Mind & Life

Neil Theise, a pathologist, scientist, author, and Zen Buddhist, explores the profound interconnectedness of our bodies and the universe. He shares how his insights from medicine and Buddhism reveal the significance of the interstitium—a groundbreaking organ system—and its ties to traditional healing practices. Theise discusses the mystery behind his research, the relationship between complexity theory and interconnectedness, and the personal journey that led him to embrace both pathology and Zen. His meditation on the interstitium invites listeners to appreciate the intricate web of life.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and cognitive scientist Molly Crockett. Molly is a leader in studying moral cognition, with an emphasis on ethics, knowledge, and power in the digital age. This conversation covers many topics, including: the limits of quantitative (scientific) ways of knowing; the importance of narrative in shaping ideas and behavior; moral outrage on social media; who benefits from a culture of outrage; the role of scientists in our narratives about human nature; how artificial intelligence influences what we consider as human; using artificial intelligence for compassion; a Dalai Lama chatbot vs. the real Dalai Lama; the importance of embodiment in human communication; studying transformative experiences at Burning Man; technology and "Paleolithic" emotions; epistemic injustice; and the critical importance of valuing multiple ways of knowing. Full show notes and resources

Join psychologist Jim Coan, a prominent researcher at the University of Virginia, as he explores the profound impact of social connections on our brain and body. He dives into how hand-holding can reduce pain, the importance of social support for emotional health, and the concept of social baseline theory. Jim shares how relationships shape our sense of self and belonging, along with innovative ways to communicate science through art, especially during challenging times like climate change. This insightful conversation highlights the essential role of connection in human well-being.

Chuck Raison, a psychiatrist and mental health researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explores the fascinating intersection of ancient practices and conscious experience. He discusses how Tibetan tummo practice influences mental states and body temperature. The conversation also dives into the connections between inflammation and depression, the powerful placebo effect, and the potential for psychedelics in therapy. Raison emphasizes the importance of awareness and the role of memory in transcendent experiences, shedding light on innovative approaches to mental health.

Quinn Conklin, a health psychologist and meditation researcher, dives into the intriguing interplay between mind and body. She discusses how stress affects telomeres and aging while highlighting the role of meditation in health and well-being. The conversation spans her experiences with silent meditation retreats, the impact of personality on meditation outcomes, and the complexities of oxytocin in social connections. Quinn also reflects on adapting research during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of inclusivity in contemplative practices.

Zev Schuman-Olivier, psychiatrist and contemplative researcher who founded the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, discusses weaving mindfulness and compassion into healthcare. He talks about applying mindfulness to addiction and depression, designing trauma-informed behavior-change programs, the role of interoception and body trust in motivation, and integrating Internal Family Systems into scalable clinical care.

Eve Ekman, a social scientist and meditation teacher, discusses emotion awareness, handshaking meditation practice, constructive vs. destructive emotions, leveraging technology for emotional tracking, teaching meditation, the Atlas of Emotion, and life lessons from surfing in an engaging conversation.

Contemplative neuroscientist Dave Vago discusses mindfulness, memory, chronic pain, attentional bias, self/other divide, inhibitory control, brain function, glymphatic system, ISCR. Meditation's impact on brain, attention, self-perception, and neurodegenerative disorders. Exploring interconnectedness of brain processes and integrating wisdom for meaning. Engaging with ISCR for contemplative research.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell. Tawni's research focuses on living—and dying—with greater awareness and well-being, and integrates multiple biological and cultural perspectives on mind-body systems. This conversation covers many topics, including: merging interests in biology, culture, ecology, nature, and medicine; how our minds shape our bodies; the holistic approach of Tibetan medicine; understanding constitutions and individual proclivities; the subtle body and consciousness; studying monastics who are able to extend the death process (Tukdam project); implications for life, death, and the nature of consciousness; individual differences and determining which practices might be best for someone; studying Tibetan medicine's approach to treating COVID; and coming back to our bodies, our communities, and our environments. Full show notes and resources

Neuroscientist Brian Dias discusses intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, and the transmission of experiences through generations. Topics include the impact of trauma on brain development, links to Buddhist karma, implications for inheritance and evolution, and strategies for breaking cycles of stress and fostering well-being.