Dr. Tony Nader is a medical doctor, neuroscientist, and the global leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. He holds an MD from the American University of Beirut and a PhD in neuroscience from MIT.

In this conversation, we explore Dr. Nader’s provocative claim that consciousness is not a byproduct of the brain—but the ground of all being. Drawing on neuroscience, quantum physics, and thousands of years of contemplative practice, he shares a paradigm that reframes life’s biggest questions—from free will and death to the nature of truth, karma, and the self.

Expect to learn:

— What Maslow got wrong and the practical value of transcending before striving

— Why expanding consciousness is the purpose of life

— Dr Nader’s views on the relationship between the brain and consciousness.

— What this model says about death, reincarnation, and the expansion of self

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Nader’s work at https://drtonynader.com or by exploring his book, Consciousness is All There Is.

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Dr. Tony Nader is a globally recognized leader in the field of consciousness and a renowned neuroscientist with a distinguished academic background. He is the president of Maharishi International University, a medical doctor trained at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Ph.D. in neuroscience) and a globally recognized expert in the science of Consciousness and human development. Dr Nader’s training includes internal medicine, psychiatry, and neurology, and he is a New York Times bestselling author. His award winning book Consciousness Is All There Is has received the highest praise much like his latest book Super Habits for Success.

Dr Nader has had recent discussions with some of the great thinkers, scientists, medical doctors and leaders in the world today. He has been featured by WIRED magazine, BBC, CNN, Gaia Network, and served as keynote for the United Nations, YPO and Stanford university’s “Hacking Consciousness”.

He’s the recipient of numerous award's for his outstanding contribution in human development, environment, education, and health.

He currently leads the global Transcendental Meditation organization, succeeding Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and is dedicated to advancing the understanding of consciousness through both scientific and spiritual lenses.

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Interview Links:

— Maharishi International University - https://www.miu.edu

— Dr Nader's website - https://drtonynader.com

— Dr Nader's book - https://amzn.to/45kVWCO

Zack Kass is an AI strategist, futurist, and former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT. As a leading voice in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence, Zack has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits on how to navigate technological change with both foresight and humanity.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Zack shares what most people get wrong about AI, the traits that will define those who thrive in the years ahead, and why designing for what machines can’t do may be the single most important business (and life) strategy of our time.

Expect to learn:

— Why personal agency and adaptability are now essential skills

— What AI can’t do—and why that’s where the opportunity is

— How to prepare for a future where work no longer defines identity

— The importance of learning how to learn (and how to actually do it)

— Why “the future belongs to those who obsess”

And more.

You can explore Zack’s writing and newsletter at https://www.zackkass.com.

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Zack Kass is one of the world’s foremost authorities on applied AI, transforming the technology's immense power into business strategies and applications that expand human potential.

For the last 16 years, Zack has been at the forefront of AI. Most recently, he served as OpenAI's Head of Go-to-Market responsible for building out the sales, solutions, and partnerships teams. Zack played a key role in early efforts at commercializing AI and large language models, channeling OpenAI’s innovative research into tangible business solutions while also serving as a personal adviser to many executives deploying the technology across their companies.

Today, Zack’s mission is to help businesses, nonprofits, and governments navigate the rapidly evolving AI environment. His thought leadership has been featured in top publications, such as Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. Zack continues to advise Fortune 1000 board rooms, including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Samsung. He is also an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and Chair of Ruder Finn’s AI Advisory Council.

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Interview Link:

— Zack’s website - https://www.zackkass.com

The spiritual teaching of nonduality, which stems from the Indian philosophy of advaita, teaches that consciousness is the primary reality, the fundamental essence of the cosmos. On the other hand, the current scientific worldview holds that the physical world is primary, and that consciousness somehow, in ways that we do not yet understand, emerges from it. Both views have their challenges. If consciousness is primary, why do we not see it in all things? Conversely if the physical world is primary, how does consciousness arise from something as insentient matter? Peter Russell proposes that the solution to these problems lies in the recognition that information is fundamental to both realities, and physical reality, as we conceive of it, is but a representation of the external world appearing in the mind. This turns our current worldview inside-out; and into one that both beliefs can inhabit.

