

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

Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
What is Actually Important? How to stop reacting to news and non-events
In this engaging discussion, the hosts tackle the challenge of distinguishing meaningful news from distractions. They introduce an 'innovation Richter scale,' assessing the societal impact of ideas, from trivial to transformative. Highlighting innovations like the steam engine, they explore how certain breakthroughs can revolutionize civilization. The conversation also touches on the overwhelming nature of today's information, urging listeners to focus on what truly matters and filter out the noise.

Aug 29, 2025 • 54min
The Top 3 Fitness Mistakes and How to 20:80 your Health - w/ Coach Jake Parker, Beyond Fitness
In a thought-provoking conversation with Jake Parker, a fitness coach at Beyond Fitness, listeners discover that fitness is more about identity than discipline. Jake explores how environment shapes habits over willpower and discusses the top three mistakes people make when getting fit. He emphasizes embracing sustainable habits, flexible dieting, and transforming exercise into an act of self-kindness. The chat also highlights gender differences in fitness beliefs and the importance of shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset.

Aug 26, 2025 • 18min
Where To Spend Your Life Energy: A 3-step framework for brilliance
Discover the secret to channeling your energy wisely as you juggle life's demands. Delve into the balance between finishing projects and managing expectations for true value. Explore how social media shapes personal connections and the pitfalls of perfectionism. Through a charming parable, learn to find joy in simplicity while navigating societal pressures. Finally, uncover the beauty of pursuing meaningful goals beyond mere functionality, and embrace the fulfillment of everyday happiness in your journey.

29 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 41min
The Evolutionary Psychology of Gender Roles, Male Violence & Food - How Fire Transformed Us
Explore how our ancient relationship with fire has shaped humanity! Discover its transformative role in human evolution and its eerie connection to gender roles and aggression. Learn why shared meals around the fire fueled social bonding. Uncover the psychological interplay between fear and innovation, and how fire's control rewired our minds and society. From wildfires to campfire chats, this discussion navigates the surprising impacts of flames on our lives, communities, and self-improvement.

Aug 22, 2025 • 42min
Defining Your Own Success in a World Full of Self-Appointed Experts - w/ Mike Winnet (Worlds #1 Demotivational Coach)
Mike Winnet, the UK's number one demotivational speaker, challenges our perceptions of success and happiness. He critiques the glamorized entrepreneurial culture and advocates for finding contentment in average life. The discussion emphasizes redefining success metrics that align with personal values, rather than societal expectations. Mike encourages listeners to embrace authenticity over social media illusions and to see responsibility as a path to freedom. Ultimately, he inspires a shift from chasing achievements to cultivating deeper self-fulfillment.

Aug 19, 2025 • 25min
Why Taking Life Less Seriously Could Be the Productivity Boost You Need
Explore how integrating play into work can transform productivity and reduce stress. Discover the dangers of comparison and checklists that steal our joy, urging a shift to a playful mindset. Learn to build tiny rituals that make tasks feel less like chores and more like adventures. Embrace imperfection as a guide, not a judge, and create contagious moments of fun in the workplace. It's time to redefine productivity by choosing joy and playfulness every day!

Aug 15, 2025 • 45min
How to Stay MOTIVATED When You Keep LOSING - w/ Gold Medal Olympian Sir Ben Hunt-Davis
Ben Hunt-Davis, an Olympic gold medalist in rowing and performance coach, shares his journey of overcoming continuous setbacks. He reveals the transformative question that led him to victory: "Will it make the boat go faster?" The discussion highlights the messy reality of pursuing dreams, the importance of resilience, and learning from failures. Ben encourages listeners to treat setbacks as data and celebrates successes consciously to improve. Tune in for actionable insights that redefine perseverance and motivation in both sports and life.

12 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 25min
Why You’ll Care About Completely Different Things in 5 Years
Ever wonder why your priorities may seem silly in hindsight? The conversation dives into how our values shift, comparing past obsessions with childhood joys. Eccentric inventors and playful puppies illustrate the beauty of creative simplicity. Step outside your norms for fresh perspectives, and learn to distinguish fleeting interests from lasting values. Reflecting on past passions can clarify what truly matters, emphasizing the importance of kindness and time as you navigate your future.

9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 20min
How to Find Your Zone and Stay There - A Masterclass On Focus w/ John Lee Dumas
John Lee Dumas, the mastermind behind the multi-million dollar podcast

Aug 5, 2025 • 59min
The Art of Consistency: 10 Simple Rules for Real Growth
Discover the science behind effective habit formation and why some habits thrive while others falter. Real growth is framed around consistency rather than drastic changes. Learn how intrinsic motivation and environment play crucial roles in shaping choices. Embrace small, manageable wins over overwhelming targets, and master habit stacking for enduring change. Enjoy the process by infusing joy and social support into your routines, while allowing for reflection and self-compassion on your journey to personal growth.


