Emeran Mayer – Biological Interconnectedness

Emeran Mayer – Biological Interconnectedness

Author: Mind & Life Institute September 21, 2023 Duration: 56:23
In this episode, Wendy speaks with gastroenterologist, author, and microbiome researcher Emeran Mayer. Emeran is a world renowned expert in the connections between the gut and the mind, and brings a biological lens to the concept of interconnection. This conversation covers many topics, including: his interest in mind-body connection; microbiome overview & current questions; how we've inherited systems of communication from microbes; gut-brain connections, and the concept of the "second brain"; how meditation might affect our microbes; gut-immune connections; the importance of barriers, and what goes wrong in "leaky gut"; barrier compromise as common core of nearly all chronic disorders; stress and diet as key factors affecting our gut permeability; what we can do to protect our gut; equity issues around healthy food access; the gut as a sense organ; reductions in the diversity of microbes on the planet; the role of antibiotics and environmental destruction; development of the microbiome in pregnancy and infancy; implications for our concept of self; balance between reductionism and embracing complexity in science; and the need for more of the feminine archetype in our world. 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
Jessica Morey - Healing Attachment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:32
In this episode, Wendy speaks with meditation teacher and co-founder of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme), Jessica Morey. Jessica has been working with the contemplative path through the lens of attachment theory…
Juan Santoyo - Practice and Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:02
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher and social activist Juan Santoyo. Juan's work sits at the intersection of basic neuroscience and community-based programs; his central interest is in understand…
Al Kaszniak - The Universe of Verbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
In this episode, Wendy speaks with psychologist, contemplative researcher, and Zen Buddhist teacher, Al Kaszniak. Al has been in the contemplative science space since the earliest days, and his work has shed light on how…
Brooke Lavelle - Courage in Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:16
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar, contemplative teacher, and social activist Brooke Lavelle. Brooke is the co-founder and president of Courage of Care, an organization that seeks to build transformatio…
Jud Brewer - Changing Habits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:37
In this episode, Wendy speaks with addiction psychiatrist and contemplative researcher Jud Brewer. Jud is one of the leading figures in the use of mindfulness for addiction and anxiety, and his work emphasizes the brain'…
Roshi Joan Halifax - Enactive Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:45
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…
Cliff Saron - Embracing Complexity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:21
In this episode, Wendy speaks with neuroscientist and contemplative researcher Cliff Saron. Cliff is a pioneer in studying the effects of meditation on attention and emotion, and has been deeply embedded in the field of…
Bobbi Patterson - Contemplation, Place, and Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
In this episode, Wendy speaks with professor and Episcopal priest, Bobbi Patterson. Bobbi's work integrates Christian contemplation, Buddhist meditation, contemplative pedagogy, the role of place, and adaptive resilience…
Cortland Dahl - Integrating Science and Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:56
In this episode, Wendy speaks with researcher, translator, and Buddhist teacher, Cortland Dahl. Cort's work integrates science, psychology, meditation, and Tibetan Buddhism. This conversation covers many topics, includin…
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel - Identity as Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:15
In this episode, Wendy speaks with author, Zen priest and Buddhist teacher, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel. Zenju's work highlights how the various facets of our identity can become "fertilizer" for growth on the path of spiritua…