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
Chuck Raison – Ancient Practices & Conscious Experience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and mental health researcher Chuck Raison. Chuck’s work centers on understanding how ancient practices can change our conscious experience. He’s a leader in studying the li…
Quinn Conklin – Mind-Body Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:25
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher Quinn Conklin. Quinn's research examines the interconnection of mind and body, and the effects of stress and meditation training on biomarkers of health and wel…
Zev Schuman-Olivier – Mindfulness, Behavior Change, and Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:44
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Zev Schuman-Olivier. Zev has been working for more than a decade to integrate mindfulness and compassion into health care, with a focus on addi…
Eve Ekman – Building Emotion Awareness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:36
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social scientist and meditation teacher Eve Ekman. Eve's work integrates contemplative practice and modern psychology to help people learn about and work with their emotions. This conve…
Dave Vago – Meditation, Neuroscience, and Self [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:51
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative neuroscientist Dave Vago. Dave has been studying the brain, meditation, and the self for over two decades, and has developed several models of how mindfulness might work f…
Tawni Tidwell – Between Life and Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:14
In this episode, Wendy speaks with biocultural anthropologist and Tibetan medical doctor Tawni Tidwell. Tawni's research focuses on living—and dying—with greater awareness and well-being, and integrates multiple biologic…
Brian Dias – Epigenetics and Intergenerational Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:51
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and trauma researcher Brian Dias. Brian is one of the pioneers in understanding how trauma can be transferred between generations. Research in this space has helped fuel…
Jyoti Mishra – Mindfulness and Climate Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:02
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and mental health researcher Jyoti Mishra. Jyoti has been investigating how mindfulness and attention training affect our brains, and can help in the context of mental he…
Simon Goldberg – The Shape of Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and contemplative researcher Simon Goldberg. Simon uses tools drawn from psychotherapy research to better understand the therapeutic processes and outcomes of mindfulness a…
Diana Chapman Walsh – Contemplative Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:06
In this episode, Wendy speaks with educational leader, writer, and climate activist Diana Chapman Walsh. Diana had a long and successful career in public health at Boston and Harvard University, and then became the presi…