A Slight Change of Plans

Doesn't shy away from the startling reality of some of its stories. These include references to hate crimes involving the KKK, a boy's lonely immigration story reuniting with his family in a new country, religious cults, life-threatening diseases, real-life conflicts in Uganda and North Korea, and false murder accusations. All are discussed professionally and respectfully, despite the intense subject matter.

Although drug use doesn't often factor into stories, there's at least one episode in which singer Kacey Musgraves discusses how a psychedelic experience inspired her latest album. A young man recounts how he started smoking cigarettes as a boy in order to be accepted by the adult men in his community.

Occasionally a topic can discuss sexuality or imply nudity, but it's not graphic. For instance, a mother of a transgender child recounts the moment her child asked for a penile construction. Some discussions of relationships.

Features a wildly diverse group of stories, focusing on people of different races, backgrounds, and gender identities. The show isn't afraid to tackle difficult topics, like talking to Black jazz musician Daryl Davis about how he inspired hundreds of people to leave White supremacist groups. The show features stories from guests with disabilities, like Chef Christine Ha, who continued to pursue her love of cooking after a neurological condition left her legally blind. Many topics of mental health are discussed, including surviving grief, managing mental chatter, the science of meditation, and more. Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar hosts and adds important input from her own experience and expert background.