The Weekend University

Dr Bernardo Kastrup is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. This conversation mostly focuses on Bernardo’s unique perspective on UAPs (also commonly referred to as UFOs). We also touch on the significance of Carl Jung’s book: “Answer to Job” and its potential for providing a sustainable source of transcendent meaning in a secular world. Expect to Learn: — Bernardo’s two theories to understand and explain UAPs — Why it’s more likely that UAPs are terrestrial rather than extra terrestrial — The link between mystery and meaning, and how a lack of the former depletes the latter. And more. You can learn more about Bernardo’s work at: https://www.bernardokastrup.com. --- Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. --- Interview Links: — Dr Bernardo Kastrup’s website - https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

Satya Doyle Byock — a psychotherapist, writer, and the Director of the Salome Institute of Jungian Studies. Satya is the author of “Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood,” a book which argues that quarter life is a key developmental stage in its own right that we need to honour — both individually and collectively. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and the Guardian. In this conversation, we explore: — How Jungian psychology can help us to navigate the key developmental periods in our lives — The 4 stages of growth and the need to separate from parental influences to find our own path — The difference between meaning types and stability types and why understanding this is the key to a healthy and productive life — Satya’s stick figure exercise which she uses to help clients find clarity on life’s big decisions. And more. You can learn about Satya’s work and book at https://satyabyock.com --- Satya Doyle Byock is the author of “Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood,” now out in paperback from Random House (US) and Penguin Press (UK). Quarterlife has also been translated into French, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Satya’s work has been featured on NPR’s LifeKit, Morning Edition & Weekend Edition, The New York Times, The Guardian, Oprah Daily, The New York Post, Literary Hub, and many podcasts including Apple News in Conversation, Goop, Pulling the Thread, BBC Woman’s Hour, and The Podcast with a Thousand Faces (The Joseph Campbell Foundation Podcast). (All links to the above can be found here.) Satya is a practicing psychotherapist in Portland, Oregon, and the director of The Salome Institute of Jungian Studies, where she regularly teaches online seminars. She was also the co-host of the now-completed podcast on Carl Jung’s Red Book. You can follow her writing and join her monthly gatherings via her Substack newsletter Self & Society at https://satyadoylebyock.substack.com/ --- Interview Links — Satya’s website - https://satyabyock.com

Ken Wilber is a philosopher and the author of more than 25 books which have been translated into 30 languages. His work attempts to integrate all fields of human knowledge into one “theory of everything”, which he calls Integral Theory. This draws connections between fields as far ranging as: systems theory, evolutionary biology, anthropology, quantum mechanics, Jungian psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and eastern mysticism. This interview introduces some of Wilber’s key ideas, including: stages of development; waking up, cleaning up, and growing up; and the 4 quadrants. If you’re interested in a “deeper dive” after listening to this, you can get a copy of Ken’s new book by visiting: https://bit.ly/radical-wholeness --- Ken Wilber, a visionary thinker of inspired genius, is the developer of an integral “theory of everything” that embraces the truths of all the world’s great spiritual, scientific, and philosophical traditions. He is the most widely translated academic writer in America, with 25 books translated into some 30 foreign languages. Ken Wilber currently lives in Denver, Colorado, and is still active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print. Often referred to as the"Einstein of consciousness studies", Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development. He is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which is the first organization fully dedicated to advancement and application of the Integral Approach in relation to contemporary global issues. It was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, as well as, law and criminal justice.In 2007 Wilber co-founded Integral Life, a social media-hub dedicated to sharing the integral vision with the world wide community, as well as documenting and catalyzing the progress of the integral movement. --- Interview Links: — Ken’s website: https://integrallife.com/who-is-ken-wilber/ — Ken’s books: https://amzn.to/3uJYx9a

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky and Professor Marc Lewis — two individuals who have been reshaping the global conversation around addiction towards a more compassionate and scientific view. Marc is a bestselling author, Developmental Psychologist, and the developer of The Learning Model of Addiction. Andrew is a Clinical Psychologist and the creator of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy. In this conversation, we explore: — The power of parts work, compassion, and harm reduction for healing addiction — The limitations of the disease model and why it may be causing more harm than the drugs themselves — Marc and Andrew’s views on the future of addiction treatment And more. You can learn more about Marc’s work at: https://memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com and Andrew’s at https://www.andrewtatarsky.com. As a heads up, Marc and Andrew will be teaching the foundational modules on our upcoming Holistic Recovery Course. If you’re interested in learning more about this, make sure to sign up for our email list at https://theweekenduniversity.com/ --- Andrew Tatarsky is an internationally recognized leader in the treatment of problematic substance use and other potentially risky behaviors. He has specialized in the field of substance use treatment for 35 years working as a counselor, psychologist, program director, trainer, advocate and author. He has devoted his career to developing a comprehensive psychobiosocial understanding of the broad spectrum of substance use problems and an integrative harm reduction psychotherapy approach to treating this spectrum. This treatment is described in his book, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems, and several professional papers that extend the approach. The book has been released in paperback and Kindle, published in Poland by the Polish Office of Drug Prevention and has been translated into Spanish and is available in a free pdf. Dr. Tatarsky is the Director of Clinical Programming at Freedom Institute in NYC. He is also the Founder and Director of the Center for Optimal Living in NYC, a treatment and professional training center based on Integrative Harm Reduction Therapy (IHRP) for the spectrum of substance misuse and other high-risk behaviors. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the City University of New York and is a graduate of New York University’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. He is a member of the medical and clinical advisory panels to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services of New York State. Dr. Tatarsky is a founding member and twice past-president of the Division on Addiction of New York State Psychological Association. Prof Marc Lewis, PhD is a neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts on the neuroscience of addiction. In his academic work, he has authored or co-authored more than fifty journal articles, and for many years was a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Toronto and then Radboud University (Netherlands) before retiring. For the last decade, he has focused on making his work more accessible to a wider audience through books for lay readers, pop science articles, public talks, and interviews. He is the author of two bestselling books on addiction: “Memoirs of an Addicted Brain” and “The Biology of Desire”, a book which Dr Gabor Mate argues “effectively refutes the disease model of addiction.” He is currently practicing psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, working with clients with addictive problems and other difficulties. --- Interview Links: — Marc's website - https://memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com/ — Andrew's website - https://www.andrewtatarsky.com/

In this insightful episode, I’m joined by world leading addiction treatment experts — Jan Winhall and Cece Sykes. Jan has been working closely with Stephen Porges to develop a Polyvagal informed model for treating addiction, while Cece is one of the world’s foremost experts on leveraging Internal Family Systems for healing addictive processes, having recently co-authored a book with Richard Schwartz and Martha Sweezy on this subject. Both Jan and Cece will be teaching a module on our upcoming Holistic Recovery Course, which provides mental health professionals with an evidence-based and multidimensional framework for re-humanizing and healing addiction at its core. If you’re interested in being part of the first live cohort which launches in the final week of July, make sure to sign up for our email list at https://theweekenduniversity.com. --- Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist in Toronto, Canada. She is author of “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model”, by Jan Winhall, Routledge, 2021. Jan is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Toronto and Co-Director of Borden Street Clinic, a psychotherapy and teaching centre. She is a Coordinator with The International Focusing Institute and Director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction. Cece Sykes, LCSW, ACSW is an IFS Senior Trainer, US and international. Contributed to Levels 1 and 2 IFS training manuals and teaches L1 as well as L2 Trauma and Addiction. Cece has over thirty years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families, specializing in work with the effects of trauma and addiction. Her chapter on compassionate approaches to addictive process appears in IFS: Innovations and Elaborations, 2016, Routledge. Cece also has special interests in spiritual practices intersecting with therapy and in the impact of psychotherapy upon the life of the therapist and she lectures, consults and leads workshops on all of these topics. Cece lives and works in the city of Chicago. --- Interview Links: — Cece’s website - https://www.cecesykeslcsw.com — Jan’s website - https://janwinhall.com

Dr Bruce Alexander is an internationally recognised author and psychologist perhaps most well known for his “rat-park” experiment and dislocation theory of addiction. Few people on the planet have contributed more to our understanding of the social and contextual factors driving addiction, so it was a real privilege to have this conversation. In this episode you’ll learn: — Why psychology is only one piece of the addiction puzzle and the importance of taking a wider view — The extent to which belonging to a culture can be thought of as a basic human need; as essential to our wellbeing as food and water, and what happens in its absence — The historical factors driving the addiction crisis — Bruce’s famous rat park experiment and how this is slowly leading to a paradigm shift in how we see addictions And more. You can learn more about Bruce’s work by going to: www.brucekalexander.com --- Dr Bruce K. Alexander is a renowned Canadian psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of addiction and his influential theory known as the "Rat Park" experiment. Bruce Kenneth Alexander was born on December 13, 1939, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Oregon, earning his Ph.D. in experimental psychology. Throughout his career, Alexander focused on studying addiction and its underlying causes, challenging prevailing theories that viewed addiction as solely a result of chemical dependency. He sought to explore the social and environmental factors that contribute to addictive behavior. Alexander's work highlighted the importance of social connections, environmental factors, and personal fulfillment in preventing and treating addiction. He argued that creating supportive communities and addressing the root causes of addiction, such as social isolation and psychological distress, are crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Beyond his research, Alexander has been a vocal advocate for drug policy reform and has been critical of the war on drugs. He has called for a shift toward harm reduction strategies and the implementation of evidence-based approaches to address substance abuse. Bruce K. Alexander has published numerous articles and book chapters on addiction, psychology, and drug policy. His work continues to inspire researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in the field of addiction studies. --- 4 Books Dr Alexander Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read: — Scenes and studies of savage life - Sproat, Gilbert Malcolm, 1832-1913 - https://bit.ly/SSS-UBC2023 — Addiction and Devotion in Early Modern England — Rebecca Lemon - https://amzn.to/3XIBCW7 — Crack in America: Demon Drugs and Social Justice — Craig Reinarman and Harry G. Levine - https://amzn.to/433VtQE — Coming Clean: Overcoming Addiction without Treatment — Robert Granfield and William Cloud - https://amzn.to/3ppAqKN

