

Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
Sam Webster Harris | Growth Mindset Psychology
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
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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
- 20 episodes
- Updated Tuesday
Episodes20
Tuesday · 37 min
Are You Creating Your Life, Or Uncovering It? — What Confucius, Radiohead, and lightning rods teach us about success
July 21 · 25 min
9 Ways to Live a More Interesting Life - w/ Alastair Humphreys
July 17 · 41 min
How to Think for Yourself
July 14 · 29 min
The Psychology of Succeeding When the Odds Are Against You - w/ Olympic Climber Kyra Condie
July 10 · 24 min
7 Time-Management Tips for Busy Mortals - [Lessons from existential psychology]
July 7 · 20 min
4 Fears that Secretly Sabotage your Life - And what to do about them
June 30 · 34 min
The Neuroscience of Fear - Understanding anxiety, trauma and the tools to overcome them [Lessons from NPD, BPD and ADHD]
June 23 · 50 min
How to Make Hard Things Easier with a Growth Mindset - w/ Graham Hobson (Founder Photobox, Moonpig)
June 19 · 10 min
Why the Most Successful People Are All Walking Contradictions — And How to Become One
June 16 · 42 min
Overlooked Rules on Being a Useful Human - Essential Behavioural Psychology
June 9 · 21 min
Lessons on Starting Before You Feel Ready w/ Graham Hobson (Founder Photobox + Moonpig)
June 5 · 34 min
How to Spend Money to Buy Happiness: The psychology of what actually works
June 2 · 39 min
The Psychology of Slowing Down Time - How to live a full life
May 26 · 21 min
How to Create Your Own Opportunities and Stop Waiting for Your One Big Chance
May 19 · 40 min
Three Psychology Experiments That Changed How I Live
May 12 · 21 min
Dr. Stephen Porges: Where Free Will Lives in Your Body, and Why You Keep Ignoring It
May 8 · 24 min
How to Finally Commit to One Thing When Everything Feels Important
May 5 · 34 min
How to Be Genuinely Interesting - Without performing, pretending, or people-pleasing
April 28 · 20 min
Your Nervous System Has Been Running Your Life - How to finally take control with Stephen Porges (Inventor of Polyvagal Theory)
April 24 · 57 min