Podcasts by Category
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Most self-help advice is guesswork dressed up as wisdom. We dig into psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to find what actually changes lives. WHY LISTEN? Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it? This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change. WHAT YOU'LL GET Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism. Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn’t have to be. We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system. WHAT YOU DON’T GET No pseudoscience. No oversimplified "hacks." No hustle porn. Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health. THE APPROACH Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development. Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life. YOUR HOST I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives. This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation. PREMIUM Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord. Growth Mindset Premium PAST SERIES Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum. Past series: — Psychology vs Stoicism — Time Management for Busy Mortals — Independence and Knowing Yourself — Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking — Psychology of Connection and Relationships — Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets — Addiction and Behaviour Change — Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory — Mental Strength and Self-Discipline
- 627 - How To Be More Interesting - Without taking a course in charisma or fighting a bear
In fact, quite surprisingly to myself and the wider philosophy community, to become more interesting you don't even need to read Nietzsche! You can become distinctly memorably by simply being yourself. In this episode, we look at why shallow interests rarely make you memorable—and why going deeper into the things you actually care about can change how people see you. I share the surprising maths behind why exploring a topic ten times more deeply can make it a hundred times more interesting, plus why embracing a little harmless weirdness can make you more confident, more relatable, and more fun to be around. We also tackle the other side of the equation: you do not need to stand out in every meeting, comment section, or conversation. Sometimes being ordinary is the smartest use of your energy. Go deeper into one interest instead of collecting surface-level opinions. Try one small thing that feels socially awkward but genuinely excites you. Save your effort for the moments where standing out actually matters. Press play if you want to become more interesting without turning yourself into a performance. SPONSORS 🏗️ Base44 Build your own apps, websites, products and AI agents on Base44 using your own words. 30% off plans - base44.com/psychology ⛷️ Stio Ski wear designed and tested in Jackson Hole Gear up the way the locals do 20% off promo - Stio.com/Psychology ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interviews people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out?01:00 How to Create More Interesting Interests02:31 Why Going 10x Deeper Makes You 100x More Interesting03:38 Examples of Geeking Out That Are Fascinating05:00 How Deep Interests Make Everyday Conversations Better06:00 Becoming More Yourself by Facing Social Fear08:10 The Space Hopper Experiment09:10 Wearing a Dress at Web Summit11:00 What Happens When You Stop Trying to Conform12:00 When Trying Too Hard Becomes a Waste of Energy14:31 Don’t Over-prepare for Everything15:14 Stand Out vs Chill Out16:00 The Best Way to Be More Interesting Topics discussed How to become more interesting without faking confidence Why going deeper into interests makes conversations better The maths behind curiosity, exploration, and creative depth How to embrace your weirdness without overthinking it Facing small social fears to build genuine confidence Why trying to impress people can backfire When it is smart to blend in and save energy How to choose the moments worth standing out for Building a more interesting life through curiosity Being yourself without turning it into a performance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 10 Nov 2026 - 626 - Fifty Shades of Dysregulation: The Nervous System’s Hidden Role in Sex and Love
Does loneliness make people horny and other questions that demand answers? The human body is a marvel: it can fall in love, write symphonies and forget where it left its keys. It can also decide, with tremendous confidence, that a first date is roughly equivalent to being chased by a wolf. Sex therapist and trauma-informed practitioner Rachel Jane Cook joins the show to explain this curious design flaw. She describes how the nervous system constantly scans for danger, and how past experiences can leave it primed to protect us from intimacy, attention or desire. The result can be anxiety, numbness, avoidance, or a puzzling urge to seek connection in places that do not truly soothe us. We discuss trauma, attachment, loneliness, sexual compatibility and why community—not merely individual willpower—helps people change. Learn to spot the difference between feeling activated, shut down and genuinely safe. Treat avoidance as information, not a moral failure. Invest in relationships that help your body settle, rather than relying on one partner to meet every need. Press play for a kinder, more curious way to understand yourself. SPONSORS ⛷️ Stio Ski wear designed and tested in Jackson Hole Gear up the way the locals do 20% off promo - Stio.com/Psychology 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Reinventing Yourself Through New Environments02:13 Nervous System Dysregulation04:00 Why Comfort Zones Can Become Traumatic07:33 Building an Unemployable Life10:53 Loneliness, Touch and the Need to Connect14:24 Intersectionality in Therapy18:50 Gender, Diagnosis and Mental Health Labels21:28 Healing Through Nervous System Regulation24:04 Community Care Over Self-Care28:11 Psychedelics and Self-Development30:51 Turning Connections Into Opportunities33:57 From School Yearbook to Radio Show35:31 Growing Confidence Through Podcasting37:26 The Kindest Thing Someone Has Done Topics discussed Reinventing yourself by changing your environment How nervous system dysregulation affects behaviour Trauma-informed therapy and emotional safety Why pushing outside your comfort zone can backfire Loneliness, skin hunger and the need for touch How trauma shapes sex, desire and intimacy Intersectionality, privilege and access to therapy Gender bias in mental health diagnoses Community care as an alternative to self-care Psychedelics, integration and personal insight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 - 625 - The Psychology of Mean Girls - Lessons on Power, Fear & Insecurity
How social hierarchies, relational aggression and status games shape teenage behaviour. In this episode, we use Mean Girls as a surprisingly useful case study in social psychology. Regina’s power does not come from being universally liked. It comes from making other people need her approval. Through relational aggression, exclusion, gossip and carefully chosen compliments, she turns friendship into a hierarchy—and turns insecurity into influence. We explore narcissistic traits, social dominance, adolescent identity, and why ostracism can hurt as much as physical pain. Then we ask the uncomfortable question: if the system rewards manipulation, how different would any of us be? Notice when you are seeking approval rather than connection. Recognise exclusion and gossip as forms of social control. Choose the status games worth playing—and leave the rest. SPONSORS ⛷️ Stio Ski wear designed and tested in Jackson Hole Gear up the way the locals do 20% off promo - Stio.com/Psychology 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Mean Girls and Social Psychology02:34 Regina George: The Rulebook04:51 The Plastics and building a kingdom07:38 The Fragility of Regina’s Power10:17 Diagnosing Regina George15:39 Regina’s Transformation17:38 The Real Tragedy of Regina George20:52 Fun Trivia28:00 Closing Reflection Topics discussed The psychology of Regina George and Mean Girls How social hierarchies shape teenage behaviour Relational aggression, gossip and social exclusion Narcissistic traits, manipulation and fragile self-esteem Why fear of irrelevance drives controlling behaviour Social dominance and the fragility of popularity How status games affect identity and belonging Why ostracism can feel like physical pain The influence of parenting and appearance-based worth Choosing connection and values over approval Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 03 Nov 2026 - 624 - What Is Real Wealth—and How Do You Build It? | The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
How to rethink success, escape status games, and build a life with more freedom. In this episode, Sam and Nico explore The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. A book that changes how you think about success. The fundamental concept is that earning money isn’t the same as building wealth. A bigger salary can become a faster treadmill. You're not actually going anywhere you want to end up. Through their experiences learning to code, building businesses, and sharing ideas publicly, they unpack Naval’s approach to valuable skills, leverage, and long-term relationships. They also question the urge to impress people you don’t particularly like. Because the goal isn’t to win an endless comparison contest. It’s to build something that gives you more choice over your time. So listen in to understand what “enough” actually means to you. Define success by the freedom you want, not someone else’s income. Identify a skill or asset that can create value beyond your working hours. Choose collaborators you’d happily keep learning and building with. SPONSORS 🔋 MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com ⛷️ Stio Ski wear designed and tested in Jackson Hole Gear up the way the locals do 20% off promo - Stio.com/Psychology 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 02:00 Introducing The Almanack of Naval Ravikant04:00 Wealth, Money, and Status07:00 When Can You Call Yourself Wealthy?09:00 Building Wealth from Nothing11:00 Specific Knowledge and Accountability14:00 Learning to Build and Sell17:00 Using Capital as Leverage20:00 Scaling Your Impact with People, Code, and Media23:00 Becoming a Perpetual Learner26:00 Can Wealth Creation Be Ethical?28:00 Escaping Status Games31:00 Long-Term Relationships and Compounding33:00 Why Judgement Matters More Than Effort36:00 Defining Enough and Reviewing the Book39:00 Wisdom, Stories, and Who This Book Is For42:00 Closing Thoughts and Reflection Topics discussed Naval Ravikant’s philosophy of wealth and freedom The difference between money, wealth, and status Defining success beyond income and social comparison Building valuable skills through learning and curiosity Using leverage to create value beyond working hours Learning in public and embracing personal accountability Ethical wealth creation through solving real problems How long-term relationships compound trust and opportunity Making better decisions instead of simply working harder Recognising when to change your career direction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 - 623 - A Simple Framework for Solving Any Problem in Your Life
Practical tools for problem-solving, decision-making, and building resilience when life feels complicated. Simply put, You don’t need a better life. You need a better way to deal with the one you’ve got. Most problems feel huge because we meet them all at once. A difficult decision, a relationship issue, money stress, a career wobble—they arrive tangled together, and your brain treats the whole knot as one emergency. This episode gives you a simple framework for solving problems without spiralling. You’ll learn how to define what’s actually wrong, separate what you can control from what you can’t, and turn vague worry into one clear next step. Name the real problem in one specific sentence Sort it into “control,” “influence,” and “accept” Choose one small action you can take today Press play and turn the next problem on your list into a plan. SPONSORS 🔋 MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Problems Are Illusions of the Mind00:37 A Framework for Handling Complaints01:22 The Three Types of Problems02:02 Problems You Want to Have02:39 Problems You Have to Accept03:56 Why Expectations Create Suffering08:05 Problems You Don’t Want to Have09:58 Community, Purpose and Major Life Changes11:16 Having Too Many Interests and Desires14:29 When Small Problems Reveal Bigger Issues15:56 How Priorities Change Over Time17:00 Complaints as Tools for Self-Reflection19:20 Outro Topics discussed A simple framework for solving any problem in life How to define the real problem behind your stress Separating what you can control from what you cannot Turning overwhelming problems into clear next steps Why vague worries feel harder than specific problems Practical problem-solving skills for difficult decisions How to stop spiralling and start taking action Building resilience through better decision-making habits Using curiosity to find solutions instead of blame A mindset shift for handling life’s inevitable challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 27 Oct 2026 - 622 - Designing Your Ambition Around A Life You Enjoy - w/ David Meltzer
Rethinking success and our approach to money, happiness and breaking free from a scarcity mindset. You’ve upgraded your goals, your workload and possibly your spreadsheet. Has anyone remembered to upgrade your enjoyment? This episode asks whether your approach to success is delivering a better life or merely a longer to-do list. David Meltzer joins Growth Mindset Psychology to discuss gratitude, priorities and the expectations we place on money. You’ll explore why “enough” can remain frustratingly out of reach, how to distinguish useful ambition from chasing approval, and what to do when frustration starts steering your decisions. David also shares five daily questions for bringing direction to your efforts. No requirement to stop caring about achievement or become suspicious of your salary. The invitation is simpler: examine what you expect success to solve, then make more deliberate choices about how you spend your time. Ask what your next achievement is supposed to change. Make gratitude a daily practice, not an occasional thought. Identify what matters now before adding more to your workload. Listen for a more useful definition of progress—one that includes enjoying the life you’re working so hard to improve. SPONSORS 🔋 MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Why Success Doesn’t Guarantee Happiness03:18 Five Daily Practices for Purpose and Priorities06:50 When Ambition Creates a Scarcity Mindset10:04 Can You Learn Without Making the Mistakes?11:57 Money, Status and the Purpose Behind Spending15:11 Handling Frustration and Refocusing Your Energy17:11 Natural Talent, Practice and Reaching Your Potential Topics discussed The relationship between money, happiness and fulfilment Designing ambition around a life you enjoy How scarcity thinking shapes your definition of success Daily gratitude practices for appreciating what you have Five daily questions for clarifying goals and priorities Learning from mentors versus making your own mistakes Understanding the motives behind status and spending Managing frustration through breathing and deliberate reprioritisation Finding enjoyment in the pursuit of personal growth Developing natural talent through consistent practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 - 621 - How to Enjoy Your Imperfect Life
Simple mindset shifts to build more gratitude, without reworking your entire personality. We imagine success as a destination where the problems finally stop. But the life we want brings its own friction: the garden needs tending, meaningful work fills the inbox, and intimacy means sharing life with another imperfect person. If we only notice the friction, we can miss the strange fact that some of our frustrations belong to things we once hoped for. This episode considers gratitude as a shift in attention, not a demand to call everything good. We’ll look at how anticipating the difficulties attached to our hopes can help us meet them with more perspective. And we’ll explore a second route to appreciation: curiosity. Learning how ordinary comforts came to exist can loosen their grip as invisible background and make the familiar feel newly astonishing. No perfect mindset is required. Just a willingness to look again at the life already taking shape around you. Actionable takeaways to build positivity No requirement to pretend bad things are good Increased levels of inner peace and lower frustration SPONSORS 🔋 MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Gratitude Without the Zen Routine00:32 Why Gratitude Is So Elusive01:35 The Problems That Come With a Good Life04:12 The Annoyances Hidden in Success05:56 Planning for the Problems You Want08:46 Making Peace With Imperfection in Relationships09:40 Why Perspective Alone Doesn’t Create Gratitude11:44 Finding Wonder Through Curiosity13:18 Stories That Make the Everyday Feel Extraordinary15:10 Building Everyday Gratitude Through Curiosity15:54 A Practical Recap: Reframing Life’s Problems17:58 Next Week: The Problems You Don’t Want to Have Topics discussed Building practical gratitude without forced positivity Reframing everyday problems as signs of success Finding perspective when goals bring new frustrations Accepting imperfection in relationships and daily life Using curiosity to rediscover wonder in ordinary things Appreciating modern comforts through history and innovation Shifting attention from complaints toward what matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 20 Oct 2026 - 620 - What Your Relationship With Food Is Trying to Tell You - w/ Toni Maranucci
Most people think healthy eating means following stricter rules: fewer carbs, fewer calories, fewer “bad” foods. But strict rules often create the exact behaviour they’re meant to prevent. Eat one cookie, feel guilty, decide the day is ruined, then eat three more. In this episode, I speak with registered dietitian Tony Marinucci about how to build a healthier relationship with food—without obsession, punishment, or another fad diet. We explore why extreme restriction backfires, how “good” and “bad” food labels damage your mindset, and why focusing on energy, confidence, and long-term habits beats chasing a number on the scales. Tony also shares practical ways to handle comments about your body, set boundaries around diet talk, and make nutrition simpler rather than more complicated. Notice when you label food as “good” or “bad” and ask what belief is behind it. Choose one small, repeatable habit that improves how you feel—not just how you look. Set a calm boundary when someone comments on your body or eating choices. Press play and learn how to make peace with food—without giving up on your health. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Food Mindset Matters01:00 From Dieting to Dietetics01:47 The Problem With Fad Diets03:46 Why Quick Transformations Mislead Us04:59 The Real Cost of Restrictive Programs07:07 Changing Your Mindset Around Food09:00 Focus on How You Want to Feel10:00 Building Habits for the Long Game11:00 Setting Boundaries Around Body Comments11:47 Instagram, TikTok and Diet Culture12:35 Coaching, Weddings and Sustainable Change14:41 Hydration, Exercise and Digestive Issues16:43 Electrolytes, IV Drips and Marketing Hype18:58 The Kindest Thing Someone Has Done20:03 Final Advice: Act First, Learn Later20:45 Outro and Reflection Topics discussed How to build a healthier relationship with food The psychology behind food guilt and shame Why extreme diets and quick fixes backfire Breaking free from the diet-binge cycle Focusing on energy and wellbeing, not just weight How social media shapes body image and eating habits Setting boundaries around comments about food and bodies Building sustainable nutrition habits without restriction Hydration, electrolytes, and nutrition for endurance exercise Why self-compassion supports long-term healthy eating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 - 619 - AMA: Accountability and Procrastination, Lasting Enthusiasm and Auditory Processing Issues
Why we procrastinate, lose enthusiasm and struggle to process spoken information—and what actually helps. In this listener AMA, I answer three questions: how auditory processing difficulties affect a child’s willingness to learn, why enthusiasm disappears even when nothing is objectively wrong, and how to stop procrastinating on projects that matter. I share my own experience of struggling with spoken instructions, language learning and getting a podcast off the ground. We look at why “just try harder” usually fails, why accountability often works better than willpower, and how to make difficult tasks feel less punishing. Separate low enthusiasm from negativity bias before deciding whether to quit. Turn one intimidating project into visible, small next actions. Use deadlines, other people and reduced friction to make follow-through easier. If this gave you a useful idea, send it to someone who needs permission to start imperfectly. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the AMA00:38 Auditory Processing and Willingness to Learn03:36 My Experience of Learning Difficulties05:18 Learning Spanish in Mexico07:10 How Environment Shapes Learning10:01 Signs of Auditory Processing Issues14:02 Enthusiasm vs Negativity Bias16:52 Why You Might Feel Flat, Not Negative19:35 What to Do About Low Enthusiasm21:08 Accountability and Procrastination22:42 How I Finally Launched the Podcast26:52 Productivity Books and Planning Tools29:12 Breaking Big Projects Into Small Tasks32:00 Habits, Focus and Finishing Deadlines35:09 Thanks and Send-Off Topics discussed Auditory processing difficulties and learning support Why children lose confidence at school Making difficult skills easier and more enjoyable The difference between low enthusiasm and negativity bias How to rebuild motivation without quitting everything Accountability strategies for procrastination Breaking overwhelming projects into manageable tasks Using deadlines and habits to finish creative work Reducing friction between writing and publishing Visual planning, mind mapping and task organisation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 13 Oct 2026 - 618 - How to Make Your Ideas Survive a Changing World
A life is brief. An idea can travel further than its inventor ever will. What determines which ones last? We follow life’s story from the first organisms to the systems we build today, using three laws of biology as a lens: competition, selection and reproduction. These aren’t just rules for animals in a nature documentary. They also help us think about innovation, businesses, beliefs and the ambitions that shape our own lives. Seen this way, success isn’t simply being clever or working harder. An idea must meet a real need, adapt when its environment changes, and find a way to continue beyond its creator. That doesn’t make the future predictable. It makes it more open: if survival depends partly on fit, then changing the idea—or the conditions around it—can change what becomes possible. Notice which assumptions your environment is rewarding—and which it is quietly discarding. Make room for variation before committing everything to one solution. Ask how your idea can remain useful when you are no longer there to carry it. Listen with curiosity, then consider what you could create that others might adapt, share and carry forward. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Philosophical Questions02:32 The Beginning of the Universe03:42 The Story of Life on Earth04:05 Three Rules of Biology07:34 The First Law: Life is Competition09:06 The Evolution of Competition12:25 The Second Law: Life is Selection14:30 Inequality in Nature and Society16:18 Balancing Freedom and Equality18:53 The Third Law: Life Must Breed20:24 The Gift of Existence20:39 Human Progress and Fire21:14 Agricultural Revolution and Civilization21:53 Fertility and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations22:27 Population Dynamics: Japan vs. Nigeria23:17 Ideas and Religions: Survival of the Fittest24:54 The Three Horsemen: Famine, Disease, and War30:06 Modern Challenges and Fertility Trends31:09 The Laws of Biology in Action32:13 Conclusion and Future Episodes Topics discussed The three laws of biology and life Competition as the engine of evolution Natural selection and why life is unfair Freedom versus equality in human societies Reproduction and the survival of ideas Fertility rates and the future of nations Famine, disease and war as population checks How civilizations rise, grow and decline Adapting your thinking to changing conditions Building ideas that compete, adapt and spread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 09 Oct 2026 - 617 - How to Catch Your Brain Lying to You: A Practical Guide to Self-Awareness Over Ego
It's easy to spend our lives defending a story about who we are, instead of finding out who we could become. This episode is an invitation to stop protecting your ego and start practising self-awareness as a craft. We look at how high intelligence can turn into a sophisticated self-deception machine, and how the stories we tell ourselves—“I’m the rational one”, “I learn from feedback”, “I’m different from those stubborn people”—are often the very things that keep us stuck. Through real examples from science, travel, and building (and misbuilding) companies, you’ll see how ego hides in certainty, and how growth begins the moment you allow yourself to be wrong on purpose. This is about a shift in identity, from someone who must be right to someone who is willing to see. Identify three recurring patterns where your ego resists uncomfortable truths. Create a regular “ego audit” ritual: write, reflect, and invite honest feedback. Choose relationships and environments that reward curiosity over confidence. Hit play if you’re ready to trade the comfort of being right for the possibility of becoming wiser. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Intro: Intelligence as a Burden02:50 What This Episode Is About05:25 How Good Are You at Understanding Information?07:55 Being Aware of Your Flaws10:42 Mistake 1: The Unscientific Scientist14:00 Mistake 2: The Unbalanced Balancer18:13 Mistake 3: The Unentrepreneurial Entrepreneur22:47 Recap: Three Big Mistakes23:05 Becoming an Ego Detective24:28 Tip 1: Write Down Three Big Errors25:25 Tip 2: Nurturing Strategies for Awareness26:46 Tip 3: Find Your Crowd27:18 Outro and Final Thoughts Topics discussed Why smart people trick themselves into being right How ego hides unconscious bias in everyday decisions Real stories of ego-driven mistakes in work and life The link between high IQ and self-deception Simple habits to build honest self-awareness Spotting blind spots before they cost you How to learn from feedback without defensiveness Using reflection and journaling to reduce ego traps Choosing friends who challenge your certainty Turning mistakes into fuel for long-term growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 - 616 - Faster Than Normal - Living well with ADHD
The peculiar thing about attention deficit is that everybody seems to have it these days, whether they've earned it through proper diagnosis or simply absorbed it from an enthusiastic TikTok video filmed in someone's bathroom. What I've learned, from my own escapades, and partly through reading Peter Shankman's excellent book Faster Than Normal, is that whatever your brain does, you need to learn how to drive it. This conversation covers the four rules Shankman uses to turn a supposedly defective brain into rather useful equipment, none of which involve medication or particularly virtuous behaviour. Structure your environment so willpower becomes optional Eliminate choice wherever possible — routine isn't boring, it's protective Exercise before you need focus, not after you've lost it Work with your strengths, delegate the rest SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interviews people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Sam's ADHD Reality Check03:10 Podcast Intro and Season Kickoff05:23 Reframing ADHD as Strength06:17 ADHD Stereotypes Explained08:15 ADD vs ADHD Breakdown09:41 The Shy Extrovert Story10:53 The Supercar Brain Metaphor12:34 Strengths Over Weaknesses15:26 Rule One: Eliminate Choice22:44 Rule Two: Eat Healthy24:21 Rule Three: Morning Exercise for Dopamine26:08 Rule Four: Active Lifestyle and Micro Workouts28:53 Sleep Fuels Focus29:26 Food as Procrastination31:07 Tools, Assistants and Tracking35:23 Ratings and Book Recommendations36:00 Next Book and Farewell Topics discussed Sam shares his recent official ADHD diagnosis and what it finally explained about his life The TikTok self-diagnosis trend and why overdiagnosis drowns out people who actually have ADHD Peter Shankman's Faster Than Normal book and the supercar metaphor for the ADHD brain Why Sam never held a job longer than nine months and what that pattern revealed The difference between ADD and ADHD and how stereotypes miss quiet, inattentive presentations Four core rules from the book: eliminate choice, eat well, exercise first, stay active The apple versus Doritos rule for distinguishing real hunger from boredom eating How to design your life around your brain instead of fighting your natural weaknesses Why batching meetings and tracking data helps neurodivergent people protect their focus and energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 - 615 - The Deep-Thinking Habits That Quietly Change Your Life
Train your brain to resist distraction, form your own opinions, and think like an intellectual. When every answer is one click away, we’ve forgotten how to enjoy the struggle of figuring things out. This episode explores the radical act of thinking more slowly in a fast-paced world. Modern life has made us intellectual snackers: we graze on headlines, notifications, and other people’s opinions until our minds feel full on intellectual candy floss. Drawing on ideas from Cal Newport, Charlie Munger, and curious historical figures, we unpack why boredom, better information, and stronger memory are the unsung heroes of clear thinking. You’ll learn: How to design an information diet that actually feeds your brain How to become comfortable enough with silence to let your own ideas emerge How to train your attention so it doesn’t sprint away at the first ping. You don't need to turn into a monk, but hopefully this is a gentle nudge to think with more depth, nuance, and independence. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deep Thinking02:04 Using Charlie Munger’s Inversion Approach05:02 System One vs. System Two Thinking06:14 Improving Information Quality09:34 Comfort with Boredom13:35 Cultivating Attention16:23 Tracking Your Progress18:00 Increasing Working Memory21:47 Intellectual Practice22:13 Pairing Primary and Secondary Sources23:02 Richard Feynman’s Idea Documents25:46 Adopting Intellectual Curiosity27:38 Benjamin Franklin’s Deep Thinkers Club28:12 Launching a Book Club29:02 Rebranding the Podcast30:08 Starting a Second Podcast31:43 Episode Summary and Final Thoughts Topics discussed How to think more deeply in a world designed for shallow attention Why outsourcing your opinions to social media weakens independent thought The cognitive cost of prioritising fast emotional hits over slow work How checklist mentality creates the illusion of progress without real depth System One versus System Two thinking and why deeper thinkers choose slower Building an information diet that improves the quality of what you consume Training your brain to become more comfortable with boredom and silence Practical ways to sanitise your phone and reduce distraction in daily life Strengthening working memory so you can hold and connect complex ideas How intellectual curiosity and argumentative thinking sharpen judgment and reduce bias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 - 614 - Can Psychedelics Really Help You Change Your Patterns?
