The Etan Ilfeld Podcast

Marianne Deborah Williamson is an American author, spiritual leader, politician, and activist. She has written 13  books, including four New York Times number-one bestsellers. She currently ranks 9th on the Watkins list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Marianne also founded several charities and launched a series of conferences called Sister Giant to encourage more women to run for political office and campaigned last year for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. In this interview, we discuss her New York Times bestseller, Everyday Grace, as a stepping stone to probe her brilliant mind.

Russell Brand, a British comedian, author, and activist, dives deep into spirituality and social change. He shares his transformative journey through Kundalini yoga and meditation, emphasizing mindfulness as a path to personal growth. Brand critiques societal structures, advocating for a radical social revolution rooted in equality and community empowerment. He discusses the complexities of activism and philanthropy while exploring the relationship between consciousness and ecological responsibility, calling for a collective shift in perspective to foster true happiness.

Welcome to the Etan Ilfeld Podcast, where we explore transformative ideas with visionary thinkers from around the globe. Today, I’m honored to host Dr. Tony Nader, a globally recognized Vedic scholar, Harvard-trained medical doctor, and the successor to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as the leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Dr. Nader joins us to discuss his new book, Consciousness Is All There Is, which blends ancient wisdom with modern science, offering practical insights into how we can transcend surface-level experiences and connect with deeper states of consciousness. In this episode, we explore the intricate connections between the universe, consciousness, and the human experience, while delving into how meditation and self-awareness can elevate our lives. Dr. Nader’s ability to fuse timeless teachings with contemporary scientific understanding promises to offer a wealth of insights for listeners.

In this engaging discussion, film scholars Robert Kolker and Nathan Abrams delve into the life and artistry of Stanley Kubrick, exploring themes from their upcoming book, 'Kubrick: An Odyssey.' They unpack the complexities of Kubrick's relationships with actors and collaborators, revealing both the dedication and struggles behind his masterpieces. Insights into his innovative techniques and the social dynamics of his filmmaking process illuminate the mind of a true visionary. Anecdotes about his enigmatic life provide a fascinating glimpse into the man behind iconic films.

William_Hartston is a polymath and author. From winning the British Chess Championship to writing opera reviews, his curiosity knows no bounds. In this interview, Etan Ilfeld and him discuss the history of comedy and what makes us laugh white reviewing his latest book, Knock Knock! In Pursuit of a Grand Unified Theory of Humour. Here's a recent review of Hartston's book.

Rhonda Byrne has inspired millions of people through her book and film, The Secret. Since then, she's continued to publish numerous bestselling titles. In this interview she discusses how she learnt to use gratitude to overcome depression, increase her self-awareness and improve her health, and her ongoing spiritual journey.

Jim Al-Khalili is a professor of physics at the University of Surrey. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and also one of the world's best-known science communicators: He has presented numerous documentaries and hosts the acclaimed radio show, The Life Scientific, and his latest book, The World According to Physics, was published by Princeton University Press. Topics range from the meaning of life to the chances of meeting extraterrestrials, the future of quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, which Jim assures us will change the world more than the internet has! We also discuss why Stephen Hawkings was wrong about the end of scientific progress, and better understand the nature of reality, the dangers of politicizing science, the meaning of science, and why enlightenment is better than ignorance.

Fabien Riggall is a maverick, an activist, and a creative rebel. He is the inventor and creative director of Future shorts, Future Cinema and Secret Cinema. He is also the co-founder of March for Europe and has campaigned for freedom of cultural expression and for the rights of migrants. In this interview, Etan Ilfeld and Fabien Riggall discuss the future of immersive experiences, cinema, and much more. 

Anthony Misquitta is a world-class expert on copyright, intellectual property, and contract law. He is the general counsel at the Victoria and Albert Museum and, as a consultant solicitor at Keystone Law, independently represents clients in a range of sectors including software, media, music, luxury brands, fashion, and culture. Join Anthony and Etan Ilfeld in this fascinating discussion of the nature and nuance of copyright and how it applies to art, culture, and innovation.

Jonah Paquette is interviewed by Etan Ilfeld. Jonah is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author. His book Awestruck teaches us how to be more alive through the power of experiencing awe. Did you know that our ancestors used to experience awe on a daily basis but we only do about twice a week? Modern civilization is awe-deprived. Jonah gives tips on how to bring awe back into our daily lives. Also, we learn that we can experience negative awe through catastrophes but that they can also change our perspective and enhance our compassion and gratitude. On average, for half of our waking hours, our mind wanders and doesn’t take in all of the present. That’s a shame because real life is right here, right now. Whether it’s through nature, music, psychedelics, intense connection, that awe-inspired feeling that has been described as oceanic by Freud or as a peak experience by Maslow is vital to thriving in life. Awe makes us more present and grateful and breaks the cycle of negative rumination.