Dr Samuel Wilkinson is a professor at Yale, a psychiatrist, and the author of the new book: Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About The Nature of Our Existence. His book makes a compelling and provocative case that life (particularly human life) is inherently purposeful, drawing from evolutionary biology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience in order to do so. In this conversation, we explore: — Dr. Wilkinson‘s view that life is fundamentally a test and the implications this has for how we live our lives — How each of us have the potential for both good and evil contained within — Why relationships are the number one variable in happiness, our sense of purpose, and mental health. — The cognitive illusions that cause us to search for happiness in the wrong places, and how to overcome them. And more. You can learn more about Dr. Wilkinson‘s work and get a copy of the book at https://samueltwilkinson.com --- Samuel T. Wilkinson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. Dr. Wilkinson received his B.S. in mechanical engineering, summa cum laude, from Brigham Young University and later his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Yale, where he joined the faculty following his post-graduate medical training. His primary research has focused on depression and suicide prevention and has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His research and articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Top Advancements & Breakthroughs from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (2017 and 2020), Top Ten Psychiatry Papers by the New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch, the Early Career Scholar Award from the American Psychiatric Association, the Samuel Novey Writing Prize in Psychological Medicine (Johns Hopkins), the Seymour Lustman Award (Yale University), and the rank of Eagle Scout. As a young man, he served a mission for his church in Nevada from 2002-2004, where he learned to speak fluent Spanish and to enjoy a variety of Latino cultures. He continues to serve in his church and community in as many ways as he can. He lives with his wife and their five children in southern Connecticut. --- — Samuel Wilkinson’s website - https://samueltwilkinson.com — Samuel Wilkinson’s books - https://amzn.to/4aZgtNq

Dr. Martha Beck is a Harvard-trained sociologist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and world-renowned coach. She has published ten books, including Finding Your Own North Star, Diana Herself, and The Way of Integrity, which this interview focuses on. Expect to learn: — How Martha’s Near Death Experience radically altered her trajectory in life — The incredible psychological benefits of radical honesty — How to tap into your right brain when creating a vision for your life — Martha’s view on the purpose of human life And more. You can learn more about Martha’s work, books, and courses at marthabeck.com. --- Martha Beck's journey began with dreams of academia, but life led her to motherhood and Harvard degrees. Embracing rest, she found her calling as an author and life coach. With "The Way of Integrity," a New York Times Best Seller, she empowers readers worldwide. As president of Martha Beck, Inc., she speaks globally, offering workshops and coaching through Wayfinder Life Coach Training. Martha's mission centers on ending suffering, promoting integrity, compassion, inclusion, and antiracism. Her work fosters a more just, compassionate world. You can learn more about Martha’s work, books, and courses at https://marthabeck.com. --- — Martha Beck’s website - https://marthabeck.com — Martha Beck’s books - https://amzn.to/4digxJk

In this insightful episode, Dr McGilchrist discusses how his hemispheric hypothesis may help to account for the widespread addiction in our society. Dr McGilchrist is a psychiatrist and writer, who is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context. He is the author of several books, including the international bestseller: “The Master and His Emissary”, and most recently: “The Matter with Things”. In this conversation, we explore: — The extent to which we may be entering into the third major decay of Western civilisation and how Dr McGilchrist’s hemisphere hypothesis may help to account for this — The differences in how the two hemispheres attend to the world and how we are becoming an increasingly left-hemisphere dominated society — The three most important ingredients for holistic human flourishing — Dr McGilchrist’s views on the “sacred” and whether or not we can view values such as goodness and truth as being embedded into the structure of being itself. And more. You can learn more about Dr McGilchrist’s work by going to: www.channelmcgilchrist.com --- Dr Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and Writer, who lives on the Isle of Skye, off the coast of North West Scotland. He is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context, that of the whole of our physical and spiritual existence, and of the wider human culture in which they arise – the culture which helps to mould, and in turn is moulded by, our minds and brains. He was formerly a Consultant Psychiatrist of the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Trust in London, where he was Clinical Director of their southern sector Acute Mental Health Services. Dr McGilchrist has published original research and contributed chapters to books on a wide range of subjects, as well as original articles in papers and journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He has taken part in many radio and TV programmes, documentaries, and numerous podcasts, and interviews on YouTube, among them dialogues with Jordan Peterson, David Fuller of Rebel Wisdom, and philosopher Tim Freke. His books include Against Criticism, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, and Ways of Attending. He published his latest book: The Matter With Things, a book of epistemology and metaphysics. You can keep up to date with his work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com. --- 6 Books Dr McGilchrist Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World - Dr Iain McGilchrist - https://amzn.to/3IUXPKn — The Matter With Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World - Dr Iain McGilchrist - https://amzn.to/3oOSFIW — Madness and Modernism: Insanity in the light of modern art, literature, and thought - Louis Sass - https://amzn.to/3qpm5Og — The Paradoxes of Delusion: Wittgenstein, Schreber, and the Schizophrenic Mind - Louis Sass - https://amzn.to/3N6ct3Q — The Creative Mind: An Introduction to Metaphysics - Henri Bergson - https://amzn.to/43DMC8O — Lived Time: Phenomenological and Psychopathological Studies - Eugène Minkowski - https://amzn.to/45IyuNG

Professor Donald Hoffman is a cognitive neuroscientist and the author of more than 90 scientific papers and three books, including Visual Intelligence and The Case Against Reality. He is best known for his theory of consciousness, which combines evolutionary theory with mathematics to make a compelling case that the reality we see every day is an illusion created by our minds. In this conversation, we explore: — The groundbreaking scientific research being conducted by physicists into the “structures” beyond spacetime — Donald’s theory of conscious agents — The implications his theory of consciousness has for our understanding of the purpose of life And more. You can follow Donald on Twitter @donalddhoffman - https://x.com/donalddhoffman — Prof. Donald Hoffman, PhD received his PhD from MIT, and joined the faculty of the University of California, Irvine in 1983, where he is a Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences. He is an author of over 100 scientific papers and three books, including Visual Intelligence, and The Case Against Reality. He received a Distinguished Scientific Award from the American Psychological Association for early career research, the Rustum Roy Award of the Chopra Foundation, and the Troland Research Award of the US National Academy of Sciences. His writing has appeared in Edge, New Scientist, LA Review of Books, and Scientific American and his work has been featured in Wired, Quanta, The Atlantic, and Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman. You can watch his TED Talk titled “Do we see reality as it is?” and you can follow him on Twitter @donalddhoffman. --- Interview Links: — Prof Hoffman’s profile: http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff — Prof Hoffman’s book: https://bit.ly/3SCwTTA

Dr Sue Johnson was the developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and a pioneer in adult attachment and couples therapy, who sadly passed on April 23, 2024. With over 30 years of peer reviewed clinical research demonstrating its effectiveness, Dr Johnson received several awards for her contribution to the development of EFT, including the Order of Canada and the Family Psychologist of the Year from the American Psychological Association. She was the best selling author of several books, including “Hold Me Tight”, which has sold over one million copies worldwide and helped countless couples improve their relationships. You can learn more about Dr Johnson’s pioneering work by visiting: https://drsuejohnson.com and EFT training at https://iceeft.com. --- Dr. Sue Johnson was a leading innovator in the fields of couple therapy and adult attachment. She was the primary developer of Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy (EFT), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical research. Sue has received numerous awards acknowledging her development of EFT, including the APA’s “Family Psychologist of the Year” in 2016 and the Order of Canada in 2017. Her best-selling 2008 book Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love has taught countless couples how to enhance and repair their love relationships. It remains one of the best-selling relationship help books on the market today. It has since been adapted into a workshop format. Sue’s 2014 book, Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science in Romantic Relationships, outlines the latest understanding of why and how we love, based on scientific evidence and cutting-edge research. You can learn more about Dr Johnson’s pioneering work by visiting: https://drsuejohnson.com and EFT training at https://iceeft.com. --- Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:31 - Therapy Beyond Bargaining 09:49 - Relationships in the Digital Age 20:37 - Relationship Therapy 35:00 - Relationship Change 43:17 - Attachment & Emotional Well-being 49:01 - Mental Health Impact 52:53 - Emotion-Focused Therapy --- 3 Books Dr Johnson Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: Attachment in Adulthood, First Edition: Structure, Dynamics, and Change - https://amzn.to/42xt6LU A Secure Base - https://amzn.to/497ax3W Hold Me Tight: Your Guide to the Most Successful Approach to Building Loving Relationships - https://amzn.to/4bwCJ1C Interview Links: — Dr Johnson’s website - http://drsuejohnson.com/ — EFT training - https://iceeft.com