Have you ever wonder if the thing keeping you stuck is yourself? Invisible rules your brain runs on that you have no choice over... In this episode, we go inside guided psilocybin retreats to see how people actually change deep mental patterns. As they say the “trip” is only the start. We talk with Gabriel Charalambides, founder of Odyssey, about what happens in the brain during these experiences: the default mode network quiets down, old self-stories lose their grip, and the mind becomes unusually open to new connections. But the real work shows up afterwards, in the quiet days of writing, reflection, and small experiments that turn a powerful experience into lasting change. We also cover who these retreats help, who they don’t, and why integration matters more than most people think. Understand how psychedelics can temporarily loosen rigid thought patterns Learn why post-experience integration is where real change happens See the limits and risks so you can think clearly about your own path If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same mental loops, this conversation might give you a new map for getting out. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psilocybin and Odyssey02:08 Defining Growth Mindset and Oceanic Boundlessness07:59 The Attachment to Ego and Spiritual Perspectives11:06 Recommended Reading and Book Tangent12:32 The Role of Anxiety and Letting Go During Experiences15:09 The Role of Retreat Guides and Holding Space17:53 Reflections and Note-Taking During Retreats21:39 Screening and Assessing Suitability for Retreats24:26 The Potential Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy31:00 Restrictions and Who Should Avoid Psilocybin Retreats34:02 Considerations for Mental Health Conditions36:19 Psychedelics and Narcissism37:29 The Training and Qualifications of Retreat Guides41:49 The Neuroscience of Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity43:17 Flow States, Meditation, and ADHD48:51 Cultural Differences in Participants49:53 About Odyssey and How to Get Involved50:29 Books Discussed and Final Recommendations Topics discussed Psilocybin retreats for depression, trauma, OCD, and breaking mental patterns Oceanic boundlessness and ego dissolution during guided psychedelic experiences Default mode network, neuroplasticity, and how psilocybin changes the brain Integration practices that turn psychedelic insights into lasting behaviour change Who should avoid psilocybin: psychosis risk, bipolar, borderline, and cardiac issues The role of retreat guides in creating safety without steering the experience Anxiety, panic attacks, and navigating difficult moments during psychedelic journeys Comparing psychedelic experiences with meditation, near-death experiences, and flow states Screening criteria and realistic expectations for legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon Recommended books on psychedelics, mindfulness, and personal growth for listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 - 613 - 34 Unconventional Life Lessons That Changed My Definition of Success
Beyond money, status, and attractive partner where do we find meaning, and happiness? Across 34 unconventional life lessons, we explore the inner machinery behind a meaningful life: why status can behave like a sugary breakfast cereal, why exercise is cheaper than many illnesses, and why some of our finest ideas arrive only after we stop staring aggressively at a blank page. Along the way, we consider discipline, creativity, money, identity, empathy, confirmation bias, and the possibility that society is held together with rather more metaphorical duct tape than anyone would like to admit. We all have enough heroic checklists for self-improvement. My aim is to make familiar ideas seem strange enough to re-examine properly. That and to leave you feeling slightly more optimistic about being human. Treat mistakes as tuition rather than evidence of failure. Make room for rest, curiosity, and unplanned opportunities. Build beliefs carefully instead of inheriting them wholesale. Listen in and discover why a less certain life may be a happier one. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌎 Planet Visionaries Podcast Alex Honnold interview people reshaping what's possible Part of the Rolex Perpetual Plant Initiative Listen on Apple podcasts UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:27 Exploring Thought-Provoking Ideas00:44 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Podcast01:09 Personal Philosophy and Lifelong Learning01:14 The Importance of Understanding Books02:54 Are You Pursuing a Shadow Career?03:32 You Don’t Need a Side Hustle04:14 You Do Need an Exercise Habit04:47 Your Best Work Happens When You Aren’t Working05:39 Ideas Are Stepping Stones06:14 Money Is a Tool06:54 Life Is Too Short for the Wrong Pursuits07:36 It’s How You Do It08:23 Practise the Emotions You Want to Feel09:35 Find Out Who You Are10:07 Find Your Personal Voice11:04 Discipline Is More Important Than Talent11:40 IQ Is an Unfair Advantage13:01 Apply Yourself Accordingly14:08 Make Other People Feel Clever14:59 Think Bigger16:17 No One Thinks About You as Much as You Do16:53 Make Your Life Story Interesting17:47 Use First-Principles Thinking18:56 Learn from Other People’s Mistakes19:56 Too Much of Anything Is Bad20:59 Society Is an Accident21:36 Embrace Unplanned Opportunities22:22 The World Is Duct-Taped Together24:06 Question What You Take for Granted25:54 Build Your Own Beliefs27:50 Keep Your Identity Small28:38 Understand Your Biases30:28 Empathy Makes the World Nicer30:38 Life Is About Contrasts31:20 Anger Is a Useless Emotion32:17 Camera Angles and Stories33:43 Big and Small Things Matter34:20 Final Thoughts and Birthday Wish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 22 Sep 2026 - 612 - Why So Many People Secretly Struggle With Porn Addiction
An honest conversation on addiction, depression, and identity with recovery coach Powerful Eric. This week we talk about the strange modern epidemic of porn addiction, an affliction so quietly widespread that roughly one in nine men wrestle with it, yet almost nobody mentions it at dinner. Eric explains how the brain mistakes novelty for reward, why the "disease model" of addiction may be doing more harm than good, and how a golden Buddha buried under centuries of clay became his favourite metaphor for the human mind. It is a hopeful, occasionally hilarious, thoroughly researched conversation about getting your brain back. Why the brain falls into compulsive behaviours How identity, not willpower, drives lasting behaviour change What a buried golden statue can teach you about recovery SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning02:26 Recognizing Porn Addiction05:43 Eric's Personal Struggle08:26 Eric's Journey to Beating Addiction11:00 Identity Reconstruction15:44 The Dangers of Porn Desensitization20:10 Addiction's Impact on Mental Health22:08 Reframing the Disease Model24:31 The Rise of AI-Generated Porn29:04 Schizophrenia and Murder31:26 Finding a Healthy Habit35:12 Overcoming Moral Conflicts37:59 Masturbation vs Pornography41:36 Eric's Advice and Resources43:32 Earliest Memories and Acts of Kindness44:58 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 - 611 - Psychology of Mistakes: 7 Lazy Thinking Habits You Don't Notice You Have
Human beings, it turns out, are magnificently good at fooling themselves. Sadly the mind has developed an elaborate way of hiding our worst thinking mistakes from us. Our shortcut-taking so instinctive we rarely notice it happening. This episode explores seven of these habits and on the way answers a lot of questions. Why do we blame the referee and ignore our own missed shots? Why does a friend's anecdote beat a mountain of statistics? Why do the people who commit history's worst atrocities rarely think of themselves as villains? I find it oddly comforting discovering that everyone, including myself, is quietly wired / weird this way. Hopefully you do to and can learn to start working around it. Catch yourself assigning blame to one convenient cause Ask what a friend's story leaves out that the statistics reveal Notice when certainty feels good but the evidence is thin Listen in, and you may never trust your first instinct quite the same way again. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Benefits of thinking hard thoughts00:52 Developing ourselves and our thinking01:12 Optimizing for the wrong things02:45 Doubting takes time and energy03:39 The 7 biggest flaws of lazy thinking06:35 Single cause explanations to complex events08:52 Justifying your own actions while judging others11:52 Tangent on the book Evil14:01 Your field of vision isn't everyone else's17:45 Prioritizing stories over statistics20:26 Outsourcing hard decisions to experts23:47 Overconfidence25:59 Annie Duke and thinking in bets28:00 Accepting probability and reality29:11 Outro Topics discussed Why humans default to lazy thinking instead of doing the harder mental work How rushing to eliminate doubt leads to wrongful blame and bad decisions Why blaming one cause for complex events ignores the real bigger picture How we justify our own mistakes while judging others for the same ones Why ordinary people can rationalize evil without believing they're doing wrong How assuming everyone shares your worldview limits empathy and understanding Why personal stories persuade us more than statistics, even when we're wrong The hidden risks of outsourcing big decisions to consultants and so-called experts How overconfidence blinds us to the role of luck and probability in life Why embracing uncertainty leads to better decisions than chasing false certainty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 - 610 - 8 Questions I asked Myself after 30
The World Record Breaking Jack Cai is back on the show. Asking Sam some of the deep life questions he asks himself a lot. To say this was a discussion on a single topic that stayed focused would be a big old lie. We discuss various random things: from making the most of your time on earth or with your grandparents to youtube thumbnail strategies. Should Sam keep building a podcast in a crowded market, or walk away entirely? Is a rootless, nomadic life actually freedom, or a disguise for avoiding commitment? The conversation might not resolve into a tidy lesson but that's life and we can enjoy it nonetheless. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:43 Asking Friends What They Think of You02:54 What's Next for Sam - Stop Podcasting or Get a Job?06:02 Relationships and Staying Connected as a Nomad07:21 Where Sam Wants to Live Next11:41 What Works on YouTube12:48 GeoWizard vs Zack and Jay15:25 Why Community Matters for Growth18:20 Jack's Own YouTube Journey20:00 The Power of Obsession in Content21:41 Outro and Credits Topics discussed Why asking friends for honest feedback reveals more about your future than self-reflection alone. How to decide whether to quit a podcast, take a job, or build something entirely new. The hidden loneliness of digital nomad life despite the freedom it appears to offer. Key factors for choosing where to live abroad, including language, healthcare, and housing costs. Why spending time with aging grandparents matters more than it feels like in the moment. What separates GeoWizard's loyal YouTube audience from Zack and Jay's clickbait-driven format. Why parasocial connection and background listening build stronger audiences than viral thumbnails. How comedy and storytelling give any YouTube script a structural advantage over competitors. Why obsessive depth, like the Dissect podcast's song-by-song breakdowns, builds lasting niche loyalty. How ADHD can fuel creative obsession when channeled into the right long-term project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 - 609 - How To Solve Complex Problems
This episode asks a simple question: what if the way forward isn't a bigger vision, but a smaller unit of thought? We trace this idea through history, biology, and the quiet architecture of the mind, showing how growth rarely comes from grand gestures. It comes from identifying the one reliable piece worth repeating. The paradigm shift isn't thinking bigger. It's thinking smaller, on purpose, until the small thing becomes unstoppable. Find the smallest version of the idea worth trying Repeat what works instead of chasing what's new Let simple, boring reliability replace the need for certainty Hit play, and start building the small thing that changes everything. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Intro01:08 Intergalactic Planetary Lasagna02:49 Thinking in Primitives: Jeff Bezos, Amazon and AWS07:51 The Building Blocks of Life11:11 HOX Genes and the Animal Building Instruction Manual14:07 Civilization and Hidden Inventions17:17 Standardisations That Make the World Work19:29 Primitive Lessons21:12 Market Timing and Innovation Mistakes24:35 Future of Technology and Innovation26:54 Space and Orbital Refuelling28:50 Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 08 Sep 2026 - 608 - How to Shift Your Mindset and Take Control of Your Life - w/ Kyle Livingston
Scarcity whispers that there isn't enough. Ego insists you deserve more anyway. Abundance is the quiet third option nobody mentions. Most of us were handed scarcity as a default setting. This episode sits with that tension: what scarcity actually protects us from, why ego is so loyal to it, and what shifts when abundance becomes a practiced choice instead of a lucky feeling. It's less about having more and more about needing less from the wrong things. Ask what your ego is really protecting when it demands "more" Treat abundance as a discipline you build, not a mood you wait for Trace your scarcity triggers back to their original source SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro - Sam's opening thoughts and meeting Kyle Livingston02:02 Kyle's origin story - abandoned at a yard sale05:55 The turning point - mowing lawns, hustle, and a life-changing book08:58 Chasing $10k a month and realizing money isn't the finish line11:27 Money as fuel, not the goal14:18 The panic attack that changed everything17:57 Overcoming anxiety - coaches, books, and facing fear through travel20:38 The worst-case scenario technique for beating fear23:03 Spotting luck and losing everything twice26:39 Mentoring, leverage, and helping failed founders scale29:52 Biology, business, and the scientific method35:20 Relationships, self-improvement, and honest advice39:07 Friends who stayed, kindness, and early memories42:21 Advice for his younger self and closing thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 04 Sep 2026 - 607 - 7 Painful Paradoxes of Self-Improvement (And what they teach us)
You know that feeling when you try so hard to seem normal that you become a weirdo? Self-improvement works the exact same way. The more you chase happiness, the further it runs. The more validation you seek, the emptier you feel. This episode breaks down 7 painful paradoxes when we take on personal growth — psychological traps where trying harder makes things worse. We dig into King George VI's stutter, Carl Jung's shadow work, and why Steve Jobs getting fired was the best thing that happened to him. You'll learn why over-planning destroys resilience, why self-help books can quietly wreck your confidence, and why real change happens slower, yet more easily, than you think. Takeaways: Stop directly chasing happiness. Let it arrive as a byproduct of living with purpose. Build self-worth internally. External validation is a leaky bucket you can never fill. Accept your flaws before fixing them. Rejection breeds resistance, not change. CTA: Press play and learn why the hardest part of growth is knowing when to stop trying so hard. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Awkward First Date Conversations02:32 The Effortlessness Paradox04:23 Introduction to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast05:14 The Paradox of Pursuing Happiness07:49 The Paradox of Validation10:30 The Paradox of Emotions12:31 Carl Jung and the Shadow Concept14:46 The Planning Paradox16:07 Understanding Uncertainty Tolerance16:26 Steve Jobs' Journey of Adaptability17:44 The Paradox of Self-Improvement18:23 The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Self-Help19:28 The Slow Process of Real Change21:51 Balancing Self-Improvement and Acceptance25:01 The Timid Cat Analogy for Happiness26:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell Topics discussed Chasing happiness directly backfires; Mill's story reveals why joy resists pursuit. Marilyn Monroe's fame shows how validation-seeking deepens inner emptiness over time. Imposter syndrome persists because self-worth depends on external praise, not internal validation. King George VI's stutter proves fighting emotions strengthens them through ironic process theory. Bruce Lee's "be like water" philosophy favors emotional flexibility over rigid emotional control. Carl Jung's shadow concept warns that repressed flaws gain power when denied. Self-rejection breeds a fixed mindset; genuine change starts through radical self-acceptance instead. Eisenhower and Steve Jobs show rigid planning increases anxiety, while adaptability builds resilience. Dunning-Kruger effect explains why more self-help content increases feelings of personal inadequacy. The timid cat analogy teaches patience over pressure for lasting, sustainable personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 01 Sep 2026 - 606 - Seeking Difficulty: The Habit System Behind Three World Records and a Remarkable Life – Jack Cai
What if the thing you're avoiding is exactly what you should pursue? Jack Cai broke three world records solving Rubik's Cubes blindfolded, for teh same reason America suppsoedly went to the moon. "Not because it is easy, but because it is hard" This episode explores the mindset shift that happens when you stop asking "How can I make this easier?" and start asking "What's so hard that almost no one else is doing it?" Jack shares his five-year journey from curiosity to world record, the habit systems that made elite performance possible, and the surprising question that emerged after he achieved his goal: now what? We discuss deliberate practice, the introvert's edge in mastery, and why the hardest problems often offer the best opportunities for people willing to embrace discomfort. Reframe difficulty as a competitive advantage, not a barrier Build systems that make extraordinary performance automatic over time After winning, redefine success on your own terms The remarkable life isn't found in avoiding hard things—it's found in seeking them deliberately. SPONSORS ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction00:48 Jack's Early Obsessions03:07 Working Towards Success06:55 Introversion and Personality10:15 Why Blindfolded Solving14:30 Being the Best at Something Unique18:29 How Winning Actually Felt22:42 Compressing Information and Algorithms26:52 Five Years to World Records31:17 Life After World Records at 2034:54 Enjoying Your 20s38:34 AI and Life Coaching Ideas41:16 Fatherhood and Emotional Openness42:00 Closing Thoughts and Outro Topics discussed Jack Cai's journey to three blindfolded Rubik's Cube world records How choosing harder problems creates less competition and more opportunity The psychology of deliberate practice and building unbreakable habits over five years Why introversion and solitude can accelerate skill mastery and performance Memory techniques and mnemonic systems for solving Rubik's Cubes blindfolded The counterintuitive strategy of status arbitrage in niche selection What happens after achieving your biggest goal and feeling lost Why your 20s should be for sampling, not settling on one path Meditation retreat insights on future obsession and present-moment awareness Asian parenting, work ethic, and finding your own definition of success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 28 Aug 2026 - 605 - Psychology of Mental Strength: 3 Habits to build resilience, Inner toughness & Growth Mindset
We've been sold a myth: that mental toughness means gritting your teeth and pushing through, disregarding their emotions entirely. The people who actually build lasting resilience do something different. They get honest with what they feel and investigate it. They notice when their mind drifts into yesterday's mistake or tomorrow's fear, understanding why helps them choose the present instead. They learn to tell the difference between what they want right now and what they actually value and focus on what matters to them. Practice radical honesty with your own feelings, not just others' Catch and interrupt patterns of rumination or future-worry Choose your long-term values over your short-term impulse, deliberately Change how you relate to your mind, and everything else starts to shift. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset ☺️ MOD.com Prescription Modafinil for energy and focus. Free consultation, free shipping and 10% off Promo code PSYCHOLOGY at MOD.com UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: 3 Habits to Build Mental Strength04:16 #1 Be Honest About Your Emotions05:56 Practical Steps for Emotional Honesty07:08 #2 Be Present and Resist Unnecessary Mental Time Travel09:25 Practical Steps to Stay Present13:01 #3 Distinguish Your Wants and Values15:21 Practical Steps to Clarify Your Values17:45 Bonus Habits: 5 More Ways to Build Mental Toughness20:52 Growth Mindset and Mental Toughness Are Inextricably Linked21:51 Send Off Topics discussed Mental strength means controlling your mind instead of being controlled by it entirely Emotional honesty helps you accept feelings without denying, minimizing, or exaggerating what you're going through Naming specific emotions and journaling builds self-awareness and stronger emotional intelligence over time Mental time travel pulls focus into past regrets or future worries, fueling anxiety and stress Mindfulness, meditation, and grounding techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 anchor you firmly in the present moment Distinguishing fleeting wants from core values leads to better long-term decisions and lasting satisfaction Visualization, journaling, and accountability partners help clarify and reinforce your deepest personal values Cultivating gratitude reframes negative thinking and builds motivation even during genuinely difficult moments Self-compassion, boundaries, and social support protect against burnout while sustaining long-term mental resilience Growth mindset and mental toughness are inseparable, turning life's challenges into opportunities for growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 25 Aug 2026 - 604 - A Growth Mindset Alone Won’t Make You a Better Leader: The psychology principles that will /wRyan Gottfredson
