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
Lisa Feldman Barrett - Your Emotions Aren't What You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:06
We launch our second season featuring a conversation with psychologist, neuroscientist, and emotion researcher Lisa Feldman Barrett. She and Wendy discuss a broad range of topics about the mind, including: her unexpected…
Jack Kornfield - Wisdom For Our Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
As 2020 draws to a close, Wendy speaks with Buddhist teacher, author, and psychologist Jack Kornfield in a special episode. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including: how he's interpreting our current m…
Adam Hanley - Taking Your Mind Off Autopilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:17
In this bonus episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist and contemplative researcher Adam Hanley. Adam studies mindfulness-based interventions for addiction and pain, seeking to understand how they work, and how they can b…
Andreas Roepstorff - Interacting Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:20
In this episode, Wendy speaks with anthropologist and neuroscientist Andreas Roepstorff. Andreas has been a pioneer in integrating these two approaches, examining how social context impacts the mind and brain. Their conv…
Evan Thompson - Expanding Our View of the Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:42
In this episode, Wendy speaks with philosopher of mind Evan Thompson about embodied cognition and contemplative science. Evan is one of the earliest contributors to advancing the dialogue between Buddhism and Western sci…
Doris Chang - Critical Consciousness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist Doris Chang about her work on race, ethnicity, culture, and other dimensions of social identity as they shape psychological experience and mental health treatment.…
Richie Davidson - The Science of Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist, psychologist, and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, Richard (Richie) Davidson. Richie is one of the founders of contemplative science, and shares his perspective…
Tanya Luhrmann - How Social Worlds Shape Our Minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
In this episode, Wendy speaks with anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann about how practices embedded in social realities change our minds and our experiences. They discuss: her research on unusual spiritual experiences (voices,…
Amishi Jha - Attention, Mind Wandering, and Stress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:19
In this episode, Wendy speaks with cognitive and contemplative neuroscientist Amishi Jha about using mindfulness to train attention, and its usefulness particularly in high-stress situations. They cover many topics, incl…
john powell - Othering and Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
In this episode, Wendy speaks with law professor and civil rights expert john a. powell about his work at the intersection of social justice and spirituality. This conversation was recorded during the 2019 Summer Researc…