The advice you’ve heard about psychology may be too small for the questions many people are living. Dr. David S. B. Mitchell makes the case for a different kind of science - one that can hold Sasquatch, hauntings, alien encounters, meditation, Black psychology, and consciousness beyond death without shutting curiosity down.

We open the conversation by highlighting Dr. Mitchell’s rare interdisciplinary path, and Mitchell explains how his work in transpersonal psychology, hominoid studies, and contemplative practice all point to the same thing: some realities may be far stranger, and far more human, than mainstream psychology admits.

You’ll discover:

- a piece of what transpersonal psychology actually studies, and why it tries to bring the spirit of exceptional human experience back into the conversation

- how Black psychology grew as a response to invisibility in the academy, and why its communal, Afrocentric vision matters nowwhy “epistemic humility” and a beginner’s mind may be the keys to studying anomalous experiences without dismissal

- how eyewitness reports, folklore, and anomalous lived experiences can become legitimate data when handled with rigor- why meditation does not have to start as a 45-minute silence session, and how just five minutes a day can be a doorway toward knowing yourself

Dr. Mitchell also breaks down the tension between orthodox and heterodox scholarship, the risks academics face when they study fringe topics, and why collaboration across institutions, communities, and disciplines matters more than ego. He makes a compelling argument that the real work is not just proving what happened, but helping experiencers integrate what happened without shame, fear, or isolation.

If you’ve ever wondered why some of the most important essential questions are pushed to the margins, this episode will challenge that assumption. It is especially essential for psychologists, researchers, contemplative practitioners, students, and anyone drawn to the mystery hiding inside ordinary life experience.

Dr. David S. B. Mitchell is a scholar of developmental psychology and transpersonal psychology whose work spans meditation, Black psychology, and anomalous experiences. He is known for engaging stigmatized subjects with rigor, respect, and a strong commitment to human flourishing.

We all encounter challenges and hardships that test our resolve and beliefs. For Venerable Thubten Chodron, a prominent Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, these challenges have been opportunities for growth and transformation. In this video, we’ll explore how Venerable Chodron navigates the complexities of life, the importance of trusting in the Dharma, and practical insights on transforming our minds in the face of adversity. As you listen, you will learn that you can cultivate resilience and clarity in your life. Whether you're facing personal obstacles or seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings, these lessons can guide you into a deeper practice on your path.0:06 Facing Adversity Within3:19 Refuge in Hardship6:06 Transforming the Mind8:36 Adversity as the Path14:02 Understanding Karma19:32 Dharma and Past Karma22:44 Seven-Point Mind Training23:09 Disciple of the Dalai Lama27:25 His Holiness’s Qualities31:14 True Harmony33:37 Future of Bhikshunis39:13 Learning Through Service47:22 Working with Anger51:59 Sam Taught FortitudeVenerable Thubten Chodron is an author, teacher, and the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey, a pioneering Tibetan Buddhist training monastery for Western nuns and monks in the US. She graduated from UCLA and did graduate work in education at USC. Ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun in 1977, she has studied extensively with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsenzhap Serkong Rinpoche, and other Tibetan lamas. She received full ordination as a bhikshuni in 1986. Venerable Chodron teaches worldwide and is known for her warm, practical, and humorous explanations of how to apply Buddhist teachings in daily life. She is also involved in prison outreach and interfaith dialogue. She has published many books on Buddhist philosophy and meditation and assisted His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the writing and publication of The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, a ten-volume series of teachings on the Buddhist path. Visit thubtenchodron.org for a media library of her teachings, and sravastiabbey.org to learn more about Sravasti Abbey.Help us keep bringing new guests to the show IN-PERSON and create an opportunity for yourself to be a founding supporter of a rare Buddhist-nun-led educational space that provides even the most impoverished a place where they can come home to themselves:https://chunghuonginst...Feeling ready to embody your own happiness beyond a dopamine hit? Join our newsletter to recieve a weekly happiness forecast, free classes, and insightful practices for releasing pain: https://mailchi.mp/chu...Take a program and visit Sravasti Abbey in Washington state and Chung Huong Institute in Colorado!