Explore the psychology of effective leadership and the hidden mental patterns that influence how you handle fear, failure, and change. A leader can learn new skills, adopt ambitious goals, and proudly claim a growth mindset—yet still remain trapped by the way they interpret the world. Sure, you might believe people can change, but... Are you willing to hear what you do not want to hear, pursue what matters instead of merely avoiding loss, and see the people around you as human beings rather than instruments. In this episode, Ryan Gottfredson explores the four mindsets that shape leadership psychology: fixed or growth, closed or open, prevention or promotion, and inward or outward. Together, they explain why two people can face the same problem and produce entirely different results. More encouragingly, these mindsets can be improved through small, repeated interventions—sometimes involving little more than reflection, better questions, and five minutes of honest journaling. Separate your identity from the possibility of being wrong. Choose a meaningful destination instead of drifting away from danger. Ask how your decisions affect the people you lead. Listen closely, find the lens you have been carrying, and decide what becomes possible when you change it. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: The Four Mindsets of Leadership Success02:40 Why Leadership Is About Who You Are04:54 The Automatic Processes Shaping Your Behavior08:47 The Four Mindsets That Influence Success09:57 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset11:34 Closed vs. Open Mindset15:23 Why Growth Mindset Alone Isn’t Enough22:50 Prevention vs. Promotion Mindset29:53 Inward vs. Outward Mindset35:47 Seeing Others with Greater Empathy41:30 Coaching Techniques for Changing Mindsets44:30 Small Daily Practices That Rewire Your Thinking47:00 Final Lessons on Leadership and Success Topics Discussed Why growth mindset alone may not be enough for effective leadership success The four psychological mindsets that shape leadership behavior and decision-making How fixed and growth mindsets influence responses to challenges and failure Developing an open mindset by questioning assumptions and accepting uncomfortable feedback Understanding how fear creates closed-minded thinking, defensiveness, and resistance to change Shifting from prevention mindset toward promotion mindset, ambition, and meaningful progress Why leaders must focus on winning rather than simply avoiding mistakes Building an outward mindset that treats employees as people instead of objects How small daily interventions and journaling can change automatic thought patterns Becoming a more self-aware, empathetic, and effective leader through mindset awareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 - 603 - Master Finishing Things - Psychology vs Productivity, Perfectionism & Creative Constipation
Productivity gurus insist we must engineer ourselves into completion machines. This is nonsense, rather like insisting everyone should enjoy opera. The truth, as behavioral psychology reveals, is delightfully simple: we finish what we're motivated and able to do. Everything else is self-sabotage mistaken for ambition. Perfectionism, is a whole side mission that gets in the way of anything causing creative constipation. We can start working smarter by abandoning the unrewarding, delegating the tedious, and valuing time so highly that saying no becomes second nature. Identify what you reliably finish and do more of that Remove non-essential blockers that make tasks harder than needed Treat big ideas as stepping stones, not precious monuments Learn to let go of the big ideas that hold you back and start doing more things that you will actually finish. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: The Junkyard of Unfinished Projects03:01 The Power of Abandoning Unrewarding Tasks05:50 The 80/20 Rule in Practice08:25 The Danger of Perfectionism13:32 Delegation and Collaboration16:58 Creative Constipation and Big Ideas19:36 Saying No to Unwanted Work22:57 The Power of Imperfect Action29:29 Final Thoughts and Questions to Ponder Topics discussed Why starting too many projects isn't actually your real problem How strategic abandonment creates more finished work than forcing completion The psychological reason perfectionism blocks creativity and shipping Using the 80/20 rule to identify what you naturally finish Why delegation beats struggling through tasks you'll never complete Understanding creative constipation and how big ideas paralyze action How valuing your time helps you say no to unwanted work The paradox of finishing things you don't actually want to do Why imperfect action beats perfect planning every single time Building momentum by shipping ideas as stepping stones not monuments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 - 602 - AMA - How to choose meaningful opportunities, take intelligent risks, and build an audience around your ideas
A meaningful life is not built by choosing perfectly. It is built by learning how to choose, revise, and continue. In this AMA, Sam examines the hidden forces that shape our decisions: fear of failure, the need to appear competent, resistance to unfamiliar ideas, and the pressure to follow paths that already look successful. The episode then asks a larger question: what is worth doing with the limited attention and time we have? The answer is not simply the most profitable idea or the most impressive opportunity. It may be the project that expands your skills, fits the life you want, and gives you a reason to keep showing up. From podcast differentiation and creative businesses to community-building and entrepreneurial uncertainty, this is a conversation about turning vague ambition into deliberate action. Separate genuine opportunity from ego-driven novelty. Start with a reversible commitment whenever possible. Build the network your future work will need.Listen for the idea that changes how you think about your next commitment. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AMA 00:55 What Makes Someone Resistant to Learning? 06:29 How Do You Differentiate Your Podcast? 12:56 What Makes an Idea Worth Pursuing? 15:31 How Do You Handle Uncertainty as a Founder? 18:11 Should You Pursue VC Funding for a Creative Business? 20:51 How Do You Build a Network for Feedback and Exposure? 24:00 outro Topics Psychology behind resistance to learning, change, and developing a growth mindset. How ego, social pressure, and fear of failure block personal growth. Practical strategies for choosing worthwhile business ideas and creative projects. Testing startup ideas before making major commitments or leaving employment. How independent podcasters can differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Building a unique podcast through niche expertise and interdisciplinary thinking. Bootstrapping creative businesses before pursuing venture capital funding. Understanding distribution, audience growth, and product-market fit for creators. Building communities, feedback networks, and meaningful professional relationships. Using regret minimization and curiosity to make better career decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 - 601 - Start Before You Feel Ready - How to Overcome Rejection and Take Action w/ Jonathan Petrides [AllPlants]
Most people wait to feel ready before they begin. But readiness is often the the feeling we only enjoy after we have already taken the first step. Jonathan Petrides, founder of AllPlants, knows what it means to keep going when the obvious answer is “no.” He was rejected by every university he applied to, experimented with businesses that went nowhere, and eventually built a company around a simple insight: people may want to eat more plant-based food, but wanting something and making it easy are different things. This conversation explores the psychology of taking action before you feel ready, finding a mission worth committing to, and staying resilient when progress is slow. JP explains why purpose creates endurance, how persistence can change outcomes, and why showing up often gives you an advantage over people who are still preparing. Turn rejection into information rather than identity. Find a problem you care about solving for years. Make the first step so small that action feels inevitable. Listen now and start before you feel ready. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:19 Importance of Showing Up02:01 Who JP Is03:50 The importance of a Fallow Period05:03 Finding Something You Can Commit To06:53 Why JP Moved to Nairobi08:55 Starting a Vegan Business12:59 How AllPlants Operations Started15:40 Did AllPlants Go to Investors?18:21 The Most Difficult Thing AllPlants Faced21:02 Mistakes Made22:22 Converting No Into Yes29:22 JP’s Mantra in Life30:16 Earliest Memory31:11 The Kindest Thing Someone Has Done32:09 Send-Off Topics How to turn rejection into persistence, purpose, and entrepreneurial action. Building AllPlants and making plant-based food easier, tastier, and more accessible. Why meaningful missions create resilience during difficult stages of business growth. The psychology of starting before you feel confident, prepared, or ready. How entrepreneurs can use long-term thinking to navigate uncertainty and setbacks. Turning customer behaviour insights into practical innovation and sustainable business models. The challenges of scaling operations, hiring teams, and eliminating organisational debt. Why convenience and deliciousness influence plant-based eating more than moral arguments. Learning from failed ideas, abandoned ventures, and entrepreneurial experimentation. The importance of showing up, asking directly, and creating unexpected opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 - 600 - How to be remembered in a forgetful world - 3 rules to build lasting impressions [ARCHIVE]
Most people don’t have a skills problem. They have a memory problem.. no one remembers them. So why is it you can say all the right things and still be forgettable? Because people don’t store information, they store feelings. Think about the last person you met. You probably don’t remember what they said. But you remember how they made you feel. In this episode, we break down the psychology of first impressions and why “telling” people your strengths quietly fails. Instead, you’ll learn how to show who you are through small, repeatable actions. Not big performances. Just consistent signals. Like giving someone the better slice of cake, or telling a story that lands. Memorable people aren’t louder, they’re clearer: Replace claims with proof: show traits in action, don’t describe them Turn everyday moments into simple, emotional stories Make people feel something specific when they’re around you If you want to stop being overlooked, this episode will change how you show up. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 The Power of Being Remembered03:07 Why People Forget You05:00 Becoming Yourself Takes Practice08:13 Show, Don’t Tell11:31 Building Proof and Confidence14:04 Turning Traits Into Stories16:38 Making Yourself Easy to Understand19:14 Small Actions That Make You Memorable21:59 Final Reflections and Takeaways Topics Why people remember feelings more than facts or information The psychology behind strong first impressions and emotional impact Show don’t tell: proving traits through actions not words How to build trust quickly in social and professional settings Turning everyday experiences into engaging and memorable stories Developing a personal style through experimentation and practice Communicating complex ideas in simple, relatable language Building confidence through evidence and real-world demonstrations Small acts of kindness that shape how others perceive you How to stand out and avoid being forgettable in conversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 04 Aug 2026 - 599 - How to Build Worldly Wisdom - The Greatest Mental Models of Charlie Munger
What if the goal isn’t to be right, but to be less wrong, over time? Charlie Munger didn’t chase brilliance. He built a philosophy. A quiet system for navigating uncertainty, grounded in psychology, humility, and a refusal to follow the crowd. In this episode, we explore what it means to develop “worldly wisdom”—a latticework of mental models that help you see reality more clearly. This isn’t about hacks or shortcuts. It’s about choosing to think differently. To question your instincts and notice where bias creeps in. Every decision you make is a vote for the person you become. And most people are voting blindly. Munger’s approach offers an alternative: deliberate thinking, grounded in first principles and sharpened by inversion. Redefine success as avoiding preventable mistakes Build your own latticework of mental models across disciplines Practice arguing against your own beliefs to sharpen judgement The shift is subtle, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it—so the question is, what will you do differently next? NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mastering Wisdom02:46 Interdisciplinary Thinking05:32 Understanding Circle of Competence06:42 Opportunity Costs in Decision Making07:36 The Inversion Principle10:31 Cognitive Biases Overview17:42 Critiquing Charlie's Rationality24:39 The Art of Rational Decision Making25:52 First Principles Thinking27:40 Probabilistic Thinking and Risks29:15 The Margin of Safety30:30 Chauffeur Knowledge vs. True Understanding32:44 Applying Mental Models in Real Life Topics discussed: Charlie Munger’s mental models for better decision-making. How to build worldly wisdom through interdisciplinary thinking. The importance of knowing your circle of competence. Why opportunity cost matters in investing and life choices. How inversion helps you avoid mistakes and think more clearly. The role of cognitive biases in psychology and judgment. How confirmation bias distorts the way we see information. Why authority bias and social proof can lead to poor decisions. The value of first principles thinking for solving complex problems. How probabilistic thinking and margin of safety improve risk management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 28 Jul 2026 - 598 - Are You Creating Your Life, Or Uncovering It? — What Confucius, Radiohead, and lightning rods teach us about success
Explore the psychology of identity, creativity, and timing in this deep dive on mindset, leadership psychology, and finding your path. Today we ask if success is not a thing you manufacture, but a pattern you learn to recognize? This episode explores a different model of growth: one where Confucius, Radiohead, and lightning rods all point to the same truth. The world is full of tension, potential, and unfinished energy. The rare person is not always the one who creates something from nothing, but the one who notices it, names it, and gives it a path forward. This concept changes leadership, it changes creativity and it changes the way we think about the self. Maybe the work is not to become more forceful, but more attuned. We can spend less time obsessed with building and more time on discovery: Look for the signal inside the noise. Replace pressure with attention. Build conditions that let good work surface. Press play and see what becomes possible when you stop trying to invent everything. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 The Quest for Self-Discovery03:03 The Role of Timing in Success - according to history07:40 The Power of Ideas and Creativity12:06 The Story of Radiohead's 'Nude'17:51 The Nature of Ideas and Their Timelessness20:08 The Inversion Principle in Life and Business21:28 The Potential Within Us All23:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Topics Why timing matters more than talent in success How to know if you are building or uncovering your identity What Confucius, Buddha, and Socrates teach about leadership Why some ideas succeed only when the world is ready How lightning rods explain cultural change and influence The psychology of finding your purpose and direction Why creativity often comes from removing rather than adding What Radiohead’s Nude teaches about patience and timing How to use inversion thinking to improve decision-making Why great leaders often reveal ideas instead of creating them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 21 Jul 2026 - 597 - 9 Ways to Live a More Interesting Life - w/ Alastair Humphreys
Most people don’t need a new life. They need a better Tuesday. In this episode, I speak with Alastair Humphreys about why life starts to feel flat when every week looks the same, and how adventure is often less about geography and more about psychology. We get into the mindset traps that keep smart people stuck: waiting until they have more time, more money, more confidence, more certainty. Which is a bit like waiting to get fit before entering the gym. Alastair makes a simple point: that interesting lives are usually built from small acts of courage, not cinematic reinventions. A night outside. A local walk. A plan that slightly scares you. We also explore how discomfort sharpens attention, why challenge builds self-trust, and how curiosity can pull you out of autopilot faster than motivation ever will. Use small adventures to interrupt routine before routine hardens into identity. Stop treating confidence as a prerequisite; treat it as the reward. Make life richer by adding novelty, friction, and stories worth remembering. Listen if you want practical ways to feel more alive, more curious, and less trapped by your own habits. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Alistair Humphreys 03:29 Quick Fire Questions 05:07 Success, Happiness, and Internal Measures 07:48 Why We Should Be Adventurous 09:43 How to Start an Adventure 11:08 Microadventures 13:18 Finding Time for Adventure 16:06 The Money to Adventure Ratio 21:09 Just Go: Cheap, Local, and Simple 22:19 Expertise, Imposter Syndrome, and Becoming an Adventurer 25:51 Building a Sustainable Adventure Career 29:12 What Alistair Would Do Differently Today 32:18 A Thousand True Fans 34:26 The Three Stages of Flabbiness 36:31 Mental Flabbiness, Habit Calendars 38:00 Closing Thoughts Topics Discussed Defining success through internal values instead of comparison Why adventure builds confidence, humility, and self-knowledge The biggest barriers: time, money, expertise, and identity How microadventures make everyday life more vivid and meaningful Scheduling adventure by protecting time in your calendar Measuring the money-to-adventure ratio before spending more Starting local can create better stories than expensive trips Imposter syndrome often fuels the urge to seek adventure Turning adventure into a career through story and audience Physical, mental, and moral flabbiness feed each other Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 17 Jul 2026 - 596 - How to Think for Yourself
What if the life you’re living isn’t actually yours? We are taught to listen. To adapt. To fit. And somewhere along the way, that skill becomes a default. Not a choice. Social pressure isn’t loud. It doesn’t announce itself. It shows up as “this just makes sense” or “this is what people do.” In this episode, we explore a different lens: what happens when you treat that pressure as something diagnosable, observable, and changeable. Once you name a pattern, you create distance from it. And in that distance, there’s possibility. The possibility to choose differently. To act from internal values instead of external signals. Identify one area of your life that feels performative rather than authentic Create space between stimulus and response before conforming automatically Choose one action this week that reflects who you are, not who you’re expected to be If you’re ready to move from fitting in to thinking for yourself, this is where it begins. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 The Power of Social Pressure02:23 Classifying Social Pressure as a Disorder03:36 Diagnostic Criteria for SPPD09:31 Case Study 1: Elena13:17 Case Study 2: Liam16:54 Therapy and Interventions18:17 SPPD and Other Disorders21:49 Overcoming Social Pressure with a Growth Mindset23:06 Living Authentically on Your Own Terms25:12 Wrap Up Topics discussed How social pressure influences decision making and personal identity The psychology behind people pleasing and external validation habits Understanding conformity through a fictional personality disorder framework How fear of rejection shapes behavior and life choices Differences between social anxiety and approval-seeking behavior patterns Case studies showing real-world effects of chronic social pressure How to build self-trust and reduce reliance on others’ opinions The impact of social expectations on career and relationship decisions Techniques to think independently and resist social conformity Developing authenticity and internal values in a high-pressure social world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 - 595 - The Psychology of Succeeding When the Odds Are Against You - w/ Olympic Climber Kyra Condie
Kyra Condie built an Olympic climbing career while living with scoliosis. With every reason to quit and accept her limitations she refused them and beat the odds every time. In this conversation, we explore confidence, adaptation, and the quiet power of refusing a script that was never written for you. The episode asks a simple but uncomfortable question: what if the thing you think is holding you back is actually forcing you to discover your real edge? It changes how we define success, how we treat our limits, and how we decide what kind of life is still possible. Notice the difference between a weakness and a story about a weakness. Build a path around your strengths instead of only repairing your gaps. Treat constraint as a creative prompt, not a verdict. Press play and consider what becomes possible when you stop obeying the old script. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Do we quit to early?01:29 Who is Kyra Condie02:14 Scoliosis vs climbing04:40 Relationship of facing fear and entrepreneur05:30 Emotions dealt during injury08:01 An olympian's life compared to her other friends'09:11 Mental health12:58 Kyra's climbing style / technique15:40 Avoiding injuries16:21 Mood booster on a bad day17:38 Kyra's advice to her youngger self18:30 Did Kyra struggle with confidence when she was young?19:19 Is Kyra worried of being overconfident19:38 Kindest thing - receiving letters20:13 Kyra's message to the world21:11 Outro Topics Elite climbing with scoliosis and physical limitation Building confidence when others mistake it for arrogance How elite athletes adapt to body constraints The psychology of fear in sport and performance Why strengths matter more than fixing every weakness Mental health challenges among Olympians and elite performers Balancing training, recovery, and competition pressure How climbers manage injuries and performance limits The role of supportive letters and encouragement Advice for young women facing criticism and doubt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 - 594 - 7 Time-Management Tips for Busy Mortals - [Lessons from existential psychology]
You'll never get through your to-do list. And honestly, that's the best news you'll hear all day. Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks argues that our obsession with time management is making us less happy and less effective. The book flips conventional wisdom — what if procrastination isn't a bug but a feature? What if doing fewer things is the real productivity hack? Sam breaks down seven counterintuitive lessons from existential psychology that challenge the hustler mentality. You'll learn where the efficiency mindset came from (spoiler: factories), why Warren Buffett tells people to ignore 80% of their goals, and how embracing imperfection beats any time-blocking system. The core insight? You have roughly 4,000 weeks on this planet. Spending all of them optimizing is the real waste of time. Use the 25-goal method: pick your top 5, actively ignore the rest Schedule unstructured time — procrastination fuels creative problem-solving Treat each week as finite — a visual countdown changes everything Hit play and discover why doing less might be the most productive decision you ever make. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com Chapters 00:00 The Efficiency Mindset's Impact on Our Lives01:26 Questioning the Hustler Mentality02:28 7 Essential Insights02:55 Tracing the Roots of Our Efficiency Obsession04:38 Navigating Existential Overwhelm06:28 The Efficiency Trap07:50 Embracing Procrastination10:06 Elevating Enjoyment14:37 Enriching Your Remaining Weeks16:18 Time Management for Mortals16:52 Outro Topics The efficiency mindset and its origins in factory time-tracking Oliver Burkeman's premise that we can't control everything Existential overwhelm from wanting to do everything Warren Buffett's 25-goal prioritization method The efficiency trap where efficiency breeds more tasks Strategic underachievement and open versus closed lists Procrastination as a creative and necessary process Making work enjoyable through reframing and storytelling Being the main character in your life story The 4,000-week life countdown and last-time reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 - 593 - 4 Fears that Secretly Sabotage your Life - And what to do about them
