Ben Hunt-Davis
Ben Hunt-Davis, an Olympic gold medalist in rowing and performance coach, shares his journey of overcoming continuous setbacks. He reveals the transformative question that led him to victory: "Will it make the boat go faster?" The discussion highlights the messy reality of pursuing dreams, the importance of resilience, and learning from failures. Ben encourages listeners to treat setbacks as data and celebrates successes consciously to improve. Tune in for actionable insights that redefine perseverance and motivation in both sports and life.

12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 25min
Why You’ll Care About Completely Different Things in 5 Years
Ever wonder why your priorities may seem silly in hindsight? The conversation dives into how our values shift, comparing past obsessions with childhood joys. Eccentric inventors and playful puppies illustrate the beauty of creative simplicity. Step outside your norms for fresh perspectives, and learn to distinguish fleeting interests from lasting values. Reflecting on past passions can clarify what truly matters, emphasizing the importance of kindness and time as you navigate your future.

8 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 20min
How to Find Your Zone and Stay There - A Masterclass On Focus w/ John Lee Dumas
John Lee Dumas, the mastermind behind the multi-million dollar podcast

Aug 5, 2025 • 59min
The Art of Consistency: 10 Simple Rules for Real Growth
Discover the science behind effective habit formation and why some habits thrive while others falter. Real growth is framed around consistency rather than drastic changes. Learn how intrinsic motivation and environment play crucial roles in shaping choices. Embrace small, manageable wins over overwhelming targets, and master habit stacking for enduring change. Enjoy the process by infusing joy and social support into your routines, while allowing for reflection and self-compassion on your journey to personal growth.

Jul 29, 2025 • 21min
Why Wisdom Isn't About Age - And what really defines maturity
This podcast challenges the common belief that wisdom and maturity are defined by age. It emphasizes that wisdom is seasonal, evolving with personal experiences. Listeners are encouraged to honor their authentic desires rather than conforming to societal expectations. The discussion also highlights that true maturity involves recognizing individual timelines and avoiding comparison. Ultimately, it promotes a compassionate view of personal growth, advocating for self-discovery and redefining the rules of what it means to grow up.