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
Mar 25, 2025 • 21min
Mental, moral and physical laziness - how to beat our modern addictions
Discover how deliberate discomfort paves the way to a meaningful life. The discussion dives into the three stages of 'flabbiness'—physical, mental, and moral—highlighting how complacency breeds stagnation. Learn the importance of taking personal responsibility and confronting moral laziness instead of blaming others. The podcast also offers strategies for transforming habits, emphasizing community support and accountability. Finally, philosophical insights from Stoicism and Buddhism help combat mental laziness, guiding listeners toward greater self-discipline and purpose.
13 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 35min
How to uncover emotional blocks holding you back, when you can't see them w/ Tracy Litt
Tracy Litt, a performance coach and author of "Worthy Human," joins the discussion to unveil emotional blocks that often stay hidden. She explains how our brains deploy clever distractions exactly when we need to feel our emotions. Sam shares his own struggles with vulnerability, highlighting personal insights on emotional avoidance. Tracy suggests practical methods like a judgment journal and guided screaming for emotional release. The conversation encourages embracing fear as a guide toward growth, revealing that confronting these invisible barriers can lead to profound transformation.
8 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 18min
Bruce Lee's 6 simple habits to build mastery, mental strength and a growth mindset
Dive into Bruce Lee's transformative habits that shaped his legendary status! Discover how he embraced failure as a teacher and captured insights in notebooks. Learn the power of daily goal recitation and the importance of reading widely across subjects. Explore how his mix of Eastern philosophy and Western techniques revolutionized martial arts. Lee's relentless dedication and adaptability serve as a blueprint for mastering anything. Get inspired to unlock your own potential by adopting these principles of growth, perseverance, and creativity!
17 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 38min
The 7 types of stupidity: the human flaws more important than brainpower
Explore the intriguing world of human stupidity, where misconceptions and cognitive biases can hinder success more than ignorance. Discover seven distinct patterns of flawed thinking, from individual overconfidence to collective errors in organizations. Learn why brilliant minds sometimes overthink simple solutions and how our identities can entangle us in flawed beliefs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of intellectual honesty and decision-making systems to combat common blind spots, encouraging a reimagined approach to thinking.
Mar 11, 2025 • 31min
Unconventional ideas on happiness that change how you feel today (and in 30 years)
Explore the intriguing notion that happiness might not lie in immediate gratification but in long-term thinking. Delve into the concept of 'now-ish' thinking, which can cloud our futures. Learn to evaluate your daily choices with a 30-year perspective and consider if your routines and relationships are what you want long-term. Discover small, actionable habits that foster gratitude and deepen connections. Shift your language from obligation to opportunity, and focus your day on one significant task to enhance happiness.
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.
