The Contemplative Science Podcast
What can cutting-edge science tell us about spiritual development? And how are ancient contemplative practices helping us to investigate the nature of well-being? On The Contemplative Science Podcast, host Dr. Mark Miller speaks with the real experts, from Monks to Neuroscientists, to get clear on how contemplative practices work and how they might help us improve our lives. Our diverse range of guests will cover everything from mindfulness and wisdom, to sex, death and enlightenment.
Episodes
Ecodharma, Dzogchen, and the Politics of Transformation w/ Adam Lobel
In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Lobel, PhD, a meditation teacher, scholar-practitioner, and professor of ecopsychology and Buddhist psychology. Adam’s work brings together contemporary philosophy, Dzogchen Tibetan Buddhism, ecopsychology, and transformational politics, asking how contemplative practice can respond to a society undergoing profound ecological, cultural, and spiritual change. We
Minds, Models, and Invisible Beings w/ Zach Buck
Why do people across cultures report encounters with spirits, deities, ancestors, demons, angels, or other seemingly independent beings? And how might the science of predictive processing and active inference help us understand these experiences without simply dismissing them as “mere hallucinations”? In this episode, I speak with Zach Buck about spiritual entities, psychedelic experiences, and th
Establishing Right View: Meditation, Meaning, and Staying on Track w/ Nicholas Buscall
In this conversation, Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor Nicholas Buscall and I explore why establishing a “good view”—a clear, grounded orientation to what meditation is (and isn’t)—can make practice safer, steadier, and more transformative. We talk about how meditation training can drift into confusion or unhelpful striving, and how a therapist’s perspective and regular check-in
Where Science Meets Silence w/Brother Phap Linh
n this episode of The Contemplative Science Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome back Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk ordained at Plum Village in 2008. Before monastic life, Brother Phap Linh studied at Cambridge and worked as a composer, chef, and math tutor—bringing a rare blend of creativity, analytical rigor, and lived practice into his contemplative path.Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nha
Purposeful Behaviour Through a Buddhist Lens w Nadav Amir
In this episode, we explore the role of goal-setting and purposeful behaviour in Buddhist contemplative practice. While many traditions emphasize letting go, Buddhist training is also deeply structured by intentionality, effort, and purposeful cultivation. Nadav Amir brings a computational neuroscience perspective to these questions, examining how minds generate goals, how agency emerges, and how
How Compassion Works w/ Paul Condon
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Condon to explore his new book How Compassion Works and the science behind cultivating compassion that lasts. We discuss what compassion really is, how it can be measured and taught, and why sustaining compassion matters for individuals and communities alike. Paul shares insights from his research on compassion training, its impact on mental health and soc
The Inner Science of Pain: Compassion, Contemplation, and Healing w/ Richmond Stace
What if understanding pain was a contemplative act? Richmond Stace, creator of Pain Coaching, brings together neuroscience, psychotherapy, and contemplative insights to rethink chronic pain not just as a biological condition, but as a human experience shaped by meaning, attention, and awareness.
