Send us a text

What happens when the dream of utopia meets the messy reality of human nature? Understanding Ruth Israel's remarkable journey takes us deep inside one of America's most prominent counterculture experiments—the Love Family commune of Seattle.

In this raw and revelatory conversation, Ruth shares her transformation from Claudette Baker Rockefeller—married into political prominence—to a barefoot hippie renamed "Understanding" by the commune's charismatic leader. For 26 years, she navigated this highly structured patriarchal society while caring for numerous children, witnessing both the beauty and darkness of communal living in the 1970s and 80s.

Understanding doesn't flinch from difficult truths: the drug use that began as spiritual exploration and ended in addiction and abuse; the sexual liberty that devolved into exploitation; the disturbing patterns of child abuse she eventually confronted, leading to her expulsion from the community, not once but twice! 

Her stories illuminate why so many sought alternatives to mainstream society while exposing how alternative communities can recreate—and sometimes magnify—the very problems they aimed to escape.

Most powerful are her reflections on the aftermath: the disproportionate rates of suicide, addiction, and mental illness among those who grew up in the commune, and her continuing relationships with survivors. Despite witnessing these tragedies, she maintains hope for better models of community living, offering wisdom for today's intentional community builders.

This conversation isn't just about a specific historical moment—it's about timeless questions of power, belonging, and responsibility. Whether you're interested in counterculture movements, communal living experiments, or simply understanding how idealistic dreams can go awry, Understanding's perspective offers invaluable insights from someone who's lived through the full arc of utopian aspiration and reckoning.

Neither the Diamond Mind podcast nor Tam Hunt are endorsing the truth of Understanding's statements. We are sharing her voice and her truth in an effort to continue a long-overdue dialogue about what the hippies got right and what they got wrong. Tam is finalizing an exciting book project: The Hippies Were Right! About Consciousness, and Everything Else, and this interview is part of the research for that book. 

Support the show

Send us a text

What happens when we outsource our thinking to intelligent machines? Kyle Killian, an expert in AI security, joins the conversation to unpack the critical distinctions between AI alignment, security, and safety—and why these differences matter for our collective future.

The dialogue begins by clarifying these often-confused terms: alignment aims to make AI systems follow human intentions, while security focuses on protecting AI systems from threats and preventing misuse. As Kyle explains, "AI security is more focused on learning how to actually secure systems from competitors and adversaries."

We explore the concerning phenomenon of "human enfeeblement"—our growing dependency on algorithmic systems that gradually erodes our cognitive capabilities. From navigation apps to complex decision-making, we're increasingly outsourcing mental tasks to machines. "Before you know it, it's running larger and larger portions of your life," Kyle warns, describing how we become "cyborgs with our cell phones" in this slow boiling frog scenario.

Particularly alarming is the re-emergence of reinforcement learning in advanced AI systems, bringing back concerns about power-seeking behaviors and specification gaming that earlier safety researchers identified. This technical shift has profound implications for safety, as these models can develop unexpected strategies to achieve their programmed goals.

The conversation takes a sobering turn when examining AI's potential role in military applications. Research shows AI systems tend toward escalation in conflict simulations, lacking human restraint when faced with high-stakes decisions. "They didn't have the same reflection on these catastrophic consequences," Kyle notes, highlighting the dangers of incorporating AI into defense systems, particularly nuclear command and control.

Despite these serious concerns, we conclude by searching for positive paths forward, emphasizing the need for global cooperation on AI governance and the importance of clear communication about risks. As Kyle suggests, meaningful progress requires "understanding what we're talking about so we can get rid of any bias or miscommunications" that currently hamper safety efforts.

How will you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape where machines increasingly think alongside—and potentially for—us?

Support the show

Send us a text

What happens when quantum physics meets consciousness? In this mind-expanding conversation with philosophers Susan Schneider and Mark Bailey, we journey through the cutting-edge theory of superpsychism—a framework suggesting consciousness exists at the most fundamental layer of reality, intimately connected with quantum entanglement.

