Shows
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#109: The Science of Letting Go - Shawn PrestThe Science of Letting Go explores how meditation works in the brain, drawing on neuroscience, predictive processing, and contemplative science to explain how letting go reduces stress, softens self-related thinking, and changes perception over time. In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with PhD researcher Shawn Prest from Monash University about what's actually happening under the hood when we meditate. Rather than framing letting go as a vague emotional release, Shawn describes it as a measurable shift in how the brain assigns confidence to its highest-level models, including the sense of self. ...
2026-01-211h 36The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#108: The Ethics of Meditation - Nicholas Van Dam, PhDClinical psychologist and contemplative science researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam joins us to explore the ethics of meditation and what scientific research reveals about how contemplative practices actually work. He examines how much practice is needed to see meaningful change, why challenging experiences can arise, and what current methods can and cannot reliably measure. We discuss the importance of informed consent in meditation, the role of wisdom traditions alongside modern science, and why honesty and nuance are essential as these practices enter mental health, education, and digital platforms. Dr. Van Dam also shares how contemplative science can...
2025-12-161h 46The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMultitasking Myths, Focus & Real-World Brain Health - Therese Huston, PhDCognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she explains why multitasking quietly erodes attention and memory and what to do instead. We explore simple, realistic habits that help your mind function at its best: 20-minute single-task blocks, 40 Hz binaural beats for deep focus, and a brief 5-2-7 breathing technique that can quickly calm the nervous system. Dr. Huston also highlights how aerobic movement, dance, and social connection drive neurogenesis and long-term...
2025-10-2151 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyThe Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchristDr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain's dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality. We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work with biologist Mike Levin on emergence and form. ...
2025-06-171h 48The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhDPsychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive inner voice. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to Dr. Kristin Neff 3:52 | Compassion vs. Empathy 8:12 | 3 Core Components of Self-Compassion 13:52 | Role of Personal Resp...
2025-05-201h 05The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#101: Movement as Meditation - George ThompsonTai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives. We discuss: How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain Breath and body awareness as daily meditation Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner "parts" Why facing life's challenges with integrity is the real practice ...
2025-04-161h 23The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhDIn this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as "sensory deprivation," Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what's truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset. We explore Dr. Feinstein's pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable...
2025-03-191h 32The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Dr. Philippe DouyonThis episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience. We discuss the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life. Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive function. Key strategies for brain health, including diet, fasting, exercise, and lifelong learning, are explored, along with neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chronic stress. Practical approaches to mental fitness and stress m...
2025-02-181h 09The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#98: Connection & the Mind - Adam Dorsay, PsyDIn this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction. The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fostering connection in personal relationships, work, and the natural world, offering strategies to enhance purpose and well-being. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org...
2025-01-211h 14The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#97: Predictive Processing & Ultimate Well-Being - Shamil Chandaria, PhDIn this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being. He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise. Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habitual thought patterns, offering a deeper awareness of how the brain shapes our experience and revealing profound insights into consciousness. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.f...
2024-12-171h 18The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#96: The Science of Forgiveness - Fred Luskin, PhDStanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing. He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to children and how adults can approach societal challenges with acceptance and meaning. Luskin also introduces his 9 Steps to Forgiveness, a research-based framework for releasing resentment and fostering gratitude, offering listeners actionable tools for resilience and well-being. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Fred Luskin 3:23 | Link to 30...
2024-11-151h 14The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#95: Mental Wellness & Monk Training - Andrew Litchy, NDIn this episode, Dr. Andrew Litchy recounts his journey from life as a monk to becoming a naturopathic doctor. He shares his insights on how meditation helped him manage ADHD and how it has become integral to both his personal life and professional practice. The conversation spans topics from the daily life of a monk and the experience of ordination to practical tips on integrating mindfulness into a busy life. Dr. Litchy also discusses practical strategies for training the mind in a hectic world and provides top wellness tips, making this episode a r...
2024-08-061h 47The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#94: Exploring Consciousness & Deep Awareness - Doug KraftHow does the mind shape our reality? What happens when the conceptual mind turns off? The answers might be found in the depths of meditation. Doug Kraft has delved into the complexities of the mind from various perspectives: as a psychotherapist, writer, minister, meditation teacher, and through the lenses of bio-energetics and neuroscience. In this episode, we discuss consciousness and the mind's role in constructing our reality. We explore how to train our brains to achieve lasting contentment. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org
2024-07-0259 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#93: Neuroplasticity, Meditation & the Predictive Brain - Ruben Laukkonen, PhDHow does the brain work at its deepest levels? And to what extent can we radically upgrade it, creating neuroplastic changes? Ruben Laukkonen, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, contemplative, speaker, and poet. His eclectic background includes competing semi-professionally in Muay Thai Kickboxing, founding two businesses (including the first online market for bitcoin in Australia), and intensive meditation training. Dr. Laukkonen is currently a principal investigator and lecturer at Southern Cross University and holds honorary fellowships at VU Amsterdam and The University of Queensland. He uses methods such as behavior, neuroimaging, machine learning, and...
2022-09-061h 31The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#92: The Awakened Mind - Delson ArmstrongDelson Armstrong is a meditation teacher and author of A Mind Without Craving. He trained for extended periods in the Himalayas and mastered several systems of yoga, including the ten levels of samadhi (meditative states of absorption). Delson has recently collaborated with leading neuroscience research labs interested in studying his brain. On this episode, we discuss how to conquer a craving mind, cessation and its benefits, the unique way he experiences his inner world, and the studies being done on his brain. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.c...
