Mind-Body Solution

Joined by Josh Bongard, a pioneering Professor of Computer Science at the University of Vermont, the discussion journey dives into the fascinating world of biological robots known as xenobots. Bongard explores how these living machines challenge our understanding of life and consciousness. The conversation also navigates the role of AI in biological development and the ethical dilemmas posed by self-replicating organisms. Listeners will re-evaluate the essence of intelligence and the profound implications of intertwining biology with technology.

Suzanne Gildert, CEO-founder of Nirvanic Consciousness Technologies and a quantum physicist, discusses the cutting-edge intersection of consciousness and AI. She explores defining consciousness and free will, challenging listeners to consider their implications in a deterministic world. Gildert delves into quantum consciousness, advocating for a shift in public perception of conscious AI. With insights on teleological panprotopsychism and the ethical dilemmas of creating conscious systems, she illuminates the complex relationship between technology, spirituality, and our understanding of existence.

Terrence Deacon, a leading figure in evolutionary biology from UC Berkeley, and Michael Levin, a pioneering developmental biologist from Tufts, team up for an enlightening conversation. They explore the origin of life through complex systems, discussing thermodynamics, memory, and the interplay of metabolism and cognition. Insights into the 'lazy gene hypothesis' and the concept of inverse Darwinism spark intriguing thoughts on evolution. The duo also delves into bioelectric patterns in xenobots and the philosophical nuances of purpose, making for a thought-provoking exchange.

Matthew David Segall, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Department at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, and the Chair of the Science Advisory Committee for the Cobb Institute. He is a transdisciplinary researcher, writer, teacher, and philosopher applying process-relational thought across the natural and social sciences, as well as to the study of consciousness. He describes himself as a “process philosopher” and transdisciplinary researcher, reflecting his commitment to bridging multiple fields​. Segall’s work builds on the metaphysical framework of Alfred North Whitehead, extending Whitehead’s philosophy of organism into new domains of science, religion, and ecology. In doing so, Segall reinterprets the Western philosophical lineage – from ancient ideas of a world-soul to German Idealism and beyond – to articulate a participatory, organismic vision of nature. His philosophy portrays a cosmos ensouled with meaning and experience, challenging mechanistic materialism and inviting a renewed dialogue between science and spirit​. Segall integrates insights from Whitehead, Schelling, Goethe, and Steiner into a process worldview, develops an organic (panpsychist) cosmology, practices a bold transdisciplinary methodology, and engages public dialogues that embody a form of sacred activism on behalf of our living planet.TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Introduction (0:43) - History of Mind-Body Problem(7:40) - Critiquing Physicalism(12:55) - Quantum Theory Interpretations(16:14) - Addressing Illusionism & Scientism(22:00) - The Metaphysics of Prehension(28:14) - Panexperientialism in Physics(31:55) - Propositional Feelings(37:09) - What is Consciousness?(45:00) - Panexperientialism & Free Will(50:00) - Bridging Science & Philosophy(54:42) - Challenging the Cold/Dead Universe tale(1:00:39) - Misconceptions about Matt's work(1:04:20) - Telos(1:07:44) - Matt's Philosopher recommendations(1:13:00) - Mind At Large (Upcoming Events!)(1:17:40) - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS:- Matt's Website: https://footnotes2plato.com-  @Footnotes2Plato : http://www.youtube.com/@Footnotes2Plato- Physics Within the Bounds of Feeling Alone: https://footnotes2plato.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/physics-within-the-bounds-of-feeling-alone.pdf- Matt's X: https://x.com/ThouArtThat- Matt's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.david.segall- Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdavidsegall- Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footnotes2platoCONNECT:- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

In this engaging discussion, Susan Blackmore, a thought leader on consciousness and author, shares her insights on the evolving nature of consciousness and the philosophical implications of panpsychism. She explores how mental models influence our perception and challenges traditional views of reality. Delving into altered states induced by meditation and psychedelics, she uncovers their transformative potential. Blackmore also reflects on the exciting interplay between AI and cosmopsychism, offering a provocative glimpse into the future of consciousness.

Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes is a Philosopher of Mind and Metaphysics who specializes in the thought of Whitehead, Nietzsche, Bergson, and Spinoza—and in fields pertaining to panpsychism, pantheism, mental causation, and altered states of consciousness. He is a lecturer at The University of Exeter. Peter is the author of Noumenautics (2015), Modes of Sentience (2021), co-editor and contributor of Bloomsbury’s Philosophy and Psychedelics (2022), the TEDx Talker on ‘psychedelics and consciousness‘, and he is inspiration to the recreation of inhuman philosopher Marvel Superhero, Karnak. TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Introduction (1:00) - The Mind-Body Problem(4:00) - Idealism vs Panpsychism(6:45) - Defining Consciousness (15:30) - Spinozism & Whiteheadian Panpsychism(19:30) - Kastrup's Analytic Idealism(24:07) - Naïve Realism(29:30) - Huxley, James, Whitehead, Nietzsche, Spinoza, Schopenhauer, Bergson & Kant(35:15) - What is the Philosophy of Psychedelics?(41:38) - Evidence of Psychedelic Research(45:35) - Psychedelics & Consciousness(53:10) - Defining Psychedelics(59:50) - Metaphysical Shifts & Consensus Reality(1:04:30) - Peter's most Psychoactive Experience(1:09:40) - Psychedelic Research Criticism(1:13:14) - From Therapeutics to Metaphysics(1:16:18) - Mind At Large & Exogenous Mind Theory(1:23:08) - Free Will(1:27:40) - Panpsychisms(1:35:40) - Peter's Philosophical Heroes(1:40:02) - Final Thoughts(1:41:10) - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS:- Peter's Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4yCrqS0dCY- Peter's Website: https://www.philosopher.eu/- Peter's X: https://twitter.com/PeterSjostedtH- Peter’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/petersjostedth- Peter’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-peter-sjöstedt-hughes-2b7a2927- Peter’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/petersjostedth.bsky.social- Peter's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Ontologistics- Peter's Analytic Idealism Critique: https://www.feedyourhead.blog/p/flights-in-the-mindscapeCONNECT:- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

Daniel McShea is Professor of Biology, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Duke University. He is a scientist, philosopher and author. His work focuses on 2 main areas: 1) Evolution of Complexity: In a 2010 book with Robert Brandon, Biology's First Law, he argues that the complexity of organisms will tend to increase spontaneously in the absence of natural selection and other forces. In evolution, complexity is easy (and simplicity is hard.) A second book, The Missing Two Thirds of Evolutionary Theory (Brandon and McShea 2020), further develops the theory, offering a quantitative formulation.2) Teleology (purpose, goal directedness): A common physical structure underlies all goal-directed systems, from acorns turning into oak trees to homing torpedoes to human passions and purposes. All of these are hierarchically structured, consisting a small thing nested within a large thing, more precisely, a goal-directed entity moving within a larger directing field.TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Introduction (1:00) - What is Field Theory?(6:44) - Goal-Directedness(10:13) - Support for Field Theory(15:15) - Persistence & Plasticity(22:20) - Purposiveness & Teleology(31:10) - Free Will & Consciousness(41:15) - Internal Conflicts(44:30) - Future of Field Theory(53:40) - Intentionality(55:45) - External Influences vs Internal Fields(1:01:20) - Purpose in the Universe/Meaning of Life(1:05:20) - Final Thoughts(1:06:20) - ConclusionEPISODE LINKS:- Dan's Website: https://scholars.duke.edu/person/dmcshea- Dan's Work: http://www.biology.duke.edu/mcshealab/- Dan's Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=IB5lqFwAAAAJ&hl=en- Dan's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Daniel-W-McShea/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADaniel%2BW.%2BMcShea- Elusive But Everywhere: https://aeon.co/essays/a-new-field-theory-reveals-the-hidden-forces-that-guide-us- Levin, Solms, Babcock, McShea: https://youtu.be/VUszs0nALxM?feature=shared- Levin, Babcock, McShea: https://youtu.be/7ZahEQGwc1g?feature=sharedCONNECT:- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

Dr Gunnar Babcock is a lecturer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. He was a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biology at Duke University. He received his Doctorate in Philosophy from the University at Albany, SUNY. His research is primarily in the philosophy of science/biology. It focuses on topics like biological individuality, species, and both modern and historical accounts of teleology. Much of his work aims to develop a new approach to understanding goal directed systems called field theory. He is also involved in the project “Does Earth’s habitability for life exist due to or in spite of Darwinian evolution by natural selection?” His other research considers developments in synthetic biology, the scope of selective processes, and how biotechnologies sometimes help reveal the metaphysical underpinnings of concepts like reproduction, species, lineages, and life generally. His broader philosophical interests extend to ethics in life sciences, history and philosophy of science, and ancient philosophy. TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Introduction (1:11) - Defining Life & Reproduction (6:49) - Production vs Reproduction(9:17) - Griesemer's Influence on Biology(11:41) - Biological Fission(14:17) - Individuality vs Connectedness (18:20) - Philosophy of Biology (19:50) - Challenging Our Understanding of Reproduction(23:19) - Biological Fusion(30:38) - Working with Daniel McShea (upcoming MBS guest)(33:49) - Consciousness & the Mind-Body Problem(39:14) - Gunnar's Journey & Heroes(48:10) - AI, Robots, & Life(56:11) - Rethinking Life(58:38) - Are Viruses Alive?(1:00:43) - ConclusionEPISODE LINKS:- Gunnar's Website: https://gunnarbabcock.wordpress.com/- Gunnar's Work: https://cals.cornell.edu/gunnar-babcock- Gunnar's Publications: https://philpeople.org/profiles/gunnar-babcock- Gunnar's Aeon Paper: https://aeon.co/essays/we-need-to-stop-thinking-about-sex-when-it-comes-to-reproduction- Levin, Solms, Babcock, McShea: https://youtu.be/VUszs0nALxM?feature=shared- Levin, Babcock, McShea: https://youtu.be/7ZahEQGwc1g?feature=sharedCONNECT:- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

