

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

22 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 40min
Can you talk with your subconscious? - w/ Jeff Bauhner
Join Jeff Bauhner, author of "The Sultan's Seven Secrets," as he shares insights on tapping into the subconscious. He discusses how our minds operate beyond our awareness, often trapping us in self-sabotaging thoughts. Jeff proposes radical ways to communicate with our subconscious, helping to shift limiting beliefs around money and success. He connects personal transformation stories to broader themes of emotional alignment and overcoming fears, encouraging listeners to embrace change for personal growth.

Mar 4, 2025 • 29min
The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything
Why do smart people often make poor choices? The podcast dives into the illusion of control, revealing how our attempts to micromanage lead to anxiety and addiction. Listeners learn about reactance theory, which explains our rebellious response to perceived threats to our freedom. From attachment styles to anger management, the discussion highlights how control can worsen our problems. Surrendering control is presented as a path to inner peace, encouraging curiosity over micromanagement in our daily lives.

Feb 28, 2025 • 31min
7 habits of highly miserable people
What if your unhappiness is self-inflicted? Discover the seven toxic habits keeping you stuck in misery, like blaming others and falling into the trap of procrastination. Learn why waiting for the 'perfect moment' halts progress and how the victim mentality saps your power. Dive into the truth about self-care and its misconceptions in a digital age that fosters loneliness. Embrace change and take control of your happiness today!

Feb 25, 2025 • 32min
How to guide your destiny - What to avoid, where to push, when to relax
Ever feel like you’re swimming against the current of life? Explore how social media algorithms subtly influence our choices, pulling us away from authentic paths. Discover the untapped potential in emerging industries like AR, VR, and biotech. Learn to spot the forces shaping your decisions and gain tools to steer your life towards growth. Hear captivating stories of personal journeys and how small choices can lead to significant life changes. It’s time to catch the right waves in your life!

20 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 57min
Systems to unlock your creative genius w/ Jeremy Enns
Jeremy Enns is a prolific content creator with a knack for transforming fleeting thoughts into profitable ideas. He discusses how to break free from mediocre ideas and emphasizes that a perfect routine may actually stifle creativity. Jeremy shares his 'Marathon Project' framework, revealing how to elevate average creators to extraordinary heights. With a focus on structured creativity, he offers practical strategies to maintain productivity and develop a sustainable writing practice, making creativity an inevitable outcome.

29 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 41min
5 tips to stop waiting for opportunities
Discover the five laws of creation that empower you to take action toward your goals. Learn why your calling won’t find you and how to stop waiting for permission. Embrace public content creation to unlock new opportunities and foster connections. Tackle imposter syndrome by focusing on authenticity in your work. Understand the importance of feedback and iteration to achieve genuine product-market fit. Ultimately, cultivate a growth mindset to drive continuous self-improvement in both life and business.

Feb 14, 2025 • 27min
Psychology's guide to 18 oddities of desire
Explore the paradoxes that challenge our perceptions of love and relationships. Discover how vulnerability can be both a strength and a source of intimacy. Learn why annoying habits might actually hold hidden qualities. Embrace the idea that closeness often comes from distance. Understand why being 'needy' isn't always a flaw and how healthy conflict fosters growth. Stop chasing perfection; dive into the complexities of human connection, where contradictions can lead to breakthroughs.

Feb 11, 2025 • 25min
The Loneliness Paradox: How to stop being needy and start being magnetic
Explore the paradox of loneliness and its surprising effects on relationships. Learn how the fear of being alone can push people away, while authenticity can draw them in. Discover practical strategies to build confidence and nurture healthy connections. Understand the crucial difference between solitude and loneliness, and how embracing the former can enhance your relationships. Dive into the nuances of independence and interdependence while mastering communication for deeper emotional intimacy.

10 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 26min
5 Science-Backed Ways to Stop Disappointing Yourself - Live Gracefully
A staggering 76% of people break promises to themselves regularly. This enlightening discussion reveals the psychological reasons behind self-disappointment and highlights how your brain might be misleading you. Learn five research-backed strategies to effectively bridge the gap between your current self and your ambitions. Embrace change by letting go of past identities and aligning your actions with future aspirations. Discover how to set realistic goals and foster meaningful self-expression for a more fulfilling life.

Feb 4, 2025 • 41min
Intelligence By Design: 10 Ways to Engineer Your Mind For Wisdom
Delve into the idea that high IQ doesn't guarantee wise decision-making. Discover practical tools to curb overthinking and learn from mistakes. Reflect on real-world examples demonstrating that thoughtful reflection often trumps raw intelligence. Explore how to convert life's patterns into actionable wisdom and implement effective reflection practices. The discussion emphasizes that intelligence is shaped by experience and conscious growth, perfect for those eager to enhance their cognitive abilities and overall decision-making.