2022-07-2855 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#91: The Science of Creativity & Imagination - Anna Abraham, PhDDr. Anna Abraham is a psychologist and neuroscientist who investigates creativity and how we can optimize this key trait. She's also a leading scholar on the study of human imagination. On this episode, we discuss the key ingredients of a creative mind, how to become more creative, and how the brain can tell the difference between real and imaginary worlds. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Anna Abraham, PhD 1:44 | Imagination More Important Than Knowledge? 4:45 | Imagination Defined
2022-06-211h 02The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#90: Master of Sleep - Nick LittlehalesNick Littlehales has been an elite sport recovery coach for nearly a quarter-century and is the bestselling author of Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind. On this episode, we uncover the common myths and misunderstandings about sleep. We also discuss the circadian rhythm, chronotypes, polyphasic sleep, and treating sleep as recovery. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Nick Littlehales 1:42 | Sleep Tips 3:45 | Becoming a Sleep C...
2022-05-1750 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#89: Consciousness, Perception & Reality - Donald Hoffman, PhDDonald Hoffman, PhD is a cognitive scientist and author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes. He is currently a professor at UC Irvine, where he studies consciousness, visual perception and evolutionary psychology. On this episode, we "take the red pill" and hear Dr. Hoffman's theory on why reality is not what it seems. He explains this complex topic by comparing reality to a user interface. We discuss many topics, such as his mathematical theory of consciousness, questioning beliefs, and how the mind forms new mental models.
2022-04-1950 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#88: Profound States of Mind - Andrew HolecekAndrew Holecek is an author and meditation teacher with decades of intensive practice experience, including a 3-year silent retreat in the Tibetan tradition. Andrew's work combines ancient wisdom with modern science. We discuss the insights gained from his lengthy silent retreat, the 2 vectors of enlightenment, how our minds construct our realities, and much more. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Andrew Holecek 4:55 | In the Presence of Meditation Masters 10:10 | 3-Year Silent Retreat Experience 18:58 | Insights G...
2022-03-151h 07The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#87: The Future of the Brain - Miguel Nicolelis, MD, PhDMiguel Nicolelis, MD, PhD is a Brazilian neuroscientist and physician famous for his pioneering work in the field of brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. Dr. Nicolelis's extensive research with brain-machine interfaces blurs the lines between real life and science fiction. In the episode, we discuss neuroprosthetics, monkeys controlling robots, brain-to-brain communication, and the key implications of these wild, futuristic technologies for us all. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Dr. Miguel Nicolelis 4:20 | Monkeys Controlling Robots 10:30 | Mirror N...
2022-02-151h 03The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#86: The Science of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland, PhDEdward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient philosophies. On this episode, we discuss the science of ancient concepts like Wu Wei ("effortless action"), hot vs cold cognition, ways to alter consciousness, the paradox of trying not to try, and much more. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Edward Slingerland, PhD 1:39 | Wu Wei & Flow S...
2022-01-1845 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#85: Neuromagic & Illusion - Stephen Macknik, PhD & Susana Martinez-Conde, PhDDr. Susana Martinez-Conde and Dr. Stephen Macknik are neuroscientists who specialize in the science of magic and illusion. Both are professors of ophthalmology, neurology, and physiology & pharmacology at the Downstate Medical Center. Together they pioneered the study of various aspects of magic such as perception, cognitive illusion, and attentional misdirection. On this episode, we discuss how magic tricks fool the brain, why everyday life is an illusion, what neuroscientists and magicians can learn from each other and much more. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2022-01-0454 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#84: The Brain of a Mental Olympian - Elena Antonova, PhDDr. Elena Antonova is a neuroscientist and senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University London. Her research focuses on the effects of long-term mindfulness meditation practice in the hope of promoting mental wellbeing in the general population. On this episode, we dive into the different approaches to meditation and the 4 levels of meditation practice development. We also discuss what goes on in the brains of elite meditators and what it takes for the average person to reap the benefits from a meditation practice. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind We...
2021-12-211h 06The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#83: Origins of the Mind - Antonio Damasio, MD, PhDDr. Antonio Damasio is a neurologist, psychologist and best-selling author. He's the Founder & Director of the Brain and Creativity Institute, which researches human emotions, memory, communication, and decision-making, and is regarded as one of the most influential psychologists of the modern era. On this episode, we discuss the evolution of the mind, the surprising role of feelings in consciousness, and why we have a brain in the first place. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Antonio Damasio, MD, PhD
2021-12-0748 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#82: Sleep & Dreams - Sidarta Ribeiro, PhDDr. Sidarta Ribeiro is an award-winning neuroscientist, author, and Founder of the Brain Institute at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil, where he is also a professor of neuroscience. In this episode, we discuss how dreams have influenced human evolution, the connection between sleep and learning, and how to cultivate a rich dream life. He gives his top tips for how to get a better night's sleep and stresses the importance of sharing our dreams with others. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com ...
2021-11-2357 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#81: Mind Control & Brain-Computer Interfaces - Ramses Alcaide, PhDRamses Alcaide, PhD is an electrical engineer, neuroscientist, and CEO of Neurable, an innovative brain-computer interface company. At Neurable, he is the inventor and primary developer of a brain-computer interface technology that is designed to turn human biometrics into actionable insights. On this episode, we discuss his work at Neurable, how thoughts can be read by machines, and the benefits, ethical concerns, and future of brain-computer interface technology. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Ramses Alcaide, PhD 3:20 | W...
2021-11-0946 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#80: The Power of Focus - Amishi Jha, PhDDr. Amishi Jha is a neuroscientist and professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She's the Director and Co-Founder of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative. Dr. Jha leads research on the neural basis of attention and the effects of mindfulness-based training programs on cognition, emotion, resilience, and performance, working with the military, educators, elite athletes, and children. We discuss the 3 main subsystems of attention, the evolutionary reason for mind wandering, and recommended practices to sharpen your attention. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com...
