The Weekend University

In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and leading sleep specialist who has spent over a decade as the clinical lead at one of Europe's largest sleep disorder centers. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, clinical practice, and evolutionary biology, Guy explores the fascinating world of sleep—from its biological functions to its profound impact on our physical and mental health. Expect to learn: — Why studying the extremes of human behavior helps us understand normal brain function — How sleep affects everything from immune function to cognitive performance — The surprising way our brain's "glymphatic system" cleans toxins during deep sleep — Why insomnia treatments like CBT-I are so effective and how they work. And more. You can learn more about Guy's work at https://www.guyleschziner.com. --- Guy Leschziner, Ph.D., is a neurologist specializing in sleep disorders and epilepsy, serving as Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, one of Europe’s largest sleep units. He is also Reader in Neurology at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Dr. Leschziner is the author of The Nocturnal Brain, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins, and has presented sleep-focused series for BBC Radio and Channel 4. --- Interview Links: — Guy’s website: https://www.guyleschziner.com/ — Guy’s book: https://amzn.to/3VvTnb6

Get Anna Runkle's new book, CONNECTABILITY. You can order via the following link: https://bit.ly/4dTK9xz — more links below 👇 Anna Runkle is a bestselling author and creator of the popular YouTube channel "Crappy Childhood Fairy." After overcoming her own complex PTSD through innovative self-regulation techniques, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal from developmental trauma and reconnect with themselves and others. In this conversation, we explore: — What "connection wounds" are and how they affect our ability to form meaningful relationships — How neurological dysregulation from trauma creates barriers to connection and what to do about it — The simple but powerful daily practice that transformed Anna's life after decades of struggling with trauma symptoms — Practical strategies for developing "connectability" even when social situations feel overwhelming — Why focusing on "what can I do right now?" rather than "why did this happen?" creates real healing And more. You can learn more about Anna's work, books, and free resources at https://crappychildhoodfairy.com. — Anna Runkle leads a movement to help men and women worldwide to heal trauma symptoms and change their lives—whether or not they have access to professional help. More than 900,000 men and women worldwide subscribe to her YouTube channel, blog, courses and coaching programs, where she teaches the principles and techniques she has used to recover from her own Childhood PTSD. Her approach includes simple, self-directed exercises to calm emotional triggers and neurological dysregulation, and to begin changing the self-defeating behaviors that are common for people who have lived much of their lives dysregulated. She lives with her husband and two sons in the San Francisco Bay Area. -- Interview Links: — Order Anna's NEW Book: CONNECTABILITY: https://bit.ly/4dTK9xz — Order Anna's 2024 Book: RE-REGULATED: https://bit.ly/3yqaena — Anna's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CrappyChildhoodFairy — Anna's Website: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com — Free Daily Practice Course: http://bit.ly/CCF_DailyPractice — Quiz: How Connectable Are You? https://bit.ly/48QTuFL

Dr. Bernardo Kastrup is a philosopher, scientist, and author whose work challenges mainstream materialism. With a background in computer engineering and a Ph.D. in philosophy, he has become one of the world's leading advocates for metaphysical idealism—the view that consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental reality of the universe. In this conversation, we explore some of the key ideas from Bernardo’s latest book, "The Daimon and the Soul of the West," including: — The key differences between the Western and Eastern Mind — The relationship between context and meaning in life, and how powerful it can be to recognise the ancestral lineage within you. — The concept of the daimon—an impersonal force of nature that expresses itself through us — How confronting death and our relationship with evil can lead to greater wisdom and authenticity — Why the second half of life requires a completely different approach than the first. And more. You can learn more about Bernardo’s work at https://www.bernardokastrup.com. — Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. -- Interview Links: — Dr Kastrup’s website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com — Dr Kastrup’s book: https://amzn.to/46hinsO

