In this episode, I’m joined by two pioneers at the forefront of reshaping our understanding of human consciousness - Professor Donald Hoffman and Dr Iain McGilchrist.

Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they’ve both arrived at surprisingly similar conclusions about some of life’s biggest questions and the nature of reality. This conversation explores the parallels—and differences—in their thinking, covering topics like:

— The growing scientific evidence that consciousness may be fundamental

— The shockingly complex structures that physicists are now discovering beyond spacetime and what this implies

— The power of silence for creating breakthroughs in scientific and creative work

— The need for both a rigorous scientific and embodied approach to understanding consciousness.

And more.

You can dive deeper into Iain’s work through his book: The Matter with Things, and Don’s via his book: The Case Against Reality.

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Dr Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and Writer, who lives on the Isle of Skye, off the coast of North West Scotland. He is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context, that of the whole of our physical and spiritual existence, and of the wider human culture in which they arise – the culture which helps to mould, and in turn is moulded by, our minds and brains. He was formerly a Consultant Psychiatrist of the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Trust in London, where he was Clinical Director of their southern sector Acute Mental Health Services.

Dr McGilchrist has published original research and contributed chapters to books on a wide range of subjects, as well as original articles in papers and journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He has taken part in many radio and TV programmes, documentaries, and numerous podcasts, and interviews on YouTube, among them dialogues with Jordan Peterson, David Fuller of Rebel Wisdom, and philosopher Tim Freke. His books include Against Criticism, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, and Ways of Attending. He published his latest book: The Matter With Things, a book of epistemology and metaphysics. You can keep up to date with his work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com.

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Prof. Donald Hoffman, PhD received his PhD from MIT, and joined the faculty of the University of California, Irvine in 1983, where he is a Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Sciences. He is an author of over 100 scientific papers and three books, including Visual Intelligence, and The Case Against Reality. He received a Distinguished Scientific Award from the American Psychological Association for early career research, the Rustum Roy Award of the Chopra Foundation, and the Troland Research Award of the US National Academy of Sciences. His writing has appeared in Edge, New Scientist, LA Review of Books, and Scientific American and his work has been featured in Wired, Quanta, The Atlantic, and Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman. You can watch his TED Talk titled “Do we see reality as it is?” and you can follow him on Twitter @donalddhoffman.

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Interview Links:

— Dr McGilchirst's website - https://channelmcgilchrist.com

— Dr McGilchirst's book - https://amzn.to/3oOSFIW

— Prof Hoffman’s profile - https://sites.socsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/

— Prof Hoffman’s book - https://bit.ly/3SCwTTA

Dr. Federico Faggin is a physicist, engineer, and the inventor of the microprocessor - the technology which paved the way for the digital age; making modern computing, the internet, and smartphones possible. In recent decades, Federico has turned his attention to developing a scientific theory of consciousness based on the latest developments in quantum physics.

In this conversation, we explore:

— How “quantum fields” may possess consciousness and free will as fundamental properties

— Why meaning, not information alone, is the foundation of reality

— How Federico’s theory explains the relationship between the body, mind, and consciousness

— Why cooperation and love, rather than competition, emerge as the natural organizing principles in this framework

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Faggin's work in his book "Irreducible".

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Federico Faggin, born in Vicenza, Italy, is a physicist and pioneering inventor in computing. He co-designed one of Italy’s first transistorized computers, developed the MOS Silicon Gate Technology, and led the creation of the world’s first microprocessor, the Intel 4004.

He founded Zilog, Cygnet Technologies, and Synaptics, pioneering innovations like the Z80 microprocessor, Touchpad, and Touchscreen. Today, he leads the Federico and Elvia Faggin Foundation, advancing the scientific study of consciousness.

Faggin has received major honors including the Marconi Prize, Kyoto Prize, National Medal of Technology, and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His autobiography, SILICON: From the Invention of the Microprocessor to the New Science of Consciousness, is available worldwide.

