Growth Minds with Sean Kim

Dr. Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and associate professor at New York University whose research explores perception, motivation, and decision-making. She is the author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World, where she reveals how visual strategies can shape goal achievement and behavior. Dr. Balcetis’s work has been featured in major outlets like The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, and she is a sought-after speaker known for translating cutting-edge psychology into practical tools for success.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) — Importance of state of mind when setting goals(01:09) — Defining a new goal for oneself(02:23) — Trap of setting overly ambitious goals(05:31) — Finding the right balance in goal difficulty(05:31) — Weight loss as an example of balance in goals(07:57) — Role of willpower and caring in success(08:44) — Maintaining excitement for big goals with realistic timelines(12:22) — Motivated brain versus unmotivated brain(14:30) — Hill-climbing study and motivation through choice(20:15) — Applying motivational frameworks beyond health and performance(22:46) — Whether setting fewer goals is beneficial(26:38) — Research on the sweet spot for number of goals(31:37) — Testing personal limits for productivity and stress(36:34) — Relationship between beliefs and reality(41:51) — Eye-tracking studies in jury decisions and cybersecurity(47:25) — Common cognitive biases and ways to mitigate them(52:49) — Midpoint slump in motivation(58:09) — Dunning–Kruger effect and origins of overconfidence(60:24) — Role of self-compassion in motivationLearn more about Dr. EmilyWikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_BalcetisWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Prof. Laura Huang is a Distinguished Professor of Management and Organizational Dynamics at Northeastern University, and previously taught at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School. She has been recognized as one of the world’s top 40 business school professors and is a recipient of the 2020 Cozzarelli Prize for scientific originality. She is the author of the bestselling Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage. Her newest book, You Already Know: The Science of Mastering Your Intuition, was released on July 29, 2025. In it, she presents a groundbreaking, research-based guide to using intuition as a powerful tool for smarter decisions and lasting success.In our conversation we discuss:(01:01) – AI reliance and intuition(01:11) – Gut feeling vs intuition(03:08) – Human vs animal intuition(06:03) – Neuralink and future of instincts(09:14) – Simple vs complex problems(20:08) – Types of gut feelings(22:56) – Evolution vs learned instincts(26:45) – Loss aversion vs gains(34:04) – Cognitive biases and intuition(41:07) – Coin flip and loss aversion(48:54) – Ways to hone intuition(56:46) – Hard work and success myth(1:02:31) – Cultural differences in edge(1:05:07) – Guiding perception vs faking itLearn more about Prof. Laura HuangWebsite: https://www.proflaurahuang.com/New Book - https://www.amazon.com/You-Already-Know-Mastering-Intuition/dp/0593714768Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Daniel Jones is a psychologist and researcher best known for his expertise in dark personality traits such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. He has published widely on how these traits influence relationships, leadership, and society, making complex psychological concepts accessible to the public. Dr. Jones is also a sought-after speaker and educator, often featured in media and podcasts where he discusses the impact of personality on everyday life.In our conversation we discuss:(00:01) – Spotting psychopaths(02:13) – Survival context vs psychopathy(05:19) – Dark triad overview(10:12) – Prevalence of dark traits(14:52) – Machiavelli vs Machiavellianism(18:39) – Influence vs manipulation(26:36) – Origins: nature vs nurture(32:30) – Self-awareness of dark traits(37:39) – Dark traits in leadership(42:12) – Power tactics and society(48:36) – Trolley problem basics(52:48) – Careers suited to dark traits(1:00:28) – Self-awareness aiding manipulation(1:04:00) – Dark traits in dating(1:08:55) – Vetting romantic partners(1:13:14) – Attraction to high-empathy partners(1:17:38) – Cutting ties vs expecting changeLearn more about Dr. Daniel https://www.unr.edu/social-psychology/people/dan-jonesWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Rob Henderson is a psychologist, writer, and U.S. Air Force veteran who coined the term “luxury beliefs.” Raised in foster care, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge and now writes for major outlets on class, culture, and human behavior. His memoir, Troubled, explores his personal journey and the impact of social class on identity and opportunity.