What if the reason you don’t give feedback, follow through, or change your habits… isn’t willpower?

What if it’s a belief?

In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim Scott talks with Nir Eyal — author of Hooked, Indistractable, and his new book Beyond Belief — about the hidden force behind motivation: the stories we tell ourselves.

They explore:

• Why AI can’t replace human relationships — but can help us practice hard conversations

• The limiting belief that keeps people silent at work

• Why knowing what to do isn’t enough

• How pain (not pleasure) drives behavior

• The difference between addiction and habit

• Why “time management is pain management.”

• How to reinterpret anxiety as readiness

• And why beliefs are tools — not truths

If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, follow through, or break a bad habit — this conversation will help you see what’s really getting in the way.Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

Kim welcomes Nir Eyal and introduces AI portraits and scaling human insight.

(04:30) Can AI Replace Relationships?

Why AI can’t replace human connection — but may be the safest place to practice hard conversations.

(10:15) Refining AI Voice & Identity

What it means to “scale yourself” without losing your humanity.

(16:40) The Limiting Belief That Keeps You Silent

“If you don’t have anything nice to say…” — and why that belief causes harm.

(23:10) Beliefs Are Tools, Not Truths

Nir explains the core thesis of Beyond Belief.

(29:30) Placebos, Pain, and Perception

What belief can change — and what it can’t.

(36:20) Stage Fright vs. Readiness

Reinterpreting anxiety as oxygen for performance.

(43:10) Time Management Is Pain Management

Why distraction is about escaping discomfort.

(50:40) Addiction vs. Habit

Why addiction is about escaping pain — not seeking pleasure.

(57:00) Why We Don’t Do What We Know

The missing link between knowledge and action.

(01:04:00) Radical Candor and the “Nice” Trap

The story of Bob — and why staying silent isn’t kind.

(01:10:00) If It’s Yellow, Let It Mellow

Marriage, feedback, and choosing what truly matters.

(01:13:00) Conclusion

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