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Ungifted: Redefining Intelligence in Education & Life with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a cognitive psychologist who is among the top 1% of most cited scientists in the world for his groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. 

He is the host of The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than 30 million downloads and is frequently ranked the #1 psychology podcast in the world, a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. 

Dr. Kaufman is the author of ten books, including Transcend, Wired to Create and Ungifted.


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What if intelligence isn’t a fixed score, but a story you get to keep rewriting?

If you’ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or boxed in by labels, this episode will help you rise above them and unlock the brilliance within you.

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman was once placed in special education and told he didn’t belong in “gifted” programs. Yet today he’s one of the most respected cognitive scientists of our time. His journey proves that labels—“broken,” “disabled,” “not smart enough”—don’t define your destiny.

In this powerful conversation, Scott and I explore how to rethink intelligence, potential, and even Maslow’s famous hierarchy. You’ll discover why IQ tests miss the most important parts of your mind, how neurodiverse traits like ADHD and dyslexia can be hidden superpowers, and why self-actualization isn’t about climbing a pyramid—it’s about learning to sail your own ship.

By the end, you’ll see that your potential is not a number. It’s not predetermined. It’s a moving target you can expand every day with passion, perseverance, and belief.

/ / / Are you ready to take the next step on your brain optimization journey? / / /

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Take your first step by choosing one of the options above, and you will find everything you need to ignite your brilliant brain and unlock your exceptional life, allowing you to achieve and surpass all of your personal and professional goals.

Selected links from the episode:

The Amazing Dr. Scott Mentalist Show

Books mentioned

Ungifted

Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization

Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind

Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself and Realise Your Full Potential 

Research papers mentioned

The Creative Gifts of ADHD by Scott Barry Kaufman

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Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

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**This week’s show notes are taken from the video — enjoy!**

[3:10] How Scott’s personal story around being ungifted shaped his life

[6:42] This is how intelligence should be defined in 2025

[9:50] Hidden superpowers of ADHD and dyslexia 

[11:52] Consequences of being labelled ‘gifted’ by well-meaning parents and educators

[14:10] Potential is a moving target and this is how you re-connect with it

[16:37] Ways you change the school system and tap into everyone’s strengths 

[19:33] Re-imagining Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

[24:48] This is how trauma impacts our ability to self-actualize

[27:27] How the science of play impacts adult creativity 

[30:18] How praise impacts your children and the right ways to do it 

[36:12] Scott’s learning list

Take a screenshot, tag us (@jimkwik & @scottbarrykaufman) and share your biggest takeaway.

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