The Creative Act: Rick Rubin's 12 Rules for Creativity and Being Yourself
Ever feel like creativity is reserved for “real” artists? Rick Rubin’s 12 rules say otherwise. They’re for anyone who wants to live and create with more honesty.
Rubin, the legendary producer who can’t play an instrument, built his career by helping others strip away what’s fake and tune into what’s real. His rules aren’t about being clever; they’re about noticing, subtracting, and getting comfortable with discomfort.
I’ll share how Rubin’s approach helped me stop overthinking and start making things that actually felt like me. Think of creativity as tuning a radio: your job isn’t to invent the music, it’s to find the right frequency.
Notice inspiration everywhere—train yourself to be amazed by the ordinary.
Make a mess first, judge later—let ideas breathe before you kill them.
Change your environment to change your mind—move your desk, move your thoughts.
Tune in to discover how to make your work (and life) feel more like you.
----
Advertisers
BetterHelp
The world's largest online therapy provider
BetterHelp.com/GrowthMindset - 10% off 1st month
Liquid I.V.
Sugar-free hydration for any occasion
Liquid-IV.com - 20% off with code GROWTH
----
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World
Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
Can't find it on your player?
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
----
UPGRADE to Premium:
🏖️ Ad-free listening
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creativity
00:41 Who is Rick Rubin?
01:49 Lessons from Rick Rubin's Book - The Creative Act
02:53 Lesson 1: You Are a Receiver, Not a Creator
05:02 Lesson 2: Inspiration is Everywhere
07:32 Lesson 3: Vary Your Inputs
09:55 Lesson 4: Make Something Without Judging It
11:01 Lesson 5: Discomfort is a Creative Compass
13:30 Lesson 6: The Work Reflects the State of the Maker
15:25 Lesson 7: Reduce Until Only the Truth Remains
18:30 Lesson 8: The Audience Comes Last
19:29 Lesson 9: Nothing is Ever Finished
22:23 Lesson 10: Be a Beginner Always
24:04 Lesson 11: Create Your Environment with Intention
25:49 Lesson 12: The Artist's Job is to Be Open
28:13 Summary of 12 Lessons
28:53 Final Thoughts on Creativity
30:57 Supplementary Stories and Recommendations
31:28 Wrapping Up and Challenge for the Week
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
37:29
--------
37:29
Lessons Across Time: How to teach yourself, remember more and grow wiser
The best lessons don't come from others, but from yourself.
As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living". This episode invites you to rethink how you engage with your past and future selves as a continuous dialogue of growth.
Journaling, sending future emails, and revisiting your old favourites aren’t just nostalgia trips — they’re time machines for your brain.
I share my own cringe-worthy stories from my own teenage journal flipped my self-doubt into confidence. Science backs it up: writing boosts memory and emotional clarity, and connecting with your future self helps you make smarter choices.
The best way to preserve the memories of your favourite people
How to capture your feelings and goals for the future
Easy habits that teach you the most important lessons in life
----
Advertisers
BetterHelp
The world's largest online therapy provider
BetterHelp.com/GrowthMindset - 10% off 1st month
Liquid I.V.
Sugar-free hydration for any occasion
Liquid-IV.com - 20% off with code GROWTH
----
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World
Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
Can't find it on your player?
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
----
UPGRADE to Premium:
🏖️ Ad-free listening
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Chapter:
00:00 Introduction: Conversations Across Time
01:24 #1 - The Power of Journaling
02:18 Personal Story: Sailing Adventures
04:21 #2 - Sending Messages to Your Future Self
07:18 #3 - The Impact of Revisiting Old Favorites
10:19 #4 - Recording Conversations with Loved Ones
12:46 #5 - The Concept of Life Reviews
12:56 Experimenting with 12-Week Sprints
15:41 #6 - Revisiting Your Own Work
18:31 #7 - Mentoring Yourself Across Time
20:00 - Bonus - Building a Life Library
21:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
22:09 Engage with the Community
22:25 Preview of Next Week's Episode
22:35 Closing Remarks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
27:53
--------
27:53
Attachment Theory and How to Avoid the Mistakes Everyone Makes When They Learn About It
Attachment theory and how to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when they learn about it.
