Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon or the YouTube channel membership community:

Indy Johar, an architect and co-founder of Dark Matter Labs, discusses building innovative societal infrastructures aiming for interdependence and equality. He critiques outdated frameworks that fail to address interconnected challenges like climate change. Johar emphasizes the need for civic infrastructures that foster empathy and restore human connections. He explores the idea of agency beyond ownership, advocating for relationships of care. The conversation highlights innovative projects transforming urban life through community stewardship and emotional openness.

I'm excited to announce that I just signed a book deal with Prometheus Books. The title is The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive. In it I lay out a synthesis of physicalism, panpsychism, and idealism, culminating in a scientific account of the biophysics of consciousness, rather than the neuroscience of consciousness. It's less dry than I've made it sound here though, I promise. Slated for release in late 2024. Please pre-order when the time comes, as that helps with the book's visibility.

The podcast delves into non-dual awareness and mindfulness, benefits of paying attention to the breath, liberation in meditation and challenges of aligning the self with non-dual insight. It also explores holding emotional content in the body, coping mechanisms in emotional work, and the importance of letting go. The hosts discuss the effectiveness of IFS therapy, cannabis and mindfulness.

Andy Mitchell is a neuropsychologist and therapist. He has specialized in treating patients with rare brain conditions, head injuries and epilepsy, and in the application of mindfulness for neurological patients. As a therapist he has worked with people with a range of mental health disorders. Before entering medicine, his first degree was in English Literature at Oxford University.  https://www.andymitchell.org/

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon or the YouTube channel membership community:

Rachel Nuwer is a journalist who has reported on science, travel, food, and adventure for the New York Times, National Geographic, Scientific American and many other publications. She is the author of Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking and her new book is I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World. Today we discuss all things MDMA. rachelnuwer.com

Topics addressed (in order): Consciousness, causal power, & evolution Is consciousness binary? Technology & consciousness Music & psychedelics Homestead landscaping

Nei Theise, Professor of pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses connecting science and spirituality through complexity theory. They explore consciousness, Zen Buddhism, boundaries and interconnectedness, and the need to bridge the gap between scientific and spiritual understandings of consciousness. They also reflect on personal journeys, mysticism, resilience, and facing uncertainties.

​Jared Seide is the Executive Director of the Center for Council, a talking circle practice that we discuss today.  He has designed, piloted and coordinated council-based programs in prisons, assisted living facilities, youth groups, schools, non-profits, faith-based organisations, and social service and law enforcement agencies.  He has also led trainings and retreats focusing on reconciliation and community-building around the world, from Colombia to Rwanda.  He is a member of the Zen Center of Los Angeles, a graduate of the Upaya Institute Chaplaincy Program and has been a Spirit Holder for the Bearing Witness Retreats of the Zen Peacemakers, a contemplative social action community.  Today we discuss the practice of Council. https://www.centerforcouncil.org/ https://www.beyondusandthem.org/