0:09 Consciousness and responsiveness

3:58 Coma and medical states

8:27 Beyond the body

11:21 Mind through many lenses

16:36 Penrose and Hameroff theory

17:42 How to study consciousness

22:14 Dreams and altered states

28:50 AI and the brain

36:09 Memory and brain stimulation

41:32 How brain stimulation works

47:43 Treating brain disorders

56:16 Brain rhythms and states

58:16 Emotions and neural habits

1:04:34 Overcoming personal limits

1:12:15 Self-awareness and flexibility

1:22:57 Responsibility over blame

1:23:36 Find Dr. Buchanan

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Derek Buchanan about consciousness, brain function, and the clinical uses of neuroscience. We discuss how scientists define and study consciousness in states such as sleep, coma, and unresponsiveness, and how brain scans can reveal retained activity in some patients who appear unresponsive.

We also cover scientific and philosophical theories of consciousness, including ideas about awareness and information integration, and how different fields approach the same question. We then talk about research methods such as dreaming, anesthesia, psychedelics, brain-computer interfaces, and brain stimulation, as well as possible applications for conditions like depression, OCD, Parkinson’s disease, memory, and attention.

We discuss AI and its impact on consciousness. The episode ends with reflections on self-awareness, responsibility, emotional regulation, and the value of flexibility and apology in personal growth.

Dr. Derrick Buchanan is an author, speaker, educator, inventor, founder, and international award winning PhD Clinical Neuroscientist originally from Ottawa, Canada, residing at Stanford University Department of Psychiatry since 2021. Dr. Buchanan specializes in neuropsychiatry and researches ways to use precision brain imaging to create new brain stimulation treatments for mental health and neurological diseases. His teachings have reached thousands of students and audiences in over a dozen countries.

0:01 Addiction and Control

4:37 Suffering as Identity

7:51 The Cage of Habits

10:41 Technology and Isolation

13:14 Spirituality and Mindfulness

17:27 Meditation and Dopamine

19:52 Facing Pain Directly

23:45 A Transforming Loss

27:43 Meeting Suffering

31:12 Medication and Mood

33:53 Psychedelics and Faith

36:25 Prayer Practice

37:51 Compassion Over Shame

39:22 Endemic NarcissismIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Anna Lembke about addiction, pleasure, pain, and control. We discuss her work as a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford, and her aim in writing about the science of addiction in a way that connects neuroscience with everyday life.We talk about how addictive patterns can begin as pleasure seeking or as a way to escape pain, but can shift into a need for control and manipulation. We also discuss how people can become attached to suffering, because it can feel familiar or protective, even when it causes harm.We explore the effects of compulsive habit loops, including how they can shrink a person’s world and lead to anxiety, shame, boredom, and loneliness. We also discuss technology and social media, and how digital life can make it easier to hyper-engineer experience and avoid face-to-face connections.We talk about spirituality, mindfulness, and recovery. Dr. Lembke describes how surrender, prayer, and a spiritual orientation have shaped her own life, and how she sees 12-step groups as lasting because they embed support and community into daily life. We also discuss meditation, dopamine, and the possibility that even practices meant for healing can become attached to reward.We then turn to suffering, grief, and Dr. Lembke’s personal story of losing her son to leukemia. She describes how that loss led her to stop denying pain and to accept that she was not in control, which became a turning point toward spiritual surrender.We end by discussing self-compassion, self-loathing, and the role of spiritual practice in moving beyond intense self-focus. Dr. Lembke explains that her forthcoming book, Radical Surrender, continues these themes.