It’s probably your attachment style. Think of it as the relational software installed in your brain during your first 18 months. This episode is a crash course in understanding your programming and avoiding common mistakes.
We break down the four main styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized. We explore the classic Anxious-Avoidant trap, where one person chases and the other retreats, creating a cycle of frustration. More importantly, we debunk the myth that these styles are a life sentence.
You'll get a practical, no-fluff guide to understanding your patterns and, crucially, how to start changing them for the better.
Spot the Red Flags: Learn to recognize an avoidant partner’s mixed messages so you can bypass the drama.
Get Your Crazy Out: Why being direct about your needs (especially if you're anxious) is the best dating strategy.
Ditch the Ghost: For avoidants, learn why idolizing a fantasy ex is sabotaging your chance at real happiness.
Listen now to finally make your love life make sense.
----
Advertisers
BetterHelp
The world's largest online therapy provider
BetterHelp.com/GrowthMindset - 10% off 1st month
Liquid I.V.
Sugar-free hydration for any occasion
Liquid-IV.com - 20% off with code GROWTH
----
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World
Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
Can't find it on your player?
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
----
UPGRADE to Premium:
🏖️ Ad-free listening
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Chapter:
00:00 Attachment styles
04:48 Origin of Attachment Styles
06:17 Secure attachment
07:11 Anxious attachment
08:17 Avoidant attachment
09:00 Disorganized attachment
09:22 Impact on Relationships
12:38 Advert - Magic mind
12:38 Common mistakes with attachment theory
14:57 Overgeneralize attachment styles
15:50 Neglecting the influence of context
17:49 Stigmatizing certain attachment styles
19:13 Oversimplifying the complexity of relationships
19:46 Misapplication of attachment theory
20:24 Ignoring change in attachment style
21:13 Mid-roll ad
21:17 Improving Attachment styles
24:31 Improve Anxious Attachment
27:06 Avoidant attachment traits
29:00 Avoidant style tips
30:23 Deeper areas to explore
31:11 Send off
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
36:24
--------
36:24
Do You Think Like a Caveman? Surprising Mindset Lessons From History
Where does the scarcity mindset, imposter syndrome, and loss aversion come from?
Welcome to a mindset masterclass from history. Learn if the very instincts that kept humanity alive are now keeping you from truly living.
For 290,000 years, we survived by playing it safe, following the tribe, and hoarding resources. These weren't character flaws—they were survival strategies in a world where innovation could mean death.
The scarcity mindset that once threatened our ancestors' survival now threatens our potential.
The tribal conformity that once protected us now prevents breakthrough thinking.
The focused attention that once saved lives now creates cognitive tunnels.
This episode goes beyond history to recognise the invisible forces shaping your choices and breaking out of survival mode.
-------
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World
Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
Can't find it on your player?
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
-------
UPGRADE to Premium:
🏖️ Ad-free listening
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement
Episode: Do You Think Like a Caveman? Surprising Mindset Lessons From History
Chapters:
00:00 GM - 5 Mindset Locks on Innovation
02:58 The Hand Axe Conundrum
04:51 Episode Goals
06:06 #1 - SURVIVAL
06:42 Energy requirements
08:51 Time Scarcity
11:20 Risk and Psychological Safety
13:39 Survival and Scarcity Mindset
16:15 #2 - CULTURE
18:03 Culture in New Guinea
19:02 Results of trying ideas
20:46 The Grandmother Hypothesis
21:43 Widowhood statistics
23:07 Kaulong Tribe Widow killing
24:49 Catalhoyuk - 1000 years of stasis
25:59 Culture, Social Pressure, Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome
28:47 #3 - KNOWLEDGE
30:51 Losing knowledge
32:14 Maths
33:01 Communication and Language
34:03 Ice Age Picasso Paradox
35:16 Knowledge and Cognitive Tunnelling
37:59 Wrap Up
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
44:37
--------
44:37
5 Self-Limiting Beliefs that Hold You Back from Who You Want To Be
You’re not lazy. You’re just listening to the wrong voice in your head.
