The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
- Épisodes
- 100
- Parution
- mensuelle
- Dernier épisode
- 20 Oct 2026
À propos du podcast
Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more. Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes. At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app. Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men's Health.
Épisodes 100
#118: Self-Compassion, Shame & the Inner Critic - Kristin Neff, PhD
Psychologist and pioneering self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff returns to the FitMind Podcast to explore how to work with shame, self-criticism, and difficult emotions in everyday life. We discuss how …
Notes de l’épisode
Psychologist and pioneering self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff returns to the FitMind Podcast to explore how to work with shame, self-criticism, and difficult emotions in everyday life.
We discuss how supportive touch can help calm the body's threat response, why self-compassion supports performance without lowering standards, and how it helps us take responsibility and repair relationships. Kristin also explains what to do when compassionate self-talk feels unnatural and leads a short guided self-compassion practice.
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Liam's book, Fit Mind, is now available! You can pick up a copy and learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org/
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Explore Kristin's work: https://self-compassion.org
Our first conversation with Kristin: https://fitmind.org/podcast/science-of-self-compassion
Join Dr. Kristin Neff for a guided meditation and live Q&A at an upcoming online Gathering. Use code FitMind to attend at no cost.
Reserve your spot: https://self-compassion.org/gatherings-with-kristin-public-events/
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Show Notes
1:11 | Introduction to Dr. Kristin Neff
2:54 | Supportive Touch & the Body's Threat Response
5:41 | Unconscious Processing & Emotional Safety
8:28 | Understanding Shame & the Need to Be Loved
12:44 | Why Shame Narrows Our Perspective
15:38 | Self-Compassion, Motivation & Athletic Performance
20:38 | Separating Self-Worth From Performance
24:21 | Taking Responsibility & Making Amends
28:51 | Setting Boundaries With Compassion
31:05 | When Self-Compassion Feels Fake
34:54 | Naming Emotions & Shifting Perspective
37:31 | Guided Self-Compassion Break
42:46 | Why the Goal Isn't Always to Feel Better
44:57 | Nature, Connection & Compassionate Awareness
46:30 | A 20-Second Self-Compassion Practice
49:49 | Recommended Books & Building Self-Trust
#117: Mental Fitness, Releasing & Lasting Bliss - Liam McClintock
FitMind founder Liam McClintock returns to the FitMind Podcast after several years of intensive meditation and monastic training to explore how his understanding of mental fitness has evolved, what he learned …
Notes de l’épisode
FitMind founder Liam McClintock returns to the FitMind Podcast after several years of intensive meditation and monastic training to explore how his understanding of mental fitness has evolved, what he learned from life as a Buddhist monk, and the practices he now considers most effective for creating lasting change in the mind.
Liam explains the distinction between mental health and mental fitness, why our brains are evolutionarily biased toward worry and dissatisfaction, and how predictive processing may help explain the way we construct our experience of reality. He connects modern neuroscience with the Buddhist principle of dependent origination and explores how meta-awareness can help us step out of habitual thoughts, emotions, and narratives.
The conversation also explores the practices at the center of Liam's current approach: releasing, loving-kindness meditation, and the 4Rs - Recognize, Release, Relish, and Remain. Liam and Josh discuss the difference between temporary "fit states" and lasting "fit traits," jhana and the neuroscience of internally generated bliss, and how developing deeper sources of well-being may loosen our dependence on external rewards.
Liam also reflects on his time with the Shipibo in the Amazon, what he learned from his teacher Bhante Vimalaramsi, how to create a healthier "mental diet," and why forgiveness may be one of the most powerful mental reps we can practice. The episode closes with Liam sharing his vision for the next chapter of FitMind and building a community around deeper meditation practice.
Topics include:
- Mental fitness, evolutionary negativity bias, and the predictive mind
- Predictive processing, dependent origination, and meta-awareness
- Fit states vs. fit traits and creating lasting inner change
- Releasing, metta meditation, and the 4Rs
- Jhana, internally generated bliss, and the brain's reward system
- Lessons from the Shipibo and Bhante Vimalaramsi
- Mental diet, forgiveness, and the future of FitMind
A wide-ranging conversation for anyone interested in meditation, mental fitness, neuroscience, consciousness, Buddhist practice, or developing a more lasting form of well-being.
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Liam's book, Fit Mind, is now available! You can pick up a copy and learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org/
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Timestamps
0:00 | Predictive Processing, Meditation & the Future of FitMind
1:35 | Introduction: Liam McClintock Returns
2:49 | Welcome Back to the FitMind Podcast
3:19 | From Finance to Meditation & Buddhist Monkhood
7:41 | Mental Health vs. Mental Fitness
11:26 | Why the Brain Is Wired for Negativity
14:10 | Predictive Processing & the Predictive Mind
15:57 | Dependent Origination, Narratives & Meta-Awareness
33:58 | Why Success and Wealth Don't Create Happiness
38:45 | Fit States vs. Lasting Fit Traits
42:23 | Liam's Current Approach to Meditation
43:29 | Releasing, Metta & the 4Rs
50:54 | Jhana & the Neuroscience of Bliss
56:23 | Internal Bliss & Our Dependence on External Rewards
1:00:03 | Lessons From the Shipibo in the Amazon
1:06:35 | Monkhood & Training With Bhante Vimalaramsi
1:13:41 | Building a Healthier Mental Diet
1:19:08 | A 60-Second Mental Rep: Forgiveness
1:20:37 | Fit Mind & Making the Practice Part of Your Life
1:26:08 | The Future of FitMind, Community & Retreats
#116: Taoism & the Neuroscience of the Self - Dr. Aldrich Chan
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins the FitMind Podcast to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, and what these fields can teach us about our …
Notes de l’épisode
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins the FitMind Podcast to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, and what these fields can teach us about our growing sense of disconnection from nature.