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Interview Links:

— Dr. Faggin’s X account: https://x.com/fedefaggin?lang=en

— Dr. Faggin’s book: https://amzn.to/4rUbshE

Mick is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, a Chartered Psychologist, and an internationally recognised author, trainer, and consultant in the fields of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies.

This is Mick’s sixth appearance at The Weekend University, and I can think of very few people on the planet that have both the breadth and depth of knowledge in counselling and psychotherapy as him.

This particular conversation focuses on his research into working at relational depth in counselling and psychotherapy.

Here are some of the key things you’ll learn:

— What relational depth is and why it’s critical for anyone working in the helping professions to be aware of

— Martin Buber, the difference between “I - It” and “I Thou” Modes of Relating and how Buber’s philosophy can enhance therapeutic work

— The biggest barriers to relational depth and how to avoid them

— The best practices for creating the conditions of relational depth with clients, and why you can’t force it

— Mick’s advice to his younger self before becoming a psychotherapist.

And more.

You can learn more about Mick’s work at www.mick-cooper.co.uk

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Professor Mick Cooper is an internationally recognised author, trainer, and consultant in the field of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies. He is a Chartered Psychologist, and Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton. Mick has facilitated workshops and lectures around the world, including New Zealand, Lithuania, and Florida. His books include Existential Therapies, Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and The Handbook of Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. His latest work is Integrating Counselling and Psychotherapy: Directionality, Synergy, and Social Change. Mick’s main areas of research have been in shared decision-making/ personalising therapy, and counselling for young people in schools. In 2014, Mick received the Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award from the American Psychological Association. He is also a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Academy of Social Sciences. You can follow him on twitter: @mickcooper77

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Interview Links:

— Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy - Dave Mearns & Mick Cooper: https://amzn.to/38liKax

— Existential Therapies - Mick Cooper: https://amzn.to/3PJXDiN

— I and Thou - Martin Buber: https://amzn.to/3apzCh0

— Further resources on relational depth can be found on Mick’s website: https://mick-cooper.squarespace.com/relational-depth

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3 Books Mick Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Bergin and Garfield's Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behaviour Change - Michael Barkham, Wolfgang Lutz & Louis Castonguay: https://amzn.to/39WQFqd

— Psychotherapy Relationships that Work: Therapist Contributions and Responsiveness to Patients - John Norcross: https://amzn.to/3t0iCnP

— The Gift of Therapy - Irvin Yalom: https://amzn.to/3yX33Be

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Richard Schwartz and Cece Sykes, who—along with Martha Sweezy— have recently co-authored a book on Internal Family Systems for Addictions.

Richard is the Founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model, a pioneering approach to psychotherapy which can be used to treat a wide range of problems, including eating disorders, self harm, addiction, and trauma. Cece is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and IFS Senior Trainer with over thirty years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families, specialising in working with the effects of trauma and addiction.

In this lively and wide-ranging discussion, we cover:

— A basic intro to the IFS Model

— The root causes of addiction from an IFS lens

— Why IFS offers a highly effective treatment modality for addictive processes

— Best practices for using IFS when treating addiction and also important things to avoid.

And more.

You can learn more about Cece's work at www.cecesykeslcsw.com and find out information about Dr Schwartz's upcoming IFS trainings by visiting www.ifs-institute.com.

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Cece Sykes, LCSW, ACSW; IFS Senior Trainer, US and international. Contributed to Levels 1 and 2 IFS training manuals and teaches L1 as well as L2 Trauma and Addiction. Cece has over thirty years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families, specializing in work with the effects of trauma and addiction. Her chapter on compassionate approaches to addictive process appears in IFS: Innovations and Elaborations, 2016, Routledge. Cece also has special interests in spiritual practices intersecting with therapy and in the impact of psychotherapy upon the life of the therapist and she lectures, consults and leads workshops on all of these topics. Cece lives and works in the city of Chicago.

