

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

Dec 12, 2019 • 57min
78: 'Know Thyself' - Gene and Microbiome Sequencing - Sergey Musienko, CEO - Atlas Biomed
Sergey Musienko is the founder and CEO of Atlas Biomed. They provide genetic sequencing and microbiome tests to monitor your health.Sergey is a graduate of the singularity university ran by Ray Kurzweil where he first started working on the idea for Atlas Biomed. They are now one of the leading sources of data and insights into health for the curious and health-conscious human.I have used their tests myself and can highly recommend the insights and the user interface of the website is simply fantastic. There is a tonne of complicated data that they boil down into a really accessible and interesting format. They provide all the key information for how to actively increase your health and life-span with cutting edge science.Insights The importance of genetics in getting to know an individual’s health. How efforts are being made to make medicine proactive rather than reactive. How genotyping can be used to find out the disease risks that individuals face due to genetic mutations? Multi-factorial traits and diseases – how genetic only partially affects them. Combining genetic information with personal data and health records to develop a holistic idea about one’s health. Gut bacteria – their importance, functions, effects, diversity, and even transplants. A diverse diet is essential to maintain one’s health for a long period of time. How Sergey’s company aims to push science
Sergey and Atlas BiomedConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeymusienko/)Atlas Biomed (https://atlasbiomed.com/)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)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: Sergey Musienko. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2019 • 56min
77: The Future is What You Build - Colin Billings, CEO - Orro, First employee - Stitcher
Colin Billings is a forward-thinking human and change-maker.He first worked on Stitcher which changed the podcasting world we love today. After selling it he thought about what else he wanted to change and ended up with his home and launched "Orro" by securing investment from Yahoo CEO "Jerry Yang"."Orro" is a responsive lighting system for home automation. It adapts to your presence and your habits to bring natural lighting and mood-setting without you ever thinking about it.We discuss a lot of fun stuff on the podcast, some key insights include: How the Orro switch was invented The importance of and need for automated light switches How to explain radical ideas to people and get traction Why people would take the risk to switch from a stable job in a corporation to work for a startup. Raising money in San Francisco What makes a good boss and a great leader? The history of podcasting – Colin’s career with the podcast network called Stitcher.ColinConnect with Colin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinbilings/)Get your new home lighting sorted (https://getorro.com/)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)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: Colin Billings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2019 • 43min
76: Rethinking Education & Your Life - Grant Aldrich, CEO - OnlineDegree.com
Grant Aldrich founded OnlineDegree.com with a purpose-driven mission: make higher education more accessible and affordable for everyone.After graduating college with an overwhelming amount of debt, he was determined to change how students embark on their college education. Grant has spent his entire career working in startups with nearly 15 years of experience. He has been a board member and donor to a number of non-profits, an advisor to many publicly traded companies.Insights
What stops people from going back to school in their professional career.
How a college degree can improve one’s career path or increase options in the future.
Why a dynamic business model is needed for the establishment of a successful business.
Your job should fit you – It should be something you want and like to do.
Before choosing a career path, “know thyself.”
Having children or having a family can make one more discerning about what they do.
