Therapist Meg Josephson learned early on to put others’ needs before her own. It was a way for her to stay safe in a home that didn’t feel emotionally stable. But over time, she saw that her people-pleasing habits were eroding her sense of self, and straining the very relationships she was trying to protect. On today’s show, we explore how we can stop asking ourselves if other people are mad at us. Who can we become when we stop trying to please everyone else?

If you liked this episode, you’ll want to check out our episode with Sunita Sah, called, “How To Say No.”

Don’t forget to pre-order Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change,” at changewithmaya.com/book.

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The world feels especially heavy these days, and it’s easy to feel cynical. So today, Maya is revisiting her conversation with psychologist Jamil Zaki, who offers an alternative to cynicism: a mindset he calls “hopeful skepticism.” Jamil explains why hopeful people are more resilient, more successful in accomplishing goals, and more willing to tackle societal problems head on.

For even more from Jamil, check out our other episode with him: “How to Build Empathy and Avoid Burnout.”

Don’t forget to pre-order Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change,” at changewithmaya.com/book.

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It’s been more than a decade since Malala Yousafzai, then a 15-year-old student and advocate for girls education, survived an assassination attempt. Malala is 28 now, and she’s written an intimate new memoir called “Finding My Way,” revealing sides of her the world has never seen before. In today’s episode, Maya sits down with Malala to explore the tension that exists between the different versions of ourselves that we carry — who the world expects us to be, who our families raised us to be, and who we’re still in the process of becoming.

Don’t forget to pre-order Maya’s book, “The Other Side of Change” at changewithmaya.com/book.

“Finding My Way: A Memoir” is out now. You can find it wherever you buy books.

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When Dr. Vivek Murthy first appeared on the show a few years back, he and Maya discussed the science of loneliness and its impact on our long term health. Now, the former U.S. Surgeon General is back to share simple, practical steps we can take to nurture more meaningful relationships—and why making even small changes can help us feel more connected.

To hear Maya’s first conversation with Vivek Murthy, go to www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans/the-science-of-loneliness.

To watch the full video version of this interview, go to www.pushkin.fm/slightchange.

For more from Vivek on how to create meaningful relationships in our lives, check out bit.ly/recipes4connection.

Sign up for Maya's free newsletter here: changewithmaya.com.

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In the run up to the release of her book, The Other Side of Change, Maya is starting an Ambassadors Program!

Ambassadors will get access to all sorts of exclusive content – like a companion journal, an invitation to an intimate conversation with Maya, sneak peaks of the book, and more. Join a community of people who are passionate about change and want to help bring the book's message into the world.

Sign up to be a Launch Ambassador at changewithmaya.com/join.

Pre-order The Other Side of Change at changewithmaya.com/book.

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Felicia Hsu grew up dreaming of becoming a doctor. Years of relentless dedication brought that dream within reach, but the toll it took left her wondering whether it was finally time to let it go.

Have you had a slight change of plans you think we should know about? Send us a voice memo or an email at slightchange@pushkin.fm.

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Anna Sale is what you might call a professional “haver of hard conversations”. As the creator of the podcast “Death, Sex, & Money,” she’s spent years exploring the big questions and taboo topics people tend to shy away from. In this episode, Anna reflects on what she’s learned from all of those conversations – what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what she’s still figuring out.

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It’s not every day that Maya gets to coach a literal superhero…but tomorrow is that day! Tune in Friday, August 15, to see Maya featured as a neuroscience expert on Chris Hemsworth’s TV show, “Limitless: Live Better Now”. The series streams on Disney+ and Hulu.

Curious to hear what it was like to film with Chris? Want to hear more about brain-boosting techniques? Join Maya for a behind-the-scenes Q&A on Instagram, this Friday, August 15 at 10:30am PST / 1:30 pm ET: www.instagram.com/drmayashankar.

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