PODCAST · science
The Contemplative Science Podcast
by Mark Miller
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.
Episodes
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Into the Dark: Science and Practice of Dark Retreat w/ Ian Gardner
What happens to the mind when light—and many of our ordinary sensory anchors—disappear? In this episode, I speak with Acraya founder Ian Gardner about the ancient and contemporary practice of dark retreat. We explore what extended darkness can do to perception and consciousness, the experiences...
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Authentic Intelligence: The Brahma Vihāras and the Future of Secular Dharma w/ Dave Smith
What role do loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity play in the development of insight?In this episode, Mark speaks with Dharma teacher Dave Smith about the Brahma Vihāras, secular Buddhism, and the place of ethics in contemporary Insight Meditation. They also discuss…
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Ecodharma, Dzogchen, and the Politics of Transformation w/ Adam Lobel
In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Lobel, PhD, a meditation teacher, scholar-practitioner, and professor of ecopsychology and Buddhist psychology. Adam’s work brings together contemporary philosophy, Dzogchen Tibetan Buddhism, ecopsychology, and transformational politics, asking how…
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Minds, Models, and Invisible Beings w/ Zach Buck
Why do people across cultures report encounters with spirits, deities, ancestors, demons, angels, or other seemingly independent beings? And how might the science of predictive processing and active inference help us understand these experiences without simply dismissing them as “mere...
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Establishing Right View: Meditation, Meaning, and Staying on Track w/ Nicholas Buscall
In this conversation, Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor Nicholas Buscall and I explore why establishing a “good view”—a clear, grounded orientation to what meditation is (and isn’t)—can make practice safer, steadier, and more transformative. We talk about how meditation training...
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Where Science Meets Silence w/Brother Phap Linh
n this episode of The Contemplative Science Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome back Brother Phap Linh, a Buddhist monk ordained at Plum Village in 2008. Before monastic life, Brother Phap Linh studied at Cambridge and worked as a composer, chef, and math tutor—bringing a rare blend of creativity,...
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Purposeful Behaviour Through a Buddhist Lens w Nadav Amir
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 intentionality, effort, and purposeful cultivation. Nadav Amir brings a computational...
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How Compassion Works w/ Paul Condon
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 taught, and why sustaining compassion matters for individuals and communities...
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The Inner Science of Pain: Compassion, Contemplation, and Healing w/ Richmond Stace
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 condition, but as a human experience shaped by meaning, attention, and awareness.
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Being Deeply Well: Dharma, Discomfort, and the Healing Path w/ Melina Bondy & Arti Mehta
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 through the lenses of contemplative practice, psychotherapy, somatics, art, and...
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How Compassion Works w/ Lama John Makransky
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 cognitive science can come together to help us cultivate deep well-being…
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Is Meditation Philosophy? w/ Rick Repetti
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, how it might deepen our understanding of the mind, self, and agency, and whether…
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Science and Practice of Dark Retreats w/ Andrew Holecek
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 retreats. We explore how extended time in darkness can shift perception, support...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Mindfulness in Action: Bridging Healthcare, Education, and Wellbeing w/Elli Weisbaum
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 facilitating mindfulness workshops and retreats across education, healthcare, and…
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The Dawn of Consciousness w/ James Cooke
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. Cooke shares groundbreaking insights into the nature of the mind, the…
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Psilocybin and the Brain: A Deep Dive into End-of-Life Care w/ Stephan Tap
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 psychological distress in palliative care patients. We dive into the neurobiological…
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Exploring the Hype and Harm of Mindfulness w/ John Dunne
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 the challenges of integrating mindfulness into scientific research, and the…
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Buddhism, Science and Spirituality w/ Brother Phap Linh
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 shares his insights on the limitations of scientific materialism, emphasizing...
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The Intersection of Psychedelics and Non-Duality w/ Daniel Meling
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 the potential of psychedelics for treating depression and the synergies…
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Expanding Jewish Spirituality w/ Sam Berrin Shonkoff
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 explore contemporary spiritual practices. Our discussion ventures into the use…
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Ayahuasca and the Science of the Sacred
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 French philosopher Bruno Latour, André shifts the focus from individual…
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Surviving Tomorrow: AI and the Human Spirit w/ John Vervaeke & Sean Coyne
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 storytelling to grapple with the existential challenges posed by artificial...
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Round Up Episode
Jamie and Mark discuss the podcast so far and what we have been learning about the wonderful science of meditation.
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The Enlightenment Hack? w/Jay Sanguinetti
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 welcome Jay Sanguinetti, from the University of Arizona. Developed with the close...
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Death and The Information Gap
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 beneficial for the predictive mind - training us to be better-equipped when we...
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Speaking in Tongues: w/Josh Brahinsky
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 neuroscience of what goes on when people speak in tongues - revealing anecdotes...
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Your Brain and God: The Principles of Neurotheology w/ Andrew Newberg
What are the principles of neurotheology? Who better to answer than Andrew Newberg, acclaimed neuroscientist, professor and author. In his books, Andrew has laid out pioneering research on the relationship of the brain and spirituality - revealing the inner complexities of how the brain operates...
