Podcast appearances and mentions of olga khazan

Olga Khazan is a staff writer for the Atlantic. She descibes herself as neurotic. Khazan spent a year writing the book “Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change.” The project made her question if she could indeed change her personality. Khazan joins the program today.     The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better." This conversation explores personality mutability and Olga's experiment to transform from anxious introvert to someone freed from her own patterns. We discuss the Big Five traits, her Miami breakdown that sparked everything, and why anxiety isn't actually your superpower. Along the way, we examine the paradox of self-acceptance. This exchange is about agency, transformation, and why we amplify our suffering. Enjoy! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up   Today's Sponsors: Lincoln Financial: Check out the NEW 4-part series "The Action Plan"

Olga Khazan⁠ is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of⁠ ⁠⁠Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World⁠. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award. Olga is also the author of a new book on changing your personality,⁠ ⁠⁠Me, But Better⁠, which released March 11. In this classic episode, Olga joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss her own experiment to change her personality, the big five personality types, and much more. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠ Found: ⁠⁠⁠⁠found.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fabric: ⁠⁠⁠⁠meetfabric.com/elevate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cali, Bryan and Todd discuss the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Click here (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025%3A14-30&version=RSV) to read the passage. Click here (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/08/spending-money-finance-anxiety-tightwads/679373/) to read the article they mention, "The Well-Off People Who Can't Spend Money," by Olga Khazan in The Atlantic.

This summer, we're taking a short break from our regular podcast format, and instead have selected various installments from past message series given by James Emery White at Mecklenburg Community Church where he serves as the Senior Pastor. In a world where streaming media often dominates cultural conversation, certain shows stand out - not only for their entertainment value but also for the deeper messages they convey. In Meck's series "Streaming Now," we explored four of the most popular streaming shows sparking widespread cultural and spiritual conversations: "Severance," "Adolescence," "The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," and "The White Lotus." We've already discussed one of these shows on an earlier episode of the Church & Culture Podcast - CCP144: On “Severance." Today, we're going to show the message on "Adolescence" to discover the message it contains, the lessons that can be learned, and the ways the Bible and Christian faith might engage and respond to them. Episode Links Below you'll find the link to the full series if that's something you are interested in checking out, along with the sources that were used in the development of the message itself: “Streaming Now” Olga Khazan, “What Jonathan Haidt Thought When He Watched Adolescence,” The Atlantic, April 15, 2025, read online. Dr. James Dobson, Preparing for Adolescence. Ken Gire, The Reflective Life: Becoming More Spiritually Sensitive to the Everyday Moments of Life. Dolores Curran, Traits of a Healthy Family. We'd also encourage you to check out other parenting and family series given by Dr. White at Mecklenburg Community Church. You can find them under the “Marriage and Family” category of resources HERE. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

This week Scott speaks with journalist and Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan about her latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares her personal journey experimenting with ways to reshape her own personality—armed with insights from the latest psychological research. Together, she and Scott explore whether personality traits like introversion, neuroticism, and even antagonism can truly change over time, and what science says about how we can become better versions of ourselves. This episode dives into the surprising plasticity of personality, why certain traits are harder to shift than others, and the real-life tools that can help spark meaningful, lasting transformation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel like who you are is holding you back? Can you really change your personality — or are you stuck with it for life? Today, Jay sits down with award-winning journalist and author Olga Khazan, whose groundbreaking book Me But Better explores the science of personality change. As a staff writer at The Atlantic, Olga has spent years investigating what shapes who we are — and whether it’s possible to become more confident, resilient, and fulfilled by intentionally shifting our traits. Jay and Olga explore the surprising research showing that personality isn’t fixed — and that with consistent effort, anyone can become a different version of themselves. Olga shares how she transformed traits like anxiety and self-doubt by applying science-backed tools and testing them in her own life. They dive deep into how habits shape identity, why a strong “why” is essential for lasting change, and how the traits we envy in others might point us toward who we’re meant to become. They also unpack the difference between being “authentic” and being stuck — and why growth often looks like discomfort before it feels natural. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Change Personality Traits You’ve Had for Years How to Shift from Anxiety to Emotional Balance How to Use Habits to Redefine Who You Are How to Identify the Traits That Align with Your Goals How to Stop People-Pleasing Without Becoming Cold How to Make Growth Feel Authentic — Not Fake True change doesn’t come from pretending to be someone else — it comes from becoming the person you were always capable of being. This episode is a powerful reminder that you’re not stuck. With intention, action, and the right mindset, you can grow into someone new. With love and gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Key Takeaways From Olga 03:03 Frustration As A Block 05:22 Research Says We Can Change Our Personality Traits 07:30 Why Do We Get So Stuck? 09:46 Is Personality Change Age Exclusive? 11:47 How Can We Change Our Personality? 17:34 Changing Habits Vs Personality Traits 24:31 How Long Does It Take To Change Personality Traits? 35:09 Gender Effects On Personality Traits 37:36 5 Personality Traits That Make Up Personality 41:35 Feeding Motivation For Change 51:46 How Can We Be More Extroverted? 54:04 Exposure Therapy For Introverts 56:56 How Personality Changes Affects The People Around Us 01:01:43 The Social Investment Theory 01:03:15 How Does The SIT Affect Relationships? 01:06:45 From Pessimism To Optimism 01:09:31 How People Pleasers Can Create Healthy Boundaries 01:14:35 Can Introverts Become Extroverts? 01:18:24 Can People With Depression & ADHD Change Their Personality? 01:21:25 Olga On Final Five Episode Resources Olga Khazan | Instagram Olga Khazan | X Olga Khazan | LinkedIn Olga Khazan | Facebook Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality ChangeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus other intriguing questions answered such as: should you change your personality? What exactly is a personality anyway?   Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic. Her new book is called Me, But Better.  In this episode we talk about: The definition of personality  The so-called big 5 aspects of personality and Olga's attempts to work on them How to spice up your social life  The concept of conscientiousness, and how to get better at it An antidote to procrastination  Tips for reducing neuroticism  The role of psychedelics  Practical ways to make reasonable changes in the midst of a busy life Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Olga Khazan, Atlantic staff writer and author of Me, But Better, to explore how parenting forces you to grow in ways you never expected. Olga shares why she had doubts about having a child, what it really means to be an “agreeable” parent, and how she let go of the pressure to parent like the moms on Instagram. Olga Khazan is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better. You can follow Olga on Instagram and X @Olganator and read more of her work on Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/ Grab signed copies of her book Me, But Better  at The Painted Porch! 