0:12 Introduction to Authenticity1:04 The Complexity of Vulnerability1:53 The Masks We Wear3:57 Detecting Deception7:24 The Role of Culture9:29 The Impact of AI12:45 Social Media and Emotional Disconnect23:14 Emotions in the Digital Age26:07 Cultivating Connection in Tough Times29:20 Embracing Common Humanity31:32 Breaking the Habit of Isolation34:02 Practicing Compassion42:15 Changing Dynamics in Relationships43:43 Compassion as a Solution46:45 The Power of Kindness48:57 Personal Journey to CompassionIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Erika Rosenberg about the interplay of emotions, communication, and authenticity in human connection. We tackle societal pressures that mask true feelings and the importance of embracing vulnerability and imperfections. Dr. Rosenberg shares insights on deception and emotional cues, while highlighting the impact of technology on empathy, particularly among younger generations. We discuss “Facial Expressions 101” to improve understanding of emotional expressions and conclude with a call to cultivate compassion and vulnerability to foster healthier relationships in our society.Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, and educator who seeks to help people understand themselves and one another better, connect with one another, find peace and joy in life, and suffer less. Erika is a co-creator of the Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) program at Stanford University, with lead author Thupten Jinpa, Founding Faculty at The Compassion Institute, and faculty at The Nyingma Institute, Berkeley. Erika has taught at places as diverse as Google, Inc., Lerab Ling Monastery, LucasFilm, Upaya Zen Center, Esalen Institute, and Burning Man. Erikais also experienced in psychedelic harm reduction and psychedelic integration through such programs as the Zendo Project and the Psychedelic Sangha, NYC.Dr. Rosenberg’s academic work focuses on the study of emotion, emotionexpression and contemplative science. At the Center for Mind and Brain at UC Davis, Erika Rosenberg is a member of the Saron Lab, which conducts multi-disciplinary, pathbreaking research in contemplative science. Erika is an expert in human facial expressions and the Facial Action Coding System, with clients in academia, industry, and the arts, worldwide. Her books include What the Face Reveals (with Paul Ekman, now in its 3rd edition) and the widely used Introductory Psychology text, Psychology: Perspectives & Connections, now in its 6th edition). Dr. Rosenberg’s published scientific work on facial expression span basic affective science on research on emotional processes, social psychological research onfacial expression recognition, studies of the effects of meditation on emotional behavior, and health psychological risk factors for heart disease.

0:02 Challenge of Being a Scientist3:14 Transitioning to the Private Sector4:56 Understanding Industry Partnerships10:50 The Impact of AI on Research13:45 Language and Reality35:08 Knowledge vs. Wisdom39:56 The Role of Academia in Innovation43:31 The Importance of Industry Collaboration50:20 Preventing Burnout in Academia51:00 Succeeding in the Private Sector58:10 Creating Your Own PathIn this episode, we explore the challenges faced by scientists transitioning from academia to the private sector, where Dr. David Giltner is drawing from personal experiences as a physicist. We discuss the gap between academic training and industry demands, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and navigating ambiguity in a profit-driven environment. We share insights from Dr. David Giltner's book aimed at scientists entering industry, highlighting the crucial role of communication and storytelling in making scientific work accessible. Additionally, Dr. David Giltner cautions against overreliance on AI, stressing that it cannot replicate the human capacity for dealing with uncertainty and ethical dilemmas. The conversation also addresses issues of burnout and the significance of balancing financial and psychological rewards in one's career. Dr. David Giltner concludes with advice for emerging scholars to embrace risks and pursue paths that resonate with their passions, fostering innovation and personal growth.Who is Dr. David Giltner?

Dr. David Giltner bridges the academic-industry divide from both sides. Having spent 25 years developing cutting-edge technologies into commercial products, he understands exactly what companies need from scientific expertise. Through his company TurningScience, he's taught thousands of researchers to translate their scientific value into industry & business terms. David holds 7 patents and is a published author of 3 books on building a rewarding career in industry.

