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
Jun 9, 2025 • 44min
A Climber Loses Her Grip
Beth Rodden, a professional rock climber known for her incredible resilience, shares her harrowing tale of being kidnapped during a climbing expedition in Kyrgyzstan. She discusses how her mindset of tolerating pain and fear was challenged in life-threatening circumstances. The conversation dives into the psychological aftermath of trauma, exploring vulnerability, relationships, and personal growth. Beth also reflects on how parenthood shifted her perspective, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being over mere achievement.
May 26, 2025 • 12min
BONUS: Boost Your Resilience At Work
Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business and host of The Unshakeables podcast, shares his expertise on resilience at work. He explores the unique challenges small business owners face and offers insights on mental health strategies. The discussion highlights the importance of community support and contingency planning, illustrated by the recovery of a coffee company after a fire. Ben also emphasizes the balance between personal well-being and business duties, discussing how empathy and understanding personal purpose can combat burnout and enhance workplace relationships.
May 12, 2025 • 42min
Glennon Doyle on How to Be Broken
Glennon Doyle, bestselling author and host of We Can Do Hard Things, shares her deeply personal journey of feeling broken and searching for belonging. She discusses the importance of self-discovery, the struggles of addiction, and the significance of authenticity in her life. Glennon reveals how societal pressures can amplify feelings of chaos and emphasizes finding clarity through writing. Her transformative experiences highlight the power of community support and the ongoing quest for inner peace amidst life’s challenges.
Apr 28, 2025 • 37min
The Two Words That Saved Mel Robbins
Bestselling author and podcast host Mel Robbins shares her insights on letting go of control and the burdens of people-pleasing. She discusses a transformative moment during her son's prom that shifted her perspective on emotional health. Emphasizing the importance of compassion, Mel encourages listeners to embrace autonomy in relationships. She also highlights her upcoming book, exploring personal empowerment through change and the necessity of ceding control for inner peace. Innovative home solutions and financial tools are also touched upon.
Apr 17, 2025 • 3min
Maya’s Exciting Announcement!
I’ve been dying to share this news with you for quite some time, and I'm so happy that today I finally can. Pre-order “The Other Side of Change” now at changewithmaya.com/book. Read more about my journey to writing “The Other Side of Change” in People: https://people.com/maya-shankar-the-other-side-of-change-cover-reveal-exclusive-11716505See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 14, 2025 • 47min
Is Amanda Knox Finally Free?
Amanda Knox, wrongfully convicted of murder and now an author, shares her profound journey of healing and self-discovery. She recounts her decision to confront the prosecutor who vilified her, delving into the psychological toll of her experiences. The conversation also explores her aspirations of motherhood, the emotional weight of loss, and her quest for understanding in the wake of trauma. Knox reflects on the power of empathy in adversity and the importance of connection, offering insights into resilience and the quest for meaning.
Apr 7, 2025 • 44min
Amanda Knox Knows What You’re Thinking
Amanda Knox, wrongfully convicted of murder in Italy and now an advocate for justice, shares her harrowing journey of imprisonment and exoneration. She talks about the traumatic psychological effects of intense police interrogation and media frenzy. Knox reflects on finding hope and identity during her four years in prison, emphasizing the struggle of reclaiming one's self after societal misconceptions. Her powerful narrative highlights resilience, the importance of connection with fellow inmates, and the ongoing quest for justice.
Mar 31, 2025 • 41min
Extreme Makeover: Personality Edition
Olga Khazan, a science writer for The Atlantic and author of 'Me But Better', shares her candid journey to reshape her neurotic personality. She discusses the surprising power of personality change and her year-long quest to shift from negativity to self-improvement. Olga reveals how introspection led her to confront challenges stemming from anxiety and introversion while embracing experiences like improv to enhance her social skills. Listeners explore the complexities of personality development and the joy of embracing change.
Mar 17, 2025 • 43min
How to Say No
In this insightful discussion, organizational psychologist Sunita Sah, a professor at Cornell University, delves into the challenges of saying no amidst societal pressures. She unpacks the art of defiance, showcasing how it's a skill we can develop. Sunita shares personal stories, highlighting the complexities of asserting boundaries, especially in medical settings. She introduces a five-stage framework for navigating uncomfortable situations, emphasizing that saying no can actually signify personal strength and growth.
5 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 33min
The Case Against ‘Feeling Your Feelings’
Join psychologist Ethan Kross, an expert in emotion science and author of 'Shift,' as he challenges the notion that emotions are simply good or bad. He emphasizes the importance of viewing emotions as valuable signals that can guide behavior. Kross debunks the myth that we must fully engage with negative feelings to move past them. Instead, he shares practical strategies for emotional regulation and highlights how music and scent can be used effectively to enhance emotional well-being.