Dr James Cooke, PhD trained is a neuroscientist, speaker, and writer. 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 (2024), which synthesizes science and spiritual insight to offer a radical solution to the Hard Problem of Consciousness. He is the founder of the "Inner Space Institute" which aims to help more people access spiritual growth, without any of the unscientific beliefs that are common in spiritual circles. TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction (1:25) - Defining Consciousness, The Self, & Life (5:37) - The Mind-Body Problem (9:00) - Biopsychism (13:16) - Human-exceptionalism (16:56) - Science & Spirituality (19:40) - Purpose/Meaning (24:24) - Living Mirrors Theory (29:50) - Thoughts on other theories of Consciousness (39:38) - Limits of Language (43:35) - Separation, Self & Substance (47:52) - Spirituality without Dogma (55:29) - The Dawn of Mind & Living Mirrors Theory (1:07:59) - James' Journey (from Living Mirrors to Inner Space Institute) (1:17:02) - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS: - James' Website: https://drjamescooke.com - James' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@DrJamesCooke - James' Substack: https://drjamescooke.substack.com - Inner Space Institute: https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution - YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution - X: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu - Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu ============================= Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

Stuart Hameroff MD is Professor of Anesthesiology and Psychology, and Director of the Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Hameroff became interested in intelligent behavior of microtubules, protein lattices which organize activities within living cells. Hameroff and colleagues developed theories of microtubules as self-organizing molecular computers. In the 1990s Hameroff teamed with Sir Roger Penrose on the controversial Penrose-Hameroff "Orch OR" model of consciousness based on quantum computing in brain neuronal microtubules, a notion bolstered by recent evidence. Hameroff also organizes the biennial interdisciplinary conferences, The Science of Consciousness Conference. The Science of Consciousness (‘TSC’) conference is the world’s longest running inter-disciplinary gathering on the study of consciousness, the nature of existence, and our place in the universe. In 2025 TSC will be in Barcelona, Spain, July 6-11 (Workshops, Plenaries, Concurrents, Exhibits, Demos, Social, Poetry Slam, Dancing - AC Marriott Forum Hotel), preceding and in conjunction with The Festival of Consciousness, July 11-13 (Music, Art, Experiential, Inspiration, Spirituality, Education, Business, Evolution). Speakers include: Sir Roger Penrose, Donald Hoffman, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, Rupert Sheldrake, Deepak Chopra, Federico Faggin, Anirban Bandyopadhyay, and many others. Links below for TSC tickets & more information. TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction (1:04) - Defining Consciousness (4:15) - Microtubules & Anaesthesia (9:00) - Where it began with Sir Roger Penrose (15:13) - Patricia Churchland's hilarious critique on Hameroff & Penrose (25:45) - Objective Reduction Explained (37:27) - Quantum Biology (40:47) - Philosophical Implications (Hard Problem, NDEs, OBEs, Afterlife & Reincarnation) (46:00) - Time Crystals & Life (54:20) - Spectrum of Consciousness (plants to humans) (57:37) - "Cartoon Neurons" (1:00:31) - IIT vs GNWT vs Predictive Processing vs Higher-Order Thought vs Orch OR (Battle of Consciousness Theories!) (1:07:23) - Ethical/Practical Implications (Healthcare) (1:10:40) - Transcranial Ultrasound Explored (1:18:10) - How Does Anaesthesia Affect Consciousness? (1:22:10) - The Science of Consciousness Conference & Festival of Consciousness (1:28:00) - Astrobiology & Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (1:30:20) - The Microtubule Maestro's future (1:36:32) - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS: - Stuart's Website: https://hameroff.arizona.edu/ - Stuart's X: https://twitter.com/stuarthameroff - TSC: https://consciousness.arizona.edu/ - TSC 2025 Flyer: https://tinyurl.com/4y94zwhr - TSC Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescienceofconsciousness - Patricia Churchland: https://youtu.be/6IVBxmaaGNg?feature=shared - Christof Koch: https://youtu.be/GeO5zr1e5lc?feature=shared - Susan Blackmore: https://youtu.be/u1VlYfgCHTA?feature=shared - Donald Hoffman: https://youtu.be/QRa8r5xOaAA?feature=shared - Federico Faggin: https://youtu.be/MSn4t6fP_dc?feature=shared CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution - YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution - X: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu - Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu ============================= Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.