Episoder
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Tomás Hardiman is a film producer and a survivor of childhood abuse. His recent documentary “The Days of Trees” tells the story of his own experience of childhood sexual abuse, and his long road to recovery.
In this conversation, Tomás reflects on the years he spent in the dark, his gradual process of healing, and how he was able to convert his deepest childhood wound into a creative project - a documentary that is now impacting people all over the world.
Gabor Maté had this to say about it:
'It's all about healing and transformation, a person finding themselves… I really urge you to see it. A beautiful film.'
Here are some of the things we explore in this discussion:
— How memory, shame, and repression often intertwine in trauma
— Why Tomás almost walked away from the film
— The role of creative work in transforming suffering
— How Tomás has been able to forgive the seemingly unforgivable.
And more.
You can watch the film at https://thedaysoftrees.com/ and get 50% off if you use the code: TWU50 when purchasing.
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Tomás Hardiman holds a B.Comm from NUI Galway (1979) and an M.A. in Film and Television Studies from Dublin City University (1992). After graduation he worked in human resources in Dublin before living for a time in Toronto, where he began a professional career in the theatre as General Manager of Mercury Theatre Company. Following his return to Ireland he was appointed Marketing/Publicity Director of The Abbey Theatre where he worked from 1985 to 1993. He then returned to Galway where he ran his own communications and independent film production company, Parzival Productions. From October 2002 to November 2007 he was Managing Director of Galway Arts Centre and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. He was a member of the board of Theatre Forum, the representative group for Irish arts organisations, from 2005-2007. He continues to produce and manage creative projects across multiple artforms and in 2013 completed a three-year training programme to become a teacher of the Alexander Technique. He produced eleven films between 1998 and 2023. Most recently he collaborated with acclaimed Irish writer/director Alan Gilsenan, to produce a loose trilogy of films about psychological trauma: Meetings with Ivor, The Meeting and The Days of Trees. The latter won the George Morrison Award for Best Documentary at the 2024 Irish Film and Television Awards.
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Interview Link:
— Tomás’ website - https://thedaysoftrees.com/ -
In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and author of three bestselling books, including: “The Man Who Tasted Words”, “The Secret World of Sleep”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”, which this interview focuses on.
Drawing on insights from evolutionary biology, genetics, and clinical neurology, Guy makes a compelling case that what we label as “sin” may often have a biological cause, and isn’t necessarily a moral failing.
Expect to learn:
— Why our so-called “sins” evolved as adaptive traits—and why they still serve a purpose
— How free will may be more of a spectrum than a binary
— Why understanding the biology of behaviour could radically change the criminal justice system
— The disturbing story of Robert Alton Harris—and what it reveals about judgment, compassion, and accountability
And more.
You can learn more about Guy’s work at https://www.guyleschziner.com.
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Dr Guy Leschziner is a neurologist with special expertise in sleep disorders and epilepsy.
Dr Leschziner is Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, one of the largest sleep units in Europe. He also practices at London Bridge Hospital and the Cromwell Hospital.
He is also Reader in Neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London.
Under the broad umbrella of sleep disorders, Dr Leschziner is a particular authority on narcolepsy, sleepwalking, Kleine-Levin syndrome and restless legs syndrome.
Dr Leschziner is also enthusiastically engaged with public education through a wide range of media work. He presented a popular radio series for the BBC, Mysteries of Sleep, as well as The Secrets of Sleep for Channel 4 television in the UK. He has also been an expert commentator for BBC News and The Guardian.
Dr Leschziner is also the author of several books: The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins.
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Interview Links:
— Dr. Leschziner’s website - https://www.guyleschziner.com
— Dr. Leschziner’s books: https://amzn.to/4dbnFru -
Mangler du episoder?
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Dr. Sharon Dirckx is a speaker and author trained in neuroscience, who speaks internationally on topics such as science and theology, human consciousness, and the problem of evil. She has appeared on BBC Radio 2, Radio 4 and has also written for The Times. Her books include: Broken Planet, Why, and Am I Just my Brain - which this interview focuses on.
Here are some of the questions we explore in this conversation:
— The mind-body problem - how could a mindless universe produce conscious beings?
