Simon is a life coach, business strategist, and author, whose insights have been featured on the BBC, Sky News, and the Guardian. This conversation explores some of the key ideas from Simon’s debut book: Energise, including: — Why the best way to change your life is to focus on changing your energy — Simon’s advice on how to become a world class public speaker — The philosophy of Bruce Lee and the importance of having a “definite aim” in your life — Simon’s unique approach for finding and buildi...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Tami Simon is the Founder of SoundsTrue - a multimedia publishing company with more than 110 employees, and a library of more than 3,000 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, including Eckharte Tolle, Pema Chodron, Gabor Mate, and Michael Singer. This conversation explores: — The role that synchronicity and prayer have played in Tami’s journey — Tami’s unique approach to business, including why it’s important to realise that the “how” of what you do is more i...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Professor Steven C Hayes is the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and most recently Process-Based Therapy (PBT). This session provides an introduction to PBT, what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can help clinicians both better serve their clients, and continuously improve their clinical skills. You’ll learn: — Why it’s vital to view psychological problems as existing as ‘nodes’ in a network’ — Why the 10,000 hour rule doesn’t apply in therapy, and what...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 41 min
Dr Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and Professor of Psychology at New York University, whose research focuses on how our visual perception influences motivation, and how we can leverage the cognitive biases inherent in the human mind in a way that makes us more effective at achieving long term goals. She has written 74 scientific publications, given two TED talks, and is the author of the 2020 book: Clearer, Closer, Better. This conversation provides an introduction into some of the key ...
Dec 14, 2023•52 min
Professor Paul Gilbert, a clinical psychologist, bestselling author and the Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy. Paul has dedicated his life to researching the science of compassion and how it can be applied to alleviate suffering and promote wellbeing. He is the author of numerous books, including “The Compassionate Mind”, “Mindful Compassion”, “Living Like Crazy”, “Overcoming Depression”, and most recently: “Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Applications”. In 2011, Paul was a...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 8 min
The latest research on autism and the brain is indicating that it affects the brain in much the same way as complex trauma. What does this mean for the delivery of behavioral and social services? If the brain is affected in the same ways as trauma what does this mean for educational, vocational, and developmental goals in the individual's life? How do we progress with treatment based on the research of the last six years? In this session, Robert will introduce the latest research, outline how th...
Nov 30, 2023•58 min
Dr Anna Lembke is a Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, a New York Times Bestselling Author, addiction expert, and clinician. There are few people on the planet who know more about dopamine and its role in addiction than Dr Lembke, so it was a real honour to get to sit down and have this conversation with her. I’m growing convinced that understanding how dopamine works in the brain and body is the key not only to breaking addictions, but also to long term flourishing in life, and in ...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr
Jan is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist with more than 40 years of experience working with addiction and trauma. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto and the director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction, and her most recent book: “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model” has attracted praise from the likes of Gabor Maté, Stephen Porges, and Marc Lewis. In this conversa...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Hal is a Professor of Marketing, Behavioural Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA, who Angela Duckworth describes as “one of today’s leading behavioural scientists”. Hal’s research focuses on the psychology of the future self and how you can leverage it to improve decision making and quality of life for both your present and future selves. This conversation explores some of the key ideas from Hal’s new book, including: — The End of History Illusion; what it is, and why becoming aware of it ca...
Nov 09, 2023•37 min
Bernardo is an author, scientist, philosopher, and the Director of the Essentia Foundation. He holds two PhDs - one in philosophy and the other in engineering. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. In this conversation, you’ll learn: — How the life of Friedrich Nietzsche can be thought of as a microcosm of a cultural macrocosm we are currently experiencing — Why life is inherently sacrificial and how understandin...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Bonnie is an author, therapist, mentor, and the co-founder of the nonprofit agency: Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind. This is Bonnie’s second appearance on the show, and in this conversation we dive deeper into her unique concept of “Inner Community” and how it can be applied to heal deep-seated wounds from the past, and create a felt-sense of safety in the body. You’ll learn: — How our neurobiology and mirror neurons put us “within each other” — How Bonnie’s unique approach to psychot...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Mark is a Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Salford, the author of two books on Transactional analysis, and a UKCP registered psychotherapist. He is also an active psychotherapy researcher, and in 2017, he was awarded the International Transactional Analysis Association Research Award in recognition of his research into the effectiveness of TA. In this conversation, we discuss: — The core concepts of the TA model, including how each of us has 3 basic elements ...
Oct 19, 2023•53 min
Dr. Spiegel is an author, psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, and one of the world’s leading experts into the clinical applications of hypnosis. He has published thirteen books, over 400 scientific articles, and 170 chapters on hypnosis, stress physiology, trauma, and psychotherapy. In this conversation, we discuss: — Dr Spiegel’s groundbreaking research into how hypnosis can be applied in a clinical setting to improve client outcomes — What’s happening in the brain during hypnoti...
Oct 12, 2023•53 min
This session will provide an overview of the contemporary understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that goes beyond the “A” and the “H.” Instead, ADHD is understood as a developmental syndrome of self-dysregulation or executive dysfunction. From this understanding, the session will move on to an outline of the corresponding implications for psychosocial treatment of ADHD in adults, namely using cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). The different facets of CBT will be briefly...
