

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

Nov 14, 2023 • 39min
Fitting In Versus Finding Your Tribe: Alex Dunsdon [Potential.co]
Alex Dunsdon, guest from Potential.co, shares his unconventional journey of breaking free from the 9-5 grind and finding his passion in impact investing. Topics include embracing quirks, turning off the brain to find your true self, managing ADD, a 'generosity strategy,' and embracing uncertainty. Alex also discusses starting Potential VC to fund projects making a difference. Join us for an inspiring conversation on breaking free, living with purpose, and unlocking your potential.

Nov 10, 2023 • 16min
The Law of Creation
Learn how creating public content can benefit you by developing a growth mindset, increasing skills and networks, and attracting career opportunities. Discover the advantages of podcasting, networking, and creating content to showcase passion and expertise. Explore the power of content creation and the law of creation for personal growth and mindset improvement.

Nov 7, 2023 • 21min
The Psychology of Improving What you Create
Overcoming imposter syndrome and gaining the right mindset for success, importance of product-market fit and obtaining genuine feedback, iterating and improving a podcast, adapting and growing in creative endeavors, achieving excellence through continuous improvement.

5 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 38min
Inside the Mind of a Billionaire Investor: Tim Draper
Tim Draper, billionaire investor and founder of Draper University, shares insights on embracing failure, fostering innovation, and disrupting traditional education. He discusses his unconventional approach to spotting winning startups, throwing out the school rulebook, and his predictions on Bitcoin, AI, and finance. Learn about Tim's stories on reinvention, taking risks, thinking ahead, and turning impossible ideas into reality.

Oct 31, 2023 • 18min
Free Yourself of Opinions and Prejudice
Explore the psychology behind prejudices and how they go undetected. Learn how social norms and ego reinforce biased thinking. Discover the importance of flexible mindsets and new experiences in countering prejudice. Understand how 'good taste' develops through breaking habits and conscious effort. Recognize the prejudices influencing your life and escape filter bubbles to become a more objective thinker.

Oct 27, 2023 • 37min
How to Overcome Rejection and Take Action: Jonathan Petrides [AllPlants]
Jonathan Petrides, founder of AllPlants, shares his journey from management consultant to mission-driven entrepreneur, and how he overcame rejection and self-doubt to scale his plant-based startup. Topics include finding the right path, dealing with dead ends, hiring the right candidates, becoming profit-centric, and the importance of taking action and overcoming rejection.

Oct 24, 2023 • 12min
The Science of Why We Lie to Ourselves About Being Special
Explore the fallacy of youth, the illusion of specialness, and the power of uniqueness. Learn about the importance of good ideas and being aware of others. Delve into protecting personal information and challenging racist beliefs.

Oct 20, 2023 • 36min
The Secret Sauce for Success: Eccie Newton [Karma Kitchen]
Eccie Newton, CEO of Common Kitchen, shares her inspiring journey from a food startup to a 30-million-dollar kitchen empire. They discuss the evolution of Common Kitchen and its impact on food entrepreneurs. The speaker explores the psychology of self-improvement, happiness, and growth mindset in the context of success and entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes, seizing opportunities, and embracing failure. A valuable episode for food entrepreneurs and business owners seeking inspiration and advice.

Oct 17, 2023 • 18min
The Keys to Clarity
In this episode, we discuss the importance of doing less and focusing on priorities. We draw inspiration from a 7,000-mile coastal hike and explore how spreading ourselves too thin can hinder our talents. We delve into the power of having a single major goal and making consistent progress towards it. The hosts also emphasize the value of focusing on fewer activities and possessions and prioritizing enjoyment and kindness in life.

6 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 20min
Boosting Focus, Business Principles & Podcast Secrets: John Lee Dumas
John Lee Dumas, host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, shares his journey from launching the first daily business podcast to building a multi-million dollar empire. They discuss the power of focus, resilience, and the mindset that has made John a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship. The podcast also explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through self-improvement, emphasizing the significance of focus in achieving success, finding happiness, and enjoying life.