2021-10-2649 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#79: Pain & Placebo - Apkar V. Apkarian, PhDApkar V. Apkarian, PhD is a professor of physiology, anesthesiology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been studying pain for more than two decades and is a pioneer in the use of fMRI to study the neurochemistry of the brain. Dr. Apkarian's research has increasingly focused on chronic pain, including the strategic use of placebo treatment. In this episode, we discuss the placebo effect, how pain works in the brain, and susceptibility to chronic pain and placebo response. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
2021-10-1252 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#78: Neuroscience, Consciousness & Nonduality - James Cooke, PhDDr. James Cooke is a neuroscientist, writer and speaker, focused on consciousness, meditation, psychedelic states, and science. He studied Experimental Psychology and completed his PhD in Neuroscience at Oxford University. He holds research positions at University College London and Trinity College Dublin where he investigates how the brain creates our experience of the world. In this episode, we dive into the concept of nonduality, why our brains construct an ego, the nature of consciousness, psychedelic states and much more. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-09-2855 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#77: The Science of Compassion - Shauna Shapiro, PhDShauna Shapiro, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and an expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. She has spent two decades studying the benefits of mindfulness and compassion. Her TEDx Talk on this topic has been viewed over 2 million times. Dr. Shapiro is a professor of psychology at Santa Clara University. She graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, and received a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona. She's published over 150 journal articles and 3 books. Her most recent book is Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for C...
2021-09-1441 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#76: Peak Performance Mindset - Elliot RoeElliot Roe is a leading expert in mindset optimization for high performers. In just the last 3 years his poker clients have won over $150,000,000 and nearly every major tournament title, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. His clientele also includes Olympic medalists, UFC Champions, Hollywood actors, business executives, and Wall Street traders. He also Co-Founded the mobile mindset app Primed Mind and hosts the A-Game Advantage Podcast. Elliot holds a graduate degree in Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. We discuss his work with the world's top poker players and other mental peak performers...
2021-08-3148 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#75: The Stoic Philosophy - Massimo Pigliucci, PhDDr. Massimo Pigliucci is Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York, former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and one of the most influential modern Stoics. He's published several books including How to Be a Stoic, Nonsense on Stilts, and A Field Guide to a Happy Life. Professor Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and also a PhD in Philosophy. We go in-depth on Stoicism, what it is, and how to apply it in everyday life. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-08-171h 02The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#74: Sublime Qualities of Mind - Sharon SalzbergSharon Salzberg is a world-famous meditation teacher and NY Times bestselling author. She's largely responsible for popularizing mindfulness in the West. Sharon co-founded the Insight Meditation Society with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein and has been leading meditation retreats around the world for over three decades. Her books include Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, A Heart as Wide as the World, Real Happiness - The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program; Real Happiness at Work, and Real Change. We discuss her training with legendary teachers in Asia, the most sublime...
2021-08-0344 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#73: Hacking of the Human Mind - Robert Lustig, MD, MSLDr. Lustig is an endocrinologist, professor emeritus of pediatrics at UCSF, and bestselling author of Fat Chance. He also wrote The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains. Dr. Lustig holds a BS from MIT, an MD from Cornell, and a Masters of Studies in Law from UC Hastings College of Law. We discuss the basic brain mechanisms behind various addictive products that are hacking our reward centers, the 7 key differences between pleasure and happiness, neuromarketing, and what to do about all this. FitMind N...
2021-07-2049 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#72: Altered States, Shamanism & Beliefs - Roger Walsh, MD, PhDDr. Roger Walsh has a unique background that makes him one of the world's leading experts on the mind. He graduated from Australia's Queensland University with degrees in psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and medicine and then came to the US as a Fullbright Scholar. He's now a professor of psychiatry, philosophy, and anthropology at the University of California Irvine. Dr. Walsh has written several books and collectively, Dr. Walsh's writings and research have received over two dozen national and international awards and honors, while his teaching has received one national and six university awards. He's a close friend...
2021-07-061h 00The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#71: The Distraction Crisis & Brain-Enhancing Tools - Adam Gazzaley, MD, PhDDr. Adam Gazzaley is a neuroscientist, author, photographer, entrepreneur, and inventor. He's the Founder and Executive Director of Neuroscape, a lab that bridges technology and neuroscience to enhance brain function. His team invented the first video game approved by the FDA as a medical treatment. Dr. Gazzaley is also the David Dolby Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Physiology, and Psychiatry at UCSF. He's the Co-Founder and Chief Science Advisor of Akili Interactive Labs, JAZZ Venture Partners, and Sensync. In addition to entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Gazzaley's also an active scientist, having authored over 150 scientific articles. He holds...
2021-06-1551 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#70: Your Microbiome & the Gut-Brain Connection - Robynne Chutkan, MDDr. Robynne Chutkan is the Founder of Gutbliss, an integrative gastroenterologist, microbiome expert, and bestselling author. She did her undergrad pre-Med at Yale and went on to get an MD from Columbia. Here we dive deep into a relatively recent discovery and surprising area of mental fitness—your second brain, the gut. Dr. Chutkan describes the incredible research showing just how intimately connected our mental health is with the bacteria in our guts. She also gives her top tips for creating a healthy microbiome. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com...
