The Contemplative Science Podcast

Dr. Shamil Chandaria explores predictive processing and its impact on perception and spiritual practice. Topics include Bayesian models, priors, Buddhist philosophies, and homeostatic control. The conversation delves into how we construct reality and the transformative power of contemplative practices in reshaping worldviews for a fulfilling life.

Michael Daw, a doctoral researcher studying links between spirituality, psychic abilities, and diet. He outlines types of psychic phenomena and why scientists study them. The conversation traces fasting and vegetarian practices across traditions. It also covers Michael’s methods, surveys and experiments, plus ideas connecting diet, cognition and spiritual sensitivity.

Let's talk about Jhāna, some of the peak experiences on the spiritual journey.  Here to lead us on a journey into these peak experiences is cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado Jonas Mago. Jonas is currently pursuing doctoral studies at McGill University, diving into the various cognitive mechanisms that underlie human flourishing. He reflects on findings and anecdotes from his pioneering research: exploring Jhāna as a refined ability to ‘slip into a pocket’ of deep concentration, with huge potential for positive habit-building and self improvement! ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Will Buddhism improve your mental health? Dr Elli Weisbaum is a Toronto based mindfulness practitioner and teacher who attended her first retreat with scholar, Zen Master and Nobel Peace prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh at the age of ten. Today, she takes us through the potential benefits (and limitations) of pursuing Buddhism for the sake of our mental health, the suprising misconceptions around around Buddhism and shares her story of spending time at the famous Plum Village.  ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Meditation does not always yield positive results. Joining today to talk us through the ‘Dark Side of Meditation’ is Christine Kupfer. Medical anthropologist and expert in Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy, Christine breaks down how meditation practice is often perceived as a cure-all for productivity, happiness, spiritual fulfilment. In reality, people can suffer from experiences of non-shared reality: spiritual crisis. We explore its many facets, incorporating Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and clinical perceptions to illuminate the significance of improving the literature on these experiences. ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

What exactly is the role of Psychedelics in the development of the world's spiritual traditions? Joining today is researcher and co-founder of Eudelics, Dr Richard Chambers. Richard illuminates a history of psychedelic traditions, its suppression over many years by religious groups and governments, and its potential for exploring higher consciousness in safe and mindful settings. Touching on neuroplasticity, his particular interest in psychedelics for leadership development, and the cross-over of Hindusim and Buddhism, our discussion leaves no stone unturned! ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

How can we define meta-awareness? Today’s episode is a deep dive into all things connected to non-dual awareness, led by cognitive expert Dr David Vago. We explore flow states, brain-body environment dynamics, concentration practice, meditation, depression, compassion… Packed with cognitive research, varying perspectives of ‘self’ and references to the work of Benjamin Libet and previous guest Evan Thompson, David presents a fascinating insight into how to define the secondary interpretation of our experience. ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

You are not your brain.  Today we are joined by Dr Jeffrey Schwartz - one of the world’s leading experts in neuroplasticity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Jeffrey’s publications include You Are Not Your Brain and Brain Lock. Referencing Socrates, George Gurdjieff and Søren Kierkegaard, Jeffery here walks us through the state of play of modern neuroscience and the inner workings of OCD. Listen in for a unique perspective into the nature of the human mind. ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Suffering isn’t new - but mindfulness can help. Joining to uncover the reasons and remedies for rising stress levels in young people, is Dr Eric Loucks. Professor, researcher and pioneer in the study of mindfulness and health, Eric recently authored The Mindful College Student - based on work that sees him teach and study the impact of introducing mindfulness to year groups who are still in cognitive development! Our discussion today picks apart the challenges of his research, the importance of the prefrontal cortex and why ‘meditation isn’t always for everyone’. ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Lynn Koerbel, Assistant Professor at Brown and bodywork therapist specializing in movement, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. She discusses how anxiety links to body sensations, the role of mindful movement versus seated practice, interoception and vigilance, windows of tolerance, and adapting MBSR and contemplative traditions into accessible, practical routines.