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
Jun 20, 2025 • 47min
Concepts: How the Brain Constructs Reality, Emotional Experience and Who You Are - w/ Nicholas Shea
Nicholas Shea, a researcher from Oxford and King's College, dives into the fascinating mechanics of how our brains construct reality. He explains how concepts act as mental shortcuts, allowing for quick recognition and understanding. Shea highlights the interplay between emotion and decision-making, countering the belief that emotions compromise logic. He also tackles the evolution from simple ideas to complex concepts, influenced by social interaction and media consumption, revealing the depths of cognitive processing that shape our daily lives.
7 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 26min
When Your Brain Won’t Shut Up: A guide to internal peace and lasting focus
This discussion dives deep into the mental loops that hijack our attention, likening them to poorly designed software. It addresses the interplay between addiction and creativity, revealing how untrained minds can sabotage productivity. The idea of using 'internal repulsion' to break these thought patterns is introduced, transforming how we perceive self-sabotage. Listeners are urged to confront their fears and recognize addiction as a self-imposed barrier, ultimately empowering them to take control of their thoughts and forge a path toward personal growth.
4 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 25min
How to transcend your normal habits and routines to have original ideas
Explore how mental constraints can limit creativity and keep us trapped in routines. Discover the power of randomness to shake up your week and unlock new ideas. Learn how boredom can actually spark creativity, instead of being seen as a nuisance. Delve into the interplay between routine and spontaneity for personal growth. Finally, reflect on the importance of forgiveness as a way to release emotional anchors and live more freely. It's all about stepping out of the ordinary and into a world of possibilities!
Jun 10, 2025 • 36min
How to Tell if Someone Will Be a Good Long-Term Partner (and find them)
Discover how shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance can transform your search for love. The discussion challenges common dating advice and emphasizes the importance of shared values over similar interests. Learn about the optimal search theory and how personal growth attracts better relationships. Authenticity is key; embrace who you truly are when looking for partners. Finally, assess potential matches by focusing on their family history and emotional qualities rather than just chemistry.
Jun 6, 2025 • 27min
Uncertainty: How to Handle Life's Surprises (+ What is a Black Swan event) - w/ Nicolas Vereecke
Nicolas Vereecke, a reading partner of Nassim Taleb, dives into the concept of Black Swan events—unexpected occurrences that drastically reshape our reality. He discusses how our desire for predictability can blind us to life's surprises. Instead of trying to forecast every turn, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, advising on strategies for navigating financial uncertainty. Vereecke explores how to prepare for worst-case scenarios, making a case for adaptability over prediction, and differentiates between the stable mediocristan and unpredictable extremistan.
8 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 46min
10 Mental Models to Create Long Term Thinking and Better Decisions from Jeff Bezos
Delve into the transformative mental models that shaped Jeff Bezos's success. Discover how thinking in primitives can spark innovation and create interconnected solutions. Learn about the 'regret-minimization lens' that guides bold decision-making and the 'day one' mindset that fosters continual growth. Explore the importance of adaptability through past branding failures and how embracing failure fuels corporate innovation. This conversation uncovers strategies for long-term thinking and personal development that keep you focused on the future.
10 snips
May 31, 2025 • 35min
How To Change The World - Learn to think like an innovator
Curiosity and creativity have shaped humanity's greatest innovations. The host embarks on a journey exploring the history of these breakthroughs and their impact on modern society. Key themes include the complex narratives of innovation and the importance of learning from the past to inspire future change. Interdisciplinary thinking is highlighted as essential, with resilience and optimism as foundational principles for driving progress. Get ready for inspiring interviews and reflections on personal journeys toward making a difference.
8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 26min
3 Ways to Avoid the Biggest Self-Help Traps and Just Start Enjoying Your Life
Self-help can sometimes backfire, creating more pressure than peace. The discussion highlights the importance of trusting your internal compass over generic checklists. Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on genuine connections and personal interests. Three simple principles promote growth: evaluating new habits, nurturing authenticity, and prioritizing supportive relationships. Embracing kindness and taking personal responsibility can lead to fulfilling change, steering you toward authentic happiness.
8 snips
May 27, 2025 • 38min
Master Magnetic Presence: How to be yourself but more likeable w/ Harry Cohen
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Harry Cohen, a psychologist and executive coach, delves into the heliotropic effect—our instinctive inclination toward positivity. He shares insights on how a genuine six-second smile can positively influence brain chemistry and why effective apologies are crucial for rebuilding trust. The conversation also covers practical strategies like replacing small talk with small wins and committing to daily acts of kindness, all aimed at enhancing relationships and fostering authenticity. Join Harry to discover how to become a light source in your interactions!
May 23, 2025 • 20min
6 Unsexy Habits of Geniuses - How to build substance over style
Explore the unsexy habits that distinguish true geniuses from the rest. Discover the power of humility, continuous learning, and mentorship in paving the way for personal growth. Delve into the importance of self-reflection and learning from mistakes to break through limits. Embrace unconventionality and the dedication required to foster greatness. This insight reveals that hard work and the courage to promote one's passions are key to making a lasting impact.