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Peter Russell studied theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science at the University of Cambridge. He then went to India, to study meditation and Eastern philosophy, and on his return conducted research on the psychology of meditation. A leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality, he coined the term "global brain" with his 1980s’ bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. Other books include The Awakening Earth, Waking Up in Time, From Science to God, and his most recent, Letting Go of Nothing. Peter is a fellow of The World Business Academy, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest.

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Interview Links:

— Peter’s website: www.peterrussell.com/index.php

— Peter’s books: https://amzn.to/3WRrnhd

Tomás Hardiman is a film producer and a survivor of childhood abuse. His recent documentary “The Days of Trees” tells the story of his own experience of childhood sexual abuse, and his long road to recovery.

In this conversation, Tomás reflects on the years he spent in the dark, his gradual process of healing, and how he was able to convert his deepest childhood wound into a creative project - a documentary that is now impacting people all over the world.

Gabor Maté had this to say about it:

'It's all about healing and transformation, a person finding themselves… I really urge you to see it. A beautiful film.'

Here are some of the things we explore in this discussion:

— How memory, shame, and repression often intertwine in trauma

— Why Tomás almost walked away from the film

— The role of creative work in transforming suffering

— How Tomás has been able to forgive the seemingly unforgivable.

And more.

You can watch the film at https://thedaysoftrees.com/ and get 50% off if you use the code: TWU50 when purchasing.

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Tomás Hardiman holds a B.Comm from NUI Galway (1979) and an M.A. in Film and Television Studies from Dublin City University (1992). After graduation he worked in human resources in Dublin before living for a time in Toronto, where he began a professional career in the theatre as General Manager of Mercury Theatre Company. Following his return to Ireland he was appointed Marketing/Publicity Director of The Abbey Theatre where he worked from 1985 to 1993. He then returned to Galway where he ran his own communications and independent film production company, Parzival Productions. From October 2002 to November 2007 he was Managing Director of Galway Arts Centre and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. He was a member of the board of Theatre Forum, the representative group for Irish arts organisations, from 2005-2007. He continues to produce and manage creative projects across multiple artforms and in 2013 completed a three-year training programme to become a teacher of the Alexander Technique. He produced eleven films between 1998 and 2023. Most recently he collaborated with acclaimed Irish writer/director Alan Gilsenan, to produce a loose trilogy of films about psychological trauma: Meetings with Ivor, The Meeting and The Days of Trees. The latter won the George Morrison Award for Best Documentary at the 2024 Irish Film and Television Awards.

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Interview Link:

— Tomás’ website - https://thedaysoftrees.com/

In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and author of three bestselling books, including: “The Man Who Tasted Words”, “The Secret World of Sleep”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”, which this interview focuses on.

Drawing on insights from evolutionary biology, genetics, and clinical neurology, Guy makes a compelling case that what we label as “sin” may often have a biological cause, and isn’t necessarily a moral failing.

Expect to learn:

— Why our so-called “sins” evolved as adaptive traits—and why they still serve a purpose

— How free will may be more of a spectrum than a binary

— Why understanding the biology of behaviour could radically change the criminal justice system

— The disturbing story of Robert Alton Harris—and what it reveals about judgment, compassion, and accountability

And more.

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

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Dr Guy Leschziner is a neurologist with special expertise in sleep disorders and epilepsy.

Dr Leschziner is Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, one of the largest sleep units in Europe. He also practices at London Bridge Hospital and the Cromwell Hospital.

He is also Reader in Neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London.

Under the broad umbrella of sleep disorders, Dr Leschziner is a particular authority on narcolepsy, sleepwalking, Kleine-Levin syndrome and restless legs syndrome.

Dr Leschziner is also enthusiastically engaged with public education through a wide range of media work. He presented a popular radio series for the BBC, Mysteries of Sleep, as well as The Secrets of Sleep for Channel 4 television in the UK. He has also been an expert commentator for BBC News and The Guardian.

Dr Leschziner is also the author of several books: The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins.

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Interview Links:

— Dr. Leschziner’s website - https://www.guyleschziner.com

— Dr. Leschziner’s books: https://amzn.to/4dbnFru

Dr. Sharon Dirckx is a speaker and author trained in neuroscience, who speaks internationally on topics such as science and theology, human consciousness, and the problem of evil. She has appeared on BBC Radio 2, Radio 4 and has also written for The Times. Her books include: Broken Planet, Why, and Am I Just my Brain - which this interview focuses on.

