Michael Pollan Changes His Mind

Michael Pollan Changes His Mind

Author: Pushkin Industries April 7, 2026 Duration: 38:17

Last week, Maya talked to author Michael Pollan about his newest book, “A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness.” He says that the seeds for this book were planted by his exploration of psychedelics – a topic that he and Maya covered last time he was on the show. So we wanted to replay that episode, in which Maya and Michael discuss the science of psychedelics, and how they can help us see the world in new ways.

And if you enjoyed this episode, check out our interview with Kacey Musgraves, where she talks about how a psychedelic trip inspired one of her albums.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Life has a way of rewriting our scripts, often when we least expect it. A Slight Change of Plans, from Pushkin Industries, sits with that universal truth through conversations that feel both intimate and expansive. Hosted by cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar, the podcast is shaped by her own pivotal shift-a violin career ended by injury, which led her to professionally examine how we process transformation. Each episode moves beyond theory, featuring deeply personal stories from a wide range of guests who share their own encounters with upheaval. What you’ll hear isn’t just about resilience, but the nuanced science and practical strategies that can help anyone navigate a redirected path. It’s this thoughtful blend of human experience and grounded research that earned the series Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year. Listening feels like gaining a wiser friend, one who helps you reframe life’s unexpected turns not as disasters, but as complex chapters in a continuing story. The podcast ultimately explores how our identities adapt, how we find meaning, and how even the most disruptive changes can lead to growth we never planned for.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 182

A Slight Change of Plans
Podcast Episodes
A Short Message From Maya! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:41
We’re on break for the holiday this week, and Maya wanted to share a quick note with listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Theranos Whistleblower (Rebroadcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:02
Hi Slight Changers — this past Friday, Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and CEO of the fraudulent biotech company Theranos was sentenced to 11.25 years in a Federal prison. I wanted to reshare my interview with Erika Cheung…
The Science of Loneliness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is an expert on the science of loneliness. He offers advice for how we can build stronger, more meaningful social connections. You can follow the show on Instagram @DrMayaShankar. If you…
When Surviving is Enough [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:26
After Nora McInerny’s husband died of cancer in his thirties, Nora became well known for writing about the messiness of grief. She also led grief groups, launched a podcast about grief, and started a non-profit. Nothing…
Jason Isbell on Resisting the Mythos of Sobriety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:08
Jason Isbell is a singer-songwriter and four-time Grammy winner. After wrestling with addiction, he re-examines aspects of his personality that he once saw as his greatest weaknesses. You can follow the show on Instagram…
The Science of Quitting (Rebroadcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
Annie Duke believes we should be quitting things more often, a skill she honed during her lucrative years as a professional poker player on the world stage. Annie talks about the science of quitting, and shows us how to…
The Art and Science of Gathering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:35
Priya Parker is an expert in group dialogue and conflict resolution, and she uses her unique background to rethink how we come together. Priya teaches us how to turn our gatherings into opportunities for more meaningful…
A First Responder's Call for Help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:01
As a firefighter, Christy Warren made rescuing people her life's work. Her toughness earned her praise from her peers. But after decades of rescuing others, suddenly Christy became the one who needed saving. You can foll…
A 6 Year Old Changes History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:59
Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges is our guest today. She shares what it was like to be the first African-American student to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960. Ruby was just six years old at the ti…
The Science of Regret [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Author Daniel Pink teaches us how to transform our relationship with regret so that we can live happier, more fulfilling lives. You can follow the show on Instagram @DrMayaShankar. If you’d like to keep up with the most…