The Flexible Mindset: How Mental Agility Builds Emotional Intelligence with Elaine Fox, PhD sponsored by BetterHelp
How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. The inherent capacity for neuroplasticity within our brains means that even with age, our minds remain capable of forming new connections and adapting. This fosters mental agility, allowing us to pivot from outdated notions and integrate fresh perspectives without feeling threatened.
For insights on how to keep our mindset flexible, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with cognitive psychologist and author, Dr. Elaine Fox.
Dr. Fox shares her research about the psychological talents, or tools, required to boost neuroplasticity and promote a growth mindset from her book, Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility. She also explores the concept of intellectual humility and emotional intelligence.
Original Air Date Wednesday, July 9, 2025
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Meet Our Guest:
Elaine Fox, PhD, is a psychologist, author, and the Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Prior to her move to Australia, Dr. Fox founded and directed the Oxford Centre for Emotion and Affective Neuroscience (OCEAN) at the University of Oxford, a renowned research center that explores the nature of resilience and mental well-being. A cognitive psychologist by training, she is a leading mental health researcher combining genetics, psychology, and neuroscience in her work.
Dr. Fox also runs Oxford Elite Performance, a consulting group bringing cutting-edge science and psychology to those at the top levels of sport, business, and the military. Her 2012 book Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain is an international bestseller.
Book: Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility
Elaine Fox — Building Resilience & Mental Agility:
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Grab More Joy Below:
Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.
H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.
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