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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