2021-04-2754 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#69: Mental Energy & Taoist Sex - Mantak ChiaMantak Chia is a Taoist meditation master who has taught millions of students worldwide for over 45 years. He's authored 57 books and founded the Universal Healing Tao Center in Thailand. Master Chia has also studied Western anatomy and medicine. In this episode, we discuss the ancient tradition of mind training called Taoism and its methods, like meditation and dark rooms. Master Chia explains how to stop wasting mental and sexual energy and start cultivating more of it for a happier and healthier life. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-04-1341 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#68: Nutrition for the Brain - David Perlmutter, MDDr. David Perlmutter, is a world-renowned neurologist and 5-time NY Times bestselling author, including #1 NY Times bestseller Grain Brain. Dr. Perlmutter has received the Linus Pauling Award (Institute for Functional Medicine) and National Nutritional Foods Association Clinician Award. He serves as a medical advisor for The Dr. Oz Show and Men's Health. We talk about the connection between your gut and brain, the best foods to eat for a healthy microbiome, why our brains need a detox, and much more. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-03-3052 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#67: Sustainable Happiness - Bhante VimalaramsiBhante Vimalaramsi is a Buddhist monk and renowned meditation teacher. He founded the Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center and authored several books on meditation with over a million copies worldwide. We go into Bhante's fascinating background, the mechanics of deep meditation, whether lasting happiness (nirvana/nibbana) is possible, and his practice advice. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-03-1645 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#66: Neuroscience, Work & the Future - Tara Swart, MD, PhDDr. Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, medical doctor, bestselling author, peak performance coach, and former psychiatrist. She holds positions as a Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan, Chief Science Officer at Heights, Neuroscience and Psychological Advisor at To Be Magnetic, and Chief Neuroscience Officer at Arowana International. Dr. Swart received a PhD in Neuropharmacology and BS in Biomedical Science from King's College London, and a BM BCh in Medicine from Oxford. Topics in this episode include the law of attraction, autopilot thinking, organizational plasticity, and the exciting/scary intersection between neuroscience and technology.
2021-03-0252 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#65: Lucid Dreams & Dream Yoga - Charlie MorleyCharlie Morley is one of the world's leading experts on lucid dreaming and dream yoga. Charlie has been practicing lucid dreaming for over 20 years and was "authorized to teach" by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche in 2008 within the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. He has also written multiple books on the topic, delivered talks at Oxford and The Houses of Parliament, and is a black-belt in kickboxing. In this episode, we unpack the science of lucid dreaming and then get into its wild potential for exploring and transforming the mind. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http...
2021-02-1657 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#64: Fasting, Shamans & Facing Fear - Dave AspreyDave Asprey is the Founder of Bulletproof, a 3x NY Times bestselling author, and regarded as the father of biohacking. Dave's an expert on peak mental and physical performance. He also founded a neuroscience company called 40 Years of Zen and has been featured on several programs, including CNN, the Today Show, and Dr. Oz. In this episode, you'll hear about Dave's wild adventures with shamans, fasting for mental benefits, and how to face your fears. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-02-0223 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#63: The Psychedelic Renaissance - Rick Doblin, PhDDr. Rick Doblin is the Founder and Director of MAPS, which has raised over $100 million for supporting psychedelics research. Rick is one of the key leaders of this current psychedelic renaissance. He received a doctorate in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Topics include Stan Grof's theories, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and the journey towards the legalization of psychedelics. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-01-1948 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#62: Your Brain in Flow - Steven KotlerSteven Kotler is the bestselling author of Stealing Fire and Founder of the Flow Research Collective. Steven is a leading expert on human peak performance. His work has appeared in over 70 publications, including The New York Times, National Geographic, Wired, and Time. This episode centers around the neuroscience and psychology of flow states, as well as the future of flow technology using machine learning. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2021-01-0557 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#61: The Science of Breathing - James NestorJames Nestor is a science journalist and bestselling author. His most recent book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, explores the fascinating evolutionary biology and ancient practices of breathing. He's also written about freediving, created an Emmy-nominated documentary, and been on various shows, such as The Joe Rogan Experience. Topics in this episode include nose breathing, surgical breath interventions, elite athletic respiration, advanced yogic breathing techniques, and the relationship between breath and mind. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-12-2257 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#60: Self-Directed Neuroplasticity - Rick Hanson, PhDDr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times bestselling author. He's lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, Dr. Hanson's work has been featured on the BBC, CBS, NPR, and other major media. He also founded the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. Topics in this episode include neuroplasticity, negativity bias, the HEAL model, our internal good and bad wolves, and so-called "neurodharma." FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
2020-12-081h 06The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#59: Yoga, Zen & Tibetan Training - Cyndi LeeCyndi Lee is a world-famous yoga and meditation teacher, Founder of the OM yoga center in New York, and a renowned author. Cyndi is the first female Western teacher to fully integrate yoga with Tibetan practices. She has trained thousands of yoga teachers across the world and appeared on a number of TV shows. Topics in this episode include misconceptions about yoga, some advanced breathing methods, the relationship between body and the mind, and integrating Tibetan meditation techniques. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-11-2439 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#58: Mindset of a Navy SEAL - Commander Mark DivineMark Divine is an ex-Navy SEAL Commander, serial entrepreneur, and NY Times bestselling author. Mark, a self-described "warrior monk," is a master of human performance, both mental and physical. As you'll hear he started out on Wall Street before getting into martial arts, entering the SEALs (where he was the Honor Man of his class), and starting multiple million-dollar businesses, including SEALFIT. Topics in this episode include Zen, Navy SEAL training, mental toughness, and his unique model of training that combines principles from martial arts, yoga and CrossFit. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit...