Richard Schwartz, PhD., began his career as a systemic family therapist and an academic. Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. He focused on the relationships among these parts and noticed that there were systemic patterns to the way they were organized across clients. He also found that when the clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, the clients would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dr. Schwartz came to call the Self. He found that when in that state of Self, clients would know how to heal their parts.

A featured speaker for national professional organizations, Dr. Schwartz has published many books and over fifty articles about IFS. Learn more at: www.ifs-institute.com.

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3 Books Cece Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Drug use for grown-ups: Chasing liberty in the land of fear - Dr. Carl L. Hart - https://amzn.to/41YvsCJ

— Unbroken Brain, A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction - Szalavitz, Maia - https://amzn.to/3oVEBgu

— No Bad Parts; Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with IFS. Sounds- Richard Schwartz - https://amzn.to/3NuwDFu

3 Books Richard Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addictions - Cece Sykes, Martha Sweezy, Richard C. Schwartz - https://amzn.to/3Hyyqpc

— Internal Family Systems Therapy: Second Edition - Richard Schwartz - https://amzn.to/44sagX9

— Introduction to Internal Family Systems- Richard Schwartz - https://amzn.to/3HBfgiC

In this interview, I’m joined by Dr Bonnie Badenoch.

Bonnie is an author, therapist, mentor, and the co-founder of the nonprofit agency: Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind.

In a lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore:

— How we’re organised to be protected until the possibility of healing arrives

— Inner community - what it is, how it forms, and why it’s vital to understand when we’re discussing attachment

— How our image of God influences our attachment patterns and overall psychological wellbeing

— How Bonnie’s “radical inclusiveness” approach can help us heal attachment wounds

And more.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Bonnie’s book: The Heart of Trauma, and you can learn more about her work by going to https://nurturingtheheart.com.

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Dr Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, is the co-founder of the Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness of the brain, mind, and relationships in the service of creating a more awake and compassionate world. She is the author of Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology (W. W. Norton, 2008), and is an active member of the Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS). You can learn more about her work at www.nurturingtheheart.com.

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Interview Links:

— Bonnie’s website - https://nurturingtheheart.com

3 Books Dr. Bonnie Badenoch Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Anxiously Attached — Jessica Baum - https://amzn.to/3T1Cnsb

— The Continuum Concept — Jean Liedloff - https://amzn.to/46VCRpy

— Parenting from the Inside Out — Dan Siegel - https://amzn.to/3Mcnqj4

Dr. Donna Thomas is a social scientist and researcher specializing in children's consciousness studies. With over 28 years of experience researching with children, she has pioneered investigations into children's transcendental experiences and altered states of consciousness, challenging conventional materialist paradigms.

In this conversation, we explore:

— How a near-death experience at age 15 transformed Dr. Thomas's understanding of identity and consciousness

— Why children may naturally access altered states of consciousness that adults often need "gateway tools" like meditation or psychedelics to reach

— The fascinating research on children's near-death experiences, including common patterns like spirals, tunnels, and feelings of "coming home"

— How our materialist paradigm often pathologizes children's transcendental experiences rather than recognizing their potential validity

— The compelling evidence for past life memories in children, including the surprising correlation between birthmarks and wounds from previous lives

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Thomas's work through her book: "Children's Unexplained Experiences in a Post-Materialist World".

Get access to the 7 Insights Monthly Newsletter: http://bit.ly/seven-insights

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Dr. Donna Thomas is a researcher, author, and lecturer whose pioneering work explores children’s unexplained experiences and what they reveal about consciousness and the nature of being human. She is the author of Children’s Unexplained Experiences in a Post-Materialist World, a groundbreaking book that challenges materialist views of reality and gives voice to children’s lived experiences of the extraordinary.

A Research Fellow and Co-Director at the University of Central Lancashire’s ICreateS International Research Unit, Dr. Thomas has spent over two decades studying how children describe experiences such as telepathy, near-death events, and intuitive knowing — and what these stories can teach us about the deeper dimensions of self and awareness.

