In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Christof Koch, Chief Scientist of the MindScope Program at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, former Professor at Caltech, and author of “Then I Am Myself the World”. Dr. Koch is a leading researcher in the science of consciousness and a key proponent of Integrated Information Theory. In this conversation, they explore: — Why consciousness may be fundamental, while physical matter exists only in relation to other things — How an experience on a beach in...
Apr 30, 2026•51 min
Dr. David Elliott is a clinical psychologist, former president of the Rhode Island Psychological Association, and Harvard graduate. He teaches internationally on attachment, personality, and psychotherapy process, and is the co-author of Attachment Disturbances in Adults. In this conversation, we explore: — The ‘ideal parent figure’ method and how it can be applied to heal attachment wounds — The three pillars of integrative attachment therapy — The benefits and limitations of the therapist beco...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Michael Egnor, a professor of neurosurgery at Stony Brook University who has performed over 7,000 brain operations. He is also director of the neurosurgery residency program and has published extensively on the relationship between mind and brain. In this conversation, they explore: — Why decades of brain mapping research suggest that reason and free will cannot be produced by neural activity — Cases of patients missing large portions of their brain who fun...
Apr 16, 2026•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Robert Falconer, a writer, consultant, and teacher who has spent nearly two decades working with complex psychological experiences that sit outside conventional therapeutic frameworks. Robert is the author of ten books and specialises in working with people experiencing what Internal Family Systems calls “unattached burdens” — intrusive psychological patterns that seem to originate outside a person’s own history. His most recent book, “Spirit”, documents a deca...
Apr 09, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Get Your Copy of Eric's New Book: https://www.oneyoufeed.net/book/ In this episode, I speak with Eric Zimmer— a behavioural coach, podcast host, and writer—whose work blends spirituality with the science of behaviour change. Eric is best known as the host of the award winning “One You Feed Podcast”. In this conversation, we explore: — Why lasting change requires both inner and outer transformation — How to move beyond shame and identity-based thinking — The power of reframing behaviour as a puzz...
Apr 02, 2026•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest, author, and teacher of contemplative practice and the Wisdom tradition. She is the author of multiple books, and has spent decades exploring the relationship between Christian mysticism and consciousness transformation. In this conversation, they explore: — Why the discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts suggests a more diverse early Christianity — How Jesus’s mission may have centred on the transformation of human consciousn...
Mar 26, 2026•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Professor Marc Lewis and Cece Sykes about addiction, Internal Family Systems therapy, and the neuroscience of behavioural change. Professor Lewis is a neuroscientist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, specialising in developmental psychology and addiction. He is the author of “Memoirs of an Addicted Brain” and “The Biology of Desire”. Cece is a clinical psychologist with over four decades of experience supporting trauma survivors and people wi...
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Caroline Myss, a five-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognised teacher in human consciousness and medical intuition. Caroline has spent decades exploring the relationship between biography, consciousness, and the patterns that shape human experience. Her work brings together mystical theology, archetypal psychology, and the question of how intention and choice influence health and personal transformation. In this conversation, they ...
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Kevin Tracey, a neurosurgeon, inventor, researcher, and author of “The Great Nerve”, who leads the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. Dr. Tracey's research has shown how the vagus nerve connects the brain and immune system, controlling inflammation in the body. His work has led to FDA-approved treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and may help with depression, PTSD, and other inflammatory conditions. In this conversation, they explore: — How the vagus...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a cognitive scientist, humanistic psychologist, and author of “Rise Above”. Scott has spent his career redefining human potential and helping people overcome limiting beliefs. Despite being placed in special education as a child due to an auditory learning disability, he earned his PhD and is now one of the most cited psychologists in the world. In this conversation, they explore: — The difference between being a victim and having a vic...
