See See by Ceci

In this episode of See See by Ceci, Paul Thagard, one of the most influential thinkers at the crossroads of philosophy, psychology, and artificial intelligence, takes us on a journey through the architecture of thought, emotion, and coherence that defines the human mind. A distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, recipient of the Killam and Molson Prizes, and author of eighteen books, Thagard has spent decades asking the hardest questions about intelligence: what it is, where it comes from, and whether machines will ever truly share it with us. His pioneering theory of explanatory coherence reimagines the brain not as a logic machine but as a coherence engine, a system that makes sense of the world by satisfying countless constraints simultaneously, weaving perception, reasoning, and emotion into a single fabric. In this wide-ranging conversation, Thagard reflects on the difference between intelligence and consciousness; on the devastating role of social media in the spread of misinformation; on the power of analogy as a tool of creativity, from Darwin's theory of natural selection to the everyday act of reading a stranger's gesture. And on why computers, despite their cognitive capacities, remain fundamentally psychopathic. "They are highly intelligent," he says, "but they lack empathy and are therefore incapable of caring." That incapacity sits at the heart of the episode's most urgent theme: the alarming rise of human-AI relationships, and what we risk losing when we mistake imitation for intimacy. Drawing on his recent book Dreams, Jokes, and Songs: How Brains Build Consciousness and the forthcoming AI Boom or Doom?, Thagard offers a remarkably clear-eyed view of minds both human and artificial, one that is at once scientifically rigorous and deeply humane. This is an episode about the mind as a coherence engine: hot and cold, rational and emotional, individual and social. About how neurons firing together can produce something as extraordinary as humor, as mysterious as dreams, and as dangerous as political delusion. And about the light, and the peril, that lies ahead as human and artificial intelligence continue to converge.

What happens when a photographer trades the vast clarity of Mediterranean ruins for the darkness of a prehistoric cave? In this episode of See See by Ceci, visionary Italian artist Domingo Milella takes us on a journey that spans forty thousand years and the full depth of the human spirit. Milella first made his name with luminous large-format photographs of ancient landscapes, the coast of Puglia, the ruins of Petra, the pyramids of Egypt, images of extraordinary stillness that invited the viewer to slow down and breathe. Yet beneath the surface of that early success, a quiet crisis was gathering. In the summer of 2014, at the age of thirty-three, his carefully constructed world collapsed. He retreated to a forgotten village on the Ionian Sea, carrying only two things: his large-format camera and a copy of Moby Dick. Both remained untouched, the camera locked in a cupboard, the book unopened on the nightstand. What followed was a passage through despair and into transformation. Through therapy and the slow archaeology of the self, Milella found his way to the prehistoric caves. There, in total darkness, surrounded by ochre symbols and handprints inscribed tens of thousands of years ago, something shifted. The camera obscura he carried into those narrow tunnels became a mirror of the cave itself: both dark chambers in which images are born from minerals, water and light. In this rich and deeply personal conversation, Milella reflects on darkness as a space of safety and revelation rather than fear; on the intimate connection between memory, the body and the imagination; on the silent pressure of the digital age and its relentless flood of images; and on the nameless, collective authorship that links a teenager’s graffiti in a city alleyway to a Paleolithic painter working by torchlight four hours from the sun. What emerges is a meditation on time that refuses to move in one direction, where a feverish child navigating the folds of a bedsheet, an artist kneeling with a mammoth-format camera in a narrow tunnel, and an unknown hand pressing ochre against stone forty thousand years ago are all part of the same gesture. This is an episode about caves: geological, photographic and interior. About the courage it takes to descend into one’s own depths. And about the treasure that waits there: not answers, but the oldest and most enduring questions of what it means to be human.

