Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain’s two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain’s dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality.
We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work with biologist Mike Levin on emergence and form.
This episode combines neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality, inviting a shift toward a more balanced and integrated perspective on the world.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Iain McGilchrist
2:09 | Attention in Left & Right Brain
17:00 | How the Left Brain Came to Dominate
19:08 | Brain Hemispheres & Happiness
25:25 | Why Right Brain is the True Master
34:30 | Great Truths
35:19 | Morality of Attention
41:44 | Explaining Sacred
45:12 | Shortcomings of Language
51:28 | Distinct vs. Divided
56:20 | Balancing Brain Hemispheres
1:06:31 | Sense of Self & Relations
1:12:15 | Mirror Neurons
1:14:32 | Walking for Fluidity of Thought
1:23:34 | Consciousness Theory
1:31:07 | Water Analogy
1:35:52 | Work with Mike Levin
1:46:22 | Where to Follow His Work
Substack: https://iainmcgilchrist.substack.com/
Website: https://channelmcgilchrist.com
