The Mind Mate Podcast

Sheldon, Tom and Jeff are back for another awesome episode of the podcast! I absolutely love hosting these guys! We spoke about how death awareness quietly shapes human behaviour, culture, and politics, drawing on their decades of research and insights from The Worm at the Core. We explored societal instability, economic inequality, and theories of cultural collapse, including Peter Turchin’s work on income inequality and relative deprivation, and how shrinking opportunities and mass media fuel dissatisfaction and ideological division. Then we turned to Heidegger’s ideas on authenticity, inauthenticity, and how humans respond to mortality—whether through flight from death or living with what he called anticipatory resoluteness. From there, we discussed emerging neuroscience research on death reminders, and the role of practices like mindfulness and meditation in shaping our responses to mortality.From a therapeutic perspective, we spoke about death anxiety in psychotherapy, whether it tends to appear directly in the therapy room or remain embedded in cultural, religious, and ideological belief systems. We explored whether practices like meditation or psychedelic therapy can genuinely transform our relationship with death, or whether fear of death is something humans continually manage rather than overcome. Finally, we spoke about the broader implications of Terror Management Theory—how cultural worldviews help us cope with mortality, but can also lead to rigidity, conflict, and dehumanisation when threatened. We closed with reflections on existential maturity, humility, and whether cultivating pro-social values offers a more humane way of living with the knowledge that we will die.***Sheldon Solomon is a social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Skidmore College. He is one of the co-founders of Terror Management Theory and has spent over four decades researching how awareness of death influences human behaviour, morality, and culture. He is co-author of The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life.Jeff Greenberg is a social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona. As a co-founder of Terror Management Theory, his research explores the psychological functions of self-esteem, cultural worldviews, and meaning in the face of mortality. He is also co-author of The Worm at the Core.Tom Pyszczynski is a social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. A co-founder of Terror Management Theory, his work focuses on how existential anxiety shapes ideology, prejudice, and self-regulation. He has published extensively on death anxiety, worldview defence, and existential motivation.***The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor and psychotherapist Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live authentically in the modern world. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/

Dr. Roy Barsness is the author of the text, Core Competencies in Relational Psychoanalysis: A Guide to Practice, Study and Research (Routledge, 2018) and author of the text: Psychodynamic Supervision: In a New Key (Routledge, 2025). He has published several professional articles, presents frequently at professional conferences and teaches nationally and internationally on relational psychoanalysis. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute, former Professor of Psychology and Academic Dean at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and served as the Clinical Director of the Clinical Psychology Program at Seattle Pacific University and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington-School of Medicine. You can find out more by visiting his lecture series at the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute:    / @contemporarypsycho   or by visiting his website: https://roybarsness.com/ ***The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor and psychotherapist Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live authentically in the modern world. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/

Duey is a sought-after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional worldwide. He has taught worldwide and developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory taught to thousands of university students. He has nearly 80,000 direct client hours and co-founded the Gestalt Equine Institute and the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. He supervises therapists and graduate students and does business and land consultations for new equine therapy sites. He embodies both tenderness and strength in all his relations and work. His quality of contact and relationship with others is authentic and unique. People come from around the world to study with him. Duey is a true elder and mentor exploring new horizons in facilitating men’s growth work. Gestalt and Relational Horsemanship are not just approaches to Duey; they are how he walks through the world. Find out more below:https://www.dueyfreeman.org/https://www.instagram.com/dueyfreeman/https://www.facebook.com/duey.freeman

Dr. John Powers is back for another chat on the show—largely about Tibetan Buddhism, meditation practices, and the nature of self and consciousness. John shared his personal journey into Buddhism, including a transformative experience with the Dalai Lama that led him to explore meditation further—I absolutely loved this part! We also discussed the concept of emptiness in Buddhism, the idea of rebirth and karma, and the challenges of maintaining a sense of self in a constantly changing world (let alone whether or not the ‘self’ even exists!). John also explained his atheistic views on God and the importance of empirical evidence in understanding religious concepts. Finally, John and I touched on the similarities between meditation-induced states and those experienced under the influence of psychedelics. It was also really wonderful to hear how John has navigated his transition into (semi) retirement. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time once again with John and look forward to having him back on the show.John Powers currently holds a joint position at the University of Melbourne in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies and the Contemplative Studies Centre. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and author of 20 books and more than 100 articles, mainly on Buddhism and Tibetan history.***The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor and psychotherapist Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live authentically in the modern world.Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I speak with the authors of a powerful new study exploring psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression and anxiety in people living with life-threatening illness.The research looks at how a single, carefully supported dose of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, affected people facing conditions such as advanced cancer and other serious illnesses. Compared with an active placebo, participants who received psilocybin experienced rapid and meaningful reductions in depression and anxiety, with improvements lasting for months. Many also reported greater peace, improved quality of life, and a reduced fear of death—areas of suffering that traditional treatments often struggle to reach.In our conversation, we explore how and why this approach seems to work, the role of therapy in helping people make sense of profound psychedelic experiences, and what it’s like to conduct this kind of research with people confronting mortality. We also discuss safety, ethics, and what these findings could mean for the future of mental health care at the end of life.Please also feel free to read about their findings/research here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834325001574***Welcome to The Mind Mate Podcast, where philosophy meets mental health. Hosted by Tom—a psychotherapist and writer—this podcast explores life’s biggest questions, from existential meaning to the science of wellbeing. We dive into how different cultures, religions, and philosophies shape our understanding of life, blending insights from psychology, spirituality, and science. Through deep, thought-provoking conversations, we explore what it means to be human in an ever-changing world. Join us for discussions with philosophers, therapists, artists, spiritual seekers, and academics who challenge conventional thinking and offer fresh perspectives on self-awareness, personal growth, and fulfilment. If you’re curious about the human experience, this podcast is for you. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, to explore the intricate relationship between grief, the brain, and the body. Drawing from her decades of research, Mary-Frances shares insights on how our bodies physically experience grief, why loss reshapes our inner world, and how cultural and personal differences shape the grieving process.Together, we discuss grief as a rite of passage, the impact of loss on identity, the role of guilt in bereavement—especially in cases of suicide—and the ways in which grief can manifest in unexpected physiological responses. We also examine the shifting cultural landscape of death and mourning, the importance of human connection in navigating loss, and how existential questions arise through grief.With both personal reflections and deep scientific insight, this conversation sheds light on the universal yet deeply individual nature of grief, offering a thoughtful exploration of what it means to carry loss within us.I sincerely hope you enjoy!

