

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

Apr 16, 2024 • 24min
Temporary vs Permanent Values - Why our brain optimises all wrong
The podcast delves into identifying real vs fleeting values, the nature of obsessions, and the narrow focus on reality. It encourages listeners to do an 80:20 analysis of priorities, emphasizing the importance of valuing time and making wise choices. The episode explores the illusion of shared values, the fickleness of our obsessions, and finding humor in our obsessions. It also discusses the changing value of money, identifying enduring values, and escaping the tyranny of 'reality'.

4 snips
Apr 14, 2024 • 23min
Mind-Traps: 5 Nasty Self-Defeating Beliefs
Discover how to crush hidden barriers like ego depletion, inner critics, fear of mistakes, imposter syndrome, and distractions. This episode dives into self-defeating beliefs and offers positive actions for personal growth and success. Learn the psychology of happiness and growth through self-improvement, and explore strategies to overcome limitations and enhance productivity.

Apr 12, 2024 • 57min
You Only Die Once w/ Jodi Wellman
Psychologist and author Jodi Wellman discusses positive psychology applied to the shortness of life, emphasizing overcoming habits, regret avoidance, and useful positivity. The podcast explores living wider and deeper, prioritizing adventure, creating conscious routines, and honoring life's fragility.

Apr 9, 2024 • 25min
Mind Traps: Identifying and Overcoming Addictive Behaviors
Explore the hidden snares of addiction, how fears control us, and reclaiming our potential. Learn about the impact of addictions on growth, the distraction ritual, and changing desires. Reframe addiction as self-imposed limitations and embrace boredom for mental liberation.

Apr 5, 2024 • 45min
Clash of Plans: Is Your Plan B Sabotaging Plan A? w/ Matt Higgins
How backup plans sabotage our success and learning to take calculated risks.
What can we learn from the psychology of an incredible military tactic?
How can we shape our behaviours and motivations to increase our chances of success?
What happens in our minds when we remove Plan B?
Matt Higgins is the author of "Burn the Boats" and has the story and success to back it.After growing up in poverty looking after a disabled mother Matt has taken incredible risks to become the success he is today.After deliberately flunking out of school he somehow made it to being a shark on Shark Tank for two seasons. He runs the VC firm RSE Ventures and he has lectured at Harvard Business School for several years.Stay tuned to learn about:
Making the most of your strengths and weaknesses
When and what to fight for in life
How to truly commit to and stick to your intentions
Matt Higgins
VC Firm - RSE Ventures
Insta - @MHiggins
X - @MHiggins
LinkedIn - Matt Higgins RSE
Book - Burn The Boats
Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.
Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Chapters00:00 Cortes Burning the boats01:31 Matt Higgins04:12 The problem with Plan B06:15 Managing Risks10:57 When you should be able to retreat15:22 Why We Should Not Romaticise Failure17:41 Life After Shark Tank24:37 Optimizing Strengths vs Improving Weaknesses31:55 Importance of Commitment and Setting Intentions33:54 Inspiring Women 38:57 Earliest Memory39:38 Kindest Thing40:39 Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 2, 2024 • 23min
Break Free from Mental Constraints
Explore dimensions of existence, Zen answers to behaviors, entropy, challenging thinking patterns, gravity applied to thoughts. Delve into what makes life interesting. Break free from mental constraints and embrace chaos for personal growth

Mar 29, 2024 • 36min
How to Be More Likeable w/ Dr Harry Cohen
The psychology of positive energy and influencing the world with warmth and kindness.Dr Harry Cohen is a psychologist and author of "Be the Sun, Not the Salt". A book about the Heliotropic effect applied to human behaviour, and how we can attract and uplift others through our energy and kindness.We cover:
What is the Heliotropic effect
The fallacy of good ideas without action
Taking responsibility for your impact
Embracing healthy negativity and avoiding toxic positivity
Chasing realistic dreams and avoiding the rat race
Mastering feedback and good apologies
If you want to learn how to be a better leader, have more friends or be a more caring partner, this will give you some ideas.Harry Cohen
Website - Harry Cohen
Book - Be the Sun, Not the Salt
Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.
Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Chapters00:00 What psychology learns from biology01:56 The Heliotropic Effect04:14 Personality vs Circumstance08:10 Simplicity vs Complication11:27 Giving Feedback Effectively18:10 Apologizing Well20:13 Embracing Negativity26:23 Surfing, restlessness and happiness30:00 Earliest memory31:40 Kindest thing32:37 Summary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 26, 2024 • 24min
Most Self-Help Advice is Bad (at best...) - What's Useful?
Avoid mental masturbation, curate an information diet that works, and learn tried and tested strategies to build resilience, positivity and a Growth mindset.Topics:
The flaws of most 'self-improvement' content
Reality vs ideal
Advice without action
Strategies that consistently change people's lives
The world is full of knowledge of what to do and people not doing it. It is also full of people telling you what to do that are just selling you something that won't change your life.Learn how to screen high-quality content that will actually impact your life and improve your information diet to build a better growth mindset.Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.
Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Chapters00:00 The Problem with Much Self-Help Advice 03:02 Reality's Complexities vs. Simplistic Advice06:05 Dangers of Rigid thinking09:12 Principle 1: Be Kind and Helpful13:12 Principle 2: Spend Time with Those Who Let You Be Yourself 16:52 Principle 3: Take Ownership and Responsibility20:12 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 54min
Mastering Emotional Intelligence w/ Steven Stein PhD
Join bestselling author Steven J. Stein, PhD, a psychologist renowned for his expertise in emotional intelligence, as he shares valuable insights on cultivating EQ. Discover how to diagnose and improve your emotional intelligence in everyday life. Stein discusses the critical traits for success in high-stakes environments like the FBI and the Air Force. He also delves into the intriguing psychology of reality TV participants and the diverse cultural differences in EQ. Tune in to learn how emotional intelligence can elevate your personal and professional life!

Mar 19, 2024 • 16min
True Wisdom: Knowing vs Walking the path
A fresh look at what it means to be wise - beyond age and experience.Sam challenges and expands upon traditional views of wisdom, to redefine wisdom to be more useful and true.By examining how wisdom influences our life decisions and embracing a broader definition of wisdom, we invite listeners to reconsider their perceptions of wisdom.Personal wisdom begins with acknowledging that wisdom is not exclusively born from age or experience but emerges from making wise choices for personal happiness and understanding wisdom through self-acceptance in your circumstances and embracing who you are.Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.
Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Chapters00:00 The Wisdom of Youth01:11 Outgrowing the Need to Prove Yourself03:05 The Shifting Joys of Travel06:48 Finding Thrills Closer to Home08:40 Avoiding Judgment of Others09:49 Helping Others Find Their Own Path10:53 Redefining Maturity12:15 Redefining Wisdom14:18 Send off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


