The Weekend University

Dr. Donna Thomas, a social scientist specializing in children's consciousness, shares her profound journey after a near-death experience at 15. She reveals how children can access altered states naturally, contrasting it with adults who use tools like meditation. The discussion highlights common elements of children's near-death experiences, including feelings of 'coming home,' and explores the startling evidence of past-life memories linking birthmarks to previous wounds. Dr. Thomas advocates for normalizing these experiences, urging adults to listen and support rather than pathologize.

Dr Pat Ogden, pioneer in somatic psychology and creator of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, with 45+ years of clinical work. She discusses how early caregiver relationships shape the body, why trauma lives in physiology, and how body-centered practices (movement, posture, gestures) reveal and shift implicit attachment patterns. Practical somatic interventions and the principles behind this approach are highlighted.

Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization he started in 1998 that has transformed the approach to homelessness in Austin, Texas. What began with a catering truck providing meals to the homeless has evolved into Community First Village—a 51-acre master-planned community that has housed over 1,000 formerly homeless individuals. In this conversation, we explore: — Alan's revolutionary definition of "home" that goes beyond physical shelter — How the catastrophic loss of family is the primary driver of homelessness — Alan’s profound spiritual experience that took him away from accumulating wealth in real estate to a life dedicated to serving those less fortunate — The importance of seeing the "Van Gogh" in every person. And more. You can learn more about Alan's work at https://mlf.org and https://mlf.org/community-first. -- Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and the visionary behind Community First! Village in Austin, Texas — a 51-acre master-planned community that provides housing, purpose, and connection for people emerging from chronic homelessness. A former real estate developer, Alan began his mission in 1998 by delivering meals from a truck to those living on the streets. His journey and lessons are captured in his inspiring book, Welcome Homeless: One Man’s Journey of Discovering the Meaning of Home. He believes that “housing will never solve homelessness, but community will.” -- Interview Links: — Alan’s website: https://mlf.org/community-first/ — Alan’s book: https://amzn.to/4oelN5V

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, a pioneer in Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, shares insights from his 35-year journey in addiction treatment. He emphasizes a compassionate approach that meets clients where they are, challenging the limitations of abstinence-only methods. The conversation delves into the psychology of addiction, exploring motivations behind substance use and the importance of the therapeutic alliance. Techniques like 'urge surfing' highlight mindfulness in managing cravings, promoting healthier coping strategies without immediate demands for abstinence.

Join filmmaker and Tai Chi practitioner George Thompson, founder of Balance Is Possible!, as he shares his transformative journey from anxiety to spiritual balance through Tai Chi and Daoism. He emphasizes the importance of looking at our thoughts as messengers of unmet needs and explores the playful side of sincerity. George discusses how panpsychism shifted his relationship with the natural world, advocating for a compassionate approach to healing and integrating experiences for a balanced life. Dive into his insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of nature in personal growth.

Dr. Guy Leschziner, a leading neurologist and sleep specialist, dives into the science of sleep, revealing its vital roles in health and well-being. He discusses how studying extreme sleep behaviors, like sleepwalking, sheds light on normal brain functions. Leschziner explains the glymphatic system's detoxification during deep sleep and highlights insomnia’s intricate relationship with mental health. With practical sleep hygiene tips and insights on modern sleep challenges, he provides hope and strategies for better sleep.

Anna Runkle, bestselling author and creator of the Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube channel, shares her journey of healing from complex PTSD. She discusses "connection wounds" and their impact on relationships. Anna highlights how trauma can lead to avoidance and isolation, revealing practical strategies for developing "connectability." A daily practice she adopted transformed her life, focusing on present actions over past traumas. She also introduces a gamification approach for building social courage and offers valuable resources to aid healing.

In this captivating discussion, philosopher and scientist Bernardo Kastrup explores the nuances of consciousness as the foundational reality. He contrasts Western and Eastern approaches to spirituality and highlights how understanding one's ancestral lineage can deepen life's meaning. Bernardo delves into the concept of the daimon as a guiding force within us and emphasizes the importance of confronting death to realign our values. He provocatively argues that understanding evil is essential to avoid moral blindness, while outlining the distinct tasks of the first and second halves of life.

Douglas M. Gillette, a renowned Jungian psychologist and co-creator of the King, Warrior, Magician, Lover framework, delves into the psyche of modern masculinity. He discusses how life is more about 'sowing' than 'harvesting' and links the contemporary crisis in male identity to evolutionary psychology. Gillette outlines the four masculine archetypes, their shadow expressions, and shares practical techniques for integrating these energies into daily life. He also emphasizes the importance of men's groups and journaling for personal growth.

In this engaging discussion, Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and cultural critic, delves into the rationale behind faith in a secular world. He presents the compelling case for God's existence, combining evidence from science and philosophy. Douthat explores the challenges of consciousness and critiques being 'spiritual but not religious.' He reflects on how his battle with Lyme disease transformed his spirituality, emphasizing the importance of discernment in the spiritual journey. A thought-provoking conversation for seekers of meaning!