
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
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 164 | Founded | 5 years ago |
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| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||

Booklist awarded Maya’s upcoming book, The Other Side of Change, one of its coveted starred reviews, saying “It’s impossible not to be moved.”
The Other Side of Change hits shelves on January 13th and is filled with a rare combination of scientific... more
Therapist Meg Josephson learned early on to put others’ needs before her own. It was a way for her to stay safe in a home that didn’t feel emotionally stable. But over time, she saw that her people-pleasing habits were eroding her sense of self, and ... more
After a turbulent adolescence and decades of reinvention, Zarna Garg found her voice somewhere she never expected: stand-up comedy. On today’s episode, she tells Maya why she believes courage is a skill you can learn, and how failure has been a key t... more
The world feels especially heavy these days, and it’s easy to feel cynical. So today, Maya is revisiting her conversation with psychologist Jamil Zaki, who offers an alternative to cynicism: a mindset he calls “hopeful skepticism.” Jamil explains why... more
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I get so excited for new episodes to come out every week!!!
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.
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
This podcast is good when people tell their story in the realest sense. But sometimes people come on that are spreading biased information about events and politics, which skews the collective sense of reality. Stick to your experience please, not your perception of world events.
This podcast came to me JUST when I needed it. 2025 has been one of the most difficult years of my life with some of the scariest lows I’ve ever felt. I found this podcast just in the nick of time. It has helped me look at the big changes in my life differently and helped me dig myself out of the darkest place. From the bottom of my heart Maya, thank you thank you thank you.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #114 | |
Apple Podcasts | #86 | |
Apple Podcasts | #239 | |
Apple Podcasts | #48 | |
Apple Podcasts | #100 | |
Apple Podcasts | #222 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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This podcast explores the complex theme of navigating change in our lives, emphasizing both personal stories and scientific insights. Hosted by a cognitive scientist who transitioned from a career as a violinist due to an injury, the series showcases how we cope with unexpected life shifts and personal upheavals. Individual episodes feature guests from diverse backgrounds—including celebrities, educators, and influencers—each sharing powerful narratives about transformation, resilience, and identity amidst change. The focus on deeply personal stories combined with evidence-based strategies provides listeners with valuable tools to rethink their responses to life's inevitable challenges.
Notably, the podcast has garnered acclaim for its emp... more
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1. The Happiness Lab: Getting Unstuck
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3. Hidden Brain
4. Good Life Project
5. Kelly Corrigan Wonders
A Slight Change of Plans launched 5 years ago and published 164 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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Recent guests on A Slight Change of Plans include:
1. Meg Josephson
2. Zarna Garg
3. Malala Yousafzai
4. Vivek Murthy
5. Felicia Hsu
6. Anna Sale
7. Chris Hemsworth
8. Jessica Slice
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