Being Deeply Well: Dharma, Discomfort, and the Healing Path w/ Melina Bondy & Arti Mehta
What does it really mean to be deeply well—not just symptom-free or spiritually polished, but truly grounded, embodied, and alive? In this episode, Dharma teachers Melina Bondy and Arti Mehta explore this question through the lenses of contemplative practice, psychotherapy, somatics, art, and community care. Together we reflect on how meditation and the Dharma shape our understanding of wellness—n
How Compassion Works w/ Lama John Makransky
In this episode, Lama John Makransky joins us to explore the inner architecture of compassion. Drawing from his new book How Compassion Works, we discuss how Buddhist meditative practices, attachment theory, and cognitive science can come together to help us cultivate deep well-being, unconditional love, and wise responsiveness in the face of suffering. Lama John reflects on the importance of acce
Is Meditation Philosophy? w/ Rick Repetti
In this episode, we speak with Rick Repetti—philosopher, meditation teacher, and editor of The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Meditation. We explore whether meditation can be considered a form of philosophy, how it might deepen our understanding of the mind, self, and agency, and whether a distinctly Western philosophy of meditation is emerging. Drawing on both scholarly insight and perso
Science and Practice of Dark Retreats w/ Andrew Holecek
What happens when you spend days—or even weeks—in complete darkness? In this episode, Andrew Holecek — an expert in Tibetan Buddhism, lucid dreaming, and meditation — guides us through the profound practice of dark retreats. We explore how extended time in darkness can shift perception, support mental health, and catalyze deep spiritual awakening. Blending ancient traditions with emerging science,
Neurons, Networks, and the Nature of Freedom w/ Adam Safron
In this episode, I am joined by Adam Safron, an independent researcher with a wild range of interests—from consciousness and free will to psychedelics, artificial life, and AI alignment. With affiliations at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies and Michael Levin’s lab at Tufts University, Adam brings a rare interdisciplinary lens to questions about mind, matter, and meaning. We explore
Breaking Free from Mental Ruts: The Science of Sense Foraging w/ Norman Farb
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Norman Farb to discuss his new book, Better in Every Sense, co-authored with Dr. Zindel Segal, which explores how we become emotionally stuck and how to break free. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Farb introduces Sense Foraging, a practice that helps us escape the rigid mental habits that dull our experience of life. Instead of forcing change throu
The Museum of Meditative Practices w/ Mridula Sathyanarayanan
In this episode, we’re joined by Mridula Sathyanarayanan, a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, majoring in neuroscience, philosophy, and Buddhist Psychology & Mental Health (BPMH). A Laidlaw Scholar, Mridula has been exploring the intersection of contemplative science and public engagement through her innovative project, *The Museum of Meditative Practices*. Her wor
Dissolving Boundaries - A Computational View of Body-Scan Meditation w Valeria Becattini
In this episode, we sit down with Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, to explore the paradoxical effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. Drawing from her research, Valeria explains how this Theravada Buddhist practice challenges our typical understanding of attention and sensory awareness. Using the predictive processing framework, she reveals how focused attent
Rewiring Hope: Computational Models, Psilocybin, and the Science of Optimism w/ Beth Fisher
How does the brain cultivate optimism, and can psychedelics help people trapped in cycles of depression? In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Fisher, PhD student at M3CS and co-host of Minds Matter. We explore her groundbreaking research using computational models to study how psilocybin influences belief updating and decision-making. Her recent study reveals how psilocybin increases optimistic e
Mindfulness in Action: Bridging Healthcare, Education, and Wellbeing w/Elli Weisbaum
In this episode, we sit down with Elli Weisbaum, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health program. Elli shares insights from her extensive experience facilitating mindfulness workshops and retreats across education, healthcare, and business sectors. We discuss her work on applying mindfulness to enhance physician well-being. Elli’s unique b
The Dawn of Consciousness w/ James Cooke
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist and author of *The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive*. With over a decade of experience studying the brain's role in consciousness, Dr. Cooke shares groundbreaking insights into the nature of the mind, the illusion of the self, and the fundamental relationship between mind and matter. We explore whether consciousne
Psilocybin and the Brain: A Deep Dive into End-of-Life Care w/ Stephan Tap
In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Tap, a clinical researcher specializing in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Stephan shares insights from his work exploring the potential of psilocybin to alleviate psychological distress in palliative care patients. We dive into the neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms behind psilocybin’s effects, discuss the unique challenges of end-of-l
Exploring the Hype and Harm of Mindfulness w/ John Dunne
In this episode , we are joined by John Dunne, a leading thinker at the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science. We explore topics ranging from the nuances of "Buddhist science" and its critiques to the challenges of integrating mindfulness into scientific research, and the new relationship emerging between psychedelics and contemplative practice. We examine the role
Buddhism, Science and Spirituality w/ Brother Phap Linh
In this episode of the Contemplative Science Podcast, host Mark Miller welcomes Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk from Plum Village, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and Buddhism. Brother Phap Linh shares his insights on the limitations of scientific materialism, emphasizing that science often overlooks the fundamental mystery of consciousness. He explores how the belief in a
The Intersection of Psychedelics and Non-Duality w/ Daniel Meling
In this episode, we sit down with cognitive scientist Daniel Meling to explore the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and meditation. Daniel shares insights from his research on DMT and non-dual states, discussing the potential of psychedelics for treating depression and the synergies between these substances and meditative practices. We also examine the current hype around psychedelics, the
Expanding Jewish Spirituality w/ Sam Berrin Shonkoff
In this episode, we welcome Sam Berrin Shonkoff, Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Sam's expertise in Jewish religious thought provides a unique lens through which we explore contemporary spiritual practices. Our discussion ventures into the use of psychedelics within Judaism, examining their potential to enhance spiritual experiences and reli
Ayahuasca and the Science of the Sacred
In this episode, we welcome philosopher André van der Braak to explore the deeper spiritual and philosophical dimensions of ayahuasca, particularly the concept of ayahuasca as "liquid divinity."
