Dr. John Vervaeke engages in a multi-faceted conversation with Carla Groom, who is ingeniously incorporating cognitive science into her work. Vervaeke provides a scholarly background on mental models, drawing from philosophy and cognitive science to elucidate how humans make sense of their world. Groom shares her front-line experiences, revealing how these theories translate into actionable insights in government. The discussion evolves into a kaleidoscope of ideas, from the dynamics of mental m...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Dr. John Vervaeke hosts Canadian psychiatrist Peter Czaplinski for a fascinating discussion that stretches the boundaries of conventional psychotherapy. Czaplinski, who specializes in private practice and leans heavily on existentialist perspectives, brings professional insight and personal reflections into the dialogue. The episode delves into the ethics of psychiatric care, especially in challenging patient situations, and grapples with the role of spirituality, prayer, and ritual in mental he...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Alexander Beiner, a leading voice in the world of psychedelics, discuss psychedelics' role in contemporary society. They tackle complex topics like the dangers and potentials of mixing politics with psychedelics, the mechanics of mystical experiences, and the modern meaning crisis. The duo also delves into the risks and rewards of commodifying psychedelic experiences. They explore the latest scientific studies, personal account...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Dr. John Vervaeke engages with Rafe Kelley, a visionary movement coach, in a nuanced discussion that meanders from the philosophy of human movement to the meaning of life. Kelley imparts his unique approach to personal growth, advocating for a harmonious blend of physicality and philosophical depth. He delves into the significance of sensory-motor learning, ethical action, and the role of movement in understanding both self and world. The pair traverse an array of complex topics such as the conn...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and Jordan Hall delve into the complexities of human language, spirituality, and the future of artificial intelligence. Vervaeke introduces the show by touching upon predictive processing and relevance realization theory, setting the stage for Henriques to discuss transcendent naturalism and its capacity to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. Jordan Hall introduces several groundbreaking concepts, including the transformation of language and the e...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Joe Alto explore the intersections of philosophy, psychology, virtue, and spirituality. Dr. Vervaeke, a cognitive psychologist, and Joe Alto, a campus minister, and aspiring clinical mental health counselor, dissect the modern meaning crisis and offer refreshing perspectives on living a virtuous life. This discussion is a nourishing blend of philosophical insights and therapeutic practices, creating a unique roadmap for anyone grappling with questions of meaning, goodness, ...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 14 min
In episode 10 of the Transcendent Naturalism series, Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and guest Brett Andersen delve into the intricate relationship between science, spirituality, and modern mythology. The episode is a tour de force of intellectual exploration, covering topics from self-organizing criticality to the philosophy of order and chaos. Andersen offers a compelling presentation on the role of modern myths like the Matrix trilogy in understanding our complex world. Dr. Vervaeke and H...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 27 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the intricacies of meaning, spirituality, and the human experience. The episode commences with a succinct recap of their previous discussion, touching on Neoplatonism and Zen, before diving into Brendan's recent work on the concept of meaning. The conversation spans a wide array of topics, from the epistemic aspects of meaning to the philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and meditation. The duo also delves into the influence of historical...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 12 min
In Episode 9 of the Transcendent Naturalism series, Dr. John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, and guest Brett Andersen delve into the intricate relationship between complexity, criticality, and consciousness. The episode explores the concept of self-organized criticality and its role as a linchpin in understanding a variety of scientific topics. Andersen introduces his work on the diametric model of autism and psychosis, and the trio discusses the growing consensus around criticality as a framework fo...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Dr. John Vervaeke reunites with guest Damien Walter in an engaging second episode to unpack the fascinating theory of Star Trek as a potent contemporary mythos. They dissect storytelling as a "psycho-technology" that mirrors human cognition and immerses us in collective human experiences. The episode focuses on how Star Trek bridges the gap between traditional, modern, and postmodern narratives, with discussions on metamodernism and its relevance in narrative reconstruction. Vervaeke and Walter ...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques once again welcome Brendan Graham Dempsey to engage in profound explorations of transcendent naturalism, wisdom traditions, and the crucial significance of adaptive insight within our current existential landscape. Through discussions on religious reconstruction, animism, hyper-agents, and the role of wisdom in technology, the episode explores the connections between the sacred and the modern world. Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes collective intelligence and agency,...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 9 min
In this third episode of a riveting series, Dr. John Vervaeke and Greg Thomas dive into the intersection of music, culture, democracy, and race. Through the philosophical lens of blues, jazz, and cultural intelligence, they explore the profound implications and existential impulses within our society. The discussion shifts to the complexities of race, stereotypes, and the pitfalls of categorization, showcasing nuanced perspectives on racialization. Thomas's insights into leadership and improvisa...
