How to break down complexity and build true understanding.
Richard Feynman is a Nobel Prize-winning Physicist and is widely considered one of the greatest teachers ever.
He invented the razor "If someone uses a lot of complexity and Jargon to explain something, they probably don’t understand it."
His 4-step technique uncovers the gaps lurking in our knowledge so we can truly master something.
Downloadable example Feynman Technique doc - https://samwebster.notion.site/Feynman-Technique-Template-1d5b0569877f80ca8faffb3028fc7bdd
Further Reading
Biography: Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman - UK Book - US Book
6 Easy Pieces: Feynman's Physics Essentials - UK Book - US Book
Feynman's Lectures: Box set - UK Series - US Series
Influence the Show
Meet me - Free call
Feedback - Request and Ideas Form
Growth Mindset pod
Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.
Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
Insta - SamJam.zen
Newsletter - Explosive Thinking
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Emotions in Learning
00:55 The Learning Pyramid: Retention Rates
01:21 Effective Learning Methods
02:05 The Role of Emotions in Teaching
03:51 Introduction to Richard Feynman
04:06 Feynman's Contributions to Physics
05:18 Feynman's Teaching Technique
06:35 Step 1: Go Wide and Then Deep
07:26 Step 2: Explain Like You're Teaching a 5-Year-Old
09:02 Step 3: Feedback, Assessment, and Restudying
10:54 Step 4: Organize, Convey, and Review
14:15 Conclusion: The Importance of Simplicity
Topics
Richard Feynman's teaching techniques explained
Understanding the learning pyramid and memory retention
How to master anything with the Feynman technique
Richard Feynman's coolest experiments and insights
Learning pyramid and retention rates comparison
Feynman's method for effective learning and teaching
Richard Feynman’s approach to mastering subjects
Discussion and teaching methods in the learning pyramid
Audio-visual learning vs reading retention rates
Richard Feynman’s impact on education and teaching
Effective study techniques inspired by Richard Feynman
Mastering complex subjects with the Feynman method
Richard Feynman’s contributions to science education
Learning retention: discussion vs teaching methods
Feynman’s experiments and their educational value
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Om Podcasten
Most self-help advice is guesswork dressed up as wisdom. We dig into psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to find what actually changes lives.
WHY LISTEN?
Over 8 million downloads because we answer the questions that matter: How do I build mental strength? What creates lasting motivation? How can I understand my own mind well enough to work with it, not against it?
This podcast is for curious skeptics who want frameworks backed by psychology studies, not Instagram quotes. Whether you're navigating procrastination, building self-discipline, or designing your own philosophy for a life well lived—we explore the hidden psychology behind real change.
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Mental models and simple techniques from cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and ancient wisdom traditions like Stoicism and Buddhism.
Being a human can be confusing, learning about it doesn’t have to be.
We cover everything from emotional intelligence and habit formation to brain health and the nervous system.
WHAT YOU DON’T GET
No pseudoscience. No oversimplified "hacks." No hustle porn.
Just practical insights on mindset improvement, self-development, and human psychology that respect your intelligence and mental health.
THE APPROACH
Instead of telling you what to think, we explore how thinking works. Armed with psychology studies, social science research, and relentless curiosity, we uncover the mechanics of belief change, attitude change, and personal development.
Success is personal. You might want to leverage your neurodiverse strengths, build a business, or simply discover how to be happier. We provide the mental frameworks to pursue your definition of success with mental strength and self-care that fits your life.
YOUR HOST
I'm Sam Webster Harris—a lifelong learner with ADHD and an obsession with finding answers to hard questions. After launching businesses, traveling the world, and nearly dying a few times, I concluded that psychology and science are where real wisdom lives.
This show is my excuse to dive deep into health and fitness research, behavioral psychology, and cool science while helping you build genuine self-discipline and motivation.
PREMIUM
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PAST SERIES
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 and Relationships
— Carol Dweck and the Multiverse of Mindsets
— Addiction and Behaviour Change
— Nervous System Mastery and Polyvagal Theory
— Mental Strength and Self-Discipline