The Contemplative Science Podcast

In this episode, we explore the role of goal-setting and purposeful behaviour in Buddhist contemplative practice. While many traditions emphasize letting go, Buddhist training is also deeply structured by...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Paul Condon to explore his new book How Compassion Works and the science behind cultivating compassion that lasts. We discuss what compassion really is, how it can be measured and...

What if understanding pain was a contemplative act? Richmond Stace, creator of Pain Coaching, brings together neuroscience, psychotherapy, and contemplative insights to rethink chronic pain not just as a biological...

What does it really mean to be deeply well—not just symptom-free or spiritually polished, but truly grounded, embodied, and alive? In this episode, Dharma teachers Melina Bondy and Arti Mehta explore this question...

In this episode, Lama John Makransky joins us to explore the inner architecture of compassion. Drawing from his new book How Compassion Works, we discuss how Buddhist meditative practices, attachment theory, and...

In this episode, we speak with Rick Repetti—philosopher, meditation teacher, and editor of The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Meditation. We explore whether meditation can be considered a form of philosophy...

What happens when you spend days—or even weeks—in complete darkness? In this episode, Andrew Holecek — an expert in Tibetan Buddhism, lucid dreaming, and meditation — guides us through the profound practice of dark...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

In this episode, we sit down with Elli Weisbaum, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health program. Elli shares insights from her extensive experience...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist and author of *The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive*. With over a decade of experience studying the brain's role in consciousness, Dr...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Tap, a clinical researcher specializing in the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Stephan shares insights from his work exploring the potential of psilocybin to alleviate...

In this episode, we are joined by John Dunne, a leading thinker at the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary science. We explore topics ranging from the nuances of "Buddhist science" and its critiques to...

In this episode of the Contemplative Science Podcast, host Mark Miller welcomes Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk from Plum Village, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and Buddhism. Brother Phap Linh...

In this episode, we sit down with cognitive scientist Daniel Meling to explore the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and meditation. Daniel shares insights from his research on DMT and non-dual states, discussing...

In this episode, we welcome Sam Berrin Shonkoff, Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Sam's expertise in Jewish religious thought provides a unique lens through which we...

In this episode, we welcome philosopher André van der Braak to explore the deeper spiritual and philosophical dimensions of ayahuasca, particularly the concept of ayahuasca as "liquid divinity." Drawing on the work of...

In this episode, host Mark Miller and guests John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne, delve into the transformative project "Mentoring the Machines." This innovative work bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and narrative...

Jamie and Mark discuss the podcast so far and what we have been learning about the wonderful science of meditation.

Can ultrasound enhance meditation? Today’s guest brings his fascinating line of research to reveal the concept, potential, ethics and mitigations for using ultrasound to stimulate the brain during meditation - we...

We need to start prepping our minds for death. Welcome to a train-your-brain special, diving into new research plans from our very own Dr Mark Miller. Mark outlines exactly why uncertainty and danger are incredibly...

What happens when people start speaking in tongues? Joining Jamie for a dive into his research is Josh Brahinsky, researcher at UC Berkeley Social Interaction Laboratory. Josh is fascinated with the phenomenology and...