Claim OwnershipA Slight Change of Plans
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© 2026 Pushkin Industries and Maya Shankar
Description
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 Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
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180 Episodes
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1A 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 again. In it, Maya gives lessons she’s learned about embracing life’s unexpected changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 enrich our lives, and how we can fix this. Check out Nick’s new book, “A Little More Social.” If you enjoyed our conversation with Nick, check out our episode with Vanessa Bohns, “You Have More Influence Than You Think.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 grit to a deep connection with their communities. This episode was made in partnership with Chase for Business. Listen to “The Unshakeables” here. Listen to our previous conversation with Ben, “Boost Your Resilience At Work.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 from “The Office.” Rainn and Maya talked about the science of language development, her experience creating a job in the Obama White House, Rainn’s personal reflections on faith and meditation, and what led Maya to choose the stories that appeared in her book. You can listen to the first chapter of “The Other Side of Change” in our episode, "A Sneak Preview of Maya’s New Book".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To feel more loved in our relationships, we often think we need to change ourselves or wait for others to change. But happiness scientist Sonja Lyubomirsky shares a better approach in her book, How to Feel Loved. Today, Sonja joins Maya to talk about how even small shifts in the way two people approach a conversation can have a transformative impact on how loved they each feel over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helena de Groot spent the majority of her life assuming she would never have kids. But as she got older, people's criticism of that choice started to intensify. Then, a few years into her marriage, she was forced to confront it in an unexpected way. This week, she talks to Maya about what happened, how she questioned and re-questioned her decisions, and how she found peace within uncertainty. To hear more about Helena’s experiences, you can listen to her podcast “Creation Myth.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, Maya talked to author Michael Pollan about his newest book, “A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness.” He says that the seeds for this book were planted by his exploration of psychedelics – a topic that he and Maya covered last time he was on the show. So we wanted to replay that episode, in which Maya and Michael discuss the science of psychedelics, and how they can help us see the world in new ways. And if you enjoyed this episode, check out our interview with Kacey Musgraves, where she talks about how a psychedelic trip inspired one of her albums.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bestselling author and journalist Michael Pollan has reshaped our understanding of everything from food to psychedelics. Now, he’s taking on a subject that has stumped thinkers for thousands of years: consciousness. This week, Michael joins Maya for a live conversation celebrating his new book, “A World Appears.” They talk about why it’s such a marvel that we even have consciousness in the first place, how researchers have explored consciousness in the past, and how Michael’s own perceptions and awareness of his inner life have changed. You can also check out Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change,” on Goodreads, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do telenovelas, situationships, and card games have in common? All can be sources of unexpected life lessons. This week, we’re sharing an episode of the podcast “The Moth” that’s all about advice—seeking wise counsel, following your gut, and learning how to practice what you preach. For more episodes of “The Moth” click here, or search for “The Moth” wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2024, science journalist Rachel E. Gross had a stroke. Her recovery mostly followed the path doctors predicted, but there were also some strange, ongoing glitches that she couldn’t explain. So Rachel did the one thing she knew to do in situations like these: she started asking questions. On today’s episode: the curious work of figuring out what makes you, you. We first heard Rachel’s story on a Radiolab episode she reported called “Song of the Cerebellum.” In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of International Women’s Month, Maya is revisiting a conversation with Christy Warren—a former firefighter and paramedic who spent decades showing up for people on some of the worst days of their lives. Christy and Maya talk about the hidden burdens of putting on a strong face, ingrained stigmas around mental health, and how to have the courage to ask for help. In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Social Psychologist Barry Schwartz is an expert on decision making. His new book, (00:01:48) “Choose Wisely,” explores how the very tools we rely on to make “good” decisions can steer us wrong — and why endless options may be making us less satisfied, not more. In today’s episode, Maya sits down with Barry to unpack why choosing can feel so exhausting, the hidden costs of always trying to find the “best,” and what the rest of us can learn from people who are content with “good enough.” And in case you missed it—Maya’s new book, (00:27:35) “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For years, Brené Brown’s research has shaped how millions of us understand concepts like shame, vulnerability, and resilience. So, as Maya prepared to launch her new book, The Other Side of Change, there was one person she knew she had to talk to. In this special conversation with early readers of the book, Brené and Maya explore why uncertainty rattles us, how it reshapes us, and what it reveals about who we are—and even take a quick detour to gush over the hottest show on TV. If you enjoyed this episode, check out Brené’s previous appearance on A Slight Change of Plans: “Brené Brown on Our Flawed, Imperfect Selves” In