Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke

Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist and writer whose work focuses on spirituality in the Christian tradition. He has a degrees in theology and physics from Oxford and Durham University and also has PhD in ancient Greek philosophy from the University of Warwick. Today we discuss mysticism and its relationship to Christianity.

On today's episode I share some thoughts on the war in Ukraine and how we can move towards a global culture of peace

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon: https://www.patreon.com/drjamescooke or the YouTube channel membership community: https://www.youtube.com/drjamescooke Topics (in order addressed): Ukraine Pivotal mental states Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Richard Lang, coordinator of the Shollond Trust and author on the Headless Way, shares profound insights into self-discovery and the nondual nature of experience. He explores the intricate evolution of self-identity shaped by social interactions. The conversation highlights the unity of consciousness and the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on life and death, Richard encourages listeners to embrace their true essence, fostering deeper self-awareness and community engagement.

Sam is an ecologist, researcher and science writer, working at the intersection of ecology and psychedelics. He has conducted ecological field research around the world and also has extensive experience of working in the psychedelic field, at the Beckley Foundation, Synthesis Institute, and the psychedelic music company Wavepaths. He is currently a Project Manager with Norfolk Rivers Ecology and a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, with a research interest in the capacity of psychedelics to influence our connection to nature. Today we talk about the science of how psychedelics can help us discover that we are part of nature.

On today's episode I share some thoughts on psychological attractors and their significance for the future of human society. Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon or the YouTube channel membership community: https://www.patreon.com/DrJamesCooke https://www.youtube.com/DrJamesCooke Topics (in order addressed): The legitimacy of psychoanalysis Neurological risks from psychedelics Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Antonio Damasio, a renowned neurologist and neuroscientist, focuses on how emotions intertwine with consciousness. He challenges the notion that rationality prevails, emphasizing the crucial role of feelings in shaping human experience. The discussion explores the evolutionary link between consciousness and homeostasis, highlighting how our emotional responses aid survival. Damasio also delves into the crafting of consciousness through sensory perception, critiquing oversimplified views and suggesting a biological understanding of consciousness even in simpler organisms.

Chris Letheby is a philosopher of mind and cognitive science who works on issues arising from the use of psychedelic drugs in psychiatry and neuroscience. His doctoral research, conducted at the University of Adelaide, presented the first systematic analysis of the psychedelic experience within the framework of 21st century philosophy of cognitive science. He is currently Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Western Australia and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Adelaide. He is the author of a wonderful new book entitled Philosophy of Psychedelics. Today we talk about how to reconcile psychedelic experiences with naturalism.

Peter McCoy is the co-founder of Radical Mycology, a grassroots movement that teaches ways to work with mushrooms and other fungi for personal, societal, and ecological health. Peter teaches mushroom cultivation internationally and online at mycologos.world. He is the author of Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working With Fungi and the new book Mycocultural Revolution: Changing the World with Mushrooms, Lichens, and Other Fungi. Today we talk about fungi and their relationship to society. Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416