Drawing on the work of French philosopher Bruno Latour, André shifts the focus from individual ayahuasca experiences to communal rituals that foster relationships with more-than-human powers.
T
Surviving Tomorrow: AI and the Human Spirit w/ John Vervaeke & Sean Coyne
In this episode, host Mark Miller and guests John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne, delve into the transformative project "Mentoring the Machines." This innovative work bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and narrative storytelling to grapple with the existential challenges posed by artificial general intelligence (AGI).
John Vervaeke, renowned for his insights into the meaning crisis in
Round Up Episode
Jamie and Mark discuss the podcast so far and what we have been learning about the wonderful science of meditation.
The Enlightenment Hack? w/Jay Sanguinetti
Can ultrasound enhance meditation?
Today’s guest brings his fascinating line of research to reveal the concept, potential, ethics and mitigations for using ultrasound to stimulate the brain during meditation - we welcome Jay Sanguinetti, from the University of Arizona.
Developed with the close collaboration of Shinzen Young, Jay’s research dives into the phenomenological reports and brain imaging
Death and The Information Gap
We need to start prepping our minds for death.
Welcome to a train-your-brain special, diving into new research plans from our very own Dr Mark Miller.
Mark outlines exactly why uncertainty and danger are incredibly beneficial for the predictive mind - training us to be better-equipped when we encounter sickness, injury and death itself.
Because if you want to be really good at reducing uncertainty
Speaking in Tongues: w/Josh Brahinsky
What happens when people start speaking in tongues?
Joining Jamie for a dive into his research is Josh Brahinsky, researcher at UC Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory.
Josh is fascinated with the phenomenology and neuroscience of what goes on when people speak in tongues - revealing anecdotes from interviews that focus particularly on evangelicals.
Detailing a short history of pentecostalism an
Your Brain and God: The Principles of Neurotheology w/ Andrew Newberg
What are the principles of neurotheology?
Who better to answer than Andrew Newberg, acclaimed neuroscientist, professor and author.
In his books, Andrew has laid out pioneering research on the relationship of the brain and spirituality - revealing the inner complexities of how the brain operates when we are spiritual.
Whether that’s using brain imaging to study Franciscan nuns and Buddhist monks i
UnBroken: How To Deal With Grief
How do we deal with grief? And how can we better prepare ourselves?
Enter Dr Rachel Taylor, neuropsychologist and founder of UnBroken.
An expert on the cognitive mechanics of grief and loss, Rachel shares her thoughts on how we interface with these difficult experiences - and what we can all do to develop our perception of death.
Touching on mirror neurons and the effects of our environment, the r
Kevin Berryman: The Lessons Of A Buddhist Monk
Welcome to a deep dive into ‘self’, karma and moral psychology.
Our guide: Kevin Berryman, Buddhist monk and doctoral student at Monash University.
Kevin outlines some topics explored in his research - that aims to get to the bottom of what makes us who we are and how time on the mat influences the way we interact with the world.
Citing Ram Dass, Malcom Gladwell and Robert Sapolsky, our discussion
Meditation: An Active State?
Meditation is not a passive state.
Here to explain why is neuroscientist Giuseppe Pagnoni, Associate Professor at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Diving into the complex inner mechanics of our minds, he shares knowledge on the brain as a predictive machine - citing the free energy principle, active inference and Bayesian mechanics to shine a light on the specific process of meditation.
He
Psychedelics, Trauma and Men's Therapy
Trauma needs a rethink.
Here to tell us why is Liam Farquhar, a London-based legal psychedelics guide and somatic experiencing expert.
He shares insights on how the current psychedelic protocols only address trauma at a narrative level, and fail to treat the root of the issue.