Jonathan Fields is an award winning author, entrepreneur, webby-nominated producer, and host of one of the world’s top podcasts - the Good Life Project. He has been featured in outlets including: The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, and FastCompany. His most recent book: “Sparked” provides a simple framework for helping individuals to discover the work that makes them come most fully alive, and it is the focus of this conversation. You’ll learn: — Jonathan’s philosophy of “Maximum Sustainable Generosity” and how this helps him to avoid burnout — The 10 “Sparketypes” and how Jonathan’s assessment can provide deep insights into the work that you find most meaningful and energising — The relationship between your primary sparketype, shadow sparketype, and anti-sparketype — Why thinking small and an experimental mindset are vital if you want to make a meaningful impact in the world. And more. You can learn more about Jonathan’s innovative work at jonathanfields.com and take the assessment at https://sparketype.com. --- Jonathan Fields—the Good Life Guy—delivers insights that spark purpose, possibility, and potential. On a decades-long quest to discover what makes people come fully alive, Jonathan is an award-winning author, Webby-nominated producer, business innovator, and host of one of the world’s top podcasts, Good Life Project. The Wall Street Journal named Good Life Project one of the top self-development podcasts, and Apple featured it on-stage during its legendary annual product event. Jonathan is featured widely in the media, including The New York Times, FastCompany, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNN, The Guardian, O Magazine, SELF, Allure, Outside, Elle, Vogue, Fitness and thousands of other outlets. In addition to writing award-winning and bestselling books like SPARKED: Discover Your Unique Imprint for Work that Makes Us Come Alive, How to Live a Good Life and Uncertainty: Turning Fear and Doubt Into Fuel For Brilliance, Jonathan has founded several companies with a focus on maximizing human potential. The most recent is Spark Endeavors, where he is the chief architect and driving force behind the world’s first purpose, engagement, and flow archetypes–the Sparketypes®. This powerful tool has been tapped by over 600,000 individuals and organizations, generating more than 30-million data-points and a rapidly growing body of stories, use-cases, applications, and insight-based solutions to help transform how we work, lead and live. On the live or virtual stage, Jonathan captivates with eye-opening ideas, stories, and science. He draws not just from his own experience, but also the wisdom of the many global visionaries he’s interviewed, along with insights from the vast data-set generated by the Sparketype Assessment. It all adds up to a rare ability to take audiences on a joyful journey of discovery. Jonathan’s unique insights and solutions inspire people to put what they learn into action. --- Interview Links: — Jonathan’s website - https://www.jonathanfields.com — Jonathan’s books - https://amzn.to/3wdZQOd

Dr Dwight Turner is a psychotherapist, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Brighton University, and the author of “Intersections of Privilege and Otherness in Counselling and Psychotherapy”. He is one of the world’s leading experts on how privilege, otherness, and intersectionality impact therapeutic practice, and in this conversation we discuss: — What is intersectionality and why it’s vital for therapists to become aware of — The concept of otherness, how we often “other” ourselves to fit in socially, and the damaging effect this has on the human psyche — How dream work can provide illuminating insights for identifying aspects of ourselves we may have othered — How most of us have some of privilege, why it’s not inherently a bad thing when used in the service of others, and also the situations in which it becomes toxic And more. You can learn more about Dr Turner’s work by going to: dwightturnercounselling.co.uk and follow him on Twitter @Dturner300. --- Dr Dwight Turner is a psychotherapist, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the School of Applied Social Science at Brighton University. Dr Turner casts an intersectional lens on privilege, supremacy, otherness and social justice. He was invited to deliver the keynote presentation at the BACP’s ‘Working with Diversity’ Conference in 2019. His blog post – “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” addressed the anguish and the action that has risen from the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and has been widely read by UK and US therapists. Dr Turner’s book: ‘Intersections of Privilege and Otherness in Counselling and Psychotherapy:’ was published by Routledge in 2021. You can keep up to date with his work and latest blog posts at: https://dwightturnercounselling.co.uk and follow him on Twitter @Dturner300. --- Interview Links: — Dr Turner’s website: https://www.dwightturnercounselling.co.uk — Dr Turner’s book: https://amzn.to/3APOMqj 3 Books Dr Turner Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Queering Psychotherapy - Jane Czyzselska: https://amzn.to/3UZJFeG — Black Identities White Therapies - Colin Lago and Divine Charura: https://amzn.to/3V64GUY

Joshua Wenner and Philip Folsom are the founders of K4 - a men’s leadership community which equips men with psychological tools and resources to become their best selves and create a better life for their families and their communities. Their members include entrepreneurs, combat veterans, leading mental health professionals, first responders, doctors, lawyers, artists and musicians, and everything in between. In this conversation, we explore some of the core ideas and philosophy that K4 is built upon, including: — The 4 Masculine Archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, and how to fully embody these to thrive in the modern world — Why it’s possible for men to aim to be both good and powerful — and why it’s important to realise this isn’t an either/or choice — Shadow work and how to integrate wounded parts from your past You can learn more about their work and community at https://www.k4men.com. --- Joshua Wenner is an entrepreneur, veteran, filmmaker, and emotional resilience expert. He has spent the last 20 years growing companies and maximizing human potential—while affecting the lives of over 500,000 humans. He is the founder of Emotional Resilience Training (ERT) & co-founder of the K4 School of Menswork & Valor Warrior Resiliency Programs. Joshua’s coaching, curriculum, and frameworks are being used to help high achievers, successful entrepreneurs, first responders, men, veterans, and those who deal with high stress and trauma. He teaches emotional resilience tools to help people navigate challenging situations and achieve meaningful results. Before his current work, Joshua had a successful $20M exit as a founding team with Business Rockstars. He has been an advisor to multiple entrepreneurial ventures, has provided high-level 1:1 and group coaching, and was on an elite team of five of the top speakers to train Fortune 100 companies while working for Tony Robbins. In his 1:1 and group coaching, Joshua uses a wide range of technologies to get results for his clients. Some of these include NLP, timeline therapy, gestalt, compassionate inquiry, IFS, hypnosis, inner child work, breathwork, somatic therapy, attachment theory, needs/boundaries work, transformational chairwork, and more. Joshua is currently in post-production of his film The Gift of Grief, a personal story of how he turned the pain of his brother’s loss into meaning & purpose including interviews with the world’s top experts in the fields of grief & trauma. The film is expected to be released Jan 2023. Philip Folsom is an anthropologist, culture development expert, veteran, and CEO of Wolf Tribe. He is also the Co-founder of Valor Resiliency Programs, a critically acclaimed PTSD prevention program for warriors and Co-Founder of K4 a leadership and resiliency community for men. Philip is known for his unique Tribe workshop that focuses on the primary culture components of building healthy and high performing teams. His work regularly includes innovative adventure programming such as vision quests, caving, high ropes challenge courses, Zen archery, and workshops with real horses and wolves. Philip’s reputation in the team development world is legendary. His in-person events and seminars have dramatically improved the lives of over 500,000 people. His current clients include Microsoft, Apple, Snapchat, Fox Pictures, and Space X. Philip has sat on numerous boards including Red Bull’s High Performance Department. His work is regularly featured on television and podcasts. Philip works regularly with groups from USC and is a regular contributor to Marshall School of Business, including the Masters of Business for Veterans program. He lives with his wife, daughter, and black lab in Venice, CA. --- Interview Links: — Joshua’s website - https://joshuawenner.com/ — Philip’s profile - https://philip-folsom-1n4o.squarespace.com/programs

AJ Jacobs is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, editor at Esquire Magazine, and maybe one of the most interesting people on the planet today. His books include: “A Year of Living Biblically”' which documents his attempt to follow every single rule from the Bible as literally as possible, including stoning adulterers, not shaving his beard, and only wearing white; “The Know it All”, which is about reading the Encyclopedia from start to finish; as well as: “My Life as an Experiment”; “The Puzzler”, and “Drop Dead Healthy”. In this conversation, we explore: — What AJ learned from 2 months of radical honesty — The value of boldness and the time AJ accused Oprah Winfrey of farting on set — The puzzler mindset and the importance of replacing motivated reasoning with curiosity — AJ’s thoughts on what it takes to write a good book. And more. You can learn more about AJ’s work and books by going to: https://ajjacobs.com. His latest book is: The Year of Living Constitutionally and it’s released in May of this year. --- A.J. Jacobs, acclaimed author, journalist, and lecturer, known for his humorous yet insightful writing style, has penned four New York Times bestsellers melding memoir, science, and self-help. He serves as editor at large at Esquire, a commentator on NPR, and a columnist for Mental Floss. Jacobs is renowned for his unique experiments, from reading the Encyclopedia Britannica to living by the Bible's rules, chronicled in his bestselling books. His latest work explores the global family tree's impact on society. A sought-after speaker, Jacobs has appeared on major media outlets and delivered TED talks. He resides in New York City with his family. --- Interview Links: — AJ’s website - https://ajjacobs.com — AJ's books - https://amzn.to/49Kf7oC

Dr Bruce Lipton is an internationally recognised biologist, author, and pioneer in the new science of epigenetics. He is most well known for the idea that beliefs influence gene expression and that biology is not determined by DNA. Dr Lipton is the author of three books, including: The Honeymoon Effect, The Biology of Belief, and Spontaneous Evolution. In this conversation, we explore: — The science of epigenetics and how our environment (both internal and external) - influence how our genes are expressed — Dr Lipton’s views on consciousness and the current state of humanity — How our subconscious beliefs are programmed before the age of 7 and how this causes self sabotage and internal conflict later in life — Practical things you can do to reprogram your subconscious to experience more flourishing And more. You can learn more about Dr Lipton’s work at www.brucelipton.com. --- Dr Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, is an internationally-recognized leader in bridging science and spirit who is best known for the idea that genes are influenced by belief and DNA does not control biology. A stem cell biologist, bestselling author of The Biology of Belief, and recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award, he has been a guest speaker on hundreds of TV and radio shows as well as keynote presenter for national and international conferences. Dr. Lipton began his scientific career as a cell biologist, receiving his PhD degree from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville before joining the Department of Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine in 1973. Dr. Lipton has taken his award-winning medical school lectures to the public and is currently a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop presenter. In 1982, Dr. Lipton began examining the principles of quantum physics and how they might be integrated into his understanding of the cell’s information-processing systems. His breakthrough studies on the cell membrane showed that the outer layer of the cell is an organic homolog of a computer chip, the cell’s equivalent of a brain. His research at Stanford University’s School of Medicine between 1987 and 1992 revealed that the environment, operating through the membrane, controls the behavior and physiology of the cell, turning genes on and off. --- Interview Links: — Dr Lipton’s website - https://www.brucelipton.com/about/ — Dr Lipton’s books - https://www.brucelipton.com/books/

