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A Slight Change of Plans

A Slight Change of Plans

By: Pushkin Industries
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Summary

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.

Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin
Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus

2026 Pushkin Industries and Maya Shankar
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier
    May 12 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations
    May 5 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Rainn Wilson and Maya on Navigating Change and Identity
    Apr 28 2026

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
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I have really enjoyed this podcast. I have been able to dive into episodes that I've found really valuable and interesting. I've also found myself taking notes about things I need to apply in my work or relationships.

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