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
11 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 37min
"I Gave Up Asking 'Why Me?'"
Banafsheh Rashidi, a mother who redefined success for her family after her child's medical diagnosis, reflects on dreams and challenges of motherhood. She discusses losing trust, embracing the present moment, and prioritizing making the most out of difficult situations.
23 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 30min
Get Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin discusses the importance of tailoring our approach to happiness based on personality types. She introduces the 'four tendencies' framework and highlights the malleability of these tendencies. The chapter also explores the concept of exploring various psychological models to cultivate happiness.
60 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 29min
Your Future Self Needs Your Help Today
Psychologist Hal Hershfield discusses the emotional connection we have to our future selves and the benefits of strengthening that connection. Learn how to strike a balance and build a better relationship with your future self, while also discovering new financial opportunities. Explore the challenge of feeling fear and negativity about the future and strategies to grapple with anxiety and uncertainty.
4 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 35min
The Coin Toss
Sonia Vallabh, who lost her mother to a mysterious brain disease, discovers she has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the same genetic mutation. She discusses living with uncertainty, getting test results, and finding comfort in not constantly managing uncertainty.
36 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 37min
Awe and Psychedelics with Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan, expert on psychedelics, discusses the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, the pursuit of transcendence, and the role of psychedelics in self-exploration.
16 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 26min
Why Experiencing Awe With Others Feels So Magical
Dr. Shira Gabriel, a psychologist studying the science of human connection, discusses collective effervescence and its positive effects on mental health. They explore the role of music and everyday moments in creating a sense of connection and unity. The podcast also touches on the power of collective unity and interconnectedness experienced by sports fans.
26 snips
Oct 30, 2023 • 42min
A Different Kind of Identity Theft
World-renowned musician Min Kym shares her transformative story after her beloved violin was stolen, discussing her deep connection to music and finding solace in Bach's music. The podcast also touches on topics like HIV stigma and introduces the McCartney podcast.
74 snips
Oct 23, 2023 • 33min
How Awe Transforms Us
Dacher Keltner, a psychologist, shares the science behind the emotion of awe in everyday life. he discusses surprising sources of awe and its impact on well-being. The podcast explores the transformative power of awe, from challenging beliefs to dissolving the self. It also covers the effects of awe on generosity, creativity, and political polarization. Various pathways to cultivate awe are discussed, including meditation, gratitude exercises, service work, and psychedelics.
Oct 17, 2023 • 3min
Coming Soon: Awe, our “Future Selves,” and Navigating Uncertainty
Explore the emotion of awe and its powerful effects, hear stories of navigating uncertainty, and learn from interviews with a psychologist, a world-class violinist, and an individual facing a deadly genetic mutation.
5 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 38min
Best Of: Life After Escaping Captivity
Rock climber Tommy Caldwell discusses his near-death experience and how it changed his mindset, leading him to become one of the greatest climbers. The hosts share their experiences escaping captivity and making life-threatening decisions. The podcast also covers vaccine challenges, Smallpox eradication, employee benefits, and skincare. The chapter explores overcoming challenges and finding flow in climbing.
