The Weekend University

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

In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and leading sleep specialist who has spent over a decade as the clinical lead at one of Europe's largest sleep disorder centers.

Drawing on insights from neuroscience, clinical practice, and evolutionary biology, Guy explores the fascinating world of sleep—from its biological functions to its profound impact on our physical and mental health.

Expect to learn:

— Why studying the extremes of human behavior helps us understand normal brain function

— How sleep affects everything from immune function to cognitive performance

— The surprising way our brain's "glymphatic system" cleans toxins during deep sleep

— Why insomnia treatments like CBT-I are so effective and how they work.

And more.

You can learn more about Guy's work at https://www.guyleschziner.com.

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Guy Leschziner, Ph.D., is a neurologist specializing in sleep disorders and epilepsy, serving as Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, one of Europe’s largest sleep units. He is also Reader in Neurology at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Dr. Leschziner is the author of The Nocturnal Brain, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins, and has presented sleep-focused series for BBC Radio and Channel 4.

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Interview Links:

— Guy’s website: https://www.guyleschziner.com/

— Guy’s book: https://amzn.to/3VvTnb6

Get Anna Runkle's new book, CONNECTABILITY. You can order via the following link: https://bit.ly/4dTK9xz — more links below 👇

Anna Runkle is a bestselling author and creator of the popular YouTube channel "Crappy Childhood Fairy." After overcoming her own complex PTSD through innovative self-regulation techniques, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal from developmental trauma and reconnect with themselves and others.

In this conversation, we explore:

— What "connection wounds" are and how they affect our ability to form meaningful relationships

— How neurological dysregulation from trauma creates barriers to connection and what to do about it

— The simple but powerful daily practice that transformed Anna's life after decades of struggling with trauma symptoms

— Practical strategies for developing "connectability" even when social situations feel overwhelming

— Why focusing on "what can I do right now?" rather than "why did this happen?" creates real healing

And more.

You can learn more about Anna's work, books, and free resources at https://crappychildhoodfairy.com.

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Anna Runkle leads a movement to help men and women worldwide to heal trauma symptoms and change their lives—whether or not they have access to professional help. More than 900,000 men and women worldwide subscribe to her YouTube channel, blog, courses and coaching programs, where she teaches the principles and techniques she has used to recover from her own Childhood PTSD. Her approach includes simple, self-directed exercises to calm emotional triggers and neurological dysregulation, and to begin changing the self-defeating behaviors that are common for people who have lived much of their lives dysregulated. She lives with her husband and two sons in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Interview Links:

— Order Anna's NEW Book: CONNECTABILITY: https://bit.ly/4dTK9xz

— Order Anna's 2024 Book: RE-REGULATED: https://bit.ly/3yqaena

— Anna's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CrappyChildhoodFairy

— Anna's Website: https://crappychildhoodfairy.com

— Free Daily Practice Course: http://bit.ly/CCF_DailyPractice

— Quiz: How Connectable Are You? https://bit.ly/48QTuFL

Dr. Bernardo Kastrup is a philosopher, scientist, and author whose work challenges mainstream materialism. With a background in computer engineering and a Ph.D. in philosophy, he has become one of the world's leading advocates for metaphysical idealism—the view that consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental reality of the universe.

In this conversation, we explore some of the key ideas from Bernardo’s latest book, "The Daimon and the Soul of the West," including:

— The key differences between the Western and Eastern Mind

— The relationship between context and meaning in life, and how powerful it can be to recognise the ancestral lineage within you.

— The concept of the daimon—an impersonal force of nature that expresses itself through us

— How confronting death and our relationship with evil can lead to greater wisdom and authenticity

— Why the second half of life requires a completely different approach than the first.

And more.

You can learn more about Bernardo’s work at https://www.bernardokastrup.com.

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Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Kastrup’s website: https://www.bernardokastrup.com

— Dr Kastrup’s book: https://amzn.to/46hinsO

Douglas Gillette is a bestselling author, Jungian psychologist, and co-creator of the influential King, Warrior, Magician, Lover framework that has transformed our understanding of masculine psychology.

His work explores the archetypal patterns that shape human development and the journey toward psychological wholeness.

In this conversation, we explore:

— Why Douglas believes we are "sowing" in this life but the "harvest" lies elsewhere

— How evolutionary psychology can help to explains the current crisis in masculine identity

— The four masculine archetypes and their shadow expressions

— Practical techniques for integrating these archetypal energies in everyday life

And more.

You can learn more about Douglas's work and books by visiting https://douglasgillettecreations.com.

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Douglas M. Gillette is a scholar-writer, teacher, and spiritual guide whose work bridges myth, religion, depth psychology, and human transformation. He co-authored the influential book King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine and has written several others published internationally. A former pastoral counselor and United Church of Christ pastor, he now teaches, writes, and leads workshops on spirituality, imagination, and the unfolding of the soul. You can learn more through his work at www.douglasgillettecreations.com

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Interview Links:

— Douglas’ website: https://douglasgillettecreations.com

— Douglas’ book: https://amzn.to/4mya1ln

Ross Douthat is a New York Times columnist, author, and podcast host.

