What if the reason you don’t give feedback, follow through, or change your habits… isn’t willpower?

What if it’s a belief?

In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim Scott talks with Nir Eyal — author of Hooked, Indistractable, and his new book Beyond Belief — about the hidden force behind motivation: the stories we tell ourselves.

They explore:

Why AI can’t replace human relationships — but can help us practice hard conversations

The limiting belief that keeps people silent at work

Why knowing what to do isn’t enough

How pain (not pleasure) drives behavior

The difference between addiction and habit

Why “time management is pain management.”

How to reinterpret anxiety as readiness

And why beliefs are tools — not truths

If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, follow through, or break a bad habit — this conversation will help you see what’s really getting in the way.Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

Kim welcomes Nir Eyal and introduces AI portraits and scaling human insight.

(04:30) Can AI Replace Relationships?

Why AI can’t replace human connection — but may be the safest place to practice hard conversations.

(10:15) Refining AI Voice & Identity

What it means to “scale yourself” without losing your humanity.

(16:40) The Limiting Belief That Keeps You Silent

“If you don’t have anything nice to say…” — and why that belief causes harm.

(23:10) Beliefs Are Tools, Not Truths

Nir explains the core thesis of Beyond Belief.

(29:30) Placebos, Pain, and Perception

What belief can change — and what it can’t.

(36:20) Stage Fright vs. Readiness

Reinterpreting anxiety as oxygen for performance.

(43:10) Time Management Is Pain Management

Why distraction is about escaping discomfort.

(50:40) Addiction vs. Habit

Why addiction is about escaping pain — not seeking pleasure.

(57:00) Why We Don’t Do What We Know

The missing link between knowledge and action.

(01:04:00) Radical Candor and the “Nice” Trap

The story of Bob — and why staying silent isn’t kind.

(01:10:00) If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow

Marriage, feedback, and choosing what truly matters.

(01:13:00) Conclusion

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