Shows
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E7: Trusting the Heart’s Wisdom – A Former Plum Village Monk’s Rebirth into Everyday LifeIn the final episode of Mindful Conversations Season 3, hosts Shamash and Calvin are once again joined by special guest co-host Moensch Micha — formerly known as Brother Freedom, a Plum Village monk for 14 years. Together, they reflect on a season rich with spontaneous, soulful dialogues exploring themes of mastery, mindfulness, and emergence.Micha shares his powerful transition from monastic life to modern-day mystic, guided by dreams, an inner call, and the passing of his beloved teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. He opens up about letting go—not just of robes, but of rigid spiritual ideals—in order to meet people m...2025-05-2155 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E6: The Courage to Be and Act with Dima GolykIn this episode of Mindful Conversations, Calvin and Micha welcome musician and tech professional Dima Golyk, who shares how he rediscovered his passion for music after an early discouragement. Inspired by a life-changing retreat, Dima committed to writing and performing heartfelt songs, blending spiritual insights from meditation and mindfulness practices. He also reflects on balancing a tech career with his artistic calling, noting that modern society increasingly values authentic expression over mere stability. Dima’s music took on deeper meaning when the war in Ukraine escalated, prompting him to release songs that rallied support and hope. Throughout, he emphasizes th...2025-04-1649 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E5: Embracing the New Era of Transformation with Simone OverathIn this enlightening conversation, we’re joined by Simone Overath, a spiritual guide and intuitive writer whose bestselling card decks, Transformation Code, channel symbols for the new era. Simone shares her journey into higher consciousness—beginning with intuitive writing and vivid visual downloads—and how she now receives and interprets powerful symbols that help people shift their personal energy and reconnect with their core frequency.We discuss the role of dreams in revealing deeper truths, the importance of trusting gut feelings, and why learning to relax our overactive minds is key to spiritual growth. Whether through journaling, breath...2025-04-0254 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E4: The Healing Power of Your VoiceIn this episode of Mindful Conversations, hosts Calvin, Michael welcome special guest Simone Niles, an expert in voice healing and transformation. The discussion explores the profound impact of the voice on self-expression, healing, and emotional well-being. Simone shares her personal journey of discovering the therapeutic nature of singing, emphasizing how voice work can serve as a powerful tool for transformation. She explains how sound, especially through singing and humming, creates resonance that aligns the body and mind, and discusses the significance of dissonance in clearing stuck energy.The conversation also delves into cultural traditions of...2025-03-191h 02Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E3: Mindful Contagion and the Power of ZeroIn this lively conversation, Calvin, Shamash, and Micha explore how one calm, mindful person can profoundly influence others—like Thich Nhat Hanh’s peaceful presence or the way dolphins recognize mindful trainers. They discuss how mindfulness is contagious, how we all share vibrations that entrain one another, and why stepping into true presence can instantly dissolve questions and concerns.
Touching on everything from pungent smells at the beach to political tensions, they show that being fully present means accepting reality as it is—including its discomforts—without losing balance. They reflect on “black sheep” figures (in politics, families, or...2025-03-0452 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E2: Going Deeper into EmergencePodcast Summary: Episode 2 - Going Deeper into Emergence
In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of "emergence," discussing its meaning, philosophical roots, and manifestations in life and nature. They begin with a lighthearted introduction, welcoming guest co-host Brother Freedom, who shares his surprise at being invited for an entire season.
Key themes include:
Definition and Etymology: Emergence, derived from the Latin emergere, means "to bring to light" or "to rise out." It is linked to the idea of order arising from chaos, exemplified by flocks of birds and neurons in the brain.2025-02-1855 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS3 E1: Let's Explore Emergence in this SeriesIn this podcast episode, Shamash and Calvin introduce a new season of Mindful Conversations, recorded during a walk around Bedfont Lakes. The series will focus on the theme of "emergence," exploring how to mindfully navigate the constant changes in the world. They reflect on how the word “emergence” is linked to “emergency,” and discuss the idea of managing personal stories and belief systems.
Calvin introduces three levels of how people relate to their stories. Unconscious beliefs: Living life based on inherited or unexamined beliefs. Conscious questioning: Starting to challenge and construct new, more constructive stories. Story-less acceptance: Letting...2025-02-0420 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E10 - Will We Become Homo Silicon Chipus?! Cautious Optimism about the Future - Shamash and CalvinIn this episode, we explore the bigger picture of what we've learnt about AI, humanity, philosophy and spirituality in this season.
Calvin is sharing with us from sunny Barbados, and reflects on the concept of 'creative destruction' in nature and its parallels with technology and AI.
We ponder the potential evolutionary shift in humanity with the advent of AI, coining playful terms like 'Homo ChatGPTus' and 'Homo silicon chip-us,' suggesting a merging of human and artificial intelligence.