As such, his practice takes on a whole-body approach - creating a path to healing that uses discussion, breathwork and mov
Pain Reconceptualized: w/ Alex Jinich
We can reconceptualise pain.
Taking us through a fascinating walkthrough of the mechanics of pain is Alex Jinich, PhD student at UC San Diego.
Alex’s mission is to contribute to our understanding of how meditation and other novel therapeutic techniques help reduce pain and improve wellbeing.
Sharing research results, theories and lessons in foundational cognition, we dive into meditation’s links t
Our Guided Meditation: Dr Mark Miller x Lama John Makransky
A really special episode today.
Dr Mark Miller guides us through a 20 minute practice extremely close to his heart.
Developed by Lama John Makransky, the co-founder of Sustainable Compassion, this practice aims to open the heart and relax the body.
Take this as an opportunity to stop and take a breath.
John's links:
Lama John Makransky - https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/teacher/john-makransky/
Why I'm Not a Buddhist
A re-release! Our conversation with Dr Evan Thompson has been attracting significant attention as we've crossed over into 2023, and we wanted to re-re-release it for new listeners. Enjoy one of our all-time favourite conversations.
--
In 2023, Buddhism is perceived as 'spirituality for the rational', fully compatible with cutting‑edge science.
But this view is actually a mistake that d
Cognitive Biases and Emotional Reactions: with Dr Norman Farb
Confidence is critical in emotional regulation.
Here to uncover the world of cognitive biases, emotional reactions and wellbeing is Dr Norman Farb from the University of Toronto.
He shares compelling theories and research on how we can develop our ability to change - encouraging engagement in sense-foraging practices that increase entropy in the brain.
Covering habitual patterns of self-reference,
Meditation and Psychotherapy: with Ian Singer
“Start from where you are.”
This is underlined as one of the foundational lessons for starting meditation in a psychotherapy context, by today’s guest Ian Singer.
Psychotherapist and vastly experienced meditator, Ian has dedicated his career to working with thousands of clients and students across the world.
In our conversation, he shares his philosophies on creating a compassionate space for ther
Soul and Interconnectedness: Dr Anna Yusim
How do you live an authentic and meaningful life?
According to today’s guest Dr Anna Yusim: by connecting to your soul, regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs.
Anna is an author, psychiatrist and spiritual teacher whose research focuses on the intersection of science and spirituality.
As founder of Yale's Spirituality & Mental Health Centre, she talks passionately about the deep
How To Be Human: 2022 Pod Review
Humans are incredibly complex. Spiritual practice is incredibly powerful. But do contemplative frameworks show how to be a human in full?
Welcome to our inaugural review of the year.
Hosts Jamie and Mark reflect on some key lessons learned from picking the brains of nearly 40 academics, scientists and spiritual teachers over the course of 2022.
Join us as they share anecdotes from their own contem
The Dark Night of the Soul
The Dark Night of the Soul is a unique, scary and transformative experience
On a quest to track the history and improve the resources on the Dark Night is Nathan Fisher, PhD student at University of California Santa Barbara.
Nathan is an expert on the texts and phenomenology of these states in Abrahamic traditions and Buddhism, diving into the intricacies of how mystic traditions meet with modern
Constructing Our Lives: with Dr Shamil Chandaria
Meditation is about getting to grips with the way we construct the world.
Today we are delighted to welcome Dr Shamil Chandaria from the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing at University of Oxford.
An expert in his field, Shamil leads us on an investigative journey into predictive processing and its implications for perception and spiritual practice.
Touching on Bayesian models, priors, de
Spirituality and Psychic Abilities
What links spirituality and psychic ability with diet?
Here to explore the topic of his pioneering PhD is Michael Daw of Northampton University.
Michael outlines a long history of the connectedness of dietary practice (veganism, vegetarianism and fasting) with spiritual tradition, from Shamanism to the Abrahamic religions.
Talking us through different types of psychic ability and the prevalence of
Jhāna and Peak Experiences
Let's talk about Jhāna, some of the peak experiences on the spiritual journey.
Here to lead us on a journey into these peak experiences is cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado Jonas Mago.
Jonas is currently pursuing doctoral studies at McGill University, diving into the various cognitive mechanisms that underlie human flourishing.
