Mind & Life
What is a mind? What are the mental patterns that shape our experience—how are those patterns created, maintained, and changed? How can contemplative practices like meditation help us work with our minds? And what are the potential benefits these practices for individuals and society? This inquiry can happen through many lenses. Conversations on this show integrate contemplative approaches with perspectives from psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, anthropology, religion, social science, art, activism, and lived experience. On Mind & Life, we investigate these complex questions with leading researchers, thinkers, and on-the-ground practitioners, moving us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Hosted by Mind & Life Institute Science Director, Wendy Hasenkamp.
Episodes
Social and Ecological Mindfulness: Jon Kabat-Zinn, Paula Ramírez Diazgranados & Liane Stephan
Jon Kabat-Zinn didn't invent MBSR as a stress reduction programme. He created it as a way of meeting suffering—individual, collective, planetary—with greater clarity and care. Somewhere in the journey to the mainstream, that wider vision narrowed in the public conception. This episode is, in part, a return to the source.
Guest host Jamie Bristow is joined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Paula Ramírez Díazgrana
Theory U: Guiding Awareness-based Systems Change – Katrin Kaufer, Martin Kalungu-Banda and Megan Seneque
In this panel conversation, guest host Jamie Bristow is joined by Katrin Kaufer, Martin Kalungu-Banda and Megan Seneque to explore Theory U and the wider field of awareness-based systems change. Developed through the Presencing Institute, Theory U is one of the most widely applied approaches to systems change that explicitly integrates contemplative practice with collective transformation. Toget
Trauma and Healing Systems – Laura Calderon de la Barca, Kazu Haga, and Thomas Hübl
In the second panel conversation of this mini-series, guest host Jamie Bristow is joined by Laura Calderón de la Barca, Kazu Haga and Thomas Hübl to explore the rising significance of trauma healing for systems change. As trauma moves from the margins to the mainstream, the conversation asks what we are really naming when we speak of trauma, and how unprocessed experience shapes not only individu
The Work That Reconnects – Shayontoni Ghosh, Chris Johnstone, Stephanie Kaza and Phoebe Tickell
In the first panel conversation of this mini-series, guest host Jamie Bristow is joined by Shayontoni Ghosh, Chris Johnstone, Stephanie Kaza and Phoebe Tickell to explore the legacy and living relevance of Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects - a pioneering contemplative process that helps people face ecological and social crisis without shutting down. Together, they reflect on how this work moves
Jamie Bristow – Exploring Systems Change
In this episode, Mind & Life co-producer Phil Walker speaks with writer and policy advisor Jamie Bristow as a prelude to our upcoming mini-series on systems change. Over the coming weeks, Jamie will serve as guest host for five episodes with expert panelists diving into a variety of topics on contemplative based systems change.
As our world grows in complexity, we also find ourselves more i
Wendy Hasenkamp – Widening the Aperture
Since this podcast launched, Wendy Hasenkamp has guided listeners through 84 in-depth conversations, bringing warmth, curiosity, and intellectual depth to every episode. After five years with the show and over 13 years with the Mind & Life Institute, Wendy is stepping into a new chapter, returning to school and pursuing studies to become a clinical herbalist. While we’ll miss her deeply, we’r
Jon Kabat-Zinn – The Heart of Mindfulness [From the Archive]
Enjoy this episode with renowned meditation teacher, author, and creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Jon Kabat-Zinn. This spacious and personal conversation is full of insights on a wide range of topics, including:
what drew him to meditation;
his development of and vision for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR);
the mystery of the line between the inside and outside of an
Roshi Joan Halifax – Enactive Compassion [From the Archive]
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher and author Roshi Joan Halifax. A pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, Roshi Joan was instrumental in developing the dialogue between science and Buddhism, and has been an advocate for engaged Buddhism, social activism, and compassion in response to today's crises. This conversation covers many topics, including:
the birth of dialogues b
Matthieu Ricard – Compassion and Care [From the Archive]
In this episode from the Mind & Life archive, Wendy spoke with the renowned Buddhist practitioner and author Matthieu Ricard. Matthieu was integral to the founding of contemplative science, serving as both a participant and co-investigator in many early studies, and has deep expertise in compassion, altruism, and well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his roots in both s
Liz Monson – Reclaiming the Magic
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and meditation teacher Liz Monson. Liz is one of the pioneers in combining Buddhist teachings with nature-based practices, and her work helps us connect in an embodied way to the fundamental interconnectedness of the world. This conversation covers many topics, including:
how spirituality and connection to nature fed into her path to Buddhi
Christy Wilson-Mendenhall – Emotions in the World
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive and affective scientist Christy Wilson-Mendenhall. Christy has a long history studying emotions, and her work integrates psychological science and contemplative philosophy to explore well-being and resilience. This conversation covers many topics, including:
integrating basic science and philosophy with on-the-ground research;
viewing emotions a
Karen O'Brien – Why We Matter