2020-11-101h 15The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#57: Psychedelics & Microdosing Research - Harriet De Wit, PhDDr. Harriet De Wit is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago with a PhD in Experimental Psychology. She has been researching psychoactive drugs for over 40 years. Dr. De Wit takes a cautious, scientific approach to these potent compounds. She's excited about their transformative power, but not caught up in the hype. Topics in this episode include MDMA and LSD research, microdosing, potential pitfalls, and the future of psychedelics. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-10-2727 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#56: A Liberated Mind - Steven Hayes, PhDDr. Steven Hayes is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. He was listed by the Institute for Scientific Information as the 30th "highest impact" psychologist worldwide and is the author of 46 books and nearly 650 scientific articles. His career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language, cognition, and the application of this for the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He's also the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy t...
2020-10-131h 08The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#55: The Power of Habits - Gretchen RubinGretchen Rubin is the New York Times bestselling author of several books about happiness, habit and human nature. Her books, including The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, Happier at Home, and The Happiness Project, have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide. Gretchen also has a popular blog and podcast, called Happier. Previously, she received a law degree from Yale and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Topics in this episode include happiness engineering, how to make and break habits, why habits are highly personal and Gretchen's four tendencies framework, willpower, an...
2020-09-2951 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#54: Brain Stimulation Technology - Jay Sanguinetti, PhDDr. Jay Sanguinetti is a scientist and technologist trained in philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. Jay's SEMA Lab is researching ways of using noninvasive brain stimulation to enhance cognitive function and wellbeing. For example, he's working with one of the world's best-known meditation masters, Shinzen Young, to create a neuromodulation device for augmenting mindfulness meditation practice. Topics in this episode include how noninvasive brain stimulation works, neural changes associated with mindfulness, and a rare disorder that led to some fascinating scientific breakthroughs. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind We...
2020-09-1557 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#53: The Science of an Optimal Mind - Dan Brown, PhDDr. Daniel P. Brown is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and Senior Meditation Master in Indo-Tibetan Bon & Buddhism, having been given secret practices directly from the Dalai Lama and teaching for nearly 50 years. The Tibetans have in fact asked him to translate several sacred texts on meditation. Dr. Brown is also a world-renowned forensic law & western psychology expert, a peak performance coach to CEOs, a hypnotherapist of 40 years, and the author of at least 15 books on meditation and psychology, including Pointing Out the Great Way. Topics in this episode include...
2020-09-0153 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#52: Brain Fitness, Biofeedback & Nootropics - Andrew Hill, PhDDr. Andrew Hill is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and biohacker. He's the Founder of Peak Brain Institute, a brain fitness center, and Lead Neuroscientist at TruBrain, a nootropics company. Dr. Hill holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA and is best known for his mission to bring the brain-hacking technology of neurofeedback into mainstream practice. His community-oriented company Peak Brain Institute teaches brain-training from a fitness perspective and uses EEG neurofeedback and QEEG brain mapping designed to help people enhance cognitive performance. Topics in this episode include neurofeedback, a NASA study on cat b...
2020-08-181h 15The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#51: Neurotech & PTSD with a Navy Surgeon - Dr. Erik WonDr. Erik Won is a Harvard-trained doctor and the President of Wave Neuroscience, a biotechnology company developing innovative solutions for mental disorders like PTSD. Dr. Won served as a U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 and became CTO of medical at Boeing before joining Wave Neuro. He also has an MBA and has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. In this episode, we talk about the tragedy that led to Dr. Won's interest in treating PTSD, unpack a promising technology called magnetic e-resonance therapy (MeRT), and discuss the future technology in t...
2020-08-0442 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#50: Clinical Psychology, Meditation & Sleep - Tucker Peck, PhDDr. Tucker Peck is a meditation teacher, clinical psychologist, and founder of Drugfreesleep.com. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on the scientific study of meditation's effects on the mind, brain, and body. Tucker began training in meditation in 2005 and has studied with Sharon Salzberg of the Insight Meditation Society and Dr. John Yates of Dharma Treasure, a previous guest on The FitMind Podcast. Tucker was awarded a research grant from the Mind and Life Institute, which he has used to study the effects of meditation on the sleeping...
2020-07-2150 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#49: How Porn Rewires the Brain - Donald Hilton, MDDonald Hilton, MD is a neurosurgeon and internationally recognized expert on the neuroscience of pornography. Dr. Hilton is currently listed in Best Doctors of America and serves as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Medical School. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biology from Lamar University and cum laude with a medical degree from UT. In this episode, we discuss the magnitude of the porn problem, the neuroscience of porn addiction, and potential solutions to the issue on both personal and society-wide levels. Explicit Content...
2020-07-141h 05The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#48: From Businessman to Monk - Sean FargoSean Fargo is the Founder of Mindfulness Exercises, where he has taught meditation to some of the top executives in the world at companies like PG&E, Reddit, and DocuSign. Sean is a meditation instructor at Google and advisor to technology startups like Elevate Labs and WellBrain.io. He was formerly a Buddhist monk for two years and worked at the famous Spirit Rock Meditation Center with Jack Kornfield and other world-renowned meditation teachers. In this episode, we talk about how he went from being an international businessman to becoming a monk with no possessions...
2020-07-0738 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#47: Taking Control of Your Brain - Jill Bolte Taylor, PhDDr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a neuroanatomist with the 7th most viewed TED talk of all time, titled "My Stroke of Insight." She's been named by Time Magazine on a list of the 100 most influential people in the world and was the first guest on Oprah's SoulSeries show. Dr. Taylor founded the nonprofit Jill Bolte Taylor Brains, Inc. and is the national spokesperson for the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center. She received a PhD with postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. She's also the author of the bestselling book My...
2020-06-3044 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#46: The Mind of a Memory Champion - Nelson Dellis4x USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis tells us how to remember (and forget) anything. Nelson Dellis is an American memory champion, mountain climber, and consultant. He has won the USA Memory Championship four times and is an official Grandmaster of Memory (for which you must: memorize 1,000 random digits in one hour, memorize the order of 10 decks of cards in 1 hour, and memorize the order of one deck of cards in less than two minutes). Nelson runs a nonprofit, Climb 4 Memory, which helps combat Alzheimer's disease, co-founded Memory League, and authored Remember it!. As a memory...
