A Slight Change of Plans
Pushkin Industries
What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval.
Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.
Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.
Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 48min
The People-Pleaser’s Recovery Guide
Therapist Meg Josephson, author of the bestseller "Are You Mad at Me?", discusses her journey from people-pleasing to self-discovery. She explores how her childhood shaped her need for approval and the fawn response as a survival tactic. Meg identifies six fawning archetypes and examines how excessive pleasing damages relationships. She offers tools like the NICER practice to regain self-connection and shares insights from her book-writing process that led to personal healing. Ultimately, she reflects on finding joy in her authentic self.
4 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 39min
How to Stay Hopeful (When It Feels Impossible)
Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford and author of "Hope for Cynics," dives into the contrasts between cynicism and hope. He discusses how cynicism undermines personal and social well-being, revealing its emotional toll. Jamil introduces the concept of “hopeful skepticism,” emphasizing its role in resilience and successful goal achievement. He shares strategies like connecting with core values and practicing social savoring to combat cynicism. Ultimately, he encourages gradual habit changes to nurture hope in both personal lives and communities.
Oct 20, 2025 • 53min
Malala, On Losing Herself
In a compelling conversation, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai discusses her memoir, 'Finding My Way.' She reflects on the pressure of being seen as a hero and the struggle to reclaim her identity after trauma. Malala shares her college experiences, balancing cultural expectations with personal freedom, and navigating insecurities post-attack. She opens up about therapy, marriage decisions, and her dedication to empowering girls through education, revealing her ongoing journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
Oct 6, 2025 • 45min
What If Finding Community Wasn't So Hard?
Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General and public health advocate, dives into the challenge of loneliness and the importance of community. He shares heartwarming stories, including his father's village, highlighting social richness over material wealth. Practical tips abound, like daily outreach and the power of smiling at strangers. Murthy emphasizes limiting negative influences, engaging in advocacy, and fostering genuine connections, all while encouraging small acts of kindness to nurture a more fulfilled and connected life.
Oct 1, 2025 • 2min
Maya’s Launching Something New This Fall!
Maya is buzzing with excitement as she gears up for the release of her book, The Other Side of Change. She's launching an Ambassadors Program, offering exclusive content like a companion journal and intimate conversations. Join a vibrant community passionate about embracing change! Listeners can pre-order the book and be part of this transformative journey. Maya emphasizes the power of change to unlock possibilities and new selves. It's an inviting opportunity for anyone ready to make an impact!
17 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 35min
A Dream, Revisited
Felicia Hsu, a former ICU resident with a background in MIT and Harvard Medical School, shares her transformational journey. She reflects on her childhood dream of becoming a doctor and the grueling realities of residency during COVID-19, including the physical toll it took on her health. Felicia opens up about a pivotal ICU experience that led her to reassess her career, face backlash for her decision to leave, and ultimately find joy in creativity and family life. Her story highlights the complexities of pursuing passion amid personal challenges.
24 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 32min
How To Talk About Hard Things
Anna Sale, creator of the podcast 'Death, Sex, & Money,' delves into the art of navigating tough conversations. She shares insights on the importance of empathy and emotional regulation in family dynamics, and how challenging dialogues can strengthen relationships. Sale reflects on the role of silence and preparation in fostering understanding. She also touches on pursuing dreams and the personal struggles that accompany them, encouraging a willingness to embrace discomfort in discussions.
Aug 14, 2025 • 2min
Maya Is Chris Hemsworth’s Brain Coach!
Maya shares her exciting experience of coaching Chris Hemsworth, exploring the intersection of neuroscience and personal growth. The discussion highlights the benefits of acquiring new skills, like learning the drums, for enhancing brain health. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Maya during a live Q&A session, where they can dive deeper into brain-boosting techniques. It's a captivating blend of celebrity insight and practical advice for personal development!
6 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
“I Feel So Wildly Lucky To Like Myself”
Jessica Slice, a talented author who shares her experiences living with disability, explores the transformative power of self-acceptance. She candidly discusses her journey from striving for perfection to embracing her identity after a health crisis. Jessica reflects on the pressures of societal expectations and how they shaped her sense of self-worth. With insights drawn from influential literature, she highlights the importance of redefining identity through personal experiences and the acceptance of life's imperfections.
20 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h
How Jacinda Ardern Turned Self-Doubt into a Strength
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, shares her journey from self-doubt to resilient leadership. She discusses the importance of empathy and kindness in political crises, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardern reflects on balancing personal integrity with public expectation and the challenges of tackling significant responsibilities at a young age. Her insights emphasize how vulnerability can transform leadership styles, highlighting the power of compassion in governance.