There's a discussion on the integration of AI in enhancing human capabilities and the possibility...2023-11-0944 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E9: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and Real Secret to HappinessIn this special episode of Mindful Conversations, we delve into the fascinating neuroscience of manifestation, the true secret to happiness, and the power of the human mind.
Hosts Shamash and Calvin, along with their guests Dr. James Doty and Alex Nunn, introduce themselves and discuss their interests in topics like AI, happiness, and compassion. They emphasize the importance of compassion in creating a more caring society.
Dr. Doty is an eminent neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author. Alex Nunn is Head of Movement Building at charity Action for Happiness.
Dr. Doty distinguishes...2023-10-1852 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2, E8 - AI and its Impact on Humanity with Trevor MurphyTrevor Murphy has run several animation companies, hiring dozens of staff. In the last decade, he's focused his attention on spirituality and service. He's illustrated several books.
In this episode, Trevor shares his feelings on AI and its impact on humanity. He discusses the fear surrounding AI and how it is often portrayed in a negative light. Trevor believes that AI can have positive aspects and shares examples of how AI has transformed people's lives, such as assisting individuals with dyslexia in communication and enhancing their writing skills.
Trevor acknowledges that AI's...2023-09-2138 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2, E8 AI's Impact on Humanity: Mindful ConversationsJoin us for a captivating exploration of AI's influence on the human experience in "Mindful Conversations Episode 8" Host Calvin Niles, mindfulness expert Shamash Alidina, and special guest Trevor Murphy engage in a thought-provoking dialogue.
Discover the transformative power of AI in healthcare, entertainment, and beyond, along with the ethical considerations in Part 1. Part 2 explores the benefits and challenges of AI for well-being and productivity.2023-09-2138 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2, E7 Design Thinking for Mindful AIIn this episode, we talk to Lucy Kimbell, Professor of Contemporary Design Practices at Central Saint Martins, about the intersection of design thinking and artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss how design thinking can be used to create more mindful and compassionate AI systems, and how AI can be used to support design thinking processes.
Lucy shares her insights on the potential benefits and risks of AI, and how we can ensure that AI is used for good. She also talks about the importance of human-centered design in the development of AI systems.
This episode is...2023-09-0734 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E6 - Shamash and Calvin Explore 7 Things We Do Know About AIIn this podcast episode of "Mindful Conversations," hosts Calvin and Shamash discuss their reflections on AI, mindfulness, compassion, wisdom, and their impact on society. They highlight seven insights they have gathered from their interviews:
Positive AI Applications: They have found that people with good intentions are creating projects using AI to improve various aspects of society, such as health, climate, equality, and bias reduction.
AI Development Timeline: AI has been developing for decades, but recent user-friendly technologies have brought its potential to the forefront.
Exponential Growth and Limitations: While there's rapid technological growth...2023-08-2423 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E5 - Crafting Compassionate Conversations: AI's Role in Mindful Inner Dialogue - Cynthia L. Phelps, PhDJoin hosts Shamash and Calvin on "Mindful Conversations" as they delve deep into a captivating discussion with the tech-savvy and fascinating Cynthia Phelps, PhD who holds a degree in neuroscience.
This episode offers listeners a chance to understand the power of AI in nurturing our emotional well-being and inner dialogue.
Key Highlights:
Cynthia's Personal Journey: An inspiring recount of how battling autoimmune diseases paved the way to prioritise mindfulness and compassion in daily life.
The Physicality of Emotions: Delving into the essence of being present, Cynthia emphasizes how our emotions manifest...2023-08-1044 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E4: Empowering a Mindful Future: Yip Ta on AI, Web3, and Women's EmpowermentIn this fascinating episode, Yip Ta, a passionate advocate for technology, particularly AI and Web3, shares her vision for a better future. Join us as Yip explains and explores the potential of AI to tackle complex global issues and promote women's empowerment and wellbeing.
Yip emphasizes the power of AI as a tool to support human reasoning and create equitable access to knowledge and opportunities. Discover how her projects aim to bridge the gender gap in technology and encourage more women to participate in blockchain and AI ventures. Education, financial literacy, and networking opportunities are key factors...2023-07-2732 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2 E3 - Reflections on our Interview with Technologist and Meditator Kenley's EpisodeIn this next episode, we have an engaging conversation about the insights of our last guest, Kenley, a technology and mindfulness enthusiast who takes us on a deep dive into the fascinating world of AI and its intriguing potential connection to mindfulness, compassion and consciousness.