Let yourself be drawn into the world of one of the most prolific, shape- shifting presences in 21st century music. Vijay Iyer is a Grammy-nominated composer, pianist, bandleader, and the Franklin D. and Florence Rosenblatt Professor of the Arts at Harvard University. He is a MacArthur Fellow, described by The New York Times as “a social conscience, multimedia collaborator, system builder, rhapsodist, historical thinker and multicultural gateway.” In a profound conversation, Vijay Iyer takes us on a journey of discovery, into what embodied cognition truly means and where music begins. He invites us to explore the extraordinary phenomenon of synchrony: how musicians lock into pulse together, and how an entire audience can exhale as one at the close of a performance. Iyer speaks of live music as a form of ritual, a collective agreement to step out of everyday life and into something else, together. He also reflects with great warmth on his collaborations with artists such as the drummer Tyshawn Sorey and the legendary trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, describing the deep listening, humility, and compassion that make their music possible. He opens our eyes to think deeply about jazz, “not as style of music but an act of freedom.” Music, he insists, should truly be listened to as a human action, asking ourselves who made it, where they were, and how they found each other. This episode is a powerful and loving reminder that music is, first and foremost, a live, shared, visceral, mutually embodied experience, and that within it lies the recognition of a deep longing we carry always: to come back to the experience of that timeless space where two souls meet in the act of listening.

In this episode of See See by Ceci, we journey hundreds of thousands of years into the past, to the flickering firelight and painted depths of Ice Age caves. What did it mean to live embedded in the landscape, wearing it “like a big cape”? How did the mastery of fire reshape not only our bodies but our minds? And what can we learn from the haunting images left deep within caves—some meant to be seen, others engraved in darkness, never intended for any eye but the spirit world? From the earliest trace of aesthetic awareness, a pebble that looked like a face, carried home, to dots, stencils, animals, geometric forms and so much more, we explore how symbolic culture emerged not from necessity but from play, imagination, and the suspension of ordinary reality. We consider how caves themselves became spaces of meditation and transformation, how music and birdsong may have shaped early consciousness, and what these first leaps into abstraction reveal about the origins of art, religion, and the human mind itself. In conversation with Paul Bahn one of the world’s leading authorities on prehistoric rock art, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and author of over one hundred publications including the award-winning Images of the Ice Age, and Elle Clifford, psychologist and researcher specializing in Ice Age life whose work on cave art and mythological worlds illuminates the social and psychological dimensions of our earliest ancestors. Co-hosted by acclaimed Italian landscape photographer Domingo Milella, this episode invites us to stand face to face with those who came before, and to see ourselves reflected in the first marks they left behind.

What is the mind? Where does it begin, and where does it end? Season IV of See See by Ceci takes you on a 16-episode journey through the mysteries of consciousness: from the first spark of awareness in prehistoric caves to the frontiers of AI and the future of human identity. Featuring Harvard neuroscientist Rudolph Tanzi on Alzheimer’s and the self, psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist on the divided brain, Pulitzer finalist Andrew Solomon on the shadows of the mind, global mental health pioneer Vikram Patel, and trauma specialist Richard Mollica on invisible wounds and healing. We explore intelligence beyond the human: Toby Kiers reveals the hidden networks of fungal intelligence, Carl Safina takes us into the beautiful wild minds of animals. Jazz visionary Vijay Iyer shows us the music within embodied cognition, while four-time Grammy winning drummer, producer and conceptualist Terri Lyne Carrington explores rhythm as the mind’s ancestral gatekeeper. Philosopher Katherine Hayles traces the posthuman mind from bacteria to AI, Stephen Cave examines intelligence and immortality, and neurosurgeon Eben Alexander shares what lies beyond, when the mind becomes unbound. From choreographer Alexander Whitley on digital bodies to photographer Domingo Milella on caves as timeless mind spaces, and archaeologists Paul Bahn and Elle Clifford on humanity’s first leap to consciousness. At a moment when technology is reshaping who we are, when mental health has become a global reckoning, and when the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence blur, we ask: what awaits our species? And what kind of mind will carry us forward?

