The Contemplative Science Podcast

What happens when people start speaking in tongues? Joining Jamie for a dive into his research is Josh Brahinsky, researcher at UC Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory. Josh is fascinated with the phenomenology and neuroscience of what goes on when people speak in tongues - revealing anecdotes from interviews that focus particularly on evangelicals. Detailing a short history of pentecostalism and comparing similarities of such experiences to psychedelic experiences, our discussion touches on God, awe, de-centring, imagination and the work of colleague and previous guest Dr Michael Lifshitz. ----- This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

What are the principles of neurotheology? Who better to answer than Andrew Newberg, acclaimed neuroscientist, professor and author. In his books, Andrew has laid out pioneering research on the relationship of the brain and spirituality - revealing the inner complexities of how the brain operates when we are spiritual. Whether that’s using brain imaging to study Franciscan nuns and Buddhist monks in prayer, or observing brain ‘resonance’ when two individuals apply his co-penned Compassionate Communication framework - he is fascinated with the role of spirituality in our lives. Join us for an illuminating discussion - one that encourages an open mind for whatever the ‘truth’ may be! ----- This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Dr. Rachel Taylor, a neuropsychologist, discusses the cognitive mechanics of grief and loss. Topics include mirror neurons, effects of environment, alcohol's impact on the brain, and the importance of planning for death. The podcast aims to help listeners integrate contemplative life lessons.

Welcome to a deep dive into ‘self’, karma and moral psychology. Our guide: Kevin Berryman, Buddhist monk and doctoral student at Monash University. Kevin outlines some topics explored in his research - that aims to get to the bottom of what makes us who we are and how time on the mat influences the way we interact with the world. Citing Ram Dass, Malcom Gladwell and Robert Sapolsky, our discussion reveals a message of encouragement - to balance internal exploration with a positive, meaningful contribution to the world. ----- This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Neuroscientist Giuseppe Pagnoni, an expert from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, argues that meditation is an active mental process, not passive. He delves into the brain as a predictive machine, linking this with the free energy principle and the dynamics of perception and belief. Pagnoni discusses the importance of mind-wandering in meditation and how it fosters self-understanding and emotional regulation. He emphasizes the need for personalized meditation practices, tackling common challenges like drowsiness and balancing activity with relaxation.

Trauma needs a rethink. Here to tell us why is Liam Farquhar, a London-based legal psychedelics guide and somatic experiencing expert. He shares insights on how the current psychedelic protocols only address trauma at a narrative level, and fail to treat the root of the issue. As such, his practice takes on a whole-body approach - creating a path to healing that uses discussion, breathwork and movement to ingrain a deep understanding of psychedelic processes in his clients. Covering MDMA, Ram Dass, accessing ‘self’, men’s therapy and more - today’s episode is a guide to the possibilities of psychedelic-based treatment. ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

We can reconceptualise pain. Taking us through a fascinating walkthrough of the mechanics of pain is Alex Jinich, PhD student at UC San Diego. Alex’s mission is to contribute to our understanding of how meditation and other novel therapeutic techniques help reduce pain and improve wellbeing. Sharing research results, theories and lessons in foundational cognition, we dive into meditation’s links to spheres of suffering, neuroplasticity, chronic pain, placebo and more. ‘Pain is incredibly more complicated than it first appears.’ ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

A really special episode today. Dr Mark Miller guides us through a 20 minute practice extremely close to his heart. Developed by Lama John Makransky, the co-founder of Sustainable Compassion, this practice aims to open the heart and relax the body. Take this as an opportunity to stop and take a breath. John's links: Lama John Makransky - https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/teacher/john-makransky/ Sustainable Compassion - https://sustainablecompassion.org Awakening From Love - https://wisdomexperience.org/product/awakening-through-love/ His free course - https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/online-programs/compassion-and-awareness/ ------ This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ⁠⁠‘Training For Humanity’ ⁠⁠- M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life. Use CODE CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

A re-release! Our conversation with Dr Evan Thompson has been attracting significant attention as we've crossed over into 2023, and we wanted to re-re-release it for new listeners. Enjoy one of our all-time favourite conversations. -- In 2023, Buddhism is perceived as 'spirituality for the rational', fully compatible with cutting‑edge science. But this view is actually a mistake that does both Buddhism and science a disservice, says Dr Evan Thompson. Exploring what he calls 'Buddhist exceptionalism', Evan breaks down why Buddhism is treated differently to other spiritual practices, and dives deep into both Western and Buddhist philosophy to explain how the goals of science and religion are fundamentally different. Covering enlightenment, the ethics of knowledge and non-conceptual experiences, Dr Thompson reframes Buddhism and its role in our spiritual and scientific lives. ------- This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ‘Training For Humanity’ - M3CS’s exclusive short courses, including Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, as well as Maintaining a Mindful Life.  Use code CONTEMPLATIVE10 for 10% off.

Dr. Norman Farb, a researcher from the University of Toronto, dives into cognitive biases and emotional regulation. He emphasizes the importance of confidence in managing emotional responses. The conversation explores how self-narratives influence self-worth and the significance of embracing mistakes for growth. Farb offers insights into breaking free from mental stagnation through sensory engagement, promoting the unpredictability of personal development. This enlightening discussion provides practical strategies for enhancing emotional well-being.