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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes185Founded5 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for A Slight Change of Plans

Latest Episodes

Today we’re bringing you an episode from Proxy, a show built around a simple idea: Whatever you might be going through — no matter how specific or hard to explain – you’re not alone. There is someone else out there, somewhere, who truly gets it – and... more

As adults, it’s easy to think of fun as a luxury – something we’ll get around to after everything else is done. But science journalist Catherine Price says fun is essential to our wellbeing. On today’s episode, Catherine joins Maya to talk about the ... more

YouTube

In 2023, Allie Kramer’s three-year-old son Theo was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. In the months and years that followed Theo’s diagnosis, Allie tried to keep a steel grip on her “old” life. Until she realized that that life didn’t exist anymo... more

YouTube

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

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Recent Guests

Allie Kramer
Mother of Theo, bereaved parent; later described as a therapist and singer
The family of Theo; profession as therapist and singer
Episode: When Grief Remakes You
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?
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, author, and host of A Slight Change of Plans; explores change, identity, and the human side of disruption.

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
    Canada6 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 States6 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.

Some critics note perceived bias or misalignment with certain guests or topics.
Many say episodes feel personal and transformative, with practical insights.
Guests and topics are described as high-quality and varied, offering real value for growth.
Fans appreciate the mix of science and storytelling and the host's warmth.
Listeners praise empathetic interviewing and thoughtful depth.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

When Grief Remakes You
Q: What insights or advice would you offer to listeners who are rebuilding their lives after an unimaginable loss?
The guidance centers on not rushing growth, allowing survival to guide gradual clarity, accepting that life after loss is a transformation, and embracing the present with a mindset of intentionally living—why not today—as a catalyst for starting anew rather than waiting for a future that may never arrive.
When Grief Remakes You
Q: How did you and Mike navigate the divergent views on whether Theo could be saved, and what effect did that have on your marriage?
Mike pursued aggressive research and potential treatments while Allie grappled with acceptance; the clash over prognosis often strained their relationship, though they worked to maintain teamwork in Theo's care and to support each other while grieving.
When Grief Remakes You
Q: What was it like to see Theo in the hospital after learning the diagnosis and to confront the reality of his condition?
Allie recalls the sensory and emotional impact of seeing Theo in the hospital bed—tiny, vulnerable, and needing protection—alongside the realization that the fight was about maintaining his quality of life and creating memories, not just treating a disease.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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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 thought-provoking, psychology-forward show that centers on change—big life pivots, identity, and resilience—blending personal storytelling with scientific insights. Episodes frequently feature experts in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields, as well as high-profile authors and journalists who illuminate how people adapt when plans derail. Notable strengths include empathetic interviewing, a.focus on lived experience, and practical frameworks for handling upheaval. The format often threads intimate personal narratives with research-backed takeaways, making it appealing to listeners seeking growth, self-understanding, and strategies for navigating life transitions. A standout aspect is the host's ability to connect diverse experience... more

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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. We Can Do Hard Things
5. The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant

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

A Slight Change of Plans launched 5 years ago and published 185 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. Allie Kramer
2. Nick Epley
3. Ben Walter
4. Maya Shankar
5. Sonja Lyubomirsky
6. Helena de Groot
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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