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Luxury beliefs defined(03:10) – Modern examples of beliefs(09:11) – Changes across history(15:52) – Where luxury beliefs fit(17:04) – Skin in the game(18:59) – Consequences of status over truth(22:50) – Cancel culture and enforcement(24:44) – Decline of religion and identity(28:27) – Turning to politics for meaning(31:08) – Cultural differences in status signaling(37:08) – Pressure on young people(42:42) – Men attracting women today(46:09) – Exclusion in dating(50:40) – Polygamy as a luxury belief(52:53) – Purpose for young men(56:59) – Self-improvement before relationships(58:47) – Imposter syndrome experienceLearn more about Rob HendersonInstagram -  @robkhenderson  Newsletter - https://www.robkhenderson.com/Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, senior fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and bestselling author known for bridging neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology. His work focuses on how the brain can be trained for greater resilience, happiness, and inner strength. Through books such as Hardwiring Happiness and Resilient, Dr. Hanson shares practical, science-based tools to cultivate well-being and reduce stress. He is also a popular speaker and teacher, offering workshops and online programs that integrate psychology, meditation, and neuroscience for personal growth.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Misunderstandings about relationships(04:00) – Love as a practice and skill(08:00) – Brain science and romance(12:00) – Following emotions versus awareness(16:00) – The value of mindfulness(20:00) – Acknowledging feelings and avoidance(24:00) – Negative rumination and brain circuits(28:00) – Exploring what lies beneath rumination(32:00) – Healing after heartbreak(36:00) – Building confidence and self-worth(40:00) – Imposter syndrome and motivation(44:00) – Letting go of inherited beliefs(48:00) – Practical steps for self-respect(52:00) – Choosing the right partner(56:00) – Signs of emotional availability(1:00:00) – Avoidant attachment and relationships(1:04:00) – Moving on from unavailable partners(1:08:00) – Closing thoughts and resourcesLearn more about Dr. Rick HansonBooks:Making Great RelationshipsResilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and HappinessWebsites:rickhanson.com — free resources, videos, and coursesglobalcompassioncoalition.org — initiative he promotes near the endWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Nathan Bryan is a biochemist and internationally recognized expert on nitric oxide research and its role in human health. His groundbreaking work has advanced the understanding of how nitric oxide influences cardiovascular function, metabolism, and overall wellness. Dr. Bryan has authored numerous scientific publications and books, translating complex biochemical science into practical strategies for improving health and performance. As a sought-after speaker and educator, he continues to lead innovation in nitric oxide–based therapies and nutritional interventions.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Definition and role of nitric oxide(01:13) – Lack of public awareness(03:35) – Consequences of low nitric oxide(06:08) – Link to chronic diseases(09:16) – Measuring nitric oxide levels(14:23) – Decline in younger adults(16:52) – Habits and foods that reduce levels(19:24) – History and effects of fluoride(22:58) – Global fluoride reduction examples(25:33) – Water filtration for fluoride removal(27:02) – Safety of alcohol-free mouthwash(30:48) – Alternatives to antiseptic hand products(33:16) – Toothpaste and deodorant use(35:41) – Ways to increase nitric oxide(37:19) – Sunlight exposure on different body areas(40:42) – Causes of sunburn susceptibility(42:46) – Nitrate-rich foods(45:57) – Organic produce and nitrate content(49:52) – Impact of feed quality on animal nutrition(55:52) – Breathing habits and nitric oxide(59:36) – Actionable steps for nitric oxide optimizationLearn more about Dr. Nathan:Website & products: https://n101.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Nitric-Oxide-Bringing-Science/dp/B0DV3VZ4QHYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrNathanSBryanNitricOxideInstagram: @DrNathanSBryanNitricOxideWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Bill Eddy, a licensed therapist and expert in high-conflict personalities, discusses the five toxic types that can disrupt your life. He reveals the traits of narcissists and adult bullies, highlighting how they differ from childhood bullies. Eddy shares practical strategies like the BIFF method for dealing with toxic individuals. He also addresses whether these high conflict traits can change and stresses the importance of building social alliances to mitigate conflict. Lastly, he provides tools for rebuilding confidence after toxic encounters.

