Dr. John Vervaeke

A deep dive into the intersection of AI and human insight, discussing its impact on consciousness, culture, and rational thought. Highlights include AI's challenge to self-perception, potential societal reshaping, and the quest for human-like wisdom. Guests share wisdom on virtue, symbolism, and ethics, urging a thoughtful approach to AI's evolution and its role in redefining human rationality.

Mark Miller, synthetic philosopher, discusses the connections between philosophy, science, and contemplative practice. He explores whether there can be a 'philosophy of meditation' and how science and philosophy contribute to human flourishing. Mark shares how computational models and cognitive science elucidate contemplative skills, emphasizing the importance of balance between insight practices and compassion cultivation. The podcast chapters explore the interplay between philosophy, meditation, cognitive science, and synthetic philosophy, as well as the mystery of subjective experiences and the philosophical questions in meditation.

Psychotherapy expert Seth Allison joins John Vervaeke to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) and its connection with Jungian psychology and attachment theory. They discuss the therapeutic potential of blending IFS with emotional therapy, the value of destruction and expansion, Carl Jung's ideas and the meaning crisis, the limitations of language in describing complex phenomena, the concept of the self in IFS, attachment in family therapy, and the role of Hermes as a guide and trickster in self-exploration.

In this podcast, Dr. John Vervaeke and Rick Repetti explore the connections between philosophy, meditation, and consciousness with guest Massimo Pigliucci. They discuss key aspects of Stoicism, including mindfulness, attention, and the Stoic approach to life's challenges. The episode also touches on the parallels and differences between Stoic practices and Buddhist meditation, and concludes with Massimo sharing his personal Stoic meditative practices and reflections on life and death.

Renowned cognitive scientist and philosopher Evan Thompson explores the symbiosis of meditation, cognitive science, and philosophy. Topics include the experiential depth revealed by meditative states, transformative social aspects of meditation, philosophical views on death, meditation's role in personal development and intellectual growth, and its impact on philosophical thought.

Psychedelic integration and interprofessional practice are explored in this podcast. The conversation highlights the 'psychedelic renaissance' and the importance of a shared language and integrative method across disciplines. Topics include mental health, chronic pain, and PTSD treatment. Guests Terri Dentry and Cameron Duffy provide unique insights into the mind-body connection and the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies.

Guest Guy Sengstock discusses relationality, grief, and the sacred, focusing on practices for realizing our interconnected nature. They explore how grief exposes our interwoven relational worlds and aim to cultivate better relationships with self and others. The workshop explores a more responsive and holistic way of living, reshaping our approach to life's challenges for deeper connections.

Lou Marinoff, renowned figure in practical philosophy and philosophical counseling, discusses the transformative role of meditation in personal development and virtue ethics. He explores the global influence of philosophical counseling, highlighting its practical application in daily life. The conversation also covers the relationship between meditation and philosophy, emphasizing the potential for personal growth and wisdom. The episode offers deep insights into meditation's philosophical underpinnings and its connections to Eastern and Western traditions.

John Vervaeke, an expert on the 'meaning crisis,' discusses the importance of wisdom and mindfulness in navigating life's challenges. They explore relevance realization, the dangers of nihilism, and the integration of different forms of knowledge. Vervaeke emphasizes the development of skills, states of consciousness, virtues, and collective practices for a deeper understanding and wisdom in life.

Pierre Grimes, a profound figure in philosophical counseling, discusses his transformative experiences in WWII, his contributions in philosophical midwifery, divine illumination, the integration of rational thought and spiritual practice, the concept of logos, and the transformative power of realizing the 'one' within oneself. This episode offers insights into the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophies in personal growth and self-understanding.