Drawing from his book 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return, Aldrich explains his theory of separation, alienation, and discord, and how capacities that helped humans survive—such as abstract thinking, mental time travel, and a strong sense of self—may also contribute to some of the challenges of modern life.
The conversation explores the default mode network and our perception of time, the neuroscience of meditation and self-transcendence, and the Taoist idea of our "original nature." Aldrich also discusses nothingness as a space of possibility rather than a void, the relationship between wu wei and flow states, how to work more skillfully with stress and uncertainty, and why play and spontaneity remain important throughout adulthood.
Topics include:
- The intersection of Taoism, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology
- Separation, alienation, and modern evolutionary mismatch
- The default mode network, thinking, and our perception of time
- Meditation, self-transcendence, and "original nature"
- Taoist nothingness and creating space for difficult experiences
- Wu wei, Tai Chi, and the neuroscience of flow
- Eustress and the difference between productive and overwhelming stress
- Working with uncertainty through curiosity rather than threat
- Why play, spontaneity, and intuition matter for well-being
A wide-ranging conversation for anyone interested in meditation, consciousness, neuroscience, Taoist philosophy, or how we might live in greater alignment with our minds, bodies, and the natural world.
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Liam's book, Fit Mind, is now available! You can pick up a copy and learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
-------- Timestamps0:00 | Original Nature, Selflessness & Consciousness
0:51 | Introduction to Dr. Aldrich Chan
1:56 | From Neuroscience to Taoism
8:18 | The SAD Theory: Separation, Alienation & Discord
15:38 | Evolutionary Mismatch & Modern Isolation
19:46 | The Default Mode Network, Time & Meditation
24:23 | The Neuroscience of "Original Nature"
32:13 | Self-Transcendence Without Losing Function
34:33 | Meditation vs. Psychedelic States
37:04 | Taoist Nothingness & the Uncarved Wood
42:08 | Creating Space for Difficult Emotions
44:14 | Tai Chi, Wu Wei & Flow States
49:54 | Eustress & Dynamic Equilibrium
57:52 | Dr. Chan's Stillness Meditation Practice
1:00:30 | How to Work With Uncertainty
1:06:25 | Reframing Mental Health & Evolutionary Mismatch
1:10:07 | Why Play Matters
1:12:48 | The Seven Principles as Invitations
1:14:24 | Dr. Chan's Book & Where to Find His Work
#115: Meditation Beyond the Brain - Idil Sezer, PhD
Neuroscientist Idil Sezer joins the FitMind Podcast to explore what meditation changes beyond the brain. She explains how meditation may influence attention, emotional regulation, pain, brain–heart …
Notes de l’épisode
Neuroscientist Idil Sezer joins the FitMind Podcast to explore what meditation changes beyond the brain. She explains how meditation may influence attention, emotional regulation, pain, brain–heart communication, and our fundamental sense of self.
The conversation also explores the difference between long-term and advanced meditators, unusual cardiovascular patterns observed during deep meditation, and how virtual reality may help researchers study embodiment, nondual awareness, and the boundaries of the self.
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Liam's book, Fit Mind, is now available! You can pick up a copy and learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
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Show Notes
0:00 | Introducing Idil Sezer, PhD 2:11 | From Clinical Neuroscience to Meditation Research 3:58 | Why Meditation Is a Unique Tool for Training the Mind 5:21 | Meditation Beyond Relaxation and Performance 7:27 | What Different Meditation Traditions Change in the Brain 10:03 | The Nervous System and Meditation's Effects on the Heart 11:01 | Cardiac Spectral Peaks in Advanced Meditators 16:54 | Brain–Heart Communication and Holistic Neuroscience 18:13 | Long-Term vs. Advanced Meditators 20:25 | Mental Health, Pain Relief, and Neuroprotection 22:09 | Meditation, Gut Health, Epigenetics, and Cellular Memory 28:23 | Predicting Who Responds to VR Anxiety Interventions 38:17 | Using Virtual Reality to Investigate the Sense of Self 44:21 | Nondual Awareness and the Future of Meditation Research 49:22 | Finding the Meditation Practice That Works for You
#114: Mindfulness, Medicine & the Biology of Stress - Dr. Craig Hassed
Mindfulness, Medicine & the Biology of Stress explores how meditation can change our relationship to stress, support the body's natural healing systems, and help us live with more presence, compassion, and …
Notes de l’épisode
Mindfulness, Medicine & the Biology of Stress explores how meditation can change our relationship to stress, support the body's natural healing systems, and help us live with more presence, compassion, and ease.
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with Craig Hassed, MD, physician, educator, and mindfulness expert, to examine the science and practice of mind-body medicine. Drawing from decades of clinical work, teaching, and contemplative practice, Craig explains how chronic stress creates physiological wear and tear in the body, known as allostatic load, and why learning to return to the present moment can have effects far beyond feeling calmer.
The conversation explores how mindfulness may influence inflammation, immune function, gene expression, and biological aging, including research on telomeres and the body's stress circuitry. Craig also discusses why informal mindfulness in daily life may be just as important as formal meditation practice, especially when we are caught in worry, pressure, or mental projections about the future.
Topics include:
- How mindfulness became part of the medical curriculum at Monash University
- Why chronic stress creates wear and tear on the body
- What allostatic load means for health and aging
- How meditation may affect inflammation, immunity, and gene expression
- The relationship between mindfulness and telomeres
- Why presence can improve focus, performance, and flow
- The difference between empathy, empathic distress, and compassion
- Why compassion may protect against burnout
- How mindfulness can support doctors, patients, students, and everyday life
- The question of consciousness and whether it may be more fundamental than matter
A practical and wide-ranging conversation for anyone interested in the medical science of mindfulness, the biology of stress, or how contemplative practice can support resilience, compassion, and human flourishing.
