#792 Can Personalities Change? - Olga Khazan#792 Can Personalities Change? - Olga Khazan
Mental Illness Happy Hour
Olga Khazan discusses her experiment in changing personality traits, sharing insights on anxiety, identity, and the role of cultural pressures in shaping who we are.
1:14:37•20 Mar 2026
Can We Really Change Our Personalities?
Episode Overview
- Personality traits can be altered with intentional effort.
- Anxiety can sometimes be seen as a motivator.
- Vulnerability fosters deeper human connections.
- Understanding others' perspectives can reduce anger.
- Mindfulness practices can significantly lower anxiety levels.
“"All you can do is everything you can do."”
Ever wondered if you can truly change your personality? Join Paul Gilmartin and Olga Khazan as they explore this fascinating topic. Olga, an author and staff writer for The Atlantic, shares her year-long experiment to alter her personality traits, which inspired her book 'Me, But Better.' She opens up about her struggles with anxiety and her attachment to it, providing a unique perspective on how our personalities are shaped and can evolve.
The episode also touches on the cultural pressures Olga faced growing up as a Russian immigrant in West Texas, and how these experiences influenced her view of herself and her work. Paul and Olga discuss the power of vulnerability, the challenges of fitting in, and the importance of empathy. With a mix of humour and deep insights, this episode offers a refreshing look at personal growth and the complex nature of identity. So, what do you think?
Can personalities really change, or are we stuck with what we've got?
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