— Sharon’s views on the explanatory power of panpsychism
— How can we make sense of the immense suffering in the world and natural disasters
— How our image of God impacts our mental health and wellbeing.
And more.
You can learn more about Sharon’s work and books at https://www.dirckx.org.
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Sharon Dirckx is a speaker and author whose work focuses on responding to the spiritual and faith-related questions that people ask today.
She is motivated to show how and why the person of Jesus Christ remains as relevant as ever to the pertinent questions of our time, and to do so in an engaging way.
Originally from a scientific background, she has a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge. Sharon is invited to speak and lecture across the UK and internationally, in workplaces, universities, schools, churches and conferences.
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Interview Links:
— Sharon’s website - https://www.dirckx.org
— Sharon’s books - https://amzn.to/4iFKVPk -
Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, who is in the top one percent of most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior.
In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes. She has also given a popular TED talk with over 6.5 million views.
From this conversation, you'll learn:
— Dr Barrett's groundbreaking theory of emotions and its implications for mental health and wellbeing
— How emotional "granularity" can enhance your quality of life
— Why everything we see is a "concept" and why this matters
— Dr Barrett's thoughts on free will and personal responsibility.
And more.
You can learn more about Dr Barrett's work by going to: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com
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Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a psychologist, neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the most cited scientists in the world. She received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. These highly competitive, multimillion dollar awards are given to scientists of exceptional creativity who are expected to transform biomedical and behavioral research. She also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in Psychology in 2021.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, consulted to the National Cancer Institute, appeared on Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and The Today Show with Maria Shriver, and been a featured guest on public television and podcast and radio programs worldwide. She is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada.
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Interview Links:
— Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3CWM1VQ
— How Emotions are Made - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3Rx1BeT
— Dr Barrett’s website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com
— Matter and Consciousness - Dr Iain McGilchrist: https://bit.ly/3RGSQz0
3 Books Dr Porges Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
— Between us by Batja Mesquita - https://amzn.to/3FdYkxT
— The End of Trauma by George Bonanno - https://amzn.to/3AW1fbL
— How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett - https://amzn.to/3GVdxFl -
Professor Marc Lewis is a former Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Toronto and a world leading expert in the neuroscience of addiction. It was particularly interesting to speak with Marc because not only does he have a deep understanding of the neural mechanisms underneath addictive processes, he also has battled with quite severe opioid addictions himself. He is the author of two bestselling books on the subject: Memoirs of an Addicted Brain, and The Biology of Desire. Now, he works as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, specialising in addiction treatment.
You’ll learn:
— How Marc’s experiences as a developmental psychologist helped him to develop his groundbreaking learning model of addiction
— A simple introduction to the neuroscience of addiction and the brain areas involved
— Why it’s hard to stop an addictive pattern once it has taken hold
— What works (and what doesn’t) in recovery.
And more.
You can learn more about Marc’s innovative work by visiting: www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com
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Prof Marc Lewis, PhD is a neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts on the neuroscience of addiction. In his academic work, he has authored or co-authored more than fifty journal articles, and for many years was a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Toronto and then Radboud University (Netherlands) before retiring.
For the last decade, he has focused on making his work more accessible to a wider audience through books for lay readers, pop science articles, public talks, and interviews. He is the author of two bestselling books on addiction: “Memoirs of an Addicted Brain” and “The Biology of Desire”, a book which Dr Gabor Mate argues “effectively refutes the disease model of addiction.” He is currently practicing psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, working with clients with addictive problems and other difficulties.
You can learn more about his work at www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com.
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6 Books Prof Lewis Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read:
— Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear —Dr. Carl L. Hart - https://amzn.to/44MnKfG
— High Price: Drugs, Neuroscience, and Discovering Myself — Dr. Carl L. Hart - https://amzn.to/3Kt8YmH
— Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction — Szalavitz Maia - https://amzn.to/3NS0p5q
— Drinking: A Love Story — Caroline Knapp - https://amzn.to/3NWYaOt
— The Night of the Gun — David Carr - https://amzn.to/44SHYod
— The Biology of Desire: why addiction is not a disease (The Addicted Brain) —Prof Marc Lewis - https://amzn.to/44QYpBl -
In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Paul Gilbert and Professor Jeremy Holmes. Paul is the developer of Compassion Focused Therapy and one of the world’s leading clinical psychologists studying the scientific application of compassion in therapeutic practice. Jeremy is an award winning attachment expert, clinician, and author, whose books include: In Search of the Secure Base, Attachment & Psychotherapy, and most recently The Spirit of Psychotherapy.
