The Contemplative Science Podcast

What if understanding pain was a contemplative act? Richmond Stace, creator of Pain Coaching, brings together neuroscience, psychotherapy, and contemplative insights to rethink chronic pain not just as a biological condition, but as a human experience shaped by meaning, attention, and awareness.

What does it really mean to be deeply well—not just symptom-free or spiritually polished, but truly grounded, embodied, and alive? In this episode, Dharma teachers Melina Bondy and Arti Mehta explore this question through the lenses of contemplative practice, psychotherapy, somatics, art, and community care. Together we reflect on how meditation and the Dharma shape our understanding of wellness—not as an escape from life’s struggles, but as a courageous turning toward them. We discuss how to stay with discomfort without bypassing, the role of the body in healing, and the tensions between spiritual ideals and lived experience. We also ask: Can wellness itself become a form of resistance? What does it mean to be well together? And how can we honour both safety and challenge in our communities? This is a rich and honest conversation about the nonlinear path to being deeply well—and what it takes to share that path with others.

In this episode, Lama John Makransky joins us to explore the inner architecture of compassion. Drawing from his new book How Compassion Works, we discuss how Buddhist meditative practices, attachment theory, and cognitive science can come together to help us cultivate deep well-being, unconditional love, and wise responsiveness in the face of suffering. Lama John reflects on the importance of accessing “innate qualities of goodness” through inner refuge practices, the role of secure relationality in healing, and how these insights can transform not only individual experience but social engagement. Whether you’re a clinician, a meditator, or someone interested in the meeting place of science and spirituality, this conversation offers a powerful vision of compassion as a force for inner and outer liberation.

In this episode, we speak with Rick Repetti—philosopher, meditation teacher, and editor of The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Meditation. We explore whether meditation can be considered a form of philosophy, how it might deepen our understanding of the mind, self, and agency, and whether a distinctly Western philosophy of meditation is emerging. Drawing on both scholarly insight and personal practice, Rick offers a compelling vision of meditation not just as a spiritual tool, but as a philosophical method in its own right.

What happens when you spend days—or even weeks—in complete darkness? In this episode, Andrew Holecek — an expert in Tibetan Buddhism, lucid dreaming, and meditation — guides us through the profound practice of dark retreats. We explore how extended time in darkness can shift perception, support mental health, and catalyze deep spiritual awakening. Blending ancient traditions with emerging science, this conversation sheds light on the hidden power of darkness and what it can teach us about waking life.

In this episode, I am joined by Adam Safron, an independent researcher with a wild range of interests—from consciousness and free will to psychedelics, artificial life, and AI alignment. With affiliations at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies and Michael Levin’s lab at Tufts University, Adam brings a rare interdisciplinary lens to questions about mind, matter, and meaning. We explore how agency arises, what it means to align intelligent systems (both artificial and biological), and how compassion might be the ultimate protocol for thriving.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Norman Farb to discuss his new book, Better in Every Sense, co-authored with Dr. Zindel Segal, which explores how we become emotionally stuck and how to break free. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Farb introduces Sense Foraging, a practice that helps us escape the rigid mental habits that dull our experience of life. Instead of forcing change through willpower, the book reveals how engaging deeply with sensation can enhance resilience, creativity, and well-being. Join us as we unpack the science behind breaking free from stagnation and rediscovering a vibrant connection with the world.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mridula Sathyanarayanan, a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, majoring in neuroscience, philosophy, and Buddhist Psychology & Mental Health (BPMH). A Laidlaw Scholar, Mridula has been exploring the intersection of contemplative science and public engagement through her innovative project, *The Museum of Meditative Practices*. Her work invites us to rethink how meditation is experienced, studied, and shared, creating an interactive and educational space where diverse meditative traditions come to life. We discuss the inspiration behind her project, the challenges of translating contemplative experiences into public exhibits, and what this means for the future of contemplative science. Tune in for a conversation on the creative ways meditation can be made accessible and immersive—and why this matters for both science and practice.

In this episode, we sit down with Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, to explore the paradoxical effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. Drawing from her research, Valeria explains how this Theravada Buddhist practice challenges our typical understanding of attention and sensory awareness. Using the predictive processing framework, she reveals how focused attention can lead to the dissolution of bodily boundaries, a phenomenon known as bhaṅga. Together, we delve into the implications of her findings for well-being and discuss how this meditative technique could inform therapeutic approaches for addiction, emotional dysregulation, and self-regulation. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practices.