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UnBroken: How To Deal With Grief
How do we deal with grief? And how can we better prepare ourselves? Enter Dr Rachel Taylor, neuropsychologist and founder of UnBroken. An expert on the cognitive mechanics of grief and loss, Rachel shares her thoughts on how we interface with these difficult experiences - and what we can all do…
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Kevin Berryman: The Lessons Of A Buddhist Monk
Welcome to a deep dive into ‘self’, karma and moral psychology. Our guide: Kevin Berryman, Buddhist monk and doctoral student at Monash University. Kevin outlines some topics explored in his research - that aims to get to the bottom of what makes us who we are and how time on the mat influences…
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Meditation: An Active State?
Meditation is not a passive state. Here to explain why is neuroscientist Giuseppe Pagnoni, Associate Professor at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Diving into the complex inner mechanics of our minds, he shares knowledge on the brain as a predictive machine - citing the free energy...
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Psychedelics, Trauma and Men's Therapy
Trauma needs a rethink. Here to tell us why is Liam Farquhar, a London-based legal psychedelics guide and somatic experiencing expert. He shares insights on how the current psychedelic protocols only address trauma at a narrative level, and fail to treat the root of the issue. As such, his…
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Pain Reconceptualized: w/ Alex Jinich
We can reconceptualise pain. Taking us through a fascinating walkthrough of the mechanics of pain is Alex Jinich, PhD student at UC San Diego. Alex’s mission is to contribute to our understanding of how meditation and other novel therapeutic techniques help reduce pain and improve wellbeing....
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Our Guided Meditation: Dr Mark Miller x Lama John Makransky
A really special episode today. Dr Mark Miller guides us through a 20 minute practice extremely close to his heart. Developed by Lama John Makransky, the co-founder of Sustainable Compassion, this practice aims to open the heart and relax the body. Take this as an opportunity to stop and take a...
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Why I'm Not a Buddhist
A re-release! Our conversation with Dr Evan Thompson has been attracting significant attention as we've crossed over into 2023, and we wanted to re-re-release it for new listeners. Enjoy one of our all-time favourite conversations. -- In 2023, Buddhism is perceived as 'spirituality for the...
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Cognitive Biases and Emotional Reactions: with Dr Norman Farb
Confidence is critical in emotional regulation. Here to uncover the world of cognitive biases, emotional reactions and wellbeing is Dr Norman Farb from the University of Toronto. He shares compelling theories and research on how we can develop our ability to change - encouraging engagement in...
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Meditation and Psychotherapy: with Ian Singer
“Start from where you are.” This is underlined as one of the foundational lessons for starting meditation in a psychotherapy context, by today’s guest Ian Singer. Psychotherapist and vastly experienced meditator, Ian has dedicated his career to working with thousands of clients and students…
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Soul and Interconnectedness: Dr Anna Yusim
How do you live an authentic and meaningful life? According to today’s guest Dr Anna Yusim: by connecting to your soul, regardless of your spiritual or religious beliefs. Anna is an author, psychiatrist and spiritual teacher whose research focuses on the intersection of science and spirituality.…
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How To Be Human: 2022 Pod Review
Humans are incredibly complex. Spiritual practice is incredibly powerful. But do contemplative frameworks show how to be a human in full? Welcome to our inaugural review of the year. Hosts Jamie and Mark reflect on some key lessons learned from picking the brains of nearly 40 academics…
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The Dark Night of the Soul
The Dark Night of the Soul is a unique, scary and transformative experience On a quest to track the history and improve the resources on the Dark Night is Nathan Fisher, PhD student at University of California Santa Barbara. Nathan is an expert on the texts and phenomenology of these states in...
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Constructing Our Lives: with Dr Shamil Chandaria
Meditation is about getting to grips with the way we construct the world. Today we are delighted to welcome Dr Shamil Chandaria from the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing at University of Oxford. An expert in his field, Shamil leads us on an investigative journey into predictive...
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Spirituality and Psychic Abilities
What links spirituality and psychic ability with diet? Here to explore the topic of his pioneering PhD is Michael Daw of Northampton University. Michael outlines a long history of the connectedness of dietary practice (veganism, vegetarianism and fasting) with spiritual tradition, from Shamanism…
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Jhāna and Peak Experiences
Let's talk about Jhāna, some of the peak experiences on the spiritual journey. Here to lead us on a journey into these peak experiences is cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado Jonas Mago. Jonas is currently pursuing doctoral studies at McGill University, diving into the various...
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Mental Health and Buddhism: with Dr Elli Weisbaum
Will Buddhism improve your mental health? Dr Elli Weisbaum is a Toronto based mindfulness practitioner and teacher who attended her first retreat with scholar, Zen Master and Nobel Peace prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh at the age of ten. Today, she takes us through the potential benefits (and...
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The Dark Side of Meditation
Meditation does not always yield positive results. Joining today to talk us through the ‘Dark Side of Meditation’ is Christine Kupfer. Medical anthropologist and expert in Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy, Christine breaks down how meditation practice is often perceived as a cure-all for...
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Psychedelics and Spiritual Traditions
What exactly is the role of Psychedelics in the development of the world's spiritual traditions? Joining today is researcher and co-founder of Eudelics, Dr Richard Chambers. Richard illuminates a history of psychedelic traditions, its suppression over many years by religious groups and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Mark Miller
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Contemplative Science Podcast have?
The Contemplative Science Podcast currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Contemplative Science Podcast about?
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 often does The Contemplative Science Podcast release new episodes?
The Contemplative Science Podcast has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Contemplative Science Podcast?
You can listen to The Contemplative Science Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Contemplative Science Podcast?
The Contemplative Science Podcast is created and hosted by Mark Miller.
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