

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

Jul 11, 2023 • 34min
Why no one understands their fears
Guest Tracy Litt discusses understanding genuine fears and the stories we tell ourselves. The chapter explores personal growth, releasing judgment, and finding happiness. They also delve into the fear of vulnerability and blocking emotional moments. The importance of choosing a conscious response to anger and the healing nature of coaching are also discussed.

Jul 6, 2023 • 11min
Focus on solutions, not problems
Our obsessions lean towards the problems and unsettled areas of our life. However, trying to control them is often impossible when we focus too much detail on them and don't get perspective on how to really fix them.We learn how to build awareness and find solutions to fix our problems with our strengths and channel attention to useful behaviors.- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:32 The problem learning to surf
02:54 Don't look up
04:25 Surfing is like driving
05:39 Surfing and driving is just like any sport
05:52 Life analogy
06:21 Running a business analogy
07:49 Get some perspective
09:25 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 3, 2023 • 51min
Controlling your controlables
Brian Biro Brian Biro is one of the foremost motivational and leadership speakers in the United States.With degrees from Stanford University and UCLA, he has spent the last 21 years delivering over 1,300 presentations around the world. A former vice president of a major transportation corporation, and the author of nine books including the bestseller, Beyond Success, Biro was rated #1 among 40 speakers at four consecutive Inc. magazine international conferences. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN’s Business Unusual, and the Fox News Network.We learn about seizing opportunities and focussing attention on the important factors that affect our outcomes and learning to ignore the noise and negative influences that can throw us off.- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:17 KISS principle
15:01 Pygmalion effect
22:20 Three controllables
46:50 Conclusion
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 29, 2023 • 12min
The price of admission: Success has a cost
Explore the concept of paying the price of admission in relationships and the importance of accepting imperfections. Discuss the importance of overcoming obstacles and setbacks in various areas of life and focusing on the long-term benefits. Embrace challenges and sacrifices, have a long-term mindset, and enjoy life while pursuing success.

Jun 27, 2023 • 25min
Interpreting your stories
We tell ourselves stories every day about ourselves, who we are, how we react to things, and why we're great. It's important to read through the BS whilst at the same time positively motivating ourselves to do our best. It's not easy but it is important.We have Mike Follet on the show who runs a human behavior tracking company Lumen Research to talk about his insights into the stories we tell ourselves in business and in life.- - -Connect with Mike:
Mike Follet - LinkedIn
Mike's writing - The Media Leader
Lumen's Twitter - @LumenResearch
Lumen Research - Website
- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
Twitter - @samjamharris
Instagram - @SamJam.zen
- - -Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:36 Opimising attenion
02:44 Importance of context, creative and targeting
04:16 Why is advertising interesting
09:50 Mike's biggest failure
14:13 Fixing their own problems
17:17 Advice 5 years ago
19:51 Kindest thing - honesty
23:04 Conclusion
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 22, 2023 • 15min
The Art of Adaptability: Embracing Life's Curveballs
The podcast discusses the importance of adaptability in chaotic situations, sharing personal stories of car accidents, sudden collapses, and near-death experiences. It emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the need to embrace life's curveballs with strength and positivity. The hosts explore the concept of time and urge listeners to prioritize what matters most in life.

Jun 20, 2023 • 27min
Limiting Mindsets in Sport and How to Overcome Them: Confessions of "average" Gold Medal Olympian
Ben Hunt-Davis, Gold Medal Olympian, shares his journey of overcoming limitations and the power of continuous learning. Topics discussed include the flaw in the 10,000 hour rule, the value of mistakes in sports, and the importance of purposeful practice. They also touch on the risks of being an Olympian and the lessons learned as a coach. Plus, they mention the importance of practical knowledge and the significance of bouncing back from setbacks.

Jun 12, 2023 • 12min
4 surprising benefits of kindness
Learn how having a designated budget for charity can lead to increased happiness and improved relationships. Discover the benefits of practicing kindness in everyday life, such as feeling more relaxed and attracting positivity and support. Get strategies and tips for effective charitable giving, including budgeting and investing in traditional charity and climate-related causes.

Jun 6, 2023 • 13min
Why morning routines are toxic
This podcast explores the downsides of morning routines and offers tips for creating an effective and energizing routine. Topics include doing the hard things, planning your day, improving sleep, and being adaptable. Learn how to create a fulfilling and joyful morning routine that matches your energy levels.

May 30, 2023 • 32min
How to stop catastrophizing
The podcast explores the concept of catastrophizing and how it affects our perception of reality. It provides insights on overcoming catastrophizing, reframing negative thoughts, and developing strategies for positive thinking. It also discusses the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for managing emotional responses and challenging negative thought patterns.


