The Weekend University

This lecture will explore the evidence for our changing environment, and suggest that there are significant cognitive biases in how we think about, and act on climate change. It will examine how organisations have attempted to mobilise the public in the fight against climate change, but these initiatives have often failed due to the public’s unwillingness to adapt their behaviour. The talk will also explore why some people deny climate change altogether, and the influence that these climate change deniers can have on global action to mitigate further damage. By analysing our attitudes to the environment, Professor Beattie will argue that we must think differently about climate change to protect our planet, as a matter of great urgency. --- Professor Geoffrey Beattie, PhD, is an internationally acclaimed psychologist, author and broadcaster. He is Professor of Psychology at Edge Hill University and in recent years a Masters supervisor on the Sustainability Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge and Visiting Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was Professor of Psychology at the University of Manchester from 1994-2012. He was awarded the Spearman Medal by the British Psychological Society for ‘published psychological research of outstanding merit’ and the internationally acclaimed Mouton d’Or for his work in semiotics. He is both a Chartered Psychologist and a Chartered Scientist. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an ex-President of the Psychology Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (B.A.). You can learn more about his work at: www.geoffbeattie.com/ --- - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Prof Beattie’s website: https://geoffbeattie.com/ - Prof Beattie’s book: https://amzn.to/3gDOlCW

Friedrich Nietzsche was a fascinating, eccentric, and sometimes controversial philosopher in the Existential and Nihilist tradition. In this lecture, we will look at his literary works and his personal life, as well as the impact of his legacy on the world. You’ll learn: – How can Nietzsche help us live more authentically? – Who was he and how did this inform his philosophy? – What is his legacy – in philosophy, to individuals, and in media? Together we will translate philosophical theory into life practice, always with a critical lens. --- Sasha is the course leader of the MA in Existential Coaching at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London. She has a background in performance, having worked professionally as a presenter and actor. Sasha has coached many creative artists including fashion designers, writers and singers, helping them to find inspiration, confidence and a strong sense of what they wish to share with the world and how. She is particularly interested in providing a safe space for neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals, and has a special interest in working with these groups. You can find out more about Sasha’s work at: https://sashasmithcoaching.com/ Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-lectures - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Sasha’s website: https://sashasmithcoaching.com/

Rupert Sheldrake, a renowned biologist and author, delves into the fascinating interplay between consciousness and the universe. He discusses the idea of a living cosmos where consciousness may permeate all entities, from atoms to celestial bodies. Sheldrake explores panpsychism, suggesting that even the sun might possess a form of awareness. He challenges traditional materialism, advocating for a holistic understanding of existence that includes spiritual practices like meditation, ultimately revealing a profound interconnectedness in our reality.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is perhaps the most evidence-based therapy for emotional problems. It was directly inspired by Stoicism, an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy which teaches people how to take care of their minds and souls. In this talk, Philosopher Jules Evans will look at practical methods from Stoicism and CBT to help cope with adversity and find resilience even in emergencies. Jules Evans is Policy Director at the Centre for the History of Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London and a leading researcher into ecstatic experience. He also runs the world’s biggest philosophy club, the London Philosophy Club, which has over 6,000 members. Jules’ first book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations was published in 19 countries and was selected by Matthew Syed as a Times Book of the Year. He has written for The Times, Financial Times, Guardian, Spectator and WIRED and is a BBC New Generation Thinker. You can keep up to date with Jules’ work on his website: www.philosophyforlife.org. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-lectures - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Jules’ website: www.philosophyforlife.org - Jules’ books: https://amzn.to/357LkpT

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a renowned psychiatrist and author, explores the profound relationship between matter and consciousness. He challenges conventional thoughts, suggesting that consciousness is not merely a byproduct of brain activity, but deeply intertwined with our understanding of reality. Delving into concepts of panpsychism, he posits that even simple organisms exhibit consciousness. Dr. McGilchrist also tackles free will and the implications of perception on creativity, ultimately questioning materialistic worldviews and advocating for a holistic understanding of existence.