Dr. Parker Palmer is an American writer, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is the Founder of the nonprofit: The Centre for Courage and Renewal and the author of 10 popular books, including: A Hidden Wholeness, The Courage to Teach, an Undivided Life, and Let Your Life Speak, which this interview focuses on. Expect to learn: — The primary cause of burnout in modern society — The extent to which each of us arrive here with a nature and the importance of living in harmony with it — How to navigate the delicate balance between solitude and community life — Parker’s thoughts on the purpose of human existence. And more. This was a hugely impactful conversation for me, and I think Parker might be one of the wisest individuals I’ve come into contact with. Hope you enjoy this one. --- Dr. Parker J. Palmer, born on February 28, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, is a highly respected American author, educator, and activist. He has dedicated his life to exploring the integration of personal growth, education, spirituality, and social change. Parker's journey includes obtaining degrees in Sociology, teaching roles, and experiences in community organizing and adult education. His most notable contributions revolve around the concept of "The Courage to Teach," which emphasizes the importance of merging personal identity with professional practice in education. Palmer's books such as "The Courage to Teach," "The Hidden Wholeness," and "Let Your Life Speak" delve into themes of authenticity, community, and spirituality in daily life and work. Palmer's work extends beyond education, focusing on promoting dialogue, understanding differences, and advocating for social justice and compassionate leadership. His teachings emphasize deep listening, empathy, and creating spaces for genuine reflection and connection. Through his writings, teachings, and activism, Parker J. Palmer continues to inspire educators, leaders, and individuals striving for integrity and purpose in navigating today's complex world. --- Interview Links: — Dr Palmer’s website - https://couragerenewal.org/parker-j-palmer/ — Dr Palmer’s books - https://amzn.to/49WVR7X

Dr Louis Cozolino is a clinical psychologist, author, and professor based in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a Professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. He has authored 10 books, including The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy, Attachment-Based Teaching, and The Making of a Therapist, which is the focus of this conversation. You’ll learn: — How Lou would approach his education and training if he was starting again from scratch. — The most common mistakes therapists tend to make and how to avoid them. — What Dr Cozolino learned from being a direct student of Carl Rogers in the 1970s — The value of embracing confusion and complexity in psychotherapy. And more. You can learn more about Lou’s work by visiting: https://drloucozolino.com. --- Dr. Lou Cozolino practices psychotherapy and consulting psychology in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. With more than 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and coach, Lou works with adults, adolescents, and families as they face a wide variety of life’s challenges. Lou’s primary method as a therapist is one of connection, attunement, and interaction. Working primarily from a psychodynamic model of treatment, he also employs strategies and techniques from the other forms of therapy he has studied including CBT, family systems, and humanistic/existential. --- Interview Links: — Dr Cozolino’s website: https://www.drloucozolino.com — Why Therapy Works: https://amzn.to/3wt90El — The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: https://amzn.to/3MBxcKw — The Making of a Therapist: https://amzn.to/3lnbuha — The Development of a Therapist: https://amzn.to/3wtNOhF

Professor Bruce Hood is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bristol and has been a research fellow at Cambridge University and UCL, a visiting scientist at MIT, and a faculty professor at Harvard. He is the author of several books, including: Possessed, The Self Illusion, Supersense, and most recently: The Science of Happiness, which this interview focuses on. Expect to learn: — How malleable our happiness is and the extent to which we can influence it in later life — The counterintuitive skills and habits of happiness, including striking up conversations with strangers — The self illusion and the distinction between the “I Self” and the “Me Self” — The role that altruism and secure attachment play in the happiness equation. And more.. Follow Bruce on Twitter at @profbrucehood and get a copy of the book at bit.ly/bruce-happiness --- Prof. Bruce Hood, PhD, is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Bristol, known for his captivating engagement with the public. With diverse research interests spanning from the origins of supernatural beliefs to cognitive development, he founded Speakezee, the world's largest expert speaker network. Formerly a Royal Institution Christmas Lecturer, he's authored popular science books such as "SuperSense" and "The Self Illusion," and has received prestigious awards including an Alfred Sloan Fellowship and recognition from the Society of American Psychological Science. --- Interview Links: — Prof. Hood’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/profbrucehood — Prof. Hood’s book - https://t.co/WCnH1rDFIr

Rupert Spira is a non-dual teacher, philosopher, author, and proponent of the Direct Path, based in Oxford, UK. Bernardo Kastrup is an author, philosopher, and the executive director of Essentia Foundation, whose work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has PhDs in philosophy and computer engineering, and previously worked at CERN. In this conversation, we explore: — An introduction to non-duality and the empirical evidence in support of it — The link between the materialist worldview and widespread addiction in our society — The possibility of an addiction arising because of a disconnection from nature — Rupert and Bernardo’s definition of a life well lived. And more. Learn more about Bernardo’s work by going to: https://www.essentiafoundation.org and Rupert’s at https://rupertspira.com. --- Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com. From an early age, Rupert Spira was deeply interested in the nature of reality, beginning to meditate at the age of seventeen and studying the teachings of the classical Advaita Vedanta tradition over the next twenty years. In 1997 he met his teacher, Francis Lucille, who introduced him to the Direct Path teachings of Atmananda Krishna Menon and to Jean Klein and the Tantric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. More importantly, Francis directly indicated to him the true nature of experience. Rupert lives in the UK and holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the US. You can learn more about his work at https://rupertspira.com. --- 3 Books Rupert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle - https://amzn.to/44wkyEY — You Are the Happiness You Seek - Rupert Spira - https://amzn.to/44x8KT4 — Be Who You Are - Ramana Maharshi - https://amzn.to/46GzEJS

Dr Janina Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor at Harvard Medical School. Having trained directly with the likes of Bessel van der Kolk and Pat Ogden, she is now widely recognised as an international expert on the treatment of trauma. Janina is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books including, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma, and The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022). She is best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment, and she is also the creator of Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. In this conversation, we discuss: — Dr Fisher's experiences training with Bessel van der Kolk in the 1990s — The left and right brain "split", and how trauma gets stored in the body as implicit memories — The limitations of the "Uni-Consciousness" Model and why a parts paradigm is more effective for healing trauma — Why secure attachment is the number one variable in mental health and how to cultivate "earned secure attachment" internally And more. You can learn more about Dr Fisher's work at www.janinafisher.com. --- Janina Fisher, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor, Harvard Medical School. An international expert on the treatment of trauma, she is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Self-Alienation (2017), Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: a Workbook for Survivors and Therapists (2021), and The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022). She is best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment, and she is also the creator of Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. Interview Links: — Healing the Fragmented Selves - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3ANKAGp — Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: a Workbook for Survivors and Therapists - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3Blo1ux — The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022): https://amzn.to/3cQbAx3 3 Books Dr Fisher Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Introduction to IFS - Dr Richard Schwartz: https://amzn.to/3qaOt3y — Healing the Fragmented Selves - Dr Janina Fisher: https://amzn.to/3ANKAGp — Getting Through The Day - Nancy Napier: https://amzn.to/3KJoiKu

Dr Jer Clifton from the University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s leading researchers into how our beliefs and worldview shape almost everything about our lives, including our wellbeing, our relationships, our sense of meaning and purpose, and our basic sense of safety in the world. Some of the key things we discuss in this conversation include: — Jer’s incredible story of saving a stranger from certain death in the subway and how this impacted his later trajectory in life — The pervasiveness of the “belief in a just world” in our society, its good points, but also the hidden downsides — The four “primal” worldviews we all hold and how understanding them can improve both our own quality of life and our relationships with others. And more. You can learn more about Jer’s work and take a short survey to find out what your own primal worldviews are by going to: https://myprimals.com. --- Jeremy D. W. Clifton–everyone calls him “Jer”–received a PhD in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania studying with Dr. Martin Seligman (advisor), Dr. Angela Duckworth (committee chair), and Dr. Rob DeRubeis. His primary research area concerns primal world beliefs, with a secondary focus on measurement. Publications include the foundational 2019 Psychological Assessment article introducing primal world beliefs that was featured in the Washington Post and a 2019 Psychological Methods article on tradeoffs between validity and reliability. He is currently Senior Research Scientist at the Penn Positive Psychology Center, Director of the Penn Primals Project, and teaches research methods in the Penn Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program. --- Interview Links: — Dr Clifton’s profile - https://myprimals.com/jer/ — Dr Clifton’s X - @jerclifton

Prof. Donald Hoffman is Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, and the author of over 100 scientific papers and three books, including Visual Intelligence, and The Case Against Reality. Prof. Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also Director of the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science. His new book: Being You has won several awards and was a Sunday Times Bestseller. This conversation explores parallels in their theories of consciousness but also the areas where their thinking diverges. The topics covered include: — How the reality we experience every day is an illusion — Whether or not artificial intelligence will ever become conscious — Mathematical proof that the space-time paradigm is doomed and the early research investigating what might be underneath. — The practical implications of Donald’s and Anil’s theories - both for society and for every day life. And more. You can learn more about Anil’s work at https://anilseth.com/ and follow Donald on X at @donalddhoffman. Anil’s book: https://bit.ly/3Sw0Ogp Donald’s book: https://bit.ly/3SCwTTA --- Prof. Donald Hoffman, PhD received his PhD from MIT, and joined the faculty of the University of California, Irvine in 1983, where he is a Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences. He is an author of over 100 scientific papers and three books, including Visual Intelligence, and The Case Against Reality. He received a Distinguished Scientific Award from the American Psychological Association for early career research, the Rustum Roy Award of the Chopra Foundation, and the Troland Research Award of the US National Academy of Sciences. His writing has appeared in Edge, New Scientist, LA Review of Books, and Scientific American and his work has been featured in Wired, Quanta, The Atlantic, and Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman. You can watch his TED Talk titled “Do we see reality as it is?” and you can follow him on Twitter @donalddhoffman. Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, and the Co-Director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science. He is a Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow, and a Senior Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Professor Seth is Editor-in-Chief of Neuroscience of Consciousness, sits on the steering group and advisory board of the Human Mind Project, and was President of the British Science Association Psychology Section in 2017. He is the author of 'Being You" (https://amzn.to/3E4PI8K), the co-author of the ‘30 Second Brain’, and contributes regularly to a variety of media including New Scientist, The Guardian, and the BBC. His 2017 TED talk has been viewed more than 9 million times. Professor Seth’s research bridges neuroscience, mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, psychology, philosophy and psychiatry. He has also worked extensively with playwrights, dancers and other artists to shape a truly humanistic view of consciousness and self. You can keep up to date with his work at http://www.anilseth.com. --- Interview Links: — Prof Hoffman’s profile: http://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff — Prof Hoffman’s book: https://bit.ly/3SCwTTA — Prof Seth’s website: http://www.anilseth.com/ — Prof Seth’s book: https://bit.ly/3Sw0Ogp