Douglas Gillette is a bestselling author, Jungian psychologist, and co-creator of the influential King, Warrior, Magician, Lover framework that has transformed our understanding of masculine psychology. His work explores the archetypal patterns that shape human development and the journey toward psychological wholeness. In this conversation, we explore: — Why Douglas believes we are "sowing" in this life but the "harvest" lies elsewhere — How evolutionary psychology can help to explains the current crisis in masculine identity — The four masculine archetypes and their shadow expressions — Practical techniques for integrating these archetypal energies in everyday life And more. You can learn more about Douglas's work and books by visiting https://douglasgillettecreations.com. — Douglas M. Gillette is a scholar-writer, teacher, and spiritual guide whose work bridges myth, religion, depth psychology, and human transformation. He co-authored the influential book King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine and has written several others published internationally. A former pastoral counselor and United Church of Christ pastor, he now teaches, writes, and leads workshops on spirituality, imagination, and the unfolding of the soul. You can learn more through his work at www.douglasgillettecreations.com -- Interview Links: — Douglas’ website: https://douglasgillettecreations.com — Douglas’ book: https://amzn.to/4mya1ln

Ross Douthat is a New York Times columnist, author, and podcast host. His latest book, "Believe," presents a rational case for faith in an increasingly secular world, drawing on evidence from science, philosophy, and human experience to make a compelling argument for the existence of God. In this conversation, we explore: — Why the strongest case for God rests at the intersection of multiple converging lines of evidence — How the "hard problem of consciousness" challenges purely materialist explanations of reality — Why being "spiritual but not religious" might be a reasonable starting point but not a desirable permanent state — The importance of discernment in navigating the spiritual landscape — How Ross's five-year battle with Lyme disease transformed his relationship with God And more. You can find Ross's work in his New York Times column, his book "Believe," and his podcast "Interesting Times." — Ross Douthat is a best-selling author, columnist, and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of politics, religion, and society. He has been an opinion columnist for The New York Times since 2009 and was previously a senior editor at The Atlantic. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Privilege: "Grand New Party", "Bad Religion", "To Change the Church", "The Decadent Society", and his memoir "The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery". His latest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious (2025), makes a compelling case for the enduring importance of faith in modern life. Douthat graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He lectures widely on religion, politics, and culture, and lives in New Haven, Connecticut, with his wife, journalist Abigail Tucker, and their children. --- Interview Links: — Ross' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InterestingTimesNYT/videos — Ross' X account: https://x.com/douthatnyt — Ross' book: https://amzn.to/3IlxZCj

Dr. Laurel Parnell is an internationally recognised clinical psychologist, author, consultant, and the developer of the innovative treatment approach: Attachment Focused EMDR She has trained thousands of clinicians nationally and internationally, and is the author of several bestselling books, including, “Tapping In”, “Rewiring the Addicted Brain”, and “Attachment Focused EMDR” which this interview focuses on. In a wide-ranging conversation, we explore: — The link between EMDR and spiritual experiences — The role of imagination in attachment focused EMDR and how it can be applied to heal developmental deficits — What happens during an attachment focused EMDR session, both in the client’s internal world and in the therapy room. And more. You can learn more about Dr Parnell’s work and upcoming trainings via https://parnellemdr.com --- Dr. Parnell is a leading expert on the therapeutic tool, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing which is more widely known as EMDR. While Dr. Parnell has trained thousands of clinicians in EMDR both nationally and internationally, Dr. Parnell has also taught transpersonal psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and was core faculty at John F. Kennedy University in the Graduate School for the Study of Human Consciousness. Currently, Dr. Parnell teaches EMDR through Alliant International University, Omega Institute, Esalen Institute, ID Institut in Kassel Germany, and the The New York Open Center. You can learn about Dr Parnell’s work and forthcoming trainings by visiting: www.drlaurelparnell.com --- 3 Books Dr Parnell Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Attachment Focused EMDR - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3UB7HhB — A Therapist's Guide to EMDR - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3yfxuV3 — Rewiring the Addicted Brain - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3ygRfvl