In this wide ranging discussion, we explore:
— The difference between “safety” and “safeness” and why this is vital to understand in therapeutic practice
— How early attachment dynamics shape our developmental trajectory and relationships throughout life
— How attachment theory helped to form the theoretical foundations of Compassion Focused Therapy.
And more.
You can find Jeremy’s books at http://bit.ly/jh-books and learn more about Paul’s work at http://compassionatemind.co.uk
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Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression.
He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”.
Professor Jeremy Holmes is a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert, and three-time speaker at The Weekend University.
For 35 years, he was Consultant Psychiatrist/Medical Psychotherapist at University College London (UCL) and then in North Devon, UK, and Chair of the Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998-2002.
He is visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, and lectures nationally and internationally. In addition to 200+ peer-reviewed papers and chapters in the field of psychoanalysis and attachment theory, his books include John Bowlby and Attachment Theory, Exploring In Security, Attachment in Therapeutic Practice, and most recently: “The Brain has a Mind of Its Own”.
He was the recipient of the Bowlby-Ainsworth Founders Award 2009.
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Interview Links:
— Jeremy’s books - http://bit.ly/jh-books
— Paul’s work - http://compassionatemind.co.uk -
Dr Morgan is a Professor of Counseling & Human Services at the University of Scranton, who has spent thirty years researching, teaching, and writing about mental health and addiction. He is the author of Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery, which provides a holistic, multidisciplinary framework for understanding and treating addictive processes.
In this conversation, we explore:
— The extent to which addiction can be viewed as an attachment disorder
— The central paradox at the heart of addiction
— Why addiction is a “jealous relationship” that crowds out most others
— Why addictions localised within individual members can be thought of as “symptoms” of much wider societal problems.
And more.
You can get a copy of Dr Morgan’s book by going to https://bit.ly/oliver-addiction.
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Dr. Oliver Morgan is a distinguished Professor of Counseling & Human Services in the Panuska College of Professional Studies at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA. With a diverse educational background, he holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, a Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy, and a doctoral degree in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Boston University.
Dr. Morgan's expertise lies in the fields of addiction studies, marital and family counseling, and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to the academic community through his teaching and publications. As a faculty member since 1990, he has taught various courses in undergraduate and graduate programs, shaping the curriculum in Addiction Studies and Marital and Family Counseling. Dr. Morgan also served as the Department Chair from 1997 to 2009.
His publications include an acclaimed book titled "Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery: The Power of Connection," published in 2019 by W.W. Norton. Additionally, he has co-edited five books covering topics such as Addiction Studies, Catholic Intellectual Thought, and Counseling & Spirituality. Dr. Morgan has authored or co-authored numerous book chapters, proceedings, and peer-reviewed articles on subjects ranging from addiction and pastoral care to spirituality and clinical practice.
Beyond his academic endeavors, Dr. Morgan has been involved in service and leadership activities both within the university and the wider community. He has held important roles in university-wide task forces focused on student lifestyles and corporate mission and identity. Furthermore, he co-founded a psychosocial oncology practice in Northeast Pennsylvania, offering support to cancer patients, their caregivers, and loved ones.
Dr. Oliver Morgan's contributions to counseling, addiction studies, and his commitment to compassionate care have established him as a respected educator, researcher, and practitioner in the field of counseling and human services.
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4 Books Dr Morgan Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read:
— Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection — Oliver J. Morgan - https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393713176-addiction-attachment-trauma-and-recovery
— In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction — Dr Gabor Maté - https://amzn.to/4125SLH
— The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit — Bruce K. Alexander - https://amzn.to/46I1yp1
— Addiction and Spirituality: A Multidisciplinary Approach — Oliver J. Morgan - https://amzn.to/3JWpQBU -
In this interview, I speak with Dr Steve Taylor, a psychologist, writer, and lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. Dr Taylor is the author of several bestselling books on psychology and spirituality, including: The Leap, Spiritual Science, and most recently Time Expansion Experiences, which this conversation focuses on.
