Flourishing Leaders Podcast Episode 7: "Training the Mind to Flourish" with Dr. Cortland Dahl
What if the key to flourishing isn’t found in doing more—but in being more present?
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott welcomes Dr. Cortland Dahl—a scientist, author, meditation teacher, and Chief Contemplative Officer at Healthy Minds Innovations.
Cort’s life journey has taken him from monasteries in Asia to neuroscience labs in the U.S., all in pursuit of one question: How can we train the mind to suffer less and flourish more?
Together, Scott and Cort explore:
- Why resting in open awareness is a superpower
- How the four pillars of well-being—awareness, connection, insight, and purpose—map to the brain
- The surprising research behind altruistic purpose and educational outcomes
- Cort’s journey from refugee settlements in Nepal to scientific labs in Madison
- The story behind the Healthy Minds App, now downloaded by over a million users
This episode is a gentle reminder that flourishing is not a fixed state—it’s a trainable skill. And sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do… is nothing at all.
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Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.
Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy
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Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.