In this final episode of our third season GUTS, we dive deep into the mysterious world of parapsychology with one of the field’s foremost experts, Dean Radin, Chief Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) and Associated Distinguished Professor of Integral and Transpersonal Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Known for his pioneering work on real magic and mind-matter interactions, Dr. Radin explains what real magic truly is and why psi phenomena—like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition—continue to occur in our everyday lives, yet remain taboo subjects in modern science. He shares how his fascination with these phenomena developed and how he’s approached them through rigorous scientific study. Also in this episode, Dr. Dean brilliantly explains the idea of a multi-dimensional reality within the framework of quantum mechanics, shedding light on how parapsychological phenomena fit into a new understanding of the universe. Dr. Radin also gives us an inside look into the StarGate Program—a classified program by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency that took place during and after the Cold War- while letting us glance an eye into the exploration of real psychic abilities and the delving into the issue of whether psi skills are inherited or can be cultivated through training. During a fascinating conversation, Dr. Radin also discusses his lab’s groundbreaking experiments, like the intriguing gut feelings experiment dubbed “Telly-Belly”, or those exploring psi genetic characteristics, including those performed through CRISPR and RNA technology for gene editing. Join us in this fantastic closing episode in a mind-expanding conversation with Dean Radin through which he helps us uncover the science behind the seemingly impossible and challenge our understanding of reality and ourselves. *Dr Dean Radin is a leading expert in the field of parapsychology. His research has included studies of individual and collective mind-matter interactions, precognition, clairvoyance, distant healing, and telepathy. He served five times as President of the Parapsychological Association, an elected affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and was co-editor-in-chief for the Elsevier journal Explore, from 2009 to 2022.

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Andrei Ioniță, the prodigious Romanian cellist and winner of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition. We explore the emotional profundities and rich spectrum of colors that the cello can evoke, and how it reflects the subtleties of human emotion. Andrei shares his thoughts on playing Bach, discussing the personal connection he has with his instrument and his journey as a musician. He also reflects on the nuances of gut strings, the importance of good posture for a cellist, the physical sensation of the cello resting against his body, and how this intimate embrace influences emotional expression and depth of sound, particularly in the intense, low register passages. In this episode dedicated to music, Andrei also discusses his Romanian heritage and how the voice of Romania speaks through his bow, offering a personal insight into his cultural identity. In this episode, he takes us inside his experience during the 15th Tchaikovsky Competition and talks about his most difficult decisions as a musician. Most powerfully, Andrei opens up about how he conveys his whole soul through his music, sharing the courage it takes to be vulnerable and break through at the highest emotional peaks, only to let go and invite the listener into a shared human experience through his playing. This episode is a real treat for the ears and the heart! Andrei Ioniță's carrier it's a journey of emotional reflection and artistic courage – You’ll understand what it is meant to “play from the gut”.

Join us for a cool, bold and inspiring episode for food lovers, where fine dining meets fearless creativity. Our guest, Chef René Frank, takes us back to the heart of his childhood kitchen, where aromas, flavors and memories first ignited his passion for food. Amid the clatter of pots and the warmth of home-cooked meals, his journey is one that would take courage, vision, and relentless curiosity to transform him into one of the world's most groundbreaking pastry chefs. Named Pastry Chef of the Year four times by Gault & Millau and Rolling Pin, René shares the moments that shaped him and his kitchen at CODA, his two Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin, a cutting-edge food laboratory where indulgence is redefined, and dessert takes center stage. CODA is not just a place to cook and eat, but a place to nourish, where the World's Best Pastry Chef of 2022 creates dishes that defy convention. In a city known for its freedom, creativity, and rule-breaking spirit, René is rewriting the language of desserts, eliminating refined sugar, butter, and flour to create something entirely new. This episode is about more than food-it's about having the courage to challenge convention, believing in wild ideas, and following through even when the world might call those ideas crazy!