Expect to learn:
— Why linear time is an illusion of the mind
— What near-death experiences and life reviews reveal about the nature of time
— Why time feels faster as we age—and what we can do to slow it down
— Dr Taylor’s views on the extent to which the future is “set in stone”—and the implications this has for free will
And more.
You can learn more about Steve’s work and books at https://www.stevenmtaylor.com.
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Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. He is a past chair of the Transpersonal Psychology Section of the British Psychological Society. His new book is Time Expansion Experiences, and his previous books include The Adventure, Extraordinary Awakenings, The Clear Light, The Fall, Out of the Darkness, The Calm Center, The Leap and Spiritual Science. His books have been published in more than 20 languages, and he regularly appears in the media in the UK, including Radio 4’s Prayer for the Day and the BBC World Service. He writes blog articles for Scientific American, The Conversation and for Psychology Today. Eckhart Tolle has described his work as ‘an important contribution to the shift in consciousness which is happening on our planet at present.’ Steve lives in Manchester, England, with his wife and three children.
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Interview Links:
— Dr Taylor’s’ website - https://www.stevenmtaylor.com
— Dr Taylor's books: https://amzn.to/4hMtAE8 -
Dr. James Hollis is one of the world’s leading Jungian analysts. Across a career spanning decades, he has written extensively on how we confront the unconscious, navigate midlife, and live with greater courage and self-awareness. His books include: Living an Examined Life, Under Saturn's Shadow, and a Life of Meaning.
In this conversation, we explore:
— The extent to which Dr. Hollis believes there is a "purposeful intelligence" at work in nature.
— How we live a larger life by asking larger questions - and the questions he finds more helpful for leading his clients to a path of enlargement
— How to distinguish between ego-based desires and those coming from a deeper place
— What Dr. Hollis learned from his near death experience in 2022.
And more.
You can learn more about his work and books at http://jameshollis.net
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James Hollis, Ph. D., was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years and was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston.
He lives with his wife Jill, an artist and retired therapist, in a suburb of Washington, DC. Together they have three living children and eight grand-children.
He has written a total of twenty books, which have been translated into Swedish, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Serbian, Latvian, Ukranian and Czech.
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Interview Links:
— Dr Hollis’ website - http://jameshollis.net
— Dr Hollis’ books - https://amzn.to/41xg1Co -
Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a clinician, researcher, and teacher who has spent his professional life studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences.
He specialises in translating emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of effective treatments for traumatic stress and developmental trauma in children and adults.
He is the author of the New York Times Bestseller: The Body Keeps the Score, the Founder of Trauma Center in Boston, and currently serves as President of the Trauma Research Foundation.
In this conversation, we explore:
— The role that neurofeedback can play in healing developmental trauma
— Dr van der Kolk’s study examining the effects of MDMA on PTSD
— The essential difference between those who were traumatised by the 9-11 attacks and those who weren’t
— How developmental trauma leads to deficits in sensory integration areas of the brain and the most effective treatments for addressing this.
And more.
You can learn more about Dr van der Kolk’s work by going to: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/
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Bessel van der Kolk MD spends his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults.
In 1984, he set up one of the first clinical/research centers in the US dedicated to study and treatment of traumatic stress in civilian populations, which has trained numerous researchers and clinicians specializing in the study and treatment of traumatic stress, and which has been continually funded to research the impact of traumatic stress and effective treatment interventions. He has focused on studying treatments that stabilize physiology, increase executive functioning and help traumatized individuals to feel fully alert to the present.
His efforts resulted in the establishment of Trauma Center (now the Trauma Research Foundation) that consisted of a well-trained clinical team specializing in the treatment of children and adults with histories of child maltreatment, that applied treatment models that are widely taught and implemented nationwide, a research lab that studied the effects of neurofeedback and MDMA on behavior, mood, and executive functioning, and numerous trainings nationwide to a variety of mental health professional, educators, parent groups, policy makers, and law enforcement personnel.