Feb 26, 2026•54 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Yannick Jacob, an existential coach, philosopher, and educator with over 15 years of coaching experience. Yannick helps people explore the deeper philosophical questions behind everyday life. His approach blends existential philosophy with practical coaching to develop what he calls “existential resilience.” In this conversation, they explore: — How big existential questions are always at work beneath the surface of our lives — How building “existential resilie...
Feb 19, 2026•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of “Weird” and “Me, But Better”. Drawing on research and personal experimentation, Olga shows how our personalities are more flexible than we often realise—and how intentional change can lead to greater fulfilment and success. In this conversation, they explore: — Why personality change often starts with letting go of limiting self-narratives — How Buddhist principles can reduce neuroticism and anxiety — Wh...
Feb 12, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Donald Robertson is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, author, and a leading expert on ancient Stoic philosophy and its modern applications. Originally from Scotland and now based in Canada, he has spent his career examining how ancient philosophy can help address modern psychological challenges. In this episode, Niall speaks with Donald about his book: “How to Think Like Socrates” and the continued relevance of Socratic philosophy for modern life and mental wellbeing. In this conversation...
Feb 05, 2026•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Christopher Bache about his 20-year exploration of consciousness, including 73 high-dose LSD sessions undertaken as part of a disciplined, structured inquiry. Dr. Bache is a Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University. Dr. Bache’s journey moved beyond personal healing into encounters with collective consciousness and what he calls the diamond soul. His work brings together philosophy, spirituality, and direct investigation o...
Jan 29, 2026•1 hr 6 min
Dr. Sherif Darwish Abdalla is a consultant psychiatrist and addiction therapist. He is the Co-Founder of Recovery Egypt, one of the leading treatment and rehabilitation centres in North Africa. He has publications in many international Journals, including the European Journal of Psychiatry. In this conversation, we explore: — Dr Darwish’s radical approach to recovery and how it goes against many of the norms of mainstream psychiatry — How Dr Darwish and his colleague built their recovery centre ...
Jan 22, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Richard Lang is a philosopher, author, and the leading proponent of the "Headless Way" – a method of self-inquiry first developed by Douglas Harding. After meeting Harding at age 17 in 1970, Richard has spent over five decades exploring, practising, and sharing the Headless Way Approach. In this conversation, we explore: — The revolutionary insight that you cannot see your own head, and what this simple observation reveals about consciousness and identity — How our sense of self changes dependin...
Jan 15, 2026•56 min
Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of "High Functioning." As the lead researcher behind the world's first peer-reviewed study on high-functioning depression, Dr. Judith’s work focuses on helping people recognize and address depression before it leads to breakdown. In this conversation, we explore: — What high-functioning depression is and why it often goes unrecognized — How trauma and overworking are connected to hidden depression — Why joy is our "b...
Jan 08, 2026•49 min
Dr Lou Cozolino - a clinical psychologist, author and professor based in Beverly Hills, California. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and an M.T.S. from Harvard University. He has been a Professor at Pepperdine since 1986 and lectures around the world on psychotherapy, neuroscience, trauma, and attachment. The work that I do for The Weekend University means I get to explore a wide range of topics, teachers, and practitioners who are at the forefront of the field of psycholog...
Jan 01, 2026•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, I’m joined by two pioneers at the forefront of reshaping our understanding of human consciousness - Professor Donald Hoffman and Dr Iain McGilchrist. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they’ve both arrived at surprisingly similar conclusions about some of life’s biggest questions and the nature of reality. This conversation explores the parallels—and differences—in their thinking, covering topics like: — The growing scientific evidence that consciousness may be fund...
Dec 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Dr. Federico Faggin is a physicist, engineer, and the inventor of the microprocessor - the technology which paved the way for the digital age; making modern computing, the internet, and smartphones possible. In recent decades, Federico has turned his attention to developing a scientific theory of consciousness based on the latest developments in quantum physics. In this conversation, we explore: — How “quantum fields” may possess consciousness and free will as fundamental properties — Why meanin...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Mick is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, a Chartered Psychologist, and an internationally recognised author, trainer, and consultant in the fields of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies. This is Mick’s sixth appearance at The Weekend University, and I can think of very few people on the planet that have both the breadth and depth of knowledge in counselling and psychotherapy as him. This particular conversation focuses on his research into wor...
