The Weekend University

In this captivating discussion, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman and psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist delve deep into the essence of consciousness. They discuss growing evidence suggesting consciousness may be fundamental and debate whether matter emerges from it. Hoffman introduces complex structures beyond spacetime, while McGilchrist highlights the necessity of time and differentiation. Both guests emphasize the importance of silence and intuition in scientific discovery, ultimately reconciling their perspectives on the limits of our understanding.

In this engaging discussion, Federico Faggin, renowned physicist and inventor of the microprocessor, shares insights from his groundbreaking exploration of consciousness. He argues that quantum fields possess consciousness and free will, and emphasizes the importance of meaning over mere information in understanding reality. Faggin's unique video-game analogy clarifies the dynamic between body, mind, and spirit. He envisions a future rooted in cooperation and love, proposing that our embodied existence serves a greater purpose in the quest for self-knowledge.

Join Professor Mick Cooper, a renowned Counselling Psychology expert, as he delves into the crucial concept of relational depth in psychotherapy. He discusses the importance of embodying genuine connection and highlights barriers that can obstruct it. Discover insights on Martin Buber’s I-Thou theory, the significant role of vulnerability in therapy, and how quality relationships can predict therapy outcomes. Mick also shares practical advice for therapists on fostering connection and explains how relational depth can even thrive in online settings.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Schwartz, the founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, and Cece Sykes, an IFS Senior Trainer, delve into the intricacies of addiction from an IFS perspective. They discuss how addiction is rooted in parts of the self affected by trauma, exploring concepts like managers, firefighters, and exiles. The duo emphasizes the importance of curiosity as a gateway to healing and shares best practices for therapists. Their insights highlight the transformative power of self-compassion in recovery.

Dr. Bonnie Badenoch, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind, delves into fascinating insights on attachment and healing. She discusses how we stay protected until we feel safe to heal and the critical role of our inner community. Bonnie explores how our early caregiving shapes our perception of God and our relationships. Her approach, emphasizing ‘radical inclusiveness,’ reveals how all parts of ourselves, even the painful ones, can guide us toward deeper healing and understanding.

Dr. Donna Thomas, a social scientist specializing in children's consciousness, shares her profound journey after a near-death experience at 15. She reveals how children can access altered states naturally, contrasting it with adults who use tools like meditation. The discussion highlights common elements of children's near-death experiences, including feelings of 'coming home,' and explores the startling evidence of past-life memories linking birthmarks to previous wounds. Dr. Thomas advocates for normalizing these experiences, urging adults to listen and support rather than pathologize.

Dr Pat Ogden is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the developer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and one of the leading voices revolutionising our approach to trauma treatment. This conversation explores how sensorimotor psychotherapy can help us understand and treat attachment wounds - particularly those picked up in early life. You’ll learn: — How the body starts to “shape” itself based on our relationship with our early caregivers — The underlying principles that sensorimotor psychotherapy is built upon — Why how we organise our experiences may be the most important factor in our mental health and wellbeing — How sensorimotor psychotherapy helps to elicit unconscious and implicit patterns, so that healing can take place. And more. You can learn more about Pat’s work by going to: https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org. --- Pat Ogden, PhD, is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the creator of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy method, and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.  Dr. Ogden is trained in a wide variety of somatic and psychotherapeutic approaches, and has over 45 years of experience working with individuals and groups.  She is co-founder of the Hakomi Institute, past faculty of Naropa University (1985-2005), a clinician, consultant, and sought after international lecturer. Dr. Ogden is the first author of two groundbreaking books in somatic psychology: Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy  and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (2015) both published in the Interpersonal Neurobiology Series of W. W. Norton. Her third book in this series, The Pocket Guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, published in 2021, and she is working on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Families with Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. Her current interests include groups, couples, children, adolescents, and families; complex trauma; Embedded Relational Mindfulness; implicit bias, intersectionality and culture; the relational nature of shame; presence, consciousness, and the philosophical/spiritual principles that underlie Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. --- Interview Links: — Dr Ogden's website - http://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/ — Dr Ogden's books - https://amzn.to/47gGd5I

Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization he started in 1998 that has transformed the approach to homelessness in Austin, Texas. What began with a catering truck providing meals to the homeless has evolved into Community First Village—a 51-acre master-planned community that has housed over 1,000 formerly homeless individuals. In this conversation, we explore: — Alan's revolutionary definition of "home" that goes beyond physical shelter — How the catastrophic loss of family is the primary driver of homelessness — Alan’s profound spiritual experience that took him away from accumulating wealth in real estate to a life dedicated to serving those less fortunate — The importance of seeing the "Van Gogh" in every person. And more. You can learn more about Alan's work at https://mlf.org and https://mlf.org/community-first. -- Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and the visionary behind Community First! Village in Austin, Texas — a 51-acre master-planned community that provides housing, purpose, and connection for people emerging from chronic homelessness. A former real estate developer, Alan began his mission in 1998 by delivering meals from a truck to those living on the streets. His journey and lessons are captured in his inspiring book, Welcome Homeless: One Man’s Journey of Discovering the Meaning of Home. He believes that “housing will never solve homelessness, but community will.” -- Interview Links: — Alan’s website: https://mlf.org/community-first/ — Alan’s book: https://amzn.to/4oelN5V

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, a pioneer in Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, shares insights from his 35-year journey in addiction treatment. He emphasizes a compassionate approach that meets clients where they are, challenging the limitations of abstinence-only methods. The conversation delves into the psychology of addiction, exploring motivations behind substance use and the importance of the therapeutic alliance. Techniques like 'urge surfing' highlight mindfulness in managing cravings, promoting healthier coping strategies without immediate demands for abstinence.

Join filmmaker and Tai Chi practitioner George Thompson, founder of Balance Is Possible!, as he shares his transformative journey from anxiety to spiritual balance through Tai Chi and Daoism. He emphasizes the importance of looking at our thoughts as messengers of unmet needs and explores the playful side of sincerity. George discusses how panpsychism shifted his relationship with the natural world, advocating for a compassionate approach to healing and integrating experiences for a balanced life. Dive into his insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of nature in personal growth.