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3 Books Dr van Der Kolk Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
— John Bowlby - Attachment and Loss - https://amzn.to/4bOd3NK
— Daniel Stern - The Interpersonal World of the Infant - https://amzn.to/4e1aTf8
— Ed Tronick - The Neurobehavioral and Social-Emotional Development of Infants and Children (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) - https://amzn.to/459qIwa -
In this interview, I’m joined by Derek Sivers.
Derek is the Founder of CD Baby — a company he sold for $22 million, and then gave pretty much everything to charity. He has written multiple bestselling books, given TED talks which have reached millions, and been a circus performer for 10 years.
There have been few people who have had a bigger positive impact on my thinking than Derek, so it was a real treat to sit down with him for an hour and have this conversation.
Expect to learn:
— The connection between your beliefs, your emotions, and your actions
— How Derek sold his company for $22 million and then instantly gave it all away to charity
— His unconventional approach to getting advice from mentors
— Why Derek has journalled every day for the past 13 years and why this is the “single most useful thing” he does.
And more.
You can learn more about Derek’s work, books, and philosophy at https://sive.rs.
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Derek Sivers graduated in 1990 from Berklee, where he majored in professional music. He entered as a guitarist and came out a self-proclaimed “everything guy” after studying voice, composition, piano, songwriting, music synthesis, and production.
Sivers is best known as the founder of CD Baby(Opens in a new window), the largest online distribution company for independent music. After years of touring, recording, and writing for TV projects, he started CD Baby from his bedroom—almost by accident. When he obtained a merchant account to sell his CDs online (not an easy task in the ’90s), musician friends began asking if he could sell their CDs. Soon he was getting calls from strangers, and the foundation for a business was laid. Sivers launched CD Baby in 1998 with a musician-centric ideology that sought to maximize musicians’ profits rather than minimize them for company gain.
In 2003, Sivers won the World Technology Award and was described by Esquire Magazine as “one of the last music-business folk heroes.” In keeping with his philanthropic ethos, Sivers sold CD Baby in 2008 and gave the proceeds to a charitable trust for music education.
In 2011, Sivers published Anything You Want(Opens in a new window), a book chronicling his challenges and triumphs founding, building, and selling CD Baby.
In 2013, Sivers launched Wood Egg(Opens in a new window), which publishes guides about how to build companies in Asia. He is a frequent speaker at the TED Conference, with over 5 million views of his talks.
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Interview Links:
— Derek’s website - https://sive.rs
Interview Links:
— Derek’s website - https://sive.rs
— Derek's new book - https://sive.rs/u
— Derek's new book (Amazon Link) - https://amzn.to/41HkBPz -
In this episode, I’m joined by Linda Thai — a mental health clinician, storyteller, and educator who has had her own lived experiences of individual, collective, historical and cultural traumatization...and healing.
I’ve interviewed many fascinating individuals in the past seven years of running The Weekend University, but there was something different about Linda. It might have something to do with her getting off the grid and living in the wilderness in Alaska, or perhaps it's the eclectic self-education she has immersed herself in. Whatever it is, Linda brings to the table a unique and holistic perspective on attachment, that I think is years ahead of the conventional wisdom.
Expect to learn:
— The difference between psychology, trauma-informed psychology, culturally-informed psychology, and liberation informed psychology
— Where traditional attachment theory falls short
— Why we need to redefine the parameters of attachment and take an ecosystem view
And more.
You can learn more about Linda’s work and trainings at https://www.linda-thai.com/.
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Linda Thai, LMSW ERYT-200 is a trauma therapist and educator who specializes in brain and body-based modalities for addressing complex developmental trauma. Linda has worked with thousands of people from all over the world to promote mindfulness, recover from trauma, and tend to grief as a means of self care. Linda’s work centers on healing with a special focus on the experiences of adult children of refugees and immigrants. Her teaching is infused with empathy, storytelling, humor, research, practical tools, applied knowledge, and experiential wisdom.
She has assisted internationally renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, with his private small group psychotherapy workshops aimed at healing attachment trauma. She has a Master of Social Work with an emphasis on the neurobiology of attachment and trauma.
Linda has studied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, Havening Touch, Flash Technique, and structural dissociation of the personality, and offers the Safe and Sound Protocol, yoga, and meditation within her practice. Linda works on the traditional lands of the Tanana Athabascan people (Fairbanks, Alaska) with those recovering from addiction, trauma, and mental illness. She is passionate about breaking the cycle of historical and intergenerational trauma at the individual and community levels.