Chung Huong Institute's Senior Scientist, Robert A. Harris, AKA #MADBOB is back! ⁠0:02 ⁠The Power of Crazy Ideas⁠45:30 ⁠Reality of Academic Careers⁠47:47 ⁠Mindset and Well-BeingIn this episode, we navigate the complexities of academia and the importance of supporting unconventional ideas, often overlooked in favor of more traditional research pathways. Dr. Robert A. Harris share his thoughts on the prevailing flaws in the funding system, which often favors well-trodden paths and famous names over groundbreaking yet unproven inquiries. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of nurturing creativity and a sense of adventure in scientific research—qualities essential for true innovation.A significant part of our dialogue centers on mentoring young researchers in a world where professional expectations loom large. Dr. Robert A. Harris reflects on the challenges they face, including the pervasive "publish or perish" mentality that can stifle bold ideas. As an advocate for setting a supportive environment, Dr. Robert A. Harris stress the importance of authenticity in academic interactions and the courage needed to pursue divergent paths in research. Dr. Robert A. Harris also touch on the foundational understanding of what constitutes a scientific hypothesis and the often blurry line between knowledge and understanding.We explore the role of technology and AI in research, reflecting on how they can assist but also complicate the landscape of scientific inquiry. I voice concerns about the overreliance on technological solutions that may overshadow fundamental scientific thought processes. The conversation also dives into the balance of traditional methodology and new innovations, emphasizing the need for hypothesis-driven exploration to bring fresh insights to established knowledge.As we conclude, we tackle the often overlooked topic of mental well-being in academia, addressing the persistent negativity in that sphere. Dr. Robert A. Harris urges listeners to appreciate the privileges of education and the potential for joy within it, while encouraging a mindset shift towards positivity and acceptance of diverse journeys in academia. This exploration not only resonates with the experience of current students but also fosters a broader discussion about our societal narratives surrounding success and fulfillment in the academic realm.Through our conversation, we hope to inspire fellow researchers to embrace their wildest ideas and take bold steps, advocating for a culture that celebrates creativity and resilience as we continue to forge paths in the ever-evolving field of science.Who is #MADBOB ? Find out here: https://chunghuonginstitute.org/madbob

0:08 A Journey Beyond Hate

1:55 Embracing Unexpected Moments

4:50 The Challenge of Forgiveness

6:44 Defining Grace

8:17 The Inner Child

9:10 Finding Unity in Division

11:12 Lessons from Great Leaders

13:55 Empowering Marginalized Voices

18:26 Breaking Paradigms as Adults

20:54 Understanding Addiction Today

27:45 Social Justice in the Digital Age

30:48 Wisdom from the Past

In this episode, we examine the transformative power of community through the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Drawing from Dr. Jetaun Bailey's background as a clinician and educator, she stresses the importance of healing and forgiveness against the backdrop of social unrest. We discuss the necessity of grace in dialogue, the role of personal narratives in breaking down barriers, and the resilience found in marginalized communities.

Dr. Jetaun Bailey advocates for positivity and authentic connections, urging listeners to find courage in their voices to challenge injustice. Ultimately, Dr. Jetaun Bailey encourages a reconnection with personal stories and compassion as catalysts for community change.

Who is Dr. Jetaun Bailey?

Jetaun Bailey is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Certified School Counselor with over two decades of experience in counseling, teaching, assessment, and evaluation. Guided by the quote that has served as her motto—“Expect Nothing but Appreciate Everything”—she empowers future counselors to lead with compassion, cultural awareness, and purpose.

#MLK2025

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Shanae Thomas, a leading advocate for inclusive and equitable education. Dr. Thomas shares insights from their two-decade journey, addressing challenges faced by marginalized communities post-pandemic. We explore the significance of authentic listening and emotional connectivity in education, alongside their "legacy framework" that integrates diversity into curricula. Dr. Thomas discusses strategies to engage students in meaningful dialogue around trauma and social justice, emphasizing the vital role of community support. This conversation may inspire you to foster inclusive environments that empower all voices.