Fear doesn't show up wearing a mask. It shows up as a perfectly reasonable excuse — "I'm not ready yet," "the timing isn't right," "I just need to learn a bit more." These aren't logical conclusions. They're fear in disguise. Your brain has been lying to you. Keeping you safe in the short term, but permanently stuck in the long term. In this episode, we break down the four fears that silently sabotage even the most capable people: failure, uncertainty, embarrassment, and — the one nobody expects — fear of success itself. Each one hides behind your best-sounding rationale, and each one is quietly shrinking your life. Why your brain mistakes self-protection for smart decision-making How to reframe failure as data rather than a verdict on your worth The spotlight effect and why nobody is watching you as closely as you think Stop negotiating with fear — start recognising it for what it actually is. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Hitting an Invisible Wall - The Real Culprit: Fear01:42 Understanding Hidden Fears02:11 The Illusion of Living Without Fear05:39 The Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset06:56 The Granddaddy of All Fears: Fear of Failure08:46 Reframing Failure as Learning09:24 Setting Incremental GoalsVisualising Success and Failure10:34 Seeking Feedback and Support11:06 Exposure Therapy: Standup Comedy12:36 The Silent Killer: Fear of Uncertainty15:22 Overcoming Fear of Uncertainty17:19 The Fear of Embarrassment and Ridicule19:15 The Spotlight Effect23:12 Facing Ridicule for Progress23:45 The Unexpected Fear: Fear of Success26:15 Defining and Preparing for Success30:23 Conclusion: Embracing Fear for Growth Topics How fear disguises itself as rational, sensible-sounding excuses The fixed mindset as the root of all four fears Why the fear of failure is evolutionarily hardwired in us Using incremental goals to build confidence and overcome failure The ambiguity effect and our brain's craving for certainty How childhood environments shape our tolerance for uncertainty The spotlight effect and why nobody is watching you Historical figures who faced ridicule and changed the world Fear of success and the psychology of imposter syndrome Defining success on your own terms rather than society's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 - 592 - The Neuroscience of Fear - Understanding anxiety, trauma and the tools to overcome them [Lessons from NPD, BPD and ADHD]
Fear isn't the opposite of growth. It's the gatekeeper of it. Every hesitation before a risk, every excuse before a hard conversation, every night spent worrying about what others think.. These are more than subtle character flaws. They're ancient circuits doing exactly what they were designed to do. The real question is whether you understand your fear well enough to stop letting it make your decisions for you. In this episode, we explore the neuroscience behind the threat response — why trauma reshapes the brain, how anxiety disorders illuminate something true about all of us, and what it actually means to rewire the patterns that keep you small. Understanding fear is not a detour from building a better mindset. It is the path. The four core fears that explain almost every way we self-sabotage Why the brain's fear circuitry becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy — and how to interrupt it The shift from reactive to regulated: what the science says actually works The brain that learned to fear can also learn to grow — this episode shows you where to start NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Facing Fear on a Suspension Bridge00:43 The Biological Basis of Fear01:39 Exploring the Neuroscience of Fear03:14 The Brain's Fear Circuitry06:16 The Role of Neuroception06:46 The Physical Manifestation of Fear09:43 The Four Core Fears12:21 Trauma and Its Impact on Fear19:41 Understanding Anxiety Disorder22:13 Managing Anxiety and Fear23:47 Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness24:04 The Power of Physical Exercise25:06 Exploring Exposure Therapy25:51 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder27:13 The Neuroscience Behind BPD31:21 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Unveiled33:10 The Fragile Ego of Narcissists36:45 ADHD: Fear and Focus39:20 Strategies for Managing ADHD Topics Why your amygdala fires before your rational brain even wakes up The four core fears behind almost every way we self-sabotage How chronic stress physically shrinks the hippocampus over time Why trauma conditions the brain to see threats that aren't there The neuroscience of neuroception and subconscious threat scanning How anxiety disorders reveal what's happening inside all of us Why narcissists react to criticism like it's a physical attack The fear of abandonment hiding at the heart of BPD How ADHD turns unstructured tasks into a spiral of avoidance Three evidence-based strategies to genuinely rewire your fear response Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 591 - How to Make Hard Things Easier with a Growth Mindset - w/ Graham Hobson (Founder Photobox, Moonpig)
Most people wait for change to arrive in a dramatic package. A breakthrough. A sign. A better plan. Graham Hobson’s story reminds us that real growth is quieter than that. It arrives through repetition, through coaching, through the willingness to be bad at something long enough to become good. As PhotoBox scaled, the lesson was not how to find one perfect move, but how to build a way of thinking that could absorb pressure, learn from friction, and keep expanding without collapsing under the weight of ambition. That’s the work. Not chasing certainty. Not demanding speed. Building the capacity to evolve. Growth mindset is not motivational wallpaper. It is the discipline of becoming someone who can handle the next version of the challenge. Focus on becoming more adaptable. Trade urgency for durable progress. Build capacity before you need it. If you’re ready to rethink what growth really looks like, this episode is worth your time. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTER 00:00 Introduction to Graham Hobson and the Growth Mindset02:48 Challenges and Realizations in Business Growth04:02 The Importance of a Growth Mindset06:50 Balancing Personal Life and Business Topics discussed Scaling PhotoBox from startup to 1,400 staff. No silver bullet for business growth. Learning growth mindset from a patient CEO. Planning for multi-year growth and strategy. Handling pressure and project failure. Balancing work, family, and mental health. Recovering through exercise, sleep, and better habits. Becoming adaptable and better at assembling teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 590 - Why the Most Successful People Are All Walking Contradictions — And How to Become One
Most people think their biggest weakness is the problem. It's not. It's that they're only using half of themselves. George Washington won a war by being the world's most honest man — and its most convincing liar. Steve Jobs built the future by dreaming like a child and obsessing like an engineer. These aren't contradictions. They're the formula behind the psychology of excellence. The most powerful thing you can do isn't fix every flaw — it's finding the one opposing trait that supercharges what you're already great at. Why "cognitive entrenchment" is quietly capping your potential, even if you're highly experienced How to identify the single trait pairing that will unlock your next level Why urgency without patience isn't drive — it's just anxiety with a to-do list Stop trying to be well-rounded. Find your lethal combination. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTER TEXT 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Contradictions01:43 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Podcast03:36 George Washington's Lethal Combination06:36 Why We Label People (And Why It's Wrong)09:30 Knowledge vs. Open-Mindedness12:31 Empathy vs. Assertiveness15:42 Patience vs. Urgency18:03 Short-Term Action vs. Long-Term Vision20:08 Creativity vs. Analytical Thinking22:55 Stubbornness vs. Flexibility25:20 Confidence vs. Humility26:10 Humour vs. Seriousness28:10 How to Find Your One Power Combination31:09 Using Mind Maps to Beat Your Weaknesses34:26 Appearance, Neurodiversity and Your Hidden Edge Episode Topics The psychology behind opposing personality traits and success Why cognitive entrenchment limits even the most experienced experts George Washington's deceptive strategy that saved the American Revolution Balancing empathy and assertiveness for powerful leadership How to manage urgency and patience for peak performance The creativity and analytical thinking paradox driving innovation Stubbornness vs. flexibility: knowing when to pivot or persist Building self-confidence and humility for continuous personal growth How neurodiversity and personality disorders can become hidden strengths A practical framework to identify your one transformative trait combination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 589 - Overlooked Rules on Being a Useful Human - Essential Behavioural Psychology
You've read the productivity books. You've optimised your mornings. But what if the whole thing is backwards? Self-improvement content is everywhere, yet it almost universally focuses on extracting more value from yourself. This episode flips that. Drawing on behavioural psychology and a surprisingly useful analogy about cells and organs, Sam makes the case that the most effective thing you can do for your own growth is to become genuinely useful to the people around you. Not as a strategy. As a mindset. The inversion is simple: stop asking what moves you forward and start asking what moves others forward. Turns out, they're the same question. Why connection is as fundamental a skill as walking or talking How organisations actually hold together — and what that means for you Why kindness isn't soft advice; it's the core engine of sustainable success If the self-improvement content you've consumed hasn't quite stuck, this one might be the missing piece. SPONSORS ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 The Inversion Principle on the Quest for Self-Improvement01:23 Zooming In and Out of Nature02:18 The Role of Individual Cells03:30 Human Society and Teamwork05:05 Technological Advancements05:27 The Power of Modern Convenience06:08 The Rise of Solopreneurs07:05 The Magic of Small Teams08:33 Lessons from Toddlers11:02 The Messiness of Organizations11:47 The Role of Individual Contribution14:10 The Illusion of Master Planners16:01 The Simplicity of Being Nice17:27 The Kindness in Sales18:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Topics The behavioural psychology behind why being useful matters most How biological cells mirror human teamwork and organisation Why self-improvement is really about helping others grow The fractal patterns connecting nature, society, and human progress How connection is hardwired into us from birth What toddlers reveal about our core psychological needs Why human organisations are messier than we think The inversion principle applied to personal growth and success How small teams and solopreneurs create outsized societal value Why kindness and connection are the ultimate success strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 09 Jun 2026 - 588 - Lessons on Starting Before You Feel Ready w/ Graham Hobson (Founder Photobox + Moonpig)
Most startups don’t fail from lack of ideas. They fail because people quit too early—or play it too safe. Graham Hobson built a €100M business starting with a simple frustration: printing photos of his kids. What followed wasn’t a smooth growth curve—it was years of uncertainty, near failure, and painfully slow progress. In this conversation, we unpack the real psychology behind building something that lasts. Not hustle. Not hacks. But resilience, emotional insight, and the ability to keep going when the rewards are invisible. Graham shares how surviving the dot-com crash shaped his thinking, why hiring for values beats hiring for talent, and how the most successful businesses often start with deeply human problems. Reframe uncertainty as a normal part of meaningful progress Focus on emotional value, not just functional output Build resilience by solving problems, not avoiding them If you’re building something—or thinking about it—this episode will change how you measure progress. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Graham Hobson00:49 Graham’s Early Career and Motivation02:04 The Birth of Photo Box03:54 Challenges and Early Struggles06:15 The Importance of a Co-Founder07:25 Navigating the Dot-Com Crash09:18 Resilience in Entrepreneurship12:10 Expanding and Acquiring Moon Pig15:27 The Role of a CEO15:56 Hiring Philosophy and Challenges19:38 Rapid Growth and Scaling24:31 Emotional Connection in Business27:46 Customer Feedback and Positioning28:47 Personal Reflections and Early Memories30:09 Acts of Kindness and Mentorship31:08 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Topics discussed Building startups through uncertainty and long-term resilience The role of serendipity in entrepreneurial success Why slow, steady growth can outperform rapid scaling Co-founder dynamics and balancing complementary skill sets Surviving market crashes and adapting business strategy Hiring for values over skills in growing companies Emotional connection as a core driver of product success Decision-making under pressure in early-stage startups The psychological challenges of entrepreneurship and persistence Scaling a business from survival mode to growth phase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 05 Jun 2026 - 587 - How to Spend Money to Buy Happiness: The psychology of what actually works
Money is not the goal. It’s a tool. Most people were never taught how to use it. Core:We inherit scripts about money. Save more. Earn more. Want more. But those scripts were built for survival, not fulfilment. The shift is subtle but powerful: from accumulation to allocation. This episode is about choosing where your money goes—and what that choice turns you into. When you spend on time, you create space. When you spend on experiences, you create identity. When you spend on others, you create connection. The question isn’t “can money buy happiness?” It’s whether you’re willing to spend in alignment with the life you’re trying to build. Because every purchase is a vote. And most people are voting by default. Takeaways: Align spending with values, not social comparison Treat money as a tool to create time, energy, and connection Experiment with new ways of spending to discover what truly works SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Jack Welch’s Heart Attack Revelation01:03 The Debate: Can Money Buy Happiness?02:19 Exploring the Science of Money and Happiness04:25 Principle 1: Spend on Experiences, Not Things08:09 Principle 2: Invest in Relationships10:15 Principle 3: Prioritize Health12:30 Principle 4: Buy Time to Reduce Stress15:41 Principle 5: Make Smaller, Frequent Purchases16:34 The Upside of Irrationality: Spreading Out Purchases18:27 Conclusion: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff18:34 Understanding the Law of Triviality19:42 The Impact of Trivial Decisions21:36 Delaying Gratification for Greater Happiness22:12 The Power of Anticipation24:07 Investing in Yourself25:54 Spending on Enabling Activities27:32 The Joy of Giving to Charity29:50 Exploring Novel Spending Habits33:44 The Influence of Personal History and Social Dynamics35:20 Aligning Spending with Values Topics How to spend money to actually increase happiness The psychology of money and why more isn’t better Why experiences beat material purchases for long-term happiness Buying time vs buying things: what reduces stress How prosocial spending improves relationships and wellbeing Hedonic adaptation and why new purchases quickly lose impact Small frequent purchases vs big splurges for happiness Using delayed gratification to increase anticipation and joy Aligning spending with values instead of social comparison Smart money habits that turn income into life satisfaction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 02 Jun 2026 - 586 - The Psychology of Slowing Down Time - How to live a full life
Ever look up and realise a whole month has vanished? This episode is about why that happens — and how to get more life out of the same amount of time. Most people think time speeds up because they’re busy. Not quite. Time speeds up when your brain stops noticing. When your days are repetitive, distracted, and half-lived, your memory writes almost nothing down. That’s why a week of scrolling disappears, while one difficult, vivid, meaningful afternoon can feel strangely rich. In this episode, I break down the psychology of time perception using examples from TikTok, procrastination, ADHD, novelty, and emotional reframing. The big idea: a full life isn’t made from more hours. It’s made from more moments that feel real. We talk about why discomfort often stretches time, why autopilot erases it, and how learning to stay with tension can make you calmer, sharper, and more alive. Add novelty on purpose: new places, new conversations, new experiences. Notice when you’re escaping discomfort instead of living through it. Use memory as a metric: if nothing stands out, something needs to change. If time keeps slipping through your hands, this episode will help you hold it differently. UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:01 About time02:48 Tiktok as an example of bending time03:53 The importance of variety and new things07:16 Memory is like a notepad09:18 Edge Surfing12:21 Reframing feelings16:21 Savor those slow moments18:04 Outro Topics discussed How time perception changes through attention and stimulation Why novelty creates richer memories and longer-feeling days How repetition and autopilot make months disappear Using photos as a clue for memory density Why a full life means more memorable moments The surfer metaphor for staying with psychological tension Reframing anxiety as excitement to unlock performance Turning anger into empathy, curiosity, and perspective Fasting as practice for not obeying every impulse Time management as pain management and emotional regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 26 May 2026 - 585 - How to Create Your Own Opportunities and Stop Waiting for Your One Big Chance
If you’ve been treating your next decision like THE decision, well... A lot of anxiety comes from believing your future hinges on getting the next move exactly right. However, there’s a particular kind of pressure that shows up when you want your work to mean something, but you also don’t want to blow up your finances, your nervous system, or your sense of self in the process. Today we explore how “one shot” thinking makes people more perfectionistic, more anxious, and often worse at taking risks, then offers a saner alternative: build a life that lets you keep trying. We get into purpose, career change, money, self-worth, and the quiet relief of realising you do not need a flawless master plan to move forward. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is stop demanding certainty and start creating conditions where curiosity can actually breathe. Ask whether you need the perfect path, or just the next honest experiment. Reduce pressure by making change more sustainable, not more dramatic. Treat failure as information, not a verdict on your future. Press play if you need a steadier way to move without pretending you’re fearless. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Eminem's Scarcity Mindset00:58 The Psychology of Taking Shots02:04 Listener Question: Career Change and Anxiety02:58 Understanding Your 'Why'06:34 The Importance of Small Steps08:01 Finding Your Passion and Enjoying the Process14:02 The Art of Taking Multiple Shots16:16 Sustainable Risk-Taking20:57 The MVP Mindset23:43 Testing Ideas and Customer Feedback24:49 Dating Ideas: A Personal Story27:18 The Importance of Not Quitting29:06 Reframing Failure as a Positive30:51 Finding Purpose and Passion31:58 The Reality of Difficult Achievements36:03 Conclusion: Infinite Games and Personal Success Topics discussed Scarcity mindset and the myth of one shot Career change anxiety and fear of failure Clarifying your why and core values Small steps, compounding, and patient growth Passion, happiness, and enjoying the process Sustainable risk-taking with side income security Testing ideas through MVPs and feedback Purpose, failure, and taking many shots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 19 May 2026 - 584 - Three Psychology Experiments That Changed How I Live
Most self-improvement assumes the problem lives inside you. But what if you've been looking in the wrong place? There's something worth sitting with in the idea that your physical surroundings are already making decisions about how you think — before you've consciously made any. The shape of a room. Whether your body is moving or still. How many open tabs are silently competing for your attention. These aren't peripheral details. They're the architecture of your mental life. This episode revisits three environmental psychology findings that quietly reframe what it actually means to improve yourself — not as a project of relentless internal effort, but as something closer to intelligent design. You are, in a real sense, the product of your environment. The question is whether you're designing it or just inheriting it. The Cathedral Effect — how space shapes cognition before thought begins The Movement Effect — motion as a psychological state, not just a physical one Intentional Laptopping — digital minimalism as a form of cognitive self-respect Treating yourself like someone whose environment matters might be the most honest act of self-improvement you haven't tried yet. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome03:18 Cathedral Effect07:18 The Movement Effect11:11 Intentional Laptopping15:36 Bonus Laptop Tips17:55 Summary & Closing Topics discussed How physical environment shapes thinking and behaviour The cathedral effect and cognitive performance Using movement to solve problems and reduce anxiety Walking meetings and productivity psychology Building focus through intentional digital habits Why willpower alone isn't enough for behaviour change Designing your environment for creativity or concentration The psychology of getting unstuck ADHD, neurodiversity, and environmental self-awareness Simple habits the most clear-headed people actually use Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 12 May 2026 - 583 - Dr. Stephen Porges: Where Free Will Lives in Your Body, and Why You Keep Ignoring It