Grant AldrichGet an affordable degree (https://www.onlinedegree.com)Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-aldrich-56721b31/)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.Sam: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Support the Show - Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/growthmindset) Special Guest: Grant Aldrich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 30, 2019 • 1h 9min
74: Bringing People and Ideas Together - Cynthia Samanian
Meet Cynthia Samarian, a Persian entrepreneur - the Founder and CEO of an experiential event organizing agency for food companies.Find out how many times she had to switch course to find a professional career that suited her best – that, according to her, not only was she good at but also enjoyed. She has early childhood memories of having wanted to make her own money through something she made – but she never knew the answer was entrepreneurship.Insights:The importance of being happy in your job, in addition to being good at it.Deciding what major you want to choose, and which career will keep you happy.Entrepreneurship – opportunities, risk, benefits, and approach.Experiential events – importance, profits to be gained, and key points to be kept in mind.The amount of money is not important; the engagement provided to people is important.CynthiaExperiential Marketing agency (https://www.hiddenrhythm.com/) (check out their free resources!)Twitter (https://twitter.com/cynthia)Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiasamanian/)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Sam's blog - SamWebsterHarris.com (https://samwebsterharris.com/)Support the Show - Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/growthmindset)
Sponsor - Better Help
Life is hard and it helps to talk. You can meet online with a qualified therapist tailored to your needs.Specific help for exactly your problems often doesn't exist nearby or requires you to meet someone at awkward times. You can meet the perfect therapist for you at the most convenient times online through the app on video, phone call or text chat.To get 10% off your first-month membership sign up now with the code 'GROWTHMINDSET'https://BetterHelp.com/GrowthMindsetSubscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Cynthia Samanian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2019 • 1h 2min
73: Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs and their Strengths - Heather Dominick
Heather Dominick is a coach of what she refers to as Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs (HSE), interestingly; she is the only coach in this angle of life on the planet. She is the founder of the HSE program which is targeted at improving and encouraging the lives of sensitive people to go into business and actually excel. She is a survivor of the 9/11 attack.Heather is the winner of the 2015 Best of Manhattan Coaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Award winning virtual event 'A Course In Business Miracles®: 21-Day Discovery Series' that attracted close to 6,000 official registrants from all around the world including: Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe and the U.S.She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has been published in numerous books including Stepping Stones to Success alongside Deepak Chopra.This is a fascinating and equally highly educative conversation into the life of a survivor, trainer, coach and successful entrepreneur. We explored, learned and covered a whole lot about Heather Dominick and of course some intelligent lessons which are noted below;Being creative instead of complainingHow to work differently for those with highly sensitive nervous systemsHow to transform the highly sensitive traits to strengthsSurviving 9/11Not being a perfectionistBeing productiveHeather Dominick and her projectsConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessmiracles/)Twitter (www.twitter.com/ACIBMs)Website (www.businessmiracles.com) 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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)Sam's blog - SamWebsterHarris.com (https://samwebsterharris.com/)Support the Show - Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/growthmindset)SHOW NOTES** 2:00 - Life story**Grew up in New YorkGraduated from NYUFirst career was a high school drama teacherSurvived 9/11Started first business two years after 9/11First business was a nutrition and wellness coachMarried for 13 years 3:01- First Business as a nutrition and wellness coachBuilt first business to full capacity in nine months time. *4:45- Childhood *She was a quiet and shy child, as a matter of fact, she was an only child. 6:09- Growing upAs a teenager, she was different ** 7:35- Work **What she does is to teach a lot of highly sensitive people to be creative and not just cope. *8:52- HSE shadows and strengths *One of the greatest strengths of highly sensitive people is that they are deep listeners. 9:15- The stranger incident Strangers from subways, stores, parties feel comfortable divulging their inner deepest secrets to you and just are on their way. 11:36- HSE definition According to research, HSE’s have a sensitive nervous system designed to take stimulations at a higher level or degree.** 20:52- 9/11 effect** It had a major effect (traumatic) but it also moved to her to being self employed. 24:59- Teaching job It’s a natural talent and she enjoyed and loved her students the system not so much. 29:05- Mother’s death It caused embarrassment because she wanted to remain in her shell. 30:36- First business idea The energy of9/11 and the feeling of frustration was a major factor. 34:55- Process, building and changing things She works with operate with creative solutions over perfection 42:27- Highly sensitive people and climate change Learn to access the strength of empathy and choose an action 45:50- Feelings as an HSE Because you feel it doesn’t mean you are responsible for it 50:01- Early memories Trying to reach out to the sun, apartment moving backwards, curtains and windows. Subscribe!If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate it. And of course, share with your friends! Special Guest: Heather Dominick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 2019 • 1h 16min
72: Lessons in Being Extraordinary - Mario Nawfal
Mario Nawfal is crazy. But also stupidly successful, intelligent and charming (...and young). At only 30 years old he has several million-dollar businesses and runs the Athena business conglomerate across 40 countries. He is also a serial investor and business coach. Mario lives a nomad lifestyle and somehow finds the time for getting serious with his hobbies.
