The Weekend University

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

In this interview, I speak with Dr Steve Taylor, a psychologist, writer, and lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. Dr Taylor is the author of several bestselling books on psychology and spirituality, including: The Leap, Spiritual Science, and most recently Time Expansion Experiences, which this conversation focuses on.

Expect to learn:

— Why linear time is an illusion of the mind

— What near-death experiences and life reviews reveal about the nature of time

— Why time feels faster as we age—and what we can do to slow it down

— Dr Taylor’s views on the extent to which the future is “set in stone”—and the implications this has for free will

And more.

You can learn more about Steve’s work and books at https://www.stevenmtaylor.com.

---

Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. He is a past chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. His new book is Time Expansion Experiences, and his previous books include The Adventure, Extraordinary Awakenings, The Clear Light, The Fall, Out of the Darkness, The Calm Center, The Leap and Spiritual Science. His books have been published in more than 20 languages, and he regularly appears in the media in the UK, including Radio 4’s Prayer for the Day and the BBC World Service. He writes blog articles for Scientific American, The Conversation and for Psychology Today. Eckhart Tolle has described his work as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present.’ Steve lives in Manchester, England, with his wife and three children.

---

Interview Links:

— Dr Taylor’s’ website - https://www.stevenmtaylor.com

— Dr Taylor's books: https://amzn.to/4hMtAE8

Dr. James Hollis is one of the world’s leading Jungian analysts. Across a career spanning decades, he has written extensively on how we confront the unconscious, navigate midlife, and live with greater courage and self-awareness. His books include: Living an Examined Life, Under Saturn's Shadow, and a Life of Meaning.

In this conversation, we explore:

— The extent to which Dr. Hollis believes there is a "purposeful intelligence" at work in nature.

— How we live a larger life by asking larger questions - and the questions he finds more helpful for leading his clients to a path of enlargement

— How to distinguish between ego-based desires and those coming from a deeper place

— What Dr. Hollis learned from his near death experience in 2022.

And more.

You can learn more about his work and books at http://jameshollis.net

---

James Hollis, Ph. D., was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years and was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston.

He lives with his wife Jill, an artist and retired therapist, in a suburb of Washington, DC. Together they have three living children and eight grand-children.

He has written a total of twenty books, which have been translated into Swedish, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Serbian, Latvian, Ukranian and Czech.

---

Interview Links:

— Dr Hollis’ website - http://jameshollis.net

— Dr Hollis’ books - https://amzn.to/41xg1Co