In this episode of Live Free Ride Free, Rupert Isaacson sits down with scientist, journalist, and bestselling author Dr. Jo Marchant (PhD in Genetics and Medical Microbiology) to explore the intersections between science, spirituality, and the human experience. From the placebo effect to consciousness, awe, and the nature of time itself, Jo unpacks her groundbreaking books Cure, The Human Cosmos, and her forthcoming In Search of Now. Together they examine what it means to live curiously, think freely, and rediscover wonder in a rational age.
✨ “Science is asking questions of nature and listening to the answers.” – Jo Marchant
✨ “If you are not curious, you are shrinking and dying.” – Jo Marchant
🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Jo’s background in microbiology led to science writing ([00:02:45])
- What the placebo effect teaches about mind-body connection ([00:10:40])
- How empathy and belief influence healing ([00:16:22])
- Insights from Cure and the science of care ([00:21:05])
- Why humanity lost its connection to the sky (The Human Cosmos) ([00:37:10])
- How awe functions as a biological and healing state ([00:47:18])
- Exploring time and consciousness in In Search of Now ([01:03:09])
- How presence and attention shape perception ([01:09:55])
- Reflections on AI, creativity, and what defines being human ([01:42:50])
- Closing thoughts on curiosity, humility, and wonder ([02:18:00])
🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:
- [00:00:00] Rupert introduces Jo and sets the tone for exploring science and wonder.
- [00:02:45] Jo shares how her PhD path evolved into science writing.
- [00:10:40] The placebo effect and its implications for healing.
- [00:21:05] How storytelling reveals science’s human dimension.
- [00:37:10] Rediscovering ancient wisdom through The Human Cosmos.
- [00:47:18] Awe and wonder as measurable biological phenomena.
- [01:03:09] Searching for presence and time in In Search of Now.
- [01:17:31] Where science meets spirituality and meaning.
- [01:42:50] Jo reflects on AI, creativity, and human identity.
- [02:18:00] Final reflections on curiosity, love, and the science of wonder.
📚 Projects, Writings & Ideas Mentioned:
- Dr. Jo Marchant, PhD – Science journalist and author
- Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body https://amzn.to/3WrtVUm
- The Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars https://amzn.to/4nBeXHf
- In Search of Now (2025 release)
- Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer -- and the Century-Long Search to Discover Its Secret https://amzn.to/437Y3YB
- Podcast: Where the Wild Thoughts Are
- Website: https://jomarchant.com
- Researchers mentioned: Dr. Ted Kaptchuk (Harvard), Manfred Schedlowski, Dan Moerman
- Concepts discussed: The placebo effect, awe, consciousness, free will, time perception, quantum perspectives
🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
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📚 Books & Resources:
- Rupert Isaacson – The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, The Healing Land: https://longridehome.com/books
- Jo Marchant – Cure, The Human Cosmos, In Search of Now
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