Described as “The Einstein of Consciousness”, Ken Wilber is a fascinating character, who began a zen meditation practice at the age of 11. An intellectual prodigy as a child, Wilber briefly attended Duke University, before dropping out to immerse himself in a rigorous and multidisciplinary self-education. With an IQ of 175, he is the most published philosopher alive, and his 25 books have been translated into 30 languages. His work attempts to integrate all fields of human knowledge into one “theory of everything”, which he calls Integral Theory. This draws connections between fields as far ranging as: systems theory, evolutionary biology, anthropology, quantum mechanics, Jungian psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and eastern mysticism. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. One of the core frameworks in Wilber’s Integral Theory is The 4 Quadrants, which this interview focuses on. If you’re interested in a “deeper dive” after listening to this, you can learn more about Ken’s work by going to https://integrallife.com. --- Ken Wilber, a visionary thinker of inspired genius, is the developer of an integral “theory of everything” that embraces the truths of all the world’s great spiritual, scientific, and philosophical traditions. He is the most widely translated academic writer in America, with 25 books translated into some 30 foreign languages. Ken Wilber currently lives in Denver, Colorado, and is still active as a philosopher, author, and teacher, with all of his major publications still in print. Often referred to as the"Einstein of consciousness studies", Ken Wilber is a preeminent scholar of the Integral stage of human development. He is also the founder of the Integral Institute, which is the first organization fully dedicated to advancement and application of the Integral Approach in relation to contemporary global issues. It was formed in collaboration with over 200 scholars and experts, specializing in education, politics, business, medicine, psychology, spirituality, as well as, law and criminal justice. In 2007 Wilber co-founded Integral Life, a social media-hub dedicated to sharing the integral vision with the world wide community, as well as documenting and catalyzing the progress of the integral movement. --- Interview Links: — Ken’s website: https://integrallife.com/who-is-ken-wilber — Ken’s books: https://amzn.to/3uJYx9a

Professor Steven Hayes and Professor Matthew Johnson. Although they work in widely different fields, with Matt being a leading researcher in psychedelics at John Hopkins, and Steve being the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, both have reached similar conclusions about the psychological processes underneath mental health and wellbeing - so I thought it might be interesting to bring them together for this conversation. You’ll learn: — How a behaviourist perspective has been advantageous for Matt and Steve in their research — How and why psychedelics may promote “psychological flexibility” — Steve and Matt’s thoughts on the origins of spirituality — Their views on consciousness and the “hard problem”. And more. You can follow Matt on X @Drug_Researcher and learn more about Steven’s work by going to https://stevenchayes.com. You can also check out the PsychFlex App by visiting: https://psychflex.com/signup. --- Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Most recently, he has been focused on developing Process Based Therapy along with Prof Stefan Hofmann. Dr. Matthew W. Johnson, PhD, is a distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. He is internationally renowned for his prolific research on the human effects of psychedelics and his groundbreaking work in the behavioral economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behavior. In 2008, Dr. Johnson published psychedelic safety guidelines, contributing to the resurgence of psychedelic research. He led groundbreaking studies on the psychedelic treatment of tobacco addiction and cancer distress, as well as investigating psilocybin for opioid dependence and PTSD. Dr. Johnson’s research extends beyond psychedelics, with influential studies on various psychoactive substances. As President of the International Society for Research on Psychedelics and a respected NIH-funded Principal Investigator, he continues to be a leading figure in the field. Learn more at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson. --- Interview Links: — Dr Hayes' website - https://stevenchayes.com/ — Dr Hayes' books - https://amzn.to/3MQlJbV — Dr Johnson's Profile - http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson — Dr Johnson's Twitter - https://twitter.com/drug_researcher?lang=en

Dr Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist and one of the world’s leading researchers exploring the relationship between neuroscience and spirituality. His research includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, in an attempt to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual experiences. He has published over 250 peer reviewed articles and 14 books. His work has been featured in Time, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, and he was listed as one of the 30 most influential neuroscientists alive today by the Online Psychology Degree Guide. In this conversation, we explore: — Studies exploring the relationship between mass meditations and crime rate — Near death experiences — Dr Newberg’s views on consciousness — The extent to which we can say that religious and spiritual experiences cause physical changes in the brain — The link between spirituality and mental health. And more. You can learn more about Dr Newberg’s research and books by visiting: http://www.andrewnewberg.com. --- Dr Andrew Nerberg is a neuroscientist, author, Professor, and the Research Director in the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He studies how brain function is associated with various mental states, and is a pioneer in the neurological study of religious and spiritual experiences – a field known as “neurotheology.” Dr Newberg’s research has included brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, as well as surveys of people’s spiritual experiences and attitudes. He has also evaluated the relationship between religious or spiritual phenomena and health, and the effect of meditation on memory. He believes that it is important to keep science rigorous, and religion religious. You can learn more about Dr Newberg’s work at: http://www.andrewnewberg.com -- Links: - Dr Andrew’s website: http://www.andrewnewberg.com - Dr Andrew’s books: https://amzn.to/3uIAC4F

Dr Scott Kellogg and Amanda Garcia Torres are co-directors of the Chairwork Psychotherapy Initiative - an innovative therapy training organisation which empowers mental health professionals to integrate chairwork with their therapeutic approach. I attended one of their trainings in September 2023 and it was incredibly powerful, turning over many of the assumptions I held about how therapy should be done. In this conversation, we explore: — The therapeutic benefits of viewing human beings as containing multiple different parts — The two origins of the inner critic and why it may be behind the vast majority of mental health problems — How chairwork can be applied to heal addiction, trauma, and a wide range of issues. — How this approach helps to create space and distance internally from maladaptive coping parts that may be having a negative effect in our lives. And more. You can learn more about Scott and Amanda’s work by going to https://www.chairworkpsychotherapy.com/. --- Amanda Garcia Torres, LMHC is a certified Chairwork Psychotherapist and Co-Director of Training at the Transformational Chairwork Psychotherapy Project. Ms. Garcia Torres received her Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and has also completed training in Voice Dialogue. She began her journey with TCPP in 2013 and has trained clinicians in NYC and internationally. Her presentations and writings have addressed such topics as chairwork, trauma, social justice, oppression, and identity issues. Ms. Garcia Torres is in private practice at Chairwork Therapy NYC. Scott Kellogg, PhD is the author of Transformational Chairwork: Using Psychotherapeutic Dialogues in Clinical Practice (2015, Rowman & Littlefield). He is a former Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University and a Past-President of Division of Addictions of the New York State Psychological Association. An ISST-certified Advanced Schema Therapist, he has also trained in Gestalt Therapy and Voice Dialogue. Dr. Kellogg currently runs a chairwork-centered private practice in New York City. Through the Transformational Chairwork Psychotherapy Project, he has taught this method of psychotherapeutic dialogue to practitioners in the United States and abroad. Interview Links: — Amanda’s website: https://chairworktherapynyc.com — Dr Kellogg’s website: http://transformationalchairwork.com/about/about-scott-kellogg — Amanda’s latest article: https://bit.ly/transformational-chair — Dr Kellogg’s latest article: https://bit.ly/APA-Psychnet

Dr Bernardo Kastrup is a philosopher, author and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He is the author of several books, including “Jung’s Metaphysics”, “Why Materialism is Baloney”, and “More Than Allegory”. In this conversation, we explore: — Bernardo’s thoughts on free will — The major differences between the eastern mind and the western mind. — Why engaging with the religious tradition of our upbringing can be the most direct path to transcendent meaning — How psychedelics have impacted Bernardo — Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity and what this reveals about the nature of our world. And more. You can learn more about his work by going to https://www.bernardokastrup.com or https://www.essentiafoundation.org. You can also check out their latest videos by going to the Essentia Foundation YouTube channel. --- Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit www.bernardokastrup.com. --- Interview Links: — Dr Kastrup’s website: www.bernardokastrup.com — Dr Kastrup’s books: https://amzn.to/3fQ4yKv

Simon is a life coach, business strategist, and author, whose insights have been featured on the BBC, Sky News, and the Guardian. This conversation explores some of the key ideas from Simon’s debut book: Energise, including: — Why the best way to change your life is to focus on changing your energy — Simon’s advice on how to become a world class public speaker — The philosophy of Bruce Lee and the importance of having a “definite aim” in your life — Simon’s unique approach for finding and building relationships with mentors — How to use journaling to massively increase the clarity in your life. And more. Learn more about Simon’s work at https://www.simonalexanderong.com. --- Simon Alexander Ong is an award-winning personal development entrepreneur and coach. His work has seen him invited onto Sky News, BBC Radio London and LBC Radio and he has been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, Virgin and the Guardian. Simon regularly keynotes for companies and conferences, including those organised by Google, the London School of Economics and the World Business & Executive Coach Summit. He holds qualifications from The Coaching Academy and has also completed a series of courses in neuro-linguistic programming. Simon is of Chinese origin and is based in London with his wife, Laurie, and daughter, Sienna. --- Interview Links: — Simon’s website: https://www.simonalexanderong.com — Simon’s books: https://amzn.to/3ZZpt0d