He reflects on findings and anecdotes from his pi
Mental Health and Buddhism: with Dr Elli Weisbaum
Will Buddhism improve your mental health?
Dr Elli Weisbaum is a Toronto based mindfulness practitioner and teacher who attended her first retreat with scholar, Zen Master and Nobel Peace prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh at the age of ten.
Today, she takes us through the potential benefits (and limitations) of pursuing Buddhism for the sake of our mental health, the suprising misconceptions around aro
The Dark Side of Meditation
Meditation does not always yield positive results.
Joining today to talk us through the ‘Dark Side of Meditation’ is Christine Kupfer.
Medical anthropologist and expert in Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy, Christine breaks down how meditation practice is often perceived as a cure-all for productivity, happiness, spiritual fulfilment.
In reality, people can suffer from experiences of non-shared
Psychedelics and Spiritual Traditions
What exactly is the role of Psychedelics in the development of the world's spiritual traditions?
Joining today is researcher and co-founder of Eudelics, Dr Richard Chambers.
Richard illuminates a history of psychedelic traditions, its suppression over many years by religious groups and governments, and its potential for exploring higher consciousness in safe and mindful settings.
Touching on n
Flow States and Meta-Awareness: w/ Dr Dave Vago
How can we define meta-awareness?
Today’s episode is a deep dive into all things connected to non-dual awareness, led by cognitive expert Dr David Vago.
We explore flow states, brain-body environment dynamics, concentration practice, meditation, depression, compassion…
Packed with cognitive research, varying perspectives of ‘self’ and references to the work of Benjamin Libet and previous guest Eva
You are Not Your Brain
You are not your brain.
Today we are joined by Dr Jeffrey Schwartz - one of the world’s leading experts in neuroplasticity and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Jeffrey’s publications include You Are Not Your Brain and Brain Lock.
Referencing Socrates, George Gurdjieff and Søren Kierkegaard, Jeffery here walks us through the state of play of modern neuroscience and the inner workings of OCD.
Listen
The Mindful College Student
Suffering isn’t new - but mindfulness can help.
Joining to uncover the reasons and remedies for rising stress levels in young people, is Dr Eric Loucks.
Professor, researcher and pioneer in the study of mindfulness and health, Eric recently authored The Mindful College Student - based on work that sees him teach and study the impact of introducing mindfulness to year groups who are still in cognit
Understanding Anxiety
What are the mechanics of anxiety? How can we understand and alleviate it?
Here to share her insights on this enduring issue is Lynn Koerbel.
Author, bodywork therapist and Assistant Professor at Brown University, Lynn has dedicated herself to combating mental health issues through movement and mindfulness.
Join us as we uncover the methods of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Kashmir Sha
Compassion, Wisdom and Training
Is compassion something you can train?
Absolutely, according to today’s guest Dr Paul Condon.
Co-writer of the Sustainable Compassion Training (SCT) model along with John Makransky, it provides a system of compassion and wisdom practices to enrich compassion in our daily lives.
In our discussion, Paul outlines a definition for compassion and the concept of field of care practice - emphasising that
The Self Made Simple with Dr Monima Chadha
The ‘self’ in the Buddhist tradition is a complex and rich topic.
Walking us smoothly through potentially choppy water is Monash University's Dr Monima Chadha, an Associate Professor in Philosophy.
Monima’s research focuses on the cross-cultural philosophy of mind - and she's particularly interested in how the self overlaps with how we typically think of of self control and perception.
Dis
The Equanimity Factor
How can equanimity improve the human experience?
Joining today is author, lecturer and equanimity enthusiast Dr Joey Weber.
Joey’s book Why Mindfulness Is Not Enough… paints a fascinating picture in which equanimity is a bridge that moves mindfulness to compassion.
A deeply engaging expert in his field, we discuss why mindfulness needs purpose and how you can become more equanimous - for the good
Mindfulness and Education: Professor Craig Hassed
How can we effectively integrate mindfulness into education?
Monash University's very own Professor Craig Hassed is an author and internationally renowned mindfulness expert.
