
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
- 531 episodes
- Updated Tuesday
Episodes531
April 21 · 1 hr 2 min
April 17 · 46 minThe Psychology of Risk: How Near Death Experiences Help you Quit a Good Life to Pursue a Great One - w. Talia Lazarus
April 14 · 19 minThe Comfort Zone Trap - How Failure Builds Courage, Confidence, and an Interesting Life
April 10 · 23 minChemistry Isn’t Compatibility: How to Choose Better Partners in Love and Work - w/ Matt Higgins
April 7 · 23 minThe Psychology of What Matters: How to Stop Wasting Time
March 31 · 36 minThe Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: How to rewire your brain
March 24 · 34 minAre You Thinking Your Thoughts, Or Are They Thinking You?
March 20 · 23 minThe Psychology of Never Feeling Good Enough (Even When You Clearly Are)
March 17 · 59 min7 Weird Life-Changing Skills that are Strange to Work On
March 13 · 44 minWhy Having a Backup Plan Is Making You Fail - Burn the boats with Matt Higgins
March 10 · 22 minWhy You Have Great Ideas but Never Actually Do Anything With Them
March 6 · 53 minYou Didn't Choose Your Attachment Style, but Here's How You Can Change It - With Jessica Baum
March 3 · 24 minFrom Reactance to Resilience: How to manage psychological triggers and create freedom
February 24 · 23 minHow To Train Your Mind: The surprising benefits of play
February 17 · 39 minThe Weird Psychology of Communication, Self-control, and Gossip: What evolution teaches us about communicating your needs clearly
February 13 · 53 minHidden Potential: The Psychology of self-sabotage and changing what's possible - Heather Moyse (2x Olympic Gold)
February 10 · 20 minThe Feynman Technique: The 4 Steps to Learn and Master Anything
February 3 · 36 minHow to Stop Wasting Time with the Wrong People - Emotional maturity with Jonathan Aslay
January 27 · 42 minSurrounded by Conformists: How to spot the 5 types of NPC and think your own thoughts - [Psychology of non-player characters]
January 20 · 53 minHow To Build Free Will