According to studies, people tend to be happier, healthier, and more successful when they have a balance of the “Big Five” personality traits:  Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. But can we change our personalities to suit? Olga Khazan is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at The Atlantic covering science, health, and psychology. In her book ME, BUT BETTER: The Science and Promise of Personality Change, she reveals the science behind lasting personality change, and how anyone, at any age, can seize the reigns of their destiny.

#225 today's guest is olga khazan— a journalist and author known for her work on health, science, and social science topics. she is currently a staff writer at the atlantic and has previously written for the new york times, the los angeles times, the washington post, forbes, and other publications.in this episode, we break down the five traits that make up your personality and exactly how you can change your personality for the better. we talk about:• what *actually* shapes your personality type• the five traits that make up your personality• popular personality tests + if they're accurate • how your personality traits affect your daily life• if your personality traits are changeable or fixed• the most common traits people want to change• life hacks for changing your personality traits• benefits of changing certain personality traits • dealing with fears over self-growth + change• changing your personality to fit in • myths around personality psychology • advice for gen z on shaping your personality mentioned:• olga's website• olga's writing at the atlantic• olga's substack• me, but better• weird• angela duckworth ep.• study on ai use☕giveaway! want coffee on me? every month, i gift one listener a starbucks gift card to enter:1. leave a review on apple or spotify2. dm me a screenshot on instagram

If you think about it, your personality impacts how you approach your life. The choices you make, the risks you take, the relationships you have. Our personalities create a set of habits, automatic reactions that impact what we think, feel, and do. When we take on new roles, like becoming a manger or a parent, we may find that certain aspects of our personality no longer work for us. As a leader, we may need to be more extroverted, more open. As a parent, more patient, less reactive. But can we become those things? Can we change specific aspects of our personalities? That's the question Olga Khazan wanted to answer. She's the author of the book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Through her research – numerous interviews with scientists and practitioners – as well as experiments she ran with herself on the road to becoming a parent – she learned we can. And that's a game changer for anyone who has dreams of doing or being something different. Related Links Interview with Hal Hershfield The Big 5 Personality Traits You Can Change with Practice I'm Disagreeable – and It's Backed by Science. Can I Change My Personality? The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Are there ways to change your personality? What traits are easier to change than others? How does environment and life events tend to influence the Big Five traits of your personality?Olga Khazan is a staff writer at The Atlantic magazine and also the author of the books Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change and Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World.Greg and Olga discuss the concept of personality change, focusing on the Big Five personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Olga shares her personal journey of attempting to modify her own traits, the challenges faced, and the various techniques used, such as meditation, improv, and volunteering. They also talk about the implications of personality change in different environments, the heritability of traits, and the broader significance of these changes for personal and professional growth.*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:The case for volitional personality change12:03; Everyone will change slightly, even if they do not do anything. So you can just, like, buckle up and enjoy the ride, I guess. The maturity principle — like people become less neurotic, more conscientious over time — so those are positive changes, and most of us will kind of enjoy those. But volitional personality change, which is what my book is really about, is trying to make a more pronounced change in a shorter period of time. And the kind of type of thing I am talking about is, like, starting therapy. Like most people, if they have a problem, they do not kind of sit back and say, "This problem will eventually go away, so I am not going to get therapy." You know, they are like, "I want to go see a therapist because I want this process to resolve faster — like, want to get over this problem sooner." And so, it is similar with volitional personality changes: you are noticing a problem in your life, and you are taking steps to change it faster than it would change naturally.Why extroverts are often happier22:40: Extroversion is important. Most studies show that extroverts are happier. That's just because they have more social connections... There's just something about being seen by other people, feeling like you're part of a community, feeling like you matter, that is really beneficial for health and can't be replicated by reading a book or watching a TV show.Neuroticism and safety vs. risk25:37: Neuroticism will keep you very safe because you will never do anything. But you have to ask yourself whether you want a life where you've never taken any risks. 'Cause that's also part of it.What improv can teach you about being open20:37: What improv is really good at is, if you are someone who is very controlling of situations or likes to be in control, it completely breaks you of that immediately because there is absolutely no way to control what's happening in improv. Everything is so made up and so confusing, and so you have to like to be in the moment and just pivot on the spot with whatever's happening. And for me, that really helped with extroversion, but also kind of just some of the parts of me that were kind of not willing to be extroverted.Show Links:Recommended Resources:NathanWHudson.comPersonalityAssessor.comBrent RobertsWilliam JamesBrian LittleDale CarnegieHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleGuest Profile:OlgaKhazan.comProfile on LinkedInWikipedia ProfileSocial Profile on XSocial Profile on InstagramHer Work:Articles in The AtlanticAmazon Author PageMe, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality ChangeWeird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider WorldSubstack Newsletter

