The Contemplative Science Podcast

Adam Safron, an independent researcher affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, shares his insights on consciousness, agency, and artificial intelligence. He discusses the ethical dilemmas in AI development and the need to align technology with human values. The conversation highlights the role of compassion in both personal growth and AI design, advocating for love and community engagement as essential elements in navigating the future of intelligent systems.

Dr. Norman Farb, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and co-author of 'Better in Every Sense,' dives into the science of breaking free from emotional ruts. He discusses Sense Foraging, a method that replaces willpower with deep sensory engagement for greater resilience and creativity. The conversation also touches on how nature and meaningful relationships enhance mental well-being, and the role of mindfulness in transforming negative thought patterns. Listeners will learn practical ways to elevate their emotional health through sensory experiences.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mridula Sathyanarayanan, a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, majoring in neuroscience, philosophy, and Buddhist Psychology & Mental Health (BPMH). A Laidlaw Scholar, Mridula has been exploring the intersection of contemplative science and public engagement through her innovative project, *The Museum of Meditative Practices*. Her work invites us to rethink how meditation is experienced, studied, and shared, creating an interactive and educational space where diverse meditative traditions come to life. We discuss the inspiration behind her project, the challenges of translating contemplative experiences into public exhibits, and what this means for the future of contemplative science. Tune in for a conversation on the creative ways meditation can be made accessible and immersive—and why this matters for both science and practice.

Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, dives into the intriguing effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. She discusses how this practice leads to the dissolution of bodily boundaries, offering a unique perspective on attention and sensory awareness. Valeria explains the predictive processing framework, revealing how our perceptions shape experiences as educated guesses. The conversation highlights meditation's potential in emotional regulation and addiction management, portraying it as a transformative tool for personal growth.

In a fascinating discussion, Beth Fisher, a PhD student at M3CS, unpacks her innovative research on psilocybin's effects on optimism and decision-making. She reveals how psilocybin can modify the brain’s approach to loss aversion and enhance hopeful engagement in rats. Delving into therapeutic potential, Beth discusses the role of environment in psychedelic therapy and how computational models help measure optimism. With insights into gratitude’s impact on perspective, she offers a unique lens on fostering resilience in challenging times.

In this episode, we sit down with Elli Weisbaum, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health program. Elli shares insights from her extensive experience facilitating mindfulness workshops and retreats across education, healthcare, and business sectors. We discuss her work on applying mindfulness to enhance physician well-being. Elli’s unique background, combining academic research with traditional mindfulness training under Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, offers a fresh perspective on mindfulness in contemporary settings.

Join neuroscientist James Cooke, author of *The Dawn of Mind*, as he unravels the complexities of consciousness and self. He challenges the notion of human exceptionalism, proposing that all life may possess some form of consciousness. The conversation dives into predictive processing and how surprise shapes our understanding of existence. Cooke explores the interconnectedness of consciousness and the environment, pushing for a reevaluation of identity and a non-dual perspective on life. Prepare for eye-opening insights that bridge science and philosophy!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Tap, a clinical researcher specializing in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Stephan shares insights from his work exploring the potential of psilocybin to alleviate psychological distress in palliative care patients. We dive into the neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms behind psilocybin’s effects, discuss the unique challenges of end-of-life care, and explore the future of psychedelic therapies in clinical settings. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and psychedelics.

In this episode , we are joined by John Dunne, a leading thinker at the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science. We explore topics ranging from the nuances of "Buddhist science" and its critiques to the challenges of integrating mindfulness into scientific research, and the new relationship emerging between psychedelics and contemplative practice. We examine the role of phenomenology in contemplative science, the complexities of gathering first-person data, and the media's portrayal of mindfulness, including the potential harms that are often sensationalized. This insightful conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving relationship between contemplation, mindfulness, and rigorous scientific inquiry.

In this episode of the Contemplative Science Podcast, host Mark Miller welcomes Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk from Plum Village, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and Buddhism. Brother Phap Linh shares his insights on the limitations of scientific materialism, emphasizing that science often overlooks the fundamental mystery of consciousness. He explores how the belief in a universe made of matter can diminish our sense of meaning and interconnectedness, leading to a worldview that is cold and detached.