Here are some of the questions we explore in this conversation:

— The mind-body problem - how could a mindless universe produce conscious beings?

— Sharon’s views on the explanatory power of panpsychism

— How can we make sense of the immense suffering in the world and natural disasters

— How our image of God impacts our mental health and wellbeing.

And more.

You can learn more about Sharon’s work and books at https://www.dirckx.org.

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Sharon Dirckx is a speaker and author whose work focuses on responding to the spiritual and faith-related questions that people ask today.

She is motivated to show how and why the person of Jesus Christ remains as relevant as ever to the pertinent questions of our time, and to do so in an engaging way.

Originally from a scientific background, she has a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge. Sharon is invited to speak and lecture across the UK and internationally, in workplaces, universities, schools, churches and conferences.

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Interview Links:

— Sharon’s website - https://www.dirckx.org

— Sharon’s books - https://amzn.to/4iFKVPk

Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, who is in the top one percent of most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.

In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes. She has also given a popular TED talk with over 6.5 million views.

From this conversation, you'll learn:

— Dr Barrett's groundbreaking theory of emotions and its implications for mental health and wellbeing

— How emotional "granularity" can enhance your quality of life

— Why everything we see is a "concept" and why this matters

— Dr Barrett's thoughts on free will and personal responsibility.

And more.

You can learn more about Dr Barrett's work by going to: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com

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Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a psychologist, neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the most cited scientists in the world. She received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. These highly competitive, multimillion dollar awards are given to scientists of exceptional creativity who are expected to transform biomedical and behavioral research. She also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in Psychology in 2021.

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, consulted to the National Cancer Institute, appeared on Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and The Today Show with Maria Shriver, and been a featured guest on public television and podcast and radio programs worldwide. She is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada.

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Interview Links:

— Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3CWM1VQ

— How Emotions are Made - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3Rx1BeT

— Dr Barrett’s website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com

— Matter and Consciousness - Dr Iain McGilchrist: https://bit.ly/3RGSQz0

3 Books Dr Porges Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:

— Between us by Batja Mesquita - https://amzn.to/3FdYkxT

— The End of Trauma by George Bonanno - https://amzn.to/3AW1fbL

— How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett - https://amzn.to/3GVdxFl

Professor Marc Lewis is a former Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Toronto and a world leading expert in the neuroscience of addiction. It was particularly interesting to speak with Marc because not only does he have a deep understanding of the neural mechanisms underneath addictive processes, he also has battled with quite severe opioid addictions himself. He is the author of two bestselling books on the subject: Memoirs of an Addicted Brain, and The Biology of Desire. Now, he works as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, specialising in addiction treatment.

You’ll learn:

— How Marc’s experiences as a developmental psychologist helped him to develop his groundbreaking learning model of addiction

— A simple introduction to the neuroscience of addiction and the brain areas involved

— Why it’s hard to stop an addictive pattern once it has taken hold

— What works (and what doesn’t) in recovery.

And more.

You can learn more about Marc’s innovative work by visiting: www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com

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Prof Marc Lewis, PhD is a neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts on the neuroscience of addiction. In his academic work, he has authored or co-authored more than fifty journal articles, and for many years was a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Toronto and then Radboud University (Netherlands) before retiring.

For the last decade, he has focused on making his work more accessible to a wider audience through books for lay readers, pop science articles, public talks, and interviews. He is the author of two bestselling books on addiction: “Memoirs of an Addicted Brain” and “The Biology of Desire”, a book which Dr Gabor Mate argues “effectively refutes the disease model of addiction.” He is currently practicing psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, working with clients with addictive problems and other difficulties.

You can learn more about his work at www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com.