Free will might be smaller than you hoped, but more useful than you imagined. This conversation with Stephen Porges is about the quiet shift in perspective he learnt from 50 years studying the nervous system. We are taught to believe that emotional strength means overriding fear, suppressing anger, and forcing calm. But a different story is available. One where stress is not weakness, pain is not always just pain, and emotions are not commands but signals shaped by physiology, memory, and perceived safety. In that story, awareness becomes agency. The moment you notice your internal state without instantly obeying it, a door opens. Not a dramatic door. A small one. But small doors change lives. This episode explores the psychology of emotional regulation, the biology of threat, and the possibility that resilience is less about control and more about creating the conditions where wiser choices can emerge. See reactions as signals from a system. Create safety before expecting transformation. Practice awareness to widen your range of choice. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction03:38 Free Will and Polyvagal Theory06:33 Levels of the Nervous System08:09 Pain Management and Emotion11:18 Strategies for Self-Regulation14:53 Avoiding Burnout in Healthcare18:57 Conclusion and Final Remarks Topics discussed How Polyvagal Theory redefines the concept of free will through our physiological responses to stress Applying Viktor Frankl's "space between stimulus and response" to build emotional intelligence and resilience Understanding neuroception and how the nervous system detects environmental threats before the conscious mind The psychology of chronic pain and why calming the sympathetic nervous system is crucial for pain management Why negative emotions are actually biological threat responses rather than fixed personality traits The connection between unresolved trauma, emotional suppression, and psychosomatic symptoms like IBS and migraines Actionable self-regulation strategies to pause, manage high-stress situations, and safely process anger How to prevent burnout in healthcare and leadership roles by mastering physiological co-regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 08 May 2026 - 582 - How to Finally Commit to One Thing When Everything Feels Important
The better you get at seeing opportunity, the worse you get at finishing anything. It turns out the same brain wiring that makes curious, growth-oriented people so interesting to talk to also makes them spectacularly bad at committing to one thing. In this episode, we explore the surprisingly rich psychology of focus — from what Taylor Swift's 16 dress changes per concert reveal about sequencing your ambitions, to a landmark study showing that how others perceive your potential literally changes what you become. It's equal parts neuroscience, life philosophy, and one man's genuine attempt to understand what wearing a dress taught him about staying focused. Why your potential is only as useful as your ability to narrow it The science behind why commitment feels like loss — and how to reframe it How to build a life with many chapters without living them all at once Funny, counterintuitive, and oddly practical — this episode might be the permission slip you didn't know you needed. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Infinite Choices, Infinite Decisions02:33 Welcome and the Cross-Pollination of Ideas03:35 What Wearing a Dress Taught Me About Focus06:25 The Psychology of Appearance and Identity09:21 You Can Only Wear One Dress at a Time11:18 Sam's Infinite List of Things He Wants to Do14:41 Why Focus Is the Only Thing That Actually Works17:44 Mental Masturbation and Living at the Destination20:05 Taylor Swift, Career Changes, and Doing Things Sequentially24:40 You Can Do Anything — Just Not All at Once27:15 How I Finally Chose One Thing for Seven Years30:31 Conclusion and Sign-Off Topics Discussed Focus and productivity Decision-making psychology Growth mindset and ambition The paradox of choice Overcoming indecision and overwhelm How to commit to one thing Dealing with too many ideas ADHD and focus The multitasking myth Deep work and mental clarity Identity and self-expression The Pygmalion effect Career changes and reinvention Sequencing goals and priorities Personal development and self-improvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 05 May 2026 - 581 - How to Be Genuinely Interesting - Without performing, pretending, or people-pleasing
There's a story we tell ourselves about interesting people. That they were born that way. That charisma is a trait, not a choice. That fitting in is safe and standing out is risky. None of it is true. Interesting isn't a personality type. It's a decision about how far you're willing to go — into a topic, into yourself, into the slightly terrifying territory of being exactly who you are in a room full of people pretending to be someone else. The person in the pink dress at the tech conference isn't braver than you. They just stopped asking for permission. And the researcher who spent a year going deeper than anyone else on a single subject isn't smarter. They just refused to stay on the surface. Depth compounds — a little more effort creates disproportionately more value Authenticity isn't vulnerability, it's strategy The goal isn't to stand out everywhere — it's to know where it matters You already have a monopoly on being you. The question is whether you're using it. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Sam dives into what really made us human - how we transformed from a bunch of hairy apes into the mostly civilised and occasionally organised, masters of the world. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out?01:00 How to Create More Interesting Interests02:31 10x Depth Is 100x More Interesting03:38 Examples of Geeking Out That Are Fascinating09:10 Wearing a Dress at WebSummit14:31 Don't Overprepare for Everything15:14 Stand Out vs Chill Out Topics discussed How to be more interesting Authenticity and self-expression Overcoming fear of judgment Psychology of magnetic personalities Building confidence Standing out without performing Deep work and expertise The 80/20 rule of energy management Embracing your unique personality Growth mindset psychology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 - 580 - Your Nervous System Has Been Running Your Life - How to finally take control with Stephen Porges (Inventor of Polyvagal Theory)
How the science of the vagus nerve explains anxiety, ambition, burnout, and the art of becoming who you actually are. Humans, might be the most sophisticated organism on Earth (capable of writing symphonies, landing on the moon, and inventing artisanal sourdough). Yet at our core, we are running threat-detection software that predates the dinosaurs. Stephen Porges, the scientist who mapped the vagus nerve's extraordinary influence on human behaviour, joins us to explain why this ancient wiring is quietly making most of your big life decisions for you. The good news is that evolution, for once, gave us a rather elegant solution. Safety — genuine, physiological safety — unlocks curiosity, creativity, and the particular satisfaction of becoming who you actually are. The even better news is it's achievable without a retreat, a cold plunge, or a subscription. What you'll take away: Why your gut reactions are data, not drama How the environments we build either cage or liberate our best thinking Why the most calming people aren't trying to be calm Your nervous system has been waiting for this conversation. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:12 Polyvagal Theory Basics05:49 Psychology as a Rubik's Cube06:43 How Threat Changes Who We Are07:29 Creating Safe Environments for Learning08:40 Why Stephen Porges Developed Polyvagal Theory11:03 Intuition vs Neural Reflex12:29 The Power of Voice and Intonation13:00 How Stephen Became So Calming — And the Opera Singer Story15:48 Social Pressure and the Problem with Faking It18:16 The Physiology of Safety vs Stress20:24 When Threat Becomes a Habit20:44 Academic Life and the Trap of Evaluation Culture23:52 Stephen's Personal Turning Point at 5030:08 Curiosity, Playfulness and the Nature of Fun32:00 The Dog on a Leash — Safety and Creativity34:00 Time as a River — Staying Present or Getting Left Behind35:30 Biden, Aging, and the Limits of Willpower37:00 Growth Mindset, Polyvagal Theory and What They Share38:00 Talent, Grades and the Problem with How We Measure People39:00 The Clarinet Story — Skills That Don't Match Your Curiosity41:00 What Happens When You Want to Do Everything41:43 The Zen of Loading the Dishwasher42:18 How Polyvagal Theory Was Born Across Disciplines43:16 Polyvagal Music — Healing Through Sound45:13 Testing Polyvagal Music on 1500 People45:38 Co-Regulation and Why the Body Needs Safety to Heal46:08 Floating on the Ocean — What Real Physiological Rest Feels Like46:54 Rocking, Rhythm and Why Babies Know Best48:44 The History of Psychology and Standing on Giants50:12 Libraries, Google Scholar and How to Actually Learn51:53 Goodbyes and What Comes Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 - 579 - The Illusion of Panic: How to Master Your Nervous System When It Invents Danger
A Deep Dive into the Vagus Nerve, Neuroception, and Overcoming Burnout Ever walked into a room and instantly felt like something was completely off? That is not your intuition being magical; that is your nervous system running the show. We spend all day trying to "think" our way out of stress, but it rarely works. Your body has a built-in threat radar called neuroception that operates entirely below your conscious awareness. When it misfires, you get the illusion of panic. You feel like you're fighting a sabertooth tiger when you're just staring at an unread email. Modern psychology calls this Polyvagal Theory. It explains why we constantly flip between the cool, collected Bruce Banner and the raging Hulk. The trick isn't fighting the Hulk. It's learning how to speak the biological language of your vagus nerve. Once you understand the mechanics of your own survival instincts, everything changes. You stop fighting your mind and start regulating your body. Use the four-four box breathing method to instantly hack your vagal tone. Restructure your morning tech habits to turn off your body's unconscious threat radar. Harness social co-regulation to lower your cortisol simply by being around safe people. Hit play to stop out-thinking your anxiety and start mastering your nervous system today. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 A Sudden Panic on the Street01:12 Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System02:39 The Growth Mindset Connection03:26 Polyvagal Theory Explained04:32 Understanding the Vagus Nerve06:03 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems09:55 The Dorsal Vagal State15:07 Neuroception: Your Body's Spidey Sense19:57 Ad Break20:53 Breathing Techniques for Calmness24:59 Managing Stress with Lifestyle Changes27:55 The Importance of Vagal Tone29:02 Exercise and Stress Management30:57 The Benefits of Physical Strength31:08 The Impact of Physical Strength on Daily Life32:21 The Neuroscience Behind Exercise and Stress Reduction32:34 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on Neuroception34:07 The Importance of Attachment in Early Development35:09 Healing from Past Trauma37:05 The Role of Pets in Co-Regulation38:23 The Science of Human Connection41:40 Ad Break44:05 Polyvagal Theory in Education46:57 Strengthening Relationships Through Polyvagal Theory52:10 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges54:21 Practical Tips for a Balanced Life56:15 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Topics Discussed Polyvagal Theory and the biology of psychological safety The Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic states Understanding the Dorsal Vagal "freeze" or shutdown response Neuroception: How your body detects threats before your conscious mind The connection between a Growth Mindset and the nervous system 4-4 Box Breathing and practical ways to increase Vagal Tone How chronic stress and burnout physically alter the body Healing from past trauma and insecure attachment styles Co-regulation: How humans (and pets) biologically sync their stress levels Applying nervous system mastery to workplace anxiety and education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 - 578 - The Psychology of Risk: How Near Death Experiences Help you Quit a Good Life to Pursue a Great One - w. Talia Lazarus
We are all waiting for permission that is never going to come. We cling to the illusion of a safe life, pretending that incremental improvements are the same thing as actual growth. Talia Lazarus didn’t plan on changing her life; the universe intervened in the form of a devastating bus accident. In the agonizing space of her recovery, she confronted a profound truth: she was living a script written by someone else. So, she burned it down. This episode is about the radical shift from accepting what is, to choosing what could be. It explores the "doorstep mile"—the immense, invisible friction of taking the first step toward true purpose. You don't need a catastrophe to change your posture in the world. You just need to stop looking in the rear-view mirror and realize that your constraints are entirely invented. How to identify the difference between real growth and the illusion of progress. The art of embracing the "doorstep mile" to finally ship your true work. Why surrendering your past is the only way to build a meaningful future. Listen to this conversation and discover how to stop waiting, step over the threshold, and choose a great life today. SPONSORS 🧘 Cheers Health Take Cheers after your last drink and feel 50% better, or your money back 20% off entire order CheersHealth.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Beginning02:41 Introduction to Growth Mindset05:30 Talia's Life-Changing Accident10:09 Trauma Impact on Attachment Style11:27 The Aftermath and Rock Bottom12:23 Small Changes That Add Up13:10 Quitting Her Job to Follow Her Passion16:31 Second Surgery19:09 When Survival Instinct Doesn't Work20:25 Most People Don't Meet Their Potential21:25 Perspective-Shifting Experiences24:15 Dream Experiences vs. Near-Death Experiences26:44 The Doorstep Mile27:40 Starting the I Got Back Up Podcast29:53 The Rear-View Mirror Mentality33:03 Past Behaviours vs Current Self33:48 You Are Never Alone35:44 Everyone Should Nearly Die Once35:54 Best Ways to Die and Resilience Training36:10 Small Acts of Kindness38:12 Spreading More Positivity to Receive It40:48 You Get What You Give41:46 Send Off Topics Covered: Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset Near-death experiences (NDEs) and post-traumatic growth The psychology of risk and radical career pivots Overcoming the "doorstep mile" and the friction of starting over Trauma recovery, resilience, and human survival instincts How traumatic events disrupt attachment styles and cognitive patterns The "rear-view mirror mentality" and letting go of the past Pushing past self-limiting beliefs and perceived physical limits The psychological impact of small acts of kindness and finding your community Building a podcast and the power of storytelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 - 577 - The Comfort Zone Trap - How Failure Builds Courage, Confidence, and an Interesting Life
Human beings have an issue. We want adventure, growth, and transformation, provided they arrive gently, avoid inconvenience, and never make us look foolish. This episode is about that charming contradiction. We spend years building small fortresses of competence, then wonder why life begins to feel boring. The trouble is that courage rarely appears before action; it usually turns up afterwards, slightly out of breath, claiming it was there all along. So we explore three ways to make peace with failure and even, in a highly civilised way, become rather fond of it. There’s a bit of psychology, a bit of neuroscience, and a useful reminder that nearly everyone you admire got good by being bad at things for quite a while. Failure, properly understood, is not a catastrophe. It is more like compost: unpleasant in the wrong light, but extremely useful if you’re trying to grow something interesting. Redefine failure as information, not identity. Make small, repeated discomfort a weekly practice. Stop mistaking safety for a meaningful life. Listen in and give your fears the deeply disappointing experience of being ignored. SPONSORS 🧘 Cheers Health Take Cheers after your last drink and feel 50% better, or your money back 20% off entire order CheersHealth.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 The Importance of Failure00:57 Growth Mindset Podcast Introduction01:54 Eye-Opening Statistics on Failure02:13 Increasing Your Failure Rate for Success02:50 Job Interviews and Startups05:05 Investing and High Failure Rates06:04 Deliberate Practice and Personal Growth06:21 Learning Faster Through Failure07:09 Pushing Comfort Zones in Skiing09:30 Deliberate Practice Explained10:25 Books on Deliberate Practice10:51 Enjoying the Ride: Embracing Failure16:22 Conclusion: Living an Interesting Life Topics Covered Psychology of failure and success How to expand your comfort zone Deliberate practice and skill acquisition Overcoming fear of failure and rejection The Federer principle and elite performance Growth mindset vs fixed mindset Building confidence through discomfort Neuroscience of learning and adaptability Mental models for personal growth Redefining success and risk taking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 - 576 - Chemistry Isn’t Compatibility: How to Choose Better Partners in Love and Work - w/ Matt Higgins
The psychology of healthy relationships: hidden rules behind better marriages, better teams, and better choices. In this episode, I sit down with legendary investor Matt Higgins to dissect the psychology of lasting relationships. It turns out that a staggering number of startups and marriages implode for the exact same reason: we mistake thrilling friction for long-term compatibility. We are remarkably bad at predicting who will actually help us bail water when the ship sinks. Rather than seeking our exact opposites to fill our gaps, evidence suggests we should hunt for a deeply unsexy but highly effective alternative: overlapping values. From the unexpected wisdom of arranged marriages to the quiet triumph of marrying your best friend, this is a delightfully sideways look at forming our most vital alliances. Why seeking your exact opposite is a fantastic recipe for mutual resentment The fascinating psychology behind why the fish always rots from the head in bad leadership How to utilize genuine self-awareness to build cheerfully boring, drama-free partnerships Listen in to discover the surprisingly positive science of selecting people who won't drive you mad. SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Startups and Marriages Fail02:50 Arranged Marriages in Bangladesh and burning the boats06:43 Identical vs Shared Values10:33 How do you know someone is the one?12:24 Attachment Styles and Self-Awareness17:57 How do you mentor a CEO to become more self-aware?19:14 Wrap up Topics Covered Psychology of relationships and dating Choosing the right startup co-founder The difference between chemistry and compatibility Why startups fail from founder conflict Attachment styles in business and love Developing self-awareness and vulnerability as a leader The importance of shared values in marriage How to find a life partner Overcoming ego and improving emotional intelligence Matt Higgins business and investing advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 - 575 - The Psychology of What Matters: How to Stop Wasting Time
A psychological guide to choosing priorities, resisting urgency, and spending time well. Time is the universe’s most brilliant and inescapable invention, relentlessly marching forward whether you are building an empire or merely digesting a rather cheesy burrito. Yet, somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves we can beat it. The universe is terribly indifferent to your productivity. Even Tutankhamun isn't enjoying his enduring fame, mostly on account of being dead for millennia. When we look at positive psychology, the secret to existence isn’t achieving eternal glory, but simply making delightful little patterns in the great river of time while we're here to enjoy them. Today's topics: Why we chase the wrong goals, burn our attention, and forget what makes life feel meaningful How to stop drifting through life and focus on what actually deserves your time A better way to think about time, fulfilment, and the patterns you want your life to create SPONSORS 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Time and Existence00:53 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast01:06 Exploring the Philosophy of Time01:38 Time and Productivity02:49 The Concept of Winning and Time05:41 Patterns in the River of Time06:51 Historical Patterns: Julius Caesar08:01 Patterns in Music and Art09:53 Fighting Entropy with Patterns12:22 The Temporary Nature of Existence13:11 Creating Patterns for Others vs. Self14:11 The Concept of Legacy16:05 Optimizing for the Experiencing Self19:00 Final Thoughts and Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 - 574 - The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: How to rewire your brain
The human brain is a wonderfully absurd little organ. It powers civilization, invents jazz, and still somehow convinces you that being bad at something once, means you should never try again. In this episode, we tour through the neuroscience of growth mindset with the cheerful suspicion that your limitations may be considerably less permanent than advertised. Along the way, there are one-armed surfers, overworked taxi drivers, myelinated neurons, and the rather uplifting notion that failure is not a character flaw but a biological instruction manual. This psychology podcast explores how neuroplasticity, executive function, and repeated effort combine to reshape the brain across a lifetime. In other words, your mind is not a dusty attic of fixed talents, but more like a renovation project conducted by a slightly chaotic electrician. The hopeful part is that your errors are not interruptions to learning. They are the very sparks that make learning happen in the first place. See failure as feedback your brain can actually use. Build skill faster by choosing productive struggle over comfort. Replace fixed mindset stories with evidence from brain science. Listen in and give your pessimism the deeply inconvenient experience of being scientifically wrong. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Personal Limitations01:44 Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset04:36 Fixed Mindset Explained06:02 The Science Behind Brain Development10:23 The Role of Nurture in Human Development13:17 Mindsets and Their Impact15:05 Learning Through Mistakes19:26 How mindsets are built24:26 The Importance of Failure27:49 Reframing Failure for Growth29:16 The Problem with School and Mistakes30:08 Celebrating Mistakes and Effort31:01 The Root of Fixed Mindset Beliefs32:27 Final Thoughts on Growth and Learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 - 573 - Are You Thinking Your Thoughts, Or Are They Thinking You?
