Chung Huong Institute Podcast

In this episode, we engage with Professor Malcolm Wright, an expert in marketing and mindful research, as he shares insights from his diverse career in cognitive science and mindfulness research. We explore the impact of trauma on behavior, emphasizing the need to confront rather than mask emotional triggers. Malcolm discusses how mindfulness can disrupt unproductive clinging behaviors, enhancing personal growth and decision-making processes. He highlights the importance of mindful data collection in marketing and warns of the complexities surrounding the integration of mindfulness into education, stressing the potential mental health implications. Throughout our conversation, Malcolm encourages a balance of academic rigor and innovative thought, providing resources for further exploration of his work at the nexus of marketing, mindfulness, and cognitive science.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Louis Hoffman, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association. We explore the complexities of mental health, emphasizing the importance of confronting suffering as a means of personal growth. Hoffman discusses the balance between humanistic ideals and existential challenges, highlighting self-awareness, community support, and the issue of therapist burnout. He advocates for integrating evidence-based practices in existential humanistic therapy and shares insights from his recent publications, inviting listeners to engage further in fostering personal and collective healing. This is a must-listen for the psychotherapist, psychologist, clinical counselor, or anyone seeking mental wellbeing. 0:07 Introduction to Mental Health Perspectives0:14 The Role of Humanistic Psychology5:55 Facing Pain and Suffering8:05 Finding Hope in Community9:57 Understanding Existential Crises19:22 The Power of Hope in Therapy23:39 Trusting Clients and Their Potential35:27 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices40:31 Rethinking Rigorous Research in Psychology42:04 How to find Dr. Louis HoffmanWho is Dr. Louis Hoffman? Louis Hoffman, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association and a psychologist in private practice. An avid writer, he authored/edited 28 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. His books include Case Formulation in Existential-Humanistic Therapy, The Evidence-Based Foundations of Existential-Humansitic Therapy, Becoming an Existential-Humanistic Therapist, Eros & Psyche: Existential Perspectives on Sexuality, and the forthcoming two volumes, the APA Handbook of Humanistic and Existential Psychology. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and 6 of its divisions (1, 10, 32, 36, 48, 52) for his contributions to professional psychology. In 2021, he received the Rollo May Award from the Society for Humanistic Psychology. Dr. Hoffman is the co-chair of the Fourth World Congress of Existential Therapy, which will be held in Denver/Aurora, Colorado June 3-6, 2026. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys bicycle riding, hiding, spending time with his dogs, poetry, and deep conversations with friends. 

In this episode, Ven. Tsering shares his experiences and insights as a Venerable monk, reflecting on the profound journey of monastic life and the motivations behind his ordination. Ven. Tsering explores the essential duality of wisdom and compassion in Buddhist teachings, emphasizing their importance in Tibetan Buddhist practice. The conversation explores the practical application of these principles in everyday life, encouraging listeners to cultivate awareness and acceptance in the face of challenges. Venerable clarifies the essence of karma as rooted in intention, and I provide an overview of the four main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism while connecting his practice to the Sakya lineage. He discusses the transformative process of deity visualization and addresses misconceptions about spiritual titles. The talk concludes with a commitment to foster enlightenment, highlighting that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey relevant to all.WHO IS OUR SPEAKER?Ven. Phurbu Tsering is a fully ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk, senior lecturer, and accomplished scholar of Buddhist philosophy. Born in Spiti Valley, he began monastic life at fifteen. He completed over a decade of rigorous study at Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in India—one of the most prestigious Buddhist universities—earning the Lopon (Teacher) degree, equivalent to a Ph.D.For over a decade, Tsering has taught core subjects, including Madhyamika, epistemology, logic, and Abhidharma. He has lectured widely, guided group meditation retreats, and held a two-year visiting scholar position at Naropa University in Colorado. Currently, he teaches young monks and nuns in Spiti Valley.Tsering is committed to preserving the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism through modern approaches: training monastic teachers, reforming curricula, and participating in translation projects such as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s 84000 initiative. Fluent in Tibetan, Hindi, and English, he has translated teachings for revered Rinpoches in India, Singapore, and Brazil, and presented research in multiple languages at seminars.Deeply rooted in practice, he has received the Kalachakra empowerment seven times, the complete Kangyur transmission, and in-depth Vajrayana teachings. His vision is to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary needs, offering guidance to both Eastern and Western students on the path of authentic Buddhadharma and meditation.Tsering’s work embodies his deep aspiration to alleviate suffering, foster spiritual understanding, and preserve the living heritage of Tibetan Buddhism for future generations.