Why is the fight for better food, at its heart, a fight for social justice? This episode will challenge the way you think about food, from what's on your plate to the powerful forces behind it. Before you take your next bite, listen to this eye-opening conversation with one of the world's most influential voices on food and health policy, Marion Nestle, renowned nutritionist, scientist, activist and award-winning author. Marion Nestle is the Paulette Goddard Professor Emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University and a visiting professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University. Her groundbreaking work has changed public health policy worldwide and opened our eyes to how food industry marketing uses manipulative and subtle tactics to influence our dietary choices long before we ever set foot in a supermarket. It also exposes the dangers of ultra-processed foods and the major public health problems they cause, such as obesity and diabetes - diseases fuelled not just by what we eat, but how much we eat. In this episode, the bestselling author of Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health" and "What to Eat", shares her personal journey into food policy advocacy and the social justice victories she has fought for, leading to public awareness and healthier food systems through public policy not only in the US but around the globe. *Marion Nestle is also author of other bestsellers such as Safe Food: The Politics of Food Safety (2003); Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning) (2015); and her latest book Slow Cooked: An Unexpected Life in Food Politics (October 2022)

Have you ever pondered the potential of psychology to facilitate the apprehension of serial killers and rapists? Or the manner in which behavioral patterns exhibited by criminals can serve as crucial evidence that leads investigators to the perpetrator's doorstep? In today's episode, we are delighted to have the privilege of hosting Professor David Canter, a globally renowned applied social psychologist and the pioneering figure behind the field of investigative psychology. This episode promises a deep dive into the mind of a criminal, the psychology behind some of the world's most notorious cases. So, grab a pen, your notebook and follow Professor David Canter through the dark alleys of the minds of serial offenders as he sheds light on how their behavior is mapped and tracked. We'll go back in time to the streets of London as we examine famous cases such as Jack the Ripper, and travel back to the 1980s to learn about Operation Hart, the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the infamous 'Railway Rapist', which Professor Canter played a key role in solving. We will delve into the heart of criminal behavior as we learn about Quantico and the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, and the truth about criminal profiling. We'll also talk about his revolutionary development of geographical profiling, the study of criminal behavior patterns across locations, the importance of information classification and investigative methods that lead to an arrest, and how these pieces of the puzzle led to the creation of his software, DRAGNETK. But that's not all - Prof Canter will also share his thoughts on why the United States has such a high incidence of brutal shootings and serial killings compared to other nations, and what happens when crime goes unpunished. A pioneer and creator of investigative psychology, Professor Canter is Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool and a visiting professor at Liverpool Hope University and Bucks New University. He's also the man responsible for introducing environmental psychology to the UK and Europe in the 1960s, studying how spaces such as offices, schools and hospitals affect our behavior. Professor Canter recently completed a PhD in Music composition.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a link between what we eat and how we behave? Could the food we consume influence mental health issues—or even contribute to criminal behavior? Today, we’re exploring these questions with a true pioneer in this field—Stephen Schoenthaler, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Criminal Justice at California State University, Stanislaus. With over 50 years of groundbreaking research, Schoenthaler has been at the forefront of discovering how our diet impacts not only our mental health but also behaviors associated with criminality and aggression. In this episode, we’ll hear about his extraordinary experiences teaching at Attica Correctional Facility, where his interactions with inmates made a huge impact on his life at a professional and personal level. You will also discover how diet affects social behavior, how food insecurity plays a role in juvenile delinquency, and why junk food and sugar can lead to behavioral disturbances. Professor Schoenthaler will also shed light on how nutrition influences cognitive skills, anxiety, and antisocial behaviors in children and young adults. We’ll talk about the essential benefits of avoiding ultra-processed foods and examine the holistic role nutrition plays in children’s and young adults’ overall well-being, including mental health. Get ready for a compelling conversation that will challenge the way you think about food, behavior, and the deeper factors shaping the world’s criminal justice system —and how conscious nourishment can help us create a more empathetic and connected world.