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Interview Links:
Linda’s website - https://www.linda-thai.com/ -
Join Dr. Richard Schwartz for a life-changing nature immersion combining scenic walks on the breathtaking Camino de Santiago, with deep experiential Internal Family Systems (IFS) workshops along the way:
https://theweekenduniversity.com/ifs-camino
This experience is tailored for leaders interested in using IFS to create deep inner alignment, so that they can positively impact more lives through their work.
Participants will include high-impact creators and leaders from a wide range of backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, broadcasters, executives, and coaches. -
Dr Laurence Heller is the founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model™ - often referred to as NARM. This is a psychobiological approach known to be highly effective for working with developmental trauma.
He is the author of “Healing Developmental Trauma”, which is currently published in more than 10 languages. For the past 20 years, Dr Heller has been conducting seminars in the NARM approach throughout the United States, Europe and soon to be worldwide.
In this conversation, we explore:
— Why NARM does not see the traumatic event as the primary issue and instead views the adaptations that we make to traumatising experiences as the primary issue
— The key differences between treating shock trauma and developmental trauma
— Why effective therapy requires much more than just extinguishing symptoms
— The NARM core survival styles
And more.
You can learn more about Dr Heller’s innovative work by going to: https://drlaurenceheller.com/
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Dr. Laurence Heller is the founder of the NeuroAffective Relational Model© (NARM), a specialized psychobiological approach to working with developmental trauma. He holds a Ph.D in psychology and was in private practice for over 30 years.
The NARM Model is presented in the best selling book Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image and the Capacity for Relationship, which is currently published in more than 15 languages.
His new book with Brad Kammer is The Practical Guide for Healing Developmental Trauma: Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resolve Complex Trauma presents the clinical model. He is also the co-author of Crash Course, a book on shock trauma: He speaks several languages fluently and for the past 30 years has been conducting seminars in the NARM approach throughout the United States and Europe. He and his teachers present NARM worldwide.
He is currently working on a project led by Christina Bethell, Ph.D , a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and others to bring a trauma-informed understanding to Pediatricians and General Practitioners throughout the U.S. Their first article for this project was published in 2021: Social and Relational Health Risks and Common Mental Health Problems Among US Children Published by Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America co-authored with Christina D. Bethell, PhD, MBA, MPH, (lead) Andrew S. Garner, MD, PhD, Narangerel Gombojav, MD, PhD, Courtney Blackwell, PhD, Tanar Mendelson, PhD
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3 Books Dr Laurence Heller Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
— A General Theory of Love - Sir Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon - https://amzn.to/44DT01L
— The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller - https://amzn.to/3WG7NH5
— Healing Development Trauma - Laurence Heller and Aline Lapierre - https://amzn.to/3UJiS7E -
In this interview, I’m joined by two leading thinkers who are helping to reshape our understanding of consciousness, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of meaning in life: Dr Iain McGilchrist and Dr Bernardo Kastrup.
Iain is a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, author, and philosopher perhaps most well known for his Hemispheric Hypothesis and his books: The Master and his Emissary and The Matter with Things.
Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental.
In this conversation, we explore:
— Their views on what consciousness is, the common ground in their thinking, and the differences
— The extent to Iain and Bernardo believe we live in a purposeful and intelligent universe, and their perspectives on the question of God
— Why they both consider truth to be the most important thing in life
— Where they see human life fitting into the larger whole and what case can be made that each of our individual subjective experiences do matter.
I hope you get as much from this fascinating discussion as I did from recording it. You can learn more about Iain’s work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com, and Bernardo’s at https://www.bernardokastrup.com.
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Dr Iain McGilchrist is a Psychiatrist and Writer. He is committed to the idea that the mind and brain can be understood only by seeing them in the broadest possible context, that of the whole of our physical and spiritual existence, and of the wider human culture in which they arise – the culture which helps to mould, and in turn is moulded by, our minds and brains. He was formerly a Consultant Psychiatrist of the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Trust in London, where he was Clinical Director of their southern sector Acute Mental Health Services.
