Mind & Life

Mind & Life

Author: Mind & Life Institute Language: English Episodes: 50
At the heart of Mind & Life is a simple, profound question: what is a mind, really? This isn't just a philosophical puzzle but a practical exploration of the mental habits that define our days. The conversations hosted by the Mind & Life Institute gently dismantle the walls between disciplines, weaving together insights from neuroscience and psychology with the lived wisdom of contemplative traditions. You’ll hear dialogues that feel less like interviews and more like shared discoveries, where a philosopher and a meditation teacher might find common ground on how attention works, or where a scientist discusses the social impact of compassion training. Each episode is an invitation to look inward with curiosity, examining how practices like meditation aren't about escape but about engaging with our inner world more skillfully. This podcast operates from the conviction that understanding our own minds is foundational to addressing broader cultural and societal challenges. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the mechanics of their own thoughts and emotions and sought a deeper, evidence-informed conversation about transformation. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of rigorous inquiry and personal relevance, where ancient questions meet modern investigation.
Episodes
Matthieu Ricard – Compassion and Care [From the Archive] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:08
In this episode from the Mind & Life archive, Wendy spoke with the renowned Buddhist practitioner and author Matthieu Ricard. Matthieu was integral to the founding of contemplative science, serving as both a participant…
Liz Monson – Reclaiming the Magic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:01
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and meditation teacher Liz Monson. Liz is one of the pioneers in combining Buddhist teachings with nature-based practices, and her work helps us connect in an embodied…
Christy Wilson-Mendenhall – Emotions in the World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:36
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive and affective scientist Christy Wilson-Mendenhall. Christy has a long history studying emotions, and her work integrates psychological science and contemplative philosophy to…
Karen O'Brien – Why We Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:35
In this episode, Wendy speaks with professor, writer, and thought leader Karen O’Brien. Karen is an expert on the human and social dimensions of climate change, and her work helps us understand the role of the mind and w…
Tania Singer – The Power of Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:23
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social neuroscientist and contemplative researcher Tania Singer. Tania is a world leader in studying empathy and compassion, and her pioneering work explores the interpersonal aspects o…
Melissa Rosenkranz – Mind, Body, World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:58
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scientist Melissa Rosenkranz. Melissa's work examines the mind-body connection with a focus on how inflammation interacts with our brains and emotions, and how meditation…
Otto Scharmer – Changing Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:54
In this episode, Wendy speaks with action researcher, changemaker, and thought leader Otto Scharmer. Otto is a world leader in systems change, and his work across disciplines highlights how awareness and the quality of o…
Neil Theise – Everything is Connected [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:57
In this episode, Wendy speaks with pathologist, scientist, author, and Zen Buddhist, Neil Theise. Neil's pioneering work in human anatomy has revolutionized our understanding of interconnectedness at the level of the bod…
Molly Crockett – Changing the World is a Group Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:40
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and cognitive scientist Molly Crockett. Molly is a leader in studying moral cognition, with an emphasis on ethics, knowledge, and power in the digital age. This conversatio…
Jim Coan – Our Social Baseline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:35
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and affective neuroscientist Jim Coan. Jim is a leading researcher on how social connection impacts our minds, brains, and bodies, and he's also pushing the boundaries of i…