Dr Benjamin Hardy is an organisational psychologist, entrepreneur, TED speaker and bestselling author, with an interesting story to tell. He went from being broke and sleeping on his cousin’s sofa at the age of 20, to completing a PhD, building a 7 figure business, and becoming the #1 writer in the world on Medium.com. Ben and his wife Lauren adopted three children from the foster system in February 2018, and one month later, Lauren got pregnant with twins who were born in December 2018 - so almost over night, he went from a situation of having no kids, to suddenly having five. His first book: ‘Willpower Doesn’t Work’ debunks the willpower myth, and explores how proactively shaping your environment is the key to achieving your goals and thriving in today’s fast paced, information-overloaded world. His latest book is called ‘Personality Isn’t Permanent’ and was released this week. It explores the latest groundbreaking research in the psychology of personality, and how you can use this information to design your ideal future and break free from self limiting beliefs and false cultural myths. This is a game changing book that has the potential to dramatically improve the life of anyone who reads it. You can find out more about Benjamin’s work on his website: http://benjaminhardy.com and get the book here: https://bit.ly/2MNOp5Z Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Dr Hardy’s book: https://amzn.to/3a3567v Dr Hardy’s website: http://benjaminhardy.com

Have you ever come up with amazing New Year’s resolutions such as losing extra weight, starting saving up money, starting your own business, exercising regularly, changing your career, eating much healthier or quitting smoking? You pumped yourself up with great enthusiasm and thought things are going to be very different this year. Fast forward – what happened a month down the line? If you are like the majority of us, you’ve probably gone back to where you started. We form habits subconsciously without even realising it and yet we often struggle to change them. Although our brains have an enormous ability to change (neuroplasticity), following old habits require much less energy and effort. Also, our brains resist a sudden change and we get emotional conform from following the same old ways. Therefore, creating a lasting behavioural change is not easy. If you are fed up with this yo-yo effect and want to gradually create a lasting change, then you might want to consider learning from a neuroscientist and performance coach Dr Gabija Toleikyte about what conditions does your brain need to activate neuroplasticity and create a lasting behavioural change. In this talk you will learn: Which parts of the brain are responsible for creating and maintaining old habits? Which parts of the brain are required for creating a lasting change? What is neuroplasticity and when is it active? A brain-based explanation on why we fall back to old habits Brain-based practical tips on how to create lasting behavioural changes. Recommended reading: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge Brain Rules by John Medina Mindset by Carol Dweck Dr Gabija Toleikyte is a neuroscientist and business coach. She completed her PhD at the University College London on the neuronal basis of memory and navigation. During her PhD, Gabija acquired a business coach qualification and worked as an internal coach at UCL for senior academics and administrative staff. Combining coaching experience with neuroscience insights allows Gabija to develop unique seminars, where solid neuroscience research is presented in the context of the topics relevant for individuals and organisations. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Gabija's website: http://www.mybrainduringtheday.com/

If you are living your life right, then a time will come when you sense the need to grow and fulfil your potential. Yet we can find ourselves poorly equipped to move ourselves forward, and seek insight in our stuckness through running inventories of our skills and experiences. Even less helpful, we ask ourselves “What do I want?”, and stare into a chasm of uncertainty and confusion, led by scripts of what we “should” be and do. But the quality of our answers and our lives lie in the questions we ask and live. Success is less about a job title that fits, but alignment between our authentic selves and how we show up in the world. In a practical journey of self-reflection to align yourself and set meaningful goals, you will work through interactive exercises and there will also be time to reflect on what you’ve learnt. You will leave the day energised and inspired, with notes on your values and motivations and an action plan for your next steps. --- Fiona is a Life & Leadership Coach, facilitator and author, passionate about helping people develop deeper, wiser leadership of themselves. She is delighted to count world-leading business and cultural organizations among her clients, including The Wall Street Journal, Alexander McQueen and Viacom. In addition to her coaching and facilitation practice, she leads workshops on authentic leadership, runs Guardian Masterclasses and contributes to The Guardian, the Independent and Psychologies. She is also a guest lecturer in Coaching at Birkbeck University of London. Her book The Thoughtful Leader is published in 2021. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-lectures - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Fiona’s website: http://www.fionabucklandcoaching.com/

