The Contemplative Science Podcast

How can we define meta-awareness? Today’s episode is a deep dive into all things connected to non-dual awareness, led by cognitive expert Dr David Vago. We explore flow states, brain-body environment dynamics, concentration practice, meditation, depression, compassion… Packed with cognitive research, varying perspectives of ‘self’ and references to the work of Benjamin Libet and previous guest Evan Thompson, David presents a fascinating insight into how to define the secondary interpretation of our experience. ------ 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.

You are not your brain.  Today we are joined by Dr Jeffrey Schwartz - one of the world’s leading experts in neuroplasticity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Jeffrey’s publications include You Are Not Your Brain and Brain Lock. Referencing Socrates, George Gurdjieff and Søren Kierkegaard, Jeffery here walks us through the state of play of modern neuroscience and the inner workings of OCD. Listen in for a unique perspective into the nature of the human mind. ------ 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.

Suffering isn’t new - but mindfulness can help. Joining to uncover the reasons and remedies for rising stress levels in young people, is Dr Eric Loucks. Professor, researcher and pioneer in the study of mindfulness and health, Eric recently authored The Mindful College Student - based on work that sees him teach and study the impact of introducing mindfulness to year groups who are still in cognitive development! Our discussion today picks apart the challenges of his research, the importance of the prefrontal cortex and why ‘meditation isn’t always for everyone’. ------ 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 mechanics of anxiety? How can we understand and alleviate it? Here to share her insights on this enduring issue is Lynn Koerbel. Author, bodywork therapist and Assistant Professor at Brown University, Lynn has dedicated herself to combating mental health issues through movement and mindfulness. Join us as we uncover the methods of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Kashmir Shavaism and a myriad of anecdotes, research findings and practical takeaways. ------ 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.

Is compassion something you can train? Absolutely, according to today’s guest Dr Paul Condon. Co-writer of the Sustainable Compassion Training (SCT) model along with John Makransky, it provides a system of compassion and wisdom practices to enrich compassion in our daily lives. In our discussion, Paul outlines a definition for compassion and the concept of field of care practice - emphasising that this is about community, not just the individual! ------ 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.

The ‘self’ in the Buddhist tradition is a complex and rich topic. Walking us smoothly through potentially choppy water is Monash University's Dr Monima Chadha, an Associate Professor in Philosophy. Monima’s research focuses on the cross-cultural philosophy of mind - and she's particularly interested in how the self overlaps with how we typically think of of self control and perception. Discussing human feelings of desire, freedom and the Buddhist model of sharing our knowledge and gifts with the world - our conversation today mines deep into our understanding of ‘self’ in daily life. ------ 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.

How can equanimity improve the human experience? Joining today is author, lecturer and equanimity enthusiast Dr Joey Weber. Joey’s book Why Mindfulness Is Not Enough… paints a fascinating picture in which equanimity is a bridge that moves mindfulness to compassion. A deeply engaging expert in his field, we discuss why mindfulness needs purpose and how you can become more equanimous - for the good of our interconnected human experience. Dr Joey Weber: Website - www.equanamee.com EBCA course tickets - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equanimity-based-compassionate-action-ebca-tickets-355406639827 Socials - Instagram and twitter @drjoeyweber Insight timer guided meditations - https://insighttimer.com/joeyweber ------ 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.

How can we effectively integrate mindfulness into education? Monash University's very own Professor Craig Hassed is an author and internationally renowned mindfulness expert.  In part responsible for launching a pioneering programme that sees five thousand medical students a year enrolled in mindfulness classes, we talk through the effects this has on their personal and professional lives - reducing stress, clarifying decision making and lifting unconscious biases. This episode is packed full of value for educators, students and those interested in mindfulness. ------ 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.

Hosts Jamie Slevin and Dr Mark Miller reflect on the lessons of the podcast so far. Mixing in their own experiences with the key themes of the Contemplative Science Podcast, Mark and Jamie share their thoughts on what we've covered so far.  One message is particularly resonant. Practice gently. After all, we are “complex ecosystems of mental, emotional, perceptual and behavioural dynamics!” Sharing anecdotes, analogies and reflections on different teaching styles, our dive into the personal experience sheds light on the meditation ecosystem as a whole. ------ 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.

Did you know that living beings defy the 2nd law of thermodynamics? Joining us for a fascinating discussion is Dr Ines Hipolito, a self-described ‘complexity wanderer’. Recently co-founding the European Institute for Global Well-being, her research develops and applies frameworks on the nature of cognition. We dive into the free energy principle, the relationship of digitisation and wellbeing, and why ‘cognition is everything that we do’! ------ 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.