Randima Fernando – Humane Technology

Randima Fernando – Humane Technology

Author: Mind & Life Institute November 4, 2022 Duration: 1:17:37
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Randima (Randy) Fernando, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology. Over several decades, Randy has worked to integrate technology, mindfulness, and social impact, trying to find ethical solutions to some of our most challenging issues. This conversation covers many topics, including: how the strands of Buddhism and technology have woven together throughout his life; the challenges we face with tech today; parallels between mindfulness and humane technology; understanding the "race to the bottom"; breaking the myth that technology is neutral; looking at technology through the Buddhist lens of dependent co-arising; problematic incentives in the tech space (e.g., advertising as a business model); the attention economy; how technology trains our attention, emotions, and even our values; technology's impact on the way we view our "self"; customized realities, echo chambers, and polarization; how to avoid tech traps; the core principles of humane technology; building values/ethics into AI; understanding dukkha; the pros and cons of using technology to teach mindfulness; and the latest resources from the Center for Humane Technology. 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
Matthieu Ricard – Compassion and Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:23
In this episode, Wendy speaks with the renowned Buddhist practitioner and author Matthieu Ricard. Matthieu was integral to the founding of contemplative science, serving as both a participant and co-investigator in many…
Jamie Bristow – Policy, Practice, and Planet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:45
In this episode, Wendy speaks with mindful policy advocate and contemplative teacher Jamie Bristow. Jamie co-directs the Mindfulness Initiative in the UK, an organization that bridges contemplative practice and public po…
Amy Cohen Varela – The Power of Undoing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:40
In this episode, Wendy speaks with clinical psychologist and contemplative Amy Cohen Varela. In addition to her work as a psychoanalytic therapist, Amy is also the widow of Francisco Varela (co-founder of the Mind & Life…
Zindel Segal – Mindfulness and Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:31
In this episode, Wendy speaks with renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and co-developer of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Zindel Segal. Zindel's work has brought relief to many who suffer from depres…
Yuria Celidwen - Indigenous Wisdom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:20
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scholar and Indigenous activist Yuria Celidwen. Yuria has worked across many sectors to bring Indigenous ways of knowing into conversation with Western approaches, particu…
Norm Farb - Meditation and the Brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher Norm Farb. Norm was one of the first people to study how meditation impacts our brains, and his broader work incorporates emotions, body sensations, and present…
Tish Jennings - Contemplative Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:45
In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative educator and researcher Patricia (Tish) Jennings. Tish has been a pioneer in bringing mindfulness and compassion into school settings, with a particular focus on helping t…
Sharon Salzberg - Love and Wisdom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:33
In this episode, Wendy speaks with renowned and beloved meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg. Sharon has been teaching meditation in the West for over 40 years, and is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. Thei…
Bob Thurman - Wisdom is Bliss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:06
In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar and author Robert (Bob) Thurman. Bob is one of the foremost scholars in the world on Tibetan Buddhism, and played a major role in bringing Buddhism to America. This con…
Lasana Harris - Flexible Social Cognition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:24
In this episode, Wendy speaks with social neuroscientist Lasana Harris about his work on flexible social cognition—the variable ways that we perceive others. This conversation covers many topics, including: his accidenta…