You like to think of yourself as someone who thinks for themselves. But what if the ideas running through your head aren't really yours — what if they found you, infected you, and quietly rewrote your behaviour to help themselves spread? In this episode, we take an unusual detour into evolutionary biology — because it turns out the science of genes, parasites, and natural selection explains more about your psychology than most self-help books ever will. We cover why you are, in a very real sense, a vehicle built to carry ancient replicators. How social media, advertising, and even religion use the same cognitive vulnerabilities as a brain parasite that makes rats fall in love with cats. And why understanding the mechanism of influence is the first — and most underrated — step to genuine mental autonomy. This is a preview of an episode from How to Change the World. See details below. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:24 You Are a Robot 04:12 Patterns of Nature 05:45 Act 1: Control 06:20 Nico Tinbergen and the Randy Fish 08:46 The Primordial Soup Starter Kit 10:04 Algorithmic Governance 11:24 Act 2: Co-operation 13:44 Moral Judgement and the Birth of Religion 15:25 Act 3: External Control 17:38 Remote Control 20:44 Act 4: Idea Vats 21:10 Consciousness 23:13 What Is a Meme? 24:14 Genes vs Memes Speed 26:03 Idea Propagation 28:29 Carrier Class 30:23 Act 5: Game Theory 31:00 Where to Find the Full Episode TOPICS Free will, cognitive bias, evolutionary psychology, memes, Richard Dawkins, selfish gene, mindset, belief systems, mental models, psychology of influence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 - 572 - The Psychology of Never Feeling Good Enough (Even When You Clearly Are)
Hedonic adaption busily sweeps our wins under the rug like they are a nuisance. We look at how to fight back against your own psychology. I once ran further than 99.9% of humans ever will. Then went to bed and forgot about it and spent half the week a little dissappointed with other failures. That's not modesty. That's my brain working exactly as designed. We're wired to stop feeling satisfied — it kept our ancestors alive. But in modern life, it quietly robs us of every win we earn. This episode breaks down why perfectionism, hedonic adaptation, and the inner critic form a tag team that buries your progress before you even notice it happened. With real examples and grounded psychology, you'll see exactly how the loop works — and how to break it. Notice the "already moved on" reflex before it kicks in Separate your experiencing self from your remembering self to enjoy wins twice Build a small, consistent recognition habit that doesn't feel forced Stop letting your best moments disappear into the noise. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and the quest of perfect03:09 Celebrating Successes and 200 Episodes04:01 Perfectionism and Letting Things Go06:25 The Bundling Concept and Other People's Perspectives08:30 Why We're Not Evolved to Stay Content10:01 The Entrepreneur's Stress Spiral11:12 Making Celebration a Priority14:05 Running an Ultra Marathon Unsupported17:24 Recognising Your Own Success18:37 Reflecting on Five Years and 200 Episodes20:35 Future Plans and New Projects22:35 Wrapping Up the Archive Episode23:15 Outro and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 20 Mar 2026 - 571 - 7 Weird Life-Changing Skills that are Strange to Work On
Nobody tells you that curiosity is a skill. Or that humor can be built. Or that the way you think is quietly deciding everything. Most of us are running on borrowed opinions — System One thinking dressed up as personality. We consume the same content, absorb the same views, and wonder why we feel forgettable. This episode breaks down five traits that genuinely change your trajectory: deep thinking, curiosity, uniqueness, humor, and enthusiasm. Not as abstract ideals — as practical, buildable skills that compound over time. Sam shares real frameworks, a few uncomfortable truths about how your algorithm is quietly shaping your identity, and why the most interesting people in any room aren't born that way. Train your attention like a muscle — distraction is the enemy of deep thought Curiosity isn't fixed; it's a lens you can deliberately apply to anything Humor follows rules — and once you know them, you can actually get funnier The traits that change your life are the ones nobody thought to teach you — until now. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Unconventional Traits for Success 03:50 The Importance of Deep Thinking 08:55 Focusing on Quality Information 09:17 Train Your Algorithms 10:14 Train Your Attention and Build Your Environment 11:48 Vary Between Fun and Difficult Things 12:32 Keep an Active Document 13:40 Building Curiosity: The Key to Lifelong Learning 17:37 Embracing Uniqueness in a Conformist World 22:57 Discovering and Nurturing Your Interests 27:17 The Power of Humor: A Life-Changing Skill 29:02 Practical Tips for Developing a Sense of Humor 30:27 Developing Your Unique Comedy Style 31:04 The Art of Punching Up in Comedy 31:25 The Power of Relatable Stories 32:39 Mastering the Rule of Threes 34:43 The Magic of Puns 37:07 Building Enthusiasm in Life 41:01 Understanding Ego in Communication 46:09 The Importance of Staying Calm and Patient 52:54 Quick Tips to Leave You With 56:01 Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 - 570 - Why Having a Backup Plan Is Making You Fail - Burn the boats with Matt Higgins
In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico and promptly set fire to his own fleet. By any conventional measure of military logistics, this seems profoundly counterproductive. It wasn't. Matt Higgins — Shark Tank investor, Harvard Business School lecturer, and accidental dropout — has spent his career studying what happens when humans remove their own escape routes. Spoiler: it tends to go rather well, and there's solid science to explain why. A landmark Wharton study found that merely having a backup plan measurably reduces both your motivation and your likelihood of success. The safety net, it turns out, is cutting the tightrope. Why the brain mistakes "prudence" for "self-protection" and how to catch it The four-step process for synthesising your risk tolerance before you commit How to extract more value from failure than was taken from you SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Cortés Burning the Boats01:31 Introducing Matt Higgins04:08 The Problem with Plan B06:11 Managing Risks10:53 When You Should Be Able to Retreat15:18 Why We Should Not Romanticise Failure17:38 Life After Shark Tank24:30 Optimising Strengths vs Improving Weaknesses31:48 Importance of Commitment and Setting Intentions33:47 Inspiring Women37:00 The Investor Anxiety Exchange39:45 Rapid Fire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 13 Mar 2026 - 569 - Why You Have Great Ideas but Never Actually Do Anything With Them
We are spectacularly good at having ideas and remarkably reluctant to do anything with them. It turns out that the distance between "I've got it!" and "here it is" is not a step but a rather long, occasionally bewildering journey. Not unlike flying a plane. It involves a terrifying amount of fuel, significant faith in invisible forces, and a desperate hope that everything holds together on landing. History's great innovators weren't just bold thinkers; they were stubborn completers. Edison filed hundreds of patents before the lightbulb. Jeff Bezos accidentally invented cloud computing whilst trying to sell books. Remember: Ideas evolve mid-flight — your job is to keep steering Feedback isn't optional; even Van Gogh had his brother Consistency across many ideas beats obsessing over one perfect one Fasten your seatbelt — your ideas deserve an actual destination. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Growth Mindset Podcast00:31 The Analogy of Ideas Taking Flight02:09 The Challenge of Execution02:59 The Importance of Persistence03:55 Learning from Historical Figures06:16 Consistency is Key08:01 The Role of Feedback10:01 The Power of Consistency11:03 The Myth of the Perfect Idea12:51 The Concept of Destiny15:07 The Legacy of Actions17:08 The Tragic Endings of Legends18:04 Cultural Insights and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 10 Mar 2026 - 568 - You Didn't Choose Your Attachment Style, but Here's How You Can Change It - With Jessica Baum
Most people think their relationship problems are about the other person. They're not — they're about an 18-month-old version of you who learned the only way to survive. In this episode, psychotherapist Jessica Baum breaks down why your nervous system is still running a programme it wrote in infancy. Attachment styles — secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganised — aren't personality quirks. They're adaptive strategies your brain built when connection was a matter of survival. The anxious person who chases, the avoidant who disappears, the couple stuck in a loop they can't explain — it all traces back to the same source: early experiences that taught your body what to expect from closeness. Understanding that isn't just interesting. It's the beginning of actually changing it. Your attachment style isn't fixed — it shifts depending on who you're with Co-regulation isn't neediness — it's how the nervous system was designed to heal The goal isn't independence. It's interdependence — being whole and connected If your relationships keep following the same painful script, this episode is where you start rewriting it. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 What Are Attachment Styles?01:55 The Origins of Attachment Theory05:39 Metacognition and Belief Systems in Development08:14 How to Intervene on Your Own Attachment Patterns12:10 Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation15:21 Codependency vs Interdependency19:14 Mirror Neurons and Attunement23:05 Cultural Impacts on Attachment24:56 Attachment Styles — Bug or Evolutionary Feature?28:24 Signs You Need to Explore Your Attachment Style29:54 Gender Differences in Attachment32:03 Narcissism, Borderline, and Attachment Wounds33:50 How to Help a Couple Heal Attachment Issues34:58 The Imago Dialogue Explained37:35 Expectations in Attachment Therapy38:43 What Else Causes Relationship Problems?40:07 Boundaries and Implicit Memory41:46 Neuroception and Building Awareness44:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources44:49 Earliest Memories45:20 The Kindest Thing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 - 567 - From Reactance to Resilience: How to manage psychological triggers and create freedom
Most anger isn’t about the thing. It’s about what the thing means: “Someone just messed with my control.” When your expectations get violated... plans change,d a process breaks, a person does something “unreasonable”. Your nervous system reads it like a little mugging. And then you get reactance: that hot impulse to push back, prove a point, slam the door, unsubscribe from the whole situation. What we look at today is simple, but not easy: trade courtroom mode (“who’s wrong?”) for lab mode (“what’s true?”): Label the “freedom threat” out loud before you react Swap blame for one clean question: “What assumption just broke?” Redesign the trigger: reduce surprise, increase choice, add clarity Press play and turn your next spike of anger into an experiment that sets you free. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset/ ☺️ NOCD Struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help Book a free 15 min call https://learn.nocd.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Curious Episode00:36 The Newsletter Mishap03:01 Understanding Cognitive Load Theory03:14 Intrinsic and Extrinsic Load Explained04:25 Germane Load and Tangents07:07 Applying Cognitive Load Theory to Newsletters08:53 Expectation Violation and Perceived Control11:21 Reactance Theory and Personal Freedom13:54 Overwhelm and Habits14:38 Embracing Curiosity over Anger18:40 Innovative Ideas for Blog Consumption20:55 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 - 566 - How To Train Your Mind: The surprising benefits of play
Turns out you don't learn faster when you're stressed, you learn faster when you're happy! So let's talk about treating your brain like a friend, not a factory worker. Muscles respond to stress with pretty linear upgrades; brains don’t. Brains upgrade through meaning, novelty, and attention—especially when something feels like play. That’s why memory champions don’t “grind” digits: they build absurd stories and mental rooms and suddenly their recall looks like magic. Same with skills. Stress is useful—but mostly as a signal: “avoid that.” If you want real output, your job is to become a better teacher to yourself: make the hard thing interesting enough that you’ll come back tomorrow. Turn one task into a game (score it, time it, level it up). Find the “fun entry point” and start there, not with drills. Reduce stress friction: smaller reps, better cues, better environment. Listen in—and pick one thing to make genuinely enjoyable today. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Cyber threat visibility across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordstellar.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Training Your Mind - Have we got it wrong01:03 Who Is Sam Harris?02:30 Alan Watts - Work Is Play03:28 Memory Champions04:17 Rapid Transformation06:03 Fundamental Differences Between Brains and Muscles10:09 The Different Responses to Stress11:40 Good vs Bad Teachers13:31 Gamifying Boring Tasks14:47 Alexander the Great and Conquering16:47 How to Enjoy Exercise17:56 Make Hard Things Enjoyable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 - 565 - The Weird Psychology of Communication, Self-control, and Gossip: What evolution teaches us about communicating your needs clearly
In the noble quest to understand our minds, today we take a new angle. We track how grunts turned into gossip, myths, and the weird human habit of blushing when we screw up. You’ll see why your brain is basically a compression algorithm: squeezing an entire inner universe through a tiny mouth-shaped funnel. We go from jellyfish nerve nets to gossip networks, and beyond. How shared stories make money, nations and even your job “real”. Along the way, we poke at shame, status, and why your reputation now travels faster than any spear ever did. It’s part history, psychology, mindset lesson, and part mirror. You’ll probably recognise more of yourself than you’d like: Use “compression” as a mental model to communicate ideas more clearly. Spot how gossip and reputation are driving your current career decisions. Rewrite one story you’ve inherited about status, success, or failure. Listen in, and update the story your brain is running in the background. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Cyber threat visibility across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordstellar.com/growthmindset/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Little Miracles and Airplanes02:26 Growth Mindset Introduction03:32 Framing the Four-Part Journey05:49 The Compression Problem09:30 Act 1 – Cognitive Basis of Language09:30 Biological History of Languages14:27 The Interconnected Brain18:03 Complex Words and Abstract Ideas21:50 Ad Break22:13 Words, Planning, and Teamwork23:10 Act 2 – Gossip, Myths & Religion23:10 Gossip and the Glue of Society26:48 Myths and Shared Delusions31:42 Early Religions, Animism and Cave Art34:39 Act 3 – Self-Domestication34:45 Shame, Blushing, and Human Civility38:10 Invitation to Continue on How to Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 - 564 - Hidden Potential: The Psychology of self-sabotage and changing what's possible - Heather Moyse (2x Olympic Gold)
We all love the idea of “potential” until it quietly turns into pressure, guilt, and a weird fear of actually trying. Heather Moyse didn’t start professional sport until 27 and still became a double Olympic gold medallist. Breaking out of her social safety and truly exploring her potential wasn't easy. We dig into behavioral inertia, self‑sabotage, and the invisible “settings” your environment installs in your brain. Think of this as a mindset update: less motivational quotes, more useful psychology. f you’ve ever felt stuck in the “nearly” version of your life—nearly starting, nearly committing, nearly backing yourself—this conversation gives you language, mental models, and a few friendly kicks to move. Spot the subtle ways your environment is capping your potential. Replace “be realistic” thinking with experiments that actually feel safe. Build a high‑potential identity without burning out or becoming a robot. Hit play and give your potential something better than another inspirational reel. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Cyber threat visibility across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordstellar.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Importance of Potential02:51 Potential is talent You Don't Have Yet05:21 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Potential07:31 Breaking Through Environmental and Exposure Limitations10:39 Inertia and Change13:57 Overcoming Fear of Judgment and Self-Sabotage15:20 The Physics of Behavioral Inertia and Motivation21:21 Intentionality in Life Choices24:21 The Difficulty of Intentional Choices Like Having Children28:01 Limiting Beliefs, Assumptions and Identity Blockers29:52 Energy Takers, Naysayers and Lobsters32:55 Finding the Right Influences and Support System35:48 Performing under pressure36:24 Optimal Arousal Zone for Peak Performance47:10 Kindest Thing48:33 Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 - 563 - The Feynman Technique: The 4 Steps to Learn and Master Anything
Most people “learn” by hoarding facts, which doesn't mean you understand them. Then you forget them all anyway... In this episode, learning stops being about cramming and starts being about curiousity. Using Richard Feynman’s four-step technique, you’ll find a mindset that will add joy into your learning whilst also making it effective. We unpack the learning pyramid, why lectures and highlights barely stick, and why embarrassment, curiosity and mild panic are actually your brain’s upgrade buttons. By the end, you’ll have a simple, repeatable system to turn any topic—from maths to marketing—into something you genuinely own, not just recognize. Turn any topic into a one-page “Feynman sheet” Use emotions (not more hours) to cement ideas Build a teaching habit that secretly becomes your study habit Hit play and turn your next confusing idea into something you could explain in your sleep. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Cyber threat visibility across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordstellar.com/growthmindset/ 🌳 Acorns Smart way to grow your money $5 welcome bonus Acorns.com/PSYCHOLOGY NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Power of Emotions in Learning00:55 The Learning Pyramid: Retention Rates01:21 Effective Learning Methods02:05 The Role of Emotions in Teaching03:51 Introduction to Richard Feynman04:06 Feynman’s Contributions to Physics05:18 Feynman’s Teaching Technique06:35 Step 1 – Go Wide and Then Deep07:26 Step 2 – Explain Like You’re Teaching a 5-Year-Old09:02 Step 3 – Feedback, Assessment, and Restudying10:54 Step 4 – Organize, Convey, and Review14:15 Conclusion – The Importance of Simplicity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 10 Feb 2026 - 562 - How to Stop Wasting Time with the Wrong People - Emotional maturity with Jonathan Aslay
Most people treat dating like a lottery; swipe, hope, repeat. Jonathan Aslay lost $2 million, his marriage, and his son. What saved him wasn't positive thinking. It was asking one brutal question: "What happened in your marriage?" Not to judge. To observe. Because how someone talks about their ex reveals everything about their emotional maturity. Self-love isn't bubble baths and affirmations. It's having the spine to walk away from someone hot but emotionally stunted. It's recognizing that your body screams "yes" while your values whisper "run." Chemistry is a drug. Compatibility is architecture. Most relationships fail because people confuse the two. You'll learn: The exact question that exposes emotional immaturity in 30 seconds Why chemistry without shared values guarantees failure How to interview dates without sounding like HR (and why you should) Stop wasting months on people who were wrong from day three. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 https://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction: When Success Becomes Suffering 01:32 - Jonathan's Story: Losing Everything 03:45 - The Market Crash and Day Trading Disaster 05:20 - From Greed to Self-Love 06:15 - What Self-Love Actually Means 08:40 - Self-Love vs. Narcissism 10:25 - Could You Have Learned This Earlier? 13:10 - Generational Wisdom and Technology 14:50 - Dating in the Tinder Era 17:20 - Inner Peace as a Barometer 19:05 - Discipline and Daily Practice 20:15 - The Dating Problem: Chemistry vs. Compatibility 22:30 - The Marriage Question That Reveals Everything 24:45 - Emotional Maturity and Taking Ownership 26:20 - Why You Should Interview Your Dates 27:40 - The Partnership Charter 28:35 - How They React to Questions 29:25 - The Job Question: Eeyore vs. Tigger 30:10 - Earliest Memories 31:28 - Kindest Thing Someone Has Done 32:23 - Advice for Life 33:15 - Outro: Be Kind to Yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 - 561 - Surrounded by Conformists: How to spot the 5 types of NPC and think your own thoughts - [Psychology of non-player characters]
The algorithm doesn't want you to think; it wants you to react. It wants you to be a character in its story, following a predictable path of outrage and agreement. We are living through a shift where the line between human and bot is blurring. Not because computers are getting more human-like, but because we are becoming more bot-like. We outsource our worldview to gurus, tribes, and mainstream consensus because the "heavy lifting" of System Two thinking is expensive. Being an NPC is a choice of convenience, but being an "Autonomous Player" is an act of leadership. This episode isn't about being right; it’s about the bravery of having no opinion on the trivial, so you can have a passionate, informed perspective on the essential. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Modern Culture, Predictability, and Non-Player Characters (NPCs)01:24 The Brain's Information Processing Shortcuts01:58 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast03:07 Episode Inspiration and Structure04:46 The Brain's Energy Efficiency and Decision Making05:07 System One and System Two Thinking07:06 The Influence of Social Media and Algorithms07:54 The Conformist NPC14:35 The Contrarian NPC21:11 The Disciple NPC25:25 The Tribalist NPC29:51 The Averager NPC36:11 Embracing Confusion and Building Autonomy37:31 Recap of NPC Types and Strategies38:23 Strategic Cognitive Resource Allocation38:51 The Importance of Selective Deep Thinking39:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 - 560 - How To Build Free Will
Free will sounds easy until you look closely. Then it turns out to be smaller, stranger, and far more difficult than advertised. We take a cheerful scalpel to the idea that we’re the conscious captains of our lives. With help from psychology experiments, philosophical detours we find out what's really going on. Examining stories involving casinos, concentration camps, meditation cushions, and more, we discover that most behaviour is automatic. Pain, habit, desire, and social pressure do most of the driving. Yet, whilst we can’t choose our thoughts or impulses, we can choose how we respond to them. Viktor Frankl called it “the space between stimulus and response,” and it turns out to be the most valuable square inch of mental real estate you’ll ever own. Cultivate that space, and you get resilience, wisdom, and the rare ability to not punch metaphorical holes in windows. Actionable takeaways Treat strong emotions as data, not instructions Reduce temptation before relying on discipline Train non-reactivity through small, deliberate discomforts SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 What Personal Growth Really Means: Free Will 00:33 Fixed vs Growth Mindset as Freedom vs Reaction 01:59 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Podcast 02:08 Why You Can’t Understand One Part of Psychology in Isolation 03:34 Setting Expectations: Consciousness, Free Will, and Big Ideas 05:13 Habits, Consciousness, and the Sleepwalking Killer Case 06:44 The Compulsive Gambler and the Illusion of Choice 11:45 How Much Free Will Do We Actually Have? 15:35 Why You Don’t Choose Your Desires 18:24 Conscious vs Subconscious Memories 21:51 Why Willpower Often Arrives Too Late 25:04 Free Will, Fixed Mindset, and Hard Truths 25:39 Viktor Frankl and the Space Between Stimulus and Response 26:27 How to Build Free Will in Everyday Life 28:17 Emotional Triggers and Losing Autonomy 30:25 David Foster Wallace on Learning How to Think 33:12 The Psychology of Revenge 38:34 Pain, Discipline, and the Limits of Control 39:43 Meditation, Pain, and Non-Reactivity 45:30 Applying Free Will to Daily Life 47:04 What We’ve Learned: Growth Mindset as Choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 - 559 - 5 Surprising Truths About Independence and Being Yourself: What really impacts who you are
The idea that you are a blend of the 5 people you spend time with has a dangerous side. In fact, it's not exactly true. In this episode, I break down why the Growth Mindset is actually about autonomy, not assimilation. I share the story of my best friend Laurie—a guy with zero ambition who taught me how to relax and actually saved my career during burnout. I also look at Sahil Lavingia, who blended his Silicon Valley builder mindset with a country level ambitions to enjoy his success without chasing billions. Real growth isn't about surrounding yourself with clones; it's about treating influence like a buffet. You take the relaxation from one friend, the drive from another, and the curiosity from a stranger you met for an hour. You are not a result; you are a selector. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 You are not the 5 people you spend time with 01:01 What is growth mindset 01:26 How people really affect growth 04:11 Don't be prevented from being yourself 04:38 Best friends 08:42 You choose your inspiration 09:27 Minimal time, big effect 10:44 Prioritize healthy relationships 11:27 Don't spend time with only one type of person 12:04 Sahil Lavingia and GumRoad 13:51 Variety is the spice of life 14:52 Questions to journal on 16:03 Life tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 16 Jan 2026 - 558 - Life's Infinite Games: How to play by your own rules
What if the game you're playing isn't yours? Every moment of your life, something is at stake. Ignore your partner, they feel less loved. Choose status over meaning, you'll need a therapist. We inherit these games—LinkedIn profiles that read like eager cover letters, news consumption that convinces us everything's collapsing, social media that demands we perform. But there's another way. Instead of seeking approval, seek independence. Instead of doing what looks good, do what is good for us. The philosopher suggests three modes: machine (following instructions), intelligent (playing better), and zen (not playing at all). This episode will help you be more intelligent and more zen. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:36 The Concept of Life as a Game 01:29 The Rules of Life's Games 03:18 Playing the LinkedIn Game 04:53 Reevaluating LinkedIn's Purpose 06:35 Life Lessons from LinkedIn 08:24 The Philosophy of Fun and Success 11:42 The Game of Life 14:08 Modes of Approaching Life 15:00 Applying the Modes to Social Media and News 17:02 Final Thoughts on Playing Life's Games 18:13 Housekeeping and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 - 557 - 4 Steps to Become Remarkable: A guide to overhaul your life
Get in control of your life and use your time to build a life of purpose. We have been sold a myth of heroic solutions. Where a single dazzling act will change who we are. But real change is quiet, methodical, and often boring. As a result many people lack agency waiting for some heroic reinvention. This episode explores the architecture of a "Deep Life," a four-month process of reclaiming your sovereignty from the noise of the industrial complex. We stop asking "what do I feel like doing?" and start asking "what kind of life do I want to live?" By strictly curtailing obligations and automating the mundane, we create breathing room. This space allows us to move from being busy to being remarkable. The goal isn't to fit more in; it is to design a life that is unique, specific, and yours. The Code vs. The Decision: How to write a personal operating system that saves you from decision fatigue. Moving from "Yearning" to "Project": How to operationalize your dreams into a 6-week vision phase. The Art of the Big Overhaul: Why you need to take control of your obligations before you can successfully pivot your career or location. Go make your life remarkable. Worksheet 4 month overhaul prompts SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Shackleton's Antarctic Challenge 01:25 Rebuilding Agency: The Four-Month Plan 02:29 Phase One: Discipline 04:54 Choosing Three Key Habits 07:53 Phase Two: Values 08:30 Reconnecting with Moral Intuition 10:11 Writing Your Personal Code 11:27 Installing Rituals 13:43 Phase Three: Control 14:31 Multi-Scale Planning for Work 15:55 Creating Breathing Room 17:58 Phase Four: Vision 20:46 Small Overhaul vs. Large Overhaul 22:39 Examples of Remarkable Overhauls 26:04 Planning for a Big Life Overhaul 28:49 Evaluating Constraints and Making Plans 31:04 Recap of the Four-Month Plan 33:45 Conclusion: Embracing Agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 06 Jan 2026 - 556 - Working with Time Instead of Against It - How to enjoy this year and every year of your life
You have roughly 4,000 weeks. Somehow, nobody mentioned this at school. This episode takes a cheerful scalpel to modern time-panic—the kind that convinces smart adults that the next app, habit, or color-coded calendar will finally subdue existence. (It won’t.) Time, inconveniently, keeps doing what it has always done: passing. The good news is that this makes it remarkably reliable, like a train that never apologizes. You’ll explore why becoming “more efficient” can make you feel more chased, how birthdays can reveal your true time-philosophy, and why sitting quietly for ten minutes can be the most practical thing you do all week. The aim isn’t to win against time. It’s to stop declaring war on the only place life can happen. Treat calm as a skill, not a personality trait. Build plans that assume “the deck” never clears. Use meditation as a weekly perspective tune-up. Press play, then reclaim one hour you were about to surrender. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Time as a Medium 01:52 The Relationship with Time 03:28 The Efficiency Trap (4,000 Weeks) 05:15 The Birthday Test: Are You Friends with Time? 07:22 The Privilege of Contentment 08:29 Lessons from a Silent Retreat 10:05 Meditation as Time Training 11:58 Working With Time, Not Against It 13:17 Conclusion: You Are the Pilot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 30 Dec 2025 - 555 - 5 Rules for Mental Health and Clarity - Andrew Huberman's simple formula for success
Every advanced master nails the fundamentals first. To perform at your best these are the 5 most basic and essential practices you need to return to time and again. A short episode covering the core requirements for good mental health and clarity in life. Whether you love Andrew Huberman, are a skeptic or don't even know who he is. These 5 lessons are science backed legit good advice worth repeating and remembering. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Invest for your money goals $5 sign up bonus: PSYCHOLOGY www.acorns.com/psychology NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Huberman's 5 rules for a better life 00:46 #1 - Good sleep 01:49 #2 - Movement 02:58 #3 - Sunlight 03:48 #4 - Diet 05:46 #5 - Good social connections 07:20 Bonus - Hydration 07:57 If you forget the basics, the specifics won't work. 09:00 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 23 Dec 2025 - 554 - Leaving a Legacy: What do we actually get remembered for - Lessons on family and life - [Storied Recipe]
How to nurture the best in people with consistency and be remembered for what matters. This is going to be a different episode about a cake my nan used to make. But isn't just a story about cake. It's about the difference between control and nurture. My school thought resilience came from forcing kids to clear their plates (even if they ended up vomitting). They were wrong. My Nan knew that real strength comes from consistency. She made me the same pineapple upside-down cake every time I visited for a decade. Even when she went blind, she kept creating. She was an entrepreneur, an artist, and the village baker. She taught me that you don't build character by breaking someone's spirit. You build it by showing up. By paying attention. By finding the one thing they can stomach and giving it to them again and again. Nurture over control: You get more out of people by supporting their quirks than forcing compliance. Consistency is love: Showing up the same way for years builds more trust than grand gestures. Create despite limits: My Nan went blind and kept making things; focus on what you can do. Listen to learn how a simple cake became a masterclass in leadership and love. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Invest for your money goals $5 sign up bonus: PSYCHOLOGY www.acorns.com/psychology STORIED RECIPE with Becky Hadeed An inspiring podcast about food, culture and love. Website and Podcast Pineapple Coconut Cake Recipe NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast (and my nan) 01:31 The Pineapple Cake Story 05:26 School Trauma and Food Struggles 14:11 Nan's Kitchen and Family Memories 19:48 Nan's Artistic Legacy 20:47 Family Artistry and Career Paths 21:14 The Cathartic Power of Music 21:59 Grandmother's Systematic Creativity 22:42 Connecting Through Art and Conversation 24:23 The Pineapple Cake Connection 28:48 Reflecting on Grandmother's Legacy 32:34 Passing Down Family Recipes 37:15 Cultural Differences and Cake Talk 38:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 - 553 - The Regret Minimization Framework: How to make life decisions
A boat is safe in the harbor. But that is not what boats are built for. We tend to view our lives as a single, continuous narrative. But in reality, we are a series of temporary selves, each with a distinct beginning and end. The teenager who dreams of adventure is not the same as the retiree who seeks comfort. When we defer our dreams, we aren't saving them for later; we are denying them to the person we are right now. This episode explores the "Regret Minimization Framework"—a tool for navigating the uncertainty of the future. We discuss the difference between "peak experiences" and "plateau experiences" and why wisdom lies in knowing the difference. The question isn't how much money you leave behind, but how much life you leave unlived. Actionable Takeaways: Time Bucketing: Allocate specific experiences to the specific decades of your life where they belong. The Cost of Inaction: Recognize that the safe choice often carries the highest hidden cost—regret. Live with Urgency: Embrace the impermanence of your current self to fuel meaningful action today. Decide today which version of yourself deserves to be fully realized before it's too late. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Invest for your money goals $5 sign up bonus: PSYCHOLOGY www.acorns.com/psychology NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Facing Mortality 01:10 The Concept of Dying in Installments 02:03 The Death of Future Selves 03:16 Jeff Bezos and the Regret Minimization Framework 04:58 The Death of Peak Experiences 06:26 The Value of Plateau Experiences 10:12 The Death of Who You Could Have Been 13:19 Life Satisfaction U-Curve 13:58 Living Intentionally and Strategically 15:22 Time Bucketing and Peak Experience Mapping 17:06 Personal Examples and Reflections 18:32 Stoic Wisdom and Living with Urgency 20:25 Final Thoughts on Regret Minimization 21:32 Conclusion and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 - 552 - Cognitive Rigidity: 5 Lessons to build a flexible mind - [Cognitive Biases #6]
How to master cognitive flexibility by understanding the biases that keep you stuck. In WWI, generals sent horses against machine guns. Cognitive Rigidity mean they couldn't reimagine the battlefield. In this episode, I break down the five mental traps keeping you stuck. We look at why you value your own bad ideas more than good ones (The Endowment Effect) and why you can’t stop scrolling TikTok instead of working (Hyperbolic Discounting). We even cover why Einstein—the genius of flexibility—eventually got stuck in his ways and rejected quantum mechanics. Actionable Takeaways: Reimagine the tool: Don't ask what it is, ask what it could be to overcome functional fixedness. Question the crowd: The Bandwagon Effect offers safety, not truth; dare to be the outlier. Respect the future: Overcome the urge for immediate gratification by empathizing with your future self. Choose to see the world differently and open the door to possibility. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🎓 MasterClass Learn from the best, to become your best Up to 50% off code: GrowthMindset www.MasterClass.com/GrowthMindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 A Personal Story of Cognitive Rigidity 03:48 Defining Cognitive Rigidit 04:54 Functional Fixedness 09:37 Overcoming Functional Fixedness 11:01 The Endowment Effect 15:07 Overcoming the Endowment Effect 16:32 The Bandwagon Effect 20:29 Understanding Hyperbolic Discounting 25:14 Einstein's Personal Struggles and Successes 29:26 The Zeigarnik Effect: Unfinished Tasks and Obsession 33:55 Relationships and Social Media: The Open Loop Trap 38:32 Einstein's Journey: Genius and Cognitive Biases 40:51 Embracing Growth and Self-Acceptance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 12 Dec 2025 - 551 - The Illusion of Control: 7 Ways we lie to ourselves that even defeated Napoleon - [Cognitive Biases #5]
How the mind blinds us to reality by showing us what we want to believe. We don't see with our eyes; we see with our stories. In 1951, psychologists proved that fans from opposing teams physically saw different fouls during the same game. This is the power and danger of perception. It is the tension between what is real and what we believe is possible. When a doctor gives a patient a placebo, the patient heals not because of medicine, but because of the story of the medicine. In this episode, we explore the cognitive biases that shape our culture and our work. From the "Baader-Meinhof" phenomenon to the tragedy of Napoleon’s retreat, we examine how our perceptions limit our possibilities. Actionable Takeaways: Change the narrative: Use the Placebo Effect to create positive outcomes through the power of expectation. See the system: Recognize how the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon highlights opportunities you previously ignored. Reframing value: Use the Contrast Effect to understand how relative comparison dictates the worth of your work. Go make a ruckus by changing how you choose to see the world around you. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🎓 MasterClass Learn from the best, to become your best Up to 50% off code: GrowthMindset www.MasterClass.com/GrowthMindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Historic Football Game 01:35 Selective Perception in Politics 02:26 Reality Distortion Fields 04:13 Napoleon's Rise and Fall 05:58 The Exposure Effect 09:06 The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon 11:26 The Placebo Effect 15:57 The Illusion of Control 19:04 Napoleon's Russian Campaign 21:29 The Clustering Illusion 25:34 The Contrast Effect 30:03 Reflections on Cognitive Biases 33:09 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 - 550 - Why You Make Bad Decisions: Confirmation Bias and the 7 Sins of Lazy Thinking [Cognitive Biases #4]
How to make smarter decisions that improve your life by understanding your mind and it's hidden psychology. We are all storytelling creatures, desperate to fit the world into a narrative that makes sense to us. Thus, we build echo chambers not because we are stupid, but because we are afraid. The Confirmation Bias is a shield against the discomfort of being wrong. The Availability Bias shapes our worldview based on the loudest stories, not the most important facts. This episode reviews 7 cognitive biases the explore the friction between what is comfortable and what is true. Learning helps us build tools for the art of long-term thinking in a short-term world. Audit your inputs: Step outside your algorithmic feed to find the friction of opposing views. Reframe the risk: Turn "Black Swan" surprises into "White Swan" predictions by analyzing the unsexy data. Choose commitment: Overcome the paralysis of infinite choice by making a "good enough" decision and sticking to it. Go make a ruckus by choosing to think clearly today. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Security across your business 20% off: BLACKFRIDAY-20 (valid before 10th Dec) 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 nordstellar.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Confirmation Bias 04:14 The Availability Bias 07:08 The Neglect of Probability Bias 09:12 Black Swan vs. White Swan Events 11:00 The Hindsight Bias 13:47 The Outcome Bias 16:15 The Paradox of Choice Bias 18:56 The Time Discounting Bias 21:10 Becoming More Rational Thinkers 22:14 Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 - 549 - Why We Don't Understand Money: How to fix your thinking flaws - [Cognitive Biases #3]
Think you konw what you're doing with you money on your mind? Think again. You walk into a cinema and buy the $12 large popcorn because the medium is $10. You think you got a deal, but you actually just fell for the "Decoy Effect."Your brain is wired to latch onto the first number it sees. In this episode, I break down the psychological pricing traps that businesses use to hack your wallet. We also cover why Sir Isaac Newton lost his fortune to the Sunk Cost Fallacy and why having more information actually makes you a worse investor. It’s not about being smart; it’s about understanding the system. Key Takeaways: "Consider the Opposite" strategy: Mentally flip the price anchor to neutralize the urge to buy. Spot the Decoy: Identify products that exist solely to make expensive options look cheap. The 5-Point Rule: Stop researching after five data points to avoid the Information Bias trap. Listen now to stop your brain from leaking money on deals that aren't real. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Security across your business 20% off: BLACKFRIDAY-20 (valid before 10th Dec) 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 nordstellar.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Money Traps - Financial Cognitive biases #2 02:49 The Opposite Strategy 08:01 Decoy Effect 10:44 Gambler's Fallacy 16:48 Sunk Cost Fallacy 19:24 Bad Prediction Flaws 19:59 Overconfidence Bias 21:33 Information Bias 25:43 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 - 548 - Ego Blindspots: Common cognitive distortions of the self - [Cognitive Biases #2]
Ever caught yourself defending a dumb idea just to look smart? That's your ego controlling your brain. Cognitive biases and ego team up to screw your decisions daily. Picture this: confirmation bias has you cherry-picking facts that stroke your self-image, while ego whispers you're too smart for mistakes. Spot the traps like Dunning-Kruger (overestimating skill) or sunk cost fallacy (throwing good money after bad). Takehomes: Point at one bias daily: "Am I ignoring counter-evidence like a muscly Irishman blocking the door?" Test decisions: Can you drop it on your foot? If abstract, make it concrete now. Audit ego weekly: List three "wins" that were actually luck—kill the illusion. Hit play and arm yourself against yourself today. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Security across your business 20% off: BLACKFRIDAY-20 (valid before 10th Dec) 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 nordstellar.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Spotlight Effect 02:07 Dunning Kruger Effect 04:25 Status Quo Bias 06:13 Curse of Knowledge 08:04 Cognitive Dissonance 10:17 The Halo Effect 13:54 Fundamental Attribution Error 16:01 Actor-Observer Bias 17:20 Self-Serving Bias 19:42 Hostile Attribution Bias 23:30 Don't blame other peoples behaviours 24:09 Don't get lost in our own world 27:09 These Biases exist for a reason 28:20 Don't get easily offended 29:01 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 28 Nov 2025 - 547 - Thinking Fast and Slow: How to make better decisions and avoid hidden mind traps
You think you're rational? Think again. We love feeling like thoughtful decision-makers, but the truth is we're riddled with cognitive shortcuts. Daniel Kahneman's Nobel Prize-winning work breaks down the systems of our mind. We constantly substitute hard questions with easy ones; e.g. Buying a stock because you like the company, not because you've done the data. This episode cuts through the 300,000-word book to show you exactly how these shortcuts lead to everything from bad investments to pointless stress about the weather. It's time to stop letting your brain’s simple tricks run your whole life. Stop overestimating the importance of your current stress. Identify and reduce low-level daily pains (like a bad commute) for massive life returns. Implement a "sleep-on-it" rule to override System 1's instant commitments. Why let a lazy brain ruin your best decisions? Start thinking slower today. Further Reading: Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman Predictably Irrational - Dan Ariely SPONSORS 👨💻 NordStellar Security across your business 20% off: BLACKFRIDAY-20 (valid before 10th Dec) 10% off: GROWTHMINDSET-10 nordstellar.com/growthmindset 📚 ShortForm Book summaries of the worlds best books Free trail and 20% off code: Psychology https://www.ShortForm.com/Psychology NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Cognitive Biases, comedy and systems of thinking 03:58 Deep Dive into System One and System Two Thinking 05:23 How System 1 and System 2 Work Together 06:49 System 1's Impact on Decision Making 08:26 System 1 and Politics 11:29 The Teenage Brain and System 2 Development 12:32 Cognitive Biases and Their Impact 17:45 The Law of Large Numbers 22:38 Prospect Theory, Risk Assessment and Loss Aversion 23:41 Rationality and Utility Theory in Economics 25:39 Prospect Theory: Perception of Value and Risk 27:16 Probability and Decision Making 29:29 The Experiencing Self vs. The Remembering Self 31:17 The Peak-End Rule and Its Impact on Memory 34:58 Momentary Pleasure vs Long-Term Satisfaction 38:09 The Focusing Illusion: What Really Matters 43:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 25 Nov 2025 - 546 - Who are you VS. Who do you want to be? - How to align your actions with your desires
We can try all the things: new habits, different mindsets, therapy, medication, or god save us... self-help books. Yet to no ones surprise: we don't wake up a different person, we don't start doing all the things we keep saying we will eventually do, we don't even lose weight... What is the deal? Are we broken? Is there a way to fix ourselves? It all comes down to a single question. Who are you VS. Who do you want to be? Thoroughly confused, conflicted and curious. Sam sets out into the realms of psychology and philosophy to consider motivation from different angles. Learn: - What do you actually want to do VS What do you want to have done - How to align your current actions with who you want to be - Why Sam still leaves clothes all over the floor like a big 35 year old baby... Journal prompts - Free notes SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🎓 MasterClass Learn from the best, to become your best Up to 50% off code: GrowthMindset https://www.MasterClass.com/GrowthMindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Two Competing Wants 01:54 Desires as Contracts for Unhappiness 04:09 The Formula for Action 04:45 Finding the Right Level of Challenge 07:02 Discovering Your Path 09:20 Redefining Sacrifice 11:22 Making Tasks Easier 13:14 Simplifying and Prioritizing 15:00 Money vs Happiness Balance 16:32 Aligning Desires with Actions 17:34 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 - 545 - The Hidden Psychology of Black Friday - How do shops manipulate us (and make calm aunties fist-fight over PlayStations)?
