Growth Minds with Sean Kim

Dr. Neal Barnard is a physician, clinical researcher, and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). He is a leading advocate for plant-based nutrition and has conducted groundbreaking studies on how diet affects diabetes, heart disease, and brain health. Dr. Barnard is the author of numerous bestselling books, including The Power Foods for the Brain and Your Body in Balance. Through his research and public education efforts, he has become one of the most influential voices in promoting evidence-based, compassionate nutrition.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Misconceptions and origins of the plant-based diet(02:24) – Early exposure to heart disease and meat connection(05:11) – Discovery that plant-based diets reverse diabetes(06:07) – Portion control vs. natural body regulation(07:38) – Humans as plant-eaters, not natural carnivores(08:53) – Stone Age tools enabled unnatural meat consumption(10:22) – Returning to plant-based diets improves health(14:10) – Reversing diseases through diet changes and research(16:03) – What “plant-based” truly means and typical meals(17:33) – How fat buildup causes insulin resistance(18:53) – Three-week vegan diet and diabetes improvement(20:47) – Why omnivorous diets fail long-term(21:59) – Clarifying vegan vs. plant-based terminology(22:31) – Comparing keto and plant-based diet results(25:12) – Health risks and misconceptions of ketogenic diets(27:36) – The four pillars of a healthy diet(29:37) – Environmental and ethical impact of meat consumption(33:14) – Getting sufficient protein from plants(35:22) – Shrimp farming ethics and environmental damage(39:26) – Food production methods vs. health outcomes(41:31) – Protein intake debates and sarcopenia(45:03) – Plant protein sources and practical meal ideas(47:02) – Dining out and global vegan meal options(49:44) – Supplements: B12, D, iodine, omega-3s(54:06) – Iron sources and risks of excess iron(59:33) – Dairy, hormones, and links to cancer(1:07:06) – Compassion, evolution, and human indifference to animals(1:13:20) – Cultural and economic factors in diet choices(1:20:11) – Ethical debates about plants, pain, and life(1:23:22) – Dr. Barnard’s books and closing reflectionsWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Richard Shotton is a behavioral science expert, author, and consultant specializing in applying psychological research to marketing and consumer behavior. He is best known for his bestselling books "The Choice Factory" and "The Illusion of Choice", which reveal how insights from behavioral science can influence decision-making and brand success. With over two decades of experience in advertising, Shotton works with leading companies to apply evidence-based strategies that drive real-world results. He is also a sought-after speaker, known for making behavioral science practical, engaging, and actionable.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Who benefits from this conversation and book overview(00:44) – Behavioral science applied to business and marketing(01:28) – Psychology principles also shaping personal brands(02:45) – Focus vs variety: the goal dilution effect(03:52) – Study showing multiple benefits reduce credibility(05:27) – Why people trust specialists over generalists(07:06) – Restaurant and brand examples proving focus wins(07:54) – Five Guys story: simplicity and specialization(09:46) – How focus improves both product and perception(10:39) – Exceptions like Amazon and Google’s success(12:14) – Why AI brands should emphasize specialization(17:13) – Applying focus and credibility to personal branding(18:55) – The Pratfall Effect: admitting flaws builds trust(21:30) – Using weaknesses to strengthen authenticity(24:11) – Price perception: high cost implies high quality(26:22) – Smart ways to admit flaws and gain believability(27:27) – Case studies: Avis, Buckley’s, and embracing flaws(31:07) – Kraft’s hidden reformulation and expectation bias(35:31) – Eco-friendly bias and performance expectations(38:40) – The Zeigarnik Effect: memory from incomplete tasks(43:26) – KFC secrecy and Coca-Cola mystery as engagement tools(45:28) – Illusion of effort: visible work increases perceived value(49:20) – Transparency in design: Dyson, kitchens, and websites(54:27) – Behavioral biases as flexible tools for persuasion(57:01) – Testing ideas ethically through observation(1:02:43) – Liquid Death and breaking conventions to stand out(1:07:04) – Repetition and the mere exposure effect(1:10:40) – False consensus: marketers aren’t their audience(1:12:18) – Main takeaway: remove barriers, make it easyLearn more about RichardAstroten - Richard's CompanyAmazon Book Link - Hacking the Human MindChoice FactoryWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Ellen Langer is a social psychologist and professor at Harvard University, widely regarded as the "mother of mindfulness." Her groundbreaking research explores how mindset influences health, aging, and performance, emphasizing the power of awareness in everyday life. She is the author of several influential books, including Mindfulness and The Mindful Body, which challenge assumptions about control, perception, and well-being. Dr. Langer’s decades of work have transformed how psychology understands the connection between mind and body.