Dr McGilchrist has published original research and contributed chapters to books on a wide range of subjects, as well as original articles in papers and journals, including the British Journal of Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, The Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Times. He has taken part in many radio and TV programmes, documentaries, and numerous podcasts, and interviews on YouTube, among them dialogues with Jordan Peterson, David Fuller of Rebel Wisdom, and philosopher Tim Freke. His books include Against Criticism, The Master and his Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning, and Ways of Attending. He published his latest book: The Matter With Things, a book of epistemology and metaphysics. You can keep up to date with his work at https://channelmcgilchrist.com.
Bernardo Kastrup is the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the ‘Casimir Effect’ of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo’s most recent book is Science Ideated: The fall of matter and the contours of the next mainstream scientific worldview. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit https://www.bernardokastrup.com.
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Interview Links:
— Dr McGilchirst's website - https://channelmcgilchrist.com
— Dr Kastrup's website - https://www.bernardokastrup.com -
This week, we welcome Francis Lucille to the show, a renowned teacher of the nondual understanding, who has dedicated his life to helping individuals uncover the ultimate truth of consciousness and reality.
Drawing from decades of exploration and teaching, Francis shares insights on some of the following topics:
— The ultimate purpose of human life
— Why happiness is our natural state
— How psychological suffering stems from a belief in separation
— Why saying “yes” to life aligns us with consciousness.
And more.
You can learn more about Francis’s work and teachings at https://francislucille.com.
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Francis Lucille is a spiritual teacher in the tradition of Advaita Vedanta. A longtime friend and disciple of Jean Klein whom he met in 1975, he was a friend of Robert Linssen, Wolter Keers, Yvan Amar, William Samuel and Robert Adams. He was also influenced by J. Krishnamurti, Krishna Menon and Wei Wu Wei, whom he knew personally. Many contemporary Advaita teachers have attended his teaching events.
Francis transmits the ancient teaching of nonduality, the common ground of Advaita Vedanta, Ch’an Buddhism, Zen, Taoism and Sufism. Francis’ teachings are not “Neo-Advaitic” but traditional, which means that the experience of our true nature has been transmitted from generation to generation by a lineage of sages.
They reflect those of his guru: appreciation for humor, art, music, and poetry, intellectual rigor with a “personal” twist due to his training in Mathematics and Physics, and emphasis on the body and its feelings.
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Interview Links:
— Francis’ website - https://francislucille.com -
In this interview, I’m joined by Seán ÓLaoire - a clinical psychologist, author, modern day mystic, and former priest with a P.h.D in transpersonal psychology.
His book: “Setting God Free” explores the harmful effects our image of God as a judgemental father figure in the sky has had on our psychology - both individually and collectively.
In this conversation, we explore:
— Seán’s unique approach to creating a “personal cosmology” and how best to create your own
— How problems can be a path to self transcendence, if the right steps are taken
— What “christ consciousness” is and how to cultivate more of this in your life
— How Seán uses the Jungian practice of “seeding dreams” to gain insights and wisdom from a higher intelligence.
And more.
You can learn more about Seán’s work at https://spiritsinspacesuits.com.
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Seán was awarded a BSc degree (major in Mathematics) from the National University of Ireland. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1972 and spent the next 14 years working among the Kalenjin people of East Africa. He is multi-lingual, speaking six languages. In 1983, Seán authored his first book, written in Kiswahili, "Ukweli ni Nini?" (What is Truth?)
Dr. ÓLaoire has a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Seán lectures and conducts scientific research on the effects of prayer.
Fr. Seán is a Co-Founder and Spiritual Director of Companions on the Journey (COJ), a spiritual community which seeks to recognize the God/divinity within each of us and among all of us. COJ is an independent, non-hierarchical Eucharistic community dedicated to aligning itself with God and healing the separations between us. Each individual's spirituality is seen as derived from his/her own experiences of God, immanent and transcendent, and is illuminated by the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of other spiritual traditions.
The "We Are One" interview at the left was done in 2003 and gives a good flavor for Seán's thinking and style of teaching. In the "On the Experience of Divine Guidance" video of 1999, Seán discusses seeking, receiving and following Divine guidance from the perspective of the Christian tradition. For an in–depth synopsis of Seán's teachings, please visit his cosmology page.