Dr Tatkin is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of the psychobiological approach to couples therapy, often referred to as PACT. He is assistant clinical professor in the family medicine department at the University of California. Dr Tatkin has authored numerous bestselling books on attachment and couples therapy, including: Wired for Love, Wired for Dating, In Each Other’s Care, and Your Brain on Love. In this conversation, we explore: — How human beings behave according to procedural memory most of the time and why this is important to understand in couples work — Why relationships can be so difficult for humans — The difference between a secure functioning relationship and secure attachment And more. You can learn more about Dr Tatkin’s work by visiting: thepactinstitute.com --- Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a best-selling author, clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of a Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT). He has a clinical practice in Calabasas, CA, where he has specialized for the last 15 years in working with couples and individuals who wish to be in relationships. He and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, developed the PACT Institute to train clinicians to help challenging couples find secure-functioning relationships. He is the author of best-selling books We Do, Wired for Love, Wired for Dating and Love and War in Intimate Relationships, as well as the audio books Your Brain on Love and Relationship Rx. Dr. Tatkin also teaches family medicine residents at Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills, CA, and is an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine. He travels throughout the United States and abroad with the PACT Institute teaching therapists how to help couples build secure-functioning relationships. --- 3 Books Dr Stan Tatkin Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications - Jude Cassidy - https://amzn.to/4aIbYGJ — Lyons-Ruth, K., L. Dutra, M. R. Schuder, and I. Bianchi. 2006. "From Infant Attachment Disorganization to Adult Dissociation: Relational Adaptations or Traumatic Experiences?" Psychiatric Clinics of North America 29 (1): 63–86. - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-03379-005 — Schore, A. N. 2000. "Attachment and the regulation of the right brain." Attachment & Human Development 1 (2): 23–47. - https://www.allanschore.com/pdf/SchoreAttachHumDev.pdf

Jerry Colonna is an executive coach, author, and former venture capitalist who has been called "the CEO Whisperer." As the founder of Reboot.io, he works with leaders to foster both professional success and personal wholeness through the practice of radical self-inquiry. In this conversation, we explore Jerry's latest book "Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong," which examines how reconnecting with our ancestral past can help us build a more compassionate future. Expect to learn: — How disconnection from our ancestral lineage contributes to our ability to "other" people in society today — Why understanding your own heritage creates an empathetic bridge to those different from you — Why letting go of the myth of meritocracy can be liberating for leaders — The relationship between feeling worthy of love, safety, and belonging and our ability to extend those gifts to others And more. You can learn more about Jerry's work, books, and coaching practice at https://www.reboot.io --- Jerry Colonna is a coach, writer, and speaker who focuses on leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company born from the rallying cry that work does not have to destroy us. Work can be the way in which we achieve our fullest self. A graduate of Queens College, Jerry helps people lead with humanity and equanimity. His unique blend of Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial know-how has made him a sought-after coach and leader, working with some of the largest firms in the country. In his work as a coach, he draws on his experience in Venture Capital (VC) as Co-founder of Flatiron Partners, one of the most successful, early-stage investment programs. Later, he was a partner with J.P. Morgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of J.P. Morgan Chase. Along with a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector, Jerry is the author of two books: REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up (2019) and REUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. Reboot was met with critical acclaim, stirring up a big question in the hearts and minds of people: “How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?” Jerry’s second book builds on this question, asking us what benefit we get from the conditions we say we don’t want. Jerry is astounded by the fact that he lives on a farm outside of Boulder, CO near the foothills of the Rockies, and far from the streets of Brooklyn where he was born and raised. He is the father of three amazing humans, each of whom cares deeply about the love, safety, and belonging of others. --- Interview Links: — Jerry’s website: https://www.reboot.io — Jerry’s books: https://amzn.to/3Hw4gpV

