

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

Jan 21, 2022 • 24min
201: Perfectionism and Celebrating Our Wins - Sam Harris
Psychologist Sam Harris discusses perfectionism and celebrating wins. They explore setting high standards, focusing on small steps, and the psychology of happiness and growth. The episode delves into overcoming perfectionism, acknowledging successes, and the importance of self-compassion. It also highlights celebrating achievements for personal growth and avoiding burnout. The host reflects on the podcast's 200-episode milestone and teases future plans on mindset and personality change.

Jan 13, 2022 • 42min
Solve massive challenges, one step at a time
Roeland Decorte is the CEO and Founder of Decorte Future Industries (DFI). They are building a groundbreaking AI for health data extraction from audio. His doctoral work on code-breaking is cited by world experts in his field. He started DFI inventing and personally engineering the exoskeleton tech. Roeland also has experience in mechanical engineering, prototyping, fundraising, politics, political economics and academia. He was the youngest student from Belgium to have joined the University of Cambridge in its 800-year history. Takeaways * If you want to do something really meaningful, it will by definition almost always be hard. * Chase the things that challenge you – keep going and throwing yourself at things that seem impossible. * Mistakes are only that if you don’t learn from them, consider them learnings instead. * There will come a point in your business where you need to shift from “we’re all friends here” to a clear hierarchy with a well-defined structure. * Equally important to building your business is keeping in touch with people in the field and keeping them informed as to what you’re doing. - - - Connect with RoelandDecorte Future Industries (https://decorte.co.uk/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-roeland-p-j-e-decorte-340066185) Twitter (https://twitter.com/decortedr)- - - Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.comInsta - SamJam.zen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 4, 2022 • 15min
198: Alternative New Year Ideas - Sam Harris, CEO - ReasonFM
We often hear the "New Year, New You" phrases as every new year comes. And in this episode, Sam conveyed improving in a more holistic approach. Takeaways You might have already written down your plans that you want to do or change this year, but we should also be open to things that may arise and haven't thought of happening. From the list of plans you have for this year, pick one thing/s that scares you and try doing those. - - -Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.comInsta - SamJam.zen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 7, 2021 • 43min
195: Defining Success and the Key Pillars to Support the LGBTQ Community, Lorenzo Thione, MD of Gaingels
Lorenzo is the Managing Director of Gaingels and a co-founding chairman of StartOut, two of the leading groups dedicated to support and elevate LGBTQ+ leaders in the venture startup ecosystem. He is also a Tony-Award and Drama Desk winning Broadway producer and the co-creator and lead producer of Allegiance, the Broadway musical. Lorenzo previously co-founded startups Powerset, which was acquired later on by Microsoft. He is also an investor, board member, and advisor for startups such as Figure Eight (now Appian), Weights & Biases, CrowdMed, Famo.us, Gobble, Just, and Lucid, and many more. He's an outspoken LGBT advocate and was named one of the most influential LGBT people in tech in 2014 and 2018 by Business Insider.- - -Connect with LorenzoGaingels (https://gaingels.com/) StartOut (https://startout.org/) Allegiance (https://allegiancemusical.com/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzothione/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lorenzosfnyc) Twitter (https://twitter.com/thione)- - -Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.comInsta - SamJam.zen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2, 2021 • 13min
194: The Power of Mindset in Overcoming Setbacks and Risks That Will Lead to Success, Bryony Thomas, Founder of Watertight Marketing
Bryony Thomas is one of the UK's foremost marketing thinkers. She is the author of Watertight Marketing, which has been in its best-sellers list consistently for over five years, with no gimmicks. Watertight Marketing is one of the best business books I have ever read. In this episode, Bryony shows how she succeed and what mindset she has despite of setbacks and risks. - - -Connect with BryonyWatertight Marketing (https://watertightmarketing.com/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryonythomas) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bryonywatertightmkg) Twitter (https://twitter.com/bryonythomas) - - -Growth Mindset podSam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.comInsta - SamJam.zen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 2021 • 51min
192: The Art of Coding and Mindsets in Business and Learning - Elizabeth Tweedale, CEO of CypherCoders