In part responsible for launching a pioneering programme that sees five thousand medical students a year enrolled in mindfulness classes, we talk through the effects this has on their personal and professional lives - re
The Podcast So Far: a fireside conversation
Hosts Jamie Slevin and Dr Mark Miller reflect on the lessons of the podcast so far. Mixing in their own experiences with the key themes of the Contemplative Science Podcast, Mark and Jamie share their thoughts on what we've covered so far.
One message is particularly resonant. Practice gently. After all, we are “complex ecosystems of mental, emotional, perceptual and behavioural dynamics!”
Sh
Dr Ines Hipolito: 'The 'Complexity Wanderer'
Did you know that living beings defy the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
Joining us for a fascinating discussion is Dr Ines Hipolito, a self-described ‘complexity wanderer’.
Recently co-founding the European Institute for Global Well-being, her research develops and applies frameworks on the nature of cognition.
We dive into the free energy principle, the relationship of digitisation and wellbeing, and
How to Deal with Change: lessons from a Buddhist nun
Change is a hugely challenging part of the human experience. Today, we're joined by author, Buddhist teacher and former nun Kaira Jewel Lingo.
Sharing philosophies and learnings to help us deal with change, Kaira walks us through the role equanimity and impermanence in dealing with change.
Here, Kaira lifts the lid on her experience of community: bridging memories of monastic life to the deep
Getting The Dose Right: how much mindfullness?
What is the ideal dose of mindfulness? Like with any medicine, dose is a complex topic.
Sharing her research is Dr Sarah Strohmaier, psychology lecturer and mindfulness researcher at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Does bigger dose equal bigger benefit? How do we measure such subjective outcomes?
Sarah has led a number of experiments tracking the effects of practicing mindfulness for differe
Guidance, hypnosis and Tibetan practice: Dr Michael Lifshitz on well-being
What do we mean when we talk about guidance?
We welcome scholar and researcher Dr Michael Lifshitz to break down his work in the field.
Michael is interested in practices that aim to transform our subjective experience, whether meditation, hypnosis, placebo, prayer, psychedelics… the list goes on.
Integrating personal anecdotes and reflections, we cover hypnosis, the ancient Tibetan practice of tu
Well Being and Psychedelics: caution, potential and meditation
Can we use psychedelics to help wellbeing?
Taking us through this hotly contested topic, subject of both ‘warranted enthusiasm and caution’, is Adam Safron.
Currently at The Centre for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Adam is also a dedicated meditation practitioner.
In today’s discussion, we explore the roles of psychedelics in medical treatment, meditation, creativity and freewill.
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Self Love and Enlightenment
We need to fall in love with every part of ourselves.
This is a key takeaway from today’s enlightening discussion with Janusz Welin, founder of the Deep Mindfulness Collective.
Master meditator and leader of residential retreats all over the world, Janusz brings a wealth of knowledge and musings on meditative practice.
From classical awakening to Internal Family Systems, we explore how to use mind
Windows of Tolerance: the science of how to practice gently
More meditation does not always equal more progress!
We are delighted today to have the opportunity to share research from our very own Dr Mark Miller.
Mark is a veteran meditator who supports anecdotes from his personal practice with scientific evidence and phenomenological discussion.
Sharing insights from a recent paper, we break down the ‘self’, dissociative disorders and windows of tolerance
The 5 Contemplative Landmarks
What are the five contemplative landmarks? And what do they say about our meditation practice?
Today we probe into the research of philosopher and meditation researcher Terje Sparby.
Terje is a master meditator, whose work brings together the worlds of neuroscience, spirituality and community.
Join us to explore consciousness, Dhyāna, introspective methods and religion.
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This podcast has a
Meditation, the brain and meta-cognitive awareness
How can you fundamentally change your relationship with the external world?
Joining today to share the messages of the very latest cognitive research on yoga and meditation is Harvard Medical School's Sara Lazar.
Sara’s research explores the brain at varying stages of life: tracking the effects of mindfulness on its composition and capability, and the applications this can have in patient care
Collective Trauma and Recovery
What do you know about trauma?
Joining today to lift the lid on the weight of individual and collective trauma, is Michelle Cassandra Johnson.
Activist, author, anti-racism consultant and yoga teacher - Michelle talks candidly on personal experiences, generational trauma and the whitewashing of yoga.
Humans are all interconnected, not separate!
