

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

Jul 2, 2024 • 51min
4 Mindsets Proven To Radically Improve Your Life w/ Ryan Gottfredson
Ryan Gottfredson, mindset researcher, discusses the 4 key mindsets for success in life and leadership. Topics cover fixed vs. growth mindsets, prevention vs. promotion mindsets, and inward vs. outward mindsets. The podcast explores how these mindsets impact behavior, relationships, and fear. Strategies for developing a growth mindset and building success are highlighted.

Jun 29, 2024 • 45min
Cognitive Rigidity: How Einstein Overcame The 5 Biases That Keep Us Stuck (You Can Too) - [#5 Cog biases]
Explore cognitive biases like functional fixedness and the endowment effect, with insights from Einstein's life. Learn how societal norms and the bandwagon effect influence decision-making. Discover strategies to overcome biases, achieve mental flexibility, and cultivate a growth mindset.

Jun 26, 2024 • 23min
Life's Infinite Games: Understanding Our Choices & Playing By Our Rules
Psychologist Sam Webster Harris delves into the concept of life as a series of games, urging listeners to define their own rules and motivations. He explores the interplay of Philosophy and Psychology, advocating for authenticity and self-amusement. Harris discusses the different 'modes' of engaging with life and challenges societal norms. The episode prompts a reevaluation of personal motivations and perceptions of success in life.

Jun 23, 2024 • 26min
Curious Psychology: Overcoming Cognitive Load, What Is Expectation Violation & How Reactance Theory Explains War
This podcast explores cognitive load theory, expectation violation, and the source of anger. They discuss the difference between intrinsic, extrinsic, and germane load, as well as the impact of expectation violation. The episode also touches on the link between anger and freedom perception, habits in content consumption, and book recommendations.

Jun 21, 2024 • 32min
How To Train Your Mind (Tip: It is NOT a muscle)
Discover why treating the brain like a muscle for success is a harmful myth. Explore the differences between brain and muscle training, and learn how to train the brain effectively. Uncover the biggest misunderstanding of Stoicism and embrace enjoyment for success by making challenging tasks enjoyable. Embrace personal education, find joy in learning, and unleash your full potential through engaging and fun learning experiences.

Jun 18, 2024 • 38min
Reality Distortions: How 7 Illusions of Perception Impact Everyone (Especially Napoleon) - [#4 Cog Biases]
Explore how cognitive biases influenced Napoleon's life, from selective perception to the placebo effect. Understand how biases can lead to success or downfall. Learn about the exposure effect, illusion of control, clustering illusion, and contrast effect. Dive into the impact of perception filters and cognitive biases on decision-making.

9 snips
Jun 16, 2024 • 20min
The Feynman Technique: Learn to Master Anything
Join Nobel Prize-winning Physicist Richard Feynman as he unveils his 4-step technique for mastering any topic by simplifying complexity. Learn how teaching can enhance learning outcomes and why using jargon may signal a lack of understanding. Dive into the psychology of self-improvement and uncover the secrets to true mastery.

10 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 2min
How Attachment Styles Fundamentally Affect ALL Relationships (+ Understanding Your Attachment Style) w/ Jessica Baum
Licensed Mental Health Counsellor and Relationship Expert Jessica Baum discusses adult attachment styles and their impact on relationships. Topics include understanding anxious attachment, altering attachment styles, effective communication, and couple therapy. Insights on dependency versus interdependency, healing trauma, and therapy techniques. Recommendations for books like 'Anxiously Attached' and 'Attached' are also shared.

Jun 12, 2024 • 10min
Bad Strategy Is Why Projects Fail; How To Think Like A Professional Instead
Learn how professionals think and plan their work, stop ideas from passing you by, build consistent habits, and understand the power of discipline for success. Practical examples show the importance of strategic planning and separating decisions from actions.

Jun 9, 2024 • 20min
Desire and the Battle of Present vs. Future-self
The podcast discusses the conflict between present desires and future achievements, highlighting the importance of aligning actions with genuine desires. It explores strategies for making tasks easier, balancing sacrifices, and aligning desires with actions to achieve personal goals for a fulfilling life.