Tami Simon is the Founder of SoundsTrue - a multimedia publishing company with more than 110 employees, and a library of more than 3,000 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, including Eckharte Tolle, Pema Chodron, Gabor Mate, and Michael Singer. This conversation explores: — The role that synchronicity and prayer have played in Tami’s journey — Tami’s unique approach to business, including why it’s important to realise that the “how” of what you do is more important than the “what” — The importance of creating space in your life and how best to do this — How Tami changed her relationship and beliefs around money And more. You can learn more about Tami’s work by going to https://soundstrue.com. --- Tami Simon started Sounds True at the age of 22 with a dream and a tape recorder. Though she had no experience running a business and only a vague idea of what she wanted the company to be, Tami had her guiding principle strongly in place: to disseminate spiritual wisdom. Over its 36-year history, Sounds True has grown into a multimedia publisher that has produced over 6,000 titles, has been included twice in the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing companies, and is North America’s leading publisher of spoken-word spiritual teachings. One of the world’s very first organizations to focus on multiple bottom lines as part of its founding mandate, Sounds True has expanded steadily over the years while staying true to its original mission. Partnering with the leading spiritual teachers of our time, Sounds True now has a successful book publishing program (distributed by Macmillan) and has grown to produce events, certification programs, and transformational online learning experiences. Tami hosts the popular Sounds True podcast, Insights at the Edge, which has now been downloaded more than 20 million times. She is also the founder of the Sounds True Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing spiritual education to people who would otherwise not have access. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and in British Columbia with her wife, Julie Kramer, and their two spoodles, Raspberry and Bula. Interview Links: — Tami’s website: https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/tami-simon — Tami’s books: https://amzn.to/3R5UYS8

Professor Steven C Hayes is the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and most recently Process-Based Therapy (PBT). This session provides an introduction to PBT, what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can help clinicians both better serve their clients, and continuously improve their clinical skills. You’ll learn: — Why it’s vital to view psychological problems as existing as ‘nodes’ in a network’ — Why the 10,000 hour rule doesn’t apply in therapy, and what you can do about it — How to take a scientific approach to your therapeutic work that enables you to get the root causes of your clients’ issues, and continuously improve your skills —How to take a ‘multilevel’ approach to psychotherapy —The Extended Evolutionary Meta Model, and how it can enhance therapeutic work. And more. If you are interested in a ‘deeper dive’ after this session, check out the book here: https://bit.ly/learning-pbt --- Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Most recently, he has been focused on developing Process Based Therapy along with Prof Stefan Hofmann. Interview Links: — Learning Process Based Therapy: https://bit.ly/learning-pbt — ACT Immersion: https://stevenchayes.com/actimmersion — ACT in Practice: https://stevenchayes.com/actinpractice — Professor Hayes’ website: https://stevenchayes.com

Dr Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and Professor of Psychology at New York University, whose research focuses on how our visual perception influences motivation, and how we can leverage the cognitive biases inherent in the human mind in a way that makes us more effective at achieving long term goals. She has written 74 scientific publications, given two TED talks, and is the author of the 2020 book: Clearer, Closer, Better. This conversation provides an introduction into some of the key insights from Dr Balcetis’ research, including: — How our everyday perceptions can be thought of as illusions of the mind — Why positive visualisation and vision boards can actually be counterproductive when pursuing goals — How to use “framing”, a narrow focus, “widening the bracket”, and materialisation to achieve goals — How Michael Phelps uses “foreshadowing failure” to succeed and how you can too. — The crucial link between systolic blood pressure and motivation And more. You can learn more about Dr Balcetis pioneering research by going to: https://www.spamlabresearch.com. --- Over the last 20 years, Dr Emily Balcetis has become one of the most sought-after voices on motivation science, researching the factors that contribute to differences in judgments and behaviors among individuals. She delivers lectures, offers training and keynoting hundreds of programs and events at secondary schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, and corporations on the social, cognitive, and motivational mechanisms that lead impact obstacles and successes as people pursue their goals. She is also a frequent commentator on media, blogs, and podcasts, delivering a voice filled with knowledge and respect for the varied challenges people face. --- Interview Links: — Dr Balcetis’ website: https://www.spamlabresearch.com — Dr Balcetis’ books: https://amzn.to/3SfrUtO

Professor Paul Gilbert, a clinical psychologist, bestselling author and the Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy. Paul has dedicated his life to researching the science of compassion and how it can be applied to alleviate suffering and promote wellbeing. He is the author of numerous books, including “The Compassionate Mind”, “Mindful Compassion”, “Living Like Crazy”, “Overcoming Depression”, and most recently: “Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Applications”. In 2011, Paul was awarded an OBE for his continued contribution in mental healthcare. In this wide ranging conversation, we discuss: — Why Paul has devoted his life to understanding and applying compassion to alleviate suffering — The core foundations CFT is built upon — How to “get through” to difficult clients in therapy — The evolutionary origins of shame and guilt, and the role they play in mental health and more. You can learn more about Paul’s work and trainings in CFT by going to www.compassionatemind.co.uk. --- Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. --- Interview Links: — www.compassionatemind.co.uk — Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Application: https://amzn.to/3ReGXAR --- 3 Books Professor Gilbert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Discovery Of The Unconscious - Henri Ellenberger: https://amzn.to/3uzAWVF — Archetype: A Natural History of the Self - Anthony Stevens: https://amzn.to/3PeTL8F — Civilized to Death - Chris Ryan: https://amzn.to/3yuzOnE

The latest research on autism and the brain is indicating that it affects the brain in much the same way as complex trauma. What does this mean for the delivery of behavioral and social services? If the brain is affected in the same ways as trauma what does this mean for educational, vocational, and developmental goals in the individual's life? How do we progress with treatment based on the research of the last six years? In this session, Robert will introduce the latest research, outline how the brain reacts to both trauma and autism in the same way, and what this means in the real world for treatment services. Using case examples and his own observation, Robert will lay out a method and direction for treatment that is making a profound difference in the lives of the individuals he supports every day. From families to schools to employment and individual struggles, you’ll discover the methods that can bring lasting change to lives, and often reduce or remove the necessity for expensive behavioral services. --- Robert Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. He has been providing services for individuals on the autism spectrum for more than 20 years. He is the creator of the nonprofit The Tristn Jevon Center for Recovery a trauma treatment center in Richmond, Missouri specializing in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and autism. He trains and uses mindfulness practice in the control of anxiety and mental health issues resulting from trauma in his practice and produces the podcast “Mindful Recovery” to bring these topics to all podcast listeners. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events - Robert Cox’s profile: https://liferecoveryconsulting.org/staff/meet-robert/ - Robert Cox’s book: https://amzn.to/3Bp5KN8

Dr Anna Lembke is a Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, a New York Times Bestselling Author, addiction expert, and clinician. There are few people on the planet who know more about dopamine and its role in addiction than Dr Lembke, so it was a real honour to get to sit down and have this conversation with her. I’m growing convinced that understanding how dopamine works in the brain and body is the key not only to breaking addictions, but also to long term flourishing in life, and in this interview, Anna clearly explains why. Expect to learn: — Why rates of depression and anxiety are rising rapidly in affluent societies — Why it’s vital for any mental health professional to understand how dopamine works in the brain — Dr Lembke’s own battle with addiction and what we can learn from it — Anna’s science-based strategies for breaking addictions — The pain/pleasure balance and the role this plays in mental health and wellbeing. And more. You can learn more about Anna’s work at https://www.annalembke.com. --- Dr Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. A clinician scholar, she has published more than a hundred peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and commentaries. She sits on the board of several state and national addiction-focused organizations, has testified before various committees in the United States House of Representatives and Senate, keeps an active speaking calendar, and maintains a thriving clinical practice. In 2016, she published Drug Dealer, MD – How Doctors Were Duped, Patients Got Hooked, and Why It’s So Hard to Stop (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016), which was highlighted in the New York Times as one of the top five books to read to understand the opioid epidemic (Zuger, 2018). Dr. Lembke recently appeared on the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, an unvarnished look at the impact of social media on our lives. Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence (Dutton/Penguin Random House, August 2021), an instant New York Times Bestseller, explores how to moderate compulsive overconsumption in a dopamine-overloaded world. --- Interview Links: Dr Lembke's website: https://www.annalembke.com Dr Lembke's books: https://amzn.to/47nIg8g 3 Books Dr Lembke Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: Thoughts without a Thinker - Mark Epstein: https://amzn.to/3a50Ucw The Big Book of AA: https://amzn.to/3AfoU7z Dying Unto Life - Arthur C. McGill: https://amzn.to/3OP4mrb

Jan is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist with more than 40 years of experience working with addiction and trauma. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto and the director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction, and her most recent book: “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model” has attracted praise from the likes of Gabor Maté, Stephen Porges, and Marc Lewis. In this conversation, we discuss: — Why it’s vital that we bring the body more and more into psychotherapy, particularly when working with trauma and addiction. — How polyvagal theory can help us understand the “mechanism” underlying addictive behaviour — The importance of looking at addictions as adaptive in their historical context — How addictions can be thought of as “state regulation strategies” for the autonomic nervous system. And more. You can learn more about the great work Jan is doing by going to: www.janwinhall.com, and you can find her course with the Polyvagal Institute by going to bit.ly/jw-course. --- Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist in Toronto, Canada. She is author of “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model”, by Jan Winhall, Routledge, 2021. Jan is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Toronto and Co-Director of Borden Street Clinic, a psychotherapy and teaching centre. Jan is a Coordinator with The International Focusing Institute and Director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction. --- Interview Links: — Jan’s book: https://amzn.to/3Du6eko — Jan’s website: https://janwinhall.com — Jan’s course with the Polyvagal Institute: https://bit.ly/jw-course — Polyvagal Theory: A Very Simple Introduction: https://niallmckeever.com/polyvagal-theory-simple-introduction — Polyvagal Theory & Trauma - Deb Dana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-SVdQ-CHkA — Revolutionising Addiction Treatment with The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model - Jan Winhall & Stephen W. Porges: https://bit.ly/jw-paper 3 Books Jan Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Focusing - Eugene Gendlin: https://amzn.to/3WiAmYF — Trauma and Recovery - Judith Herman: https://amzn.to/3FzWmsc — The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory - Dr Stephen Porges: https://amzn.to/3t6F52t

