Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Sam Webster Harris | Growth Mindset Psychology
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 9, 2025 • 37min
The Illusion of Control: 7 Ways we lie to ourselves that even defeated Napoleon - [Cognitive Biases #5]
Explore how our perceptions shape reality and can blind us to truth. Discover the fascinating 1951 study where sports fans saw the same game differently. Delve into the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon and its role in identifying opportunities. Learn how the placebo effect highlights the power of belief, echoing through historical figures like Napoleon. From the illusion of control in decision-making to the impact of contrast on value and happiness, this discussion dives deep into cognitive biases that influence our lives and choices.
Dec 5, 2025 • 26min
Why You Make Bad Decisions: Confirmation Bias and the 7 Sins of Lazy Thinking [Cognitive Biases #4]
Discover how cognitive biases shape our decision-making in surprising ways. Explore confirmation bias, the comfort of echo chambers, and the risk of neglecting important statistics. Learn to reframe unexpected events into manageable predictions and overcome decision paralysis with effective commitment strategies. Dive into intriguing examples, from everyday choices to historical disasters, while enhancing your long-term thinking. It's time to break free from mental shortcuts and choose clarity in your decision-making.
11 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 30min
Why We Don't Understand Money: How to fix your thinking flaws - [Cognitive Biases #3]
Discover the sneaky ways our brains mismanage money. Unravel how the Decoy Effect tricks us into overspending and why Sir Isaac Newton fell prey to the Sunk Cost Fallacy. Learn the importance of the 'Consider the Opposite' strategy to combat anchoring biases. Explore the surprising pitfalls of Information Bias, where more data can lead to worse decisions. This enlightening discussion reveals that true financial wisdom isn't just about numbers; it's knowing how our minds can mislead us.
14 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 33min
Ego Blindspots: Common cognitive distortions of the self - [Cognitive Biases #2]
Ever defended a silly idea just to maintain your ego? This discussion dives into cognitive biases, like the Dunning-Kruger effect, revealing how we often overestimate our abilities. You’ll learn about the spotlight effect, the curse of knowledge, and how our biases skew our perception of ourselves and others. Discover practical tips for reducing ego, embracing feedback, and making better decisions. Get ready to challenge your own thoughts and become more self-aware!
4 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 51min
Thinking Fast and Slow: How to make better decisions and avoid hidden mind traps
Delve into the fascinating world of decision-making and biases. Discover how our fast, automatic thinking often leads to irrational choices. Explore the interplay between quick judgments and deliberate thought processes, and how mood affects our satisfaction. Learn about common cognitive fails and how simple framing influences beliefs. Uncover the surprising ways we misinterpret probabilities and find out why memorable experiences shape our happiness. Finally, reflect on the importance of perspective in managing worries and embracing life's journey.
Nov 21, 2025 • 21min
Who are you VS. Who do you want to be? - How to align your actions with your desires
Explore the intriguing divide between who you are and who you want to be. Uncover the difference between wanting to act now versus wanting results later. Learn how unmet desires can lead to unhappiness and how daily choices impact your goals. Discover the motivation versus ease model that illustrates the importance of consistent habits. The conversation delves into aligning priorities with actions, reducing the number of goals, and making tasks more enjoyable. Finally, practical journal prompts are provided for aligning your ambitions with daily habits.
Nov 18, 2025 • 28min
The Hidden Psychology of Black Friday - How do shops manipulate us (and make calm aunties fist-fight over PlayStations)?
Explore the wild world of Black Friday where joy meets chaos! Discover how retailers manipulate our brains with tactics like FOMO and scarcity. Uncover the dark side of sale-induced buying, including financial harm and environmental costs. Journey through bizarre real-life shopping incidents and acts of unexpected kindness amidst the frenzy. Learn practical tips to curb impulse buying and reflect on what our shopping habits reveal about our identities. This episode dives deep into the psychology behind our need for stuff!
28 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 33min
Systems Thinking: How to understand the deeper reality of the world around us
Dive into the fascinating world of systems thinking, where problems are seen as interconnected rather than isolated incidents. Learn how understanding the components of systems reveals root causes and impacts our daily lives. Discover the ripple effects of small changes, the role of feedback loops, and why some systems endure while others collapse. Explore how innovations can lead to unintended consequences and the importance of leveraging points for change. This insightful discussion invites a new perspective on the challenges of the modern world.
Nov 11, 2025 • 35min
Die With Zero Regrets - Stoic ideas to make the most of your life
What if enough isn’t a number but a moment? This discussion dives into the idea of living completely to avoid regrets. Instead of hoarding money, it argues for using resources to create meaningful experiences. The concept of time as a currency emphasizes savoring moments that truly matter. It also challenges traditional views on inheritance, suggesting giving while alive maximizes impact. Stoic and Buddhist philosophies are intertwined, encouraging a thoughtful perspective on life and wealth.
Nov 7, 2025 • 55min
The Psychology of Podcasting: Lessons in self actualisation, intrinsic motivation and how to enjoy yourself - w/ Paul Davies
Sam Webster Harris, a passionate podcaster and host of the Growth Mindset Psychology podcast, dives into the secrets of podcasting with Paul Davies. They explore why the majority of podcasters quit early and what motivates the few who persist. From discussing the shift from interviews to scripted episodes, to the deep research process behind high-production shows, Sam sheds light on how podcasting fosters learning and accountability. They also touch on the balance between intrinsic motivation and external rewards, and the impact of social perception on podcasters.