A few years ago, Olga Khazan, author of Me, But Better, set out to change her personality, which even she found unpleasant. After consulting with experts on personality plasticity and then setting a deadline, Khazan put herself through an intense experiment intended to make herself more likeable, to herself and others.  Khazan tested and scored herself on a range of key personality traits at the beginning and end of the experiment. In this episode, Khazan and I talk about two of those traits: extroversion and neuroticism. Khazan shares how she dragged herself to improv classes and meditation lessons, and how having a baby threw a kink in her experiment.-- Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You'll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olga Khazan is a staff writer for the Atlantic. She descibes herself as neurotic. Khazan spent a year writing the book “Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change.” The project made her question if she could indeed change her personality. Khazan joins the program today.

How much of who you are is really you—and how much is habit, circumstance, or a story you started telling yourself a long time ago? This week, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by journalist and author Olga Khazan (@olganator) to explore the strange, sticky concept of personality: where it comes from, why it feels so permanent, and whether we can actually change it. We touch on the appeal of personality frameworks like Myers-Briggs and the Enneagram, but zoom out to ask deeper questions: Do people ever really change, or do we just learn how to act differently? What happens when we no longer feel like the person we're known to be? A quiet spiral about identity, adaptability, and the mysterious choreography of who we become.Further Reading: Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan  - Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers.- To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack.- Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook. Head to https://Greenchef.com/50MAGICAL and use code 50MAGICAL to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping.  Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical⁠⁠⁠ Check out the Fits Everybody Collection at ⁠⁠https://www.skims.com/magical⁠⁠ #skimspartner Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to⁠⁠⁠ https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your personality isn't fixed? Olga Khazan shares how she deliberately set out to become more extroverted, agreeable, and emotionally stable—using improv, mindfulness, and science-backed strategies. Based on her book Me, But Better, this conversation explores how real change happens, and why connecting with others may be the key to becoming who you want to be. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Olga Khazan [5:59] Experiment: Can I Change My Personality? [9:59] Results: What Changed, What Didn't? [17:43] Nature vs. Nurture in Personality [21:46] Personality Traits as Tools for Life [29:31] Can Older Adults Still Change? [38:39] Solitude vs. True Connection [43:45] Olga's Music Playlist [45:46] Grooving Session: Working on the Personality We Want ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links About Olga Me, But Better by Olga Khazan Big 5 Personality Test Nathan Hudson's Research Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Musical Links ODESZA - The Last Goodbye Chapell Roan - Good Luck, Babe

Can people actually change or are we just stuck with who we are? In this episode, author and journalist Olga Khazan joins Ryan to unpack the age-old debate: are personality traits fixed or can we reshape them over time? Olga shares what happened when she tried to change her own personality over the course of a year and what science says about whether that's even possible.Olga Khazan is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better. You can follow Olga on Instagram and X @Olganator and read more of her work on Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/

Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author, previously, of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award for Magazine Online Writing. Today on the show we discuss: how to know you need to change your personality, the most common personality traits people want to change, steps you can take today to completely reinvent who you are, techniques for reducing anxiety and neuroticism, the role your environment plays in your personality, how to completely reinvent, why introverts are happier after acting extroverted and much more. ⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠ Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you've consumed. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help: Emergency Medical Services—911 If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.  SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I grew up in the world of self-improvement when personality profiles became popular. The idea then was you had a core personality style and it was pretty solid, like your hair color. Culturally we like to label people's personalities, “She's a classic type A personality,” and “Oh, he's super introverted.” In regards to changing one's personality, I question if we want to change who we are, or just how we are? I think we all have tendencies we are dissatisfied with. We find ourselves anxious, depressed, worried, frustrated, angry, sad and more. I don't think we'd look at any of those with desire. I've never woken up in the morning deciding to be more worried than normal. Usually the opposite. So, can we change ourselves? My guest is Olga Khazan and she devoted a full year to trying to change her personality. Olga is a staff writer for The Atlantic has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and more. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship. Olga said she didn't like much how how she was being, and with every reason to be happy and at peace, she described herself as fairly neurotic. I appreciate this line from our talk, she said, “What if rather than trying to make everything in the world go my way, I changed the way I responded to the world?” So she had specific aspects of her core personality, she literally wanted to change. And she embarked on the experiment as the reporter she is. She documented it all in a book, titled, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. I appreciate that Olga didn't come out with some big, bold claim, but simply stating what she didn't like, what she wanted to change, and she documented the journey. And today, she says that yes, she's still her, but…less neurotic. She's still Olga, but, enjoying life more. You can find Olga at the Atlantic or on Substack. I felt this conversation helped me better understand and embrace myself, and, consider how I could be me, but better. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it really possible to change your entire personality in a year? An award-winning journalist experiments with her own personality to find out—and reveals the science behind lasting change. Research shows that you can alter your personality traits by behaving in ways that align with the kind of person you'd like to be—a process that can make you happier, healthier, and more successful. Olga embarked on an “experiment” to see whether it's possible to go from dwelling in dread to radiating joy. For one year, she clicked “yes” on a bucket list of new experiences—from meditation to improv to sailing—that forced her to at least act happy. With a skeptic's eye, Olga brings you on her journey through the science of personality, presenting evidence-backed techniques to help you change your mind for the better. Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She has written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Her new book is Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change.

