Long before Scott Wiener was the founder of a popular pizza tour company, he was just a guy who really loved to eat pizza. He talks with Maya about how he turned his unabashed enthusiasm into a mini empire. P.S. Stick around for a fun trivia game at the end, featuring the one and only Jimmy Li.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Maya's conversation with chef Christine Ha, who goes by the nickname "The Blind Cook."

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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Self-compassion isn't selfish, says psychologist Kristin Neff, a pioneer in research on the topic. Kristin busts cultural myths about self-compassion, such as the idea that it makes us lazy or self-indulgent, and explains why it’s actually a more effective motivational tool than self-criticism. She also breaks down why fostering more self-compassion is a better strategy than trying to boost self-esteem and offers some simple practices for being kinder to ourselves.

If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “The Science of Our Inner Voice.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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After a life-changing experience in India, Dr. Richie Davidson tried to convince his Harvard professors to let him study the science of meditation. No one took him seriously. Half a century later, Richie has measured the undeniable impact of meditation on our brains. And here’s the good news for people who know the benefits of meditation but struggle to actually do it: you don't need to carve out separate time for a practice. Richie walks Maya through how to integrate meditation into daily activities.

For more on Richie’s work, check out his book “Altered Traits" and learn more at the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations.

And if you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “Maya’s Slight Change in Perspective.”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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Lucy Kalanithi is a doctor, a mom, and the widow of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of the bestselling memoir, “When Breath Becomes Air.” Lucy was at Paul's side through his final days, both at home and at the hospital. In this conversation, she reflects on how his death transformed her relationship to time, and how we make meaning in the world.  

If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: "Losing Dixie”

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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World champion debater Bo Seo knows how to win an argument. He’s made it his mission to teach everyone to disagree better. Bo walks us through how to apply the most effective strategies from competitive debate to improve our disagreements at the dinner table. Bo and Maya also discuss how to determine whether an argument is worth having in the first place. 

For more on Bo’s work, check out his book, “Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard.”

If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: "A Black Musician Takes on the KKK."

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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A Slight Change of Plans is back on June 5! Maya talks with experts about meditation, self-compassion, the power of debate, and more. Plus, we explore personal stories of change, including what happens when you follow your passion, and that passion is … pizza.

For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. 

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For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting some of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had with scientists about navigating our mental health. 

Julia Samuel is one of the world’s leading grief therapists. She joins Maya to talk about why it’s important to engage with our grief, and offers strategies to help with the grieving process. They also discuss how losing someone can affect our sense of self, and the need to grieve the loss of identity that often accompanies big life changes.

Our new season starts June 5. In the meantime, connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar.

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For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations with scientists about how to live healthier, happier lives. 

Psychology professor Ethan Kross is an expert on the science of introspection and the role our inner voice plays in shaping our decisions and sense of well-being. While our inner voice has a lot of benefits, it can sometimes turn negative and lead to what Ethan calls “mental chatter.” In this episode, we discuss science-based strategies for how to rein in our mental chatter, including an exercise in mental time travel. 

Our new season starts June 5. In the meantime, connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations with scientists about how to live healthier, happier lives. 

Psychiatrist Dr. Dixon Chibanda has been on a mission for years to help people gain access to mental healthcare in his community. In Zimbabwe, there is only one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people. To bridge the gap and provide folks with the help they so desperately need, Dixon turned to a rather unorthodox group for help: grandmothers.

This episode includes mentions of depression and suicide. If you need additional support, you can call 988 to talk to a trained listener. You can also text with a trained helper by texting “SAVE”  to 741741.

Our next season starts June 5. In the meantime, connect with Maya on instagram @DrMayaShanker.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a mistake to prioritize romantic and familial relationships over friendship, argues psychologist Dr. Marisa Franco. Strong, supportive friendships expand our sense of self, she says, and are associated with greater well-being and health. Marisa offers research-based strategies to make new friends and deepen our existing friendships, including helpful concepts like mutuality and the mere-exposure effect. Marisa and Maya also discuss how to stay friends through big life changes, why fighting could make your friendship stronger, and how to break up with a friend with clarity and kindness.

For more on Marisa's work, check out her book, “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends."

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