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
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.
Jul 1, 2024 • 34min
What Comes After Gold, With Olympian Missy Franklin
Swimmer Missy Franklin won four gold medals at her first Olympics. But as she trained for her second trip to the world stage, her mental health began to crumble. With so much to defend, the pool suddenly felt like a pressure cooker. She talks with Maya about coping with defeat and how she learned to value her identity outside of sports. To hear more from Missy, listen to her podcast with Katie Hoff, Unfiltered Waters. 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.
Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 13min
Maya on Brené Brown's Podcast
We recently shared a conversation between Maya and Brené on A Slight Change of Plans where they talked about Maya's appearance on Brené's podcast, Dare to Lead. Today we are sharing that conversation with you! In this episode of Dare to Lead, Brené and Maya discuss how unexpected changes can disrupt our paths, challenge our identities, and require us to build new ways of navigating the world. They delve into the science behind change and its impact on how we live, love, and lead. Check out Brené's Dare to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
88 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 31min
Brené Brown on Our Flawed, Imperfect Selves
Brené Brown, bestselling author and social scientist, shares her journey through the complexities of identity and relationships. She reflects on her roles as a big sister and public figure, discussing how these shape her views on perfectionism and vulnerability. The impact of COVID on her marriage brings new insights about communication and growth. Brené also delves into the balancing act between ambition and authentic connection in today's social media world, emphasizing the value of genuine relationships over flashy success.
Apr 22, 2024 • 24min
Part 2: Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad
Writer Suleika Jaouad discusses her road trip post-cancer, friendship with a man on death row, and how she's navigating life after a recent diagnosis. The podcast explores gratitude, human connection, emotional journeys, embracing uncertainty, and the power of wonder.
38 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 44min
Part 1: Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad shares her inspiring journey battling leukemia at 22, discussing survival as a creative act, challenging illness narratives, and the messy space between illness and wellness. Embracing fulfillment amidst adversity, exploring gut health benefits, vulnerability through writing, and navigating life post-cancer are key topics.
