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Artwork for A Slight Change of Plans

A Slight Change of Plans

Pushkin Industries
Mental Health
The Other Side Of Change
Change
Cognitive Science
Identity
Psychology
Resilience
Motherhood
Relationships
Parenting
Change Management
Self-Compassion
Empathy
Wealth
Happiness
Addiction
Friendship
Success
Personal Growth
Stress

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 S... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes182Founded5 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for A Slight Change of Plans

Latest Episodes

A few years ago, Maya gave a commencement address to graduates of the Juilliard School of Music’s pre-college program. In honor of commencement season, with students around the world embarking on the next chapter of their lives, we’re sharing it agai... more

We often avoid social interactions out of fear that others don’t want to engage with us. But social psychologist Nick Epley says that fear is misplaced. Today, Nick joins Maya to talk about why we’re missing out on positive connections that could enr... more

YouTube

How do some small businesses stand the test of time? In today’s mini episode, Maya talks with Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business and host of “The Unshakeables” podcast, about what helps businesses endure across generations – from adaptability and ... more

Earlier this year, Maya did a bunch of interviews for the launch of her book, “The Other Side of Change.” Today, we’re sharing one of those conversations, from the podcast “Soul Boom,” with the actor and comedian Rainn Wilson — best known as Dwight f... more

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Recent Guests

Nick Epley
Professor of social psychology at the University of Chicago
University of Chicago
Episode: Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier
Ben Walter
CEO of Chase for Business; host of The Unshakeables podcast
Chase for Business
Episode: BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations
Maya Shankar
Cognitive scientist, author, and host of A Slight Change of Plans; discussed her book and change psychology
Columbia University / writer and podcaster
Episode: Rainn Wilson and Maya on Navigating Change and Identity
Sonja Lyubomirsky
Psychology professor and happiness scientist at UC Riverside; co-author of How to Feel Loved
University of California, Riverside / Book: How to Feel Loved
Episode: How to Feel More Loved
Helena de Groot
Radio producer
Media
Episode: What If Closure Never Comes?
Michael Pollan
Author of A World Appears
Author, Professor of Science and Society
Episode: Michael Pollan on the Mind-Blowing Idea of Consciousness
Jersey Garcia
Divorced mother of two, therapist-in-training, storytelling guest
The Moth episode storytellers
Episode: Some Life Advice from “The Moth”
John Paul Bramer
Author and illustrator, Ola Papi advice columnist
The Moth / Ola Papi
Episode: Some Life Advice from “The Moth”
Rachel Gross
Award-winning science journalist
New York Times / National Geographic
Episode: “I Felt Like an Alien Impersonating Myself”

Host

Maya Shankar
Cognitive scientist and host exploring how we experience change and personal growth; doctorally grounded in psychology.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 4k ratings
  • I stopped listening!

    I found the episodes with Amanda Knox pretty disturbing. It felt like Maya positioned herself as a subject matter expert, bringing her back again and again. I have limited time, so I prefer to spend it on content that feels more valuable and insightful. Because of that, I stopped following and listening to the podcast. I hope they become more mindful about what they present, and I also hope listeners don’t just accept everything at face value but take the time to do their own research!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    HuriMatt
    United States2 months ago
  • Love this podcast

    This is my favorite podcast. Without fail, these stories will get to me. Even when I couldn't imagine identifying with a particular guest. Maya is a most excellent interviewer, engaging and interesting and drawing out the best in people. Just an absolute delight.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Naomiruth
    United States4 months ago
  • Listening to Maya is like listening to a good friend!

    I get so excited for new episodes to come out every week!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    christinadc4495
    Canada5 months ago
  • Wonderful Insights

    Zamil was a great guest and I loved your conversation. Her story teaches all of us so many lessons but her advice and insights are the icing on the cake. I always walk away from listening with tangible ideas for my own life. Thank you for doing this work, Maya, and I’ll look forward to the next episode after the break.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GriefRabbit
    United States5 months ago
  • Thank you

    Maya,

    I really love your guest, I think her name was Zarns. She is from India and she is a comedian.. I’ve seen her comedies special before she is hilarious. I really enjoyed getting the full backstory on her. Thanks again.

    Have a great break

    Alison Schuback

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ali Schuback
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise empathetic, deep conversations and insightful guests.
Many appreciate the blend of personal storytelling with science.
Some listeners feel certain episodes lean into general life-advice rather than stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something from scratch and endure for decades to come?
Start with deep research on why you will be good at it and why the purpose matters. If you have genuine passion and a clear purpose, couple that with grit and the willingness to adapt, and most ventures can endure beyond a single generation.
BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations
Q: What are some of the biggest threats to small businesses like Borgati's right now?
Ben explains that the biggest threats are not external market shocks but internal dynamics: owners and families losing interest over generations, neighborhood shifts, and technological changes that make mass-produced options more accessible, challenging the need for traditional, artisanal work. The core takeaway is that sustaining commitment, continuity, and adaptability is crucial to weathering these threats.
What If Closure Never Comes?
Q: What gave you the energy to keep interrogating your beliefs over the years?
She explains a combination of deep curiosity, a belief that effort can reveal truth, and a professional habit of exploring people's lives to understand how they want to keep living, which kept her questioning her stance.
What If Closure Never Comes?
Q: Tell me what it was like to tell David this news.
She describes a moment of hopeful expectation followed by a deep emotional reaction from her partner; his initial happiness contrasts with her own certainty that the decision would be hard on the relationship, highlighting the emotional weight of shared choices.
Michael Pollan Changes His Mind
Q: What are the risks and how do researchers mitigate them in clinical contexts?
Risks are mostly psychological and depend on preparation and environment; using trained guides, controlled settings, and emphasis on set and setting reduce danger, while there is no lethal dose for classic psychedelics and addiction potential is low when used in controlled trials.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About A Slight Change of Plans

What is A Slight Change of Plans about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful interview show that centers on personal and professional pivots, resilience, and the psychology of change. Episodes feature high-profile researchers, writers, and activists who share intimate stories about identity, ambition, and navigating life when plans shift—paired with science-driven insights to translate upheaval into growth. The program often emphasizes storytelling, emotional nuance, and practical strategies for living more adaptively, making it appealing to listeners who value empathy, self-improvement, and real-world applications of behavioral science.

Where can I find podcast stats for A Slight Change of Plans?

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Which podcasts are similar to A Slight Change of Plans?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Slight Change of Plans:

1. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
2. 10% Happier with Dan Harris
3. Hidden Brain
4. ReThinking
5. Worklife with Molly Graham

How many episodes of A Slight Change of Plans are there?

A Slight Change of Plans launched 5 years ago and published 182 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on A Slight Change of Plans?

Recent guests on A Slight Change of Plans include:

1. Nick Epley
2. Ben Walter
3. Maya Shankar
4. Sonja Lyubomirsky
5. Helena de Groot
6. Michael Pollan
7. Jersey Garcia
8. John Paul Bramer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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