

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

Mar 14, 2023 • 24min
How to believe in yourself: Why it matters with Kyra Condie (US Olympic climber)
Kyra Condie, a rising star in the world of climbing, shares her journey of overcoming scoliosis and becoming an Olympian. She discusses the dynamics of climbing, training, and maintaining good skin condition. Learn how to focus on your strengths, overcome weaknesses, and be kind to yourself and others.

Mar 7, 2023 • 28min
Catching Your Ego: How to Recognize Unconscious Bias and Embrace a Growth Mindset
Learn how to recognize unconscious bias and embrace a growth mindset. Explore the importance of challenging your own thinking and questioning biases. Discover strategies for self-reflection, evaluation, and nurturing personal growth. Reflect on past mistakes as an entrepreneur and the need for humility. Surround yourself with individuals who are aware of their egos to foster personal development.

Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 3min
Overcoming Setbacks with a Growth Mindset: Reframing Your Attitude | Niall McCann
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Niall McCann, a daring conservationist and adventurer, shares his incredible journey of resilience after a life-altering spinal injury. He recounts the moment of his accident during a speed flying mishap and how humor and a positive mindset helped him cope with intense challenges. Niall also discusses inspiring future expeditions, including a charity trek across the Vatnajökull icecap with fellow spinal injury survivors, showcasing the healing power of adventure.

Feb 21, 2023 • 19min
How to slow down time: Naturally improve productivity and reduce stress
Explore unconventional ways to alter our experience of time and increase productivity. Learn how to create richer memories and slow down time using natural ideas. Discover the benefits of reframing emotions, staying present, and finding flow. Plus, practical tips for improving self-control and reducing stress.

Feb 14, 2023 • 45min
Prioritizing Your Needs: Self-Care and Relationship Success | Jonathan Aslay
Renowned dating and relationship expert, Jonathan Aslay, shares insights on self-love as the foundation for strong relationships. He emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication, addresses common relationship problems, and discusses the value of non-violent communication. The podcast also explores the significance of asking value-based questions in dating and finding common ground for relationship improvement. The hosts touch on relationship books, vulnerability, and the prioritization of self-love and emotional well-being.

Feb 7, 2023 • 49min
Abundance vs. Ego: How to Shift Your Mindset and Take Control of Your Life | Kyle Livingston
Learn how Kyle Livingston overcame scarcity and developed a growth mindset. Discover the importance of recognizing opportunities. Understand the value of failure and working with experienced business owners. Gain sage advice about problem-solving and critical thinking. Explore the power of pausing and facing your fears.

Jan 31, 2023 • 40min
The Art of Adventure: How to Create Incredible Experiences That Will Change Your Life
Elite athlete Shane Ohly shares his mindset behind elite performance, pushing boundaries, and building resilience. Topics include breaking climbing records, nutrition for endurance, accepting consequences, reasons for failure in endurance events, creating unforgettable experiences, and the importance of being true to your values.

Jan 24, 2023 • 12min
Overcoming Ageism: 3 Strategies for Living Life on Your Own Terms
We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.The secret to peace is found in examining our troubles. With so much stress and business in our lives, we feel like we are constantly behind. Every year we see our failures and regret our losses and need to swap our negative thoughts for a positive mindset. Aging should not be a reason to smile less and worry more. Every year is a new adventure to enjoy and savor for what it is. - - -Connect with Sam:
Join the social podcast app - Podvine
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
- - -Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Why we are frustrated about aging
02:44 - Not panicking about death
05:20 - Our changing abilities
07:03 - Preventing expectations
09: 10 - Enjoying the moment
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 2023 • 40min
Jim Mann: Pragmatically pushing your potential
Jim Mann has broken several Ultramarathon records whilst also scaling his business Undo, with the goal to remove a billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.He is one of the most ambitious and yet grounded individuals you will ever meet. To call him understated would be understating his understatedness. As a child, he was a very average runner but his love of challenge and ability to outwork others has led him to break some of the hardest Ultra running records such as the Spine Challenger and the 30 Munros as well as winning the infamous Dragons Back race across Wales. He studied ecology and after running several businesses set his sights on climate. He started with reforestation building the Future Forest Company. He is replacing himself as CEO there to set his sights on the carbon removal company Undo.- - -Sponsored by LinkedIn JobsCreate a free job posting in months on the world's #1 rated recruitment site for small businesses.https://www.linkedin.com/growthAd airs - 11:30- - -Connect with Jim:
Carbon removals - Undo
Forest regeneration - Future Forest Company
Chat business - Jim's Linked In
Tweet - Jim's twitter
- - -Connect with Sam:
Join the social podcast app - Podvine
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
- - -Chapters:0:00 Pushing your potential03:03 Building mindsets through ultramarathons 03:49 Jim's running routine / training regime04:27 Running as therapy and inspiration for Future Forrest05:08 Jim's company - Climate06:33 Jim's entrepreneurial mindset07:53 Jim's mindset when he started running - Winning was a journey 09:53 Jim's founder journey10:52 Sam's founder journey12:57 Example of Jim's experience where he tried pleasing everybody and took their advice 14:12 Hiring mistakes14:12 Dyslexic and running a business15:00 Jim's future role in 5 years16:40 Making the same mistake twice18:12 Mental health21:02 Scalability of businesses23:04 Jim's journey with Future Forest and Undo24:23 Inspiration for the enhanced weathering idea26:09 Problem with climate and geopolitics28:46 The importance of being optimistic30:36 Any dark moments in ultra marathons32:38 Scariest thing Jim has done34:02 Earliest memories - tomatoes 34:40 Kindest thing - little acts of kindness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 10, 2023 • 14min
Making friends with time
The podcast discusses the value of time and how to make the most of it, emphasizing personal responsibility. It highlights the importance of cultivating a positive relationship with time, offers questions for self-reflection, and explores the benefits of silent meditation retreats in managing time and relationships.