case you missed it—Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change” is officially a NYTimes bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Winter Olympics are in full swing, and for the athletes competing, the Games are as much a mental challenge as they are a physical one. Not long ago, Maya sat down with five-time Olympic gold medalist, swimmer Missy Franklin, who competed in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. When Missy returned for her second Olympics, things felt markedly different. In today’s episode, Missy speaks candidly and bravely about how her mental health impacted her performance–with the world watching. For more Olympics content from A Slight Change of Plans, check out the episodes below: “A Syrian Refugee Fights for Olympic Dreams” “Olympian Gabby Thomas Sets Her Own Pace” “Surrender is not in my DNA” In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Valentine’s Day is about expressing love in all its forms—but it can also be a chance to sit with some of love’s stickier realities. Today, we’re sharing an episode from the TED podcast “How To Be a Better Human,” in which host and comedian Chris Duffy speaks with family therapist Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile about why rigid relationship “templates” can hold us back, how to live a relationship rather than perform one, and how to navigate big life changes with our partners. In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journalist Jennifer Wallace believes we can make the world a better place through small actions that help people feel like they matter. She’s written a book about this idea, called “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.” In today’s episode, she reveals why even those in high-stakes professions might not realize they matter, and what that gap can teach us about how to make others feel truly seen. In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today’s episode, “Moneyball” author Michael Lewis (and Maya’s friend) flips the script and interviews her—in front of a live audience in San Francisco. They discuss her new book in a candid conversation about identity, loss, and what happens when the thing that once defined you falls away. Did you hear? “The Other Side of Change” was an instant New York Times bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books. New to A Slight Change of Plans? Start HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2026 is off to a hectic start for Maya as she tours the country promoting her book, “The Other Side of Change.” To recenter, she’s revisiting a conversation with her friend and mentor, Yale Professor Laurie Santos, who studies the science of happiness. Together, they explore why the things we chase often don’t bring the joy we expect - and why sometimes it's the most unexpected things that do. Order “The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans” at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change”, is officially out! To celebrate, we’re sharing an exclusive excerpt with our community – about what first sparked Maya’s interest in change, and the story of a woman named Olivia Lewis. Order “The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans” at changewithmaya.com/book, or wherever you like to buy books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 wisdom and powerful stories (not featured on this podcast!) that will help you enter 2026 with greater strength and optimism about the road ahead. ORDER The Other Side of Change TODAY for you or someone you love at the links below. Amazon: https://a.co/d/2o1QEM4 Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/2186/9780593713686See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Maya, I can't even start to listen to this episode. I can't even give myself permission to do so. in my country, Iran, more than 16000 protesters have been killed in only two days. I can't be happy, I don't WANT to be happy. Tell me how to deal with this pain, brutality, and unfairness of the world...
I can't listen or download do you change your servers?
Thank you for making this episode. A lot of what's said really resonated with me and helped me get more insight into why I am a certain way. Hopefully I can take this advice into practice and free myself from these mental constraints I've placed on myself :)
I absolutely love 'A Slight Change of Plans'! The way the podcast explores how people adapt to life's unexpected turns is both insightful and inspiring. Each episode offers a fresh perspective and meaningful conversations that truly resonate. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rigidbox-masters-5798109/episodes/rigid-boxes-in-luxury-packagin-218306146
why do the commercials repeat?
Insightful Q&A, thanks Dr. Maya! Your podcast opens my mind to parallels between feelings, values, and even retreat experiences with hallucinogens. 🧠🎙️
Impressive episode! Amanda Knox's openness and Maya's perspective truly highlighted the emotional journey.
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this is a really thought provoking episode about regret. Unfortunately there's a technical glitch at 37:46 which skips a whole thought. Mr Pink says : "I actually like the technique..." but then it suddenly cuts to Dr Maya speaking. I really wish I knew what technique he was about to describe.
I like this podcast, but one wonders who is the interviewer, Maya or Michael. sounds more like Michael
Thank you Maya for this show. It's soul refreshing
Thank you!
Incredible interview!
🙏🏻😅
Such a thoughtful, insightful interviewer. Amazing to hear about the brave personal and medical decisions made in this rescue and the resilience of those being rescued.
So beautiful and so sad...
This man's perspective assumes that you can change racists' perspective with logic. What do you do about the ones who could let him talk until he's blue in the face and then execute him without a second thought? What do you do about the ones who know everything he's saying is true but promote racial division because it benefits them financially? It sounds like he's just been lucky that he hasn't run into the wrong one yet.
Just as John came to see and feel and experience emotion through the TMS treatment, I too felt a sudden awareness of relating to the Adam and Eve creation story in Genisis of how in our humanness we experience good and evil.