Dr Alicia Lieberman is a clinical psychologist, author, and the senior developer of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Her books include: The Emotional Life of the Toddler, Don’t Hit My Mommy, and Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children. She has received numerous awards including: the Rene Spitz Award from the World Association for Infant Mental Health, the Hero Award from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the Whole Child Award from the Simms/Mann Institute. In this conversation, we explore: — The pioneering work of Selma Fraiberg and how this influenced Dr Lieberman’s trajectory — The role that "ghosts" and "angels" in the nursery play in the intergenerational transmission of trauma — The importance of “speaking the unspeakable” and helping children who have experienced trauma to construct adaptive narratives from their experiences. And more. You can learn more about Dr Lieberman’s work at: https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/ --- Dr. Lieberman is the Irving B. Harris Endowed Chair in Infant Mental Health and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs at the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, and Director of the Child Trauma Research Program. She is a clinical consultant with the San Francisco Human Services Agency. She is active in major national organizations involved with mental health in infancy and early childhood. She is past-president of the board of directors of Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, and on the Professional Advisory Board of the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute. She has served on peer review panels of the National Institute of Mental Health, is on the Board of Trustees of the Irving Harris Foundation, and consults with the Miriam and Peter Haas Foundation on early childhood education for Palestinian-Israeli children. Born and raised in Paraguay, she received her BA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. This background informs her work on behalf of children and families from diverse ethnic and cultural origins, with primary emphasis on the experiences of Latinos in the United States. Dr. Lieberman is currently the director of the Early Trauma Treatment Network (ETTN), a collaborative of four university sites that include the UCSF/SFGH Child Trauma Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center, and Tulane University. ETTN is funded by the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a 40-site national initiative that has the mission of increasing the access and quality of services for children exposed to trauma in the United States. Her major interests include infant mental health, disorders of attachment, early trauma treatment outcome research, and mental health service disparities for underserved and minority children and families. Her current research involves treatment outcome evaluation of the efficacy of child-parent psychotherapy with trauma-exposed children aged birth to six and with pregnant women involved in domestic violence. As a trilingual, tricultural Jewish Latina, she has a special interest in cultural issues involving child development, child rearing, and child mental health. She lectures extensively on these topics nationally and internationally. --- Interview Links: — Dr Liberman’s website - https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/ 3 books that Dr Lieberman recommended — The emotional life of the toddler - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/46pWmGn — Don’t hit my mommy - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/3LHCepK — Make Room for Baby - Alicia F. Lieberman, Manuela A. Diaz, Gloria Castro, Griselda Oliver Bucio - https://amzn.to/3ynmyow

Dr Brown is a licensed psychologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience, a researcher, and lecturer in the field of addiction. She is an internationally recognised expert on treatment of alcoholics, adult children of alcoholics and all addicts and their families. Dr Brown is the author of eleven academic and popular books on addiction and recovery, including her 2014 book: Speed, which this interview focuses on. In this conversation, we explore: — The invisible and insidious addiction to speed that has slowly been taking hold in Western Culture, and how this is causing widespread mental health problems — Dr Brown’s definition of addiction as: “A deep self destructive conflict of interest” and a “war within the self” — Why our inability to face and embrace our limitations may be the central issue in addiction and how this is causing us to lose control — Strategies for overcoming speed addiction in therapeutic work. And more. You can learn more about Dr Brown’s work at: https://stephaniebrownphd.com. --- Stephanie Brown, PhD, is a distinguished figure in the addiction field, renowned as a clinician, educator, author, and researcher. In 1977, she pioneered the Alcohol Clinic at Stanford University Medical Center, where she held the helm for eight years. Dr. Brown's groundbreaking work led to the development of the dynamic model for alcoholism recovery, a paradigm she skillfully applied to the long-term treatment of entire alcoholic families. She played a pivotal role in the California State Alcoholism Advisory Board and co-founded the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA). Throughout her career, she earned numerous accolades, including the Norman Zinberg Memorial Award and the Miracles Breakfast Constellation Behavioral Health Hope Tribute Award. To delve deeper into her impactful journey through her book and website, you can go to https://www.stephaniebrownphd.com/about. --- Books Dr Brown Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Cybernetics of "Self": A Theory of Alcoholism — Gregory Bateson - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1971-29301-001 — Drinking: A Love Story — Caroline Knapp - https://amzn.to/3rltmPz — Speed: Facing Our Addiction to Fast and Faster- And Overcoming Our Fear of Slowing Down — Stephanie Brown - https://amzn.to/3NEStoe — reStart (Training Program) — Dr. Hilarie Cash - https://www.restartlife.com/why-trust-restart/ — Video Games & Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control — Dr. Hilarie Cash - https://amzn.to/3PMI6By — Child, Disrupted — Krista Riihimaki - https://www.childdisrupted.com/trailer

