Science of Mindfulness — Part 1
Learn what the science really says about the benefits of meditation practice.
Science of Mindfulness — Part 2
Discover why we should care about what happens in the brain while meditating.
Social Emotion
Understand the science behind guilt, shame, pride, and embarrassment.
Disgust
See the role that disgust plays in our lives, and why it matters.
Empathy
Learn the important differences between empathy, pity, compassion, and sympathy.
Islands of Awareness
Examine the "split brain" conundrum and how it defies our intuitive understanding.
Belief Change
Explore "emotional hijacking" and how we change—or resist changing—our beliefs.
Sleep and Dreams — Part 1
Explore the strangeness of dreams and how they test our conception of reality.
Sleep and Dreams — Part 2
Learn why we sleep and examine multiple theories on the purpose of dreams.
Science of Gratitude
See why gratitude is good for us and learn the power of reframing experience.
The Predictive Brain
Discover how the brain uses prediction to creates stories about reality.
The Default Mode
Learn about the recent discovery of the default mode network—and how it works.
Willpower
Learn about self-control, habits, and the constant struggle of willpower.
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Mind & Brain
In this series, Sam and cognitive neuroscientist Jonas Kaplan discuss consciousness, the brain, and the practice of meditation—while bringing in the relevant neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychology—in order to help us better understand our shared experience of being human.
to listen to all 13 sessions in this series.
Artwork by David Vanadia