In this episode, Connie, an experienced educator and sociologist, shares her profound insights into self-inquiry and transformative learning. We explore her extensive teaching career, highlighting the importance of authentic connections and presence in the classroom. Connie discusses her philosophical journey from Western religious studies to Eastern thought, emphasizing self-observation as a critical tool for personal growth. As the conversation unfolds, she addresses the impact of modern culture on consciousness, advocating for mindfulness and active engagement to combat passive perception. Connie offers practical advice for nurturing compassion and empathy in academic settings and introduces the idea of "consciousness salons" for collective explorations of personal growth. This episode serves as an invitation for listeners to embark on a transformative journey guided by Connie's rich experiences in education and spirituality.0:04 Introduction to Self-Inquiry0:40 The Journey of Teaching7:41 Discovering Spiritual Paths12:35 The Importance of Self-Inquiry16:46 Understanding the Ego18:40 Embracing the Truth20:27 The Challenge of Silence23:34 Changing Perspectives on Conditioning27:03 Breaking Free from Conditioning30:23 From Reaction to Response33:03 Exploring Gurdjieff's Teachings36:40 Bridging Science and Spirituality39:17 The Power of Dialogue43:49 Finding Compassion in Academia48:13 Meeting the Teacher54:19 Continuation of LearningConstance A. Jones, Ph.D., is a sociologist of religion who does research on spiritual teachers as well as Hindu and Buddhist movements around the world. Beginning with her doctoral dissertation on the caste system in India, she has pursued a long interest in the cultures and religions of the East, including the adoption of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices in the West.Throughout her career in higher education, she has helped establish women’s studies departments and curricula in several colleges and universities and has published research on women’s status in India and feminist methods.She has been a member of a multidisciplinary team of scholars that investigates new religious movements around the world and has published articles on several movements that are based on Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and practices. Her work includes several scholarly positions, including Assistant Editor of Melton’s Encyclopedia of American Religions for Eighth through Tenth editions; International Advisory Board, Gurdjieff Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man (2017- present) Tbilisi, GEORGIA; Publications Committee, Krishnamurti Foundation of America (2018-present), Ojai, CA.

Anxiety, Craving, Clinging, Mindfulness...and way more... get inspired with ‪@DrJud‬ !Jud Brewer, MD, PhD (“Dr. Jud”), is a New York Times best-selling author and a leading authority on habit change and the science of self-mastery. With over 25 years of mindfulness training combined with scientific research, he serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and as a professor at Brown University. An internationally recognized psychiatrist specializing in mindfulness for addiction, Dr. Jud has developed innovative mindfulness programs—both in-person and app-based—for smoking cessation, emotional eating, and anxiety. He has investigated the neural mechanisms of mindfulness using standard and real-time fMRI and EEG neurofeedback. He has trained U.S. Olympic athletes, coaches, and foreign government ministers. His work has been featured on “60 Minutes,” TED (one of the most-viewed talks of 2016 with over 20 million views), The New York Times, Time magazine, Forbes, BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera, Businessweek, and more. Dr. Jud founded MindSciences—now part of Sharecare Inc.—to bring his discoveries directly to consumers. He also co-founded Mindshift Recovery, a nonprofit aiding those suffering from addiction. He is the author of The Craving Mind (Yale University Press, 2017), the New York Times bestseller Unwinding Anxiety (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2021), and The Hunger Habit (Avery/Penguin Random House, 2024). For more information, visit www.drjud.com.#motivation #inspirationalstory #cravingcontrol #unwindinganxiety