In this episode, Wendy speaks with professor, writer, and thought leader Karen O’Brien. Karen is an expert on the human and social dimensions of climate change, and her work helps us understand the role of the mind and worldview in how we create and respond to environmental change, and global change more broadly. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her path into environmental st
Tania Singer – The Power of Two
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social neuroscientist and contemplative researcher Tania Singer. Tania is a world leader in studying empathy and compassion, and her pioneering work explores the interpersonal aspects of the brain and contemplative practice. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her lifelong fascination with social interactions;
foundational studies on empathy
Melissa Rosenkranz – Mind, Body, World
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scientist Melissa Rosenkranz. Melissa's work examines the mind-body connection with a focus on how inflammation interacts with our brains and emotions, and how meditation might help. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her interest in the mind-body connection;
pros and cons of inflammation in the body;
bidirectional links betw
Otto Scharmer – Changing Systems
In this episode, Wendy speaks with action researcher, changemaker, and thought leader Otto Scharmer. Otto is a world leader in systems change, and his work across disciplines highlights how awareness and the quality of our relationships are critical for the change we need today. This conversation covers many topics, including:
regenerative farming, social change movements, and the "social so
Neil Theise – Everything is Connected
In this episode, Wendy speaks with pathologist, scientist, author, and Zen Buddhist, Neil Theise. Neil's pioneering work in human anatomy has revolutionized our understanding of interconnectedness at the level of the body and beyond. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his interest in medicine & Buddhism;
pathology as contemplative practice;
how a mystery from the wall of
Molly Crockett – Changing the World is a Group Project
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and cognitive scientist Molly Crockett. Molly is a leader in studying moral cognition, with an emphasis on ethics, knowledge, and power in the digital age. This conversation covers many topics, including:
the limits of quantitative (scientific) ways of knowing;
the importance of narrative in shaping ideas and behavior;
moral outrage on soci
Jim Coan – Our Social Baseline
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and affective neuroscientist Jim Coan. Jim is a leading researcher on how social connection impacts our minds, brains, and bodies, and he's also pushing the boundaries of impactful science communication. This conversation covers many topics, including:
studying relationships and emotions in the brain;
how a confusing research finding changed
Chuck Raison – Ancient Practices & Conscious Experience
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and mental health researcher Chuck Raison. Chuck’s work centers on understanding how ancient practices can change our conscious experience. He’s a leader in studying the links between inflammation, stress, and depression, and how meditation and other practices can influence those dynamics. This conversation covers many topics, including:
ancient
Quinn Conklin – Mind-Body Connection
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher Quinn Conklin. Quinn's research examines the interconnection of mind and body, and the effects of stress and meditation training on biomarkers of health and well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her interest in mind-body connection and how that led her into meditation research;
understanding meditation retrea
Zev Schuman-Olivier – Mindfulness, Behavior Change, and Health
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Zev Schuman-Olivier. Zev has been working for more than a decade to integrate mindfulness and compassion into health care, with a focus on addiction, depression, and chronic illness. This conversation covers many topics, including:
weaving mindfulness and compassion into clinical settings;
lessons from his own expe
Eve Ekman – Building Emotion Awareness
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social scientist and meditation teacher Eve Ekman. Eve's work integrates contemplative practice and modern psychology to help people learn about and work with their emotions. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her early exposure to Tibetan culture and Buddhism;
emotion regulation vs. awareness;
reappraisal and self-compassion;
labeling fe
Dave Vago – Meditation, Neuroscience, and Self
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative neuroscientist Dave Vago. Dave has been studying the brain, meditation, and the self for over two decades, and has developed several models of how mindfulness might work from cognitive and neurobiological perspectives. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his intertwined interests in brain, mind, self, philosophy, and religion;
th
Tawni Tidwell – Between Life and Death
In this episode, Wendy speaks with biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell. Tawni's research focuses on living—and dying—with greater awareness and well-being, and integrates multiple biological and cultural perspectives on mind-body systems. This conversation covers many topics, including:
merging interests in biology, culture, ecology, nature, and medicine;
how
Brian Dias – Epigenetics and Intergenerational Trauma
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and trauma researcher Brian Dias. Brian is one of the pioneers in understanding how trauma can be transferred between generations. Research in this space has helped fuel a major revolution in biology, because itmeans that not just our genes, but some aspects of our experiences can be inherited. This conversation covers many topics, including:
Jyoti Mishra – Mindfulness and Climate Trauma
