

LIGHTS ON AUDIO DOCUMENTARY TEASER
Annaka Harris
A chapter-by-chapter preview of LIGHTS ON, an audio-exclusive documentary by New York Times bestselling author Annaka Harris, available wherever you get your audiobooks. Listen to the full audio documentary here: https://bit.ly/LightsOnPodcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 5: The Self
Anil Seth, a neuroscientist and author of "Being You," alongside fellow neuroscientist David Eagleman, dive deep into the nature of self and consciousness. They discuss the illusion of self, emphasizing how our brain constructs reality based on sensory inputs. Personal anecdotes from a silent meditation retreat illustrate the transformative experience of dropping the illusion. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink identity, perception, and the philosophical implications of consciousness, merging science with profound personal insights.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 9: Consciousness as Fundamental
In this thought-provoking conversation, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman and assembly theory expert Sarah Walker challenge our understanding of consciousness and reality. Hoffman argues that our perceptions are not true representations, but evolved symbols for survival. Walker extends this idea to explore how consciousness might form the basis of existence itself, teasing out implications for the origins of life. Together, they delve into panpsychism and cutting-edge frameworks in physics, rethinking the very fabric of what we know about life and reality.

10 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 46min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 6: From Signals to Sensations
Sasha Fink, a Professor of neurophilosophy, explores the intricate relationship between consciousness and sensory perception. She delves into groundbreaking studies involving sensory substitution, such as the feel space belt that enhances awareness of imperceptible phenomena. The conversation challenges conventional understandings of reality and examines how future tools might expand our sensory capabilities, touching on the fascinating ways technology can reshape our perception of the world around us.

13 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 4: Plants and Parasites
Join Patrick House, a neuroscientist studying the mind-bending effects of Toxoplasma gondii, Daniel Chamovitz, a plant geneticist and president of Ben Gurion University, and Zoë Schlanger, a science writer delving into plant sound perception. They explore whether plants experience consciousness through their behaviors, question the necessity of consciousness in both plants and animals, and reveal surprising insights about parasitic plants' decision-making. Tune in for a captivating discussion that challenges perceptions of life and awareness!

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 3: The Dance
In a thought-provoking discussion, renowned physicist Brian Greene, known for his work on string theory, and astrophysicist Janna Levin, an expert on black holes, explore the intricate dance between philosophy and science. They tackle the complexities of quantum mechanics, particularly the many-worlds interpretation, and its connection to consciousness. The conversation delves into how consciousness shapes our understanding of reality and challenges conventional beliefs, while introducing the fascinating dimensions of string theory and its implications for existence.

30 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 12min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 1: The Mystery, An Introduction
This captivating discussion dives into the neuroscience and philosophy of consciousness. It unpacks intriguing concepts like intuition versus logical reasoning and explores the complexities of the split-brain phenomenon. The narrative challenges our notions of free will and the nature of self, suggesting that many actions stem from unconscious processes. Listeners are invited to reflect on their existence and how personal experiences shape consciousness, all while considering the interconnectedness of individual and universal experiences.

Mar 17, 2025 • 54min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 2: Is Consciousness Fundamental?
Philip Goff, a philosopher of mind and panpsychism advocate, and Adam Frank, an astrophysicist known for bridging science and consciousness, delve into whether consciousness might be a fundamental property of the universe. They discuss the philosophical dilemmas surrounding this idea, the challenges of integrating subjective experiences with scientific paradigms, and the interplay between gravity and consciousness. The conversation sparks thoughts on how redefining consciousness could reshape our understanding of reality and individual identity.

8 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 7: Memory, Meditation, and Mind
Susan Blackmore, a psychologist and author known for her insights on consciousness, joins the discussion to explore the layers of self in the context of neuroscience and meditation. They delve into how memory influences our perception of consciousness, and share personal anecdotes illustrating meditation's impact on the experience of time. Thought-provoking questions arise about the nature of consciousness and self-representation, encouraging listeners to reconsider their understanding of reality and existence.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 26min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 8: Space and Time
In this intriguing discussion, George Musser, a science journalist and author noted for his insights into quantum mechanics, joins the conversation. They explore how our perception of space and time may be an illusion shaped by consciousness and quantum physics. Musser shares insights from the holographic principle, suggesting that reality might be a controlled hallucination. They delve into the complexities of string theory, questioning the essence of time, and how meditation experiences can enhance our understanding of these profound concepts.

Mar 17, 2025 • 19min
PREVIEW: CHAPTER 10: The Future of Science
Dive into the fascinating world where consciousness is seen as the core of reality. Discover how this perspective may shift scientific inquiry through the concept of experiential science, allowing for shared memories and deeper personal identity. Uncover the interconnectedness of individual consciousness with the universe, emphasizing collaboration among thinkers. Explore the intriguing ties between consciousness and quantum mechanics, revealing how understanding these connections might illuminate mystical concepts like non-locality and entanglement.