#86: The Science of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Release Date: 01/18/2022
#109: The Science of Letting Go - Shawn Prest
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
The Science of Letting Go explores how meditation works in the brain, drawing on neuroscience, predictive processing, and contemplative science to explain how letting go reduces stress, softens self-related thinking, and changes perception over time. In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with PhD researcher Shawn Prest from Monash University about what’s actually happening under the hood when we meditate. Rather than framing letting go as a vague emotional release, Shawn describes it as a measurable shift in how the brain assigns confidence to its highest-level models,...
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#108: The Ethics of Meditation - Nicholas Van Dam, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Clinical psychologist and contemplative science researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam joins us to explore the ethics of meditation and what scientific research reveals about how contemplative practices actually work. He examines how much practice is needed to see meaningful change, why challenging experiences can arise, and what current methods can and cannot reliably measure. We discuss the importance of informed consent in meditation, the role of wisdom traditions alongside modern science, and why honesty and nuance are essential as these practices enter mental health, education, and digital...
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#107: The Science of Human Connection - Dr. Tania Singer
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Social neuroscientist Dr. Tania Singer joins us to explore the science of empathy, compassion, and the plasticity of the social brain. She breaks down why empathy and compassion are entirely different neural states, what her research with Buddhist monks revealed, and why compassion, not empathy, is the more resilient response to suffering. We discuss the ReSource Project’s surprising findings, including why interpersonal “dyadic” practices reduce social stress far better than solo meditation. Dr. Singer also shares how these practices are being brought into schools, healthcare, and even...
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#106: Multitasking Myths, Focus & Real-World Brain Health - Therese Huston, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she explains why multitasking quietly erodes attention and memory and what to do instead. We explore simple, realistic habits that help your mind function at its best: 20-minute single-task blocks, 40 Hz binaural beats for deep focus, and a brief 5-2-7 breathing technique that can quickly calm the nervous system. Dr. Huston also highlights how aerobic movement, dance, and social...
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#105: Freediving & Mental Mastery - Will Trubridge
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance. In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and what he calls the “mental immune system” can help us face fear, build resilience, and expand awareness. Discover how lessons from the deep sea translate into a healthier, more conscious life on land. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: Website: SHOW NOTES 00:00 | Intro to Will Trubridge 01:21 | Will’s Background & Early Freediving 04:59 | Role of Breathwork 09:43...
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#104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and store information in ways strikingly similar to brain cells. We explore: Why memory may not be limited to the brain What sea slugs can teach us about human cognition How prediction and perception shape our sense of self The parallels between AI and biological intelligence Whether trauma could be “stored” in cells outside the nervous system Dr. Kukushkin's work...
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#103: The Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchrist
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain’s two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain’s dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality. We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work...
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#102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive inner voice. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: Website: Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to Dr. Kristin Neff 3:52 | Compassion vs. Empathy 8:12 | 3 Core Components of Self-Compassion 13:52 | Role of Personal...
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#101: Movement as Meditation - George Thompson
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives. We discuss: How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain Breath and body awareness as daily meditation Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner “parts” Why facing life’s challenges with integrity is the real...
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#100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhD
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset. We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also...
info_outlineEdward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient philosophies.
On this episode, we discuss the science of ancient concepts like Wu Wei (”effortless action”), hot vs cold cognition, ways to alter consciousness, the paradox of trying not to try, and much more.
FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.com
SHOW NOTES
0:00 | Intro to Edward Slingerland, PhD
1:39 | Wu Wei & Flow State
9:34 | Hot vs. Cold Cognition
13:45 | How to Get into State of Wu Wei
17:35 | When to Not Use Wu Wei
19:30 | Paradox of Trying Not to Try
26:40 | Wu Wei in Daily Life
30:10 | Microdosing Psychedelics
32:28 | Alcohol and Ways to Alter Consciousness
38:06 | How Much Effort is Needed to Become Effortless?
40:00 | Rapid Fire Questions