Dr. Joel Pearson is a cognitive neuroscientist, psychologist, and professor known for his groundbreaking research on the human mind, imagination, and decision-making. He is the founder and director of the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales, where he explores the science behind consciousness, mental imagery, and innovation. Dr. Pearson’s work bridges neuroscience and technology, offering insights into how the brain shapes perception, creativity, and behavior. He is also an entrepreneur and thought leader, frequently speaking on the future of human potential and the intersection of science and society.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) What exactly is intuition?(05:28) Is intuition inherited or learned from experience?(07:53) Is my gut feeling bias or intuition?(10:11) How do we know when to trust intuition?(14:08) How can emotional arousal distort intuition?(19:54) Why are humans so bad with probability?(26:15) Can intuition transfer across environments?(34:08) Can we heal biased intuition through psychedelics?(36:57) What is mental imagery and how to use it?(44:14) How can mental imagery break limiting beliefs?(50:11) How do we visualize to achieve success?(54:26) Are we living in a controlled hallucination?(59:08) What does this mean for objective reality?(1:02:07) Will AI reduce our use of intuition?(1:06:48) Will AI make us mentally lazy?(1:11:20) What skills will become obsolete in the future?(1:14:47) Will we need to unlink work from identity?(1:21:53) How should we redesign education for AI?(1:26:28) What can individuals do to prepare?(1:32:13) Who will replace whom in the AI future?Learn more about Prof. Joel Pearson:https://www.profjoelpearson.com/Book:https://www.amazon.com/Intuition-Toolkit-Science-Knowing-without/dp/1763557111Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Steven Gundry is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, medical researcher, and bestselling author known for his pioneering work on nutrition, gut health, and chronic disease. After decades as a leading heart surgeon, he shifted his focus to preventative medicine, founding the Gundry MD clinic to help patients heal through science-backed dietary interventions. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Plant Paradox and his latest release, The Gut Brain Paradox, which explores the powerful connection between the microbiome and mental health. Dr. Gundry continues to challenge conventional wisdom with his cutting-edge insights into personalized nutrition and longevity.In our conversation we discuss:(00:32) – What are lectins and how they work(03:26) – Foods high in lectins in daily diets(04:48) – Do cooking methods reduce lectin effects?(10:22) – Is glyphosate weakening gut defenses?(10:26) – Are lectins studied in human trials?(12:06) – Clinical findings from autoimmune patients(16:55) – Could glyphosate be the real issue?(17:15) – Do blue zone diets include lectins?(22:09) – Why goat and sheep products help longevity(25:17) – Should healthy people avoid lectins too?(31:05) – Low-toxin vegetables and how to prepare them(37:23) – Should we avoid fruit or just fructose?(43:06) – Best fruits to eat and avoid(48:10) – When is the best time to eat fruit?(53:29) – Are superagers born with better microbiomes?(55:47) – How Gundry’s views evolved over timeLearn more about Dr. Steven GundryWebsite – https://drgundry.com/New book – https://www.amazon.com/Gut-Brain-Paradox-Improve-Reverse-Microbiome/dp/0062911805Watch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author, dives into gut health and the vital role of the microbiome. He discusses the rising global digestive issues and common misconceptions about gut health. Listeners learn about the strong links between food choices and overall well-being, as well as various everyday habits that could be harming their microbiome. Bulsiewicz also emphasizes the importance of integrating fiber-rich foods into the diet and shares insights into how technology can personalize nutritional recommendations.