
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
Go ad-free and access exclusive content, AMAs, and our community Discord.
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
January 16 · 20 min
January 13 · 23 minLife's Infinite Games: How to play by your own rules
January 6 · 38 min4 Steps to Become Remarkable: A guide to overhaul your life
Dec 30, 2025 · 15 minWorking with Time Instead of Against It - How to enjoy this year and every year of your life
Dec 23, 2025 · 11 min5 Rules for Mental Health and Clarity - Andrew Huberman's simple formula for success
Dec 19, 2025 · 42 minLeaving a Legacy: What do we actually get remembered for - Lessons on family and life - [Storied Recipe]
Dec 16, 2025 · 26 minThe Regret Minimization Framework: How to make life decisions
Dec 12, 2025 · 44 minCognitive Rigidity: 5 Lessons to build a flexible mind - [Cognitive Biases #6]
Dec 9, 2025 · 36 minThe Illusion of Control: 7 Ways we lie to ourselves that even defeated Napoleon - [Cognitive Biases #5]
Dec 5, 2025 · 25 minWhy You Make Bad Decisions: Confirmation Bias and the 7 Sins of Lazy Thinking [Cognitive Biases #4]
Dec 2, 2025 · 29 minWhy We Don't Understand Money: How to fix your thinking flaws - [Cognitive Biases #3]
Nov 28, 2025 · 32 minEgo Blindspots: Common cognitive distortions of the self - [Cognitive Biases #2]
Nov 25, 2025 · 50 minThinking Fast and Slow: How to make better decisions and avoid hidden mind traps
Nov 21, 2025 · 20 minWho are you VS. Who do you want to be? - How to align your actions with your desires
Nov 18, 2025 · 28 minThe Hidden Psychology of Black Friday - How do shops manipulate us (and make calm aunties fist-fight over PlayStations)?
Nov 14, 2025 · 33 minSystems Thinking: How to understand the deeper reality of the world around us
Nov 11, 2025 · 35 minDie With Zero Regrets - Stoic ideas to make the most of your life
Nov 7, 2025 · 54 minThe Psychology of Podcasting: Lessons in self actualisation, intrinsic motivation and how to enjoy yourself - w/ Paul Davies
Nov 4, 2025 · 30 minHow to Defeat Your Shadow Life and Face Your Calling: Lessons from Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield,
Oct 31, 2025 · 24 minTips on Getting Better Today Than Yesterday - w/ Olympic Coach Frank Dick OBE