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Interview Link:
— Seán’s website - https://spiritsinspacesuits.com -
This week, we welcome Alexis Dean to the show. Alexis is the founder of Dovetail Community—a global network for female entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering authentic connections and mutual support.
This episode explores her journey of building an intentional community and the transformative impact this can have on personal and professional life.
Expect to learn:
— Why building an authentic community is critical for entrepreneurs.
— The principles behind creating psychological safety in groups.
— How to overcome isolation and build meaningful connections from scratch.
— Why Alexis believes that "exclusively inclusive" communities are key to thriving.
And more.
You can learn more about Alexis and the Dovetail Community at https://dovetail.community.
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Alexis Dean is the Founder and Lead Facilitator of Two Roads, established in 2015. With over 12 years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, speaker, and educator, Alexis has worked with more than 200 corporate teams and school faculties across 21 countries.
Her expertise is rooted in a robust academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Education in Experiential Education from Queen's University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. Additionally, Alexis is trained in the XCHANGE facilitation methodology, based on Appreciative Inquiry, which informs her distinctive approach to fostering and scaling exceptional organizational cultures within diverse groups.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Alexis is the host of the Dovetail Community for Women Entrepreneurs. In her personal time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, including trail running, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, alongside her partner, Scott, and their dog, Albi.
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Interview Links:
— Alexis' website - https://dovetail.community -
Dr. Martha Beck is a Harvard-trained sociologist, bestselling author, and renowned life coach known for her transformative work on living in alignment with your true self.
With decades of experience blending science, spirituality, and practical tools, Martha’s insights have helped countless individuals overcome anxiety, unlock creativity, and live with greater integrity.
Expect to learn:
— Why the right hemisphere of your brain holds the key to creativity, connection, and meaning.
— Why anxiety spirals dominate modern life—and how to break free from them.
— The three fundamental questions your brain is always asking and how to answer them.
— The importance of creating a “sanctuary” to restore peace and calm to your life and Martha’s tips on how best to do this.
And more.
You can learn more about Martha’s work and latest book: “Beyond Anxiety” at https://marthabeck.com.
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Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She has spent a lifetime offering powerful, practical, and entertaining teachings that help people improve every aspect of their lives. Martha holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.”
Martha’s published works include several self-help books and memoirs, including New York Times and international bestsellers Finding Your Own North Star, The Joy Diet, and Expecting Adam. She has also published over 150 magazine articles, including almost two decades of monthly columns for O, The Oprah Magazine.
Martha is a passionate and engaging speaker, known for her characteristic blending of science, spirituality, and humor. As “the best-known life coach in America” (NPR, USA Today), she has spoken to audiences around the world on stage and on The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, and many other television programs.
International nature-based retreats are also a big part of Martha’s work. Seminar participants travel from all over the world to attend her annual retreats in South Africa and Costa Rica. The rest of the time she lives in the Pennsylvania woods with her family and other assorted creatures. Her passions include nature, pajamas, and YouTube videos of unlikely animal companions.
Martha’s recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her forthcoming non-fiction book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, will be out on January 7, 2025.
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Interview Link:
— Dr Martha Beck’s website - https://marthabeck.com -
Johnathan Bi introduces the key insights of René Girard’s Mimetic Theory and its surprising practical applications.
Expect to learn:
— How understanding the hidden forces behind our desires can help us break free from societal pressures, improve our decision-making, and create a life we truly love.
— The scapegoat mechanism and how this kept peace in ancient societies for thousands of years until the advent of Christianity
— The difference between physical desires and metaphysical desires, as well as the importance of doing things for their own sake.
And more.
You can learn more about Johnathan’s work at https://www.johnathanbi.com.
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Jonathan Bi is an entrepreneur working on a startup in FinTech and a philosopher focusing on Buddhist philosophy, Continental philosophy, and specifically the work of Rene Girard. Among his many projects he and David Perell have created a seven session video course on the ideas of Rene Girard. Originally from China, Jonathan also grew up in Canada, and studied computer science at Columbia.
You can learn more about Johnathan’s work at https://www.johnathanbi.com.
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Interview Links:
— Jonathan Bi’s website - https://www.johnathanbi.com - Se mer
