

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

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.

Jan 31, 2025 • 30min
Ego and the Prisoner of Success: 3 Steps to Build Silent Confidence
Discover how the loudest voices seldom offer the most wisdom. Explore the strategic humility of George Washington and learn from the ego-driven failures of Lehman Brothers and Blockbuster. Understand why silent confidence paves the way for true success, while the dangers of ego can lead to downfall. This insightful discussion offers a guide to embracing humility, learning from failures, and cultivating a growth mindset for lasting personal and professional achievements.

5 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 25min
Instant Gratification and the Death of Mastery: How to Refocus Your Life
This podcast delves into the dangers of instant gratification and our diminishing attention spans. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting and embracing patience for achieving true mastery. Listeners learn how modern lifestyles impact relationships, urging a return to meaningful connections. With insights from Stoic philosophy, the show advocates for long-term growth over fleeting distractions. It also addresses the rise in ADHD diagnoses linked to screen habits, promoting mindfulness and a growth mindset as essential tools for personal development.

4 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 26min
16 Strange But Beautiful Paradoxes in Life (The hidden keys to fulfilment)
Life is full of intriguing paradoxes that can shape our happiness. As we chase freedom, we often feel more constrained, and the pursuit of money can lead to misery. Embracing boredom and failure can foster creativity and deeper personal growth. The conversation also highlights the importance of living in the moment and being kind to oneself. By recognizing these contradictions, we can navigate life’s complexities with greater clarity and intentionality.

39 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 23min
A Practical Guide to Clear Thinking: Socrates' Lessons on Beating Self-Deception
Embrace your ignorance to unlock true growth! Delve into Socratic questioning techniques to challenge your assumptions and facilitate self-improvement. Discover how recognizing ignorance can help mitigate negative actions and promote empathy. Explore the connections between Stoicism, Buddhism, and the journey toward inner peace. Authenticity and self-awareness emerge as vital components for personal growth. Learn to release painful emotions and embrace awareness for a happier life!

72 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 33min
24 Stoic Life Lessons To Solve 93% of Your Problems
Explore timeless Stoic rules to cultivate mindfulness and discipline in your life. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing mortality and mastering time to live fully. Learn the transformative power of forgiveness and empathy for emotional well-being. The hosts highlight the necessity of open-mindedness, community, and generosity while fostering a growth mindset. Discover how valuing experiences and nurturing relationships can lead to a more fulfilled and stress-free existence.


