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
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.
Sep 30, 2024 • 39min
A Rock Climber's Brush with Death
Tommy Caldwell, one of the world's top rock climbers known for his free-climb of the Dawn Wall and surviving a harrowing hostage situation, shares his transformative journey. He discusses how a near-death experience redefined his mental state, leading him to achieve new heights in both climbing and personal growth. Caldwell reflects on the gripping balance of adventure and danger, navigating intense fears while finding euphoria in challenging climbs. His story is a powerful testament to resilience and the indomitable human spirit.
Sep 4, 2024 • 37min
Cynicism is Exhausting. There’s an Alternative.
Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, explores how cynicism limits our potential. He introduces 'hopeful skepticism,' a mindset combining optimism and critical thinking. Zaki discusses its emotional benefits and advocates for recognizing biases to foster resilience and social engagement. He emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and gratitude in transforming our outlook, urging listeners to appreciate positive connections and experiences to combat cynicism.
Aug 26, 2024 • 46min
The Grief of Empty Nesting with Kelly Corrigan
In this heartfelt discussion, Kelly Corrigan, a talented writer and host, opens up about the bittersweet experience of empty nesting as her daughters grow independent. She wrestles with the poignant shifts in parent-child dynamics, emphasizing what parents and children owe each other. Through personal anecdotes, she reflects on navigating the emotional complexities of letting go while fostering their growth. The conversation beautifully captures the blend of loss and love that comes with watching children form their own identities.
Aug 19, 2024 • 35min
Olympian Gabby Thomas On Choosing Happiness
Gabby Thomas, a U.S. track star and Olympic medalist with a master's in public health, shares her unique journey navigating the complexities of athletics and academia. She discusses her evolving relationship with running, revealing how personal ambitions and societal expectations have shaped her. Gabby also dives into her joy of competing at the Olympics and the challenges she faced in balancing her sports career with public health aspirations. Her transformative experiences, including a pivotal trip to Senegal, provided clarity on her passions.
Aug 5, 2024 • 25min
Part 2: A Million Little Losses
Kelsie Snow, a writer and podcaster known for her exploration of grief, shares her deeply personal journey after losing her husband, Chris, to ALS. She delves into the concept of 'quiet grief', reflecting on her ongoing mourning and the emotional complexity of memorializing a loved one. Kelsie highlights the physical sensations tied to grief and love, revealing how this profound connection permeates daily life. She also discusses navigating grief during holidays, sharing coping strategies that honor cherished memories while allowing space for joy.
