

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

Apr 4, 2023 • 19min
14 Habits Keeping You Poor
Learn about the bad habits holding you back from financial success, including procrastination, not prioritizing projects, and not understanding personal finances. Discover the negative impact of not having an emergency fund, succumbing to lifestyle inflation, and hanging around with the wrong crowd. Explore the consequences of acting rich, taking poor advice, blaming circumstances, and focusing solely on saving without an investment strategy.

Mar 28, 2023 • 39min
Mastering your mind: Understand how emotions drive subconscious behaviour
Jeff Buehner is the author of 'The Sultans Seven Secrets' which teaches us how to converse with our subconscious mind through our emotions.In this episode, we discuss self-defeating behaviors and mindsets that originate from our upbringing and are fixed in our subconscious. We learn how to reframe our attitude toward work, money, relationships and fear by working with our emotions and gaining control of subconscious behaviors.- - -Contact Jeff Buener
Get his book - Sultans Seven Secrets
Twitter - @Jeff_Buener
- - -Connect with Sam:
Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking
Watch the pod - YouTube - Growth Mindset
- - -Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:52 - How negative behaviours form
05:07 - Going backwards - having troubles financially
06:17 - Jeff's 2nd unconscious belief
07:25 - How groups affect us
08:40 - Jeff's pivotal change
10:35 - Story of Sultan Musa of Mali
13:13 - Sultan's seven secrets
18:24 - The origin and lessons of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
19:08 - Feelings are the "language of the Gods"
21:55 - How to use your superpower
29:44 - Manifesting your feelings into your subconsciousness
31:20 - Fear as a sign that it's something worth doing
33:13 - Jeff's book - Sultan's Seven Secrets
34:21 - How Jeff made a lot of money
35:48 - Benefits of Growth Mindset
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 21, 2023 • 16min
Stop disappointing yourself: 4 strategies to earn respect
Learn how to stop disappointing yourself and earn respect by aligning present actions with future goals. Discover strategies to cultivate a harmonious life, earn authority through actions, and take ownership of your decisions. This podcast explores the psychology of self-improvement and offers practical steps for personal growth.

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.


