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 30, 2025 • 16min
Working with Time Instead of Against It - How to enjoy this year and every year of your life
Explore the idea that you have only about 4,000 weeks to live and why chasing efficiency might just add to your stress. Reflect on how your birthdays reveal your relationship with time and how calmness can be cultivated as a skill. Discover the power of meditation as a way to reclaim your time and intentions, and learn why resting intentionally can boost your overall productivity. Instead of fighting against time, find ways to work with it, making life more meaningful and manageable.
8 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 11min
5 Rules for Mental Health and Clarity - Andrew Huberman's simple formula for success
Discover the essential five rules for mental clarity and health. Prioritize quality sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours. Embrace daily movement with at least an hour of walking and some high-intensity workouts. Let in morning sunlight to regulate your sleep patterns and minimize evening blue light exposure. Focus on a diet rich in unprocessed foods, while also recognizing the power of social connections. Don’t forget hydration, an often-overlooked key to well-being. Master these basics for lasting success!
Dec 19, 2025 • 43min
Leaving a Legacy: What do we actually get remembered for - Lessons on family and life - [Storied Recipe]
Becky Hadid, host of The Storied Recipe, dives into a heartfelt narrative about her nan's pineapple upside-down cake—a symbol of love and consistency. She shares how this sweet ritual eased her food anxieties and created enduring connections. The discussion contrasts nurturing approaches with rigid control in childhood, showcasing the importance of consistent support. Becky reflects on her nan’s resilience as a blind baker and entrepreneur, highlighting how creativity fosters community, leaving a legacy that moves beyond mere recipes.
21 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 26min
The Regret Minimization Framework: How to make life decisions
Explore the idea that our lives are a series of temporary selves, each with unique dreams and desires. Discover the Regret Minimization Framework, inspired by Jeff Bezos, which encourages bold life choices over safe bets. Delve into the crucial distinction between peak and plateau experiences, understanding that some chances diminish with age. Learn to apply time bucketing in your life, ensuring you savor age-appropriate adventures while embracing urgency. Reflect on what experiences you might defer and act before those opportunities slip away.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 44min
Cognitive Rigidity: 5 Lessons to build a flexible mind - [Cognitive Biases #6]
Dive into the fascinating world of cognitive rigidity and discover five mental traps that can hold you back. Uncover why we often value our own flawed ideas and how immediate gratification sabotages our long-term goals. Explore the impact of social conformity on decision-making. Learn how to overcome functional fixedness with creative thinking and break free from the traps of ownership and unfinished tasks. Plus, see how even great minds like Einstein struggled with flexibility. It's time to open the door to new possibilities!
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.