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and mental health researcher Jyoti Mishra. Jyoti has been investigating how mindfulness and attention training affect our brains, and can help in the context of mental health challenges related to climate disasters and other trauma. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her intertwined interests in neuroscience, meditation, and ment
Simon Goldberg – The Shape of Healing
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and contemplative researcher Simon Goldberg. Simon uses tools drawn from psychotherapy research to better understand the therapeutic processes and outcomes of mindfulness and meditation-based interventions. This conversation covers many topics, including:
coming to practice through one's own suffering;
what we know from science about whether a
Diana Chapman Walsh – Contemplative Leadership
In this episode, Wendy speaks with educational leader, writer, and climate activist Diana Chapman Walsh. Diana had a long and successful career in public health at Boston and Harvard University, and then became the president of Wellesley College, a position she held for 14 years. Diana has become an icon in educational leadership, and advocates that education can be both an intellectual and a spi
Daniel Goleman – Beyond Emotional Intelligence
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and author Daniel Goleman. Dan has been fostering and contributing to contemplative science since the very early days of the conversation between science and Buddhism, and his long experience with meditation helped shape his notable work on emotional intelligence. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his interest in both Western and
Robin Nusslock – How Stress Gets Under Our Skin
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist Robin Nusslock. Robin has long been interested in the mind through both scientific and Buddhist lenses, and he trained with Richie Davidson. His work focuses on the brain's role in our emotional life, how stress impacts many of our bodily systems, as well as social determinants of health. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his lo
Hanne De Jaegher – Making Sense Together
In this episode, Wendy speaks with philosopher and cognitive scientist Hanne De Jaegher. Hanne was influenced by Francisco Varela's ideas from an early age, and has been working to extend enactive theories of mind into social contexts. This conversation covers many topics, including:
roots in Varela's work and an early interest in thinking;
sense-making and embodiment as foundational to cog
Grant Jones – Music, Meditation, and Healing
In this episode, Wendy speaks with musician, contemplative, researcher, and activist Grant Jones. Grant is working to develop and implement contemplative and liberatory tools for underserved populations. This conversation covers many topics, including:
blending music, psychology, contemplation, and activism;
music and mindfulness for healing race-based anxiety;
collaborating with Lama Rod
Linda Carlson – Mindfulness and Cancer
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychosocial oncology researcher Linda Carlson. Linda has pioneered the application of mindfulness and contemplative practice for cancer patients, focusing on both psychological and biological outcomes. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her path to integrating psychology, mindfulness, and cancer;
early clinical trials and positive outcomes;
ho
Paul Condon – Relational Meditation
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social psychologist and contemplative researcher Paul Condon. Paul's work integrates psychological theory with the Buddhist contemplative tradition, looking at meditation through the lens of attachment theory. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his long interest in the intersection between Buddhism and psychology;
measuring compassion in the
Marieke Van Vugt – Finding Balance
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive scientist, contemplative practitioner, and ballet dancer Marieke Van Vugt. Marieke is a pioneer in studying mind wandering and meditation through computer modeling, and is also advancing participatory research through her collaborations with Tibetan monastics. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her braided interests in meditation, dan
Emeran Mayer – Biological Interconnectedness
In this episode, Wendy speaks with gastroenterologist, author, and microbiome researcher Emeran Mayer. Emeran is a world renowned expert in the connections between the gut and the mind, and brings a biological lens to the concept of interconnection. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his interest in mind-body connection;
microbiome overview & current questions;
how we've
Rob Roeser – Transforming Education
To begin our seventh season, Wendy speaks with contemplative educator and developmental psychologist Rob Roeser. Rob has been working to re-envision the educational system for decades, and has been at the forefront of understanding how we can best integrate mindfulness and compassion into school settings. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his initial exposure to integrative sch
sujatha baliga – Healing Through Restorative Justice
In this episode, Wendy speaks with lawyer, activist, and restorative justice expert sujatha baliga. sujatha’s work reimagines our current legal and justice system in the United States, and emphasizes the full humanity of both those who experience harm and those who cause it. This conversation covers many topics, including:
growing up with sexual abuse, and the impacts it had;
meeting with the Dala
Fadel Zeidan – Mindfulness and Pain
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and pain researcher Fadel Zeidan. Fadel is one of the leading experts on understanding how mindfulness and other contemplative practices can be used to help relieve physical pain and promote well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his interest in self, consciousness, mindfulness and the brain;
bringing mindfulness to special ed
Brendan Ozawa-de Silva – Embodied Learning