Dec 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Richard Schwartz and Cece Sykes, who—along with Martha Sweezy— have recently co-authored a book on Internal Family Systems for Addictions. Richard is the Founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model, a pioneering approach to psychotherapy which can be used to treat a wide range of problems, including eating disorders, self harm, addiction, and trauma. Cece is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and IFS Senior Trainer with over thirty years of clinical experience working with individuals, cou...
Dec 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this interview, I’m joined by Dr Bonnie Badenoch. Bonnie is an author, therapist, mentor, and the co-founder of the nonprofit agency: Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind. In a lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore: — How we’re organised to be protected until the possibility of healing arrives — Inner community - what it is, how it forms, and why it’s vital to understand when we’re discussing attachment — How our image of God influences our attachment patterns and overall psy...
Nov 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Dr. Donna Thomas is a social scientist and researcher specializing in children's consciousness studies. With over 28 years of experience researching with children, she has pioneered investigations into children's transcendental experiences and altered states of consciousness, challenging conventional materialist paradigms. In this conversation, we explore: — How a near-death experience at age 15 transformed Dr. Thomas's understanding of identity and consciousness — Why children may naturally acc...
Nov 20, 2025•1 hr
Dr Pat Ogden is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the developer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and one of the leading voices revolutionising our approach to trauma treatment. This conversation explores how sensorimotor psychotherapy can help us understand and treat attachment wounds - particularly those picked up in early life. You’ll learn: — How the body starts to “shape” itself based on our relationship with our early caregivers — The underlying principles that sensorimotor psychotherapy is bu...
Nov 13, 2025•58 min
Alan Graham is the founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization he started in 1998 that has transformed the approach to homelessness in Austin, Texas. What began with a catering truck providing meals to the homeless has evolved into Community First Village—a 51-acre master-planned community that has housed over 1,000 formerly homeless individuals. In this conversation, we explore: — Alan's revolutionary definition of "home" that goes beyond physical shelter — How the catastrophic...
Nov 06, 2025•57 min
Discover a transformative approach to recovery in this episode with Dr Andrew Tatarsky, PhD. Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (HRP) offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional methods, prioritizing understanding and empathy over immediate abstinence. Driven by personal experiences, Dr. Tatarsky unveils the limitations of abstinence-only treatment. Explore the depths of addiction with a focus on deciphering intricate motivations and meanings behind behaviors. This therapeutic journey champions...
Oct 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min
George Thompson is a filmmaker, Tai Chi practitioner, and creator dedicated to inspiring balance for both people and planet. After experiencing anxiety and burnout, George embarked on a transformative journey that took him from the Wudang Mountains in China to the wilderness of Scotland. In this conversation, we explore: — Why discovering Tai Chi was a pivotal moment in his trajectory — How compassion naturally arises from true understanding — The power of investigating our thoughts and feelings...
Oct 23, 2025•58 min
In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and leading sleep specialist who has spent over a decade as the clinical lead at one of Europe's largest sleep disorder centers. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, clinical practice, and evolutionary biology, Guy explores the fascinating world of sleep—from its biological functions to its profound impact on our physical and mental health. Expect to learn: — Why studying the extremes of human behavior helps us un...
Oct 16, 2025•59 min
Get Anna Runkle's new book, CONNECTABILITY. You can order via the following link: https://bit.ly/4dTK9xz — more links below 👇 Anna Runkle is a bestselling author and creator of the popular YouTube channel "Crappy Childhood Fairy." After overcoming her own complex PTSD through innovative self-regulation techniques, she has dedicated her life to helping others heal from developmental trauma and reconnect with themselves and others. In this conversation, we explore: — What "connection wounds" are ...
Oct 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min