Can you actually become more outgoing, more conscientious, or even more emotionally stable? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick McGinnis sits down with Olga Khazan, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of Weird, to dive into the science of personality change. Drawing from her own experience to become more extroverted, Olga explains how traits we once thought were fixed can shift through small, intentional actions. From the Big Five to mindfulness and behavioral tweaks, this conversation offers science-backed tools for reshaping your self—and why it's not too late to become the person you want to be. Perfect for anyone curious about personal development, identity, or reinvention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can we really change our personalities? In this episode, Forrest is joined by someone who's actually tried most of the things we talk about on the podcast: journalist and author Olga Khazan. Olga shares the personal experiments that led to her becoming more extroverted and agreeable, and less neurotic. They discuss the Big Five personality traits, how behavior shapes identity, the role of self-concept, authenticity, and some of the common challenges people face when trying to change a core aspect of who they are. About Our Guest: Olga Khazan is a writer at The Atlantic, where she covers health, culture, and the complexities of human behavior. She's the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World and her new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. You can watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics: 0:00: Introduction 1:15: Olga's personal background with personality change 5:20: Age, extroversion, self-concept, and Olga's improv classes 10:10: Unconditional positive regard, meditation, and mindfulness 20:55: Trying on different traits, and acceptance vs. change 24:25: Conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness, and individualism 36:20: Changing at the ‘trait level', and the changes Olga has embraced most 43:50: Psychedelics, non-self, and identifying what's really true 53:50: Nature vs. nurture and the aspects we can't change 56:30: Parenting and personality change 1:02:05: Recap Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors Head to fastgrowingtrees.com/BEINGWELL to get 15% off the best deals for your yard. Use BEINGWELL at checkout, and take advantage of their Alive and Thrive Guarantee! Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell.  Go to ZOE.com and find out what ZOE Membership could do for you. Use code WELL10 to get 10% off membership. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEINGWELL at https://www.oneskin.co/  Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#602: Ever looked back at an old Facebook post and cringed? According to Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic, that discomfort is evidence of something powerful: your personality has changed, even if you didn't notice it happening. In our latest episode, Khazan, who recently wrote a book on the science of personality change, breaks down how our personalities aren't fixed traits but flexible characteristics we can intentionally shift to achieve our goals. The conversation centers on the "Big Five" personality traits — Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism (OCEAN) — and how they impact financial success and career advancement. If you work a regular 9-to-5, personality development can boost your career trajectory. Khazan highlights that conscientiousness — being organized, timely and detail-oriented — directly correlates with workplace success.  She suggests decluttering both your physical space and your commitments to increase productivity.  For introverts navigating office politics, she recommends "cosplaying as an extrovert" by signing up for regular group activities that are hard to back out of. Over time, social interactions become less draining, creating more opportunities for advancement.  And when engaging with colleagues, focus on asking meaningful questions about their experiences rather than collecting basic facts — this builds genuine connections that can lead to promotions and new opportunities. If you're intimidated by new financial ventures like entrepreneurship or real estate investing, Khazan suggests learning from others who've succeeded in similar situations. Research shows you're more likely to implement strategies when you learn them from peers rather than experts.  When discussing successful entrepreneurs, Khazan reveals they typically share three key traits: high extraversion (energy for interacting with others), low agreeableness (ability to make tough decisions), and low neuroticism (emotional stability for risk-taking).  Think Steve Jobs — not always the nicest person, but his combination of vision, decisiveness and comfort with risk built one of the world's most valuable companies. The most important takeaway? Never tell yourself you can't do something because "that's just not who you are." Instead, take small daily steps toward your goal, and you'll gradually develop the personality traits needed for success. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) "The Surprising Science of Six-Figure Thinking" (1:16) What is personality - behaviors that help meet goals (2:24) Personalities change over time (3:34) Personality impacts success (4:12) OCEAN - the Big Five traits explained (5:48) Origins of personality research (8:20) Changing personality intentionally (9:52) Low vs high openness traits (12:05) Increasing openness gradually (15:36) Boosting conscientiousness strategies (23:09) Time management techniques (30:31) Extraversion benefits careers (33:19) Introvert's guide to social skills (37:25) Healthy boundaries, not people-pleasing (46:06) Meaningful conversations build connections (51:16) Reducing anxiety with mindfulness (56:52) CEO traits - extroverted, disagreeable, emotionally stable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Olga Khazan is an author and staff writer at The Atlantic, where she publishes stories on health, social science, psychology, and other thought-provoking topics. In 2020, she published her first book, Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World, which draws on her experiences as both an immigrant and a natural introvert. Olga's latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change, chronicles her year-long personal experiment to reshape her personality. Olga joins the podcast to discuss how she intentionally became more extroverted and how becoming a parent can change our personalities.  Does being a parent make you miserable, happy, or is that the wrong question entirely? Explore these ideas and more in an essay by psychologist Kendra Thomas entitled “Parenting is About Hope, Not Happiness.” Join our growing community of 140,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today. Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

