The Weekend University

In this episode, Niall speaks with Caroline Myss, a five-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognised teacher in human consciousness and medical intuition.

Caroline has spent decades exploring the relationship between biography, consciousness, and the patterns that shape human experience. Her work brings together mystical theology, archetypal psychology, and the question of how intention and choice influence health and personal transformation.

In this conversation, they explore:

— Why human development may move from the love of power to the power of love

— How the symbolic realm shapes physical reality

— The role of archetypes as impersonal patterns that organise human consciousness

— Why intention, rather than action, determines the consequence of our choices

— How guidance from the non-physical realm operates in moments of genuine need

And more.

You can learn more about Caroline’s work and courses at https://myss.com.

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Caroline Myss is a five-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned speaker in the fields of human consciousness, spirituality and mysticism, health, energy medicine, and the science of medical intuition. Caroline established her own educational institute in 2003, CMED (Caroline Myss Education), which offers a diverse array of programs devoted to personal development and draws students from all over the world.

Caroline then pursued her interest in the language of symbols, myths, and archetypes, conducting research that enabled her to profile an individual’s “Sacred Contract,” a complex of 12 archetypal patterns that reflect in mythic language the agreements the soul made prior to birth. Based on this work, Caroline released “Sacred Contracts”, which became her third New York Times bestseller.

Caroline followed with two more New York Times bestsellers, “Invisible Acts of Power” in 2004 and “Entering the Castle” in 2007. Caroline’s interest in mysticism and the nature of mystical consciousness only deepened following the writing of Entering the Castle. She pursued her interest in the nature of grace, the consciousness of the soul and the mystical phenomenon of healing that transcends reason in “Defy Gravity”, released in October 2009. In 2020, Caroline released a book on prayer, including 100 of her personal prayers, “Intimate Conversations with the Divine”.

In addition to her written work, Caroline has produced more than one hundred audio/visual products on subjects that include healing, spirituality, personal development, and the study of archetypes.

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Interview Links:

— Caroline’s website: https://myss.com

— Caroline’s books: https://amzn.to/4rZIa0X

— Caroline’s online courses: https://myss.com/online-courses

— Caroline’s live workshops: https://myss.com/in-depth-experiences

In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Kevin Tracey, a neurosurgeon, inventor, researcher, and author of “The Great Nerve”, who leads the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.

Dr. Tracey's research has shown how the vagus nerve connects the brain and immune system, controlling inflammation in the body. His work has led to FDA-approved treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and may help with depression, PTSD, and other inflammatory conditions.

In this conversation, they explore:

— How the vagus nerve acts as a biological “brake” for inflammation

— The potential of bioelectronic medicine to treat inflammatory diseases without immunosuppression

— The story of Kelly Owens, whose life was transformed by vagus nerve stimulation

— Why inflammation may underlie many modern diseases

— The future of precision medicine using targeted nerve stimulation

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Tracey's work through his book “The Great Nerve”, or at X at x.com/KevinJTraceyMD.

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Kevin J. Tracey is president and CEO of, and the Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research; professor of Molecular Medicine and Neurosurgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; and Executive Vice President, Research, at Northwell Health. A leader in the scientific fields of inflammation and bioelectronic medicine, his contributions include discovery and molecular mapping of neural circuits controlling immunity.

Dr. Tracey received his BS in chemistry, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Boston College in 1979, and his MD from Boston University in 1983. He trained in neurosurgery from 1983 to 1992 at the New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center and was a guest investigator at the Rockefeller University before moving in 1992 to the Feinstein Institutes. There he directs the Laboratory of Biomedical Science and was appointed president and CEO in 2005.

An inventor of more than 120 United States patents and author of more than 400 scientific publications, he cofounded the Global Sepsis Alliance, a non-profit organization supporting the efforts of more than 1 million sepsis caregivers in over 70 countries. Dr. Tracey is the author of Fatal Sequence (Dana Press) and delivers lectures nationally and internationally on inflammation, sepsis, the neuroscience of immunity, and bioelectronic medicine.

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Interview Link:

— Dr. Tracey’s X: http://x.com/KevinJTraceyMD

In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a cognitive scientist, humanistic psychologist, and author of “Rise Above”.

Scott has spent his career redefining human potential and helping people overcome limiting beliefs. Despite being placed in special education as a child due to an auditory learning disability, he earned his PhD and is now one of the most cited psychologists in the world.

In this conversation, they explore:

— The difference between being a victim and having a victim mindset

— Why vulnerable narcissism can block self-actualisation

— How the stories we tell ourselves shape our potential

— The value of shifting from “why” questions to “what” questions

— Scott’s approach to self-actualisation coaching and connecting to your core self

And more.

You can learn more about Scott’s work at https://scottbarrykaufman.com.

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Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. Dr. Kaufman is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his research on intelligence and creativity.

Dr. Kaufman is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world. He is also a regular keynote speaker. If you’d like him to speak at one of your events, you can make a request here.