2020-06-1651 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#45: Deep Mind Training - Michael TaftMichael Taft is a meditation teacher, bestselling author, and podcaster. He teaches meditation at top tech firms like Google and is a core faculty member of Wisdom Labs in San Francisco and an official advisor to the Therapeutic Neuroscience Lab. He has served as editor-in-chief of Being Human and long-time editorial director of Sounds True. Having meditated in various traditions and techniques from Zen temples in Japan to yogi caves in India, Michael has a ton of experience (over 35 years) in training his mind. He also interviews top teachers on his popular podcast Deconstructing Yourself.
2020-06-0938 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#44: The Science of Happiness - Tal Ben-Shahar, PhDTal Ben-Shahar, PhD taught the most popular course in Harvard history and helped give rise to the positive psychology movement with his research into happiness. He lectures and consults globally for multinational corporations, Fortune 500 companies, and educational institutions and has appeared on major television, like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Tal is also the Co-Founder of Potential Life, a company that provides leadership programs based on the science of behavioral change to organizations, schools, and sports teams around the world. Tal has a PhD in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University and has authored six...
2020-05-2635 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#43: Martial Arts, Neuroscience & Mindfulness - Tamara Russell, MSc, PhD, PsyDDr. Tamara Russell is a clinical psychologist, martial artist (with a black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu), and neuroscientist. She's the Director of the Mindfulness Centre of Excellence in London and a visiting lecturer at King's College London in the Neuroimaging Department of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Dr. Russell's clinical and academic research explores the link between movement, mind, and the brain. She practices and teaches Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong, and other martial arts. Dr. Russell holds a BS in Psychology, a Masters in Neuroscience, a PhD in Psychology, and a...
2020-05-1250 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#42: Nutrition & Behavioral Change - Michelle Zellner, MScMichelle Zellner is the Founder of Better Beings and the author of The YOU Revolution. She's a former competitive gymnast and holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology, which has helped inform her work as a wellness coach and personal trainer. Michelle's company Better Beings hosts corporate workshops, retreats, and other programs for promoting wellness and motivation. In this episode, we talk about behavioral change, starting with "why," how to think about nutrition for an optimal mind, and integrating different lifestyle factors for general wellness. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www...
2020-05-0524 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#41: The Psychology of Self-Transcendence - Steve Taylor, PhDDr. Steve Taylor talks about self-transcendence and peak experiences (terms famously coined by Maslow) and gives a psychological view of what causes them to occur. Steve is an author and psychologist who comes highly endorsed by leaders like Eckhart Tolle. He is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University and the author of several bestselling books on psychology and self-transcendence. He is the current chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. His books have been published in 20 languages and include Waking From Sleep, The Fall, Out of the Darkness...
2020-04-2840 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#40: Creating a Stress-Proof Brain - Melanie Greenberg, PhDMelanie Greenberg is a clinical psychologist and consultant who wrote the bestselling book The Stress-Proof Brain. An expert on stress management and general wellbeing, she draws on neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology in her work, blending western science with eastern wisdom. Melanie also writes the popular "Mindful Self-Expression" blog for Psychology Today, which has over 8 million page views. She's been featured on CNN, Forbes, BBC, AVC News, Men's Health, HuffPost and a long list of other media. With over 50,000 followers on Twitter, Melanie has been named one of the 30 most prominent psychologists by the British...
2020-04-2131 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#39: The Science of Transcendental Meditation (TM) - Bob RothBob Roth is a famous American Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, and the Director of the Center for Leadership Performance. In 1972 Bob began to study TM with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Beatles' guru, a physicist, and founder of the TM movement. Nicknamed "Meditation Bob" by David Letterman, he has now taught TM for over 40 years, including to numerous celebrities like Tom Hanks, Oprah, Hugh Jackman, Martin Scorsese, Katy Perry, and Russell Brand. Bob's non-profit foundation has brought meditation to over 1 million kids and serves at-risk students, military veterans, and women...
2020-04-1447 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#38: Inner Exploration - Laura Bakosh, PhDLaura Bakosh is the Co-Founder of Inner Explorer, which has brought meditation to over 1 million students in grades PK - 12. Previously, Laura worked in GE's healthcare division for 13 years before co-founding her meditation and mental health organization and has spoken at major venues like TEDx and Wisdom 2.0. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology and was trained as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor through the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School. In this episode, we talk about how mindfulness is being taught to kids, the amazing early results of those programs, as well as some o...
2020-04-0738 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#37: Meditation Mastery, Pragmatism & COVID-19 - Daniel Ingram, MDDaniel Ingram, MD is a meditation master (and self-described Arahant, meaning one who has fully awakened) with decades of experience training and teaching around the world. Daniel wrote Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha: An Unusually Hardcore Dharma Book, widely regarded as one of the most complete meditation books ever written. In this book, Daniel lays out in very rational terms the exact series of steps that can lead to the profound transformations that he has attained. He also criticizes current western meditation as often “hiding the ball” about awakening and being too caught up in psych...
2020-03-311h 12The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 6: The Ego - Shedding Harmful StoriesMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. The Ego talks about how we can begin to let go of constructed "self" images that cause us a great deal of suffering. Topics covered: • How we form an Ego • Why Ego stories are often harmful • The default mode network (DMN) FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-03-2406 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#36: The Spectrum of Awareness - Diana WinstonDiana Winston is the Director of Mindfulness Education at the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She co-authored with Susan Smalley, Ph.D. a book called Fully Present, the Science, Art and Practice of Mindfulness. Diana has practiced mindfulness for over three decades, including spending a year as a Buddhist nun in Burma, and she has taught meditation for over two decades in hospitals, universities, corporations, non-profits, and schools throughout the U.S. and Asia. She's been called by the LA Times "one of the nation's best-known teachers...
