Mind & Life

Mind & Life

Author: Mind & Life Institute Language: English Episodes: 94
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
David Sloan Wilson - Conscious Evolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:48
In this bonus episode, Wendy speaks with evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson. This episode is being released in conjunction with Mind & Life's new film, Evolution of the Heart — a short documentary covering convers…
Dekila Chungyalpa - Human-Earth Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:20
In this episode, Wendy speaks with environmentalist Dekila Chungyalpa about her views of nature, the climate crisis, and her unique collaborations with faith leaders. Their conversation covers many topics, including: gro…
Peter Wayne - Ecology of Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:02
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical researcher Peter Wayne about his work on mind-body and movement-based interventions like tai chi. Their conversation covers many topics, including: how a background in ecology…
Mingyur Rinpoche - Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:29
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Tibetan Buddhist teacher Mingyur Rinpoche about how contemplative practice can lead us to awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Their conversation covers many topics, including: his involv…
Buju Dasgupta - Social Context & Implicit Bias [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social psychologist Buju Dasgupta about her work on implicit bias, and the role of social context in shaping the mind. Their conversation covers many topics, including: her path to merg…
Larry Barsalou - Habits of Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:01
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive psychologist Larry Barsalou about his work on grounded cognition, concepts, stress, and habits. Their conversation covers many topics, including: a historical look at how psyc…
Sona Dimidjian - Bringing Relationship into Research [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:31
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and contemplative researcher Sona Dimidjian. Sona's career has focused on using contemplative practices to improve mental health, with a focus on systems of inequa…
John Dunne - At the Crossroads of Buddhism and Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:13
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar John Dunne. John has interfaced with contemplative scientists for over two decades to help advance rigorous research on meditation by incorporating a nuanced Buddhist p…
Eric Garland - Working with Addiction & Pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical researcher and psychotherapist Eric Garland. Eric has spent his career developing effective ways to use mindfulness and other contemplative approaches for problems like addicti…
Anne Klein - The Wisdom of the Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:58
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and teacher Anne Klein. They speak about the role of the body in practice and transformation, and touch on many topics, including: her interest in Buddhism as a lens on…