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Liam's book, Fit Mind, is now available! You can pick up a copy and learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
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Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Craig Hassed 3:23 | Discovering meditation without a teacher 9:18 | Bringing mindfulness into clinical medicine 10:21 | Teaching mindfulness to medical students 15:10 | How chronic stress affects the body 15:56 | Understanding allostatic load 20:57 | Epigenetics, inflammation, and immune function 22:42 | Meditation, telomeres, and biological aging 26:17 | How much meditation is enough? 29:18 | Formal practice vs. mindfulness in daily life 31:17 | The growth of mindfulness research 36:54 | The ESSENCE model of health 38:56 | Choosing the right meditation practice 41:47 | How the mind creates unnecessary stress 45:21 | Mindfulness, performance, and flow states 51:21 | Mindfulness education and human flourishing 52:40 | Technology, isolation, and genuine connection 1:00:43 | Empathy, empathic distress, and compassion 1:01:42 | Why compassion may protect against burnout 1:06:16 | Is consciousness more fundamental than matter? 1:07:10 | Can consciousness be scientifically measured? 1:08:33 | Craig's daily practice and rapid-fire questions 1:09:15 | Final thoughts
#113: Zen & the Science of Living Well - Robert Waldinger, MD
Zen & the Science of Living Well with Robert Waldinger, MD explores what the longest-running study of adult life reveals about happiness, health, connection, and the many different ways a meaningful life can …
Notes de l’épisode
Zen & the Science of Living Well with Robert Waldinger, MD explores what the longest-running study of adult life reveals about happiness, health, connection, and the many different ways a meaningful life can unfold.
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with Robert Waldinger, MD, psychiatrist, Zen teacher, and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, to examine what actually helps people thrive over the course of a lifetime. Drawing from more than eight decades of research, Robert explains why strong relationships are one of the clearest predictors of long-term health and happiness, and how loneliness can affect the body through chronic stress, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation.
The conversation also explores the overlap between psychotherapy, lifespan research, and Zen practice. Robert discusses why there is no single formula for a good life, how the mind fills in the blanks when faced with uncertainty, and why equanimity is not emotional suppression, but a wiser relationship to reactivity.
Topics include:
- How the Harvard Study of Adult Development tracks happiness across a lifetime
- Why relationships are deeply linked to health and longevity
- How loneliness can become a chronic stressor in the body
- The difference between solitude and loneliness
- What people most often regret near the end of life
- How Zen and psychology both reveal the stories the mind creates
- Practical ways to build "social fitness" in everyday life
A grounded, expansive conversation for anyone interested in the science of happiness, the health effects of connection, or how contemplative practice can help us live with more presence, meaning, and care.
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Liam's upcoming book, Fit Mind, is now available for preorder. You can learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
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Show Notes
0:00 | Merging Zen, science, and psychotherapy
3:18 | Breaking the silence on personal spiritual practice
6:12 | Overview of the Harvard Study of Adult Development
9:53 | How chronic loneliness breaks down physical health
13:09 | Evolutionary biology of group connection and safety
15:10 | Many paths to a good life: unconventional contentment
19:17 | Vulnerability and the myth of the self-made man
21:35 | Research-backed strategies for building new friendships
24:23 | End-of-life regrets and sources of pride
26:08 | Resume values vs. eulogy values
28:02 | Noticing and transforming internal self-criticism
32:52 | The WISER model for slowing down social reactions
39:32 | Equanimity: feeling deeply without reactive explosion
42:11 | Subjective loneliness vs. the contentment of solitude
48:23 | Practical exercises: gratitude, subtraction, and nature
51:44 | Social fitness and the impact of digital habits
55:52 | The future of human connection in the age of AI
1:01:21 | Closing reflections and the upcoming book Nothing to Fix
#112: The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science - John Dunne, PhD
The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science with John Dunne, PhD explores how our sense of identity is constructed moment by moment, drawing on Buddhist philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative …
Notes de l’épisode
The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science with John Dunne, PhD explores how our sense of identity is constructed moment by moment, drawing on Buddhist philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practice to explain why thoughts feel real and how seeing through them can fundamentally change our experience.
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with John Dunne, PhD—a leading scholar-practitioner bridging ancient wisdom and modern science—to examine the nature of mind, self, and awareness. Rather than treating thoughts as accurate reflections of reality, John frames them as useful but often misleading constructions shaped by the brain's attempt to predict and navigate the world.
We explore how meditation helps us "de-reify" thoughts—seeing them as mental events rather than truths—and why this shift may be central to reducing anxiety and depression. John also breaks down non-dual traditions like Mahamudra and Dzogchen, offering a clear lens into practices aimed not at changing experience, but at recognizing its underlying nature.
Topics include:
- How the brain constructs a sense of self through predictive models
- Why thoughts feel real and how to see through them
- The role of meditation in shifting our relationship to thinking
- Differences between gradual and non-dual approaches to practice
- What "effortless awareness" means and why it matters
- Scientific insights from studying advanced meditators
A grounded, intellectually rich conversation for anyone interested in understanding the mind more clearly, working with difficult thoughts, or exploring the intersection of neuroscience and contemplative practice.
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Liam's upcoming book, Fit Mind, is now available for preorder. You can learn more at fitmind.org/book.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
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Show Notes
0:00 | From astronaut dreams to inner exploration 2:40 | Introducing John Dunne and his background 5:30 | Identity crisis and discovering meditation 9:30 | Early practice: Vipassana, metta, and analytical meditation 14:30 | Questioning reality and the nature of self 19:30 | Concepts, language, and why thoughts feel real 25:30 | How the mind constructs identity moment to moment 31:30 | Mahamudra and Dzogchen: gradual vs non-dual paths 38:30 | Effort vs effortlessness in meditation 45:00 | Anxiety, depression, and predictive processing 50:30 | De-reification: seeing thoughts as thoughts 56:30 | Watching the mind vs being lost in it 1:01:30 | Brain studies with advanced meditators 1:07:00 | Non-dual awareness and "always-on" presence 1:12:30 | What enlightenment is (and isn't) 1:17:30 | Tukdam and the mystery of consciousness at death 1:22:30 | Science, meditation, and open questions 1:25:30 | Closing reflections
#111: The Future of Meditation: AI, Neurofeedback, & VR - Steve Haberlin, PhD
Meditation is evolving. New technologies like neurofeedback, virtual reality, and AI are beginning to intersect with ancient contemplative practices, raising an important question: can technology help people …
Notes de l’épisode
Meditation is evolving.
