Episode #67: How to overcome a victim mindset and realize your potential Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author who is passionate about helping people with all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. He is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his research on intelligence and creativity.

Scott is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He has also been a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world.

Scott’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author and editor of 10 books, the most recent of which is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential, published in April 2025.

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Timestamps:

[00:01:34] What is a victim mindset?

[00:03:52] Vulnerable narcissism in culture.

[00:10:30] Honest love vs. victim mindset.

[00:12:54] Victim mindset and self-actualization.

[00:17:44] Victim mindset and empowerment.

[00:20:43] Victim to self-esteem issues.

[00:27:20] Collective victimhood and empowerment.

[00:30:24] Malevolent intent in ambiguity.

[00:34:07] Victim mindset in everyday life.

[00:39:28] Virtuous victim mindset.

[00:41:29] Final thoughts on human potential and growth.