Quantum psychology meets transpersonal psychology, Eurocentric psychology, and modern life. Let’s wake up to this! Valerie Varan is a Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. As a lifelong spiritual experiencer and quantum psychology pioneer, she is bridging the latest in quantum/information science with psychology and spirituality. She is author of the self-help book, Living in a Quantum Reality: Using Quantum Physics and Psychology to Embrace Your Higher Consciousness, and is co-author on a new book with quantum engineer Doug Matzke, PhD. Currently, Valerie is residing in Florida, where she offers holistic coaching and specializes in helping others integrate their transpersonal experiences.

The Most Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi shares his journey into Buddhism, beginning with encounters that led him to practice and eventually ordain as a monk. We had a chance to discuss his work translating Buddhist texts and his interpretation of key teachings like dependent origination, while sharing personal experiences with managing chronic pain through equanimity and mindfulness and much more. Take a peak!Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American Buddhist monk originally from New York City. He holds a PhD in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University (1972). After completing his university studies he traveled to Sri Lanka, where he received novice ordination in 1972 and full ordination in 1973, both under Most Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thera. From 1984 until 2002 he was the editor for the Buddhist Publication Society in Kandy, and its president from 1988 until 2010. Ven. Bodhi has many important publications to his credit, either as author, translator, or editor. His most recent publication is Noble Truths, Noble Path: The Heart-Essence of the Buddha’s Original Teachings (2022). Ven. Bodhi lives and teaches at Chuang Yen Monastery in upstate New York. In 2008, together with several of his students, he founded Buddhist Global Relief, a nonprofit supporting hunger and poverty relief for poor communities around the world.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of compassion in healthcare with Olivia, who previously served as the Assistant Dean of Resident Affairs and co-director of a pediatrics program at the Montreal Children's Hospital. After stepping away from these roles, Olivia has dedicated herself to studying compassion practice and embodiment training. Her mission is to reinvigorate healthcare by integrating these essential practices back into clinical settings, particularly for the benefit of both providers and patients.Olivia discusses her journey, highlighting the challenge of being fully present amidst the demands of medical responsibilities. She emphasizes the pressing need for an awareness of compassion in the healthcare environment, noting common misconceptions about what compassion truly entails. With plans to introduce a session for hospital leaders focused on the importance and science of compassion, Olivia aims to foster a deeper understanding among physicians and healthcare professionals about the benefits of compassionate care for patient outcomes and provider wellbeing.We explore the concept of compassion as a multifaceted process that includes emotional and cognitive dimensions. Olivia clarifies what differentiates wise compassion from ignorance, emphasizing the importance of awareness and true listening. She introduces the term "empathy fatigue," a critical distinction made in the context of compassion fatigue, led by insights from neuroimaging studies. These studies show that engaging in compassionate responses can activate positive emotions, providing a buffer against the negative emotional toll often associated with empathic resonance.Throughout our conversation, Olivia explains the complexity of empathy, both in its emotional and cognitive forms, and how these contribute to our understanding of suffering. She articulates the ways in which compassion training can alleviate burnout among healthcare professionals by fostering deeper connections with patients and enhancing emotional resilience against the rigors of medical practice.Olivia also discusses the principle of common humanity, emphasizing our shared aspirations as individuals to find happiness and avoid suffering, despite external differences. This notion is particularly pertinent in today's divisive climate, where she encourages listeners to adopt a "just-like-me" practice to cultivate empathy and understanding for others.0:07 Introduction to Compassion3:13 Defining Compassion5:09 Wise vs. Ignorant Compassion6:50 Understanding Compassion Fatigue9:34 The Role of Empathy12:01 Preventing Burnout with Compassion16:51 The Concept of Common Humanity19:30 Personal Transformations Through Compassion28:29 Advocating for Compassion in Oppressive Systems32:12 Embodying Compassion for TransformationDr. Olivia Tse, a pediatrician trained at McGill University, has worked to provide care for children both in Montreal and in First Nations and Inuit communities of northern Quebec. She has also educated and mentored physicians-in-training for over 20 years. As a Director of the Pediatrics Residency Training Program and then as Assistant Dean of Resident Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University, she has taught the skills of mindfulness and compassion to medical and surgical trainees. Olivia has also facilitated seminars for practicing physicians and is a certified teacher of both Compassion Cultivation Training© and Mindful Practice® in Medicine. She is currently focused on teaching CCT to individuals while concurrently advocating for a top-down approach to compassion education within healthcare organizations.She travels extensively to learn about the natural world and different cultures, and maintains a love of singing, contributing at fundraisers and special events. #oliviatse #mcgilluniversity #compassioninaction