New technologies like neurofeedback, virtual reality, and AI are beginning to intersect with ancient contemplative practices, raising an important question: can technology help people learn meditation more effectively?
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we speak with Steve Haberlin, PhD, researcher, meditator, and author of Meta Meditation for Mental Health, about the emerging world of tech-assisted meditation.
Steve explains why most people stop using meditation apps within the first month, how neurofeedback devices can provide real-time feedback about mental states, and how AI may soon create highly personalized meditation training. We also explore what virtual reality adds to meditation, and why different meditation techniques affect the brain in different ways.
Throughout the conversation, Steve emphasizes the importance of balance. Technology may help more people access meditation, but the core practices that have been refined over thousands of years still remain essential.
Topics include:
- How neurofeedback devices provide real-time feedback during meditation
- Why most people stop using meditation apps within the first month
- How VR meditation creates presence and reduces distraction
- What an AI meditation teacher might look like in the future
- Why different meditation techniques affect the brain differently
- How technology can enhance practice without replacing traditional methods
A thoughtful conversation about the future of meditation and how ancient wisdom and modern technology may work together to make mental training more accessible, personalized, and effective.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Neuroscience, meditation, and real-time feedback 1:23 | Introducing Steve Haberlin 2:46 | Steve's meditation journey and early practice 8:12 | What "meta meditation" means 9:19 | Why most people quit meditation apps 12:28 | What neuroscience reveals about meditation 15:51 | State vs trait change in long-term meditators 18:03 | Can technology shorten the meditation learning curve? 20:52 | What VR adds to meditation practice 23:21 | The rise of AI meditation teachers 27:00 | Using AI to design personalized meditation practices 30:25 | Why personalization matters in meditation 33:26 | Neurofeedback and learning meditation in real time 39:35 | The pitfalls of tech-assisted meditation 46:11 | Balancing traditional meditation with new technology 47:50 | Practical approaches for focus and anxiety 51:07 | Future innovations in meditation technology 54:42 | Balancing ancient wisdom with emerging tools 55:49 | Steve's book and closing reflections
#110: Rites of Passage & the Wisdom in Collapse - Linda Thai
Rites of Passage & the Wisdom in Collapse explores how personal crisis can function as initiation, drawing on contemplative practice, psychology, and wisdom traditions to explain why avoiding discomfort often …
Notes de l’épisode
Rites of Passage & the Wisdom in Collapse explores how personal crisis can function as initiation, drawing on contemplative practice, psychology, and wisdom traditions to explain why avoiding discomfort often deepens suffering and why meeting it skillfully can transform us.
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with Linda Thai, therapist and meditation teacher, to examine what it means to grow up as individuals and as a culture. Rather than viewing breakdown as failure, Linda frames it as a descent — a necessary stripping away of outdated identities and rigid patterns that allows for integration and renewal.
We explore how modern life has largely removed meaningful rites of passage, how this absence contributes to addiction, burnout, and disconnection, and why surrender is often misunderstood. Linda describes maturation as a shift from avoidance to discernment, from compulsive striving toward restraint, reciprocity, and community.
Topics include:
- How rites of passage traditionally supported psychological development
- Why avoiding pain often becomes the source of suffering
- The parallels between personal collapse and collective crisis
- The difference between hustle culture and nourishment
- How community supports skillful engagement with discomfort
A grounded, reflective conversation for anyone navigating transition, identity shifts, or collective uncertainty and for those interested in how maturity develops through discomfort rather than in spite of it.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Collapse, initiation, and why maturity matters 1:20 | Introducing Linda Thai 2:58 | Identity, displacement, and belonging 6:45 | Alaska, Buddhism, and discovering interdependent happiness 12:16 | From practice to vocation 17:46 | Addiction, avoidance, and sitting with discomfort 19:34 | Rites of passage and confronting shadow 24:30 | Rough initiations and collective descent 31:17 | Are retreats modern rites of passage? 33:40 | Vipassana and observing the thinking mind 36:29 | The wisdom in collapse 41:05 | Community, addiction, and modern disconnection 42:16 | Nourishment vs hustle culture 46:38 | What a nourished life looks like 50:33 | Suffering with grace 51:19 | Intention and living into maturity 52:37 | You can't think your way into a new way of living 53:19 | Closing reflections
#109: The Science of Letting Go - Shawn Prest
The Science of Letting Go explores how meditation works in the brain, drawing on neuroscience, predictive processing, and contemplative science to explain how letting go reduces stress, softens self-related …
Notes de l’épisode
The Science of Letting Go explores how meditation works in the brain, drawing on neuroscience, predictive processing, and contemplative science to explain how letting go reduces stress, softens self-related thinking, and changes perception over time.
In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with PhD researcher Shawn Prest from Monash University about what's actually happening under the hood when we meditate. Rather than framing letting go as a vague emotional release, Shawn describes it as a measurable shift in how the brain assigns confidence to its highest-level models, including the sense of self.
They explore how the brain functions as a prediction system, why excessive certainty can create mental tension and suffering, and how meditation helps loosen rigid patterns by shifting perception toward more direct sensory experience. These changes can support greater equanimity, reduced reactivity, and long-term improvements in well-being.