2020-03-1736 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 5: Mental Programs - How the Mind WorksMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. Mental Programs talks about the three programs that determine all thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Understanding this will give you more control over your mind as you recognize the forces that are driving it. Topics covered: • Evolutionary psychology • Neuroplasticity and self-directed neuroplasticity • Reprogramming your mind with meditation FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-03-1006 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#35: Mindfulness & Addiction - Judson Brewer, MD, PhDDr. Judson Brewer, MD, PhD is a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, author, and Founder of MindSciences, Inc. Dr. Jud, as he's known, has spent over 20 years at Yale, MIT, and Brown University researching how the brain forms negative behavior patterns, bad habits, and addictions, and has developed meditation-based techniques for creating lasting change. His work has received funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). He is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and associate professor in psychiatry at the School of Medicine at Brown University, as well as...
2020-03-0327 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#34: Self-Inquiry & Living in Flow - Jiro TaylorJiro Taylor is the Founder & CEO of the Flowstate Collective, a company dedicated toward helping leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs achieve self-mastery. He spent two years studying Zen Buddhism in Japan and instead of becoming a monk went into the corporate world where he was making millions in London and Hong Kong. Jiro's path took another radical turn when he reached a breaking point in 2008 and left his very financially-rewarding career. He then wandered the earth for 11 years exploring happiness through meditation, surfing and learning from masters of presence and flow. In this episode, we discuss...
2020-02-251h 01The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 4: Inner Chatter - Mastering the Voice in Your HeadMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. Inner Chatter talks about that voice in your head that can prove so challenging sometimes, offering a skillful method for understanding and relating to it. Topics covered: • Mind-Wandering • Where do thoughts come from? • The first obstacle in meditation FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-02-1804 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#33: Can Meditation Be Harmful? - Willoughby Britton, PhDDr. Willoughby Britton is a neuroscientist at Brown University studying the neurocognitive effects of mindfulness-based interventions for mood and anxiety disorders. She's currently the Director of Brown's Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory and has research service awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a clinician, Dr. Britton has been trained as an instructor in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and has taught mindfulness to both clinical and non-clinical populations, as well as in federally-funded clinical trials. She also runs an organization called Cheetah House, a non-profit that supports meditators in distress....
2020-02-1145 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 3: Modern Survival - The Struggle for FulfillmentMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. Modern Survival is all about our newest challenge as a species: the struggle for fulfillment. Topics covered: • Innate psychological needs • The modern meaning crisis • The evolution of happiness • Meditation as an antidote FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-01-2104 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#32: Neuroscience, Meditation & Elite Performance - Ash Sangoram, MD, PhDDr. Ash Sangoram is a neuroscientist, neonatologist, former assistant Stanford Golf coach, and the founder of GoaLoGolf, an elite performance training company. Ash trained under two National Academy of Science neuroscientists and implemented this understanding of the brain into his golf practice to drop his handicap by 15 points while rehabilitating from a spinal cord injury. Ash is also an experience insight meditation practitioner, and he is currently working on bringing neuroscience and meditation principles into the Stanford golf program. Ash believes that meditation and elite athletic performance are inextricably linked, with neuroscience providing the glue...
2020-01-1439 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 2: Attention Economy - Skillfully Applying a Valuable ResourceMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. Attention Economy is all about the value of attention and how to use it skillfully throughout the day. Topics covered: • Attention engineers • Subconscious programming • Attention Deficit Disorder • Eliminating low-quality, dopamine-rich information FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2020-01-0709 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#31: Brooklyn Mahamudra Nondual Meditation - Loch Kelly, M.Div., LCSWLoch Kelly is a meditation teacher and psychotherapist who combines western science and psychology with ancient eastern methods for training the mind. He's the Founder of Open-Hearted Awareness Institute and author of Shift Into Freedom and The Way of Effortless Mindfulness. Loch served on the New York Insight Teachers Council, studied extensively with Mingyur Rinpoche, and was invited to teach by Adyashanti, two very famous meditation teachers. Given his extensive experience meditating and decades studying with teachers in Sri Lanka, Nepal and all around the world, Loch was asked to collaborate with neuroscientists at Yale, UPenn, and...
2019-12-3146 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & PsychologyMind Nugget 1: Pleasure vs. Fulfillment - Lasting Happiness in an Age of Instant GratificationMind Nuggets are mini-episodes on how the mind works and how to apply it for the best life possible. They are taken directly from the FitMind meditation training app. Pleasure vs. Fulfillment is all about why we ought to aim for lasting happiness in an age of instant gratification. Topics covered: • Psychology of YOLO • The Downstairs Brain • Struggling for fulfillment FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-12-1704 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#30: Neuromyths, Productivity & Cognitive Biases - Anne-Laure Le CunffAnne-Laure Le Cunff is the Founder of Ness Labs, a venture studio dedicated to products that help people be happier and healthier. Previously Anne-Laure worked for Google on their digital health products team, and she is currently completing a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London. Her work has been featured in WIRED, Forbes, The Rolling Stone. Anne-Laure is also a certified Mental Health First Aider and member of the Society for Neuroscience. In this episode, we discuss burnout, imposter syndrome, neuromyths, the cobra effect, overcoming cognitive biases, joy triggers, FOBO, time anxiety and...
