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A Slight Change of Plans

A Slight Change of Plans

By: Pushkin Industries
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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

2025 Pushkin Industries and Maya Shankar Social Sciences
Episodes
  • What If Finding Community Wasn't So Hard?

    What If Finding Community Wasn't So Hard?
    Oct 6 2025

    When Dr. Vivek Murthy first appeared on the show a few years back, he and Maya discussed the science of loneliness and its impact on our long term health. Now, the former U.S. Surgeon General is back to share simple, practical steps we can take to nurture more meaningful relationships—and why making even small changes can help us feel more connected.

    To hear Maya’s first conversation with Vivek Murthy, go to www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans/the-science-of-loneliness.

    To watch the full video version of this interview, go to www.pushkin.fm/slightchange.

    For more from Vivek on how to create meaningful relationships in our lives, check out bit.ly/recipes4connection.

    Sign up for Maya's free newsletter here: changewithmaya.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Maya’s Launching Something New This Fall!

    Maya’s Launching Something New This Fall!
    Oct 1 2025

    In the run up to the release of her book, The Other Side of Change, Maya is starting an Ambassadors Program!

    Ambassadors will get access to all sorts of exclusive content – like a companion journal, an invitation to an intimate conversation with Maya, sneak peaks of the book, and more. Join a community of people who are passionate about change and want to help bring the book's message into the world.

    Sign up to be a Launch Ambassador at changewithmaya.com/join.

    Pre-order The Other Side of Change at changewithmaya.com/book.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • A Dream, Revisited

    A Dream, Revisited
    Sep 22 2025

    Felicia Hsu grew up dreaming of becoming a doctor. Years of relentless dedication brought that dream within reach, but the toll it took left her wondering whether it was finally time to let it go.

    Have you had a slight change of plans you think we should know about? Send us a voice memo or an email at slightchange@pushkin.fm.

    Sign up for Maya's free newsletter here: changewithmaya.com.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    35 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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