In this series, Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan analyzes what it takes to change our relationships, our work, and our perspective—with a practical approach to one of life’s greatest mysteries: how to start over.
Change can be really hard. Inertia is powerful, mortgages and marriages are long-term, and personality traits can feel pretty hardwired. But we’r ... Show More
Jun 2022
How to Start Over: 'Parents Are Not All Good and All Bad'
Some families have the frictionless ease of unconditional love and understanding, but for many the stalemate of family tensions can be insurmountable. In this episode of How to Start Over, we explore what can be done to evaluate the dynamics in lifelong family relationships, find ... Show More
29m 22s
Jun 2022
How to Start Over: When Partnership Is Not the Destination
In a society dominated by romantic couples, it can be hard to accept your unpartnered state for what it is. But for the “single at heart,” the desire for partnership is nonexistent—replaced with a sense of self-sufficiency, satisfaction, and robust friendships. In this episode of ... Show More
31m 35s
Aug 2025
Me, But Better: Olga Khazan On The Science of Personality Change, Challenging Fixed Mindsets, & The Big Five Traits That Shape Your Life
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 t ... Show More
2h 12m
Mar 2024
009 - Get Clear on Why Change is Hard
Send us Fan MailWe all struggle with change in our lives, whether it's a change we choose, a change life chooses for us, or a change we need to make in order to live an authentic life. In this episode, Najwa shares the knowledge and experience she gained on change over the years, ... Show More
19m 33s
Mar 2025
How to change your personality
If you could change anything about your personality, anything at all, what would it be?
And why would you want to change it?Writer Olga Khazan spent a year trying to answer those questions, and documented the experience in her new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of P ... Show More
39m 11s
Apr 2025
Embracing New Beginnings: The Art of Starting Over
Starting over—whether in work, relationships, or life—can feel overwhelming. Learn how mindfulness helps us embrace change, let go of "shoulds," and take small, compassionate steps toward new beginnings. 📖 Try guided meditations for anger & release: Headspace App 🌍 Follow Eve o ... Show More
5m 50s
<p>In this episode, I talk about why we're reluctant to start over. I talk about how to reframe hitting reset with one simple mindset.</p> <p> Get "The New Mindset Journal", "Single is your Superpower" and "UNBOTHERED" and Unbothered Candles. (https://newmindsetwhodis.com/)</p> ... Show More