His latest book, "Believe," presents a rational case for faith in an increasingly secular world, drawing on evidence from science, philosophy, and human experience to make a compelling argument for the existence of God.

In this conversation, we explore:

— Why the strongest case for God rests at the intersection of multiple converging lines of evidence

— How the "hard problem of consciousness" challenges purely materialist explanations of reality

— Why being "spiritual but not religious" might be a reasonable starting point but not a desirable permanent state

— The importance of discernment in navigating the spiritual landscape

— How Ross's five-year battle with Lyme disease transformed his relationship with God

And more.

You can find Ross's work in his New York Times column, his book "Believe," and his podcast "Interesting Times."

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Ross Douthat is a best-selling author, columnist, and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of politics, religion, and society. He has been an opinion columnist for The New York Times since 2009 and was previously a senior editor at The Atlantic.

He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Privilege: "Grand New Party", "Bad Religion", "To Change the Church", "The Decadent Society", and his memoir "The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery".

His latest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious (2025), makes a compelling case for the enduring importance of faith in modern life.

Douthat graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He lectures widely on religion, politics, and culture, and lives in New Haven, Connecticut, with his wife, journalist Abigail Tucker, and their children.

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Interview Links:

— Ross' YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InterestingTimesNYT/videos

— Ross' X account: https://x.com/douthatnyt

— Ross' book: https://amzn.to/3IlxZCj

Dr. Laurel Parnell is an internationally recognised clinical psychologist, author, consultant, and the developer of the innovative treatment approach: Attachment Focused EMDR

She has trained thousands of clinicians nationally and internationally, and is the author of several bestselling books, including, “Tapping In”, “Rewiring the Addicted Brain”, and “Attachment Focused EMDR” which this interview focuses on.

In a wide-ranging conversation, we explore:

— The link between EMDR and spiritual experiences

— The role of imagination in attachment focused EMDR and how it can be applied to heal developmental deficits

— What happens during an attachment focused EMDR session, both in the client’s internal world and in the therapy room.

And more.

You can learn more about Dr Parnell’s work and upcoming trainings via https://parnellemdr.com

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Dr. Parnell is a leading expert on the therapeutic tool, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing which is more widely known as EMDR. While Dr. Parnell has trained thousands of clinicians in EMDR both nationally and internationally, Dr. Parnell has also taught transpersonal psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco and was core faculty at John F. Kennedy University in the Graduate School for the Study of Human Consciousness. Currently, Dr. Parnell teaches EMDR through Alliant International University, Omega Institute, Esalen Institute, ID Institut in Kassel Germany, and the The New York Open Center. You can learn about Dr Parnell’s work and forthcoming trainings by visiting: www.drlaurelparnell.com

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3 Books Dr Parnell Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Attachment Focused EMDR - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3UB7HhB

— A Therapist's Guide to EMDR - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3yfxuV3

— Rewiring the Addicted Brain - Dr Laurel Parnell - https://amzn.to/3ygRfvl

Dr Tatkin is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of the psychobiological approach to couples therapy, often referred to as PACT.

He is assistant clinical professor in the family medicine department at the University of California. Dr Tatkin has authored numerous bestselling books on attachment and couples therapy, including: Wired for Love, Wired for Dating, In Each Other’s Care, and Your Brain on Love.

In this conversation, we explore:

— How human beings behave according to procedural memory most of the time and why this is important to understand in couples work

— Why relationships can be so difficult for humans

— The difference between a secure functioning relationship and secure attachment

And more.

You can learn more about Dr Tatkin’s work by visiting: thepactinstitute.com

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Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a best-selling author, clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of a Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT). He has a clinical practice in Calabasas, CA, where he has specialized for the last 15 years in working with couples and individuals who wish to be in relationships. He and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, developed the PACT Institute to train clinicians to help challenging couples find secure-functioning relationships. He is the author of best-selling books We Do, Wired for Love, Wired for Dating and Love and War in Intimate Relationships, as well as the audio books Your Brain on Love and Relationship Rx.

Dr. Tatkin also teaches family medicine residents at Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills, CA, and is an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine. He travels throughout the United States and abroad with the PACT Institute teaching therapists how to help couples build secure-functioning relationships.