Three-Michelin-starred Danish chef Eric Vildgaard is a remarkable character whose journey from a life of crime to culinary greatness is an inspiring story of true courage. Once trapped in a world of poverty and gang violence, Eric found himself lost in a turbulent, dark alley of drugs and chaos. But in the depths of his struggles, he discovered cooking as a refuge - a safe haven where he could channel his emotions and creativity. Yet it was not this realization that set him on a transformative path to redemption, but love, the simplest and, he says, the best decision he ever made. In this episode, we invite you into the kitchen of the world's third-best chef, ranked by The Best Chef Awards (2024), as he lights the fire and talks about using his senses, instinct and the sound of burning pans, the true meaning of cooking, his holistic approach and the many ways his relentless drive and passion for cooking have rewarded him in life. Listen as he shares his insights on letting the ingredients shine while keeping his ego in check, and how he has turned his kitchen into a school of life, a place that fosters joy and connection, where he mentors younger generations and helps them find their way. A man of true courage, Chef Vildgaard has chosen not to deny his past, as it has helped him to gain a healthy self-awareness and a better understanding of who he is, while keeping his feet on the ground: a conviction embodied in the Danish word Jordnær, the name of his three Michelin star restaurant. Eric is a titan and living proof that it takes guts, love and fire to create and turn your life around and be able to transform yourself and those around you.

In this episode, we embark on a fascinating journey to explore one of the most groundbreaking areas of science - the gut-brain axis! Leading the way is none other than world-renowned neuroscientist Professor John Cryan of University College Cork, whose pioneering work has helped uncovered the powerful link between the gut microbiome and mental health and behaviour. Co-hosted by one of Europe's leading neurosurgeons, Peter Vajkoczy, this is one episode you won't want to miss. So, sit back and buckle up as we navigate the neural pathways that connect our gut to our brain, and discover how this connection plays a critical role in a wide range of conditions, from mental disorders to degenerative diseases. We'll delve into Professor Cryan's cutting-edge research, exploring the diseases his team in Cork are targeting and the innovative delivery systems they're developing to make genetic changes in the brain. You'll also hear about the forces that shape our microbiota throughout our lives, from the importance of vaginal birth and breast milk to the relationship between stress, dementia and depression, and the impact of diet on social behaviour, cognitive decline and aging, and mental health. We'll also explore the exciting new field of psychobiotics, which Cryan covers in his bestselling book, “The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection”. Prepare to be amazed by the potential future treatments for neurological and mental health conditions through the lens of microbiota and neuroscience. Join us for an unforgettable episode as microbes and neurons bring us closer to understanding a shared universe of the gut and the brain! *Professor John F. Cryan is Vice-President for Research and Innovation at University College Cork (UCC), Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, and Principal Investigator at the APC Microbiome Ireland Institute. His pioneering research concentrates on the gut-brain axis and the impact of gut microbes on stress, psychiatric and immune disorders, as well as their influence on mental health. He is a leading figure in this field, with numerous influential publications and significant contributions to scientific research and public understanding of the microbiome. He has published over 600 peer-reviewed articles and has served as co-editor for several books. Additionally, he currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuropharmacology and Neurobiology of Stress, and is a member of the editorial boards of 15 other scientific journals. **This episode is cohosted by Prof. Peter Vajcokzy. He has been Head of Neurosurgery at Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Berlin since 2007. He leads 5,000 brain surgeries a year, 800 of which he performs. He is a full professor at Charité and an associate professor at Heidelberg. He treats cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumours, skull base tumours and performs minimally invasive spine and peripheral surgery. He also performs functional neurosurgery and pain management procedures. His research focuses on brain cancer and the mechanisms of brain tumours. He also studies the monitoring of neocortically ill patients after vessel occlusion.

Submerge in the fascinating history of the human gut. Distinguished historian, academic and acclaimed author of Rumbles, Elsa Richardson invites us to a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural and historical significance of digestion in Western society. From ancient beliefs about the power of the stomach to modern-day obsessions with gut health, she helps us uncover the ways in which our digestive systems have shaped not only our understanding of health but also our emotions, identities, and societies. Profit from her analytical lens and brilliant humor, as she incites us to jump into the gut’s metaphors of noise and sensations and delve into how the digestive system has been understood, feared, and medicalized over time. A fantastic storyteller herself, she weaves together elements of science, philosophy, and social history, examining how gut health has influenced ideas about the self, emotion, good manners and even morality. Use this opportunity to glance at the gut’s role in shaping human identity and health and let yourself be challenged to rethink about what lies beneath the surface of everyday bodily functions. Dr. Richardson holds a Chancellor's Fellowship in the History of Health and Wellbeing at the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow. She specializes in the intersection of medical and cultural history, examining the relationship of heterodox practices, beliefs and movements to mainstream society and culture, with a particular focus on the interaction between medicine and the imagination, science and the supernatural, psychology and the occult. Her current research explores the history of diet, vegetarianism, other alternative food cultures, mental stress and stomach disorders in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Britain.