This episode breaks down 5 invisible saboteurs that make you think you're stuck. The reality is you're just thinking the wrong thoughts.
Think of your brain like an iPhone. If it runs on a 2012 mindset, don’t expect 2025 results.
Sam dives into the limiting beliefs that sneak into our self-talk, from the myth of perfectionism to the lie that you “don’t have enough willpower.” You'll hear how comedians bomb for years, why imposter syndrome gets worse with success, and what cats can teach us about distraction.
Flip the script on your inner critic before it sets the tone for your day.
Ditch “I need to be ready” and build momentum instead.
Learn to treat willpower like an emotion, not a battery.
You’re one mindset shift away from progress.
-------
NEW SHOW - How to Change the World
Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast
Can't find it on your player?
RSS feed - https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8
-------
UPGRADE to Premium:
🏖️ Ad-free listening
🤘 Support the show
🔓 Exclusive AMAs and bonus content
💬 Community Discord
GrowthMindset.Supercast.com
Get in Touch
👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset
📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com
Growth Mindset Psychology:
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
🛜 Website - Growth Mindset
Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement
Episode: 5 Self-Limiting Beliefs that Hold You Back from Who You Want To Be
Chapters:
00:00 Perfectionism and believing we are too late
02:25 1 - Inner Critic
04:56 2 - Fear of mistakes
06:59 3 - Ego Depletion
10:00 4 - Imposter Syndrome
13:26 5 - I am Helpless against Distraction
15:40 ADHD and incorrect use of Diagnosis and Prognosis
16:47 Nir Eyal's 4 point model to beat distraction
16:56 Master Internal Triggers
17:22 Schedule Time for Traction
18:02 Hacking back External Triggers
18:28 Distraction Prevention Pacts
19:31 Recap
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement
There are a lot of opinions on how to master your mind, but then there’s PSYCHOLOGY.
We’re all stuck with the brain we’re born with, but we aren’t stuck with how we use it.
Learn science-backed answers to make the most of your mind and your life.
CURIOUS?
Growth Mindset Psychology is the "self-help sceptic" podcast for the curious.
Whether you want to improve performance, navigate setbacks, or know who you are.
We find answers to the true science of self-improvement.
So put down the astrology chart and start working with your mind, instead of against it.
With over 8 million downloads and 60,000 monthly listeners, you’re invited to join.
PROCESS
Instead of telling you what to think, we discuss how thinking works.
Armed with a stack of science journals, textbooks and a boatload of curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of the mind.
Why? >>> Success is personal!
You might want to make the most of your neurodiverse strengths, start a business, or simply find more reasons to smile.
Hone your ability for independent thinking and growth with mental models to pursue your definition of success.
HOST
I’m Sam Webster Harris, a lifelong learner with ADHD, a raging curiosity, and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions.
After launching several businesses, travelling the world and nearly dying a few times I concluded that science and Psychology are where it’s at.
What actually makes people happy? What’s the best way to treat a brain? How can I get more done?
Studying the answers we find that changing behaviours requires building mindsets, mental models, and a healthy relationship with failure.
I run the show to help listeners enjoy nutritious content that feeds their minds (and I needed a legitimate excuse to cover for my reading addiction).
PREMIUM
Go Ad-Free and listen to exclusive content.
Support the show and access the AMA features and community Discord.
Growth Mindset Premium
ARCHIVE
Previous guests include Olympians, Scientists, Billionaires, and Sam's Mum.
Past series:
— Psychology vs Stoicism
— Time Management for busy mortals
— Independence and knowing yourself
— Cognitive biases and rational thinking
— Psychology of connection
— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
Listen to Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK