A Slight Change of Plans
Pushkin Industries
What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval.
Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.
Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.
Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 22, 2024 • 24min
Part 2: Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad
Writer Suleika Jaouad discusses her road trip post-cancer, friendship with a man on death row, and how she's navigating life after a recent diagnosis. The podcast explores gratitude, human connection, emotional journeys, embracing uncertainty, and the power of wonder.
64 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 44min
Part 1: Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad
Suleika Jaouad shares her inspiring journey battling leukemia at 22, discussing survival as a creative act, challenging illness narratives, and the messy space between illness and wellness. Embracing fulfillment amidst adversity, exploring gut health benefits, vulnerability through writing, and navigating life post-cancer are key topics.
93 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 39min
Dr. Becky: A Game-Changing Strategy for Better Relationships
Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, discusses shifting to a mindset that views children as 'good inside' to improve relationships. She explains how this strategy can be applied to all relationships, using practices like the 'most generous interpretation' for behavior change and understanding.
26 snips
Apr 8, 2024 • 36min
What Children Can Teach Us About Creativity
Developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik discusses how children's exploratory approach to problem-solving can inspire adults to tap into their creative potential. The conversation delves into the importance of fostering creativity in children, emphasizing a nurturing and diverse parenting style over rigidity. Insightful examples highlight the profound observations children make about relationships and the benefits of a more relaxed and integrative approach to parenting.
11 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 44min
Freedom After a Lifetime of Secrets
A mother's struggle with addiction to sleeping pills after the birth of her second child, hiding her secret for years until reaching a breaking point. The podcast delves into the challenges of motherhood, societal pressures, navigating addiction and divorce, and the power of sharing secrets to create connections.
Mar 25, 2024 • 3min
A New Season with Brené Brown, Becky Kennedy, and More!
Brené Brown and Maya discuss embracing imperfections. Dr. Becky Kennedy shares relationship advice. Inspiring stories of difficult transitions shared, including a cancer diagnosis in early twenties and a new mother struggling with addiction.
74 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 37min
The Science of Happiness with Dr. Laurie Santos
Dr. Laurie Santos discusses happiness research, distinguishing happiness in life vs. with life. Importance of social relationships for happiness. Strategies for enhancing well-being, overcoming digital barriers. Prioritizing time over money for happiness. Includes insights on personal growth opportunities.
21 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 14min
Why change is so scary -- and how to unlock its potential | TED Talks Daily
This podcast explores the transformative power of embracing unexpected change, featuring stories of personal growth, resilience, and finding joy in the unknown. From defying odds in the culinary world to redefining identity through challenges, the episodes inspire listeners to let go of rigidity and embrace transformation.
26 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 32min
Best of: How to Make Stress Your Friend
Psychology professor discusses how reframing stress as a positive force can enhance performance and motivation. The episode explores strategies for managing stress effectively and embracing it as a catalyst for personal growth. Personal anecdotes and testimonials highlight the importance of support in stressful situations.
55 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 36min
Best of: The Science of Making—and Keeping—Friends
Psychologist Marisa Franco shares research-backed strategies to make and maintain friendships, importance of mutuality, likelihood perception in relationships, and the impact of self-worth. Discussion on investing in friendships, navigating different life phases, and conflict resolution. Reflects on the season and announces the next season.