In general, he knows a lot about making the most of life and what it has to offer. We discuss how Mario made his first break and the path to his numerous successes (and failures). We also cover the important life lessons and principles he's learnt along the way as he continuously breaks the mould in the pursuit of an extraordinary life.
Mario Website (www.marionawfal.com)
Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-nawfal/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 snips
Nov 6, 2019 • 1h 12min
70: Getting People to Think Your Idea is Their Idea - Oren Klaff, bestselling Author & Investor
Oren Klaff, a sales genius and bestselling author of 'Pitch Anything' and 'Flip the Script,' shares his expert insights on making compelling pitches. He discusses the journey from mechanical engineering to mastering high-stakes negotiations, emphasizing the importance of confidence and self-worth. Oren delves into the pitfalls of neediness in deals and offers practical sales techniques rooted in experience. He also reflects on the influence of technology in sales and the intertwining of luck and strong personal values in achieving success.

Oct 22, 2019 • 1h
69: The Outward Mindset - Heather Adams, The Arbinger Institute
Heather Adams is a leading partner at the Arbinger Institute who focus on the 'Outward Mindset'. They coach businesses and leaders to become more effective and more aware of themselves and to achieve greater success.The inward vs outward mindset is a fascinating topic that I wasn't 100% versed on and it was a real pleasure to receive a masterclass from Heather. In the interview, we learn more about what makes relationships work and how to view others. There are so many mistakes humans easily make that our brains trick us into and the outward mindset is a brilliant tool to make you a better human.Heather and The Arbringer InstituteConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergilmartin/)The Arbinger Institute (https://arbingerinstitute.com/)Books by the Arbinger Institute - (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/828.The_Arbinger_Institute) Twitter (https://twitter.com/Arbinger)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)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: Heather Adams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 2019 • 1h 41min
68: The Mindsets for Leadership and Success - Ryan Gottfredson PhD
Ryan Gottfredson is an innovative researcher and coach in the mindsets behind success and leadership. We discuss his top findings and the key mindsets that make a good leader.The four main Mindsets discussed:Fixed vs. GrowthClosed vs. OpenPrevention vs. PromotionInward vs. OutwardWe also branch into many fascinating topics to end up with a really educational podcast to help make you a lot wiserRyanConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangottfredson/)Pre-order Ryans book and find out more about him (www.RyanGottfredson.com)Take the Mindset Assesment (https://ryangottfredson.com/personal-mindset-assessment)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)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: Ryan Gottfredson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2019 • 1h 16min
67: Coaching Olympic Success - Frank Dick OBE (Current coaching strategy with England Rugby team)
Frank Dick is one of the world's finest sports and motivational coaches ever. He is currently working with the England Rugby team during this year's Rugby World Cup.Frank was the England Athletics coach for three Olympics as well as coaching several high profile individuals. Some big names include Boris Becker, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson.He has also worked with the South African Olympic teams and won some prestigious titles such as the 'UK Sporting Hero' for 2001.This episode is an absolute masterclass in coaching yourself or those around you for success. Whether you are in sports or any field creating excellence is something we can all do better. Frank is a true genius in his field and it was an absolute pleasure learning from someone so knowledgeable.FrankConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-dick-0b559630/)Website (https://www.frankdick.co.uk/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/frankdickcoach)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.Sam:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samjamsnaps/)Quora (https://www.quora.com/profile/Sam-Harris-58)Twitter (https://twitter.com/samharristweets)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharris48/)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: Frank Dick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


