June 23, 2025

Self-Actualization and Living Your Potential, with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

48 minutes

How can we grow into our full potential?—living up to what we know is the best version of ourselves, actualizing our goals, and expressing our deepest purpose in a life of impact and love?

Grounded in cognitive science and psychology, best-selling author, podcaster, educator and researcher Scott Barry Kaufman believes that we need to redefine our understanding of greatness and excellence to include our whole selves—our emotions, dreams, failures, and gifts—all to live a life that is fully human, fully yourself.

In this conversation with Scott Barry Kaufman, we discuss:

Education and formation for the whole person, not just our intellect but our bodies, emotions, and spirituality

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the journey that leads to self-actualization

The difference it makes to see the world through growth rather than our deficiencies

What it means to thrive even in the midst of mental illness

The horizontal dimensions of transcendence

And how to connect and align with your deepest values

Helpful Links and Resources

Visit scottbarrykaufman.com

The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman

Choose Growth Workbook by Kaufman & Feingold

*Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization,* by Scott Barry Kaufman

Scientific American: Spiritual Narcissism

The Lights Triad Personality Test

Sensitive Men Rising Documentary

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Reimagined – Big Think

Corey Mascara Podcast on Values

About Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott Barry Kaufman is a cognitive scientist, author, and humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He is the founding director of the Center for Human Potential and a the best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster. He hosts The Psychology Podcast. And he is author and/or editor of numerous books, including his celebrated *Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined*, as well as his latest books, Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt and Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. If you’re interested in more from Scott, visit scottbarrykaufman.com.

About the Thrive Center

Learn more at thethrivecenter.org.

About Dr. Pam King

Dr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.

About With & For

Host: Pam King

Senior Director and Producer: Jill Westbrook

Operations Manager: Lauren Kim

Social Media Graphic Designer: Wren Juergensen

Special thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

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By Dr. Pam King

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