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6 Books Prof Lewis Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read:

— Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear —Dr. Carl L. Hart - https://amzn.to/44MnKfG

— High Price: Drugs, Neuroscience, and Discovering Myself — Dr. Carl L. Hart - https://amzn.to/3Kt8YmH

— Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction — Szalavitz Maia - https://amzn.to/3NS0p5q

— Drinking: A Love Story — Caroline Knapp - https://amzn.to/3NWYaOt

— The Night of the Gun — David Carr - https://amzn.to/44SHYod

— The Biology of Desire: why addiction is not a disease (The Addicted Brain) —Prof Marc Lewis - https://amzn.to/44QYpBl

In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Paul Gilbert and Professor Jeremy Holmes. Paul is the developer of Compassion Focused Therapy and one of the world’s leading clinical psychologists studying the scientific application of compassion in therapeutic practice. Jeremy is an award winning attachment expert, clinician, and author, whose books include: In Search of the Secure Base, Attachment & Psychotherapy, and most recently The Spirit of Psychotherapy.

In this wide ranging discussion, we explore:

— The difference between “safety” and “safeness” and why this is vital to understand in therapeutic practice

— How early attachment dynamics shape our developmental trajectory and relationships throughout life

— How attachment theory helped to form the theoretical foundations of Compassion Focused Therapy.

And more.

You can find Jeremy’s books at http://bit.ly/jh-books and learn more about Paul’s work at http://compassionatemind.co.uk

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Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression.

He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”.

Professor Jeremy Holmes is a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert, and three-time speaker at The Weekend University.

For 35 years, he was Consultant Psychiatrist/Medical Psychotherapist at University College London (UCL) and then in North Devon, UK, and Chair of the Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998-2002.

He is visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, and lectures nationally and internationally. In addition to 200+ peer-reviewed papers and chapters in the field of psychoanalysis and attachment theory, his books include John Bowlby and Attachment Theory, Exploring In Security, Attachment in Therapeutic Practice, and most recently: “The Brain has a Mind of Its Own”.

He was the recipient of the Bowlby-Ainsworth Founders Award 2009.

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Interview Links:

— Jeremy’s books - http://bit.ly/jh-books

— Paul’s work - http://compassionatemind.co.uk

Dr Morgan is a Professor of Counseling & Human Services at the University of Scranton, who has spent thirty years researching, teaching, and writing about mental health and addiction. He is the author of Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery, which provides a holistic, multidisciplinary framework for understanding and treating addictive processes.

In this conversation, we explore:

— The extent to which addiction can be viewed as an attachment disorder

— The central paradox at the heart of addiction

— Why addiction is a “jealous relationship” that crowds out most others

— Why addictions localised within individual members can be thought of as “symptoms” of much wider societal problems.

And more.

You can get a copy of Dr Morgan’s book by going to https://bit.ly/oliver-addiction.

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Dr. Oliver Morgan is a distinguished Professor of Counseling & Human Services in the Panuska College of Professional Studies at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA. With a diverse educational background, he holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, a Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy, and a doctoral degree in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Boston University.

Dr. Morgan's expertise lies in the fields of addiction studies, marital and family counseling, and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to the academic community through his teaching and publications. As a faculty member since 1990, he has taught various courses in undergraduate and graduate programs, shaping the curriculum in Addiction Studies and Marital and Family Counseling. Dr. Morgan also served as the Department Chair from 1997 to 2009.

His publications include an acclaimed book titled "Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery: The Power of Connection," published in 2019 by W.W. Norton. Additionally, he has co-edited five books covering topics such as Addiction Studies, Catholic Intellectual Thought, and Counseling & Spirituality. Dr. Morgan has authored or co-authored numerous book chapters, proceedings, and peer-reviewed articles on subjects ranging from addiction and pastoral care to spirituality and clinical practice.

Beyond his academic endeavors, Dr. Morgan has been involved in service and leadership activities both within the university and the wider community. He has held important roles in university-wide task forces focused on student lifestyles and corporate mission and identity. Furthermore, he co-founded a psychosocial oncology practice in Northeast Pennsylvania, offering support to cancer patients, their caregivers, and loved ones.

Dr. Oliver Morgan's contributions to counseling, addiction studies, and his commitment to compassionate care have established him as a respected educator, researcher, and practitioner in the field of counseling and human services.

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4 Books Dr Morgan Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read:

— Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection — Oliver J. Morgan - https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393713176-addiction-attachment-trauma-and-recovery

— In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction — Dr Gabor Maté - https://amzn.to/4125SLH

— The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit — Bruce K. Alexander - https://amzn.to/46I1yp1

— Addiction and Spirituality: A Multidisciplinary Approach — Oliver J. Morgan - https://amzn.to/3JWpQBU