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Defining mindlessness: autopilot, past-driven behavior(00:49) – Mindfulness beyond meditation: simply noticing change(01:21) – Embrace uncertainty to pay attention(02:07) – Find novelty in the familiar(04:29) – Question assumptions; rules change with context(11:03) – Mind–body unity vs inherited dualism(14:03) – Placebo shows belief shapes physiology(15:57) – “Counterclockwise”: mindset rejuvenates aging markers(17:31) – Reframing work as exercise improves health(19:35) – Perceived time alters healing and glucose(22:09) – Fatigue depends on framing and context(24:31) – Challenge human “limits”; language shapes ability(28:15) – Prefer mindful imperfection over robotic perfection(33:27) – Behavior makes sense from actor’s perspective(36:47) – GLADO: generous, loving, authentic, direct, open(39:31) – Events are neutral; interpretations create stress(55:39) – Language reframes: forgive/blame, try/hope, remission/cure(1:03:47) – Mindful performance elevates art and creativity(1:07:04) – Keep relationships fresh by noticing change(1:14:34) – Daily cues: notice, reframe, play, stay curiousLearn more about Dr. Langer:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Langerhttps://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/ellen-langerWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim⁠

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for making complex cosmic concepts accessible to the public. He serves as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Through his books, television appearances, and the podcast StarTalk, Dr. Tyson inspires curiosity about the universe and promotes scientific literacy worldwide. His engaging storytelling and wit have made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern science.In our conversation we discuss:(01:08) Mysteries that keep Neil deGrasse Tyson up at night(03:47) How scientists learn to ask the right questions(07:14) Philosophy’s role and value in modern science(10:43) Why philosophers stopped influencing physical sciences(12:54) Misinterpretations of Neil’s comments on philosophy(17:03) Becoming famous and public accountability(21:07) How scientists stay connected and exchange ideas(24:51) Choosing between teaching, science, and public outreach(28:14) Current research interests and unsolved astrophysics questions(30:43) Impact of private space travel on science(35:16) Relationship between science, politics, and the military(36:30) Why Elon Musk won’t reach Mars first(37:49) Future of space tourism and affordability(41:00) Expanding human presence across the solar system(47:35) Genetic engineering, ethics, and human evolution(49:27) Global cooperation and genetic regulation challenges(52:29) Human–AI integration and Neuralink skepticism(55:01) Future of robots and human labor(58:07) Early AI history and the Turing test(1:02:21) Skills young people need in the AI era(1:04:09) Teaching curiosity and lifelong learning(1:07:04) How Neil developed communication and teaching skills(1:09:37) Creating meaning and purpose in life(1:11:01) How Neil wants to be remembered(1:12:53) StarTalk, books, and inspiring public curiosityLearn more about Dr. Neil:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_TysonWatch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankimConnect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris is a neuroscientist and professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, where he leads the Psychedelics Division. He is internationally recognized for pioneering research on psychedelics, brain function, and mental health. His studies have revealed how substances like psilocybin and LSD can “reset” brain networks and offer therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Carhart-Harris is a leading voice in the renaissance of psychedelic science, making groundbreaking neuroscience accessible to both scientific and public audiences.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) Misunderstandings people have about psychedelics(02:27) Differentiating psychedelics from drugs like ketamine, MDMA(08:39) Why people group all drugs together(14:57) History of ancestral use of psychedelics(21:46) Visions or insights during dark retreat(23:17) Biohacks for psychedelic experiences without compounds(29:10) Natural vs synthetic psychedelics and effects(32:28) Albert Hoffman’s discovery of LSD(37:45) Findings from legal LSD human studies(45:55) Comparing SSRIs and psychedelics for depression(46:27) Clarification on psilocybin as treatment(48:49) Qualitative vs quantitative measures in trials(51:34) No difference between SSRIs and psychedelics?(54:21) Hesitations about psychedelics despite effectiveness(54:56) Why clinicians hesitate to provide both options(58:04) Downsides of SSRIs versus psychedelics(1:03:46) Dependency risk of SSRIs vs psychedelics(1:07:49) Personality traits suited for SSRIs vs psychedelics(1:12:54) Microdosing versus single high psychedelic doses(1:14:48) Placebo or real effects of microdosing(1:18:57) Brian Johnson’s blueprint and psychedelics(1:20:32) Psychedelics and potential longevity benefits(1:26:01) Key takeaway and misconception to forget(1:29:04) Where to follow for book updatesLearn more about Dr. Robin:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Carhart-Harrishttps://profiles.ucsf.edu/robin.carhart-harris@CarhartharrislabWatch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankimConnect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim