0:07 What are some other stories that aren't being told?
5:19 What's an exceptional experience?
8:59 How did you get into parapsychology?
11:04 Can parapsychology promote healing?
12:53 Science and ideology in parapsychology.
16:32 Rethinking disciplinary boundaries.
26:10 The power of mindfulness practice.
30:49 Dealing with academic pushback.
In this episode, Professor Jacob Glazier, an expert in psychology and parapsychology, discusses the concept of PSI and the importance of recognizing exceptional human experiences as valid phenomena. He shares his journey into parapsychology and emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach within the discipline, integrating various psychological paradigms. We explore mindfulness in education, its potential for personal growth, and the challenges faced by researchers in fringe fields. Ultimately, Professor Glazier advocates for a reevaluation of how we understand exceptional experiences, encouraging a more holistic and compassionate perspective on human well-being.
Who is Dr. Jacob W. Glazier?
In addition to being a research faculty member here at Chung Huong Institute's Mind-Brain Contemplative Lab, let's learn about Dr. Glazier. Dr. Jacob W. Glazier, PhD, LPC, NCC, has a doctoral degree in Psychology: Consciousness and Society from the University of West Georgia. He has his Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology degree from Augustana College. Dr. Glazier is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Social Sciences at the University of West Georgia.His research revolves around critical theory, subjectivity, and exceptional experiences. He also practices psychotherapy. Dr. Glazier’s work has been published in academic journals that include Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society, Subjectivity, Mortality, Critical Horizons, Rhizomes, Journal for Cultural Research, and others. He is the author of Arts of Subjectivity (2020) and editor of the PA Book Award-winning Paranormal Ruptures (2023). He is currently working on his next book for the series, Concepts for Critical Psychology: Disciplinary Boundaries Re-thought for Routledge. In addition, Dr. Glazier is the Lead Editor of Mindfield: The Bulletin of the Parapsychological Association. He is also the co-coordinator of the annual Bill Roll Lecture at the University of West Georgia.
00:07 Expertise in Emotion and Compassion
2:59 Career Path to Facial Expression
5:24 Blending Science with Mindfulness
7:23 Defining Mindfulness
8:32 Personal Impact of Emotional Study
17:03 Navigating Emotional Reactivity
20:43 The Importance of Common Humanity
25:49 The Role of Community in Connection
25:57 Understanding Feelings vs. Emotions
35:04 The Value of Emotional Intelligence
41:07 Parenting Through Disturbing Emotions
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Erica Rosenberg about the interplay between facial expressions, emotions, and compassionate communication. Drawing on insights from my poker background, we explore how emotional awareness enhances interpersonal connections. Dr. Rosenberg shares her journey in health psychology and neuroscience, emphasizing common humanity and the importance of mindfulness in today's polarized society. We discuss the impact of social media on emotional intelligence, particularly among younger generations, and she offers practical guidance for navigating difficult emotions with kindness and compassion.
Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, and educator who seeks to help people understand themselves and one another better, connect with one another, find peace and joy in life, and suffer less. Erika is a co-creator of the Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) program at Stanford University, with lead author Thupten Jinpa, Founding Faculty at The Compassion Institute, and faculty at The Nyingma
Institute, Berkeley. Erika has taught at places as diverse as Google, Inc., Lerab Ling
Monastery, LucasFilm, Upaya Zen Center, Esalen Institute, and Burning Man. Erika
is also experienced in psychedelic harm reduction and psychedelic integration
through such programs as the Zendo Project and the Psychedelic Sangha, NYC.
Dr. Rosenberg’s academic work focuses on the study of emotion, emotion
expression and contemplative science. At the Center for Mind and Brain at UC Davis, Erika Rosenberg is a member of the Saron Lab, which conducts multi-
disciplinary, pathbreaking research in contemplative science. Erika is an expert in human facial expressions and the Facial Action Coding System, with clients in academia, industry, and the arts, worldwide. Her books include What the Face
Reveals (with Paul Ekman, now in its 3rd edition) and the widely used Introductory
Psychology text, Psychology: Perspectives & Connections, now in its 6th edition). Dr.
Rosenberg’s published scientific work on facial expression span basic affective
science on research on emotional processes, social psychological research on
facial expression recognition, studies of the effects of meditation on emotional
behavior, and health psychological risk factors for heart disease.
Tired of the same story repeating without end? What if it is the story of trauma gone wild? Have you heard of intergenerational trauma?
Kini Chang is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of the Master's in Counseling Psychology, Community Mental Health at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
She is a practicing licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in Oakland, CA. In addition, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy and Transformative Studies. Her expertise is in liberation psychology, working with the trauma associated with intergenerational and multigenerational impacts, immigrants and children of immigrants, decolonial practices and Indigenous justice, confronting systemic oppression and social inequity, addressing community violence, education on juvenile justice reformation, and healing abuse, attachment, and traumatic grief and loss.
Her roles as educator, activist, and healer are guiding principles in her work in the community. She advocates for integrating holistic and nontraditional wellness and medicine into healthcare to offer alternative and culturally accommodating services.
Kini's friends and colleagues describe her as warm, caring, and has the best laugh. Her favorite hobbies are traveling, taking in the sounds of nature, trying new foods, dancing, creating art, and spending time with her two little fur babies.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Holecek and examine the relationship between meditation, non-duality, and their transformative potential. Andrew Holecek introduces reverse meditation, which encourages confronting discomfort to reveal deeper truths and accelerate spiritual growth. We clarify the accessibility of non-duality through present experiences, emphasizing intention in meditation while cautioning against seeking validation from external teachers. Andrew shares a perspective of the three Buddhist wisdom tools—hearing, contemplating, and meditating—to facilitate genuine understanding and stresses that authentic learning requires integration of personal experience. Andrew emphasizes the significance of community in spiritual journeys, encouraging listeners to engage in shared experiences for a deeper connection and greater insight.2:11 Understanding Reverse Meditation6:29 The Nature of Non-Duality9:25 The Art of Contemplation14:04 The Essence of Spiritual Practice25:01 Navigating Teacher Relationships32:28 Projecting Our Shadows38:29 The Balance of Love and Wisdom52:13 Rituals and Teacher Insights55:22 Steps to Dream Yoga58:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources
In this episode, we engage with Professor Malcolm Wright, an expert in marketing and mindful research, as he shares insights from his diverse career in cognitive science and mindfulness research. We explore the impact of trauma on behavior, emphasizing the need to confront rather than mask emotional triggers. Malcolm discusses how mindfulness can disrupt unproductive clinging behaviors, enhancing personal growth and decision-making processes. He highlights the importance of mindful data collection in marketing and warns of the complexities surrounding the integration of mindfulness into education, stressing the potential mental health implications. Throughout our conversation, Malcolm encourages a balance of academic rigor and innovative thought, providing resources for further exploration of his work at the nexus of marketing, mindfulness, and cognitive science.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Louis Hoffman, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association. We explore the complexities of mental health, emphasizing the importance of confronting suffering as a means of personal growth. Hoffman discusses the balance between humanistic ideals and existential challenges, highlighting self-awareness, community support, and the issue of therapist burnout. He advocates for integrating evidence-based practices in existential humanistic therapy and shares insights from his recent publications, inviting listeners to engage further in fostering personal and collective healing. This is a must-listen for the psychotherapist, psychologist, clinical counselor, or anyone seeking mental wellbeing.
0:07 Introduction to Mental Health Perspectives
0:14 The Role of Humanistic Psychology
5:55 Facing Pain and Suffering
8:05 Finding Hope in Community
9:57 Understanding Existential Crises
19:22 The Power of Hope in Therapy
23:39 Trusting Clients and Their Potential
35:27 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices
40:31 Rethinking Rigorous Research in Psychology
42:04 How to find Dr. Louis Hoffman
Who is Dr. Louis Hoffman?
Louis Hoffman, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association and a psychologist in private practice. An avid writer, he authored/edited 28 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. His books include Case Formulation in Existential-Humanistic Therapy, The Evidence-Based Foundations of Existential-Humansitic Therapy, Becoming an Existential-Humanistic Therapist, Eros & Psyche: Existential Perspectives on Sexuality, and the forthcoming two volumes, the APA Handbook of Humanistic and Existential Psychology. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and 6 of its divisions (1, 10, 32, 36, 48, 52) for his contributions to professional psychology. In 2021, he received the Rollo May Award from the Society for Humanistic Psychology. Dr. Hoffman is the co-chair of the Fourth World Congress of Existential Therapy, which will be held in Denver/Aurora, Colorado June 3-6, 2026. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys bicycle riding, hiding, spending time with his dogs, poetry, and deep conversations with friends.
In this episode, Ven. Tsering shares his experiences and insights as a Venerable monk, reflecting on the profound journey of monastic life and the motivations behind his ordination. Ven. Tsering explores the essential duality of wisdom and compassion in Buddhist teachings, emphasizing their importance in Tibetan Buddhist practice. The conversation explores the practical application of these principles in everyday life, encouraging listeners to cultivate awareness and acceptance in the face of challenges. Venerable clarifies the essence of karma as rooted in intention, and I provide an overview of the four main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism while connecting his practice to the Sakya lineage. He discusses the transformative process of deity visualization and addresses misconceptions about spiritual titles. The talk concludes with a commitment to foster enlightenment, highlighting that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey relevant to all.
WHO IS OUR SPEAKER?
Ven. Phurbu Tsering is a fully ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk, senior lecturer, and accomplished scholar of Buddhist philosophy. Born in Spiti Valley, he began monastic life at fifteen. He completed over a decade of rigorous study at Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in India—one of the most prestigious Buddhist universities—earning the Lopon (Teacher) degree, equivalent to a Ph.D.For over a decade, Tsering has taught core subjects, including Madhyamika, epistemology, logic, and Abhidharma. He has lectured widely, guided group meditation retreats, and held a two-year visiting scholar position at Naropa University in Colorado. Currently, he teaches young monks and nuns in Spiti Valley.Tsering is committed to preserving the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism through modern approaches: training monastic teachers, reforming curricula, and participating in translation projects such as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s 84000 initiative. Fluent in Tibetan, Hindi, and English, he has translated teachings for revered Rinpoches in India, Singapore, and Brazil, and presented research in multiple languages at seminars.Deeply rooted in practice, he has received the Kalachakra empowerment seven times, the complete Kangyur transmission, and in-depth Vajrayana teachings. His vision is to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary needs, offering guidance to both Eastern and Western students on the path of authentic Buddhadharma and meditation.Tsering’s work embodies his deep aspiration to alleviate suffering, foster spiritual understanding, and preserve the living heritage of Tibetan Buddhism for future generations.
In this episode, Connie, an experienced educator and sociologist, shares her profound insights into self-inquiry and transformative learning. We explore her extensive teaching career, highlighting the importance of authentic connections and presence in the classroom. Connie discusses her philosophical journey from Western religious studies to Eastern thought, emphasizing self-observation as a critical tool for personal growth.
As the conversation unfolds, she addresses the impact of modern culture on consciousness, advocating for mindfulness and active engagement to combat passive perception. Connie offers practical advice for nurturing compassion and empathy in academic settings and introduces the idea of "consciousness salons" for collective explorations of personal growth. This episode serves as an invitation for listeners to embark on a transformative journey guided by Connie's rich experiences in education and spirituality.0:04 Introduction to Self-Inquiry0:40 The Journey of Teaching7:41 Discovering Spiritual Paths12:35 The Importance of Self-Inquiry16:46 Understanding the Ego18:40 Embracing the Truth20:27 The Challenge of Silence23:34 Changing Perspectives on Conditioning27:03 Breaking Free from Conditioning30:23 From Reaction to Response33:03 Exploring Gurdjieff's Teachings36:40 Bridging Science and Spirituality39:17 The Power of Dialogue43:49 Finding Compassion in Academia48:13 Meeting the Teacher54:19 Continuation of LearningConstance A. Jones, Ph.D., is a sociologist of religion who does research on spiritual teachers as well as Hindu and Buddhist movements around the world. Beginning with her doctoral dissertation on the caste system in India, she has pursued a long interest in the cultures and religions of the East, including the adoption of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices in the West.Throughout her career in higher education, she has helped establish women’s studies departments and curricula in several colleges and universities and has published research on women’s status in India and feminist methods.She has been a member of a multidisciplinary team of scholars that investigates new religious movements around the world and has published articles on several movements that are based on Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices. Her work includes several scholarly positions, including Assistant Editor of Melton’s Encyclopedia of American Religions for Eighth through Tenth editions; International Advisory Board, Gurdjieff Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man (2017- present) Tbilisi, GEORGIA; Publications Committee, Krishnamurti Foundation of America (2018-present), Ojai, CA.
Anxiety, Craving, Clinging, Mindfulness...and way more... get inspired with @DrJud !Jud Brewer, MD, PhD (“Dr. Jud”), is a New York Times best-selling author and a leading authority on habit change and the science of self-mastery. With over 25 years of mindfulness training combined with scientific research, he serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and as a professor at Brown University. An internationally recognized psychiatrist specializing in mindfulness for addiction, Dr. Jud has developed innovative mindfulness programs—both in-person and app-based—for smoking cessation, emotional eating, and anxiety. He has investigated the neural mechanisms of mindfulness using standard and real-time fMRI and EEG neurofeedback. He has trained U.S. Olympic athletes, coaches, and foreign government ministers. His work has been featured on “60 Minutes,” TED (one of the most-viewed talks of 2016 with over 20 million views), The New York Times, Time magazine, Forbes, BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera, Businessweek, and more. Dr. Jud founded MindSciences—now part of Sharecare Inc.—to bring his discoveries directly to consumers. He also co-founded Mindshift Recovery, a nonprofit aiding those suffering from addiction. He is the author of The Craving Mind (Yale University Press, 2017), the New York Times bestseller Unwinding Anxiety (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2021), and The Hunger Habit (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2024). For more information, visit www.drjud.com.#motivation #inspirationalstory #cravingcontrol #unwindinganxiety
Quantum psychology meets transpersonal psychology, Eurocentric psychology, and modern life. Let’s wake up to this! Valerie Varan is a Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. As a lifelong spiritual experiencer and quantum psychology pioneer, she is bridging the latest in quantum/information science with psychology and spirituality. She is author of the self-help book, Living in a Quantum Reality: Using Quantum Physics and Psychology to Embrace Your Higher Consciousness, and is co-author on a new book with quantum engineer Doug Matzke, PhD. Currently, Valerie is residing in Florida, where she offers holistic coaching and specializes in helping others integrate their transpersonal experiences.
The Most Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi shares his journey into Buddhism, beginning with encounters that led him to practice and eventually ordain as a monk. We had a chance to discuss his work translating Buddhist texts and his interpretation of key teachings like dependent origination, while sharing personal experiences with managing chronic pain through equanimity and mindfulness and much more. Take a peak!Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American Buddhist monk originally from New York City. He holds a PhD in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University (1972). After completing his university studies he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in 1972 and full ordination in 1973, both under Most Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thera. From 1984 until 2002 he was the editor for the Buddhist Publication Society in Kandy, and its president from 1988 until 2010. Ven. Bodhi has many important publications to his credit, either as author, translator, or editor. His most recent publication is Noble Truths, Noble Path: The Heart-Essence of the Buddha’s Original Teachings (2022). Ven. Bodhi lives and teaches at Chuang Yen Monastery in upstate New York. In 2008, together with several of his students, he founded Buddhist Global Relief, a nonprofit supporting hunger and poverty relief for poor communities around the world.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of compassion in healthcare with Olivia, who previously served as the Assistant Dean of Resident Affairs and co-director of a pediatrics program at the Montreal Children's Hospital. After stepping away from these roles, Olivia has dedicated herself to studying compassion practice and embodiment training. Her mission is to reinvigorate healthcare by integrating these essential practices back into clinical settings, particularly for the benefit of both providers and patients.Olivia discusses her journey, highlighting the challenge of being fully present amidst the demands of medical responsibilities. She emphasizes the pressing need for an awareness of compassion in the healthcare environment, noting common misconceptions about what compassion truly entails. With plans to introduce a session for hospital leaders focused on the importance and science of compassion, Olivia aims to foster a deeper understanding among physicians and healthcare professionals about the benefits of compassionate care for patient outcomes and provider wellbeing.We explore the concept of compassion as a multifaceted process that includes emotional and cognitive dimensions. Olivia clarifies what differentiates wise compassion from ignorance, emphasizing the importance of awareness and true listening. She introduces the term "empathy fatigue," a critical distinction made in the context of compassion fatigue, led by insights from neuroimaging studies. These studies show that engaging in compassionate responses can activate positive emotions, providing a buffer against the negative emotional toll often associated with empathic resonance.Throughout our conversation, Olivia explains the complexity of empathy, both in its emotional and cognitive forms, and how these contribute to our understanding of suffering. She articulates the ways in which compassion training can alleviate burnout among healthcare professionals by fostering deeper connections with patients and enhancing emotional resilience against the rigors of medical practice.Olivia also discusses the principle of common humanity, emphasizing our shared aspirations as individuals to find happiness and avoid suffering, despite external differences. This notion is particularly pertinent in today's divisive climate, where she encourages listeners to adopt a "just-like-me" practice to cultivate empathy and understanding for others.0:07 Introduction to Compassion3:13 Defining Compassion5:09 Wise vs. Ignorant Compassion6:50 Understanding Compassion Fatigue9:34 The Role of Empathy12:01 Preventing Burnout with Compassion16:51 The Concept of Common Humanity19:30 Personal Transformations Through Compassion28:29 Advocating for Compassion in Oppressive Systems32:12 Embodying Compassion for TransformationDr. Olivia Tse, a pediatrician trained at McGill University, has worked to provide care for children both in Montreal and in First Nations and Inuit communities of northern Quebec. She has also educated and mentored physicians-in-training for over 20 years. As a Director of the Pediatrics Residency Training Program and then as Assistant Dean of Resident Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, she has taught the skills of mindfulness and compassion to medical and surgical trainees. Olivia has also facilitated seminars for practicing physicians and is a certified teacher of both Compassion Cultivation Training© and Mindful Practice® in Medicine. She is currently focused on teaching CCT to individuals while concurrently advocating for a top-down approach to compassion education within healthcare organizations.She travels extensively to learn about the natural world and different cultures, and maintains a love of singing, contributing at fundraisers and special events. #oliviatse #mcgilluniversity #compassioninaction
This interview features medical anthropologist, Dr. Sue Schneider, discussing the intersection of mindfulness, community health, and cultural healing practices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and meditation in awakening inner wisdom and compassion. They share experiences from their research in Mexico and their long-term commitment to mindfulness practices, addressing common barriers such as societal distractions.The conversation explores the integration of mindfulness into public health initiatives in academic settings and examines the relationship between Western medicine and alternative healing traditions. The speaker advocates for a holistic approach to health that transcends symptom relief and highlights the transformative power of mindfulness in fostering self-awareness. The discussion concludes with reflections on the role of anthropology in understanding diverse cultural practices and the significance of internal observation for personal healing..
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.0:05 Health and Healing Perspectives2:50 Personal Journey into Mindfulness5:41 Integrating Mindfulness and Community Health9:18 Overcoming Hurdles to Meditation12:51 Implementing Mindfulness Programs17:09 Understanding Healing Beyond the Physical18:53 Grounding Practices for Self-Awareness23:25 The Role of Medical Anthropology26:39 Trusting Instincts in Modern Culture30:04 Mindfulness in University Systems34:26 Healing in the Dying Process36:41 Anthropology's Broader Impact
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Who is Sue?
Sue Schneider, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, certified meditation instructor, and author with a passion for supporting individuals and communities in their pursuit of health and healing.
She leads community health and wellness initiatives across Colorado as an Extension Professor and Sate Health Specialist with Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement and Extension. Sue has taught mindfulness meditation to thousands of students in university and community settings over the last 12 years and she is the author of Meeting the Moment with Kindness: How Mindfulness Can Help Us Find Calm, Stability, and an Open Heart published by Collective Ink. Sue lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs.
Ever wondered what makes one a real #madscientist or a real #madman ?!You might be surprised to find out it’s part of you. 👀Professor Robert Harris has been Academic Vice President for Doctoral Education since 2019 at Karolinska Institutet (KI). Prof. Harris completed his undergraduate training at Portsmouth Polytechnic (UK) in 1987, his postgraduate training at University College London (UK) in 1991 and was named Professor of Immunotherapy in Neurological Diseases at KI in 2013. Harris has previously served as Central Director of doctoral education at KI (2008-2018), working specifically with developing quality control for KI doctoral education through a variety of teaching and organisational activities, and also teaches widely at national and international institutions. He has also served as Director of doctoral education for the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (2005-2018). He was and Chairperson of the International Advisory Council at KI from 2019-2023. In 2014 he was one of two recipients of the KI pedagogy prize, the first to receive it for a contribution to doctoral education. Prof. Harris was also President of ORPHEUS (2015-2022; Vice-President 2013-2015), The Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System, which aims to stimulate quality assurance of PhD research and education and to strengthen career opportunities for PhD graduates. In 2024, he was named the inaugural recipient of the FEBS Education award (Federation of European Biochemical Societies). Within ORPHEUS and FEBS, he has conducted workshops in PhD supervision training and leadership development at universities and research organizations all over the world Prof. Harris leads the research group Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Centre for Molecular Medicine, a designated translational medicine centre at Karolinska Institutet. They conduct a strongly interconnected research programme aimed at using knowledge gained from projects in basic science to applications in a clinical setting, with focus on understanding why chronic inflammatory diseases of the nervous system occur, and then devise ways to prevent or treat them. Current focus is on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis. Prof. Harris has served as consultant to the Swedish biotechnology company Dia amyd Medical AB with whom he has numerous patents and developed a vaccine for treatment of Type 1 diabetes to Phase III clinical trials.
Panu Pihkala takes us on a rollercoaster through the waves of emotion in an ecological crisis. Panu is an adjunct professor (Title of Docent) of environmental theology at the Faculty of Theology in the University of Helsinki, Finland. Pihkala is the leading Finnish scholar in eco-anxiety research, and he is known internationally as an expert in interdisciplinary eco-emotion studies. Many of his research articles from the 2020s have over 40000 views and several hundred citations each. Pihkala has published two books in Finnish about eco-emotions and he was awarded several prizes for them, including the National Prize for Adult Education (Sivistyspalkinto) in 2018 by The Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation (Kansanvalistusseura) and a national environmental education award in 2019 by FEE. Pihkala’s dissertation from 2014 focused on Religion and Ecology, and he has worked on the intersections of spirituality and environmental matters. Pihkala is a sought-after keynote speaker and often gives interviews to various media. He serves as an advisor in many projects, including the Finnish national eco-anxiety project for social and health sectors (2020-) and Climate Mental Health Network, with whom he worked on the popular Climate Emotions Wheel. Pihkala hosts the international podcast Climate Change and Happiness together with leading environmental psychologist Dr. Thomas Doherty (https://climatechangeandhappiness.com/). He lives in Helsinki with his family.
Dr. Rick Hanson sheds light into his own practice, the influence it’s had on himself, and teaches you what it means to live in a state of peace with wholesome means. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a #psychologist, Senior Fellow at @UCBerkeley ‘s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His seven books have been published in 33 languages, and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture – with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, as well as the co-host of the Being Well Podcast – which has been downloaded over 15 million times. His free newsletters have over 260,000 subscribers and his online programs have scholarships available for those in need. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard. An expert on positive #neuroplasticity , his work has been featured on CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and has taught in meditation centers worldwide. He and his wife live in Northern California and have two adult children. He loves the wilderness and taking a break from emails.
There are some things we just don’t know. What’s your inner cathedral look like? #spiritualexperience #spiritualjourney #spiritualpath Anthony Battle’s journey spans multiple worlds, from Division I football and overseas teaching, to tech sales, television, and advanced studies in literature, philosophy, and consciousness. Each environment has served as a cornerstone in what he calls his Inner Cathedral, a personal architecture forged through physical and spiritual discipline. As an Integral Guide and Strategist, Anthony supports individuals in constructing their own inner cathedrals and consults with organizations seeking to reintegrate soul into their structural foundations. He is honored to share his presence and practice.
In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Van Dam, founding director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of Melbourne. We talk about the gap between authentic contemplative practice and what the West has turned mindfulness into. Nicholas shares hard-earned insights about navigating institutional resistance, the need for discomfort in real growth, and why dialogue is essential in this field. We explore the tension between academic research, lived experience, and traditional wisdom, and why commodified quick fixes are failing us. This one’s for anyone questioning the surface-level stuff and yearning for a deeper, more honest, and more human perspective from a scholar-practitioner lens.
Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam is the inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences at The University of Melbourne. Nicholas is a highly regarded global leader in contemplative research and practice with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and empirical rigour. His research explores the ways that meditation and mindfulness practices can support wellbeing, in pursuit of a better understanding of the human condition. He completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY (USA), and has worked at New York University, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, and the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Hidden Wounds: What Chronic Ilness Doesn't Tell you
This is opportunity for us to dive deep into the core of our minds and bodies, uncover the blockages, release them, and flourish in life.
Dr. Veronique Mead is a former Board Certified family physician and Dartmouth-affiliated assistant professor of family medicine. She retrained with a Master’s degree in somatic psychotherapy from Naropa University and specialty training in pre and perinatal trauma and somatic experiencing (SE). For the past 25 years Veronique has explored the scientific literature on how effects of trauma from the prenatal and other periods in a person’s life influence risk for autoimmune and other chronic illnesses. She shares the research on her blog chronicillnesstraumastudies.com. Veronique offers consultations on chronic illness and trauma to health professionals and people living with chronic illness.
Dr. Asanga Tilakaratne is also known as Professor Tilakaratne. Join us in this impromtu discussion from an in-person meeting live from Sri Lanka on Theravāda Buddhism in Sri Lanka. You will gain some practical tools to take your practice off the cushion.
Who is Dr. Asanga Tilakaratne?
Asanga Tilakaratne (PhD University of Hawai’i) Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies is (former) senior chair professor of Pali and Buddhist Studies and founder Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at University of Colombo (2009-2018), Sri Lanka. During 2003-2006 he served as the director of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya.
In 1999-2000, Professor Tilakaratne was a Senior Commonwealth Fellow and was attached to Oriental Institute, Oxford University. He has served as Visiting Professor at Yonsei University, Korea, Otago University, New Zealand, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, Somyya Vidyavihar, Mumbai, India, Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar and Nalanda University, Rajgir, India. He has published, both in Sinhala and English, more than one hundred papers on Buddhist studies. Of his more recent academic works, Theravada Buddhism: the View of the Elders (2012) was published by University of Hawaii Press in the series of ‘Dimensions of Asian Spirituality’. He co-edited with Prof. Oliver Abenayaka 2600 Years of Sambuddhatva: Global Journey of Awakening (2012), a work covering the history and the current status of global Buddhism of all three traditions.
In 2002, Prof. Tilakaratne founded Sri Lanka Association of Buddhist Studies (SLABS), an academic and professional organization of Buddhist scholars in Sri Lanka, and continues to serve as its joint secretary. In 2003 he founded, with a group of academics and professionals, Damrivi Foundation, a government registered, not for profit voluntary organization for economic, social, educational and spiritual development, and continues to function as its founder chairman.
He served as the Editor-in-chief of Encyclopaedia of Buddhism, Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka, Colombo (2019-2023). He has published both in Sinhala and English more than 20 books and one hundred papers. His collected works in 08 volumes were published in 2021 in Colombo.
Currently he serves as the Dean of Graduate Faculty of Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), Manelwatta, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.