The End of an Era
This episode marks the final chapter of The Psychology Podcast in its current form.
Welcome to episode 478 of The Psychology Podcast. This is a very special episode, well since, it’s my last one in its current form.
I have podcasting for 11 years now, practically every single week, and truth is, while I love everything I’ve learned along the way, I want to take this time to recenter to continue brining additive value to my audience and to recharge myself.
When I started this podcast November 16th, 2014, there weren’t many psychology podcasts, if any. I was driven by my intrinsic passion for the field of psychology and wanted to put a microphone on the amazing psychological scientists I knew and shine a spotlight on their important work and how it applies to the lives of everyone. Far too often, good scientific research hides in the shadows in peer-reviewed publications and I wanted to get the word out there about all the incredible work going on. Now, in 2025, everyone and their mother has a podcast and there are many wonderful psychology-related podcasts in existence. So I’ve decided to take a step back.
In this episode, I am interviewed by the acclaimed science writer and author Annie Murphy Paul about the major lessons I’ve learned over the years doing this podcast. I think the 7 major themes we discuss really do a great job capturing the essence of this podcast, which has always been more about being than doing, creativity over efficiency, self-actualization over achievement, deep fulfillment over fleeting feelings of happiness, and self-transcendence over self-enhancement.
The 7 Lessons I’ve Learned From Hosting The Psychology Podcast for 11 Years
Human potential is far broader than standard metrics of IQ or achievement.
Personality and traits are not fixed — transformation is possible and meaningful.
Long-lasting meaningful change often depends on habits, systems, and repeated behaviors.
Creativity is a vital dimension of human flourishing.
Emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and having self-compassion for your “dark side” is important.
Relationships, connection, and social context matter and continually shape our minds.
The ultimate aim of psychological insight is not just to fix problems but to orient life toward growth, meaning, and connection.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all of you for making this podcast possible, and for your incredible support over the years. It’s this community that has made this journey possible week after week, year after year. If you get a chance, please leave a comment telling me what the show has meant to you. I would love to hear from you!
I wish you all the very best in your own sacred journey of self-actualization and self-transcendence, and look forward to sharing with you all the next steps in my own journey when it’s time.
You can listen to the episode here.
Thank you for every bit of information you provided to all laymen....globally! As you say, it is a pity that so much does not reveal itself out of the peer-reviewed literature and you managed to break this fence while still keeping the scientific part intact and..... managing all this in an entertaining way! Keep us informed about your next project.
Scott - your podcast was life changing for me. Your interview with Lisa Feldman Barrett (How Emotions are Made) led me to my all-time favorite book and my understanding and experiences
of being human. The podcast space is currently very crowded, as you said, and your 10+ year contribution to the human journey that we all experience has been invaluable. I will keep track of your continuing contributions in whatever form they take. Be well.