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3 Books Dr Stan Tatkin Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications - Jude Cassidy - https://amzn.to/4aIbYGJ

— Lyons-Ruth, K., L. Dutra, M. R. Schuder, and I. Bianchi. 2006. "From Infant Attachment Disorganization to Adult Dissociation: Relational Adaptations or Traumatic Experiences?" Psychiatric Clinics of North America 29 (1): 63–86. - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-03379-005

— Schore, A. N. 2000. "Attachment and the regulation of the right brain." Attachment & Human Development 1 (2): 23–47. - https://www.allanschore.com/pdf/SchoreAttachHumDev.pdf

Jerry Colonna is an executive coach, author, and former venture capitalist who has been called "the CEO Whisperer." As the founder of Reboot.io, he works with leaders to foster both professional success and personal wholeness through the practice of radical self-inquiry.

In this conversation, we explore Jerry's latest book "Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong," which examines how reconnecting with our ancestral past can help us build a more compassionate future.

Expect to learn:

— How disconnection from our ancestral lineage contributes to our ability to "other" people in society today

— Why understanding your own heritage creates an empathetic bridge to those different from you

— Why letting go of the myth of meritocracy can be liberating for leaders

— The relationship between feeling worthy of love, safety, and belonging and our ability to extend those gifts to others

And more.

You can learn more about Jerry's work, books, and coaching practice at https://www.reboot.io

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Jerry Colonna is a coach, writer, and speaker who focuses on leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company born from the rallying cry that work does not have to destroy us. Work can be the way in which we achieve our fullest self. A graduate of Queens College, Jerry helps people lead with humanity and equanimity. His unique blend of Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial know-how has made him a sought-after coach and leader, working with some of the largest firms in the country.

In his work as a coach, he draws on his experience in Venture Capital (VC) as Co-founder of Flatiron Partners, one of the most successful, early-stage investment programs. Later, he was a partner with J.P. Morgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of J.P. Morgan Chase.

Along with a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector, Jerry is the author of two books: REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up (2019) and REUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. Reboot was met with critical acclaim, stirring up a big question in the hearts and minds of people: “How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?” Jerry’s second book builds on this question, asking us what benefit we get from the conditions we say we don’t want.

Jerry is astounded by the fact that he lives on a farm outside of Boulder, CO near the foothills of the Rockies, and far from the streets of Brooklyn where he was born and raised. He is the father of three amazing humans, each of whom cares deeply about the love, safety, and belonging of others.

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Interview Links:

— Jerry’s website: https://www.reboot.io

— Jerry’s books: https://amzn.to/3Hw4gpV

Dr Alicia Lieberman is a clinical psychologist, author, and the senior developer of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Her books include: The Emotional Life of the Toddler, Don’t Hit My Mommy, and Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children.

She has received numerous awards including: the Rene Spitz Award from the World Association for Infant Mental Health, the Hero Award from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the Whole Child Award from the Simms/Mann Institute.

In this conversation, we explore:

— The pioneering work of Selma Fraiberg and how this influenced Dr Lieberman’s trajectory

— The role that "ghosts" and "angels" in the nursery play in the intergenerational transmission of trauma

— The importance of “speaking the unspeakable” and helping children who have experienced trauma to construct adaptive narratives from their experiences.

And more.

You can learn more about Dr Lieberman’s work at: https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/

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Dr. Lieberman is the Irving B. Harris Endowed Chair in Infant Mental Health and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs at the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, and Director of the Child Trauma Research Program. She is a clinical consultant with the San Francisco Human Services Agency. She is active in major national organizations involved with mental health in infancy and early childhood. She is past-president of the board of directors of Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, and on the Professional Advisory Board of the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute. She has served on peer review panels of the National Institute of Mental Health, is on the Board of Trustees of the Irving Harris Foundation, and consults with the Miriam and Peter Haas Foundation on early childhood education for Palestinian-Israeli children.

Born and raised in Paraguay, she received her BA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. This background informs her work on behalf of children and families from diverse ethnic and cultural origins, with primary emphasis on the experiences of Latinos in the United States.

Dr. Lieberman is currently the director of the Early Trauma Treatment Network (ETTN), a collaborative of four university sites that include the UCSF/SFGH Child Trauma Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center, and Tulane University. ETTN is funded by the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a 40-site national initiative that has the mission of increasing the access and quality of services for children exposed to trauma in the United States. Her major interests include infant mental health, disorders of attachment, early trauma treatment outcome research, and mental health service disparities for underserved and minority children and families. Her current research involves treatment outcome evaluation of the efficacy of child-parent psychotherapy with trauma-exposed children aged birth to six and with pregnant women involved in domestic violence. As a trilingual, tricultural Jewish Latina, she has a special interest in cultural issues involving child development, child rearing, and child mental health. She lectures extensively on these topics nationally and internationally.

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Interview Links:

— Dr Liberman’s website - https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/

3 books that Dr Lieberman recommended

— The emotional life of the toddler - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/46pWmGn

— Don’t hit my mommy - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/3LHCepK

— Make Room for Baby - Alicia F. Lieberman, Manuela A. Diaz, Gloria Castro, Griselda Oliver Bucio - https://amzn.to/3ynmyow