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and contemplative educator and researcher Brendan Ozawa-de Silva. Brendan has been studying and teaching mindfulness and compassion for over a decade, and has lately been focusing on integrating trauma-informed and embodied practices into his work. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his interest in contemplation (and an introduction
Ed Taylor – Leading by Example
In this episode, Wendy speaks with University of Washington vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Ed Taylor. Ed has made major contributions in the areas of contemplative education and leadership, with a focus on moral and integrative education and social justice. This conversation covers many topics, including:
growing up embedded in community and giant sequoias;
learning to be
David Creswell – Exploring Equanimity
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social psychologist and contemplative researcher David Creswell. David has been studying the effects of meditation on stress and resilience for over a decade, and has conducted some of the most rigorous studies to date investigating which aspects of mindfulness interventions bring benefit. This conversation covers many topics, including:
integrating psychology an
Jenny Mascaro – Compassion in Healthcare
In this episode, Wendy speaks with biological anthropologist and contemplative researcher Jenny Mascaro. Jenny's work weaves together meditation, compassion, psychology, and healthcare, and moves us toward a deeper understanding of interconnectedness. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her interest in social cognition in animals - and humans;
what compassion is, and how it's differen
Elissa Epel – Mind, Body, and Stress
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative health psychologist and stress researcher Elissa Epel. Elissa studies how mindfulness, meditation retreats, and breathing techniques can help buffer stress processes, biological aging, and promote both physical and mental health. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her early roots of interest in the mind-body connection;
bringing contem
Matthieu Ricard – Compassion and Care
In this episode, Wendy speaks with the renowned Buddhist practitioner and author Matthieu Ricard. Matthieu was integral to the founding of contemplative science, serving as both a participant and co-investigator in many early studies, and has deep expertise in compassion, altruism, and well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his roots in both science and Buddhism, and his appr
Jamie Bristow – Policy, Practice, and Planet
In this episode, Wendy speaks with mindful policy advocate and contemplative teacher Jamie Bristow. Jamie co-directs the Mindfulness Initiative in the UK, an organization that bridges contemplative practice and public policy, championing the inner dimension of social change. This conversation covers many topics, including:
why he first started meditating and the surprise that came with it;
his com
Amy Cohen Varela – The Power of Undoing
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and contemplative Amy Cohen Varela. In addition to her work as a psychoanalytic therapist, Amy is also the widow of Francisco Varela (co-founder of the Mind & Life Institute), and continues to share his vision and work through the offerings of Mind & Life Europe. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her dual interest in biology a
Zindel Segal – Mindfulness and Depression
In this episode, Wendy speaks with renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and co-developer of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Zindel Segal. Zindel's work has brought relief to many who suffer from depression, by sharing the tools and skills of mindful awareness. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his early experiences with meditation and psychology;
the development o
Randima Fernando – Humane Technology
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Randima (Randy) Fernando, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology. Over several decades, Randy has worked to integrate technology, mindfulness, and social impact, trying to find ethical solutions to some of our most challenging issues. This conversation covers many topics, including:
how the strands of Buddhism and technology have woven together throughout
Yuria Celidwen - Indigenous Wisdom
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scholar and Indigenous activist Yuria Celidwen. Yuria has worked across many sectors to bring Indigenous ways of knowing into conversation with Western approaches, particularly in contemplative science. This conversation covers many topics, including:
the importance of Indigenous languages;
her roots in a lineage of mystics, healers, and explorers;
Norm Farb - Meditation and the Brain
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher Norm Farb. Norm was one of the first people to study how meditation impacts our brains, and his broader work incorporates emotions, body sensations, and present-moment awareness. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
his initial research on meditation, neural networks, and modes of self;
predictive models of mind;
reinforcing
Tish Jennings - Contemplative Education
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative educator and researcher Patricia (Tish) Jennings. Tish has been a pioneer in bringing mindfulness and compassion into school settings, with a particular focus on helping teachers. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her experience as an educator and a meditator;
how teacher stress contributes to the classroom environment;
how contemplat
Sharon Salzberg - Love and Wisdom
In this episode, Wendy speaks with renowned and beloved meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg. Sharon has been teaching meditation in the West for over 40 years, and is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
finding Buddhism and meditation as a teenager, and where it led her;