Topics include:
How meditation changes self-related brain activity
What "letting go" means from a neuroscience perspective
The difference between insight-based and absorption-based meditation paths
Why equanimity feels relieving rather than dull or passive
A grounded, science-forward conversation for anyone curious about how meditation really works and why letting go can reduce suffering.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro and why study the mechanics of meditation
4:40 | From meditator to researcher
9:10 | The brain as a prediction machine
14:20 | Valence, well-being, and suffering
18:50 | Why computational models matter
24:30 | Hierarchies in the brain
31:10 | What letting go actually is
37:40 | Why letting go feels relieving
43:50 | Mental tension vs physical tension
49:30 | Modeling letting go computationally
55:50 | Applying letting go on a stressful day
1:02:30 | Trauma, caution, and meditation
1:09:20 | Jhana and insight paths
1:18:40 | Cessation and lasting change
1:27:30 | Equanimity as perception
1:34:40 | The future science of awakening
#108: The Ethics of Meditation - Nicholas Van Dam, PhD
Clinical psychologist and contemplative science researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam joins us to explore the ethics of meditation and what scientific research reveals about how contemplative practices actually work …
Notes de l’épisode
Clinical psychologist and contemplative science researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam joins us to explore the ethics of meditation and what scientific research reveals about how contemplative practices actually work. He examines how much practice is needed to see meaningful change, why challenging experiences can arise, and what current methods can and cannot reliably measure.
We discuss the importance of informed consent in meditation, the role of wisdom traditions alongside modern science, and why honesty and nuance are essential as these practices enter mental health, education, and digital platforms. Dr. Van Dam also shares how contemplative science can support deeper understanding, responsibility, and care as meditation becomes more widely adopted.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Science, wisdom traditions, and the modern search for meaning
1:46 | Introducing Nicholas Van Dam and the ethics of contemplative science
3:00 | Early life, religious roots, and the path into meditation research
5:35 | From brain science to real-world mental health impact
7:30 | Building an agnostic contemplative research centre in Australia
13:10 | Ethics, bias, and responsibility in meditation research
17:00 | Translating between science and wisdom traditions
20:45 | How much meditation is enough? What dose-response research shows
26:45 | Challenging meditation experiences and informed consent
33:00 | The "missing middle": maps, stages, and what comes after beginner programs
40:50 | Equanimity, emotion, and tensions with modern life and values
52:45 | Engagement vs efficacy: why some practices are easier to sustain
1:03:00 | Retreats, daily practice, sleep, and intensity trade-offs
1:13:00 | Neuroplasticity and the limits of brain-based explanations
1:17:15 | Neurofeedback, psychedelics, and the ethics of shortcuts
1:24:15 | Mapping inner experience and the future of contemplative science
1:32:15 | AI, teachers, and scaling wisdom without losing depth
1:38:20 | The future of contemplative science and FitMind's role
1:45:21 | Where to learn more
Contemplative Studies Centre Website: https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/CSC
Nicholas Van Dam's Personal Website: https://www.nicholastvandam.com
#107: The Science of Human Connection - Dr. Tania Singer
Social neuroscientist Dr. Tania Singer joins us to explore the science of empathy, compassion, and the plasticity of the social brain. She breaks down why empathy and compassion are entirely different neural …
Notes de l’épisode
Social neuroscientist Dr. Tania Singer joins us to explore the science of empathy, compassion, and the plasticity of the social brain. She breaks down why empathy and compassion are entirely different neural states, what her research with Buddhist monks revealed, and why compassion, not empathy, is the more resilient response to suffering.
We discuss the ReSource Project's surprising findings, including why interpersonal "dyadic" practices reduce social stress far better than solo meditation. Dr. Singer also shares how these practices are being brought into schools, healthcare, and even economic thinking to help create a more caring society.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
00:00 | Empathy vs. Compassion: Understanding the Brain Networks
02:57 | The Journey into Social Neuroscience
06:15 | Landmark Studies on Empathy and Pain
10:50 | Compassion: A Deeper Understanding
14:32 | The Resource Project: Mental Training Programs
20:47 | Dyadic Practices: Enhancing Social Connection
24:34 | Cortisol Levels and Social Stress
28:40 | Implementing Programs in Education and Healthcare
34:14 | Caring Economics: A New Vision for Society
40:49 | Where to Find Dr. Singer's Courses
Dr. Singer's Website: https://taniasinger.de
#106: Multitasking Myths, Focus & Real-World Brain Health - Therese Huston, PhD
Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of …
Notes de l’épisode
Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she explains why multitasking quietly erodes attention and memory and what to do instead.
We explore simple, realistic habits that help your mind function at its best: 20-minute single-task blocks, 40 Hz binaural beats for deep focus, and a brief 5-2-7 breathing technique that can quickly calm the nervous system. Dr. Huston also highlights how aerobic movement, dance, and social connection drive neurogenesis and long-term brain vitality.
If you've ever felt scattered, stressed, or mentally drained, this episode offers grounded science and clear tools for regaining clarity and calm in daily life.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
00:00 | Intro to Dr. Therese Huston
07:45 | Wellness overwhelm and how she filters research into usable habits
10:06 | Why "practical" matters more than trendy protocols
12:20 | The multitasking myth: short-term mood boost, long-term costs
17:09 | Live demo: single-tasking vs alternating tasks
19:40 | Errors, brain activity, and stress during multitasking
21:51 | Escaping the multitasking loop with timers and clear agreements
24:30 | Focus tools: how to use 40 Hz binaural beats
28:47 | Why multitasking feels productive and how to reframe arousal
32:33 | Before a talk: "excited, not anxious" and stress-as-fuel
36:03 | Guided 5-2-7 breathing and what it does in the body
41:18 | CO₂, vagus nerve, and decision quality after breath cycles
43:19 | Rethinking "amygdala hijack" and protecting prefrontal control
48:18 | BDNF, neurogenesis, and an aerobic exercise target for memory
51:24 | Dance, social connection, and brain longevity
52:53 | Quick fire: myths to ditch and personal focus resets
54:45 | Exercise snacks and team culture ideas
#105: Freediving & Mental Mastery - Will Trubridge
World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance. In this episode, he explains how breathwork …
Notes de l’épisode
World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance.