Intention underpins your every action and already influences every aspect of your life. Whether you dream of changing the world, escaping the rat race, earning a monthly five-figure income, living more and working less, or finding happiness, intention will play a vital role. Over the last five years, author and speaker Juliet Adams has researched the science that underpins intention. Recent research highlights the powerful role that intention plays in transforming a desire or wish into reality, and that intention is a cognitive skill that can be learned. This talk will offer an evidence informed, practical guide that will enable you to consciously focus your intention to get the things you most want from life, without the need for a guru! You’ll learn about the fascinating science that underpins intention, and how to apply it to start living the life you really want. -- Juliet Adams is Director of ‘A Head for Work’. She specialises in Leadership and Workplaceproductivity, helping individuals and their organisations thrive in times of change and uncertainty. She is a major driving force for mindfulness in the workplace internationally, recently delivering workshops and keynotes in the UK, Netherlands, the USA and China. Juliet has been working in the field of leadership and organisational development for the last 25 years. Her unique approach is based on the latest neuroscience, leadership and intention research findings. Her passion is transforming the way individuals and organisations think, behave, and perform. Mindfulness is at the heart of her work due to its effectiveness in increasing awareness of behaviour and mind-sets – providing the foundation for lasting behaviour change. Juliet’s best selling books, master classes, and workshops have helped thousands of people across the world to focus their attention, manage their minds, and discover new, more effective ways of living and working. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-lectures - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Juliet’s website: https://www.aheadforwork.com/ - Juliet’s book: https://amzn.to/2WCjb7v

Why should aspirin be expensive? Why are branded analgesics more effective? The psychologist Nicholas Humphrey argues that placebos work by prompting the body to invest more of its limited resources in recovery. He believes that human immune systems evolved for an environment much harsher than the one we are currently living in, so we have evolved capabilities to ‘trick’ our unconscious into believing the conditions for recovery are much more favourable for our immune system to work at full tilt. The ministrations of doctors (witch or NHS), exotic potions (homeopathic or antibiotic), or the caring presence of relatives and friends can all create this benign illusion. Yet policymakers hate the idea of any solution which involves unconscious processes. If you suggested that the NHS invest more in elaborate drugs packaging, they’d have conniptions. Too little is spent researching the placebo effect in proportion to its importance. Why is this? In this talk, Ogilvy Vice Chairman Rory Sutherland will explore how we can hack the amazing power of placebos for changing behaviour; both on a personal, and societal level. Reading Recommendations: Rory is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy in the UK, and the co-founder of a behavioral science practice within the agency. He works with a consulting practice of psychology graduates who look for ‘unseen opportunities’ in consumer behaviour – these are the very small contextual changes which can have enormous effects on the decisions people make – for instance tripling the sales rate of a call centre by adding just a few sentences to the script. Before founding Ogilvy’s behavioral science practice, Rory was a copywriter and creative director at Ogilvy for over 20 years, having joined as a graduate trainee in 1988. He has variously been President of the IPA, Chair of the Judges for the Direct Jury at Cannes, and has spoken at TED Global. He writes regular columns for the Spectator, Market Leader and Impact, and also occasional pieces for Wired. He is the author of two books: The Wiki Man, available on Amazon at prices between £1.96 and £2,345.54, depending on whether the algorithm is having a bad day, and Alchemy, The surprising Power of Ideas which don’t make Sense, which was published in the UK and US in March 2019. Rory is married to a vicar and has twin daughters of 17. He lives in the former home of Napoleon III – unfortunately in the attic. He is a trustee of the Benjamin Franklin House in London and of Rochester Cathedral. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Follow Rory on twitter: @rorysutherland - Rory’s books: https://amzn.to/2NERlTx