Submerge in the fascinating history of the human gut. Distinguished historian, academic and acclaimed author of Rumbles, Elsa Richardson invites us to a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural and historical significance of digestion in Western society. From ancient beliefs about the power of the stomach to modern-day obsessions with gut health, she helps us uncover the ways in which our digestive systems have shaped not only our understanding of health but also our emotions, identities, and societies. Profit from her analytical lens and brilliant humor, as she incites us to jump into the gut’s metaphors of noise and sensations and delve into how the digestive system has been understood, feared, and medicalized over time. A fantastic storyteller herself, she weaves together elements of science, philosophy, and social history, examining how gut health has influenced ideas about the self, emotion, good manners and even morality. Use this opportunity to glance at the gut’s role in shaping human identity and health and let yourself be challenged to rethink about what lies beneath the surface of everyday bodily functions. Dr. Richardson holds a Chancellor's Fellowship in the History of Health and Wellbeing at the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow. She specializes in the intersection of medical and cultural history, examining the relationship of heterodox practices, beliefs and movements to mainstream society and culture, with a particular focus on the interaction between medicine and the imagination, science and the supernatural, psychology and the occult. Her current research explores the history of diet, vegetarianism, other alternative food cultures, mental stress and stomach disorders in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Britain.

Jumping fences, performing precise maneuvers and galloping at high speeds require a fearless attitude and willingness to take risks. The willingness to rely on each other's instincts and abilities is crucial to success in avoiding fatal accidents. It takes "guts" for both rider and horse to trust each other implicitly, especially when faced with daunting obstacles or demanding routines. But how does your instinct work when a complication arises out of the blue? In this episode, take the opportunity to get in the saddle and ride with Latin America's top showjumper, Nicolás Pizarro Suarez, to learn about the importance of discipline, intuition and instinct in showjumping. We'll enter his stables and talk about gut feeling and how both rider and horse must show courage and daring when navigating challenging courses. We'll also hear about the horses' own personalities, the thrill of the showjumping arena and how friendship with an animal and a strong emotional bond between rider and horse can make the minds and hearts of both horse and rider tune up in a fraction of a second when problems arise in completing a course. Nicolás Pizarro is an Olympic showjumping rider highly regarded figure in the equestrian community, admired for his personal qualities as well as his expertise in training and mentoring. He is recognized as one of the world's top riders and has a proven track record in developing talented and dedicated riders into international champions.

We invite you to join us as we embark on an exploration of the art of decision-making with Dr. Gary Klein, a leading figure in the field of psychology and a pioneer in the domain of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM). Over the course of his career, Dr. Klein has conducted extensive research, which has significantly impacted our understanding of decision-making under pressure. His work draws upon the experiences of military commanders, firefighters, doctors, and pilots who have demonstrated the ability to remain calm and make critical choices under stress. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making abilities and leverage the potential of expert thinking. It offers an opportunity for listeners to gain insight into how Dr. Klein's innovative methods facilitate the development of expertise amongst professionals, encourage the transformation of human error into valuable insights, and cultivate an environment of openness and transparency within organizational structures. Don´t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the most esteemed figures in psychology, praised by the late Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, who wrote "There should be more psychologists like him" and see for yourself why Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and Blink, makes perfect sense when he says: "I know of no one who combines theory and observation – intellectual rigor and painstaking observation of the real world – so brilliantly and gracefully as Gary Klein". *Dr. Gary A. Klein is a distinguished researcher and thought leader in the field of decision-making. He currently holds the position of Senior Scientist at MacroCognition LLC and is the Founder and Chief Scientist at Shadow Box LLC.