This interview features medical anthropologist, Dr. Sue Schneider, discussing the intersection of mindfulness, community health, and cultural healing practices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and meditation in awakening inner wisdom and compassion. They share experiences from their research in Mexico and their long-term commitment to mindfulness practices, addressing common barriers such as societal distractions.The conversation explores the integration of mindfulness into public health initiatives in academic settings and examines the relationship between Western medicine and alternative healing traditions. The speaker advocates for a holistic approach to health that transcends symptom relief and highlights the transformative power of mindfulness in fostering self-awareness. The discussion concludes with reflections on the role of anthropology in understanding diverse cultural practices and the significance of internal observation for personal healing....0:05 Health and Healing Perspectives2:50 Personal Journey into Mindfulness5:41 Integrating Mindfulness and Community Health9:18 Overcoming Hurdles to Meditation12:51 Implementing Mindfulness Programs17:09 Understanding Healing Beyond the Physical18:53 Grounding Practices for Self-Awareness23:25 The Role of Medical Anthropology26:39 Trusting Instincts in Modern Culture30:04 Mindfulness in University Systems34:26 Healing in the Dying Process36:41 Anthropology's Broader Impact...Who is Sue?Sue Schneider, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist, integrative health coach, certified meditation instructor, and author with a passion for supporting individuals and communities in their pursuit of health and healing. She leads community health and wellness initiatives across Colorado as an Extension Professor and Sate Health Specialist with Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement and Extension. Sue has taught mindfulness meditation to thousands of students in university and community settings over the last 12 years and she is the author of Meeting the Moment with Kindness: How Mindfulness Can Help Us Find Calm, Stability, and an Open Heart published by Collective Ink. Sue lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs.

Ever wondered what makes one a real #madscientist or a real #madman ?!You might be surprised to find out it’s part of you. 👀Professor Robert Harris has been Academic Vice President for Doctoral Education since 2019 at Karolinska Institutet (KI). Prof. Harris completed his undergraduate training at Portsmouth Polytechnic (UK) in 1987, his postgraduate training at University College London (UK) in 1991 and was named Professor of Immunotherapy in Neurological Diseases at KI in 2013. Harris has previously served as Central Director of doctoral education at KI (2008-2018), working specifically with developing quality control for KI doctoral education through a variety of teaching and organisational activities, and also teaches widely at national and international institutions. He has also served as Director of doctoral education for the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (2005-2018). He was and Chairperson of the International Advisory Council at KI from 2019-2023. In 2014 he was one of two recipients of the KI pedagogy prize, the first to receive it for a contribution to doctoral education. Prof. Harris was also President of ORPHEUS (2015-2022; Vice-President 2013-2015), The Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System, which aims to stimulate quality assurance of PhD research and education and to strengthen career opportunities for PhD graduates. In 2024, he was named the inaugural recipient of the FEBS Education award (Federation of European Biochemical Societies). Within ORPHEUS and FEBS, he has conducted workshops in PhD supervision training and leadership development at universities and research organizations all over the world Prof. Harris leads the research group Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Centre for Molecular Medicine, a designated translational medicine centre at Karolinska Institutet. They conduct a strongly interconnected research programme aimed at using knowledge gained from projects in basic science to applications in a clinical setting, with focus on understanding why chronic inflammatory diseases of the nervous system occur, and then devise ways to prevent or treat them. Current focus is on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Multiple Sclerosis. Prof. Harris has served as consultant to the Swedish biotechnology company Dia amyd Medical AB with whom he has numerous patents and developed a vaccine for treatment of Type 1 diabetes to Phase III clinical trials.