Inspired by her own transformative experience at age fifteen, Dr. Thomas believes that listening to children with openness and respect can expand our understanding of consciousness and point toward a more compassionate, post-materialist worldview.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Thomas’ book: https://amzn.to/3XofnW6

— Dr Thomas’ X: https://x.com/donnamthomas / @donnamthomas

Dr Pat Ogden is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the developer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and one of the leading voices revolutionising our approach to trauma treatment.

This conversation explores how sensorimotor psychotherapy can help us understand and treat attachment wounds - particularly those picked up in early life.

You’ll learn:

— How the body starts to “shape” itself based on our relationship with our early caregivers

— The underlying principles that sensorimotor psychotherapy is built upon

— Why how we organise our experiences may be the most important factor in our mental health and wellbeing

— How sensorimotor psychotherapy helps to elicit unconscious and implicit patterns, so that healing can take place.

And more.

You can learn more about Pat’s work by going to: https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org.

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Pat Ogden, PhD, is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the creator of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy method, and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.  Dr. Ogden is trained in a wide variety of somatic and psychotherapeutic approaches, and has over 45 years of experience working with individuals and groups.  She is co-founder of the Hakomi Institute, past faculty of Naropa University (1985-2005), a clinician, consultant, and sought after international lecturer.

Dr. Ogden is the first author of two groundbreaking books in somatic psychology: Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy  and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (2015) both published in the Interpersonal Neurobiology Series of W. W. Norton. Her third book in this series, The Pocket Guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, published in 2021, and she is working on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Families with Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. Her current interests include groups, couples, children, adolescents, and families; complex trauma; Embedded Relational Mindfulness; implicit bias, intersectionality and culture; the relational nature of shame; presence, consciousness, and the philosophical/spiritual principles that underlie Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Ogden's website - http://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/

— Dr Ogden's books - https://amzn.to/47gGd5I

Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization he started in 1998 that has transformed the approach to homelessness in Austin, Texas. What began with a catering truck providing meals to the homeless has evolved into Community First Village—a 51-acre master-planned community that has housed over 1,000 formerly homeless individuals.

In this conversation, we explore:

— Alan's revolutionary definition of "home" that goes beyond physical shelter

— How the catastrophic loss of family is the primary driver of homelessness

— Alan’s profound spiritual experience that took him away from accumulating wealth in real estate to a life dedicated to serving those less fortunate

— The importance of seeing the "Van Gogh" in every person.

And more.

You can learn more about Alan's work at https://mlf.org and https://mlf.org/community-first.

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Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and the visionary behind Community First! Village in Austin, Texas — a 51-acre master-planned community that provides housing, purpose, and connection for people emerging from chronic homelessness.

A former real estate developer, Alan began his mission in 1998 by delivering meals from a truck to those living on the streets. His journey and lessons are captured in his inspiring book, Welcome Homeless: One Man’s Journey of Discovering the Meaning of Home. He believes that “housing will never solve homelessness, but community will.”

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Interview Links:

— Alan’s website: https://mlf.org/community-first/

— Alan’s book: https://amzn.to/4oelN5V

Discover a transformative approach to recovery in this episode with Dr Andrew Tatarsky, PhD. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (HRP) offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional methods, prioritizing understanding and empathy over immediate abstinence. Driven by personal experiences, Dr. Tatarsky unveils the limitations of abstinence-only treatment.

Explore the depths of addiction with a focus on deciphering intricate motivations and meanings behind behaviors. This therapeutic journey champions collaboration, respecting autonomy, and delving into personal and relational significance. Dive into the art of "urge surfing" and learn how to craft new pathways for self-care, even if total abstinence isn't the initial destination.

Dr Tatarsky is an internationally recognised leader in the treatment of problematic substance use and the developer of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy.