Schneider shares how conversations with physicist Roger Penrose sparked her exploration of a universe where space-time emerges from a more fundamental reality without a directional arrow of time. This "proto-temporal" layer might represent pure consciousness—a holistic network of entangled states more conscious than any classical constituent. Bailey explains how this framework addresses the mysterious phenomenon of quantum entanglement not through signals traveling through space but through an underlying topological connection from which our conventional understanding of physical space emerges.

But our exploration doesn't stop at abstract theory. We dive into the alarming acceleration of AI development and its existential implications for humanity. Bailey's new book "Unknowable Minds" examines why modern AI systems function as black boxes whose decision-making processes remain largely inscrutable, creating profound challenges for alignment and control. Both scholars express grave concerns about the current AI arms race, which resembles nuclear proliferation but without natural stopping points or adequate international guardrails.

Most troubling is what they see as our approach to a potential "FOOM" moment—when artificial general intelligence becomes capable of improving itself, potentially leading to an intelligence explosion beyond human comprehension or control. This isn't distant science fiction but a scenario some researchers consider possible within this decade.

We conclude by examining transhumanism and the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness transfer and digital immortality. Can consciousness truly transfer between biological and digital substrates? Would such a transfer preserve personal identity in any meaningful sense?

Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations at this critical intersection of philosophy, physics, and our technological future. The decisions we make now may determine not just how we understand reality but the very future of consciousness itself.

Support the show

Send us a text

What if the most fundamental aspect of your conscious experience isn't found in neural firing at all, but in the electromagnetic fields those neurons produce? This mind-expanding conversation with Dr. Colin Hales, a pioneer in electromagnetic field theories of consciousness, challenges everything we think we know about how brains create minds.

For decades, mainstream neuroscience has focused on action potentials – the spikes of neural firing – as the foundation of cognition and consciousness. But this approach has failed to explain how billions of discrete neurons create our unified experience. Dr. Hales reveals how the electromagnetic fields produced by neural activity operate 5,000 times faster than neural signals and contain a staggering 125 billion times more information density. These fields aren't mere byproducts; they may be consciousness itself.

We explore recent breakthrough studies confirming that neurons can influence each other through these fields without any synaptic connections – what's called "aphaptic coupling." This phenomenon, once dismissed as insignificant even by prominent neuroscientists like Christoph Koch, is now recognized as a crucial mechanism that explains mysterious "too-fast" influences observed throughout the brain.

Dr. Hales also discusses his groundbreaking work developing electromagnetic field computing chips (neuromimetic chips) that could revolutionize artificial intelligence. Unlike current AI systems that struggle with novelty, these field-based processors might create machines with genuine intelligence and possibly consciousness – raising profound ethical questions about our technological future.

Whether you're fascinated by consciousness, neuroscience, physics, or the future of AI, this conversation will transform how you think about the most intimate aspect of your existence: your own awareness. Subscribe now and join us at the cutting edge where science meets consciousness.

Support the show

Send us a text

What if you could drive a vehicle that costs less to operate, requires minimal maintenance, and dramatically reduces your environmental impact? The electric vehicle revolution isn't just coming—it's already here, outpacing even the most optimistic predictions.

Our experts, Noel Morin and Michael Chiacos, dives deep into the remarkable efficiency of electric vehicles—revealing how they operate at 3-4 times the efficiency of conventional gas cars while eliminating routine maintenance headaches like oil changes and spark plug replacements. For many owners, especially those with home solar systems, the joy of "driving on sunshine" creates both environmental benefits and surprising financial advantages.

We explore the rapidly evolving global EV landscape, where sales jumped 26% in 2023 alone, putting over 40 million electric vehicles on roads worldwide. From Norway's astonishing 95% EV adoption rate for new vehicles to the explosion of electric two-wheelers in Asian markets, the electrification of transportation is accelerating across vehicle types and geographies.

We also discuss "Tesla guilt" arising from owning Teslas and Tam shares his philosophy of "love the car, pity the man..." 

The conversation tackles common concerns head-on: Are EVs truly affordable? What about charging on road trips? How is the charging infrastructure developing? Our experts provide real-world insights from their combined decades of experience in the electric vehicle ecosystem—from policy development to personal ownership of multiple EV models.

While policy headwinds from the new White House create uncertainty around tax credits and emissions standards, the panel explains why the transition to electric transportation maintains powerful momentum. With battery prices continuing to fall, charging networks expanding, and manufacturers increasing domestic production, electric vehicles are positioned to overcome these challenges.