Dr. Rick Hanson sheds light into his own practice, the influence it’s had on himself, and teaches you what it means to live in a state of peace with wholesome means. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a #psychologist, Senior Fellow at ​⁠‪@UCBerkeley‬ ‘s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His seven books have been published in 33 languages, and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture – with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, as well as the co-host of the Being Well Podcast – which has been downloaded over 15 million times. His free newsletters have over 260,000 subscribers and his online programs have scholarships available for those in need. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard. An expert on positive #neuroplasticity , his work has been featured on CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and has taught in meditation centers worldwide. He and his wife live in Northern California and have two adult children. He loves the wilderness and taking a break from emails.

Panu Pihkala takes us on a rollercoaster through the waves of emotion in an ecological crisis. Panu is an adjunct professor (Title of Docent) of environmental theology at the Faculty of Theology in the University of Helsinki, Finland. Pihkala is the leading Finnish scholar in eco-anxiety research, and he is known internationally as an expert in interdisciplinary eco-emotion studies. Many of his research articles from the 2020s have over 40000 views and several hundred citations each. Pihkala has published two books in Finnish about eco-emotions and he was awarded several prizes for them, including the National Prize for Adult Education (Sivistyspalkinto) in 2018 by The Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation (Kansanvalistusseura) and a national environmental education award in 2019 by FEE. Pihkala’s dissertation from 2014 focused on Religion and Ecology, and he has worked on the intersections of spirituality and environmental matters. Pihkala is a sought-after keynote speaker and often gives interviews to various media. He serves as an advisor in many projects, including the Finnish national eco-anxiety project for social and health sectors (2020-) and Climate Mental Health Network, with whom he worked on the popular Climate Emotions Wheel. Pihkala hosts the international podcast Climate Change and Happiness together with leading environmental psychologist Dr. Thomas Doherty (https://climatechangeandhappiness.com/). He lives in Helsinki with his family.

There are some things we just don’t know. What’s your inner cathedral look like? #spiritualexperience #spiritualjourney #spiritualpath Anthony Battle’s journey spans multiple worlds, from Division I football and overseas teaching, to tech sales, television, and advanced studies in literature, philosophy, and consciousness. Each environment has served as a cornerstone in what he calls his Inner Cathedral, a personal architecture forged through physical and spiritual discipline. As an Integral Guide and Strategist, Anthony supports individuals in constructing their own inner cathedrals and consults with organizations seeking to reintegrate soul into their structural foundations. He is honored to share his presence and practice.

In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Van Dam, founding director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of Melbourne. We talk about the gap between authentic contemplative practice and what the West has turned mindfulness into. Nicholas shares hard-earned insights about navigating institutional resistance, the need for discomfort in real growth, and why dialogue is essential in this field. We explore the tension between academic research, lived experience, and traditional wisdom, and why commodified quick fixes are failing us. This one’s for anyone questioning the surface-level stuff and yearning for a deeper, more honest, and more human perspective from a scholar-practitioner lens.Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam is the inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences at The University of Melbourne. Nicholas is a highly regarded global leader in contemplative research and practice with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and empirical rigour. His research explores the ways that meditation and mindfulness practices can support wellbeing, in pursuit of a better understanding of the human condition. He completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University at Albany, SUNY (USA), and has worked at New York University, the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, and the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Hidden Wounds: What Chronic Ilness Doesn't Tell youThis is opportunity for us to dive deep into the core of our minds and bodies, uncover the blockages, release them, and flourish in life. Dr. Veronique Mead is a former Board Certified family physician and Dartmouth-affiliated assistant professor of family medicine. She retrained with a Master’s degree in somatic psychotherapy from Naropa University and specialty training in pre and perinatal trauma and somatic experiencing (SE). For the past 25 years Veronique has explored the scientific literature on how effects of trauma from the prenatal and other periods in a person’s life influence risk for autoimmune and other chronic illnesses. She shares the research on her blog chronicillnesstraumastudies.com. Veronique offers consultations on chronic illness and trauma to health professionals and people living with chronic illness.

