When Life Makes Other Plans: The Science & Stories of Change | Maya Shankar Moderated by: Catherine Price

Life rarely unfolds according to plan. In this solo talk, cognitive scientist and A Slight Change of Plans creator Maya Shankar explores how unexpected change shapes who we become. Drawing from her new book The Other Side of Change, Shankar blends science and storytelling to examine why disruption can feel so destabilizing—and how it can also unlock new strengths, perspectives, and possibilities. With clarity and warmth, she invites us to rethink change not just as something to survive, but as an opportunity to reimagine ourselves on the other side. The New Orleans Book Festival brings the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. The Festival features both fiction and non-fiction and convenes readings, panel discussions, symposia and keynote speeches. It provides an opportunity for outlets, authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world.