2019-12-1034 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#29: The Science of Blue Mind - Wallace J. Nichols, PhDDr. Nichols is a scientist, activist, community organizer, and author of the bestselling book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. He is a Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences and his work has been broadcast on NPR, BBC, PBS, National Geographic and Animal Planet and featured in Time, Newsweek, GQ, Scientific American and New Scientist, among others. Dr. Nichols' most recent work has been on BLUEMiND: The Mind + Ocean Initiative, merging the fields of...
2019-11-2656 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#28: Attention Diets - Neil PasrichaNeil Pasricha is the bestselling author of six books including The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Equation and most recently You are Awesome. His books are New York Times and #1 international bestsellers and have sold millions of copies across dozens of languages. He also has a 100 million-hit award-winning blog called 1000 Awesome Things, a very popular TED talk, and has spoken at places like Google and South by Southwest. We talk about his path from Harvard Business School to working at Walmart and eventually researching and writing about happiness, why he likes hanging out with 3-year-olds, attention diets...
2019-11-1345 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#27: The Bodybuilding Yogi - Ben PakulskiBen Pakulski, a.k.a. BPAK is the CEO of Muscle Intelligence and a former IFBB professional bodybuilder who won the Mr. Canada competition in 2008. In this episode of the FitMind Podcast, we discuss how Ben got into yoga as a 320-pound muscle man, achieving mental fitness through meditation, covert influence, the attention economy, and tips for optimizing the mind. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-10-2942 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#26: Psychology of the Internet & Social Media - Keely Kolmes, PhDDr. Keely Kolmes is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy. They are also the founder of Bay Area Open Minds and consult nationally and internationally on digital ethics and technology issues for clinicians. In this episode of the FitMind Podcast, we talk about the psychological impact of the Internet and the nuances of forming genuine relationships and community in this virtual ecosystem. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-10-2236 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#25: Recipe for a Healthy Mind - Elizabeth Frates, MDDr. Frates is the Founder of Wellness Synergy, an award-winning professor at Harvard Medical School, and co-author of Life After Stroke. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and then Stanford Medical School. We discuss a family tragedy that led Dr. Frates into the wellness field, taste bud rehab, the Harvard healthy plate, the sugar cycle, how to make a healthy habit change and, overall, the importance of nutrition, exercise and sleep for achieving a healthy mind and body. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-10-0840 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#24: Upgrading Your Mental Software with Meditation - Dr. Home NguyenDr. Home is the Founder and CEO of MindKind Institute and has over 20 years of experience in personal leadership, mind-body practices and executive coaching. He is a consultant at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and teaches MBAs at Columbia and Yale. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-10-011h 05The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#23: Teenage Brains & Parenting in the Digital Age - Laura Kauffman, PhDDr. Kauffman is a licensed psychologist with a PhD in counseling psychology from Stanford. She specializes in working with kids, teens and parents. We talk about the challenges of raising children in the digital age and the effects of technology on a developing brain. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-09-2436 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#22: Biohacking, Amazonian Tribes & the Evolved Human Mind - Jevan Pradas, MAJevan earned a masters degree in Mind, Brain and Behavior Research, worked as a brain trainer and lived with indigenous Amazonian tribes. He wrote The Awakened Ape: A Biohacker's Guide to Evolutionary Fitness, Natural Ecstasy and Stress-Free Living. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-09-1731 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#21: Virtual Realities & the Mind - Jayne Gackenbach, PhDDr. Gackenbach is a dream researcher whose focus is lucid dreaming and other altered states of consciousness. She holds a Ph.D in Experimental Psychology and her most recent research focuses on video game players and the development of consciousness. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-09-1030 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#20: Headless Way Meditation - Richard LangRichard Lang is the primary teacher of a popular meditation technique known as Headless Way. He was a close friend of Douglas Harding, the philosopher who first invented this method, and is also coordinator of UK charity Shollond Trust. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-09-0338 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#19: Science, Meditation & the Mind's Full Potential - Cortland Dahl, PhDDr. Cortland Dahl is a leading scientist at The Center for Healthy Minds, the top meditation research lab in the world. He also has decades of meditation experience and is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Tergar International, a global network of meditation groups and centers. We talk about what science has to say about unlocking the mind's full potential through meditation. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-08-2745 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#18: Meditation & Non-Dogmatic Spirituality - Tami SimonAt the age of 21, Tami Simon founded Sounds True, a large multimedia publishing house with a mission to disseminate spiritual wisdom. She is also a renowned meditation instructor and wrote Being True: What Matters Most in Work, Life, and Love. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-08-2035 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#17: Evolution of the Self - Mark Leary, PhDDr. Mark Leary is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University who has made significant contributions to his field. We discuss when and why self-awareness evolved in humans and how this causes problems today. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-08-1341 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#16: Lucid Dreaming - Robert WaggonerRobert Waggoner is an expert on the science and practice of lucid dreaming. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-08-0657 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#15: The Zen CEO - Marc LesserMarc Lesser is the CEO of ZBA Associates, the author of four books and holds an MBA degree from NYU. He was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for 10 years and helped develop Google's mindfulness and emotional intelligence program. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-07-3041 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#14: Depression, Social Media & Curiosity - Scott Ste MarieScott Ste Marie is the founder of Depression to Expression, a mental wellness company that has reached over 20 million people. We discuss the impact of social media on mental health, how to deal with depression, the importance of curiosity and more. Scott's research and work makes it clear that we need inter-personal connection in order to thrive psychologically. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-07-2350 minThe FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology#13: Surfing & Flow States - Garrett "GMAC" McNamaraGMAC holds the record for surfing the largest wave in the world. We discuss flow states, what it's like surfing a 100-foot wave, and how to execute on a vision in life. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.com
2019-07-0931 min