This debut episode is ideal listening for all athletes, especially ones in a pursuit of increased athletic enjoyment and success. Along with host Sarah Bowen Shea, Coach Liz Waterstraat does a deep dive into the new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan. Among other things, Coach Liz discusses the importance of openness during a race; how conscientiousness can help runners succeed in training; and why being more outgoing might deepen your connection to running. (As promised, here's Coach Liz on Goodreads.)   Other books Coach Liz recommends:  How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Katy Milkman Four Thousand Weeks: Oliver Burkeman Unwinding Anxiety: Judson Brewer   When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Check out the full Currex lineup +  get 15% off with code AMR15 at Currex.com   Sleep well: Use code AMR to get 40% off  sitewide at bearmattress.com Get 20% off, plus free shipping, on all IQBAR products by texting AMR to 64-000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the person you think you are… isn't fixed, but flexible? Award-winning journalist and Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan joins Lo for a vulnerable, thought-provoking conversation that will make you question everything you believe about your personality. Based on her new book Me, But Better, Olga shares how she used science-backed strategies to shift her own personality—and how you can too. She opens up about the anxiety she's battled, her relationship with her mother and father, and what it was really like to challenge a lifetime of beliefs about who she was supposed to be. From introvert to more extroverted, from self-critical to self-compassionate—Olga's journey proves that transformation is possible. Plus, Lo shares a powerful mental “spring cleaning” tool at the top of the episode to help you reset your headspace and finally make space for the version of you that's been waiting underneath the surface. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like change is out of reach—this episode is for you. You're not broken. You're not too late. And you're absolutely not stuck. Stay Connected to The Lo Life! Your Favorite Cult Facebook: Join the Coven: The Lo Life FB Group Instagram: @thelolifepodcast Your host: @stylelvr TikTok: @thelolifepodcast This Week's Guest: Olga Khazan We have deals and steals for our kings and kweens- all thanks to our sponsors QUINCE: High fashion clothing for affordable prices. Discount code lolife at check out for free shipping NUTRAFOL: $10 off your first month's subscription and FREE shipping with promo code LOLIFE THRIVE MARKET: healthy eating! Lo's go to spot for healthy, clean food and snacks. Are you ready for a junk free 2025? use code LoLife for 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could rewrite the code of your personality—on command? Not just cope with anxiety, overthinking, or social exhaustion… but delete the traits holding you back and install better ones? This episode challenges everything you've been told about identity. Dave dives deep into the science of personality change to reveal why your habits, moods, triggers, and even sense of self aren't fixed—they're fluid. And more importantly: they're up for grabs. Joining him is award-winning journalist from The Atlantic, Olga Khazan, author of Me, But Better, who spent years hacking her own mind—transforming high neuroticism, social avoidance, and chronic self-criticism into calm, confidence, and connection. Her personal experiment in identity rewiring became a roadmap for anyone who wants to feel different… and live differently. You'll uncover the hidden mechanisms behind neuroticism, reactivity, and emotional spirals—and how to override them with real-time upgrades. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why your personality is a program—and how to recode it • What daily behaviors scientifically rewire anxiety, anger, and reactivity • The surprising link between identity, inflammation, and your gut • Why gratitude isn't soft—it's neurological jiu-jitsu • How to know if it's your biology or your story running the show • Whether pills, psychedelics, or sleep do more to shift who you are • What to do when your inner critic won't shut up • And how to stop being the person you never meant to become SPONSORS -LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/DAVE. -Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off. Resources: • Olga's New Book – Me, But Better: https://www.amazon.com/Me-But-Better-Science-Personality/dp/1668012545 • Dave Asprey's New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Olga's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/olganator/?hl=en • Olga's Website: https://olgakhazan.com/ • 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025 • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 0:00 — Trailer • 1:52 — Intro • 2:16 — Personality Changes and Neuroticism • 5:38 — Postpartum Personality Shifts • 10:21 — Gratitude and Cultural Beliefs • 18:13 — Anger Management and Empathy • 32:58 — Personality Traits and Boundaries • 35:46 — The Importance of Strong Boundaries • 36:07 — Personality Change as Self-Improvement • 37:22 — The Role of Medication in Personality Change • 39:18 — Brain-Body Connection and Mental Health • 43:26 — Impact of Sleep and Nutrition on Personality • 44:23 — Nicotine and Other Substances • 45:41 — Therapy and Personality Change • 46:43 — Changing Personality Through Behavior • 1:01:25 — The Role of Relationships in Personality Development • 1:04:49 — Challenges and Methods in Personality Change • 1:08:38 — The Power of Improv in Personality Change • 1:10:17 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you stuck thinking, "This is just who I am?" Think again. Science shows your personality might not be as fixed as you think. Olga Khazan knows this firsthand. As a journalist and author, she embarked on a journey to change her personality. And now she's discovering what she learned. Some of the things we discuss are: The five core personality traits and how they shape your life Why science says personality isn't as fixed as you think The habits and exercises that can help you become more outgoing, less stressed, or more ambitious How Olga's year-long experiment radically changed her reactions, relationships, and outlook on life Insightful ways to step outside your comfort zone and grow into your best self Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources OlgaKhazan.com Instagram — @Olganator Me, But Better Personality Test Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/STRONGER ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger! Branch Basics — Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code STRONGER15 at https://branchbasics.com/STRONGER15 #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist and The Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan spoke to me about the worst way to launch a book, writing long-form watchdog journalism, and her latest ME, BUT BETTER, The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic – covering science, health, and psychology for more than a decade – and the author, previously, of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She was also The Atlantic's Global editor, and ​​former host of The Atlantic's podcast How To Start Over. In her forthcoming book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change (S&S/Simon Element), she reveals the science behind lasting personality change, and explains how anyone, at any age, can seize the reigns of their destiny. New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin called the book, “Hilarious, honest, and packed with cutting-edge research…”, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant wrote, “This book shatters the myth that personality is set in stone. Drawing on state-of-the-art evidence and rich personal experience, Olga Khazan artfully reveals what our traits really are—and how we can adapt them to achieve our goals.” Olga Khazan has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award for Magazine Online Writing. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox at writerfiles.fm] [If you're a fan of The Writer Files, please click FOLLOW to automatically see new interviews. And drop us a rating or a review wherever you listen] In this file Olga Khazan and I discussed: How she got her start at The Atlantic Why she never got to see her first book in a bookstore Turning a piece of long-form journalism into a book pitch Why reducing your neuroticism by even a small amount can improve your life On crappy first drafts  And a lot more! Show Notes: olgakhazan.com Olga Khazan - The Atlantic Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan (Amazon) Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people just seem to have more luck. Things seem to go their way. When you look closer, those lucky people often have some interesting traits in common. If you want to become luckier in life, listen to the beginning of this episode. https://www.popsci.com/luck-real/ Are you stuck being who you are – or can you change your personality – or at least parts of it? The evidence is clear that not only is personality change possible but also, the people who do make changes are generally happy they did. Joining me to discuss the science of personality change and how to implement it is Olga Khazan. She is a staff writer for The Atlantic and has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and other publications. She is author of the book ME BUT BETTER: The Science and Promise of Personality Change (https://amzn.to/3DJhcGT). After the truck comes and picks up your trash, where does it all go? It's hard to answer because it can go to a lot of different places. And your recyclables, particularly the plastic – that can end up on the other side of the world. In fact, plastic has become a big problem because it isn't as recyclable as people think. The journey your trash takes is a fascinating one and one worth understanding. Here to explain it is Alexander Clapp. He is a journalist and author of the book Waste Wars: The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash (https://amzn.to/4kSv3vh). What can a person's handshake tell you about their physical health? More than you think. Listen as I reveal the relationship between a person's handshake and their risk of dementia and stroke. https://www.prevention.com/health/a20431307/weak-handshake-linked-to-stroke-risk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you change who you are? When reporter Olga Khazan decided she was tired of being a “high-strung misanthrope” (her words), she turned to science for answers. What she discovered about personality — and how to change it — might surprise you. Host: Daniel Pink Guest: Olga Khazan Book: Me, But Better This episode was recorded live at Politics and Prose on March 12th.

