

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 27, 2021 • 39min
168: Hooked book summary - the science of forming habits - Nir Eyal
1st interview with Nir Eyal in Growth Mindset Podcast (https://www.growthmindsetpodcast.com/2021-nir-eyal)Wiser Than Yesterday podcast (https://www.wiserpod.com/)Hooked - how to build habit-forming products by Nir EyalNir Eyal is the author of a New York Times best selling book about consumer psychology and technology: "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products".He is a prominent figure in the silicon valley start up scene with specialist expertise in product development and consumer psychology.Hooked is based on Eyal’s years of research, consulting, and practical experience. He wrote the book he wished had been available to him as a startup founder – not abstract theory, but a how-to guide for building better products. Hooked is written for product managers, designers, marketers, startup founders, and anyone who seeks to understand how products influence our behavior.4 parts: Trigger — A ‘trigger’ is the actuator of behavior; comes in two types — External and InternalAction — The behavior done in anticipation of a rewardVariable Reward — Rewarding users by solving a problem, reinforcing their motivation for the action taken in the previous phase.Investment — This implies an action that improves the service for the next go-around.BooksTry a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/B07SY9PD43/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=nir+eyal&qid=1619556339&s=audible&sr=1-1)Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/B00HZOBOUO/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=nir+eyal&qid=1619556388&s=audible&sr=1-2)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Nico Vereecke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 19, 2021 • 43min
167: Make a plan, work the plan - Chris Bello
Chris Bello A college graduate who later on questioned the direction he was going into and quit his corporate job 3 years in. Chris wanted to take hold of the reigns of life and write his own story.After struggling with one side-hustle after another, he went all-in on residential real estate, where he has quickly caught momentum. Chris is also the host of the top-rated business podcast, the Entrepreneur Motivation Podcast, where he documents his journey and interviews incredible guests. Recently, Chris' podcast reached a million downloads.In his free time, Chris enjoys exercising, podcasting, and traveling. He is a strong believer of “experiences over things” and strives to live life to the fullest every single day. Chris’ motto is “Less dreaming, more doing.”BooksTry a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Key Person of Influence: The Five-Step Method to Become One of the Most Highly Valued and Highly Paid People in Your Industry (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Key-Person-Influence-Five-Step-Industry/dp/B01BUK3C1W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=key+person+of+influence&qid=1618858141&s=audible&sr=1-1)The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life - Before 8AM (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/B00CLU9F62/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=miracle+morning&qid=1618858219&s=audible&sr=1-1)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Chris Bello. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 12, 2021 • 51min
166: Applying Growth Mindset to business, startups and life - Matt Lerner, Founder Startup Core Strengths
Matt LernerBefore becoming a VC, Matt has spent 15 years as a “growth marketer” in Silicon Valley, including 10 years at PayPal. As a Partner at 500 Startups, Matt led 35 early-stage investments, and he developed and led the “Distro Dojo” growth program, where he helped startups achieve average growth of 250% in 12 months.Matt also help founders skip expensive mistakes, focus on the impactful work, and build high-growth startups. After watching hundreds of startups waste investors’ money on bad marketing hires and expensive non-scalable tactics, Matt founded Startup Core Strengths to help startups learn the foundational mindset and habits to drive sustainable growth. Matt's mission is to enable every startup in Europe to get much better at customer acquisition. When not hacking growth, Matt occasionally lectures on Startup Marketing at Imperial College and Stanford Business School. Also, he is obsessed with optimizing his own health, “biohacking,” fasting and measuring anything that isn’t nailed down.BooksTry a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)The Mom Test: How to Talk to Customers & Learn If Your Business Is a Good Idea When Everyone Is Lying to You (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mom-Test-Customers-Business-Everyone/dp/B07RL4DRNQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+mom+test&qid=1618285278&s=audible&sr=1-1)The One Thing You Need To Know...About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Know-About-Managing-Leading-Sustained-Individual/dp/B002SQ69PO/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+one+thing+you+need+to+know&qid=1618285332&s=audible&sr=1-1)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Matt Lerner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 5, 2021 • 17min
165: Morning routine - Stop hacking it and start enjoying it - Sam Harris
Guest Sam Harris shares valuable insights on how to create a morning routine that brings joy and fulfillment. Emphasis on setting empowering mindsets, planning your day, improving sleep quality, and focusing on tasks that align with your goals. Practical tips to start the day on a positive note and maximize productivity.

