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
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.
Aug 5, 2024 • 28min
Part 1: A Million Little Losses
When Kelsie first met her co-worker Chris, she fell hard. They soon fell in love, got married, and had two kids. But then, Chris received a devastating diagnosis. In conversation with Maya, writer Kelsie Snow explores the complex grief of being both a wife and caregiver. Note: this is part one of two conversations with writer Kelsie Snow. It was recorded in September 2023. To hear more from Kelsey, check out her podcast, “Sorry, I’m Sad.” Connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 29, 2024 • 33min
A Novel Approach to Treating Chronic Pain
Alan Gordon, a psychotherapist and author of 'The Way Out', takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the psychology of chronic pain. He reveals that much pain stems from the brain misinterpreting signals rather than physical injuries. Alan shares innovative strategies like pain reprocessing therapy and explains somatic tracking to alleviate discomfort. He emphasizes the role of fear in pain perception and advocates for a shift toward mindful pain management. This insightful conversation opens new doors for understanding and treating chronic pain.
Jul 22, 2024 • 33min
Real Talk: The Transition to Motherhood
Motherhood can be a time of profound internal upheaval, says clinical psychologist Molly Millwood. Molly offers an honest look at the transition into motherhood, drawing from scientific research, stories from her private practice, and her own experiences as a mother. She and Maya talk about how to navigate the grief, guilt, ambivalence, and other disorienting feelings that can often come up for new moms. For more on Molly, check out her book “To Have and To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma.” If you liked this episode, we recommend listening to “The Devastation of Things Going Exactly to Plan.” Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 15, 2024 • 25min
A Syrian Refugee Fights for Olympic Dreams
Swimmer Yusra Mardini grew up in Syria and dreamed of one day representing her home country at the Olympics. But when the civil war in Syria intensified, she fled the country and had to put that dream on hold. After escaping to Europe, she faced an unexpected opportunity. Yusra tells Maya the harrowing story of how she made it to safety, and then to the Olympic stage. Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 8, 2024 • 34min
“Surrender is not in my DNA”
Brad Snyder was part of the U.S. Navy’s most elite bomb squad. In his role, he was rewarded for his intense independence. But after a bomb blast left him blind, he had to relearn how to depend on others. He talks with Maya about how embracing vulnerability helped him reach his dreams. Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