Dr. Kaufman’s writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review, and he is the author and editor of 11 books. In his most recent book Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential, his explores the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations, and holds us back in our lives.

In addition to teaching at Columbia, Dr. Kaufman has also been a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. Dr. Kaufman received a B.S. in psychology and human computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon, an M. Phil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge under a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale University (see his dissertation Beyond General Intelligence: The Dual-Process Theory of Human Intelligence). He is founder of Self-Actualization Coaching, receiving his formal coaching training from Positive Acorn. He is also an Honorary Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science.

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Interview Links:

— Dr. Kaufman's website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/

— Dr. Kaufman's book: https://amzn.to/4rvXC4C

In this episode, Niall speaks with Yannick Jacob, an existential coach, philosopher, and educator with over 15 years of coaching experience.

Yannick helps people explore the deeper philosophical questions behind everyday life. His approach blends existential philosophy with practical coaching to develop what he calls “existential resilience.”

In this conversation, they explore:

— How big existential questions are always at work beneath the surface of our lives

— How building “existential resilience” helps us face life’s inevitable challenges

— Why avoiding depth and complexity may feel comfortable but leaves us unprepared

— The value of coaching as a space to courageously face yourself

— How presence is something AI can never truly replicate in coaching relationships

And more.

You can learn more about Yannick’s work at https://www.coachingandmediation.net

or explore his resources for coaches at https://rocketsupervision.com.

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Yannick Jacob is an existential life and leadership coach, coach-trainer & supervisor, positive psychologist, and mediator whose work combines existential philosophy, positive psychology, and leadership development. He has led academic programs (including being Programme Leader of the MSc Coaching Psychology at University of East London), designs and trains ICF-accredited courses and supervises coaches globally. His focus is on helping individuals re-think what success, happiness, and purpose look like, through coaching, supervision, and philosophical reflection. You can learn more at https://www.coachingandmediation.net.

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Interview Links:

— Yannick’s website: https://www.coachingandmediation.net

— Resources for coaches at https://rocketsupervision.com.

In this episode, Niall speaks with Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of “Weird” and “Me, But Better”.

Drawing on research and personal experimentation, Olga shows how our personalities are more flexible than we often realise—and how intentional change can lead to greater fulfilment and success.

In this conversation, they explore:

— Why personality change often starts with letting go of limiting self-narratives

— How Buddhist principles can reduce neuroticism and anxiety

— Why acting against your natural tendencies sometimes brings unexpected benefits

— The link between personality traits and life outcomes

— How setting meaningful goals can support positive personality change

And more.

You can learn more about Olga’s work at http://olgakhazan.com.

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Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic. Prior to that, she was The Atlantic’s Global editor. She has also written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Forbes, and other publications. She is the author of Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change and Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World.

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Interview Links:

— Olga’s website - https://olgakhazan.com

— Olga's new book: Me, But Better - https://amzn.to/4rBLDly

— Sneak peeks from Olga's book - https://olgakhazan.substack.com

Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, author, and a leading expert on ancient Stoic philosophy and its modern applications. Originally from Scotland and now based in Canada, he has spent his career examining how ancient philosophy can help address modern psychological challenges.

In this episode, Niall speaks with Donald about his book: “How to Think Like Socrates” and the continued relevance of Socratic philosophy for modern life and mental wellbeing.

In this conversation, they explore:

— Why Socrates was a “street philosopher” who brought philosophy into everyday life

— How Socratic questioning can build cognitive flexibility and soften rigid thinking

— The link between wisdom and emotional wellbeing that underpins cognitive therapy

— Why clarifying values matters for living a meaningful life

— How ancient philosophical practices can be applied to modern psychological challenges

And more.

You can learn more about Donald’s work at http://donaldrobertson.name.

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Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist and trainer. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit, and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre nonprofit in Athens, Greece.

Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and known as an expert on the relationship between modern evidence-based psychotherapy and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. His work is highly interdisciplinary, combining philosophy, history, and psychology.

He was born in Irvine, Scotland, and grew up in Ayr. He worked as a psychotherapist for about twenty years in London, England, where he had a clinic in Harley Street, and ran a training school for therapists. He emigrated to Canada in 2013 and began focusing more on writing and consultancy. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada.

Donald is an experienced public speaker. His therapy practice specialised for many years in helping clients with social anxiety and self-confidence issues. His work, and that of his colleagues, has often featured in the media of different countries, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, etc.

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Interview Links:

— Donald’s website - http://donaldrobertson.name

— Donald's books - https://amzn.to/4bwfdUY

In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Christopher Bache about his 20-year exploration of consciousness, including 73 high-dose LSD sessions undertaken as part of a disciplined, structured inquiry. Dr. Bache is a Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University.

Dr. Bache’s journey moved beyond personal healing into encounters with collective consciousness and what he calls the diamond soul. His work brings together philosophy, spirituality, and direct investigation of non-ordinary states of awareness.