Professor Steven C Hayes is the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and most recently Process Based Therapy. Dr Hayes is the author of several bestselling books, including Get out of Your Mind and Into Your Life, Process-Based CBT, and A Liberated Mind. Along with his colleagues, Steve has spent decades developing and rigorously testing the psychological flexibility model — which is now one of the most empirically validated predictors of flourishing in life. In this conversation, we explore: — Why we need to focus on social context if our aim is to create secure attachment — The perspective taking self and how developing this can reduce suffering and foster internal security — Steve’s thoughts on the vital importance of viewing people as individuals, rather than averages — particularly when we are discussing mental health. And more. You can learn more about Steve’s work by going to stevenchayes.com and check out the new psych flex app by visiting: https://psychflex.com. --- Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Most recently, he has been focused on developing Process Based Therapy along with Prof Stefan Hofmann. --- Interview Links: — A Liberated Mind: The Essential Guide to ACT - Steven Hayes - https://amzn.to/3UG9wcU — ACT Immersion: https://stevenchayes.com/actimmersion — ACT in Practice: https://stevenchayes.com/actinpractice — Professor Hayes’ website: https://stevenchayes.com

Dr. Jo is a bereaved mother and the founder of the MISS Foundation, an international NGO that serves families whose children have died, and the Selah Carefarm, a sustainable restorative community that provides aid to anyone suffering traumatic grief. She is also a Professor and Senior Scholar at Arizona State University, where she spearheads the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement. Her best selling book, Bearing the Unbearable has helped revolutionize the way our culture thinks, and feels, about grief. She works with and counsels families from all around the world who have experienced catastrophic deaths. In this conversation, we explore: — How grief and love are two sides of the same coin — The happiness cult and the harmful effects of living in a culture that avoids pain — How best to help someone who is grieving and things to avoid — Rituals for integrating grief in a holistic way and honouring the person who has passed. And more. You can learn more about Dr Jo’s work at missfoundation.org. --- Dr. Joanne Cacciatore is a bereaved mother and the founder of the MISS Foundation, an international NGO that serves families whose children have died, and the Selah Carefarm, a sustainable restorative community that provides aid to anyone suffering traumatic grief. She is also a Professor and Senior Scholar in the Wrigley Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University, spearheading the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement. Her best selling book, Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief, is a national award winning best seller that has helped revolutionize the way our culture thinks, and feels, about grief. She works with and counsels families from all around the world who have experienced catastrophic deaths. She served on Oprah and Prince Harry’s Mental Health Advisory Board for several years and was featured in their docuseries ‘The Me You Can’t See.” Dr. Jo, believing that current practices around food production are a social, ethical, and environmental justice issue, is a vegan and hasn’t eaten meat since 1972. She also teaches meditation, mindfulness, and compassion and ahimsa practices to students and clients from around the world. If you’re a provider seeking supervision or consultation, For more information on Dr. Jo visit her website. --- Interview Links: — Dr Jo's website - https://www.centerforlossandtrauma.com/ 3 Books Dr Joanne Cacciatore Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Attachment in Psychotherapy - David Wallin - https://amzn.to/3Rp8stp — Attachment-Informed Grief Therapy: The Clinician's Guide to Foundations and Applications (Series in Death, Dying, and Bereavement) - Phyllis S. Kosminsky - https://amzn.to/3UPAgI8 — Bearing the Unbearable - Dr Joanne Cacciatore - https://amzn.to/3R27bbv

In this interview, I’m joined by Dr James Glattfelder. James is a physicist, complexity scientist, and peer-reviewed philosopher. His latest book: The Sapient Cosmos synthesises the latest developments in consciousness studies, physics, and information theory to tackle some of life’s biggest questions. Expect to learn: — Why consciousness might be the foundation of reality, not just a product of the brain — The rational case for idealism — How psychedelics may have shaped human cultures for milennia — James’ insights on the purpose of life And more. You can learn more about James’ work and get a copy of the book at: https://jth.ch --- Dr James Glattfelder is a Swiss author, researcher, and educator exploring the intersection of consciousness, information, and complex systems. With a Ph.D. in complex systems from ETH Zurich and an M.Sc. in theoretical high-energy particle physics, his career spans over two decades of quantitative research, including 12 years at Olsen Ltd. He has held senior roles in digital finance, co-founding ECUREX and contributing to fintech ventures like Lykke and Oyoba. As the author of Information—Consciousness—Reality and The Sapient Cosmos, he brings scientific rigour to philosophical inquiry. James currently serves as Faculty Lecturer at MQ Learning Academy and Lead Quantitative Researcher at Lykke. He is also an indie author and writes for Collective Ink’s Essentia imprint, continuing to examine the nature of consciousness through a scientific lens. --- Interview Link: — Dr Glattfelder’s book and website: https://jth.ch