Michelle shares practical tips for integrating mindfu
The Black History of Yoga
How much do you know about Kemetic Yoga? If you're like most people, not much!
Enter Kemetic Yoga legend Yirser Ra Hotep, master instructor of Yoga and the creator of the YogaSkills Method.
Yirser joins to lift the lid on the origins and principles of yoga-like practices in Africa, and how he translates this research into real life applications.
Recounting pioneering mindfulness training with
The Science of Romantic Love
References to romantic love is everywhere - in music, in films and in our lives. But what is actually happening when we fall in love?
Diving into the heart of the matter is leading expert Dr Lucy Brown. Lucy's research is at the crossroads of love, neuroscience and meditation.
Chatting to Mark and Jamie, Lucy reveals what happens in the brain during early love, committed relationships and hear
Pain, Brains and Reality
Can mindfulness aid addiction, depression and pain?
We welcome Antoine Lutz, a pioneering researcher of contemplative practices.
Antoine is fascinated by the ways in which we perceive negative thoughts as tangible and real - but more importantly, what we can do to change them.
Introducing the surprising and crucial concept of de-reification, and by sharing experiments with mindfulness amateurs and
The Authentic Happiness Episode
What is authentic happiness? And how can you find it?
Enter Doug Veenhof. Doug describes happiness as a 'process of subtraction'.
Sharing his experiences as meditator and teacher at the Center for Contemplative Research, Doug talks religion, neuroscience and the fundamental difference between Eudaimonia and hedonic pleasure.
Join us for a disarming and radical approach to achieving happin
The Well-Being Curriculum
Why isn’t wellbeing part of the school curriculum?
Asking the question and doing the research is Dr Dusana Dorjee, a cognitive neuroscientist whose research uncovers how mindfulness impacts wellbeing.
Dissatisfaction and anxiety levels are rising - and young people are effected worse than any other demographic.
Supported by cutting-edge research, Dusana advocates here for practical steps you can
Mysticism and Modern Healthcare: how Psychiatry and spirituality interact
How does modern psychiatry interact with the mystical, psychedelic or magical?
With difficulty!
Dr Daniel Ingram is attempting to change that. As a key member of the The Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (The EPRC), Daniel is on a mission to ‘tool up’ modern medicine to deal with the results of the spiritual path.
We dive into the nature of spiritual development, emergent phenomena and th
Why I'm Not a Buddhist
In 2022, Buddhism is perceived as 'spirituality for the rational', fully compatible with cutting‑edge science.
But this view is actually a mistake that does both Buddhism and science a disservice, says Dr Evan Thompson.
Exploring what he calls 'Buddhist exceptionalism', Evan breaks down why Buddhism is treated differently to other spiritual practices, and dives deep into both Weste
An introduction to Indigenous Contemplative Science
What are the main differences between western and indigenous contemplative science?
Enter Dr Yuria Celidwen, a Native of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent.
As Yuria explains, indigenous contemplative practices focus on the community, rather than just the self. If I flourish, the planet flourishes.
We explore cognitive imperialism, individualist attitudes and the fundamental importance of intention
The Meaning Crisis - and what we can do about it
We’re living in the midst of a meaning crisis.
Enter Dr John Vervaeke. The world’s leading expert in diagnosing the spiritual, practical and cognitive causes of increasing isolation and disillusionment.
In this episode, John deep-dives into the ‘why’, and outlines what we can do to fix it.
We cover the scope of spirituality, the cognitive science of desperation and the significance of psychedelic
What is the bottleneck to well-being?
Your life is as good as the lens you see it through.
Disillusioned with her ‘dream’ job, Julianna Raye took a punt on meditation.
2 decades later, she credits it with changing her life and perceptions beyond recognition.
In this episode, Dr Mark Miller and Jamie Slevin talk to Julianna Raye - CEO of Unified Mindfulness - to understand the mechanics of meditation, the complexity of mental health an
Welcome to the Contemplative Science Podcast
Welcome to The Contemplative Science Podcast. Brought to you by Monash University, this is the podcast for anybody interested in the overlap of cutting edge-science and ancient spiritual practices.
Co-hosts Dr. Mark Miller and Jamie Slevin ask the experts - from Monks to Neuroscientists - how contemplative practices work, and crucially, how they can help us improve our lives.
Join us each week fo
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