

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

Oct 15, 2024 • 25min
How to Be Remembered in a Forgetful World - 3 Rules to Build Lasting Impressions
Discover how to stand out by embracing your authentic self! Learn the importance of emotional connections in creating memorable impressions. The power of storytelling is explored, showing how everyday experiences can shape your personal narrative. Dive into the art of demonstrating qualities through actions, not just words. Plus, find out how small acts of kindness can strengthen connections and enhance your personal brand. It's all about uncovering your unique traits and sharing them effectively!

26 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 39min
How to Build Worldly Wisdom - The Greatest Mental Models of Charlie Munger
Discover the mental models that shape Charlie Munger's remarkable decision-making process. Delve into interdisciplinary thinking and the significance of independent thought in overcoming cognitive biases. Explore mindful investing strategies that prioritize avoiding mistakes, as well as the importance of understanding opportunity costs. Learn how cultivating worldly wisdom through reading and community engagement can enhance your judgment and practical psychology skills. It's a treasure trove of practical insights for personal and financial growth!

Oct 8, 2024 • 26min
The Truth About Potential: How the Inversion Principle Applies to Success
The discussion pivots around redefining success through historical figures like Confucius and Socrates. It delves into how their teachings respond to societal needs. Listeners explore the power of creativity, illustrated by the evolving essence of a famous Radiohead song. Additionally, the inversion principle suggests uncovering existing truths for success. The narrative emphasizes personal choices in embodying potential and highlights the interconnectedness of ideas, fostering a rich understanding of self-improvement.

Oct 4, 2024 • 34min
AMA #2: Procrastination Blockers - Understanding Enthusiasm - Auditory Processing Myths - Writing & Research Strategies - Scary People
Explore the impact of auditory processing difficulties on learning and enthusiasm. Discover how a negativity bias manifests and practical tips to rekindle motivation. Delve into strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing big projects without panic. Uncover the nuances of how our environments shape our experiences, along with effective writing and research techniques. Personal narratives enrich the discussion, offering insights into navigating learning challenges with a growth mindset.

Oct 1, 2024 • 20min
7 Time Management Tips for Busy Mortals
Oliver Burkman, an author known for his insights on living meaningfully despite life's chaos, shares wisdom from his book, '4,000 Weeks.' He critiques the hustle culture that prioritizes constant productivity, revealing how this mindset often leads to burnout. Burkman emphasizes the importance of embracing unstructured time and prioritizing happiness over rigid efficiency. He encourages listeners to view life’s challenges as growth opportunities and to focus on a few essential goals for a satisfying life filled with joy and creativity.

Sep 27, 2024 • 51min
Abundance vs. Ego: How to Shift Your Mindset and Take Control of Your Life w/ Kyle livingston
In this engaging discussion, Kyle Livingston, a personal development advocate and former orphan, shares his inspiring journey from abandonment to empowerment. He dives into the scarcity mindset around money and success, revealing how he transformed anxiety into resilience. Listeners will learn practical strategies for redefining their relationship with finances and overcoming fear. Kyle emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and personal growth while highlighting that true success lies in creating positive impact, not just financial gain.

Sep 24, 2024 • 22min
The Single Most Important Life Skill To Lead An Impactful Life
Explore the shift from self-obsession to making a real impact on the world. Discover how individual cells operate within larger systems, mirroring societal structures and emphasizing teamwork. Learn about the evolution of independence in entrepreneurship and the vital role of human connection in achieving success. Delve into the chaos that often exists in organizations, reflecting how they manage dysfunction. Ultimately, embrace kindness and cooperation to foster genuine connections without the pressure to be extraordinary.

Sep 20, 2024 • 24min
Consciousness: How Emotional Intelligence, Pain Perception & Free Will Combine w/ Stephen Porges
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Stephen Porges, the father of Polyvagal Theory, explores the intricate connections between consciousness, free will, and emotional intelligence. He shares how our bodies perceive threats and safety, impacting pain perception and emotional regulation. The conversation also delves into the importance of self-awareness, particularly in high-stress environments like healthcare. Porges emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity and reflection as tools for personal growth and resilience.

Sep 17, 2024 • 44min
The Paradox of Genius: How To Be A Remarkably Unbalanced Individual
Explore the power of contradictory traits that can lead to extraordinary success. Discover how to unlock your potential by balancing strengths and weaknesses. Learn from historical figures and entrepreneurs who thrived by embracing their unbalanced qualities. Delve into the interplay between creativity and critique, and see how neurodiversity can be a strength. Gain insights on identifying your ideal trait combinations and transforming challenges into personal growth opportunities. Embrace the paradox and redefine your path to success!

Sep 13, 2024 • 36min
4 Hidden Fears That Secretly Sabotage Your Life (And what to do about them)
Delve into the hidden fears that thwart growth, such as the fear of failure and the crippling fear of uncertainty. Uncover how these psychological barriers manifest in daily decisions and lead to self-sabotage. The conversation also touches on fear of embarrassment and the unexpected fear of success, highlighting their impact on creativity and opportunity. With practical strategies, listeners learn to embrace these fears and transform them into stepping stones for personal development, paving the way for a growth-oriented mindset.