He has specialized in substance use treatment for over 35 years working as a counselor, psychologist, program director, trainer, advocate and author.

Dr Tatarsky advocates for a psychobiosocial understanding of addiction and an integrative harm reduction approach to treatment.

This conversation provides an accessible introduction to Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, covering things like:

— The limitation of the disease model of addiction and abstinence-only based approaches

— The importance of meeting clients “where they’re at” and gradually empowering their recovery process

— How to use strategies such as “urge surfing” and “18 alternatives” to gradually move beyond addiction

— Why it’s important to have a bio-psycho-social lens on addiction.

And more.

You can learn more about Dr Tatarsky’s work by going to www.andrewtatarsky.com.

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Andrew Tatarsky is an internationally recognized leader in the treatment of problematic substance use and other potentially risky behaviors. He has specialized in the field of substance use treatment for 35 years working as a counselor, psychologist, program director, trainer, advocate and author. He has devoted his career to developing a comprehensive psychobiosocial understanding of the broad spectrum of substance use problems and an integrative harm reduction psychotherapy approach to treating this spectrum. This treatment is described in his book, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems, and several professional papers that extend the approach. The book has been released in paperback and Kindle, published in Poland by the Polish Office of Drug Prevention and has been translated into Spanish and is available in a free pdf.

Dr. Tatarsky is Founder and Director of the Center for Optimal Living in NYC, a treatment and professional training center based on Integrative Harm Reduction Therapy (IHRP) for the spectrum of substance misuse and other high-risk behaviors. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the City University of New York and is a graduate of New York University’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. He is a member of the medical and clinical advisory panels to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services of New York State. Dr. Tatarsky is a founding member and twice past-president of the Division on Addiction of New York State Psychological Association.

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3 Books Dr Tatarsky Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Practicing Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: An Alternative Approach to Addictions, Second Edition — Patt Denning & Jeannie Little - https://amzn.to/3Q2BxL6

— Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide to Controlling Your Drug and Alcohol Use Second Edition — Patt Denning & Jeannie Little - https://amzn.to/3Ojmr2u

— Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems — Andrew Tatarsky - https://amzn.to/3O3Ge4G

George Thompson is a filmmaker, Tai Chi practitioner, and creator dedicated to inspiring balance for both people and planet. After experiencing anxiety and burnout, George embarked on a transformative journey that took him from the Wudang Mountains in China to the wilderness of Scotland.

In this conversation, we explore:

— Why discovering Tai Chi was a pivotal moment in his trajectory

— How compassion naturally arises from true understanding

— The power of investigating our thoughts and feelings as messengers of unmet needs

— How to cultivate playfulness and sincerity without being serious

— George's journey from atheism to panpsychism and how this shift changed his relationship with nature

And more.

You can learn more about George's work through his YouTube channel or his website: https://www.balanceispossible.com.

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George Thompson is a filmmaker, storyteller, and educator dedicated to making ancient wisdom practical for modern life. As the founder of Balance Is Possible!, he leads a global team sharing teachings on Tai Chi, Daoist philosophy, and the art of living in harmony with oneself and nature.

After years of struggling with anxiety and disconnection, George travelled to China’s Wudang Mountains, where he studied Tai Chi and Daoism under Master Gu. There, he discovered that balance isn’t about perfection—but about learning to move with life’s natural flow.

Through his courses, films, and online community, George helps people reconnect to purpose, clarity, and inner peace. His unique teaching style blends humour, emotional honesty, and spiritual insight, making profound ideas accessible and engaging.

Today, George’s work reaches millions worldwide through films like The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself and the world’s largest online Tai Chi school. Supported by mentors such as Chungliang Al Huang and Deng Ming Dao, he continues to inspire others to embrace their full potential and live with compassion, creativity, and balance.

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Interview Links:

— George’s website: https://www.balanceispossible.com/

— George’s recommended books: https://bit.ly/472aEh7