

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

May 3, 2024 • 49min
Understanding Porn Addiction: A HUGE Mental Health Crisis (no one talks about) w/ Eric Zusack
Porn addiction coach, Eric Zusack, shares his 20-year journey to recovery, discussing the societal impact of porn addiction, the dangers of desensitization, and reframing the disease model. They also explore the rise of AI-generated porn and its implications on mental health.

Apr 30, 2024 • 15min
Quiet Leadership: 3 Under-The-Radar Strategies to Influence Outcomes
Exploring the quiet path to success by overcoming ego and inbuilt patterns. Tips on standing out in a noisy world and surpassing expectations. Insights on increasing effectiveness and achieving goals silently. Delve into the art of quiet achievement and finding success without the spotlight.

Apr 26, 2024 • 30min
Studying Resilience and Hardiness w/ Dr Steven Stein
Dr. Steven Stein, author of 'Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You to Achieve Your Goals', shares insights on self-motivation, resilience, and dealing with stress. Learn life lessons from POWs, traits of success from Olympic champions, and the art of resilience through challenge, control, and commitment.

6 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 26min
Loud Thoughts: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD and the Default Mode Network
Uncover the mysteries of the Default Mode Network, its impact on anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Explore the history of DMN discovery, the benefits of meditation and psilocybin, and how modern neuroscience uses DMN insights for mental health treatments.

Apr 21, 2024 • 17min
Calculus of Effort: A 3-part Framework for Investing Energy Wisely
Explore the importance of prioritizing passion and energy in specific pursuits while discerning between average effort and the pursuit of excellence. Reflect on the impact of completion versus incompleteness and the fallacy of constantly seeking more. Contrast work ethic with contentment and discuss investing energy in meaningful pursuits that offer more than just efficiency.

Apr 19, 2024 • 56min
Assisted Breakthroughs: How Psilocybin can Rewire the Brain w/ Gabriel Charalambides
The science behind Psilocybin-assisted mental health breakthroughs and what are the current benefits and limitations? We have the owner of Odyssey, a psilocybin experience company to discuss the state of psychedelic science and lessons from mental health treatment centres.Topics:
The benefits and limitations of Psilocybin therapy
What is Oceanic Boundlessness and Ego-dissolution
Benefits of psilocybin for OCD and mental health
Who should not use psychedelics
What does a guide do and who the hell are they?
Flow states and meditation
Gabriel Charalambides has a varied background from working on the NASA Mars Rover to leading Drone development before focussing on mental health as part of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)He offers an honest breakdown of the risks and benefits of Psilocybin and the science behind it.WARNINGThe topics and medications discussed are all in a controlled medical setting. Do not try recreating them at home.- -Sponsor - Better HelpOnline therapy can boost you toward being your best self.10% off at Betterhelp.com/GROWTHMINDSET- -Sponsor - LinkedIn JobsAdvertise your job to the world's largest pool of professionals, for free!Linked.com/Growth- -OdysseyThe first legally controlled psilocybin experience in the US.
Website - Odyssey
Gabriel - LinkedIn
Books
Siddartha
The Courage to be Disliked
Untethered Soul
How to change your mind (+ TV show)
The Retreat (podcast)
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
Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:13 Defining Growth Mindset and Oceanic Boundlessness08:04 The Attachment to Ego and Spiritual Perspectives11:11 Recommended Reading12:37 The Role of Anxiety and Letting Go During Psychedelic Experiences15:14 The Role of Retreat Guides and Holding a Safe Space17:53 Reflections during Retreats21:39 Screening and Assessing Suitability for Psychedelic Retreats24:26 The Potential Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy31:00 Restrictions for Psilocybin Retreats34:02 Considerations for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions36:19 Psychadelics and Narcissism37:23 The Training and Qualifications of Retreat Guides41:44 The Neuroscience of Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity43:12 Flow states and meditation48:46 Cultural differences in participants49:48 About Odyssey50:24 Books discussed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.


