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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.

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2026 Pushkin Industries and Maya Shankar
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Michael Pollan Changes His Mind
    Apr 7 2026

    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.

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    38 mins
  • Michael Pollan on the Mind-Blowing Idea of Consciousness
    Mar 31 2026

    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.

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    49 mins
  • Some Life Advice from “The Moth”
    Mar 24 2026

    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.

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    51 mins
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I love this podcast. It's a heart felt examination of what causes us to change and grow. Pure inspiration!

interesting

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Made me look at my regrets differently. This was informative for me. I will look at life and try to lose my grip the regrets that I wollow in. Excellent job.

A lot to think about.

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