her experience as a woman in the early contemplative movement;
lo
Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and author Robert (Bob) Thurman. Bob is one of the foremost scholars in the world on Tibetan Buddhism, and played a major role in bringing Buddhism to America. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his entry into Buddhism, and befriending the Dalai Lama;
links between Buddhism and science (and why Buddhism is 1/6 religion);
problems wi
Lasana Harris - Flexible Social Cognition
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social neuroscientist Lasana Harris about his work on flexible social cognition—the variable ways that we perceive others. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his accidental entry into psychology;
what flexible social cognition is;
schemas and predictions about others' minds;
dehumanization and why we do it;
the role of propaganda and implications fo
Jessica Morey - Healing Attachment
In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and co-founder of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme), Jessica Morey. Jessica has been working with the contemplative path through the lens of attachment theory, and shares how she blends these approaches for healing. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her long roots in the contemplative path;
meditation retreats for teens t
Juan Santoyo - Practice and Peace
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher and social activist Juan Santoyo. Juan's work sits at the intersection of basic neuroscience and community-based programs; his central interest is in understanding the factors that are needed for peace and healing—both in the brain, and in the world. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his path into contemplative research;
n
Al Kaszniak - The Universe of Verbs
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist, contemplative researcher, and Zen Buddhist teacher, Al Kaszniak. Al has been in the contemplative science space since the earliest days, and his work has shed light on how meditation impacts our thoughts, emotions, and sense of self. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his parallel interests in Buddhism and neuropsychology;
research on
Brooke Lavelle - Courage in Community
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar, contemplative teacher, and social activist Brooke Lavelle. Brooke is the co-founder and president of Courage of Care, an organization that seeks to build transformational practice communities rooted in compassion, healing, and counter-oppressive frameworks. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her trajectory of work from mindfulness
Jud Brewer - Changing Habits
In this episode, Wendy speaks with addiction psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Jud Brewer. Jud is one of the leading figures in the use of mindfulness for addiction and anxiety, and his work emphasizes the brain's habit cycle, and how to change it. He's also developed a number of smartphone apps to deliver contemplative interventions widely, which research is finding to be highly successfu
Roshi Joan Halifax - Enactive Compassion
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher and author Roshi Joan Halifax. A pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, Roshi Joan was instrumental in developing the dialogue between science and Buddhism, and has been an advocate for engaged Buddhism, social activism, and compassion in response to today's crises. This conversation covers many topics, including:
the birth of dialogues be
Cliff Saron - Embracing Complexity
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and contemplative researcher Cliff Saron. Cliff is a pioneer in studying the effects of meditation on attention and emotion, and has been deeply embedded in the field of contemplative science since the earliest days. This conversation covers many topics, including:
his winding path into contemplative research;
drilling down and pulling back;
conduc
Bobbi Patterson - Contemplation, Place, and Resilience
In this episode, Wendy speaks with professor and Episcopal priest, Bobbi Patterson. Bobbi's work integrates Christian contemplation, Buddhist meditation, contemplative pedagogy, the role of place, and adaptive resilience. This conversation covers many topics, including:
contemplative Christian traditions;
the power of silence;
dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism;
a Christian contemplative v
Cortland Dahl - Integrating Science and Buddhism
In this episode, Wendy speaks with researcher, translator, and Buddhist teacher, Cortland Dahl. Cort's work integrates science, psychology, meditation, and Tibetan Buddhism. This conversation covers many topics, including:
how meditation helped with his social anxiety as a young person;
benefits and challenges in the dialogue between Buddhism and science;
customizing meditation practice in the Hea
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel - Identity as Path
In this episode, Wendy speaks with author, Zen priest and Buddhist teacher, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel. Zenju's work highlights how the various facets of our identity can become "fertilizer" for growth on the path of spiritual and personal development. This conversation covers many topics, including:
growing up in the Christian church, and the questions it raised for her;
her unusual path into Buddhism
Willoughby Britton - When Meditation Causes Harm
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and meditation researcher, Willoughby Britton. Willoughby is a pioneer in contemplative research and one of the only people dedicated to understanding the possible negative outcomes from meditation (so called meditation-related adverse experiences). This conversation covers many topics, including:
how she came to study the negative side of m
Nicholas Van Dam - Nuancing the Narrative