Ready to understand why your next vehicle should probably be electric? Listen now and discover how this technology could transform your driving experience while helping create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.

Support the show

Send us a text

Stuart Hameroff takes us on a mind-expanding journey through his revolutionary theory of consciousness, drawing from his 49 years as an anesthesiologist and decades of groundbreaking research into the quantum foundations of awareness. 

Challenging the dominant view that the brain is merely a classical computer and neurons are simple switches, Hameroff reveals how microtubules—protein structures inside neurons—perform quantum computations that may be the actual basis of conscious experience. He explains how each neuron contains roughly a billion tubulin proteins organized in microtubules, creating a quantum computing architecture far more sophisticated than conventional neuroscience recognizes.

Anesthesia provides a crucial window into consciousness, Hameroff argues. These molecules don't form chemical bonds but instead create quantum disruptions in hydrophobic regions of proteins—what he calls the "quantum underground" where consciousness actually happens. This explains why anesthetics selectively eliminate awareness while other brain activities continue unimpeded.

The conversation ventures into cutting-edge territory when Hameroff describes his work with physicist Anirban Bandyopadhyay, who discovered that microtubules generate coherent quantum oscillations at multiple frequencies following precise "triplet of triplet" patterns. This suggests microtubules function as "time crystals"—structures with dynamics repeating at different frequencies like fractals in time—potentially explaining how consciousness bridges molecular and whole-brain activity.

Perhaps most provocatively, Hameroff's current astrobiology research with planetary scientist Dante Loretta examines whether consciousness actually preceded life itself. By analyzing samples from asteroid Bennu for quantum oscillations affected by anesthetics, they're testing the hypothesis that primitive feelings drove molecular self-organization, offering a novel explanation for life's emergence.

What are the implications for artificial intelligence? Despite impressive advances, Hameroff remains convinced that silicon-based computers cannot achieve consciousness without the quantum properties unique to carbon-based structures. The future may lie in quantum computers using organic molecules rather than today's digital systems.

Ready to have your understanding of consciousness transformed? Listen now to this fascinating exploration of the quantum mind. 

Stuart and I recorded this interview in April 2025, me at my home on the Big Island of Hawaii and Stuart at his home in Arizona. 

Support the show

Send us a text

What if the vibrant hues of rainbow-colored hair could signify a paradigm shift in consciousness studies? In this captivating episode, we engage with philosopher Sue Blackmore, whose distinctive hairstyle is more than just a fashion statement—it's a symbol of her bold exploration into the mysteries of consciousness and all its colorful complexities. 

With decades of history in the science and philosophy of consciousness, Sue offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the field, reflecting on its past, present, and an enigmatic future that continues to challenge and inspire researchers worldwide.

Sue literally wrote the book on consciousness studies, the textbook, Consciousness: An Introduction (with her daughter Emily as co-author), which is now in its 4th Edition. 

Sue shares a personal story about a transformative encounter with cannabis that altered the course of her life -- strangely similar to my own in my early 20s. More than just a recreational experience, this moment opened doors to profound consciousness exploration, hinting at cannabis as an underestimated entheogen. Her experience prompts a thoughtful conversation on how such rare occurrences can shape our understanding of the mind and its boundless possibilities.

We also talk about 30 years of the iconic Science of Consciousness conference, which she's been involved with almost from the start, as well as what it's like to be a woman in a field still dominated by men. 

Finally, we navigate the intriguing worlds of illusionism, "delusionism," self-identity, and the theories that attempt to bridge the gap between consciousness and the physical realm. Our discussion challenges conventional beliefs about the self and consciousness, inviting listeners to question their own perceptions. 

As we grapple with the "hard problem" of consciousness, debating some of the key points, this episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas, leaving you to ponder the true nature of our conscious experience and the journey toward unraveling its deepest secrets.

Support the show

Send us a text

Curious about how philosopher and mathematician Alfred North Whitehead's revolutionary ideas have shaped our understanding of the universe? Whitehead was an incredible thinker whose work touched on almost every aspect of modern physics, philosophy and spirituality.

