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
Feb 13, 2024 • 25min
The Loneliness Paradox: Why Independence is Key to Connection
Explore the interplay between solitude and connection, overcoming fear of loneliness, nurturing real connections, embracing change in relationships, personal independence, building healthy relationships, and trying new things together.
Feb 9, 2024 • 23min
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment
Explore the heart's invisible forces by understanding the biology behind love in our latest episode, where we decode the science of love through the lens of psychology and self-improvement.Learn about the hormonal effects on romantic behaviors, the significance of attachment hormones in humans, and how understanding the neurochemistry of love can lead to better decision-making in love.We'll discuss the evolutionary psychology of human bonding, the positive and negative effects of high vasopressin, and how hormonal contraception influences emotional attachment. This insightful episode is designed for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of love's biological foundations to enhance their emotional well-being and relationship dynamics.Stay tuned all season to join us for a journey into the heart of love's scientific secrets.- - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore 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.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be our best.- - -Connect with Sam:Creativity Newsletter - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementTitle: The Science of Love, Desire and AttachmentChapters:00:00 What is love01:20 The 3 main components of love02:09 Pre-roll Advert02:16 The Biology of Love03:26 Lust and the role of sex hormones06:35 Attraction and reward pathways09:18 Attachment and bonding hormones11:30 Love's addictive power and irrationality12:37 Mid-roll12:41 Infatuation, dependency and Controlling behaviors13:45 Reckless and destructive tendencies15:05 How we lose rational thinking17:40 Choosing the right partner19:01 Cultivating healthy relationship habits19:40 Send OffTopics:Biology of love, attraction, and hormonesScience behind romantic connectionsImpact of oxytocin on relationshipsVasopressin and pair bondingGrowth mindset thinking in romanceMindsets behind healthy relationshipsNeurochemistry of loveHormonal effects on romantic behaviorsTestosterone and lust in loveEstrogen's role in attractionAttachment hormones in humansNeurological basis of loveConsequences of love hormone imbalancesChemical romance and emotional healthMy Chemical Romance - The science behind lust, attraction and attachmentOxytocin and trust in relationshipsNegative effects of high vasopressinHormones and decision making in loveScience of long-term attachmentBiological differences in love perceptionLove addiction and dopamineEvolutionary psychology of human bondingHormonal contraception and emotional attachment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 6, 2024 • 23min
10 Stoic Questions For a Full Life
Explore the power of Stoic wisdom for self-reflection and virtuous living. Learn to overcome obstacles, simplify life, and take action. Focus on responsibilities for a good life and make small changes for big improvements.
Feb 2, 2024 • 16min
Stop Disappointing Yourself - The Four Pillars of Tranquility
Discover the importance of living authentically, aligning actions with future goals, and embracing reality-based personal growth. Learn how to build a stronger mindset for personal growth and take ownership of your life decisions. Explore the significance of being listened to and respected, and the importance of avoiding blame for personal disappointment.
Jan 30, 2024 • 30min
The Science of Mental Toughness
Explore the science of mental toughness and the four critical elements: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. Discover how to build social confidence, develop emotional control, and enhance life control. Learn about applying stoicism to modern life challenges and nurturing a strong growth mindset. Understand the importance of risk orientation and the profound impact of resilience on personal growth and leadership. Find insights into developing a resilient and growth-oriented mindset.
5 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 25min
16 Paradoxes of Life
Explore 16 paradoxes that challenge conventional wisdom, from the Freedom Paradox to the Happiness Paradox. Uncover insights into personal growth and the human psyche. Embrace life's paradoxes to enrich our journey toward self-improvement and a deeper understanding of the world.
Jan 24, 2024 • 24min
The Stoics Guide to Freedom: Mastering Life with Epictetus
Explore the teachings of Epictetus and their relevance in modern psychology. Discover the philosophy of focusing on what's within our control, finding contentment in simplicity, handling insults, and accepting what is outside of our control for happiness and growth.
Jan 22, 2024 • 24min
Old Secrets to Calm, Purposeful Progress
This podcast explores the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world and embracing depth and meaningful work over instant gratification. It discusses the power of long-term commitment and effort in achieving goals, the illusion of rapid movement created by social media, and the impact of increased screen time on adults' focus and productivity.
Jan 19, 2024 • 33min
24 Stoic Rules To Change Your Life
Explore the Stoic mindset for self-improvement in 2024. Learn about embracing change, practicing gratitude, forgiveness, and overcoming negativity. Discover the importance of seeing the good in people and adopting a growth mindset for inner strength.
4 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 40min
How to Build Intelligence and Wisdom
Learn how IQ is not the only determinant of success, discover the components of complete intelligence, and get tips on diversifying learning, adopting a growth mindset, and leveraging emotional intelligence. Reflect on the past year, make choices without regret, become a lifelong learner, and develop the mental strength to create the life you want.