In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and what he calls the "mental immune system" can help us face fear, build resilience, and expand awareness.
Discover how lessons from the deep sea translate into a healthier, more conscious life on land.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
00:00 | Intro to Will Trubridge
01:21 | Will's Background & Early Freediving
04:59 | Role of Breathwork
09:43 | Physiological Adaptations Underwater
14:16 | Overcoming Fear and Mental Barriers
19:41 | Consciousness in Freediving
26:23 | Parallels to Meditation
31:59 | Limits of the Mind
39:56 | The Mental Immune System
43:59 | Practical Mental Techniques
50:26 | Applying Freediving Lessons to Life
54:53 | Science of Freediving
1:01:31 | Mind-Body Connection
1:09:41 | Awareness Training & Breathwork Exercises
1:14:59 | Closing Insights
Website: https://www.williamtrubridge.com
Mental Immune System: https://mentalimmunesystem.com
#104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns …
Notes de l’épisode
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions?
In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and store information in ways strikingly similar to brain cells.
We explore:
Why memory may not be limited to the brain
What sea slugs can teach us about human cognition
How prediction and perception shape our sense of self
The parallels between AI and biological intelligence
Whether trauma could be "stored" in cells outside the nervous system
Dr. Kukushkin's work suggests we rethink intelligence, not as something exclusive to the brain, but as a fundamental property of life.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD
5:10 | Memory in Seaslugs
10:25 | Cells Can Recognize Patterns
20:28 | Memory Defined
23:02 | Do Cells Store Trauma?
30:40 | Treatment for Neurological Conditions
38:40 | Brain & Memory Connection
42:25 | Optimal Interval for Superior Memory
44:52 | Layering of Predictions
50:35 | AI Inspired by Neuronal Behavior
52:27 | Cellular Cognition & Memory
54:47 | Intelligence of Non-Brain Cells
58:38 | Consciousness in Microtubules
1:06:15 | Where to Follow His Work
Website: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com
One Hand Clapping Book: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/press-1
Follow on X: https://x.com/niko_kukushkin
#103: The Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchrist
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left …
Notes de l’épisode
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain's dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality.
We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work with biologist Mike Levin on emergence and form.
This episode combines neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality, inviting a shift toward a more balanced and integrated perspective on the world.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Iain McGilchrist
2:09 | Attention in Left & Right Brain
17:00 | How the Left Brain Came to Dominate
19:08 | Brain Hemispheres & Happiness
25:25 | Why Right Brain is the True Master
34:30 | Great Truths
35:19 | Morality of Attention
41:44 | Explaining Sacred
45:12 | Shortcomings of Language
51:28 | Distinct vs. Divided
56:20 | Balancing Brain Hemispheres
1:06:31 | Sense of Self & Relations
1:12:15 | Mirror Neurons
1:14:32 | Walking for Fluidity of Thought
1:23:34 | Consciousness Theory
1:31:07 | Water Analogy
1:35:52 | Work with Mike Levin
1:46:22 | Where to Follow His Work
Substack: https://iainmcgilchrist.substack.com/
Website: https://channelmcgilchrist.com
#102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhD
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore …
Notes de l’épisode
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health.
We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive inner voice.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to Dr. Kristin Neff
3:52 | Compassion vs. Empathy
8:12 | 3 Core Components of Self-Compassion
13:52 | Role of Personal Responsibility
16:52 | Healthier Alternative to Self-Esteem
20:07 | Common Misconceptions
23:16 | Learning, Flow & Performance
28:32 | How Self-Compassion Impacts Others
31:40 | Physical Touch
33:42 | Depression, Anxiety & Grief
41:14 | Steps to Cultivate Self-Compassion
46:00 | Self-Compassion Break (Exercise)
55:13 | Forgiveness
1:01:06 | Taking Action
1:02:48 | Explore more resources from Dr. Neff at 🔗 self-compassion.org
#101: Movement as Meditation - George Thompson
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only …
Notes de l’épisode
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing.
From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives.
We discuss:
- How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain
- Breath and body awareness as daily meditation
- Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness
- Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner "parts"
- Why facing life's challenges with integrity is the real practice
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to George Thompson
9:58 | Meeting Master Gu
12:56 | Tai Chi Training
15:45 | Healing Knee Pain
20:12 | Breath Awareness Exercise
22:09 | How Taichi Transforms Thought
29:40 | Emptiness Described
34:10 | Taoist Origin Story of the Universe
38:26 | Patterns
41:55 | Daily Practices
47:58 Breathwork Practices
50:04 | Applying Daily Mindfulness
56:10 | Internal Family Systems - Labeling Parts
57:47 | Documentary Message & Inspiration
1:01:02 | Consciousness
1:10:00 | Facing Challenges
1:15:33 | Life of Service & Integrity
1:21:25 | Where to Find More on George
🎥 Watch George's documentary "The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM
🌿 Learn more about George's retreats and teachings: https://www.balanceispossible.com/ & https://www.taoistwellness.online/
#100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhD
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as "sensory …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy.
Often misunderstood and mislabeled as "sensory deprivation," Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what's truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset.
We explore Dr. Feinstein's pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety.
Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance.
Whether you're new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD
2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment
18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating
20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation
31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity
43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation
47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last
52:29 | Floating & Meditation
54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences
58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating
1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System
1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank
1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention
1:24:17 | Respiration
1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/
#99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Philippe Douyon, MD
This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience. We discuss the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize …
Notes de l’épisode
This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience.