In this conversation, they explore:

— How psychedelic experiences revealed the boundary between individual and collective consciousness

— The evolutionary purpose of reincarnation and its role in human development

— Why a collective dark night of the soul may precede a major shift in consciousness

— How meeting suffering, personal and collective, can open the way to deeper freedom

— Why Dr. Bache understands death as a homecoming rather than an ending

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Bache’s work at http://chrisbache.com.

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Christopher Bache is professor emeritus in the department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University, adjunct faculty at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Emeritus Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and on the Advisory Council of Grof Legacy Training.

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Interview Links:

— Dr. Bache’s website - https://chrisbache.com

— Dr. Bache’s book: https://amzn.to/3NLkPRl

Dr. Sherif Darwish Abdalla is a consultant psychiatrist and addiction therapist. He is the Co-Founder of Recovery Egypt, one of the leading treatment and rehabilitation centres in North Africa.

He has publications in many international Journals, including the European Journal of Psychiatry. In this conversation, we explore:

— Dr Darwish’s radical approach to recovery and how it goes against many of the norms of mainstream psychiatry

— How Dr Darwish and his colleague built their recovery centre from scratch and his advice to others who are interested in undertaking similar projects

— Why community and connection need to be at the heart of a holistic recovery plan

And more.

Learn more about Recovery Egypt by going to: https://recoveryegypt.com.

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Dr. Sherif Darwish Abdalla is a consultant psychiatrist and addiction therapist from Egypt. His main area of focus in both work and research is addiction rehabilitation. He is a co-founder of the Recovery Centers for Addiction and Recovery, a prominent treatment and rehabilitation chain in Egypt. Dr. Darwish has published in many international journals, including the European Journal of Psychiatry. He will discuss the motivational challenges that therapists commonly face with their patients, and strategies for early identification and effective management.

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3 Books Dr Darwish Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment - and How to Get Help That Works - Anne M Fletcher - https://amzn.to/45A1Xbg

— Addictive Thinking: Understanding Self-Deception - Abraham J Twerski - https://amzn.to/3M5dZT0

— Motivational Interviewing, Fourth Edition: Helping People Change and Grow - William R Miller - https://amzn.to/45vSodv

Richard Lang is a philosopher, author, and the leading proponent of the "Headless Way" – a method of self-inquiry first developed by Douglas Harding. After meeting Harding at age 17 in 1970, Richard has spent over five decades exploring, practising, and sharing the Headless Way Approach.

In this conversation, we explore:

— The revolutionary insight that you cannot see your own head, and what this simple observation reveals about consciousness and identity

— How our sense of self changes depending on the "range of the observer" and why this matters

— Why Richard believes Douglas Harding discovered "the center" that religions and science have been seeking

— How this understanding transforms our relationship with others, death, time, and purpose

And more.

You can learn more about Richard's work and join his global community at https://headless.org.

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Richard Lang was a student of Douglas Harding, author of “On having no head” and the founder of a contemplation method called "The Headless Way". As Richard describes it, The Headless Way is a modern way of seeing our true nature, the limitless ’space’ we are looking out of. Richard has been practising and sharing the Headless Way for over fifty years now, and has also written several books about it. His mission is to make seeing our true nature as widely available as possible.

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Interview Links:

— Richard Lang’s website - https://headless.org

— Richard’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/headexchange

Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of "High Functioning." As the lead researcher behind the world's first peer-reviewed study on high-functioning depression, Dr. Judith’s work focuses on helping people recognize and address depression before it leads to breakdown.

In this conversation, we explore:

— What high-functioning depression is and why it often goes unrecognized

— How trauma and overworking are connected to hidden depression

— Why joy is our "birthright" as humans and how to reclaim it

— The biopsychosocial approach to understanding your unique happiness blueprint

— Dr. Judith’s five V's framework for cultivating joy: validate, vent, values, vitals, and vision

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Judith’s work and book at https://drjudithjoseph.com.

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Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, is a globally-recognised, board-certified psychiatrist, researcher and media contributor. She is the founder and chief investigator at Manhattan Behavioural Medicine, assistant professor in child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU and chair of the Women in Medicine Board at Columbia University. Dr. Judith is a regular contributor to ITN in the UK and appears frequently in international media including Forbes, CNN, Men's Health, Oprah Daily and Apple TV. A trusted voice on mental health, trauma and emotional resilience, she brings clarity and compassion to conversations that matter. Dr. Judith has over 625k+ followers across TikTok and Instagram, where her mental health videos have reached over 50 million viewers.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Juditht's website - https://drjudithjoseph.com

— See her Today show interview to learn of Judith’s personal journey and her work in mental health - https://www.today.com/video/dr-judith-joseph-talks-book-high-functioning-reclaiming-joy-235854405618

— Watch her interview on YouTube with Mel Robbins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQu-Ct9-6dg

— Listen to her interview with Dr. Sharon - https://podcasts.apple.com/bb/podcast/high-functioning-and-hidden-depression-ft-dr-judith-joseph/id1839332301?i=1000739097190

— And on the ZOE podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYdI_gdfvs