Mind & Life

In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scientist Melissa Rosenkranz. Melissa's work examines the mind-body connection with a focus on how inflammation interacts with our brains and emotions, and how meditation might help. This conversation covers many topics, including: her interest in the mind-body connection; pros and cons of inflammation in the body; bidirectional links between inflammation in the body and our emotions; how inflammation can lead to hypersensitivity in the brain; inflammation and dementia; misperceptions around stress causing asthma; meditation's effect on inflammation and our immune response; meditation in asthma management (emotional and physical); studying whether mindfulness can protect against inflammatory damage to the brain; integrating meditation with medication; polarization in society and the power of building weak ties; increasing the safety signal to our bodies; seeing the fuller humanity of the people in our world; lovingkindness practice in action; links between inflammation in society and in our bodies; and a reminder that there's always a place to start when making change. Full show notes and resources

In this engaging discussion, Otto Scharmer, an action researcher and thought leader in systems change, emphasizes the importance of awareness and relationships for societal transformation. He dives into the concept of 'social farming' and the need for collective action in addressing crises. The conversation also explores the tension between ego and regeneration, the role of leadership in uncertainty, and the significance of deep listening. Scharmer highlights the transformative potential of acknowledging 'not knowing' and the importance of creating trustworthy spaces for collaboration.

Neil Theise, a pathologist, scientist, author, and Zen Buddhist, explores the profound interconnectedness of our bodies and the universe. He shares how his insights from medicine and Buddhism reveal the significance of the interstitium—a groundbreaking organ system—and its ties to traditional healing practices. Theise discusses the mystery behind his research, the relationship between complexity theory and interconnectedness, and the personal journey that led him to embrace both pathology and Zen. His meditation on the interstitium invites listeners to appreciate the intricate web of life.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and cognitive scientist Molly Crockett. Molly is a leader in studying moral cognition, with an emphasis on ethics, knowledge, and power in the digital age. This conversation covers many topics, including: the limits of quantitative (scientific) ways of knowing; the importance of narrative in shaping ideas and behavior; moral outrage on social media; who benefits from a culture of outrage; the role of scientists in our narratives about human nature; how artificial intelligence influences what we consider as human; using artificial intelligence for compassion; a Dalai Lama chatbot vs. the real Dalai Lama; the importance of embodiment in human communication; studying transformative experiences at Burning Man; technology and "Paleolithic" emotions; epistemic injustice; and the critical importance of valuing multiple ways of knowing. Full show notes and resources

Join psychologist Jim Coan, a prominent researcher at the University of Virginia, as he explores the profound impact of social connections on our brain and body. He dives into how hand-holding can reduce pain, the importance of social support for emotional health, and the concept of social baseline theory. Jim shares how relationships shape our sense of self and belonging, along with innovative ways to communicate science through art, especially during challenging times like climate change. This insightful conversation highlights the essential role of connection in human well-being.

Chuck Raison, a psychiatrist and mental health researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explores the fascinating intersection of ancient practices and conscious experience. He discusses how Tibetan tummo practice influences mental states and body temperature. The conversation also dives into the connections between inflammation and depression, the powerful placebo effect, and the potential for psychedelics in therapy. Raison emphasizes the importance of awareness and the role of memory in transcendent experiences, shedding light on innovative approaches to mental health.

Quinn Conklin, a health psychologist and meditation researcher, dives into the intriguing interplay between mind and body. She discusses how stress affects telomeres and aging while highlighting the role of meditation in health and well-being. The conversation spans her experiences with silent meditation retreats, the impact of personality on meditation outcomes, and the complexities of oxytocin in social connections. Quinn also reflects on adapting research during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of inclusivity in contemplative practices.

In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Zev Schuman-Olivier. Zev has been working for more than a decade to integrate mindfulness and compassion into health care, with a focus on addiction, depression, and chronic illness. This conversation covers many topics, including: weaving mindfulness and compassion into clinical settings; lessons from his own experience of chronic illness; the key role of behavior change in health; balancing individual responsibility for health with systemic factors; mindfulness and addiction; making interventions trauma-informed, inclusive, and broadly accessible; how signals from the body help motivate action and emotion; how mindfulness enhances trust in the body and changes the brain in depression; Internal Family Systems and the critical role of acceptance; and next steps for integrating mindfulness and compassion into complex healthcare systems. Full show notes and resources

Eve Ekman, a social scientist and meditation teacher, discusses emotion awareness, handshaking meditation practice, constructive vs. destructive emotions, leveraging technology for emotional tracking, teaching meditation, the Atlas of Emotion, and life lessons from surfing in an engaging conversation.

Contemplative neuroscientist Dave Vago discusses mindfulness, memory, chronic pain, attentional bias, self/other divide, inhibitory control, brain function, glymphatic system, ISCR. Meditation's impact on brain, attention, self-perception, and neurodegenerative disorders. Exploring interconnectedness of brain processes and integrating wisdom for meaning. Engaging with ISCR for contemplative research.