Dr. David Spiegel is an author, psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, and one of the world’s leading experts into the clinical applications of hypnosis. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. He is also the creator of REVERI, an innovative guided self hypnosis app which has been clinically proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance focus. In this lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore: — The exciting new science of clinical hypnosis and how it can be applied in the treatment of addiction and trauma — The importance of focusing on valued directions in clinical work and being a kind parent to yourself — Dr Spiegel’s experiences working with Irvin Yalom and what he learned from him — The neural mechanisms that explain why clinical hypnosis works, including dissociation, cognitive flexibility, and absorption — The extent to which we can view hypnosis as a form of “internal exposure therapy”. And more. I used Dr Spiegel’s REVERI app to help with sleep earlier this week and found myself out like a light within a few minutes, so I’d highly recommend giving it a try. You can learn more at https://www.reveri.com. --- Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he has been a member of the academic faculty since 1975, and was Chair of the Stanford University Faculty Senate from 2010-2011. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific journal articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, psychosocial oncology, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. His research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Fetzer Institute, the Dana Foundation for Brain Sciences, and the Nathan S. Cummings Foundation. He was a member of the work groups on the stressor and trauma-related disorders for the DSM-IV and DSM-5 editions of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He is Past President of the American College of Psychiatrists and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, and is a Member of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2018, Dr Spiegel was invited to speak on hypnosis at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2018. --- 3 Books Dr Spiegel Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Dopamine Nation — Dr Anna Lembke - https://amzn.to/3O6NdKe — Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis 2nd Edition — Herbert Spiegel and David Spiegel - https://www.appi.org/Products/Psychotherapy/Trance-and-Treatment-Second-Edition — How to Change Your Mind — Michael Pollan - https://amzn.to/3OysDUw

Dr. Peter Fenner’s nondual approach has been transforming psychotherapy and spiritual practice for decades. In this session, he explore why his teachings on nondual awareness have been so effective in areas such as personal growth, mental health, and spiritual realization—and how this radical understanding of consciousness has the potential to profoundly change how we experience life. You’ll learn: — The shift from seeking to “being” dissolves suffering and brings peace and freedom — How to integrate nondual awareness into therapy, coaching, and everyday life — There is nothing fundamentally lacking or broken in ourselves — The natural state of pure awareness that is spacious, contentless, and inherently free And more. You can learn more about Dr Fenner's work at www.peterfenner.com --- Dr Peter Fenner, PhD has a multifaceted practice as a writer, author, spiritual coach, and trainer in teachings of deep Buddhist philosophy. The founder of Timeless Wisdom and the pioneer of a number of programs and courses, Dr Peter Fenner based his research on Asian nondual wisdom. He hosts virtual workshops and spiritual retreats all over the world as a leader in his academic field, with a global following for his work, particularly in the US. Peter is qualified with a PhD in the philosophical psychology of the Madhyamika school of Mahayana Buddhism and has developed a range of courses about nondual awareness. Peter’s main specialty is developing freeform pointing out instructions, using silence and unfindability inquiry to directly reveal the nature of pure awareness itself. Peter does this individually and in groups where people are supported in their own discovery of the state of nonduality or nonreferentiality. By freeform he using whatever arises in a group in the moment it occurs as the material/constructs, to be seen through, or self-dissolve, revealing the pure liberated nature of unconditioned mind itself—the ultimate medicine. Peter’s books include Radiant Mind: Awakening Unconditioned Awareness (Sounds True, 2007), The Ontology of the Middle Way (Kluwer, 1990), Reasoning into Reality (Wisdom Publications, 1994), Essential Wisdom Teachings (with Penny Fenner, Nicolas-Hays, 2001), The Edge of Certainty: Paradoxes on the Buddhist Path (Nicolas-Hays, 2002), Sacred Mirror: Nondual Wisdom and Psychotherapy (Editor, Omega Books, 2003). --- Interview Links: - Dr Fenner’s website: https://www.peterfenner.com/ - Dr Fenner’s books: https://amzn.to/3tfNqkm