Our guest from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) offers a deep dive into process philosophy, where science, spirituality, and philosophy intersect. From redefining religious studies to influencing modern consciousness, physics, and cosmology, discover how Whitehead's journey from mathematics to metaphysics is more relevant today than ever before.

I've long been a bit of a "Whiteheadian" and his work strongly influenced the development of my own philosophical system that I've developed in a number of books and papers over the last decade.

I interviewed Matt a few years ago here and we have maintained over the years a loose dialogue. 

In this episode of the Diamond Mind podcast, we explore, among other things, the fascinating implications of Whitehead's cosmological approach to God and how it resonates across different faiths and even with atheistic viewpoints. We unravel the philosophical complexities of thinkers like David Ray Griffin and John Cobb, Jr., delving into discussions on Kant, Schelling, and the anthropic principle. Through these insights, process philosophy emerges as more than just a bridge—it becomes a transformative perspective that challenges traditional views of identity, existence, and our place in the cosmos.

Join us for a journey that also touches on the history of scientific thought, revealing the dynamic nature of knowledge as a participatory endeavor. From the impact of Bergson and Einstein's debate on the nature of time to the profound question of panpsychism, we explore how Whitehead's ideas inspire new ecological and moral values. As we redefine civilization through the lens of the "creative advance," this episode promises to transform how you relate to the universe and engage with the challenges of today's world.

Support the show

Send us a text

After surviving a severe e-bike accident and enduring over two dozen surgeries, my brother-in-law, Jason, shares his story about resilience in the face of overwhelming physical and emotional pain. 

What if the very treatments meant to heal you instead threaten your life? Jason shares his harrowing experience with misdiagnosed infections, sepsis, and the battle against a flesh-eating bacteria that led to the removal of metal implants. We discuss the precarious balance between managing pain and the risk of addiction, and how his journey was profoundly shaped by the powerful impacts of antibiotics and oxycodone.

Honesty becomes a lifeline for those drowning in addiction, and Jason's path to recovery is no exception. Through our conversation, we emphasize the transformative power of facing hard truths about our selves. Jason opens up about his struggles with self-medication, and the pivotal moment when recognizing that his victim mentality led to self-awareness and growth. 

We explore the role of family, professional help, and the courage it takes to move forward from denial to acceptance, illustrating that honesty is not just a personal commitment but a crucial step toward healing and connection.

His journey of sobriety didn't end with rehab; it was a continuous path that Jason navigates day by day. 

As he rebuilds his life, the importance of community and connection with loved ones and a higher power becomes evident. 

Support the show

Send us a text

Can electromagnetic fields illuminate the mysteries of consciousness and free will? Join us on The Diamond Mind Podcast as we explore this cutting edge question with Stanford Prof. M. Bruce MacIver, a leading expert in neurophysiology. 

I sat down with Bruce at the Tucson Science of Consciousness conference this year, meeting for the first time in "real life" at that time. He and I have exchanged emails and Zoom calls for a few years now and he contributed a great paper to the Frontiers in Human neuroscience special issue on EM field theories of consciousness that I edited from 2020 to 2023. 

We discuss the role EM fields play in brain function, potentially holding the key to our fastest cognitive processing and decision-making. Our guest also shares his career-long insights into the synaptic actions of anesthetics, particularly their effects on pyramidal cells in crucial brain regions like the hippocampus and neocortex.

Venture with us into the realm where the brain's electromagnetic field might be more than just a byproduct of neural activity, but a central player in cognitive processing. We dig into the historical and contemporary experiments that explore this intriguing possibility, considering how these fields might influence everything from athletic performance to the essence of free will. 

Our conversation navigates through the brain's conductive environment, touching on cutting-edge technologies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that hold potential for future breakthroughs in understanding consciousness and in neurotherapy as well as peak performance.

We also consider the impact of various substances, such as ketamine and nitrous oxide, on brain activity, revealing new insights that challenge old perceptions. Discover how these substances alter neural attractors and what that means for current and future research. 

With a mix of scientific rigor and engaging storytelling, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how electromagnetic fields, myelination, and the dynamic complexity of the brain contribute to the ongoing exploration of consciousness. 

Bruce offers a blend of intellect and intrigue that promises to expand your mind.

Support the show