Ed Taylor – Leading by Example

Ed Taylor – Leading by Example

Author: Mind & Life Institute April 20, 2023 Duration: 51:54
In this episode, Wendy speaks with University of Washington vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Ed Taylor. Ed has made major contributions in the areas of contemplative education and leadership, with a focus on moral and integrative education and social justice. This conversation covers many topics, including: growing up embedded in community and giant sequoias; learning to be still with the mind; teaching meditation amidst anger dysregulation; embodying contemplative skills in the classroom; the gap between our mind's story and our body in the moment; the relevance of contemplation to wise and effective leadership; moving from ego-system to ecosystem awareness (systems thinking); implementing systems change in university settings; normalizing failure and modeling vulnerability; letting students lead in defining the community they want; imagining the world you want to live in when things are not OK (reflections on the days after George Floyd was killed); understanding critical race theory in education; and the central role of community in healing. Full show notes and resources  

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

Mind & Life
Podcast Episodes
Jamie Bristow – Exploring Systems Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
In this episode, Mind & Life co-producer Phil Walker speaks with writer and policy advisor Jamie Bristow as a prelude to our upcoming mini-series on systems change. Over the coming weeks, Jamie will serve as guest host f…
Wendy Hasenkamp – Widening the Aperture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:40
Since this podcast launched, Wendy Hasenkamp has guided listeners through 84 in-depth conversations, bringing warmth, curiosity, and intellectual depth to every episode. After five years with the show and over 13 years w…
Jon Kabat-Zinn – The Heart of Mindfulness [From the Archive] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:18
Enjoy this episode with renowned meditation teacher, author, and creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Jon Kabat-Zinn. This spacious and personal conversation is full of insights on a wide range of topics…
Roshi Joan Halifax – Enactive Compassion [From the Archive] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:20
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher and author Roshi Joan Halifax. A pioneer in the field of end-of-life care, Roshi Joan was instrumental in developing the dialogue between science and Buddhism, and…
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…