Dr. Asanga Tilakaratne is also known as Professor Tilakaratne. Join us in this impromtu discussion from an in-person meeting live from Sri Lanka on Theravāda Buddhism in Sri Lanka. You will gain some practical tools to take your practice off the cushion. Who is Dr. Asanga Tilakaratne?Asanga Tilakaratne (PhD University of Hawai’i) Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies is (former) senior chair professor of Pali and Buddhist Studies and founder Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at University of Colombo (2009-2018), Sri Lanka. During 2003-2006 he served as the director of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya.In 1999-2000, Professor Tilakaratne was a Senior Commonwealth Fellow and was attached to Oriental Institute, Oxford University. He has served as Visiting Professor at Yonsei University, Korea, Otago University, New Zealand, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, Somyya Vidyavihar, Mumbai, India, Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar and Nalanda University, Rajgir, India. He has published, both in Sinhala and English, more than one hundred papers on Buddhist studies. Of his more recent academic works, Theravada Buddhism: the View of the Elders (2012) was published by University of Hawaii Press in the series of ‘Dimensions of Asian Spirituality’. He co-edited with Prof. Oliver Abenayaka 2600 Years of Sambuddhatva: Global Journey of Awakening (2012), a work covering the history and the current status of global Buddhism of all three traditions. In 2002, Prof. Tilakaratne founded Sri Lanka Association of Buddhist Studies (SLABS), an academic and professional organization of Buddhist scholars in Sri Lanka, and continues to serve as its joint secretary. In 2003 he founded, with a group of academics and professionals, Damrivi Foundation, a government registered, not for profit voluntary organization for economic, social, educational and spiritual development, and continues to function as its founder chairman.He served as the Editor-in-chief of Encyclopaedia of Buddhism, Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka, Colombo (2019-2023). He has published both in Sinhala and English more than 20 books and one hundred papers. His collected works in 08 volumes were published in 2021 in Colombo. Currently he serves as the Dean of Graduate Faculty of Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), Manelwatta, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

In this episode, Dr. Simon Goldberg and Ven. Sucandra explore the integration of Eastern and Western practices, the need for a culture of well-being in academia, and the challenges of measuring the impact of digital mindfulness practices. Simon discusses the development of the Center for Healthy Minds Program app, aimed at making meditation more accessible while honoring its core essence. Dr. Simon Goldberg reflects on the transformative nature of his academic journey and the importance of collaboration in addressing mental health issues. His work highlights innovative pathways for enhancing mental resilience and emotional healing in a digital world.Dr. Goldberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Core Faculty at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He conducts research on psychotherapy, with a specific emphasis on the effects of and mechanisms underlying meditation- and mindfulness-based interventions. He completed a 5-year, NIH-funded K23 award focused on the delivery of meditation training through mobile health technology and is currently completing a 5-year NIH-funded R24 grant focused on evaluating the evidence of meditation and other complementary health interventions through research synthesis (e.g., meta-analysis). He has clinical experience working with military veterans and has conducted research on veteran mental health. He has served on the editorial board for the Journal of Counseling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Research, and American Psychologist. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Today, CNBC, The Week, and Scientific American.

Dr. Canty shares with us the countless teachings of nature, ecopsychology, and transpersonal psychology with us. She bridges Indigenous wisdom with mindfulness and awareness. Dr. Canty just published a new book that is pivotal for our modern age, and has a lot to say. If you need some greater healing or are curious about how our psychological health is deeply entwined with the health of our environment, this is a must-listen! Who is Dr. Jeanine M. Canty? Jeanine M. Canty, PhD, is a professor of transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, telecommuting from Boulder, CO. Formerly the chair of environmental studies at Naropa University, she continues to teach at Naropa and at Pacifica Graduate Institute’s ecopsychology certificate program. A lover of nature, justice, and contemplative practice, her teaching intersects issues of social and ecological justice, ecopsychology, and the process of worldview expansion and change. She is author of Returning the Self to Nature: Undoing our Collective Narcissism and Healing our Planet (Shambhala Publications, 2022) and her most recent edited book is an expanded, second edition of Ecological and Social Healing: Multicultural Women’s Voices (Routledge, April 2025).

Dr. Stephen Julich dives into his own spiritual journey and invites us to reflect deeper. What makes a scholar-practitioner? What’s the reasoning behind beginner’s mind? Listen to some of the profound stories shared here, and perhaps your own journey might be enhanced.Who is Dr. Stephen Julich?Dr. Stephen Julich is core faculty in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, specializing in Western Esotericism and Jungian Studies. Dr. Julich has served as an adjunct instructor in History and Anthropology at the City College of New York, a lecturer in Jungian Studies at the University of Philosophical Research in Los Angeles, and an adjunct instructor in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Currently, he teaches courses on mysticism, Western magical traditions, subtle beings and worlds, the religious imagination, and the works of C. G. Jung and his closest student and collaborator, Marie-Louise von Franz. His areas of interest include the psychology of myth, dreams, and symbols, as well as the role of imagination in generating and transforming religious forms and ideas. His current research explores magic and mysticism as cross-cultural phenomena, with a special emphasis on contemporary trends.

- Dr. Frederic Luskin is a Faculty of Stanford Executive Program- Graduate School of Business- Director Stanford Forgiveness Projects- Co-founder Life Works and Wellness Education-Health and Human PerformanceDr Luskin founded and currently serves as Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects. Dr. Luskin created and taught for 10 years the Happiness class based on Positive Psychology class as well as co-founded the Life Works and Wellness Education programs at Stanford School of Medicine. He is on faculty for the Stanford School of Business Executive Education program where he teaches an 8-hour series on Mindfulness and Happiness to business executives from all over the world. Dr. Luskin is the author of the just released Forgive for Good Workbook for Recovery. His two previous books are the best-selling books Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness and Forgive for Love: His book Forgive for Good is the best-selling secular self-help book published on the topic of forgiveness. His research has shown that the Forgive for Good forgiveness methodology leads participants suffering from a wide range of concerns to improved physical, relationship and mental health. Dr. Luskin’s forgiveness work has been applied in veteran’s hospitals, churches, in resolving legal disputes, with cancer patients as psycho education and in psychotherapy. He has helped people recover from the murder of their family members as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, as an aftermath of the attacks on 911, in Sierra Leone and Columbia after their civil war and in artic Canada where native populations deal with the loss of their ancestral lands. Dr. Luskin’s work has been made into a PBS pledge drive video called Forgive for Good. He has been interviewed many hundreds of times in world -wide media on forgiveness including the New York Times, O Magazine, Today Show, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Huffington Post, and CBS Morning News. He is also the author of Stress Free for Good: Ten Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness which emerged from his 10 years as a researcher in preventive cardiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. His work showed the effect of enhancing stress management and positive emotion skills to in help patients cope with congestive heart failure and arrhythmia. He also did some consulting work for Stanford Hospital nurses in managing their emotions. Dr. Luskin teaches stress management, emotional intelligence and happiness skills to corporate clients throughout the United States. His work focuses on the research proven triad of a healthy and happy life: Enhancing interpersonal relationships, creating a positive purpose in life and guided practice in appreciation and other positive emotions.