Olga Khazan discusses the surprising findings on how personality change can be possible and beneficial. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The problem with “authenticity” 2) The surprisingly simple secret to changing your personality 3) The simple interventions that make us less neurotic Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1042 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT OLGA — Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author, previously, of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award for Magazine Online Writing. She lives with her husband and son in Northern Virginia. • Book: Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change • Substack: OlgaKhazan.substack.com • Writer Profile: Olga Khazan, The Atlantic — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • App: TapeACall • Website: PersonalityAssessor.com • Term: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) • Course: 8-week MBSR courses • Study: “Is Personality Fixed? Personality Changes as Much as ‘Variable' Economic Factors and More Strongly Predicts Changes to Life Satisfaction” by Christopher J. Boyce, Alex M. Wood, and Nattavudh Powdthavee • Researcher: Nathan Hudson • Author: Jon Kabat-Zinn • Book: How to Say Babylon: A Memoir by Safiya Sinclair • Book: The Secret Life of Secrets: How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-Being, Relationships, and Who We Are by Michael Slepian — THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Earth Breeze. See all that BambooHR can do at bamboohr.com/freedemo • Strawberry.me. Claim your $50 credit and build momentum in your career with Strawberry.me/AwesomeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Research shows that you can alter your personality traits by behaving in ways that align with the kind of person you'd like to be—a process that can make you happier, healthier, and more successful. What is the science behind creating lasting change in who you are? Olga Khazan is the author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change.

“I possessed a unique ability to find suffering in even the best circumstances,” admits Atlantic writer Olga Khazan. That trait is one reason why she wished for a different personality; she wasn't seeking radical change, just one to make her life a little bit better. And over the course of a year she did just that, embarking on a journey through the science of personality. Khazan interviewed researchers, took improv classes, learned to sail and surf, reluctantly meditated, and journaled with the intensity of a preteen in unrequited love. She chronicles her quest towards an improved self in her new book, “Me, But Better.” We talk to Khazan, and hear from you: Have you tried to change your personality? How did it go? Guests: Olga Khazan, author, "Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change" and "Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World."; staff writer, The Atlantic