We kick-start our conversation by discussing the principles of the 7 C's (Concentration, Clarity, Courage, Curiosity, Compassion, Connectedness, and Creativity) and how these can influence our interaction with AI. Our discussion then moves onto the importance of the ethical use of AI, with emphasis on how we need to consciously guide AI's development...2023-07-1329 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2, E2 - Dharma Teacher and Technologist Kenley Neufeld on AI, Mindfulness and Samadhi - Recorded at Deer Park Monastery, California
The episode discussed a conversation with Kenley about technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Kenley expressed a positive outlook on both technology and AI, emphasizing its potential to induce a spiritual mind state known as samadhi
The concept of brain scans and AI's ability to reconstruct images based on brain activity was explored, with the recognition that current technology is at its early stages.
The idea of using brain scans from experienced meditators as reference points to help others achieve similar states of mind was considered.
Potential benefits of...2023-06-0145 minMindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinS2E1: Introducing Our New Series: A Hero's Journey Through the AI RevolutionThe AI revolution beckons a new era for humankind. It is more important than ever to approach this new frontier with mindfulness and compassion. In season 2 of Mindful Conversations, we'll put society on the hero's journey of transformation, and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Each episode will feature Shamash Alidina and Calvin Niles in mindful conversation with leaders, innovators and changemakers who are shaping the story of the AI revolution and experts seeking a more compassionate world. By combining their insights with the timeless elements of what...2023-05-2523 min
Mindful Work PodcastMindfully Practicing Our ValuesSend us a textCalvin Niles has an exclusive interview with Shamash Alidina, who is the best-selling author of Mindfulness For Dummies and an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Trainer.In this episode, Calvin and Shamash explore the importance of values in the workplace and why they are important for doing fulfilling work.Go deeper: The worker-employer relationship disrupted: If we're not a family, what are we? Mindful Conversations with Shamash and CalvinThe Mindful Work Podcast is hosted by Mindful Life, Mindful Work, Inc. Co...2022-09-1536 min
Travelling Through... London, the World and Life050 Without Your Attention I Cannot Connect With You At All - CALVIN NILES talks about Mindful Storytelling"Stories Are Vehicles of Powerful Messages"
CALVIN NILES is a Communication Coach and Mindful Storyteller. He is an author, poet and founder of SOAR Book Club. Calvin also hosts a number of podcasts including Stories of Awakening and Mindful Conversations.
Calvin’s mission is to guide and inspire others along their own work and life path by empowering authentic and impactful communication through stories and dialogue.
Calvin is the author of The Sun Rises in Eastmoor, and An Unfinished Mosaic
In 2020, he founded SOAR Book Club (the acronym for Stories of Aw...2022-02-221h 13
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinIntroducing the Certified Mindful Storytelling CourseJoin Shamash and Calvin for a Mindful Storytelling workshop, on March 9th 2022, to discover how to use the Hero's Journey to enable transformation.2022-02-1402 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 12: Return with the Elixir: living your purposeIn the final episode of this series, Shamash and Calvin return with the elixir, and complete their Hero's Journey into mindfulness, through storytelling.
Join Shamash and Calvin for a Mindful Storytelling Workshop, on October 4th.
This remote workshop is for coaches and therapists, to explore the Hero’s Journey using insights from mindfulness, acceptance and values-based action.
In this episode:
Kush Kanodia counsels against following gurus, and suggests we be our own guru.
Mari Williams shares how she works with parents, teachers, and leaders to step into a larger role and support ot...2021-09-1621 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 11: Resurrection to Discover Your Power: Post-traumatic growth and the transcendent selfWith the end of this series almost in sight, Shamash and Calvin enter the resurrection phase of the Hero's Journey, examining the transcendent self and exploring the growth that can come after a traumatic experience.
Dr Vikki Barnes opens by setting out the positive psychology idea of post-traumatic growth, rejecting the notion of "negative emotions".
Dr Mehwish Sharif uses rainbows as a lens through which we can explore the fleeting nature of post-traumatic growth.
Mari Williams shares the story of someone working on a children's cancer ward, who experienced how parents deal with what is likely their darkest...2021-09-0934 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 10: The Road Back: Finding gritThis week, Shamash and Calvin begin the journey back home. As ever, they have help along their Hero's Journey through mindfulness and acceptance. In this episode:
Dr Vikki Barnes offers some advice for anyone having difficulty finding their grit.
Kush Kanodia approaches the search for grit from the scientific perspective, and explores how grit interplays with long-term systems change.
Mari Williams counsels us to find the mini version of ourselves that we can identify with, as the carrier of our inner determination.
Dr Wendy Molefi brings up the idea of equanimity: meeting our thoughts and emotions without getting...2021-09-0232 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 9: Wake-up Moments: the solution could be the problemThis week, Shamash and Calvin explore the eighth chapter of the Hero's Journey into mindfulness and acceptance: the Ordeal. Along with acceptance, what can commitment allow us to achieve, and how can we spot when commitment turns to stubbornness?