Is there just one “you”? We’ve been taught to believe we have a single identity and to feel fear or shame when we can’t control the inner voices that don’t match the ideal of who we think we should be. Yet Dr. Richard Schwartz’s research now challenges this “mono-mind” theory. “All of us are born with many sub-minds―or parts,” says Dr. Schwartz. “These parts are not imaginary or symbolic. They are individuals who exist as an internal family within us―and the key to health and happiness is to honor, understand, and love every part.” Dr. Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) model has been transforming psychology for decades. In this session, you’ll explore why IFS has been so effective in areas such as trauma recovery, addiction therapy, and depression treatment―and how this new understanding of consciousness has the potential to radically change our lives. You’ll learn: ― How honoring and communicating with parts changes our approach to mental wellness ― How to transform your ego, inner critic, and self saboteur into powerful allies ― How IFS demonstrates human goodness by revealing that there are no bad parts ― How to discover your wise, compassionate essence of goodness that is the source of healing and harmony You’ll also engage in practical exercises for mapping your parts, accessing the Self, and working with a challenging protector. --- Dr. Richard Schwartz, PhD is the creator of Internal Family Systems, a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic model that de-pathologizes the multipart personality. His IFS Institute offers training for professionals and the general public. Formerly an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and later at Northwestern University, he is currently on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He has published five books and is a sought-after presenter. For more, visit ifs-institute.com. Interview Links: - Dr Schwartz’s website: https://ifs-institute.com/ - Dr Schwartz’s books: https://amzn.to/3V9YOtA

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, stroke survivor, and bestselling author of My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living. With over 27 million views, her TED Talk is one of the most viewed of all time. In this conversation, we explore: — How a left hemisphere stroke radically shifted Jill’s view of identity — What it means to live from a “whole brain” perspective and Dr. Taylor revolutionary model of the four “characters” we all have within us — Why our sense of self is just one “character” of four and how learning to recognize and integrate these characters can help us make better decisions, improve our relationships, and access deeper states of inner peace. — How the “BRAIN huddle” can transform inner conflict into calm clarity. And more. To explore Dr. Taylor’s work, visit https://drjilltaylor.com or check out her books My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living. — Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroscientist. In 1996 she experienced a severe hemorrhage (AVM) in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery, spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and is still routinely the #1 book in the category Stroke in the Amazon marketplace. Dr. Jill is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations and not-for-profit organizations about the beauty of our human brain. She focuses on how we can activate the power of our neuroplasticity to not only recover from neurological trauma, but how we can purposely choose to live a more flexible, resilient, and satisfying life. In 2008 Dr. Jill gave the first TED talk that ever went viral on the Internet, which now has well over 27.5 million views. Also in 2008, Dr. Jill was chosen as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul Series” webcast. Her new book, Whole Brain Living – the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life is a #1 release on Amazon in categories ranging from Neuroscience to Nervous System Diseases and Stroke. --- Interview Links: — Dr Taylor’s website: https://drjilltaylor.com — Dr Taylor’s book: https://amzn.to/43EiPA1

