

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

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.

Jun 7, 2024 • 31min
What is a Mindset Exactly? 🤨
Delve into the significance of growth and fixed mindsets, the evolution of mindset terminology, and explore scarcity vs abundance mindsets. Learn about strategic thinking, embracing self-improvement, and the importance of understanding mindset for personal development.

Jun 4, 2024 • 25min
Confirmation Bias and the 7 Sins of Lazy Thinking - [Cognitive Biases pt. 3]
Explore 7 cognitive biases affecting our judgement, including confirmation bias and neglect of probability bias. Learn how to become a more rational thinker and avoid the pitfalls of lazy thinking. Discover the impact of outcome bias, paradox of choice bias, and time discounting bias on decision-making. Embrace personal growth by recognizing mistakes, navigating decision-making in a world of choices, and prioritizing long-term thinking.

Jun 2, 2024 • 10min
Why Being Happy Isn’t Normal... But It Could Be [+ Do you have Life Dysmorphia?]
Explore the pressure of social media fame and the pervasive nature of upward comparison. Reflect on gratitude and the privilege of modern conveniences. Challenge the notion of 'enough' and value life over wealth. Discover the wisdom in contentment and the journey to find true happiness.

May 31, 2024 • 53min
Hidden Potential: Beat Doubts, Naysayers and Self-Sabotage w/ Heather Moyse (2x Olympic Gold)
2x Olympic Gold winner and author, Heather Moyse, discusses redefining 'realistic' to meet our potential, overcoming self-doubt and social pressure. She shares mental models for success and breaking free from limiting beliefs. Topics also cover parental support, behavioral patterns, dealing with naysayers, maximizing potential, childhood lessons, and acts of kindness.

6 snips
May 29, 2024 • 24min
Be Crystal Clear: 3 Truths and 2 Tips to Communicate Clearly
Explore the challenges of clear communication and cognitive biases. Learn about the importance of direct communication in relationships and expressing emotional needs. Discover strategies for simplifying complex concepts and the concept of bundling and unbundling in various contexts. Dive into problem-solving strategies and the host's engagement with the audience.