How does the brain cultivate optimism, and can psychedelics help people trapped in cycles of depression? In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Fisher, PhD student at M3CS and co-host of Minds Matter. We explore her groundbreaking research using computational models to study how psilocybin influences belief updating and decision-making. Her recent study reveals how psilocybin increases optimistic engagement in rats by reducing loss aversion and modifying memory dynamics. Together, we discuss what this means for treating depression, understanding optimism bias, and unlocking new therapeutic possibilities through psychedelics and cognitive modeling.

In this episode, we sit down with Elli Weisbaum, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health program. Elli shares insights from her extensive experience facilitating mindfulness workshops and retreats across education, healthcare, and business sectors. We discuss her work on applying mindfulness to enhance physician well-being. Elli’s unique background, combining academic research with traditional mindfulness training under Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, offers a fresh perspective on mindfulness in contemporary settings.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist and author of *The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive*. With over a decade of experience studying the brain's role in consciousness, Dr. Cooke shares groundbreaking insights into the nature of the mind, the illusion of the self, and the fundamental relationship between mind and matter. We explore whether consciousness is universal, the philosophical implications of non-separation, and other mysteries of consciousness occurring at the cutting-edge of science.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Tap, a clinical researcher specializing in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Stephan shares insights from his work exploring the potential of psilocybin to alleviate psychological distress in palliative care patients. We dive into the neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms behind psilocybin’s effects, discuss the unique challenges of end-of-life care, and explore the future of psychedelic therapies in clinical settings. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and psychedelics.

In this episode , we are joined by John Dunne, a leading thinker at the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science. We explore topics ranging from the nuances of "Buddhist science" and its critiques to the challenges of integrating mindfulness into scientific research, and the new relationship emerging between psychedelics and contemplative practice. We examine the role of phenomenology in contemplative science, the complexities of gathering first-person data, and the media's portrayal of mindfulness, including the potential harms that are often sensationalized. This insightful conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolving relationship between contemplation, mindfulness, and rigorous scientific inquiry.

In this episode of the Contemplative Science Podcast, host Mark Miller welcomes Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk from Plum Village, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and Buddhism. Brother Phap Linh shares his insights on the limitations of scientific materialism, emphasizing that science often overlooks the fundamental mystery of consciousness. He explores how the belief in a universe made of matter can diminish our sense of meaning and interconnectedness, leading to a worldview that is cold and detached.

In this episode, we sit down with cognitive scientist Daniel Meling to explore the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and meditation. Daniel shares insights from his research on DMT and non-dual states, discussing the potential of psychedelics for treating depression and the synergies between these substances and meditative practices. We also examine the current hype around psychedelics, the importance of understanding their risks and benefits, and whether they are truly necessary for achieving profound states of awareness.

In this episode, we welcome Sam Berrin Shonkoff, Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Sam's expertise in Jewish religious thought provides a unique lens through which we explore contemporary spiritual practices. Our discussion ventures into the use of psychedelics within Judaism, examining their potential to enhance spiritual experiences and religious practices. We also explore the Zen concept of Child Mind or Beginner Mind, uncovering its parallels and applications within Jewish traditions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern spirituality.

In this episode, we welcome philosopher André van der Braak to explore the deeper spiritual and philosophical dimensions of ayahuasca, particularly the concept of ayahuasca as "liquid divinity." Drawing on the work of French philosopher Bruno Latour, André shifts the focus from individual ayahuasca experiences to communal rituals that foster relationships with more-than-human powers. The discussion expores how ayahuasca practices transcend personal healing and visions, promoting communal transformative practices that build solidarity with all sentient beings. André's insights provide a fresh perspective on how ayahuasca can inspire deeper connections with the divine and the world around us. Tune in for a profound journey into the sacred world of ayahuasca with André van der Braak.

In this episode, host Mark Miller and guests John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne, delve into the transformative project "Mentoring the Machines." This innovative work bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and narrative storytelling to grapple with the existential challenges posed by artificial general intelligence (AGI). John Vervaeke, renowned for his insights into the meaning crisis in contemporary society, and Shawn Coyne, a seasoned narrative philosopher and editor, collaborate to articulate the complexities of AI's impact on human existence. They discuss their approach to transforming Vervaeke’s seminal online video essays into a narrative format accessible to all audiences, transcending the boundaries of academia and professional domains. The conversation highlights the urgency of understanding AI's rapid evolution and its potential to reshape our world fundamentally. From deep fake videos to ethical dilemmas in AI governance, the discussion navigates through the ethical, philosophical, and practical dimensions of this transformative technology.  This episode sets the stage for a series that promises profound insights into how we can navigate and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world, exploring not only the scientific and technical aspects but also the profound existential questions that arise from the convergence of technology and humanity. Join us as we contemplate the future and confront the deep impact of an artificially intelligent tomorrow. 

Jamie and Mark discuss the podcast so far and what we have been learning about the wonderful science of meditation.