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
Feb 24, 2025 • 34min
New Year, Old You? We Got You.
Katy Milkman, a Professor of Behavioral Economics at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "How to Change," shares her insights on making lasting New Year’s resolutions. She discusses the 'fresh start effect,' demonstrating how pivotal moments can motivate change. Katy introduces 'temptation bundling'—pairing enjoyable activities with less appealing tasks—to enhance motivation. Additionally, she examines commitment devices that foster accountability, emphasizing how small choices can lead to significant life transformations.
4 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 33min
How To Be A More Trustworthy Person
Rachel Botsman, an Oxford University professor and trust expert, shares insights from her audiobook on cultivating trust. She discusses the subtle signals we send in relationships and how trust is essential in every interaction. Kim Radestitz, a dedicated high school Spanish teacher, emphasizes the importance of earning students' trust through empathy and consistent actions. Together, they explore practical strategies for fostering reliability and integrity, ensuring trust remains the foundation of all connections.
Jan 27, 2025 • 35min
BONUS: Make Your Inner Voice Work For You
Ethan Kross, a psychologist specializing in introspection, discusses how to manage the inner voice and reduce negativity. Modupe Akinola, known for her stress research, redefines stress as a potentially beneficial force that can enhance performance. Kristen Neff, an expert in self-compassion, emphasizes treating oneself with kindness to foster personal growth. Together, they explore techniques for transforming inner dialogue, embracing stress positively, and the importance of self-compassion in navigating life's challenges.
Dec 16, 2024 • 37min
The Secret to a Good Conversation
Charles Duhigg, a journalist and author of "Supercommunicators," shares insights into what makes conversations meaningful. He discusses the science behind effective dialogue, emphasizing deep questions that unlock emotions and perspectives. Duhigg highlights the importance of empathy in communication and offers techniques for fostering connections, both personally and professionally. Personal anecdotes and scientific research illustrate how mastering these skills can enhance relationships and contribute to overall well-being.
Dec 9, 2024 • 32min
Breaking Free From Family Beliefs
Safiya Sinclair, a talented writer and poet from Jamaica, shares her journey of breaking free from a strict Rastafari upbringing. She dives into the challenges of escaping her father's oppressive rules and the exploration of her identity. Discover how poetry became her outlet for self-expression, empowering her even through transformative moments like cutting her dreadlocks. Safiya's story is a compelling testament to personal growth and the quest for individuality amidst familial expectations.
Dec 2, 2024 • 37min
What We Get Wrong About The Teen Brain
David Yeager, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," discusses the complexities of adolescent development. He addresses common misconceptions about the teen brain, emphasizing that young people's motivations differ significantly from adults. By understanding these motivations, adults can bridge the gap in communication and support. The conversation also highlights how meaningful discussions about social issues can enhance teens' academic engagement and personal growth.
Nov 25, 2024 • 40min
Why It's So Tough To Be Kind To Yourself
Kristin Neff, a pioneering psychologist and author of "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself," shares her insights on self-compassion as a motivational tool. She dispels myths surrounding self-kindness being selfish and introduces practical exercises to cultivate self-care in daily life. Through engaging discussions, Kristin highlights how self-compassion can enhance emotional resilience and strengthen relationships. Listeners learn the importance of mindfulness and recognizing shared human experiences to combat feelings of isolation.
Nov 18, 2024 • 35min
Rethinking Ambition
Writer Jennifer Romolini, author of the memoir "Ambition Monster," shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to reassessing her ambitions after a health crisis. She discusses how societal expectations can distort our understanding of success, emphasizing the need to redefine ambition on a personal level. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing career aspirations with well-being and the transformative power of pursuing authenticity over conventional success.
Nov 11, 2024 • 29min
The Story of a Smile
Join Sarah Ruhl, a celebrated writer known for her acclaimed plays, as she candidly shares her journey with Bell's palsy following childbirth. She discusses the emotional turmoil of losing her ability to smile, reflecting on how it reshaped her identity and connections with loved ones. Sarah explores the intersection of self-image and health, emphasizing the importance of humor, connection, and storytelling in her healing process. Through poignant anecdotes, she highlights the resilience found in embracing one’s true self amid adversity.
Oct 30, 2024 • 38min
Maya’s Slight Change of Plans, Revisited
Maya reflects on her heart-wrenching journey to motherhood, sharing the layered emotions of pregnancy loss and grief. She candidly discusses the complexities of gestational surrogacy, highlighting her bond with surrogates like Haley. The narrative balances moments of hope, especially during a renewed attempt at embryo transfer, with the challenges of connection during difficult times. With humor, she addresses the often-overlooked realities of parental anxieties and health issues while navigating the chaotic path to parenthood.