Hal is a Professor of Marketing, Behavioural Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA, who Angela Duckworth describes as “one of today’s leading behavioural scientists”. Hal’s research focuses on the psychology of the future self and how you can leverage it to improve decision making and quality of life for both your present and future selves. This conversation explores some of the key ideas from Hal’s new book, including: — The End of History Illusion; what it is, and why becoming aware of it can free you to take a more experimental approach to life — Laurie Paul’s “Vampire Problem” and its implications for the existential decisions in our lives. — The neuroscience of the future self — How we see and treat our future selves as strangers, and how this disconnection leads to sub-optimal decision making — Journaling strategies for strengthening the connection to your future self. And more. Learn more about Hal’s work at: https://www.halhershfield.com. --- Hal Hershfield is a Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and holds the UCLA Anderson Board of Advisors Term Chair in Management. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. Hershfield publishes in top academic journals and also contributes op-eds to the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, and other outlets. He consults with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and many financial services firms such as Fidelity, First Republic, Prudential, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Avantis. Hal shares five key insights from his new book, Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. To learn more about Hal, you can follow him on his Twitter @HalHershfield and on his website at https://www.halhershfield.com. --- Interview Links: — Hal’s website: https://www.halhershfield.com — Hal’s book: https://amzn.to/3FI2ttr

Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. In this conversation, you’ll learn: — How the life of Friedrich Nietzsche can be thought of as a microcosm of a cultural macrocosm we are currently experiencing — Why life is inherently sacrificial and how understanding this can provide a rich and deep source of meaning in our lives — Bernardo’s concept of the “Daimon” and how to harness it to live a life of service and let nature work through you. And more. You can learn more about Bernardo’s pioneering work by going to https://essentiafoundation.org. --- Dr Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com. --- Interview Links: — Dr Kastrup's website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com/ — Dr Kastrup's books: https://amzn.to/45TaC8T

Bonnie is an author, therapist, mentor, and the co-founder of the nonprofit agency: Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind. This is Bonnie’s second appearance on the show, and in this conversation we dive deeper into her unique concept of “Inner Community” and how it can be applied to heal deep-seated wounds from the past, and create a felt-sense of safety in the body. You’ll learn: — How our neurobiology and mirror neurons put us “within each other” — How Bonnie’s unique approach to psychotherapy offers a powerful modality for healing intergenerational trauma — Why “self regulation” is a myth and how we’re built for co-regulation instead — How to apply “radical inclusiveness” to heal the negative parts of ourselves that we have “imported” from others. And more. If you found this interesting, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Bonnie’s book: The Heart of Trauma, and you can learn more about her work by going to https://nurturingtheheart.com. --- Dr Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, is the co-founder of the Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness of the brain, mind, and relationships in the service of creating a more awake and compassionate world. She is the author of Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology (W. W. Norton, 2008), and is an active member of the Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS). You can learn more about her work at www.nurturingtheheart.com. --- Interview Links: — Dr Badenoch’s website: https://www.nurturingtheheart.com — Dr Badenoch’s books: https://amzn.to/47Rbn4C

Mark is a Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Salford, the author of two books on Transactional analysis, and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. He is also an active psychotherapy researcher, and in 2017, he was awarded the International Transactional Analysis Association Research Award in recognition of his research into the effectiveness of TA. In this conversation, we discuss: — The core concepts of the TA model, including how each of us has 3 basic elements to our personality: the parent, the child, and the adult — The benefits of TA compared with other forms of psychotherapy and the situations in which it can be particularly effective — How many of us are unconsciously running on “Life Scripts” that we inherited in our first few years and what can be done to “rescript” them to improve our quality of life — Why it’s important to remember that everyone we meet is at the centre of their own universe and how this can benefit our own emotional wellbeing. And more. You can follow Mark on Twitter at @DrMarkWiddowson. --- Dr Mark Widdowson has over 20 years of experience as a practising psychotherapist. He is a Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Salford, the author of two books on Transactional analysis, and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. He specialises in Transactional Analysis (TA) Psychotherapy. He was the recipient of the 2017 International Transactional Analysis Association Research Award in recognition of his research into the effectiveness of TA. Interview Links: — Mark’s book on 100 Key TA Point and Techniques: https://amzn.to/3Oj2W8E — Mark’s book on TA for depression: https://amzn.to/3Ogydcs 3 Books Mark Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl: https://amzn.to/3OisMJU — Existential Psychotherapy - Irvin Yalom: https://amzn.to/3hIWUSv — The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy - Louis Cozolino: https://amzn.to/3ggfuB8

Dr. Spiegel is an author, psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, and one of the world’s leading experts into the clinical applications of hypnosis. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. In this conversation, we discuss: — Dr Spiegel’s groundbreaking research into how hypnosis can be applied in a clinical setting to improve client outcomes — What’s happening in the brain during hypnotic states of mind — A simple test for identifying if you are hypnotisable or not — Why hypnosis can be a powerful treatment for trauma And more. You can learn more about Dr Spiegel’s Self Hypnosis Reveri App by going to www.reveri.com. --- Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he has been a member of the academic faculty since 1975, and was Chair of the Stanford University Faculty Senate from 2010-2011. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific journal articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, psychosocial oncology, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. His research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the Dana Foundation for Brain Sciences, and the Nathan S. Cummings Foundation. He was a member of the work groups on stressor and trauma-related disorders for the DSM-IV and DSM-5 editions of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He is Past President of the American College of Psychiatrists and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, and is a Member of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2018, Dr Spiegel was invited to speak on hypnosis at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018. --- Interview Links: — www.reveri.com — Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis - Herbert Spiegel and David Spiegel https://amzn.to/3yKxA4K --- 3 Books Dr Spiegel Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat Zinn - https://amzn.to/3P8rQa9 — Studies on Hysteria - Sigmund Freud - https://amzn.to/3ORL8B6 — When Nietzsche Wept - Irvin Yalom - https://amzn.to/3al0JKt

This session will provide an overview of the contemporary understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that goes beyond the “A” and the “H.” Instead, ADHD is understood as a developmental syndrome of self-dysregulation or executive dysfunction. From this understanding, the session will move on to an outline of the corresponding implications for psychosocial treatment of ADHD in adults, namely using cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). The different facets of CBT will be briefly reviewed with a proposed central therapeutic target for each. Lastly, emphasis will be given to the influential role of cognitions and beliefs in the experience of adults with ADHD and their relevance in treatment, including a proposed central cognitive theme, which was a central focus of Dr. Ramsay’s most recent book, Rethinking Adult ADHD. --- Russell Ramsay, Ph.D., ABPP is co-founder and clinical director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program and professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. He is also a senior staff clinician at Penn’s Center for Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Ramsay has authored numerous peer-reviewed professional and scientific articles and book chapters. He has written five books about adult ADHD, most recently Rethinking Adult ADHD. His book, The Adult ADHD Tool Kit, has been translated into French, Spanish, and is being translated into Korean. Dr. Ramsay is an inductee in the CHADD Hall of Fame. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Attention Disorders and The ADHD Report. Dr. Ramsay is board-certified in cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition to a full clinical load, he supervises clinicians-in-training in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Dr Russell Ramsay’s profile: https://www.med.upenn.edu/add/faculty_ramsay.html - Dr Russell Ramsay’s books: https://amzn.to/3yOE41h

Dr Lou Cozolino - a clinical psychologist, author, and professor based in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a Professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. The work that I do for The Weekend University means I get to explore a wide range of topics, teachers, and practitioners who are at the forefront of the field of psychology. Every so often, I feel like I’ve “struck gold” after discovering someone and I would certainly put Dr Cozolino’s work into this category. In this interview, you’ll learn: — Dr Cozolino’s experience of being taught by Carl Rogers and what he learned from him — The 4 common factors that underlie all effective forms of psychotherapy — The importance of focusing on principles rather than techniques when educating yourself as a therapist — Why human beings need psychotherapy — The vital ‘half second’ and how this impacts every aspect of our experience — The impact of early experiences on our development — Core shame and why we experience it — Neuroplasticity and why therapists should think of themselves as applied neuroscientists — 3 books that Lou recommends every therapist should read And more. You can learn more about Dr Cozolino’s work at www.drloucozolino.com --- Dr. Lou Cozolino practices psychotherapy and consulting psychology in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. With more than 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and coach, Lou works with adults, adolescents, and families as they face a wide variety of life’s challenges. Lou’s primary method as a therapist is one of connection, attunement, and interaction. Working primarily from a psychodynamic model of treatment, he also employs strategies and techniques from the other forms of therapy he has studied including CBT, family systems, and humanistic/existential. --- Interview Links: — Why Therapy Works: https://amzn.to/3wt90El — The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: https://amzn.to/3MBxcKw — The Making of a Therapist: https://amzn.to/3lnbuha — The Development of a Therapist: https://amzn.to/3wtNOhF — Dr Cozolino’s website: www.drloucozolino.com --- 3 Books Lou Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Character Analysis - Wilhelm Reich (1st 120 pages): https://amzn.to/3wDWjoV — On Becoming a Person - Carl Rogers: https://amzn.to/3wzrxOg — Thou Shalt Not Be Aware - Alice Miller: https://amzn.to/3sJVUQC --- — Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 — Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events