We discuss the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life.
Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive function.
Key strategies for brain health, including diet, fasting, exercise, and lifelong learning, are explored, along with neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chronic stress.
Practical approaches to mental fitness and stress management highlight how individuals can enhance cognitive resilience and take control of their brain health.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Philipe Douyon
4:18 | Neuroplasticity Explained
6:00 | Myths About Neuroplasticity
10:01 | Inherited Mindset
12:13 | Taking Charge of Your Brain
15:21 | Lifestyle Changes for Brain Health
23:50 | Fasting
26:55 | Diet
30:13 | Life-Long Learning
38:36 | Neurological Disorders: Strokes & Dementia
42:32 | Pseudo-Dementia
46:26 | Flow States
48:47 | Benefit of Learning New Things
53:55 | Role of Emotions
56:22 | Chronic Stress Management
1:06:41 | Rapid Fire Questions
#98: Connection & the Mind - Adam Dorsay, PsyD
In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction.
The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fostering connection in personal relationships, work, and the natural world, offering strategies to enhance purpose and well-being.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Adam Dorsay
1:45 | 4 Types of Connection
10:02 | Neuroscience of Connection
21:09 | How to "Know Thyself"
25:44 | Vulnerability & Courage
29:24 | Connection to the World
39:50 | Amazement & Awe
49:00 | Connect to Your Work
59:59 | Effective Communication Strategy
#97: Predictive Processing & Ultimate Well-Being - Shamil Chandaria, PhD
In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being. He discusses the …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being.
He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise.
Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habitual thought patterns, offering a deeper awareness of how the brain shapes our experience and revealing profound insights into consciousness.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Shamil Chandaria
3:38 | Spiritual Awakening in Human Flourishing
4:31 | How the Brain Predicts Reality - Bayesian Brain Explained
9:26 | AI & the Human Brain
21:33 | Free Energy Principle in Wellbeing
37:30 | Befriending Difficult Emotions
43:30 | Boundless Awareness
54:00 | Effortless Action
57:17 | Psychedelics & Bayesian Brain
1:07:29 | Default Mode Network & Predictive Processing
1:13:12 | Gamma Brain Waves in Long-Term Meditators Research
#96: The Science of Forgiveness - Fred Luskin, PhD
Stanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing. He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to …
Notes de l’épisode
Stanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing.
He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to children and how adults can approach societal challenges with acceptance and meaning.
Luskin also introduces his 9 Steps to Forgiveness, a research-based framework for releasing resentment and fostering gratitude, offering listeners actionable tools for resilience and well-being.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Fred Luskin
3:23 | Link to 30 Days of Meditation, Science & Bliss course: https://bit.ly/30-day-course
3:33 | Forgiveness is the Forgotten Step
5:44 | Forgiveness Defined
12:30 | Resolving Grievances
16:22 | Choosing Where to Put Your Attention
18:50 | Grief Precedes Forgiveness
26:40 | Power of Forgiveness Anecdotes
38:40 | 9 Steps to Forgiveness
46:11 | Revenge is a Life Well Lived
51:49 | Repainting Your Life Picture
59:02 | Modeling Forgiveness for Children
1:06:00 | Forgiveness of Global Issues
1:10:40 | Next Steps
#95: Mental Wellness & Monk Training - Andrew Litchy, ND
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Litchy recounts his journey from life as a monk to becoming a naturopathic doctor. He shares his insights on how meditation helped him manage ADHD and how it has become integral to …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Litchy recounts his journey from life as a monk to becoming a naturopathic doctor.
He shares his insights on how meditation helped him manage ADHD and how it has become integral to both his personal life and professional practice.
The conversation spans topics from the daily life of a monk and the experience of ordination to practical tips on integrating mindfulness into a busy life.
Dr. Litchy also discusses practical strategies for training the mind in a hectic world and provides top wellness tips, making this episode a rich resource for anyone interested in meditation and holistic health.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Andrew Litchy
9:02 | ADHD in Meditation
12:18 | How Meditation Clicked
13:25 | Straight Mindful Vipassana
19:05 | Jhanas Defined
23:42 | Experience of Ordaining as a Monk
27:40 | Day in the Life of a Monk
45:25 | From Monk to Med School
47:20 | Study on Meditation and HRV
55:20 | How to Train the Mind in a Busy Life
1:02:14 | Sticky Notes
1:10:17 | Homebase for the Mind
1:13:32 | "Waking From the Dream"
1:21:10 | Time Is a Construct
1:25:44 | Meditation Training for Children
1:31:05 | Top Wellness Tips
1:36:40 | Most Common Problems Treated in a Naturopathic Doctor's Office
#94: Exploring Consciousness & Deep Awareness - Doug Kraft
How does the mind shape our reality? What happens when the conceptual mind turns off? The answers might be found in the depths of meditation. Doug Kraft has delved into the complexities of the mind from various …
Notes de l’épisode
How does the mind shape our reality? What happens when the conceptual mind turns off?
The answers might be found in the depths of meditation.
Doug Kraft has delved into the complexities of the mind from various perspectives: as a psychotherapist, writer, minister, meditation teacher, and through the lenses of bio-energetics and neuroscience.
In this episode, we discuss consciousness and the mind's role in constructing our reality. We explore how to train our brains to achieve lasting contentment.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Introduction to Doug Kraft
1:20 | Home Retreat Experience
8:15 | Dependent Origination
14:23 | What is Consciousness?