On this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I chat with the legendary Dr. Kirk Honda about all things therapy, culture, and philosophy. We dive into different therapeutic approaches—what works, what doesn’t, and why it all depends—while unpacking how cultural trends are shaping the way we think about mental health. We also get into some big philosophical questions about what it really means to heal. If you’re into deep, engaging conversations with a mix of insight and curiosity, you’re gonna love this one!

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Michael Conforti, Jungian analyst and founder of the Assisi Institute, to explore the intricate interplay between archetypes, dreams, and the unconscious. Together, we delve into how patterns of meaning shape our lives, the role of the collective unconscious in human behaviour, and the transformative power of symbols in guiding us through personal and existential challenges. Dr. Conforti’s decades of experience in Jungian depth psychology shine through as he shares profound insights into the mysteries of the psyche and how understanding these universal patterns can foster healing and self-discovery.

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, I have the absolute honour of sitting down with Dr. Kirk Schneider—one of the leading voices in contemporary existential-humanistic psychology and a true pioneer in the field of depth-oriented healing. Dr. Schneider has an impressive career that spans decades. He’s a licensed psychologist, the past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, and president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute. He teaches at Saybrook University and Columbia University’s Teachers College and is a Fellow of five divisions of the American Psychological Association. Beyond that, he’s a prolific author, having written or coauthored 12 books, including The Paradoxical Self, Horror and the Holy, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, and Awakening to Awe. Today, we’ll touch on his latest contribution, Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World, which offers a global perspective on existential approaches to healing and transformation. What’s striking about Dr. Schneider’s work is how deeply it calls us to engage with life’s mysteries—the awe, the terror, and the paradoxes that shape the human experience. He’s also the founder of the Corps of Depth Healers, a movement designed to bring depth-oriented, existential practices to communities in need. It’s a radical and necessary initiative in our increasingly fragmented world, and I’m excited to explore it with him today. If you’re as fascinated as I am, I highly recommend diving into Dr. Schneider’s world. Visit his website at www.kirkjschneider.com for more about his work and writings. You can also learn about the Corps of Depth Healers at    / @corpsofdepthhealers-ws9nq   where you’ll find resources for cultivating healing and awe in your own communities. So, without further ado, let’s dive into an unforgettable conversation with Dr. Kirk Schneider. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Emmy Van Deurzen, an iconic figure in existential psychotherapy and philosophy. We delved into the rich terrain of dream analysis and discussed how our unconscious lives can reveal pathways to authenticity. We also explored Emmy's personal journey: her love of Socrates sparked during her youth, the profound impact of growing up in a post-World War II world, and how these experiences shaped her relentless pursuit of life's deepest questions. About Emmy: Emmy van Deurzen is a leading existential psychotherapist, philosopher, and prolific author. Born in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1951, she studied French and philosophy in Montpellier, France, before earning a master’s degree in phenomenology and existentialism under Michel Henry. Emmy's career began in France, where she worked in innovative psychiatric settings, such as Saint Alban and La Candelie, while training in psychotherapy and clinical psychology. In 1977, Emmy moved to the UK, where she contributed to the Arbours Association and Antioch University before founding the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London. As an advocate for existential therapy, Emmy has authored influential books, including Existential Counselling and Psychotherapy in Practice. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, and she remains a global authority on existential psychology, helping people navigate crises, dilemmas, and transformations. Her upcoming book, The Art of Freedom, is set to release in 2024. *** Welcome to The Mind Mate Podcast, your compass for navigating life’s biggest questions. Hosted by Tom, a psychotherapist and writer, this podcast dives deep into the heart of existentialism, philosophy, and mental health. Join us as we explore how meaning is shaped across different cultures and belief systems—from East to West, religious to secular. We bridge the worlds of science, art, and therapy, blending philosophical insights with practical tools for living a fulfilled life. Expect thought-provoking conversations with philosophers, therapists, artists, spiritual seekers, teachers and academics who are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human. Whether you're seeking personal growth, deeper self-awareness, or just curious about the human condition, this podcast will help you navigate your path. Find out more here: https://ahern.blog/