Neurons, Networks, and the Nature of Freedom w/ Adam Safron
In this episode, I am joined by Adam Safron, an independent researcher with a wild range of interests—from consciousness and free will to psychedelics, artificial life, and AI alignment. With affiliations at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies and Michael Levin’s lab at Tufts University, Adam brings a rare interdisciplinary lens to questions about mind, matter, and meaning. We explore how agency arises, what it means to align intelligent systems (both artificial and biological), and how compassion might be the ultimate protocol for thriving.
--------
35:55
Breaking Free from Mental Ruts: The Science of Sense Foraging w/ Norman Farb
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Norman Farb to discuss his new book, Better in Every Sense, co-authored with Dr. Zindel Segal, which explores how we become emotionally stuck and how to break free. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Farb introduces Sense Foraging, a practice that helps us escape the rigid mental habits that dull our experience of life. Instead of forcing change through willpower, the book reveals how engaging deeply with sensation can enhance resilience, creativity, and well-being. Join us as we unpack the science behind breaking free from stagnation and rediscovering a vibrant connection with the world.
--------
40:39
The Museum of Meditative Practices w/ Mridula Sathyanarayanan
In this episode, we’re joined by Mridula Sathyanarayanan, a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, majoring in neuroscience, philosophy, and Buddhist Psychology & Mental Health (BPMH). A Laidlaw Scholar, Mridula has been exploring the intersection of contemplative science and public engagement through her innovative project, *The Museum of Meditative Practices*. Her work invites us to rethink how meditation is experienced, studied, and shared, creating an interactive and educational space where diverse meditative traditions come to life. We discuss the inspiration behind her project, the challenges of translating contemplative experiences into public exhibits, and what this means for the future of contemplative science. Tune in for a conversation on the creative ways meditation can be made accessible and immersive—and why this matters for both science and practice.
--------
32:24
Dissolving Boundaries - A Computational View of Body-Scan Meditation w Valeria Becattini
In this episode, we sit down with Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, to explore the paradoxical effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. Drawing from her research, Valeria explains how this Theravada Buddhist practice challenges our typical understanding of attention and sensory awareness. Using the predictive processing framework, she reveals how focused attention can lead to the dissolution of bodily boundaries, a phenomenon known as bhaṅga. Together, we delve into the implications of her findings for well-being and discuss how this meditative technique could inform therapeutic approaches for addiction, emotional dysregulation, and self-regulation. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practices.
--------
45:21
Rewiring Hope: Computational Models, Psilocybin, and the Science of Optimism w/ Beth Fisher
How does the brain cultivate optimism, and can psychedelics help people trapped in cycles of depression? In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Fisher, PhD student at M3CS and co-host of Minds Matter. We explore her groundbreaking research using computational models to study how psilocybin influences belief updating and decision-making. Her recent study reveals how psilocybin increases optimistic engagement in rats by reducing loss aversion and modifying memory dynamics. Together, we discuss what this means for treating depression, understanding optimism bias, and unlocking new therapeutic possibilities through psychedelics and cognitive modeling.
What can cutting-edge science tell us about spiritual development? And how are ancient contemplative practices helping us to investigate the nature of well-being? On The Contemplative Science Podcast, host Dr. Mark Miller speaks with the real experts, from Monks to Neuroscientists, to get clear on how contemplative practices work and how they might help us improve our lives. Our diverse range of guests will cover everything from mindfulness and wisdom, to sex, death and enlightenment.
Brasil