Inner Peace vs Retail Rage - How do shops design our experience to remove our decisions and make us to FOMO into all sorts of weird situations? This episode peels back the slick banners and countdown timers to show the tiny psychological tricks that turn shoppers into hunters. Scarcity, anchoring, and anticipation aren’t marketing buzzwords — they’re brain hacks. Retailers riff off ancient instincts: spot a rare fruit, grab it. Online, those instincts run on caffeine and fast clicks. The result? We chase status, reassurance, and an imagined better life via objects. Three actionable takeaways: Pause 24 hours before you buy to let impulse die. Flag “true needs” vs “story purchases” in a list. Reframe purchases as stories you’ll tell later. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🎓 MasterClass Learn from the best, to become your best Up to 50% off code: GrowthMindset www.MasterClass.com/GrowthMindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Contradiction of Black Friday 00:42 A Brief History of Black Friday 01:02 The Psychology Behind Sales 06:28 The Power of Anticipation 06:47 The Perfect Storm of Psychological Triggers 07:57 Case Studies of Black Friday Madness 09:18 The Dark Side of Black Friday 09:41 The Role of Deindividuation and Competition 10:15 Social Contagion and Polyvagal Theory 10:48 Acts of Kindness Amidst the Chaos 12:19 Cyber Monday and Online Shopping 12:44 The Shift to Online Shopping 16:26 The Environmental Cost of Black Friday 18:32 Global Perspectives on Black Friday 18:44 Black Friday in Brazil and France 19:40 Singles Day in China 20:18 Human Nature Revealed by Black Friday 20:31 The Irrationality of Value 21:35 The Social Dynamics of Black Friday 22:18 Final Thoughts on Black Friday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 18 Nov 2025 - 544 - Systems Thinking: How to understand the deeper reality of the world around us
Most problems in the world aren't random accidents, they're built into the systems we live in. When we look closer we find systems all around us drive the currents that change the world. Systems Thinking is a key idea in science, politics and business, but it knows no boundaries as systems show up everywhere. In every era of humanity we created new systems in politics, law, technology and economics to deal with the problems of the day. As new challenges arise in the 21st century, from the future of AI to global politics, it is up to humanity to build new systems to overcome them. Systems thinking invites us to discover the threads that bind our actions, cultures, and destinies into unexpected tapestries: Stop firefighting and get to the root cause. Search for leverage points where small acts create outsized impact. Reframe crisis from an isolated disaster to an interconnected opportunity. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Invest for your money goals $5 sign up bonus: PSYCHOLOGY https://www.acorns.com/psychology NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro to systems thinking 01:53 Systems and Families 03:35 Welcome 05:12 What is a System 08:27 ACT 1 - 4 ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM 08:27 Stocks and Flows 09:56 Feedback Loops 11:46 Delays 12:57 Boundaries 14:27 ACT 2 - MANAGING SYSTEMS 14:35 Leverage Points 21:27 ACT 3 21:52 Resilience in systems 23:44 Self-Organisation 25:00 Hierarchies 27:35 ACT 4 - LOOKING AT TODAY 28:40 Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 14 Nov 2025 - 543 - Die With Zero Regrets - Stoic ideas to make the most of your life
What if “enough” wasn’t a number — but a moment? This conversation explores the quiet art of leaving nothing essential undone. We talk about the trap of “more” — more savings, more time, more planning — and how it steals the urgency that makes life vivid. To die with zero regrets isn’t to die empty; it’s to die complete. Like an artist who finishes a painting not because it’s perfect, but because it says what it needed to say. We explore how generosity, timing, and intention turn ordinary years into extraordinary ones. It’s not about consuming your wealth — it’s about converting it into meaning. Takeaways: Treat time as your most valuable currency. Design your life around moments that matter. Give forward — not backward. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset 🌳 Acorns Invest for your money goals $5 sign up bonus: PSYCHOLOGY https://www.acorns.com/psychology NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Regrets of the Dying: Lessons from Palliative Care 01:35 Introducing 'Die With Zero' by Bill Perkins 02:35 Seneca's Philosophy on the Shortness of Life 03:28 The Value of Time and Money 04:35 Hyperbolic Discounting: The Psychology of Time and Money 08:46 Intentional spending and experiences that keep paying 11:59 The Memory Dividend: Investing in Experiences 15:38 The Health-Wealth Curve: Timing Your Experience 17:07 Balancing Life's Experiences and Timing 17:27 Seneca's Wisdom on Life and Death 18:31 The Concept of Peak Utility 19:59 The Inheritance Trap 20:45 Fear and Attachment in Financial Decisions 21:31 The Importance of Giving While Alive 23:21 Bill Perkins' Strategy for Dying with Zero 25:03 Time Bucketing for Life Experiences 27:47 The Final Reflection on Life's True Value 31:11 Conclusion and Next Steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 11 Nov 2025 - 542 - The Psychology of Podcasting: Lessons in self actualisation, intrinsic motivation and how to enjoy yourself - w/ Paul Davies
99% of podcasters quit before episode 20. Why do 1% keep going... and what does it teach us about ourselves? Paul Davies interviews Sam on the psychology of motivation, self-determination, signalling theory and more as we break down the psychology of what makes people podcast. Besides analysing what's driving the trend to start a podcast we also learn about why humans do anything and how to make your own decisions for the right reasons. Learn: - How to keep a side hustle fun instead of it being a chore - What on earth do virtue signalling, costly commitments and intellectual fitness testing have to do with podcasting and mate acquisition - Why the things we do become extensions of ourselves. SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Why make a podcast? 01:48 Introducing Sam Webster Harris 02:43 Overcoming Podcasting Challenges 03:17 The Journey of Podcasting 04:21 The Power of Asking 07:48 The Effort Behind Podcast Production 10:14 The Process of Creating an Episode 15:41 Balancing Passion and Profession 16:47 The Psychology of Motivation 22:17 The Drive for Fame and Recognition 27:12 Reflecting on Podcast Beginnings 28:16 Choosing a Unique Podcast Path 29:43 Self-Actualization Through Podcasting 30:18 Signaling Theory and Podcasting 31:39 The Reality of Podcasting 33:17 Perceptions and Misconceptions 41:34 Burnout and Consistency 42:24 Dealing with Criticism 44:42 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters 47:39 Podcast Recommendations and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 07 Nov 2025 - 541 - How to Defeat Your Shadow Life and Face Your Calling: Lessons from Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield,
What if the life you're living is just a metaphor for the life you're meant to live? Pressfield kept his typewriter buried under spare parts in his truck. He knew it was there. Thought about it constantly. But he was too terrified to dig it out and write. So he drove. For years. Shadow callings aren't about laziness—they're about proximity without risk. We fall into fixed mindset thinking this is all we can do. We become English teachers instead of novelists, consultants instead of founders, gallery workers instead of artists. We stay close enough to feel legitimate, far enough to avoid the real work. This episode breaks down why your brain creates these elaborate escape mechanisms, what separates amateurs from professionals, and the exact moment everything changes. You'll learn: How to recognize if you're living a shadow career right now The 20 habits that separate professionals from amateurs Why turning pro is a decision you remake every single day SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Are You Living Your Dream or a shadow calling? 02:14 Steven Pressfield's Shadow Career 03:28 Examples of Shadow Careers 04:01 The Concept of Metaphor 05:54 Addiction: The Partner of the Shadow Life 08:02 Amateur vs. Professional Behavior 09:35 Characteristics of a Professional 10:46 Turning Pro: A Life-Changing Decision 11:31 The All is Lost Moment 13:20 Personal Reflections on Turning Pro 15:42 The Rewards of Turning Pro 17:34 Building habits of a professional 19:38 Closing Remarks and Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 04 Nov 2025 - 540 - Tips on Getting Better Today Than Yesterday - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
What if winning isn't a destination? What if it's the quiet act of becoming slightly better than you were when the sun rose this morning? Frank Dick spent five decades asking "How do we help people see their own progress?" As British Athletics' legendary Director of Coaching, he discovered something profound. We're wired to notice missing buttons but blind to the ones that are there. His Four Rs framework (Reason, Reality, Reflection, Response) is a mindset shift in how we define growth mindset psychology. Every competition, meeting, and conversation is an invitation to ask What did I learn? Three frameworks for transformation: The left-side/right-side exercise: How to rewire your nervous system for positive psychology and curiosity Strength-first philosophy: Why building on what works creates better mental models than fixing flaws (neuroscience meets self-development) Emotional control in the arena: Simple techniques athletes use to ignore distractions and maintain mental strength The only competition that matters is with yesterday's version of yourself—are you ready to win that game? SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset Frank Dick OBE - Website - https://www.frankdick.co.uk - Book - "Winning: Motivation for Business, Sport & Life" NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 The Haunting Feeling of Never Being Enough 00:29 Welcome to the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast 01:03 The Journey of Sustainable Success 01:24 Introducing Frank Dick: Coaching Legend 01:57 The Four Rs Framework for Personal Growth 02:06 Defining Winning: A Continuous Journey 02:26 Frank Dick's Insights on Winning 03:06 Practical Tips for Daily Wins 03:59 The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals 07:08 Recognizing and Celebrating Small Wins 14:26 The Role of Emotional Control in Success 16:28 The Pitfalls of Success and Complacency 17:29 Reflections and Takeaways from Frank Dick 19:38 The Four Rs: A Growth Mindset Framework 20:18 Conclusion: Embrace Your Strengths and Improve Daily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 31 Oct 2025 - 539 - Moments Where Character Forms: Stop being a Victim and build a Victor Mindset - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE
Ever notice how the people who never mess up also never win big? Frank Dick, the legendary British Olympic coach who led Team GB through its golden era, calls this "the risk of winning." For over 50 years, Frank coached Olympic champions like Daley Thompson and Sebastian Coe. His growth mindset framework reveals a counterintuitive truth about mental strength: failure isn't falling off your bike—it's refusing to get back on. This episode unpacks the hidden psychology behind mistakes, character formation, and why vulnerability might be your greatest competitive advantage in self-improvement. You'll discover: Why making zero mistakes means you're not dreaming big enough (the science behind mental models for personal development) The exact moment your character forms—hint: it's before you act (behavioural psychology meets emotional intelligence) Frank's "Four Rs" framework for extracting wisdom from both wins and losses (cool psychology for mindset improvement) Listen now to master the mental health strategies Olympic athletes use to build unshakeable self-discipline. SPONSORS - 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset Episode: Victim vs Victor Mentality CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Growth Mindset Psychology 00:25 Overcoming the Fear of Failure 00:59 Meet Frank Dick, OBE 01:15 The Risk of Winning 01:43 Victim Mindset vs. Winning Mindset 02:38 Embracing Mistakes and Stumbles 03:52 Reflection and Learning from Mistakes 08:05 The Importance of Asking for Help 08:49 Courage and Vulnerability 10:01 Cheating and Character Flaw 14:31 Learning Through Experience 15:22 The Art and Science of Coaching 17:15 Frank Dick's Key Insights 17:19 Episode Highlights and Takeaways 18:42 Conclusion and Next Steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 28 Oct 2025 - 538 - What is a MINDSET Exactly? (and how do you spot a bad one)
Ever said "you just need the right mindset" without knowing what that actually means? You're not alone. Most people use mindset like a magic word—vague, fluffy, and completely useless. This episode breaks down what mindset really is through psychology, not wellness guru nonsense. You'll learn the difference between growth mindset (seeing failure as learning) and fixed mindset (believing ability is static), why abundance mindset beats scarcity thinking, and how open-mindedness isn't about accepting everything. The fisherman story reveals how we all fake understanding of concepts we never properly learned. You'll discover: Why specificity transforms mindset from buzzword to breakthrough How Carol Dweck's research differs from manifestation myths Three mindset pairs that actually impact your decisions SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 What is a mindset - REALLY? 01:16 Understanding Mindset: Core Concepts 02:08 The Psychology Behind Mindset 03:50 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset 04:44 The Evolution and Misuse of Mindset 12:38 Open vs. Closed Mindset 17:37 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 20:31 Applying Mindset Correctly 23:08 Future Content Plans and Listener Engagement 27:24 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Staying Positive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 24 Oct 2025 - 537 - Make Time Your Friend: Build a positive mindset with a little existential psychology (and stoicism)
Panic less, enjoy more - treat time well and it will treat you well. Humans have a difficult relationship with time. Sometimes just a birthday can lead to spiralling mental health. Yet time is the medium of existence that gives us all the experiences that make life so great. Of course, time also ages us and ultimately robs us of everything we ever have and ever loved. With the right mindset we can enjoy it and use it wisely. We cover: How to think differently about time itself Learn how to be less frustrated by things we can't control Questions to diagnose your relationship with time Experience deeper awareness Life is short but we can be the pilot of our experiences or dragged along in a rush feeling crushed by the weight of everything. This episode should help reduce the storm and increase the calm. Influence the Show Meet me - Free call Feedback - Request and Ideas Form Growth Mindset pod Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Explosive Thinking Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Philosophy of Play 00:19 Embracing Aging and Happiness 00:48 A Personal Reflection on Turning 30 02:39 The Fear of Aging: Breaking It Down 03:52 Confronting the Fear of Death 05:20 Accepting Physical Changes 07:08 Managing Expectations in Life 07:50 The Power of Storytelling 08:19 Living as an Artist of Your Life 09:43 Conclusion: Seize the Day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 21 Oct 2025 - 536 - Questions to Build a Life of Substance & Let Go of What is Holding You Back - w/ Jodi Wellman
Build a mindset that doesn't care what other people think, because you know what actually matters to you. In this episode we examine insightful ways to take control of your life and define where it's going. We steal some of the best questions and ideas from existential psychology that you can try applying to your own life. What is a life worth living? Healthy vs toxic aspirations? How to abandon what doesn't serve you? The illusion of self-importance? GUEST Jodi Wellman is the author of "You Only Die Once" and a source of positive ideas from her work in Applied Positive Psychology. Jodi has a morbid fascination with existential psychology and how contemplating death can help us truly live. As they say "Get busy living, or get busy dying". SPONSORS 👨💻 NordLayer Security across your business 28% off: GROWTHMINDSET-28 http://nordlayer.com/growthmindset NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 01:30 Net-promoter score - Would you recommend your life? 07:19 Abandoning What No Longer Serves You 10:28 Consistent Reminders and Psychological Tricks 14:26 Overcoming the Illusion of Personal Specialness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 17 Oct 2025 - 535 - The Real Problem with Work Life Balance and the Mental Model to Fix It
Rethinking the problem and our mindset from scratch when it comes to this whole life thing. What if the problem isn't your schedule—it's your metaphor? We've inherited a story about work and life as opposing forces, locked in eternal combat for our limited hours. This story feels true because everyone tells it. But stories shape reality. Consider this: your life contains multitudes. Work, yes. But also relationships, creativity, health, community, growth. None of these oppose each other inherently. A parent who calls their family "their life" earns respect. Someone who calls work "their life" earns concern. Same language. Different judgment. The opportunity lies in reimagining the entire framework—from balance to integration, from opposition to synergy. This episode explores: How the words we choose create the reality we experience Why integration creates compound satisfaction that balance never could The path from competing priorities to mutually reinforcing life architecture NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Work life balance 00:48 Intro and Nat Eliason 01:50 Mo Gawdat - heartbeats 02:57 The complications with finding balance 03:43 Why words are so important 07:39 The main pillars of a happy life 08:34 Good or bad obsession 09:25 Integrating priorities 11:13 Seeking long term enjoyment 13:08 Satisfaction without sacrifice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 - 534 - Shame, Addiction, and How To Focus On Who You Are Becoming
We evolved shame as a gift. A signal that whispers when we've drifted from who we might become. What if the discomfort you feel isn't the problem, but the compass? This episode explores a surprising truth: the hardest patterns to change aren't the ones destroying us, but the ones keeping us comfortably mediocre. Yet they hold us back and sometimes shames even stops us from acknowledging they exist. But we need to step back and ask if we are truly happy with our choices, the way we live our life and what we would like in it and wouldn't. And slowly learn how to build the healthier life we seek. Three Actionable Takeaways: View shame as information about misalignment, not evidence of inadequacy—it evolved to guide you, not punish you Recognize that growth happens in difficulty, not comfort—the urge to escape is the moment to lean in Build intrinsic motivation rooted in values, not just outcomes—sustainable change comes from who you're becoming, not what you're avoiding This episode originally aired on the Unhooked Podcast by Jeremy Lipkowitz. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to addictions 03:26 Sam's Podcast and Philosophy 05:44 Defining Growth Mindset 09:35 Sam's Journey and Personal Growth 10:26 The Power of Mindset in Education 15:33 Growth Mindset and Recovery 16:49 Neuroplasticity and Overcoming Addiction 17:38 Sam's Experience with Porn Addiction 24:17 Challenges of Identifying and Addressing Addictions 25:39 The Subtle Creep of Addictive Behaviors 26:35 The Influence of Social Media and Algorithms 27:50 The Thin Line Between Social Media and Porn 28:15 Female Empowerment or Objectification? 29:55 The Impact of Porn on Real-Life Relationships 32:41 The Role of Shame in Human Evolution 34:56 The Social Function of Gossip 36:02 The Duality of Human Nature 38:36 The Duality of Shame and Success 39:44 Empathy and Understanding Human Behavior 44:37 Embracing Our Animal Nature 46:17 Lessons from Podcasting 51:22 Final Thoughts and Future Projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 - 533 - Be Crystal Clear: 3 Truths and 2 Tips to Communicate with Impact [Archive]
Our cognitive biases and ego can muddy the waters of our minds and block the path to clear communication. Today's episode provides strategies on how to be both a more effective thinker and communicator. Topics: Communication problems in relationships, business and writing Cognitive blockers to clarity How to identify and maintain a grip on the most important thing What bundling and unbundling can apply to problem-solving and communication Freebies Episode prompts - Clarity Problem Solving Worksheet Influence the Show Meet me - Free call Feedback - Request and Ideas Form Growth Mindset pod Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com Insta - SamJam.zen Newsletter - Explosive Thinking Chapters 00:00 The Curse of Overlooking the Obvious 03:13 Romantic Communication 05:38 The Goal of Simple, Clear Communication 11:42 Concept of Bundling and Unbundling Things 15:21 Applying Bundling and Unbundling to Problem-Solving 16:45 Using Bundling and Unbundling for Clear Communication 19:40 Making the Obvious Obvious 20:34 An Invitation to Chat 21:46 Send Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 - 532 - From Escaping the Holocaust to Building a Billion Dollar Empire - The Life and Mindsets of Dame Stephanie Shirley
Dame Stephanie Shirley built a billion-dollar tech empire from her kitchen table in the 1960s, pioneered remote work before anyone knew what Wi-Fi was, and discovered the psychology behind turning survivor's guilt into unstoppable motivation. This isn't some feel-good story about "everything happens for a reason." It's a masterclass in how your brain can rewire trauma into resilience. Stephanie shows us that the experiences that nearly destroy us often contain the exact ingredients we need to build something extraordinary. Reframe your biggest setbacks as your competitive advantage—they teach you what "real problems" actually look like Use constraints to spark creativity—Stephanie's limitations forced innovations that changed entire industries Transform guilt into contribution—the antidote to feeling unworthy is making others' lives better About Dame Stephanie Shirley Wikipedia - Steve Shirley Website - SteveShirley.com Book - Let It Go NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Growth Mindset Podcast 02:22 A Journey from Nazi Germany to England 04:17 Adjusting to a New Life in England 06:31 Overcoming Survivor's Guilt and Depression 06:47 The Role of Compassion and Philanthropy 07:11 Seeking Help and the Tavistock Clinic 09:15 Challenges and Innovations in Remote Work 10:31 Pioneering Software Development 15:50 Women in the Workforce and Gender Equality 19:01 The Impact of Global Crises on Society 21:30 The Future of Technology and Global Solutions 23:00 The Universal Impact of Viruses and Environment 23:22 Opportunities in Space Exploration 24:31 Striving for a Fairer World 25:09 Adopting a Learning Mindset 25:49 Leading a Spiritual Life 27:31 Managing People Effectively 28:36 The Importance of Enjoying Work 29:07 Advancements in Autism Research 35:20 Innovative Tech Ideas 38:37 The Kindness of Foster Parents 39:24 Reflecting on the Podcast Episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 03 Oct 2025 - 531 - Lessons, Paradoxes and Hard Questions For Building an Authentic Life
We chase alignment with our purpose, values, passions but can sometimes get a little lost on the way. Life has a scary habit of passing us by in a rush and Sam has just turned 35 years old and feeling very philosophical about the whole thing. We take a tour of some of the big problems in society people struggle with and the paradoxes that make them difficult. From waning attention spans to political chaos or the lenses and mindsets that we view life with. Sam weaves together some of the hottest topics into coherent discussions on how we can be who we want to be in a changing world. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection 00:32 Lessons from the Past Year 01:49 The Paradox of Authenticity 04:36 Personal Growth and Transformation 06:05 Nostalgia and Self-Realization 08:25 Balancing Gratitude and Ambition 10:12 Overcoming Overwhelm in Big Projects 12:44 The Dopamine Dilemma 16:07 Emotions and Entitlement 17:44 The Political Divide 20:27 The State of Modern Content 22:04 Critique of Content Creation 23:20 The Impact of Dopamine-Driven Content 25:29 Lenses to view life with 26:41 Midlife Reflections and New Beginnings 31:22 The Value of Taking Action 31:44 The Importance of Memories 34:01 Embracing Randomness and Serendipity 35:55 Final Thoughts and Birthday Wishes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 30 Sep 2025 - 530 - 12 Questions For Meaningful Relationships - How to go deep w/ Topaz Azides
You know that Stupid questions = Stupid answers. It's the same for boring questions. If you want to live a meaningful life with space for personal growth and connection with those around you. The answer is fantastic questions. Questions that help you understand yourself better and your partner. Questions that lead to conversations where you really see each other deep down at a human to human level. Topaz Azides, is an Emmy-winning director who spent a decade analyzing 1,200 couples to understand why some thrive while others stall. He discovered that humans are "answering machines"—we can't help but respond to the prompt in front of us. He crafted 12 questions that act like rocket fuel for connection, moving you from small talk to the conversations you're secretly desperate to have. This isn’t about cheesy one-liners; it's a practical framework for reframing your mindset: Learn why our brains are hardwired to answer any question, and how to use this quirk for psychology-driven growth. Discover how to use arguments to build psychological resilience and make your relationship stronger, not break it. Embrace the idea that every moment is unique and discover how to treat it that way, fostering cognitive flexibility in your interactions. Topaz Azides Get the book: https://www.topazadizes.com/book NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Humans are obsessed with questions 03:18 What does a growth mindset mean 03:52 Architecting Experiences 04:03 Lessons from creating 12 questions 07:58 do people compete to say better answers 10:03 Finding new dimensions 11:36 The process of creating 12 questions for love 11:36 What is the and 11:36 How and why did they change specific question elements 15:24 Humans are answering machines 17:51 Other great question 20:09 The power of being articulate 22:17 the power of attention 24:14 Question loops 26:17 Chapters of life 27:56 Pre-interview questions 30:06 Dangers of quick fixes - should a relationship be allowed to end 35:30 Cultural or regional variations 38:18 Playing the 12 questions game 38:30 Daily practices or habits for sustaining a relationship 41:50 Showing to kids that communication is important 42:13 How to stay positive 47:01 Future projects 49:42 Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 26 Sep 2025 - 529 - A Curios Thing About Your Ego (and 3 ways to turn it down)
The ego is more unruly than you think. We dissect how it works and how to make it work for you. When you don't watch it carefully your brain will trick you into thinking it knows things it doesn't. This can lead to all sorts of disasters. Learn 3 ways that your ego get's in the way of real growth and learning and how to build a stronger and more open mindset. Lessons: Create Space: Begin by admitting what you don't know to open the door for discovery. Embrace the Amateur: Find the edge of your ability, for that is where all meaningful growth begins. Facilitate, Don't Force: Guide others to their own insights instead of delivering yours fully formed. NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 How your mind is like an annoying chatbot 04:01 Surrendering Our Assumptions 06:22 Seeking Our Own Incompetence 08:04 Mr. Beast's Path from Incompetence to Mastery 10:19 Stop Blocking "Aha" Moments 11:57 Allowing Self-Persuasion 12:18 The Entrepreneur's Paradox of Asking for Advice 13:35 Closing Thoughts on Humility's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, 23 Sep 2025 - 528 - How to Cultivate Awareness and Self-Control to Overcome Addiction - w/ Jeremy Lipkowitz
Ever felt like you're fighting a losing battle with your own brain? Addictions are like that. We learn the mindsets and psychology to build self-awareness and take control of your decisions and behaviours. Jeremy Lipkowitz, a former Buddhist monk, meditation teacher, and coach is the host of "Unhooked: breaking porn addiction podcast". He helps men break free from compulsive behaviors—especially porn addiction—and build lives of integrity, discipline, and deep fulfilment. Topics: - The role of shame in all addictions - Why porn is rapidly growing and difficult addiction - How to build healthier coping mechanisms - Strategies for dealing with distraction Jeremy Lipkowitz - Website - https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/ - Academy - https://www.unhookedacademy.com/ - Podcast - https://unhooked.buzzsprout.com/ NEW SHOW - How to Change the World: The History and Future of Innovation Learn about the evolving story of the human species and our ideas told in chronological order. The podcast is full of fun facts, surprising stories and philosophical insights. Found on all major podcast players: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8 --- UPGRADE to Premium: 🏖️ Ad-free listening 🤘 Support the show 🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content 💬 Community Discord GrowthMindset.Supercast.com Get in Touch 👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset 📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. 📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset) 🛜 Website - Growth Mindset CHAPTERS 00:00 Jeremy Lipkowitz 02:26 Defining Addiction 05:54 Modern Addictions and Self-Awareness 09:03 Mindfulness and Addiction 13:24 Exploring Mindfulness Practices 16:54 Defining Addiction 21:52 The Role of Shame in Addiction 26:58 Challenges of Overcoming Porn Addiction 28:26 Triggers and Coping Mechanisms 31:00 Healthy Coping Mechanisms 34:42 Practical Tips for Reducing Phone Use 37:09 The Benefits of Boredom 45:58 Seeking Support and Community 47:30 Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, 19 Sep 2025
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