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.

[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

About Olga

Me, But Better by Olga Khazan

Big 5 Personality Test

Nathan Hudson’s Research

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ODESZA - The Last Goodbye

Chapell Roan - Good Luck, Babe

Hospice doctor, podcaster, and author Jordan Grumet joins us to explore why the traditional idea of “finding your purpose” might actually be making us miserable. Drawing from his work with patients at the end of life, Jordan challenges the pressure to chase big, lofty goals—or what he calls “big P” Purpose—and instead invites us to embrace “little p” purposes: the simple, joyful activities that ground us and connect us to others. From childhood passions to quiet regrets, Jordan shares practical ways to identify what truly lights you up and how to build a life that feels meaningful—without overhauling everything.

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Jordan Grumet

[7:01] Why Is Purpose So Important?

[10:52] Why Big P Goals Can Cause Anxiety

[16:43] Childhood Joys, Baseball Cards, & Writing

[19:32] You Can’t Fail Little P Purpose

[24:09] Overcoming Barriers to Purpose

[34:41] Regret vs. Disappointment

[46:25] Grooving Session: Creativity, Cadence, and Purposeful Context

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

More About Jordan

Earn & Invest Podcast

The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet

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Public Enemy - Don’t Believe the Hype

Third World - Underdog

In this monthly bonus episode, we tap into insights from our Facebook community to explore what keeps us feeling stuck in our habits and goals. With help from behavioral science, we unpack the hidden forces behind inertia, fear, and comfort zones — and share practical strategies to break free. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and get back in your groove, this one’s for you.

[0:00] Behavioral Boot Camp!

[2:15] Insights from Groove Questions

[6:34] Self-Confidence

[10:03] Risk Aversion and Community Support

[13:25] Final Thoughts - Trust Your Instincts!

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Behavioral Grooves on Substack

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