Dr. Tony Nader is a medical doctor, neuroscientist, and the global leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. He holds an MD from the American University of Beirut and a PhD in neuroscience from MIT. In this conversation, we explore Dr. Nader’s provocative claim that consciousness is not a byproduct of the brain—but the ground of all being. Drawing on neuroscience, quantum physics, and thousands of years of contemplative practice, he shares a paradigm that reframes life’s biggest questions—from free will and death to the nature of truth, karma, and the self. Expect to learn: — What Maslow got wrong and the practical value of transcending before striving — Why expanding consciousness is the purpose of life — Dr Nader’s views on the relationship between the brain and consciousness. — What this model says about death, reincarnation, and the expansion of self And more. You can learn more about Dr. Nader’s work at https://drtonynader.com or by exploring his book, Consciousness is All There Is. --- Dr. Tony Nader is a globally recognized leader in the field of consciousness and a renowned neuroscientist with a distinguished academic background. He is the president of Maharishi International University, a medical doctor trained at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Ph.D. in neuroscience) and a globally recognized expert in the science of Consciousness and human development. Dr Nader’s training includes internal medicine, psychiatry, and neurology, and he is a New York Times bestselling author. His award winning book Consciousness Is All There Is has received the highest praise much like his latest book Super Habits for Success. Dr Nader has had recent discussions with some of the great thinkers, scientists, medical doctors and leaders in the world today. He has been featured by WIRED magazine, BBC, CNN, Gaia Network, and served as keynote for the United Nations, YPO and Stanford university’s “Hacking Consciousness”. He’s the recipient of numerous award's for his outstanding contribution in human development, environment, education, and health. He currently leads the global Transcendental Meditation organization, succeeding Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and is dedicated to advancing the understanding of consciousness through both scientific and spiritual lenses. --- Interview Links: — Maharishi International University - https://www.miu.edu — Dr Nader's website - https://drtonynader.com — Dr Nader's book - https://amzn.to/45kVWCO

Zack Kass is an AI strategist, futurist, and former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT. As a leading voice in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence, Zack has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits on how to navigate technological change with both foresight and humanity. In this wide-ranging discussion, Zack shares what most people get wrong about AI, the traits that will define those who thrive in the years ahead, and why designing for what machines can’t do may be the single most important business (and life) strategy of our time. Expect to learn: — Why personal agency and adaptability are now essential skills — What AI can’t do—and why that’s where the opportunity is — How to prepare for a future where work no longer defines identity — The importance of learning how to learn (and how to actually do it) — Why “the future belongs to those who obsess” And more. You can explore Zack’s writing and newsletter at https://www.zackkass.com. --- Zack Kass is one of the world’s foremost authorities on applied AI, transforming the technology's immense power into business strategies and applications that expand human potential. For the last 16 years, Zack has been at the forefront of AI. Most recently, he served as OpenAI's Head of Go-to-Market responsible for building out the sales, solutions, and partnerships teams. Zack played a key role in early efforts at commercializing AI and large language models, channeling OpenAI’s innovative research into tangible business solutions while also serving as a personal adviser to many executives deploying the technology across their companies. Today, Zack’s mission is to help businesses, nonprofits, and governments navigate the rapidly evolving AI environment. His thought leadership has been featured in top publications, such as Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. Zack continues to advise Fortune 1000 board rooms, including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Samsung. He is also an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and Chair of Ruder Finn’s AI Advisory Council. --- Interview Link: — Zack’s website - https://www.zackkass.com

The spiritual teaching of nonduality, which stems from the Indian philosophy of advaita, teaches that consciousness is the primary reality, the fundamental essence of the cosmos. On the other hand, the current scientific worldview holds that the physical world is primary, and that consciousness somehow, in ways that we do not yet understand, emerges from it. Both views have their challenges. If consciousness is primary, why do we not see it in all things? Conversely if the physical world is primary, how does consciousness arise from something as insentient matter? Peter Russell proposes that the solution to these problems lies in the recognition that information is fundamental to both realities, and physical reality, as we conceive of it, is but a representation of the external world appearing in the mind. This turns our current worldview inside-out; and into one that both beliefs can inhabit. --- Peter Russell studied theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science at the University of Cambridge. He then went to India, to study meditation and Eastern philosophy, and on his return conducted research on the psychology of meditation. A leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality, he coined the term "global brain" with his 1980s’ bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. Other books include The Awakening Earth, Waking Up in Time, From Science to God, and his most recent, Letting Go of Nothing. Peter is a fellow of The World Business Academy, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest. --- Interview Links: — Peter’s website: www.peterrussell.com/index.php — Peter’s books: https://amzn.to/3WRrnhd