Elizabeth is the CEO and Founder of Cypher Coders, the UK’s leading coding school for children, as well as a highly experienced AI creator, author and entrepreneur. Her mission is to empower children to move freely and confidently through the changing world around us, fluent in the universal language of code in order to become future-ready.CONNECT WITH ELIZABETHCypher Coders (www.cyphercoders.com)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethtweedale)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nottinghillmummy)Twitter (https://twitter.com/nottinghillmmmy)ABOUT THE HOSTMy name is Sam Harris. I am a British entrepreneur, investor and explorer. From hitchhiking across Kazakstan to programming AI doctors I am always pushing myself in the spirit of curiosity and Growth. My background is in Biology and Psychology with a passion for improving the world and human behaviour. I have built and sold companies from an early age and love coming up with unique ways to make life more enjoyable and meaningful.Connect with Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamharris/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samjamharris)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Wiser than Yesterday (https://www.wiserpod.com)ReasonFM (https://reason.fm/podcast/growth-mindset-podcast)Sam's blog - SamWebsterHarris.com (https://samwebsterharris.com/)Support the Show - Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/growthmindset)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Elizabeth Tweedale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2021 • 47min
191: The Art of Impossible - George Ferguson, CBE, PPRIBA, RWA, First Elected Mayor of Bristol
George Ferguson CBE, PPRIBA, RWA (born 22 March 1947) is a British politician, former architect, and entrepreneur who served as the first elected mayor of Bristol from 2012 to 2016. Ferguson was co-founder of Ferguson Mann Architects in 1979 and the past president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2003–2005) where he was noted for championing the causes of education, the environment and good urbanism. He was also a founding director of The Academy of Urbanism and a founding member of the British sustainable transport charity Sustrans. In this episode, George shared with us the best things happened when pushing against the grain which he calls "The Art of Impossible." Let's find out more how an architect student became to the man he is now. - - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be our best.- - -Connect with Sam:Creativity Newsletter - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zen- - -Connect with George: LinkedIn Twitter - - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: The Art of Impossible - George Ferguson, CBE, PPRIBA, RWA, First Elected Mayor of Bristol Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 2021 • 41min
190: The 7 Ingredients For Positive Change - Jennifer Clamp
Jennifer Clamp Jennifer Clamp is the Founder Coach of Aata, who support founders to become CEO and grow their business sustainably. In this episode, Jennifer shared with us the seven conditions that are required for change, and these are:1. Believing that we can.2. Establishing a baseline.3. Establishing a goal.4. Getting in our way in the right way.5. Getting out of comfort zone.6. Exploring different perspectives.7. Willingness to try new things.Let's find out if people really can change and how we can bring change in the world.- - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be our best.- - -Connect with Sam:Creativity Newsletter - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zen- - -Connect with Jennifer:Twitter (https://twitter.com/jenniferclamp)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aata_coaching)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferclamp)Aata Website (https://www.withaata.com)- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: The 7 Ingredients For Positive Change - Jennifer Clamp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 2021 • 48min
189: Choosing Growth After Grief - Jarie Bolander, The Entrepreneur Ethos Podcast Host
In this episode, Jarie Bolander, host of The Entrepreneur Ethos podcast, talks with Sam about how he became an entrepreneur and the story of his failures and successes as he walks through his entrepreneurship journey. We'll later find out how he was able to manage his life after losing a loved one. - - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be our best.- - -Connect with Sam:Creativity Newsletter - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zen- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: Choosing Growth After Grief - Jarie Bolander, The Entrepreneur Ethos Podcast Host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2021 • 43min
188: Evolutionary Psychology versus Meditation
Why Buddhism is True written by Robert Wright 'Why Buddhism is True' looks at the science and philosophy of meditation and enlightenment. Robert Wright is a devout non-meditating anger prone evolutionary psychologist and writer. He dives headlong into the world of meditation with surprising results, and explain why it works from an evolutionary standpoint. Robert Wright famously explained in The Moral Animal how evolution shaped the human brain. The mind is designed to often delude us, he argued, about ourselves and about the world. And it is designed to make happiness hard to sustain. But if we know our minds are rigged for anxiety, depression, anger, and greed, what do we do? Wright locates the answer in Buddhism, which figured out thousands of years ago what scientists are only discovering now. Buddhism holds that human suffering is a result of not seeing the world clearly—and proposes that seeing the world more clearly, through meditation, will make us better, happier people. In Why Buddhism is True, Wright leads readers on a journey through psychology, philosophy, and a great many silent retreats to show how and why meditation can serve as the foundation for a spiritual life in a secular age. With bracing honesty and fierce wisdom, it will persuade you not just that Buddhism is true—which is to say, a way out of our delusion—but that it can ultimately save us from ourselves, as individuals and as a species. - - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be our best.- - -Connect with Sam:Creativity Newsletter - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zen- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: Evolutionary Psychology versus Meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


