108 episodes

You can follow the show at @DrMayaShankar on Instagram.

Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year 2021 Editor's Note: Maya Shankar blends compassionate storytelling with the science of human behavior to help us understand who we are and who we become in the face of a big change. Maya is no stranger to change. “My whole childhood revolved around the violin, but that changed in a moment when I injured my hand playing a single note,” says Shankar, who was studying under Itzhak Perlman at the Juilliard School at the time. “I was forced to try and figure out who I was, and who I could be, without the violin." Maya soon discovered a new path in the field of cognitive science, where she earned her PhD as a Rhodes Scholar studying how and why we change. Her insights into human behavior ultimately led her to create A Slight Change of Plans—Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year in 2021. You’ll hear intimate conversations with people like Tiffany Haddish, Kacey Musgraves, and Riz Ahmed, as well as real-life inspirations, like John Elder Robison, who undergoes experimental brain stimulation to deepen his emotional intelligence, Daryl Davis, a Black jazz musician who inspires hundreds of KKK members to leave the Klan, and Shankar herself, who had her own “slight change of plans” earlier this year. The show also explores the science of change with experts like Adam Grant and Angela Duckworth. "What I love most about this show is that the content is evergreen," says Shankar. "You can listen to episodes in any order and at any time."

A Slight Change of Plans Pushkin

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 1.8K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

You can follow the show at @DrMayaShankar on Instagram.

Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year 2021 Editor's Note: Maya Shankar blends compassionate storytelling with the science of human behavior to help us understand who we are and who we become in the face of a big change. Maya is no stranger to change. “My whole childhood revolved around the violin, but that changed in a moment when I injured my hand playing a single note,” says Shankar, who was studying under Itzhak Perlman at the Juilliard School at the time. “I was forced to try and figure out who I was, and who I could be, without the violin." Maya soon discovered a new path in the field of cognitive science, where she earned her PhD as a Rhodes Scholar studying how and why we change. Her insights into human behavior ultimately led her to create A Slight Change of Plans—Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year in 2021. You’ll hear intimate conversations with people like Tiffany Haddish, Kacey Musgraves, and Riz Ahmed, as well as real-life inspirations, like John Elder Robison, who undergoes experimental brain stimulation to deepen his emotional intelligence, Daryl Davis, a Black jazz musician who inspires hundreds of KKK members to leave the Klan, and Shankar herself, who had her own “slight change of plans” earlier this year. The show also explores the science of change with experts like Adam Grant and Angela Duckworth. "What I love most about this show is that the content is evergreen," says Shankar. "You can listen to episodes in any order and at any time."

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Why change is so scary -- and how to unlock its potential | TED Talks Daily

    Why change is so scary -- and how to unlock its potential | TED Talks Daily

    Unexpected change like an accident, an illness, or a relationship that suddenly ends is inevitable -- and disorienting. On this heartfelt and optimistic episode of TED Talks Daily, Maya shares how these challenging moments can inspire transformation, offering three questions to ask when facing uncertainty, so you can let go of rigidity and embrace change. 

    TED Talks Daily is a daily podcast that sparks your curiosity. Every weekday, host and journalist Elise Hu brings you thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable — from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between. Listen in as the world's leading thinkers and creators change your perspectives, ignite your mind, and learn something new. You can get TED Talks Daily wherever you get your podcasts.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 13 min
    Best of: How to Make Stress Your Friend

    Best of: How to Make Stress Your Friend

    Modupe Akinola is a psychology professor and an expert on stress. Modupe argues that a simple change in our mindset can turn short-term stress into a helpful resource. She walks us through strategies to better understand, and cope with, stress. Enjoy this rebroadcast (and take a few deep breaths while you listen!) and we’ll be back in March with new episodes. 

    Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 31 min
    Best of: The Science of Making—and Keeping—Friends

    Best of: The Science of Making—and Keeping—Friends

    Psychologist Marisa Franco is an expert on friendship and talks with Maya about research-backed strategies to make new friends, deepen our existing relationships, and navigate friend breakups. This conversation was one of our most popular ones and so we’ve decided to revisit it during a time when it’s been hard to feel connected to others. We’ll be back in March with new episodes! 

    For more on Marisa's work, check out her book, “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends."

    Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 36 min
    How to Make Your Habits Stick

    How to Make Your Habits Stick

    Our daily habits are the key to reaching our long-term goals, argues writer James Clear. His bestselling book, "Atomic Habits," distills the most compelling research on how to break bad habits and form good ones. He talks with Maya about how our habits shape our identity—for better or worse—and how to design our habits so they actually stick. 

    To explore more of James' work, including his book and newsletter, check out his website. 

    Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 36 min
    Adam Grant Helps Unlock Our Hidden Potential

    Adam Grant Helps Unlock Our Hidden Potential

    Psychologist Adam Grant stops by to talk with Maya about his new book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things." They talk about how to filter out unhelpful feedback, the benefits of imperfectionism, and why we need to give soft skills more respect. 

    If you enjoyed this episode, check out Adam’s first time on the show: “Adam Grant Thinks Again.”

    Sign up for Maya's new newsletter here https://bit.ly/41lPqaZ and follow her on instagram @DrMayaShankar.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 43 min
    "I Gave Up Asking 'Why Me?'"

    "I Gave Up Asking 'Why Me?'"

    When Banafsheh Rashidi gave birth to her daughter, Saba, she immediately conjured up vivid images of Saba's future: passing the driver's test, graduation, and maybe even a wedding. But when Saba received a significant medical diagnosis, Banafsheh's dreams were upended. She talks to Maya about how she redefined success for her family on her own terms.

    If you enjoyed this conversation, you might enjoy our episode with first responder Christy Warren. She’s another guest who started out as a listener of the show. The episode is called “A First Responder’s Call For Help.”

    For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1.8K Ratings

1.8K Ratings

Petunia903 ,

…after a lifetime of secrets

Really enjoyed listening to this episode. In addition to hearing about someone overcoming addiction we also heard a Black woman talk about issues and vulnerabilities that many of us face and live with. I enjoyed the episode so much that I purchased Laura Cathcart's book.

tomcruse123 ,

Best commnication

Maya is very knowledgeable in various subjects and good listener great communicator and interviewer.

makeupmyname ,

Let the interviewee and listener be.

Just tell the story. We don’t need to stop with every other response to emphasize how amazing the interviewee is! The listener is surely astute enough to understand that on her own. Simply too touchy-feely for my taste. I prefer more journalism and less editorializing.

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