The Weekend University

In a thought-provoking discussion, Francis Lucille, a spiritual teacher steeped in Advaita Vedanta, shares insights on the ultimate purpose of human life and why happiness is our natural state. He explores how the belief in separateness fuels psychological suffering and emphasizes the importance of saying 'yes' to life to align with our true consciousness. Through personal reflections, he contrasts transient joy with deeper interconnected qualities that define our essence and encourages listeners to embrace the inseparable nature of love and existence.

In this interview, I’m joined by Seán ÓLaoire - a clinical psychologist, author, modern day mystic, and former priest with a P.h.D in transpersonal psychology. His book: “Setting God Free” explores the harmful effects our image of God as a judgemental father figure in the sky has had on our psychology - both individually and collectively. In this conversation, we explore: — Seán’s unique approach to creating a “personal cosmology” and how best to create your own — How problems can be a path to self transcendence, if the right steps are taken — What “christ consciousness” is and how to cultivate more of this in your life — How Seán uses the Jungian practice of “seeding dreams” to gain insights and wisdom from a higher intelligence. And more. You can learn more about Seán’s work at https://spiritsinspacesuits.com. --- Seán was awarded a BSc degree (major in Mathematics) from the National University of Ireland. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1972 and spent the next 14 years working among the Kalenjin people of East Africa. He is multi-lingual, speaking six languages. In 1983, Seán authored his first book, written in Kiswahili, "Ukweli ni Nini?" (What is Truth?) Dr. ÓLaoire has a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Seán lectures and conducts scientific research on the effects of prayer. Fr. Seán is a Co-Founder and Spiritual Director of Companions on the Journey (COJ), a spiritual community which seeks to recognize the God/divinity within each of us and among all of us. COJ is an independent, non-hierarchical Eucharistic community dedicated to aligning itself with God and healing the separations between us. Each individual's spirituality is seen as derived from his/her own experiences of God, immanent and transcendent, and is illuminated by the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of other spiritual traditions. The "We Are One" interview at the left was done in 2003 and gives a good flavor for Seán's thinking and style of teaching. In the "On the Experience of Divine Guidance" video of 1999, Seán discusses seeking, receiving and following Divine guidance from the perspective of the Christian tradition. For an in–depth synopsis of Seán's teachings, please visit his cosmology page. --- Interview Link: — Seán’s website - https://spiritsinspacesuits.com

This week, we welcome Alexis Dean to the show. Alexis is the founder of Dovetail Community—a global network for female entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering authentic connections and mutual support. This episode explores her journey of building an intentional community and the transformative impact this can have on personal and professional life. Expect to learn: — Why building an authentic community is critical for entrepreneurs. — The principles behind creating psychological safety in groups. — How to overcome isolation and build meaningful connections from scratch. — Why Alexis believes that "exclusively inclusive" communities are key to thriving. And more. You can learn more about Alexis and the Dovetail Community at https://dovetail.community. --- Alexis Dean is the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Two Roads, established in 2015. With over 12 years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, speaker, and educator, Alexis has worked with more than 200 corporate teams and school faculties across 21 countries. Her expertise is rooted in a robust academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Education in Experiential Education from Queen's University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. Additionally, Alexis is trained in the XCHANGE facilitation methodology, based on Appreciative Inquiry, which informs her distinctive approach to fostering and scaling exceptional organizational cultures within diverse groups. Beyond her professional endeavors, Alexis is the host of the Dovetail Community for Women Entrepreneurs. In her personal time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, including trail running, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, alongside her partner, Scott, and their dog, Albi. --- Interview Links: — Alexis' website - https://dovetail.community

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Martha Beck, a Harvard-trained sociologist and bestselling author, shares her transformative insights on tapping into the right hemisphere of the brain for creativity and connection. She discusses the impact of anxiety in today's society and how to break free from its grasp. Martha emphasizes creating a personal sanctuary for peace, and highlights the need to reframe fear into curiosity. With her practical tips and heartfelt anecdotes, she unveils the path to purpose rooted in joy and self-expression.

Johnathan Bi, a FinTech entrepreneur and philosopher with a focus on René Girard, dives into the fascinating world of mimetic theory. He explains how our desires are often shaped by societal comparisons, revealing ways to cultivate genuine fulfillment. The conversation touches on the scapegoat mechanism and its historical relevance, contrasting physical with metaphysical desires. Bi emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests for their own sake, and how our social dynamics can subtly steer our decision-making processes.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Natalie Fraser, a counseling psychologist and the founder of the Global Existential Summit, dives deep into the transformative power of existential philosophy. She highlights how philosophy can enhance personal quality of life and urges listeners to question mainstream thinkers. Natalie introduces her HEALINGS framework for reducing suffering and emphasizes the dangers of idolizing philosophical figures. With her commitment to decolonizing existential thought, she invites a broader, more inclusive view of human experience.

Aodhán Moran, an executive coach blending tech with psychology, and Brant Elwood, a therapeutic consultant and expert in archetypal theory, dive into the intricacies of group relations. They explore archetypes like the scapegoat and the absence of the wise king in society. Strong emotional responses often reveal deeper projections, while personal narratives shed light on hidden dynamics within groups. The discussion emphasizes experiential learning and provides insightful resources to understand interpersonal relationships better.

Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and acclaimed author, engages listeners with profound insights on consciousness and reality. He challenges the notion of the 'unconscious,' advocating for the term 'superconscious' instead. Delving into the philosophy of life, he argues that our values are inherent to existence itself. McGilchrist counters skepticism about life's meaning while addressing humanity's ecological crises. He emphasizes the power of personal transformation and the co-creative role we play in shaping our reality, ultimately calling for a reconnection with fundamental human values.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Elizabeth Lacy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and expert in Schema Therapy, delves into the root causes of addiction. She critiques mainstream treatment models and discusses why they often lead to high relapse rates. Lacy emphasizes the link between unmet developmental needs and addiction, advocating for a holistic approach. Listeners learn how schema therapy can transform maladaptive patterns and foster deep recovery by addressing emotional struggles and cultivating healthier identities.

Dr James Cooke is a consciousness researcher, meditation teacher, and author of The Dawn of Mind. His work blends science and spirituality to offer a fascinating perspective on reality and our place within it. We dive into nondual naturalism, the nature of consciousness, and how understanding these ideas can transform how we live. Here’s what we cover: — What nondual naturalism is and why it matters for everyday life. — The story of James’s awakening experience as a teenager and how it shaped his path. — The benefits of embracing the nondual path, how it naturally leads to feeling more at home in the world, and also why it might not be for everyone. And more. You can learn more about James’s work and access his meditation classes at innerspaceinstitute.org. His book, The Dawn of Mind, is available now. --- James Cooke PhD trained as a neuroscientist after an awakening as a teenager that showed him the reality of spiritual states of consciousness. He holds three degrees from Oxford University (a PhD and Masters in Neuroscience & a BA in Experimental Psychology). He has conducted scientific research for over a decade at institutions such as Oxford University, University of California, Berkeley, University College London, Trinity College Dublin, and Riken Brain Sciences Institute in Tokyo. James is the author of The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive (coming December 2024), which synthesizes science and spiritual insight to offer a radical solution to the Hard Problem of Consciousness. BA in Experimental Psychology, Oxford University MSc in Neuroscience, Oxford University PhD in Neuroscience, Oxford University --- Interview Links: — Dr Cooke’s website - https://www.drjamescooke.com