

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.
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2023 • 23min
Open Minded Testing of Principles to Live By
St Augustine walked a long and winding road from violence and gratification to virtue and veneration. He wrote one of the first surviving autobiographies that also recorded his scientific approach to understanding religion and humanity with our flaws whilst exploring the philosophy of fulfilment.Journey inside the mind of one of history’s most influential thinkers. In this psychology and self-improvement-focused episode, we’re unpacking the first autobiography ever written – the Confessions of St. Augustine.In this episode we explore the landmark autobiography “Confessions” by St. Augustine, braiding philosophical insights across a dramatic life story arc. Journey through profound realizations about memory, learning, time, astrology, friendship formed through shared misdeeds, and the innate darkness within humanity. See how misguided faith gave way to an abiding wisdom we still reference today.”- - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be.- - -Connect with Sam:Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zenYoutube - @Samjam- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: Open Minded Testing of Principles to Live ByChapters:0:00 Curiosity Fuels the Quest for Truth02:27 Overview on the Confessions of Saint Augustine05:22 Ancient philosophies answering basic questions06:27 St. Augustine's early childhood10:34 Astrology's limit12:09 Augustine's teenage years14:22 Nature vs. Nurture17:53 Ancient Understanding on Memory19:34 Send offTopicsSt. AugustineThe ConfessionsStoicismSelf improvementHumans Natural FlawOvercoming SinfulnessLiving in the PresentShort-term GratificationMemoryAstrologyCuriosityAttraction of Faith an HappinessSpirituality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 snips
Dec 16, 2023 • 30min
Ego is the Enemy
This thought-provoking podcast explores the profound influence of ego on personal and professional growth. It delves into the dangers of ego in early stages, how it can cast a shadow over achievements, and serve as an anchor in the face of failure. Embracing humility and lifelong learning are key to overcoming ego and cultivating a growth mindset.

Dec 12, 2023 • 19min
Decoding Epicurus' Happiness Hacks
Explore the teachings of ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and his principles of happiness. Challenge common misconceptions and discover the similarities between Epicurean thinking and Stoicism. Delve into the importance of simplicity, true happiness, and the impact of material possessions on our well-being. Reflect on life's challenges and find gratitude in the present moment.

Dec 8, 2023 • 26min
Live Before You Die
In this podcast, they explore Seneca's wisdom on overcoming fear, using time wisely, and truly living. They discuss the impact of fear and desire on personal growth, the value of time, the changing definition of time-wasting, the importance of wisdom and experiences, and living a meaningful life. They also reflect on philosophy and immediate living.

Dec 5, 2023 • 30min
The Last Days of Socrates: An Unexamined Life Worth Living
Socrates questioned everything in pursuit of growth and wisdom - but seeking truth in ancient Athens would lead to his untimely death. We explore the incredible life, lessons and the trial of the most impactful philosophers of all time.Join Sam and Nico in this crossover episode as they mine timeless insights from the trial and final days of the great teacher. You'll reflect on conviction versus compromise, the roots of cognitive dissonance, and what it really means to live an examined life alongside one of history’s greatest thinkers. Whether you want to argue better, stand firmer in your truths, or simply see how profound an impact one defiant man had on philosophy and religion itself - this episode delivers.- - -On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be.- - -Connect with Sam:Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive ThinkingWatch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)Twitter - @samjamharrisInstagram - @SamJam.zenYoutube - @Samjam- - -Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvementEpisode: The Last Days of Socrates: An Unexamined Life Worth LivingChapters:0:00 Socrates as an Advocate of Growth Mindset02:14 Book review of The Final Days of Socrates04:51 The Apology11:21 The Phaedo19:11 Sam's takeaways of the book22:02 Nico's takeaways of the book26:29 Send offRelevant keywordsGrowth mindset podcast Self-improvement SocratesStoicismPhilosophyLearning from historyThe last days of Socrates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 1, 2023 • 22min
The Socratic Method: Questioning Your Way to Growth
Explore Socrates' teachings on questioning assumptions and developing a growth mindset. Discover the importance of personal integrity and honest self-reflection. Uncover the power of knowledge and ignorance and the significance of detaching from emotions for inner peace and happiness.

Nov 28, 2023 • 22min
The 5 Base Principles of Stoicism
Discover timeless principles of stoicism to develop wisdom, inner peace, and emotional resilience. Explore the concepts of dichotomy of control and love of fate, and how they can help us focus on what we can control and embrace all aspects of life. Learn how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth through gratitude. Embrace optimism, negative visualization, and the principles of stoicism for creating happiness, including rationality, virtue, self-reliance, and mindful acceptance.

Nov 21, 2023 • 18min
6 Phrases for Genuine Happiness
Unlock genuine happiness with six simple phrases for reframing your thinking and boosting your mood. Learn the power of gratitude, sharing highlights and problems, asking for solutions or soothing, and instilling a growth mindset with the word 'yet'.

Nov 14, 2023 • 39min
Fitting In Versus Finding Your Tribe: Alex Dunsdon [Potential.co]
Alex Dunsdon, guest from Potential.co, shares his unconventional journey of breaking free from the 9-5 grind and finding his passion in impact investing. Topics include embracing quirks, turning off the brain to find your true self, managing ADD, a 'generosity strategy,' and embracing uncertainty. Alex also discusses starting Potential VC to fund projects making a difference. Join us for an inspiring conversation on breaking free, living with purpose, and unlocking your potential.

Nov 10, 2023 • 16min
The Law of Creation
Learn how creating public content can benefit you by developing a growth mindset, increasing skills and networks, and attracting career opportunities. Discover the advantages of podcasting, networking, and creating content to showcase passion and expertise. Explore the power of content creation and the law of creation for personal growth and mindset improvement.