Mar 29, 2021 • 49min
164: ALL things purpose, passion, and PLANTS - JP, Founder allplants
Jonathan PetridesMeet the founder leading a plant-based revolution Jonathan 'JP' Petrides. allplants is on a mission to make eating plant-based meals easy and delicious for everyone to enjoy. From their kitchen in London they use bold flavours and hyper convenience to bring more plants onto plates across the UK, inspiring us all to eat healthy and nourish the planet - delivering chef-made meals nationwide. Since launching in early 2017 with his brother Alex, they've bagged culinary awards for pushing the boundaries (from BBQ pulled Jackfruit to hand-made mushroom & tomato polpette balls), delivering over 2,000,000 healthy and delicious meals to doorsteps nationwide. JP is passionate about gathering together brilliant people on a mission - previously launching both Africa's first mobile bank (M-Shwari), and Kenya's fastest growing retail healthcare chain (Penda).BooksTry a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Ready Player One (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ready-Player-One/dp/B007ROETX6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ready+player+one&qid=1617099978&s=audible&sr=1-1)Ready Player Two (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ready-Player-Two/dp/B08CN1W6LZ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ready+player+two&qid=1617107829&s=audible&sr=1-1)Why We Sleep (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-We-Sleep-Science-Dreams/dp/B077XKJ3XJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=why+we+sleep&qid=1617107850&s=audible&sr=1-1)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Jonathan Petrides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 23, 2021 • 44min
163: Making bets that pay off - Annie Duke, Author, Speaker and Decision Strategist
Annie DukeAnnie Duke has leveraged her expertise in the science of smart decision making to excel at pursuits as varied as championship poker, public speaking, teaching and philanthropy.For two decades, Annie was one of the top poker players in the world, winning several championships during her career. She has shared her knowledge through a series of best-selling poker instruction and theory books, Decide to Play Great Poker and The Middle Zone: Mastering the Most Difficult Hands in Hold’em Poker (both co-authored with John Vorhaus). Annie is also the mother of four children and a master storyteller. Her passion for making a difference has helped to raise more than $18 million for charities for causes as diverse as international refugees, victims of the conflicts in Sudan, improving education, and numerous children’s hospitals.Through her academic training in cognitive psychology and her real-world experience at the poker table, Annie Duke has mastered the art and science of strategic decision making. She applies those lessons to every aspect of her life, from parenting to nutrition to business.BooksTry a free Audible trial of any book here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00OPA2XFG?tag=samharris48%E2%80%9321)Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Bets-Making-Smarter-Decisions/dp/B078SFLXSX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Thinking+in+Bets%3A+Making+Smarter+Decisions+When+You+Don%27t+Have+All+the+Facts&qid=1616408616&s=audible&sr=1-1)How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices (https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Decide-Simple-Making-Choices/dp/B088P3T8XZ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=How+to+Decide%3A+Simple+Tools+for+Making+Better+Choices&qid=1616408635&s=audible&sr=1-1)Range by David Epstein (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/B07PCS26MN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=896I207ZKN7F&dchild=1&keywords=range+-+david+epstein&qid=1616408659&s=audible&sprefix=range+%2Caudible%2C335&sr=1-1)Superforecasting by Dan Gardner (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superforecasting-Art-Science-Prediction/dp/B0131K9GRS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QPR1Z00KE6Q6&dchild=1&keywords=superforecasting&qid=1616408687&s=audible&sprefix=superfor%2Caudible%2C337&sr=1-1)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Annie Duke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 16, 2021 • 27min
162: Mindsets and methodology for taking big shots - Listener questions
Jomiro's question'My partner, who is 32, left his software career of 15 years. He's sick of being an employee and living for a paycheck.He wants to figure out what his contribution to the world is. His inspiration. At the moment, though, he feels stuck. Like his savings won't last. Feels l ike he has one shot to make the right decision and feels maybe some anxiety around this. His worst fear is that it won't work out and you have to go back to his desk job.I really hope that hearing from someone like you who's been there and felt that, and feels struggles with the same things as this, like he does. (Maybe) you can give him some encouragement he needs to follow his guts and believe in himself, as much as I believe in him, we'd love to hear your answers to sort of help him out.'Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 9, 2021 • 1h 1min
161: Fulfil your (multi)potential - Beta Lucca, Entrepreneur and Investor
Beta LuccaRoberta Lucca (aka Beta Lucca) is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, international keynote speaker and host of Hyper Curious podcast.Roberta is an expert in and frequently speaks about high growth entrepreneurship, creativity, diversity and futurism. She brings first-hand 20 years of experience in launching dozens of innovative products, companies, games, and helping leaders take disruptive actions to grow their businesses while improving their leadership.Her mission is to empower people and organisations to see the future from fresh perspectives, think laterally and act boldly.https://betalucca.com/Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Beta Lucca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 2, 2021 • 15min
160: Tips for Launching ideas - with Sean Castrina, Dan Murray-serter, and Cynthia Samanian
Special Guests: Cynthia Samanian, Daniel Murray-Serter, and Sean Castrina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 9, 2021 • 42min
157: Study now, pay later - Austen Allred, CEO and co-founder Lambda School
Austen AllredCEO Austen Allred was inspired to co-found Lambda School after spotting the major disconnect between a labor market in need of specialized talent, and the inaccessibility of training programs designed to fill that gap. His solution is a fully remote tech school with Income Share Agreements; rather than pay the Lambda School for training upfront, students pay a portion of their income after they've graduated and secured a job.Lambda School trains people to be software engineers at no up-front cost. Instead of paying tuition, students agree to pay a percentage of their income after they’re employed, and only if they’re making more than $50k per year. If you don’t find a job, or don’t reach that level of income, you’ll never pay a cent. Austen’s disruptive ideas on the future of education, the labor market disconnect, and the opportunity of providing opportunity at-scale have been featured in: The Harvard Business Review, The Economist, WIRED, Fast Company, TechCrunch, The New York Times, among others.Connect with Austen on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/austenallred/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/Austen)Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Austen Allred. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