Aug 25, 2023•1 hr 26 min
In Episode 7 of TN, John and Gregg welcome Brendan Graham Dempsey. Brendan is a writer, theologian, and theorist whose work focuses on the meaning crisis and the nature of spirituality in metamodernity. He is also the host of the Metamodern Spirituality podcast, and he runs the Skymeadow Retreat, which has hosted several metamodern spirituality events. In this episode, Brendan shares about his recent work, which he wrote about in Emergentism , and from his in-progress work on the meaning of mean...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Greg Thomas delve into the nuanced realm of 'Democracy as Antagonistic Cooperation' in the second installment of a captivating three-part series. Drawing parallels with jazz, Greg Thomas showcases how arts can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of democratic values. Dr. Vervaeke emphasizes the criticality of a shared cultural repertoire that trains cognition and shapes how democracy is internalized. They touch upon the often-overlooked interdependencies i...
Aug 19, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques lead an insightful discussion with guests Dr. Rich Blundell and Rita Leduc, diving into the heart of creativity, art, and cognitive science. The conversation explores the profound concepts of cognitive approaches, creativity, the importance of intimacy in art, and the link between ecological health and economic wealth. As the guests share their unique perspectives on life, creativity, and science, they lay out a path for deeper understanding, and encourage e...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 19 min
Dr. John Vervaeke sits down with Greg Thomas, a renowned jazz musician, and musicologist, to delve into the first of a multi-part series. They embark on a journey, exploring the intersections of jazz, blues, leadership, and life. Greg integrates his deep understanding of music into a leadership program, shedding light on how jazz serves as a potent metaphor for leadership and team cohesion in contemporary workspaces. Beyond its rhythmic allure, jazz becomes a powerful tool for understanding demo...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 17 min
Dr. John Vervaeke hosts an enlightening discussion with Gregg Henriques, Dr. Rich Blundell, and Rita Leduc. The conversation journeys through the realms of transcendent naturalism, embedded cognitive science, and the profound connection between individuals and the cosmos. Henriques dives deep into the concept of the Enlightenment Gap, offering fresh perspectives on how we relate to the world around us. Dr. Blundell’s insights range from the interconnectedness of various scientific and philosophi...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 27 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Bishop Maximus (Marretta) embark on a profound journey to challenge conventional notions of mind and consciousness. They critique representational theory, advocating for a conformist perspective. Dr. Vervaeke introduces integrating independent processes to determine relevance and illustrates how we can be aware through objects. The transformative power of attention is revealed, urging listeners to unlock hidden potential. Mesmerizing discussions connect martial arts, tai ch...
Aug 07, 2023•32 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques unpack the intricate relationship between ritual, rationality, and transcendent experiences. Vervaeke elucidates theoretical concepts surrounding the significance of sacredness in real-world encounters, particularly in rituals and spiritual engagements. The conversation further traverses the landscape of non-propositional knowing, where Vervaeke introduces groundbreaking ideas like "serious play," a space for transformative exploration. Drawing from personal...
Aug 04, 2023•50 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Bishop Maximus (Marretta) explore a vast terrain of topics, from the rapid advancements in AI and their implications on privacy to the inherent biases ingrained in human cognition. Dr. Vervaeke shares intriguing insights on the potential threats and advantages of AI, particularly deepfake technology while highlighting the interrelation between human and machine. The discourse dives deep into cognitive biases and the practical techniques to overcome them, such as active open...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques continue their thought-provoking exploration of Transcendent Naturalism by examining extended naturalism, neoplatonism, and the dimensions of sacredness. They challenge conventional notions of sacredness by examining its connection with strong transcendence and discussing Spinoza's insights into nature, God's ultimate reality, and the universe's deterministic nature, aligning with the Neoplatonic framework. They discuss religious perspectives, comparing clas...
Jul 26, 2023•58 min
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques delve into the fascinating concept of Transcendent Naturalism and its implications for navigating the meaning crisis. They explore the connections laid out in the worldview of Transcendent Naturalism, highlighting the Enlightenment gap and the urgent need for a new worldview. Henriques critiques the current state of education, knowledge systems, and the negative impact of capitalism and consumerism on our society. The discussion also delves into the epidemic...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Dr. John Vervaeke introduces his colleagues from the Vervaeke Foundation and dives deep into the concept of "Awaken to Meaning," an online platform for wisdom cultivation and self-improvement. Guests Ryan Barton, Christopher Mastropietro, and Taylor Barrett share their personal journeys toward wisdom and their roles in the foundation. The team delves into the purpose and offerings of their online dojo, detailing its role as a hub for bridging theory and practice. They discuss the importance of w...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 2
Dr. John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques challenge prevailing notions about science, spirituality, and their intricate relationship in this first episode of the new series entitled: Transcendent Naturalism. They embark on a journey through modern worldviews, diving into concepts such as reductionism, the Cartesian divide, and the tension between objective and subjective understanding. This dialogue brings out the complexity of reconciling quantum mechanics and relativity, the prevalent models that ...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 1
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 7
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 7
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 6
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 6
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 5
Jul 08, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 4
