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
47 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h
Michael Lewis and Maya Talk “The Other Side of Change”
Michael Lewis, bestselling author and onstage interviewer, sits down with Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist who studies how people navigate major life shifts. They explore identity loss, how diverse changes share common psychological patterns, and stories of transformation from amnesia to locked-in syndrome. The conversation includes audience Q&A about parenting for unpredictable futures.
53 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 38min
How To Be Happier This Year
Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor renowned for her research on happiness, joins in an insightful conversation about well-being. They discuss the misconception that future achievements will bring joy and the importance of social connections in enhancing happiness. Laurie explains how happiness can be influenced more by prosocial acts than by selfish pursuits. With tips on mindful phone use and prioritizing time affluence, they explore actionable strategies to boost contentment. Overall, it’s an engaging look at how to cultivate joy in everyday life.
Jan 13, 2026 • 42min
A Sneak Preview Of Maya’s New Book
Maya Shankar introduces her new book, unveiling the poignant story of Olivia Lewis, who faced a life-altering brainstem stroke. She dives into the complexities of locked-in syndrome, exploring its rarity and communication methods like blinking. The emotional turmoil of acceptance and denial resonates as Olivia seeks hope in recovery stories. Maya discusses Olivia's determination and gradual progress, highlighting her move to a specialized rehabilitation facility. This heartfelt journey combines personal narratives with scientific insights into human resilience.
5 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 2min
Kicking Off the New Year Right
Maya Shankar shares insights about her forthcoming book, highlighting its focus on navigating life's changes. She stresses the importance of pre-orders in boosting the book's visibility. Listeners are invited to play a vital role by pre-ordering, with added perks like a companion journal and a mini book club invitation. With enthusiasm, Maya expresses her desire for readers to connect with the transformative messages in her work.
54 snips
Dec 8, 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.
58 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
Why It’s Never Too Late To Bet On Yourself
In this insightful discussion, Zarna Garg, a comedian and author known for her candid storytelling, shares her incredible journey from Mumbai to the American comedy scene. She reveals how she learned that courage is a skill and the role of failure in her success. Zarna opens up about rejecting an arranged marriage and her struggles as an immigrant, highlighting the evolution of her comedic voice. Through vulnerability, she encourages listeners to embrace risk and practice courage in their lives.
39 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.
12 snips
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!