23:31 | How the Mind Constructs Reality
36:24 | The Man Who Lost $100,000
45:04 | Exercise for Glimpsing Deep Awareness
47:48 | Practice Insight - Redirecting Attention
LINKS
- Doug's website: https://easingawake.com/
- Doug's retreat talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DutrLDZo1Yk&t=2403s
#93: Neuroplasticity, Meditation & the Predictive Brain - Ruben Laukkonen, PhD
How does the brain work at its deepest levels? And to what extent can we radically upgrade it, creating neuroplastic changes? Ruben Laukkonen, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, contemplative, speaker, and …
Notes de l’épisode
How does the brain work at its deepest levels? And to what extent can we radically upgrade it, creating neuroplastic changes?
Ruben Laukkonen, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, contemplative, speaker, and poet.
His eclectic background includes competing semi-professionally in Muay Thai Kickboxing, founding two businesses (including the first online market for bitcoin in Australia), and intensive meditation training.
Dr. Laukkonen is currently a principal investigator and lecturer at Southern Cross University and holds honorary fellowships at VU Amsterdam and The University of Queensland. He uses methods such as behavior, neuroimaging, machine learning, and phenomenology to empirically investigate some of the rarest states of human consciousness.
This episode is a full tour of the mind, including a deep dive into some of those rare states of consciousness and what they reveal about achieving the highest levels of human happiness.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Introduction to Ruben Laukkonen, PhD
2:02 | Early Experience
10:45 | How the Mind Makes Itself
22:18 | Predictive Processing & Agitation
25:30 | Why There's Always Something Wrong
31:28 | Chain of Causality in the Mind
36:00 | The Mind Rebuilding After Deepest Levels of Meditation
38:25 | Meditation for Reconditioning the Mind
52:06 | Doing Nothing Very Well
53:14 | Stages of Meditation & Predictive Processing
1:08:28 | Cessation & Awakening Research
1:17:12 | Jhanas - Stages of Deconstruction
1:24:22 | Rapid Fire Questions
LINKS
#91: The Science of Creativity & Imagination - Anna Abraham, PhD
Dr. Anna Abraham is a psychologist and neuroscientist who investigates creativity and how we can optimize this key trait. She's also a leading scholar on the study of human imagination. On this episode, we …
Notes de l’épisode
Dr. Anna Abraham is a psychologist and neuroscientist who investigates creativity and how we can optimize this key trait. She's also a leading scholar on the study of human imagination.
On this episode, we discuss the key ingredients of a creative mind, how to become more creative, and how the brain can tell the difference between real and imaginary worlds.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Anna Abraham, PhD
1:44 | Imagination More Important Than Knowledge?
4:45 | Imagination Defined
7:53 | How We Experience Real vs. Imaginary Worlds
17:20 | Fiction Crossing Into Reality
21:35 | Overlap of Memory & Imagination
29:28 | Ingredients of a Creative Mind
42:08 | Ways to Build Creativity
48:35 | Predictors of Creativity
58:12 | Rapid Fire Questions
#90: Master of Sleep - Nick Littlehales
Nick Littlehales has been an elite sport recovery coach for nearly a quarter-century and is the bestselling author of Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and …
Notes de l’épisode
Nick Littlehales has been an elite sport recovery coach for nearly a quarter-century and is the bestselling author of Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind.
On this episode, we uncover the common myths and misunderstandings about sleep. We also discuss the circadian rhythm, chronotypes, polyphasic sleep, and treating sleep as recovery.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Nick Littlehales
1:42 | Sleep Tips
3:45 | Becoming a Sleep Coach
7:28 | How the Pros Optimize Sleep
9:38 | What to do Before You Sleep
19:36 | Understanding Circadian Rhythm
26:10 | Polyphasic Sleep: Importance of Naps
28:58 | 7 Key Sleep Recovery Indicators
37:27 | How to Improve Sleep
43:54 | Microrest
45:20 | Rapid Fire Questions
#89: Consciousness, Perception & Reality - Donald Hoffman, PhD
Donald Hoffman, PhD is a cognitive scientist and author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes. He is currently a professor at UC Irvine, where he studies consciousness, visual …
Notes de l’épisode
Donald Hoffman, PhD is a cognitive scientist and author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes.
He is currently a professor at UC Irvine, where he studies consciousness, visual perception and evolutionary psychology.
On this episode, we "take the red pill" and hear Dr. Hoffman's theory on why reality is not what it seems. He explains this complex topic by comparing reality to a user interface.
We discuss many topics, such as his mathematical theory of consciousness, questioning beliefs, and how the mind forms new mental models.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Donald Hoffman, PhD
2:23 | Why Reality Isn't as It Seems
7:30 | Reality as a User Interface
13:51 | Adapting to Evolving Technology
16:06 | Creating New Mental Models
18:31 | Moving Beyond Spacetime
23:06 | Consciousness is Fundamental
25:26 | Ancient Wisdom & Science of Consciousness
30:00 | Conversation with the Dalai Lama (starting at 54:40)
30:15 | Reality Transcends Concepts
36:39 | Questioning Beliefs
38:56 | A New Worldview
45:04 | Mathematical Theory of Consciousness
45:39 | Rapid Fire Questions
#88: Profound States of Mind - Andrew Holecek
Andrew Holecek is an author and meditation teacher with decades of intensive practice experience, including a 3-year silent retreat in the Tibetan tradition. Andrew's work combines ancient wisdom with modern …
Notes de l’épisode
Andrew Holecek is an author and meditation teacher with decades of intensive practice experience, including a 3-year silent retreat in the Tibetan tradition.
Andrew's work combines ancient wisdom with modern science.
We discuss the insights gained from his lengthy silent retreat, the 2 vectors of enlightenment, how our minds construct our realities, and much more.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Andrew Holecek
4:55 | In the Presence of Meditation Masters
10:10 | 3-Year Silent Retreat Experience
18:58 | Insights Gained from 3-Year Retreat
22:50 | Unsticking the Mind
30:06 | Enlightenment Defined
38:58 | Waking Up & Growing Up
44:23 | How Our Minds Construct Our Realities
54:20 | Deconstructing Mental Constructs
62:23 | Rapid Fire Questions
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