In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation researcher and clinical psychologist, Nicholas Van Dam. Nicholas is the Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne—the first such center in Australia. His work explores how meditation and mindfulness can support well-being, and help with conditions like anxiety and depression. This conversation covers many topics, inclu
Rhonda Magee - Mindfulness, Interconnection, and Justice
In this episode, Wendy speaks with law professor, author, and meditation teacher, Rhonda Magee. Rhonda's work has focused on bringing contemplative approaches into the practice of law, and the fight for social justice. This conversation covers many topics, including:
her path to contemplative practice from roots in the American South;
mindfulness in the fight for racial justice;
embracing equanimi
Jon Kabat-Zinn - The Heart of Mindfulness
We're back with Season 3 of the show, starting with renowned meditation teacher, author, and creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Jon Kabat-Zinn. This spacious and personal conversation is full of insights on a wide range of topics, including:
what drew him to meditation;
his development of and vision for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR);
the mystery of the line between t
Vandana Shiva - Earth Democracy
In this bonus episode, we're sharing a special presentation from environmentalist, physicist, and eco-feminist Vandana Shiva. This session is from our Summer Research Institute, held in June of this year, entitled The Mind, the Human-Earth Connection, and the Climate Crisis. We're adding this to the podcast feed because Vandana speaks powerfully about how the mind contributes to so many of the wor
David Sloan Wilson - Conscious Evolution
In this bonus episode, Wendy speaks with evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson. This episode is being released in conjunction with Mind & Life's new film, Evolution of the Heart — a short documentary covering conversations between the Dalai Lama, David Sloan Wilson, and social scientist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela from a 2019 Mind & Life event in Dharamsala, India. The theme of that gathering was
Dekila Chungyalpa - Human-Earth Connection
In this episode, Wendy speaks with environmentalist Dekila Chungyalpa about her views of nature, the climate crisis, and her unique collaborations with faith leaders. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
growing up in the Himalayas and being interconnected with nature;
the dominance of dualistic thinking in the West, and the dangerous separations it creates;
embracing a framework of i
Peter Wayne - Ecology of Mind
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical researcher Peter Wayne about his work on mind-body and movement-based interventions like tai chi. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
how a background in ecology informs his research;
embracing multiple causes of any outcome;
how to do non-reductionist science;
removing the hyphen from the mind-body system;
harnessing the wisdom of the body
Mingyur Rinpoche - Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Tibetan Buddhist teacher Mingyur Rinpoche about how contemplative practice can lead us to awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
his involvement in early contemplative research;
translating concepts between Buddhism and science;
what Buddhists mean by "emptiness";
non-conceptual meditation, open presence and foundatio
Buju Dasgupta - Social Context & Implicit Bias
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social psychologist Buju Dasgupta about her work on implicit bias, and the role of social context in shaping the mind. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
her path to merging science and social justice;
the crucial role of social context in implicit bias;
the malleability of implicit bias & the "wallpaper" of the mind;
how scientists measure unconsc
Larry Barsalou - Habits of Mind
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive psychologist Larry Barsalou about his work on grounded cognition, concepts, stress, and habits. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
a historical look at how psychology has viewed and studied the mind;
simulation and prediction in the brain;
what a concept is, and benefits and harms they can bring;
stereotypes, implicit bias, and how we mig
Sona Dimidjian - Bringing Relationship into Research
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and contemplative researcher Sona Dimidjian. Sona's career has focused on using contemplative practices to improve mental health, with a focus on systems of inequality. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
her path to contemplative practice and research;
using collaborative teams in science to reduce bias;
how she applies mindf
John Dunne - At the Crossroads of Buddhism and Science
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar John Dunne. John has interfaced with contemplative scientists for over two decades to help advance rigorous research on meditation by incorporating a nuanced Buddhist perspective. They touch on many topics, including:
his path to integrating Buddhism and science, and the early days of contemplative research;
defining "meditation" for research pur
Eric Garland - Working with Addiction & Pain
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical researcher and psychotherapist Eric Garland. Eric has spent his career developing effective ways to use mindfulness and other contemplative approaches for problems like addiction and chronic pain. Their conversation covers many topics, including:
how early mystical experiences led him to a contemplative path;
the power of meditation to heal and restore w
Anne Klein - The Wisdom of the Body
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and teacher Anne Klein. They speak about the role of the body in practice and transformation, and touch on many topics, including:
her interest in Buddhism as a lens on the mind;
the role of the body in contemplative practice;
the dangers of not being embodied;
microphenomenology;
Eastern conceptions of the subtle/energy body;
the construction of
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