Have you ever wondered “If I wanted to change my personality, would I be able to?” Or have you ever wondered if it was possible for someone else to truly change their personality? This was a question that today’s guest wondered about herself and so she went on a journey to find out whether it was really possible to change your entire personality! Joining the podcast today is Olga Khazan. Olga is a writer for The Atlantic, and the author of the new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga spent a year experimenting with her own personality to see if she could become more extroverted, a lot less neurotic, and a little more agreeable. We speak about: Exactly why you might like to change your personality How much of our personality is ‘hard wired’ The ‘big 5’ personality traits: extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness. How different aspects of our personality affects our relationships Making friends when you’re not particularly extroverted Can you change someone else’s personality? Do certain life stages encourage a personality change? What things can you do to change your personality? You can get Olga's new book Me, But Better You can watch us on Youtube Find us on Instagram Join us on tiktok Or join the Facebook Discussion Group Tell your mum, tell your dad, tell your dog, tell your friend and share the love because WE LOVE LOVE! XxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever wish you could be more confident, less anxious, or just a little more you, only better? Today we're joined by Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares what she learned during a year-long experiment in tweaking her habits, mindset, and daily routines — and what actually works when it comes to personal growth. Plus, it's Sleep Awareness Week! So in today's Mailbag, we're diving into one of the most overlooked factors in financial success, quality sleep. Joining us to tackle your questions is Luke Kelly, CEO of Bryte, a company at the forefront of sleep technology. Use code HERMONEY at bryte.com for $500 off the Bryte Balance model and $750 off the Bryte Balance Pro and Pro Conform.

Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change (S&S/Simon Element, 2025), talks about her new book and what she found on her year-long quest to become a "better" person.

Olga Khazan, author of Me, But Better, explores the science of personality changeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wish you could hit refresh on a few of your personality traits? Maybe you want to be less nervous, more outgoing, or become a little more organized. Olga Khazan, author of the new book "Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change" is chatting us through the HOW TO's of all that and more, so grab a pen and buckle up. We cover: The "Big 5" personality traits-- emotional stability, extraversion, openness, agreeableness & conscientiousness How to figure out where you rank on each of the Big 5 traits Are you still being "authentic" if you try to change your personality? Olga's tips (based on years of research and personal experience) for changing your personality Action steps you can take to become more extroverted, less neurotic, more open and/or more conscientious Take the personality test Olga took HERE! Get Olga's Book HERE! Read Olga's other work at The Atlantic HERE! Connect with Olga on her Substack HERE! Subscribe to our Patreon HERE to access exclusive content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know there's an actual science to uncovering your hidden genius? It's not about filling out a “dream job” worksheet—it's about understanding how your brain is wired, identifying your natural aptitudes, and using them to thrive. This isn't just a self-discovery exercise. It's a game-changer for your career, your relationships, and how you show up in the world. Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison are redefining how we approach career discovery, proving that finding the right path isn't just about landing a job—it's about creating a life that aligns with who you actually are. ✅ Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience, a groundbreaking psychometric assessment platform reshaping how we understand our talents. She's also the Director of Marketing & Branding at Diversified Trust and a frequent lecturer at Vanderbilt University and NYU's Stern School of Business. ✅ Alex Ellison – Founder of Throughline Guidance, a global college and career counseling practice. She's a sought-after writer, speaker, and expert in college readiness and career development. ✅ Together, they co-authored Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Discovering your hidden genius isn't just about career success—it's about tapping into what makes you, you. Connect with Betsy & Alex:  Website (Free Downloads): www.yourhiddengenius.com Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/your-hidden-genius-elizabeth-m-willsalexandra-ellison Related Podcast Episodes: How To Be You, But Better with Olga Khazan | 288 Finding Purpose Through Human Design with Emma Dunwoody | 228 195 / Finding (And Using) Your Voice with Amy Green Smith Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Vox, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Award. Olga is also the author of a new book on changing your personality, Me, But Better, which releases March 11.   Olga joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss her own experiment to change her personality, the big five personality types, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels like the personality we have is the one we're stuck with, regardless of how much we wish we were different...but is that really the case? In today's episode we are joined by writer and author Olga Khazan who ran a year long experiment to see how much she could change her personality to be more outgoing, less anxious and hopefully, happier. We discuss: The root of all personalities What does science say is the best kind of personality When does personality become stable Is it possible to change? How could we change our personality? The results of her experiment then & now + much more Listen now! Olga's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Me-But-Better/Olga-Khazan/9781668012543 PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly connects with The Atlantic journalist Olga Khazan whose new book, “Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change,” follows her as she attempts to change her own personality including taking improv classes in order to boost her extroversion.  “Improv taught me I can rely on others to supply their side of the […]