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0:02 Introduction to Dr. Shania Thomas

15:32 The Challenge of Invalidation

17:16 The Legacy Framework

20:30 Building Community Connections

24:21 Advice for the LGBTQ+ Community

27:05 The Role of Curriculum in Inclusion

32:45 Empowering Students in Learning

40:14 Secrets to Effective Curriculum Design

47:11 Defining a Curriculum Architect

52:44 Closing Thoughts on Happiness

Who is Dr. Shanéa Thomas?

Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW, CSE (he/she/Dr.) is a bold lecturer, seasoned scholar–practitioner, TEDx Speaker, and AASECT’s (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists) 2024 Sexuality Educator of the Year, has more than 20 years of professional clinical social work experience in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As a proud Howard University School of Social Work graduate, Dr. Thomas’ main commitment in the field is training and strategizing with social workers, educators, and service providers around building safer therapeutic, educational and workplace spaces for all people. He has facilitated over 120 workshops centering needs around diversity, equity and inclusion, grief and loss, mental health, sex and gender, and LGBTQIA+ populations.
 
Dr. Thomas ended his 10-year position at the University of Southern California School of Social Work as a Senior Lecturer in 2022 to further the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity through the University of Maryland School of Public Health as their LGBTQ+ Training Specialist and Assistant Clinical Research Professor. She has assisted the Prevention Research Center in launching their national training program using evidence-based tools to build LGBTQIA+ competency in practice amongst mental health professionals.  After witnessing a deep disconnect between decision-makers, direct service professionals, and the community, and recognizing the urgent need for educators and practitioners to thrive, not just survive, Dr. Thomas shifted from her appointed role as Executive Director of Accreditation at the Council for Social Work Education to invest more intently into Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services. Today, she partners with clinicians, educators, and healthcare leaders highlighting what she calls as "The Thomas Standard" to build strategies and cultures rooted in empathy, accountability, and transformative growth through the lens of grief, legacy and equitable strategy.
My current book in pre-production, “Accountable Care and Identity Camaraderie for Transgender and Queer Service Providers: Preventing Burnout” (Bloomsbury Academic, release date July 9, 2025) centers the experiences of those who hold marginalized identities within community work, with recommendations to organizations on how to uplift their work environments to prevent burnout and encourage longevity.

0:02 It's a heartbreaking mess.0:04 The Power of Targeted Approaches0:26 Introducing Dr. Bruce Perry5:27 The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma9:54 The Role of Technology in Development13:32 Effects of COVID-19 on Children16:46 Mindfulness in Education20:24 Self-Regulation Techniques23:29 Patterns of Stress Explained29:57 Wisdom from Adversity35:33 The Challenges in Psychiatry37:56 Rethinking Therapeutic Approaches45:02 The Importance of Community48:05 Healing Without Financial Resources58:23 The Overuse of Trauma Terminology1:02:36 Future Directions in Trauma Treatment

In this episode, we engage with Dr. Bruce Perry, a renowned neuroscientist and child psychiatrist, to explore the profound effects of adverse experiences on human development. We discuss the importance of human connection in healing and resilience, particularly in the context of intergenerational trauma among marginalized communities. Our conversation touches on the transformative power of overcoming adversity and the necessity of nurturing environments for children. We reflect on the societal shift towards instant information access, which can detract from relational richness and emotional intelligence. We also examine the impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health and advocate for a community-focused approach to psychiatric practices that emphasize collective healing. Throughout our discussion, we highlight the critical importance of precise language in discussing trauma, advocating for an integrated approach that combines neuroscience, psychology, and community insights to enhance overall well-being.Dr. Perry is the Principal of the  Neurosequential Network  and a Professor (Adjunct) at theSchool of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia.  Over the last thirty years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs and policy across the world. Dr. Perry is the author, with Maia Szalavitz, of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, a bestselling book based on his work with maltreated children and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered. Dr. Perry's most recent book, What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (2021), co-authored with Oprah Winfrey, has been translated into 26 languages and has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 100 weeks after becoming #1 on the list in April of 2021.