"Reality Is Stranger Than You Think" - Episode Description

A profound exploration of consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality featuring Annaka Harris, New York Times bestselling author of "Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind."

Key Topics Covered:

- The fundamental nature of consciousness and alternative theories to emergence

- The illusion of self and free will through neuroscientific evidence

- How our perception creates a simplified model of reality that differs from actual physics

- The intersection between ancient wisdom traditions and modern scientific discoveries

- The relationship between consciousness, space-time, and quantum mechanics

Notable Insights:

- Discussion of the 300-500 millisecond delay between brain processing and conscious awareness

- Exploration of panpsychism and consciousness as a fundamental property of the universe

- Analysis of how meditation and direct experience reveal the constructed nature of self

- Examination of complex topics like free will through both scientific and experiential lenses

Format:

Part of the Know Thyself podcast series, this in-depth conversation bridges neuroscience, philosophy, meditation, and physics to examine the mysterious nature of consciousness and human experience.

Target Audience:

For those interested in:

- Consciousness studies

- Neuroscience and philosophy of mind

- Meditation and contemplative practices

- Physics and reality

- Personal development and self-inquiry

The episode offers both accessible explanations and deep philosophical insights, making complex concepts digestible while maintaining intellectual rigor.