Unlock the secrets of the mind with Bonnie Badenoch, a renowned trauma therapist and author with a unique blend of expertise in literature and mysticism. In this insightful talk, Bonnie delves into the profound impact of fear on our ability to focus and learn, underscoring the critical importance of safety and connection in our lives. Explore the fascinating connection between brain hemispheres, as she discusses Iain McGilchrist's groundbreaking work and how it shapes human connection. Bonnie introduces the concept of the "inner community," shedding light on the significance of embracing the various facets within ourselves and others. Join her in advocating for more empathetic and holistic approaches to therapy and education, ushering in a new era of improved connections and healing. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of the mind and its potential for growth. Bonnie Badenoch is the author of several books, including: The Heart of Trauma, The Brain-Savvy Therapist's Workbook, and Being a Brain-Wise Therapist. In this free flowing conversation, we discuss: — Iain McGilchrist’s hemisphere hypothesis and its relevance for therapeutic practice — Interpersonal neurobiology, social baseline theory, and the research underpinning Bonnie’s radical approach to healing — The power of having a “listening partner” and how you can set one up to foster more secure attachment in your world And more. You can learn more about Bonnie’s work by going to https://www.nurturingtheheart.com. --- Dr Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, is the co-founder of the Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness of the brain, mind, and relationships in the service of creating a more awake and compassionate world. She is the author of Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology (W. W. Norton, 2008), and is an active member of the Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS). You can learn more about her work at www.nurturingtheheart.com. Interview Links: — Dr Badenoch’s website: https://www.nurturingtheheart.com/ —Dr Badenoch’s books: https://amzn.to/47Rbn4C

Embark on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the intricacies of human nature, history, compassion, and evolution. With a poignant analogy of a lost baby's name tag at a hospital, we navigate the balance of good and bad news in life, gaining insights that resonate. Uncover the profound layers of compassion, transcending mere kindness, and discover the resolute commitment to confront suffering's root causes. Professor Paul Gilbert skillfully underscores the pivotal role of comprehending the human brain and the art of crafting intricate social systems. Attachment theories intertwine with the exploration of caring behaviors' evolution, illuminating their profound impact on emotional growth and relationships. --- Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. --- Interview Links: — Professor Gilbert's website: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk — Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Application: https://amzn.to/3ReGXAR --- 3 Books Professor Gilbert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Discovery Of The Unconscious - Henri Ellenberger: https://amzn.to/3uzAWVF — Archetype: A Natural History of the Self - Anthony Stevens: https://amzn.to/3PeTL8F — Civilized to Death - Chris Ryan: https://amzn.to/3yuzOnE

Delving into the nuanced landscape of trauma, this talk redefines its contours. Beyond the apparent shockwaves of accidents or abuse, the lens of somatic experiencing unveils trauma as an entity residing within physiology, spanning tissues, nerves, and interactions. The ebb and flow of trauma's grip unfolds as dysregulation within one's system. Manifesting either as rigid fixity or graceful flow, this analogy likens it to a dam obstructing water's natural course.Peeling back the layers of identity, the interplay between personality and individuality emerges. Molded by adaptive responses to societal norms, authentic individuality can languish in the shadows. Yet, some craft safeguarding personalities – a guise concealing pain, as seen in comedians wielding humor as armor. Unlocking healing's door, the crux lies in fostering incremental capacity. Analogous to mastering a new skill or language, the journey entails nurturing the ability to navigate emotions, sensations, and responses. Nervous system regulation transcends mere emotional release. It's a symphony of physiological cues – trembles, tears – incrementally knitting the tapestry of healing and resilience. --- Irene Lyon, MSC. and nervous system expert, teaches people around the world how to work with the nervous system to transform trauma, heal body and mind, and live full, creative lives. To date, her online programs and classes have reached over 9,500 people in over 90 countries. Irene has a Master’s Degree in Biomedical and Health Science and also has a knack for making complex info easy for ALL of us to understand and apply to our lives. She has extensively studied and practices the works of Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais, Peter Levine (founder of Somatic Experiencing), and Kathy Kain (founder of Somatic Practice). Irene spends her free time eating delicious food, hiking in the mountains or walking along the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. --- Interview Links: — Smart Body Smart Mind (Irene's course): https://smartbodysmartmind.com/ — The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3P4lvfO — The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog - Bruce Perry: https://amzn.to/3oNg9Lb — The Polyvagal Theory: Explained: https://youtu.be/8AnHlx3qZ30 — Born for Love - Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz: https://amzn.to/3zTA0i5 — Edgar Cayce: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Cayce — Discovering Your Soul's Purpose - Dr Mark Thurston: https://amzn.to/3zOhiY3 — Story of Edgar Cayce: There Is a River - Thomas Sugrue: https://amzn.to/3Q2ivBJ — The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy: https://amzn.to/3Jqcufy 3 Books Irene Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Scared Sick - Robin Karr-Morse: https://amzn.to/3oQVTIv — When the Body Says No - Dr Gabor Maté: https://amzn.to/3vDRfRP — Travels - Michael Criechton: https://amzn.to/3JpzJqg

Dr Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. Dr Miller’s 2021 book: The Awakened Brain explores the neuroscience of spirituality and offers a bold new paradigm for human flourishing. In this lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore: — The neuroscience of the “awakened brain” — To what extent we can say that spirituality is innate in human nature — The scientific evidence for what Carl Jung referred to as “synchronicity” — How spirituality and depression may be two sides of the same coin and why depression may be viewed as a “call to awakening”. And more. You can learn more about Professor Miller’s work by visiting: www.lisamillerphd.com. --- Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. Interview Links: — Dr Miller’s website - www.lisamillerphd.com — Dr Miller’s books - https://amzn.to/3KgI3dp

Professor Dryden is a therapist, trainer, academic and author who has published more than 240 books. In many ways, Windy could be described as a pioneer in the field. He was one of the first in the UK to be trained in CBT, having learned directly from Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, and has since trained therapists all over the world in the approach. He is best known for his work in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), which will be the focus of today’s conversation where we discuss: — Windy's "general-specific" philosophy of psychotherapy — The foundational principles of REBT and its benefits compared to other approaches — The A B C's of REBT, and how understanding this simple concept can enhance emotional intelligence — How Windy helps clients drop rigid attitudes and develop a more flexible and compassionate relationship with themselves. And more. You can learn more about Professor Dryden’s work by going to www.windydryden.com. --- Windy Dryden is one of the leading practitioners and trainers in the UK in the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) tradition of psychotherapy. He is best known for his work in Rational-Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (RECBT), a leading CBT approach. He has been working in the field of counselling and psychotherapy since 1975 and was one of the first people in Britain to be trained in CBT. He is Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Interview Links: — Windy’s website: https://www.windydryden.com — Windy’s books: https://www.windydryden.com/books 3 Books Professor Dryden Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Reason And Emotion In Psychotherapy - Dr Albert Ellis- https://amzn.to/3A2qecq — Embodied Theories - Ernesto Spinelli and Sue Marshall- https://amzn.to/3pl0QcE — Single Session Therapy - Moshe Talmon- https://amzn.to/3QqS48X

Delve into the profound connection between compassion and evolution in this enlightening talk by Paul Gilbert. Discover how Compassion Focus Therapy, deeply rooted in understanding affiliative processing, offers insights into our motivations. Explore compassion as a potent motivation, encompassing sensitivity to suffering and an unwavering commitment to alleviating it. Gilbert unveils the core elements of compassion—courage to confront suffering and a resolute dedication to its relief. Learn how compassion intertwines with self-identity, the timeless Golden Rule, and ethical considerations. Gain fresh perspective on compassion's true essence: not mere niceness, but an active engagement with and transformation of suffering. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the depths of human empathy and evolution. --- Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. --- Interview Links: — Professor Gilbert's website: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk — Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Application: https://amzn.to/3ReGXAR --- 3 Books Professor Gilbert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Discovery Of The Unconscious - Henri Ellenberger: https://amzn.to/3uzAWVF — Archetype: A Natural History of the Self - Anthony Stevens: https://amzn.to/3PeTL8F — Civilized to Death - Chris Ryan: https://amzn.to/3yuzOnE

Irene Lyon is a somatic experiencing practitioner and nervous system expert, who has dedicated the past twenty years of her life to understanding the role that the nervous system plays in healing from past traumas, and setting us up for flourishing in life. She has studied extensively under the likes of Peter Levine, Kathy Kain, and Stephen Terell - so she brings both a wide-ranging and in-depth perspective to her work. In this conversation, you'll learn: — Why the nervous system is the central component around which all other aspects of well-being revolve — How trauma gets "stored" in the body and what can be done to heal — To what extent our behaviour is "hardwired" or malleable to change — Irene's theory on the origins of self sabotage And more.. You can learn more about Irene's work at: https://irenelyon.com. --- Irene Lyon, MSC. and nervous system expert, teaches people around the world how to work with the nervous system to transform trauma, heal body and mind, and live full, creative lives. To date, her online programs and classes have reached over 9,500 people in over 90 countries. Irene has a Master’s Degree in Biomedical and Health Science and also has a knack for making complex info easy for ALL of us to understand and apply to our lives. She has extensively studied and practices the works of Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais, Peter Levine (founder of Somatic Experiencing), and Kathy Kain (founder of Somatic Practice). Irene spends her free time eating delicious food, hiking in the mountains or walking along the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. --- Interview Links: — Smart Body Smart Mind (Irene's course): https://smartbodysmartmind.com/ — The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3P4lvfO — The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog - Bruce Perry: https://amzn.to/3oNg9Lb — The Polyvagal Theory: Explained: https://youtu.be/8AnHlx3qZ30 — Born for Love - Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz: https://amzn.to/3zTA0i5 — Edgar Cayce: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Cayce — Discovering Your Soul's Purpose - Dr Mark Thurston: https://amzn.to/3zOhiY3 — Story of Edgar Cayce: There Is a River - Thomas Sugrue: https://amzn.to/3Q2ivBJ — The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy: https://amzn.to/3Jqcufy 3 Books Irene Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Scared Sick - Robin Karr-Morse: https://amzn.to/3oQVTIv — When the Body Says No - Dr Gabor Maté: https://amzn.to/3vDRfRP — Travels - Michael Criechton: https://amzn.to/3JpzJqg