A Slight Change of Plans

Ever unexpectedly hit it off with someone you thought you had nothing in common with? Or met someone who seemed perfect on paper, only to discover you had no chemistry? In this episode, psychologist and author Adam Grant talks with Maya about what makes us click with some people and not others. It turns out that good vibes can be cultivated –  and there are things we can do to create and sustain them in our relationships.  Check out Adam’s new book, “Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World.” And if you enjoyed this conversation, listen to his previous visits to A Slight Change of Plans, where he and Maya discuss changing minds and unlocking our hidden potential.  Also, A Slight Change of Plans wants to hear from you!  What helps you navigate moments of uncertainty? Maybe it was advice someone gave you, a mantra you now repeat, or something surprising you discovered in your own moment of transition. Share your reflections with us in a voice memo and tell us why those lessons have stayed with you.  You can email your voice memo to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (646) 397-8557. You may be featured in an upcoming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erika Cheung’s first job out of college was as a scientist at the now infamous biotech company, Theranos. Erika realized early on that the company’s proprietary technology, marketed to the world by its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, was not delivering accurate blood results to patients. And even though she had everything to lose by speaking up – and nothing to gain – she felt she had no other option.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff was climbing the ranks at a big tech company, and had ambitious plans for her future—when a health scare made her rethink her relationship with control.  In this episode, Anne-Laure explains why we cling to plans, scripts, and to-do lists when life gets uncertain, and how we can learn to meet these moments with curiosity instead. She talks to Maya about how to develop a more experimental mindset and embrace new possibilities within the unknown. Check out Anne-Laure’s latest book, “Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World.” And if this episode resonated with you, check out a previous Slight Change episode, “When Productivity Becomes Pathological,” with Judith Joseph. Also, A Slight Change of Plans wants to hear from you!  What helps you navigate moments of uncertainty? Maybe it was advice someone gave you, a mantra you now repeat, or something surprising you discovered in your own moment of transition. Share your reflections with us in a voice memo and tell us why those lessons have stayed with you.  You can email your voice memo to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (646) 397-8557. You may be featured in an upcoming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer Kelly Corrigan always knew her daughters would grow up and eventually move out. But knowing this chapter of parenthood would end didn’t make it any less heartbreaking when the time came. In today’s episode, we’re revisiting Maya’s conversation with Kelly about learning to let go, and how our relationships can evolve when the people we love no longer need us in quite the same way.  For more on Kelly, check out her podcast, “Kelly Corrigan Wonders” and her PBS show, “Tell Me More.” Also, A Slight Change of Plans wants to hear from you!  What helps you navigate moments of uncertainty? Maybe it was advice someone gave you, a mantra you now repeat, or something surprising you discovered in your own moment of transition. Share your reflections with us in a voice memo and tell us why those lessons have stayed with you.  You can email your voice memo to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (646) 397-8557. You may be featured in an upcoming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neuroscientist Amir Levine studies attachment styles – how comfortable we feel with emotional intimacy and how sensitive we are to disruptions in our relationships. For decades, scientists have believed that this wiring is fixed and largely determined by our early childhood experiences. But research by Amir and others in the field has upended this view.  This week Amir shares with Maya how we can learn to shift our attachment orientation no matter our starting point and bring out our most secure selves.  Check out Amir’s latest book, “Secure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure Life,” and take this quiz on attachment styles to learn more about your own.  Also, A Slight Change of Plans wants to hear from you!  What helps you navigate moments of uncertainty? Maybe it was advice someone gave you, a mantra you now repeat, or something surprising you discovered in your own moment of transition. Share your reflections with us in a voice memo and tell us why those lessons have stayed with you.  You can email your voice memo to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (646)397-8557. You may be featured in an upcoming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.