Doree and Elise speak with Olga Khazan, Atlantic writer and author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change about how much of your personality is fixed vs changeable, the underrated but life-changing value of niceness, and a mindset shift to deal with the tumultuous times we're living in. To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at forever35podcast.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever caught yourself thinking, Why am I like this? Maybe you wish you were more outgoing, less anxious, better at setting boundaries, or just less awkward at small talk (or maybe that's just me). But this episode isn't about forcing you to become someone you're not. It's about understanding how personality works, what's actually within our control, and whether we can tweak the internal settings to become a version of ourselves we actually like being. And that's exactly what our guest set out to prove—through science and a little self-experimentation. Olga Hazan is an award-winning journalist, staff writer for The Atlantic, and the author of Me, But Better, where she explores the science of personality change. But she didn't just research it—she spent a year experimenting on herself, testing whether she could intentionally reshape key aspects of her personality. Because why just write about something when you can live it? The truth is, whether you like it or not, you are changing. The question is: do you want to have a say in how? Connect with Olga Khazan:  Website: https://olgakhazan.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/olganator/ Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Me-But-Better/Olga-Khazan/9781668012543 Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/ X: https://x.com/olgakhazan  Related Podcast Episodes: All The Ways We Get In Our Own Way with Thais Gibson | 235 Leading From The Inside Out with Dana Maor | 278 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Stand Up is a daily podcast that I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 700 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more GET TICKETS TO PODJAM II In Vegas March 27-30 Confirmed Guests! Professor Eric Segall, Dr Aaron Carroll, Maura Quint, Tim Wise, JL Cauvin, Ophira Eisenberg, Christian Finnegan and The Ladies of The Hue will all join us! Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Her first book, Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World, came out in 2020. She has also written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, and other publications. She is a two-time recipient of the International Reporting Project's Journalism Fellowship and winner of the 2017 National Headliner Awards for Magazine Online Writing. Join us Monday's and Thursday's at 8EST for our Bi-Weekly Happy Hour Hangout!  Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing      

In this episode, you'll learn: Why you keep falling back into old patterns (and the weird brain science behind breaking free) The real reason most people fail when trying to change themselves How to tell if your personality traits are helping you grow or just keeping you safe and stuck   What if everything you believe about your personality is just an elaborate story you've been telling yourself? You know where these stories come from, right? That voice in your head. You know the one. It's got you totally convinced about who you are. "I'm just not good with money." "I'll always be anxious." "This is just my personality." But here's the thing about personalities. They're not set in stone. They're more like stories we tell ourselves over and over until we believe them. And trust me, our brains are really good at finding evidence to support whatever story we're telling.Think about it. Every time you react to something, your brain is basically taking notes. "Oh, this is how we handle stress. Got it. Filing that away for next time." Before you know it, you've got these deep grooves in your brain. Like a record that keeps playing the same song because that's where the needle naturally falls. Here's where it gets good though. Science is showing us something pretty wild: these grooves in our brain? They're not permanent. Every single experience you have is literally rewiring your brain. Creating new pathways. New possibilities.Today our guest is Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better." She's done the research, run the experiments, and found out what it really takes to change who you are. Not just on the surface, but at your core.Links from the episode: Show Notes: mindlove.com/389 Join the Mind Love Collective Sign up for The Morning Mind Love for short daily notes to wake up inspired Support Mind Love Sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, you'll learn: Why you keep falling back into old patterns (and the weird brain science behind breaking free) The real reason most people fail when trying to change themselves How to tell if your personality traits are helping you grow or just keeping you safe and stuck    What if everything you believe about your personality is just an elaborate story you've been telling yourself? You know where these stories come from, right? That voice in your head. You know the one. It's got you totally convinced about who you are. "I'm just not good with money." "I'll always be anxious." "This is just my personality." But here's the thing about personalities. They're not set in stone. They're more like stories we tell ourselves over and over until we believe them. And trust me, our brains are really good at finding evidence to support whatever story we're telling. Think about it. Every time you react to something, your brain is basically taking notes. "Oh, this is how we handle stress. Got it. Filing that away for next time." Before you know it, you've got these deep grooves in your brain. Like a record that keeps playing the same song because that's where the needle naturally falls. Here's where it gets good though. Science is showing us something pretty wild: these grooves in our brain? They're not permanent. Every single experience you have is literally rewiring your brain. Creating new pathways. New possibilities. Today our guest is Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better." She's done the research, run the experiments, and found out what it really takes to change who you are. Not just on the surface, but at your core. Links from the episode: Show Notes: mindlove.com/389 Join the Mind Love Collective Sign up for The Morning Mind Love for short daily notes to wake up inspired Support Mind Love Sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this extended holiday, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:For the centennial series "100 Years of 100 Things," Errol Louis, political anchor of Spectrum NY1 News, host of Inside City Hall and The Big Deal with Errol Louis, New York Magazine columnist and host of the podcast You Decide, talks about the past 100 years of the influence of Robert Moses on the New York area, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Robert Caro's exhaustive biography of Moses, The Power BrokerMitchell Moss, professor of urban policy and planning at New York University's Wagner School, and Rachel Weinberger, Peter W. Herman chair for transportation at Regional Plan Association, talk about the ideas and proposals on how to undo the most harmful parts of Robert Moses' legacy, especially the expressways that have divided and polluted neighborhoods.In another installment in the centennial series, Jonathan Zimmerman, professor of history of education at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of several books, including Whose America? Culture Wars in the Public Schools (University of Chicago Press, September 2022), traces the history of the so-called "culture wars" in public education, from the Scopes trial, to religion in schools, sex ed and the controversies of today over critical race theory, masks during COVID and more.Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World (Hachette Go, 2020) and the forthcoming Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change (S&S/Simon Element, 2025), talks about a study suggesting the current "loneliness epidemic" isn't because of a lack of friends, but a lack of time to spend with them. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of 100 Things: Robert Moses (September 18, 2024)Undoing Robert Moses' Legacy (September 20, 2024)100 Years of 100 Things: School Culture Wars (September 23, 2024)Why Loneliness Isn't About Numbers (September 12, 2024)