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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
  • 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
  • “I Felt Like an Alien Impersonating Myself”
    Mar 17 2026

    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.

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    38 mins
  • The Cost of Being the Strong One
    Mar 10 2026

    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.

    Show more Show less
    45 mins
All stars
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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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