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia opens the episode with a story of commitment that led to a life-changing opportunity
Therapist Mari Williams shares her approach to helping people deal with those moments in life where we need the reassurance that we're going to be OK
Dr Mehwish Sharif discusses strength in vulnerability, reducing the clutter in clients' minds, and encouraging...2021-08-2621 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 8: Approaching the Inmost Cave: the dark night of the soulThis week, Shamash and Calvin venture into the inmost cave and do battle with hopelessness in the long dark night of the soul.
Luckily as ever, they have help in their Hero's Journey through mindfulness. In this episode:
Therapist Mari Williams shares how she counselled herself through a difficult time in her life, by remembering that healing takes time.
We hear from social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia who recounts his own painful experience, and how being thrown into chaos helped him discover his purpose.
Dr Wendy Molefi talks philosophically about the passage of pain, but also uses...2021-08-1924 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 7: Tests, Allies and Enemies: The supportive nature of valuesThis week, our heroes Shamash and Calvin are out of their comfort zone, and have moved into a new special world where difficult challenges ensue. When examining acceptance and commitment therapy through the lens of the Hero's Journey, we see how tests and enemies align, but who are our allies? Our values.
In this episode:
Therapist Mari Williams describes how we live out our values, and how they filter and inform even the smallest decisions we make.
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia combines purpose and values by looking at them in terms of core and flex: those...2021-08-1226 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 6: Crossing the Threshold: committing to a choiceWhat is choice? How do we make good choices, and how important are the choices we make? This week, Shamash and Calvin cross the threshold on their next leg of their Hero's Journey into mindfulness.
In this episode:
Therapist Mari Williams describes how a lack of choice, real or perceived, can make us feel trapped, but that realising we have choice – even if unfavourable – is valuable.
Dr Mehwish Sharif looks at the growth mindset behind choice, its relationship to decision-making, and how the first step we need to take is accepting the choices we make.
Dr Stev...2021-08-0517 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 5: Meeting the Mentor: Opening your mind to curiosity, learning and encouragementShamash and Calvin embark on the next leg of the Hero's Journey, weaving mindful storytelling with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
This week, the Meeting with the Mentor: how our mentors can be people who've brought impact into our lives, but could equally be other sources of inspiration: books, films, even podcasts.
In this episode:
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia speaks to the value of finding a mentor.
Dr Wendy Molefi sets out the benefits of speaking with someone close – a friend or a colleague – to help you shift a difficult problem.
Speaking of shifting a prob...2021-07-2917 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 4: Refusal of the Call: Avoidance ain’t always a good ideaShamash and Calvin embark on the next leg of the Hero's Journey, facing their first challenge: do they heed the call to adventure, or ignore it?
In this episode:
Dr Mehwish Sharif explains how we build our reality through our experiences, judgements, and filters.
Therapist Mari Williams delves into the unconscious mind, how it can protect us, and how guilt can get in the way
Dr Vikki Barnes describes the positive approach she takes with her clients, to help them achieve better outcomes.
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia helps us reframe challenges as puzzles to be solved.
...2021-07-2218 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 3: Call to Adventure: the opportunity of life’s challengesShamash and Calvin accept the Call to Adventure, discussing the next leg of the Hero's Journey and how it relates to films we already know.
In this episode:
Therapist Mari Williams recounts her childhood call to adventure and the decisions her early family life presented her with in adulthood.
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia talks openly about his disability, and how humbling a painful struggle can be.
Dr Mehwish Sharif discusses uncertainty, and the challenges she faced following the birth of her son.
Dr Wendy Molefi reminds us that our instinctive response to flee is designed to...2021-07-1526 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 2: The Ordinary World: the dangers of living on autopilotShamash and Calvin embark on the first step of the Hero's Journey: the Ordinary World, taking a look at what can happen when we move through life on autopilot.
In this episode:
Social entrepreneur Kush Kanodia shares some wise words from Ferris Bueller, reminding us to "stop and look around once in a while".
Dr Wendy Molefi highlights why humans have an autopilot setting: the benefits it can bring, and the dangers it can pose.
Dr Vikki Barnes explains some of the ways in which autopilot can manifest itself in our bodies, which can lead to...2021-07-0821 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinEpisode 1: The Hero's JourneyCalvin introduces Shamash to Joseph Campbell's "Monomyth", better known as the Hero's Journey, examining how it has informed storytelling from the Epic of Gilgamesh, to T*he Lord of the Rings*, to T*he Matrix*.
Go deeper
Christopher Vogler, Hollywood executive
ScriptLab's breakdown of The Matrix using the Hero's Journey
The Mindful Storyteller
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Mindful Conversations is hosted by mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and mindful storyteller Calvin Niles.2021-07-0129 min
Mindful Conversations with Shamash & CalvinTrailerShamash and Calvin introduce the podcast. Follow Mindful Conversations now to hear the first episode when it arrives on July 1.2021-06-0800 min