Oct 05, 2023•59 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 psycholo...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Unlock the secrets of the mind with Bonnie Badenoch, a renowned trauma therapist and author with a unique blend of expertise in literature and mysticism. In this insightful talk, Bonnie delves into the profound impact of fear on our ability to focus and learn, underscoring the critical importance of safety and connection in our lives. Explore the fascinating connection between brain hemispheres, as she discusses Iain McGilchrist's groundbreaking work and how it shapes human connection. Bonnie in...
Sep 21, 2023•59 min
Embark on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the intricacies of human nature, history, compassion, and evolution. With a poignant analogy of a lost baby's name tag at a hospital, we navigate the balance of good and bad news in life, gaining insights that resonate. Uncover the profound layers of compassion, transcending mere kindness, and discover the resolute commitment to confront suffering's root causes. Professor Paul Gilbert skillfully underscores the pivotal role of comprehending ...
Sep 14, 2023•31 min
Delving into the nuanced landscape of trauma, this talk redefines its contours. Beyond the apparent shockwaves of accidents or abuse, the lens of somatic experiencing unveils trauma as an entity residing within physiology, spanning tissues, nerves, and interactions. The ebb and flow of trauma's grip unfolds as dysregulation within one's system. Manifesting either as rigid fixity or graceful flow, this analogy likens it to a dam obstructing water's natural course.Peeling back the layers of identi...
Sep 11, 2023•34 min
Dr Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. Dr Miller’s 2021 book: The Awakened Brain explores the neuroscience of spirituality and offers a bold new paradi...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Professor Dryden is a therapist, trainer, academic and author who has published more than 240 books. In many ways, Windy could be described as a pioneer in the field. He was one of the first in the UK to be trained in CBT, having learned directly from Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, and has since trained therapists all over the world in the approach. He is best known for his work in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), which will be the focus of today’s conversation where we discuss: — Windy'...
Sep 04, 2023•54 min
Delve into the profound connection between compassion and evolution in this enlightening talk by Paul Gilbert. Discover how Compassion Focus Therapy, deeply rooted in understanding affiliative processing, offers insights into our motivations. Explore compassion as a potent motivation, encompassing sensitivity to suffering and an unwavering commitment to alleviating it. Gilbert unveils the core elements of compassion—courage to confront suffering and a resolute dedication to its relief. Learn how...
Aug 31, 2023•31 min
Irene Lyon is a somatic experiencing practitioner and nervous system expert, who has dedicated the past twenty years of her life to understanding the role that the nervous system plays in healing from past traumas, and setting us up for flourishing in life. She has studied extensively under the likes of Peter Levine, Kathy Kain, and Stephen Terell - so she brings both a wide-ranging and in-depth perspective to her work. In this conversation, you'll learn: — Why the nervous system is the central ...
Aug 28, 2023•41 min
In this thought-provoking talk, delve into the intricate interplay between our ancient pleasure-seeking instincts and the modern world's excesses. Dr. Anna Lembke, esteemed psychiatrist and Stanford professor, unveils the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction within our present context. Exploring how the very mechanisms that once safeguarded us now navigate us toward modern predicaments, she dissects the elements of access, quantity, potency, and novelty that amplify addictive behaviors. Wi...
Aug 25, 2023•23 min
Discover the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in this enlightening interview with Richard Schwartz. Delve into the intricate IFS model, comprising Exiles, Managers, Firefighters, and Self. Learn how Exiles, those inner child parts, hold emotional pain from past traumas. Explore the role of Managers in preventing triggers through inner criticism. Understand the vital role of Firefighters, reactive in managing intense emotions. Uncover the healing core that is your Sel...
Aug 21, 2023•24 min
Embark on a profound exploration of consciousness with Mark Solms, Anil Seth, Iain McGilchrist, and Donald Hoffman in this captivating compilation. Delve into the perplexing question of how conscious experience emerges from the intricate dance of neurons and synapses, challenging conventional notions. Join these esteemed minds as they unveil the brain's role as a predictive engine, crafting our perceptions instead of passively processing external inputs. Traverse discussions on perception, time,...
Aug 17, 2023•32 min
Professor Michaela Swales - a consultant clinical psychologist, author, and DBT trainer, who has trained more than 1,000 professionals in the approach. There are few people on the planet who know as much about DBT as Michaela, so it was a real delight to have this conversation with her, in which we cover: — How DBT combines the best of Eastern and Western Philosophy into one modality, and what Michaela learned from training under Marsha Linehan — Why everything (including thoughts and emotions) ...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Dr. Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, and the Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute, an educational organization, which focuses on how the development of mindsight in individuals, families and communities can be enhanced by examining the interface of human relationships and basic biological processes. He is the author of several bestselling books, including: The Mindful B...
Aug 10, 2023•59 min
In this enlightening talk, join Dr. Anna Lembke, a renowned psychiatrist and author, as she delves into the captivating insights from her book "Dopamine Nation." Discover how our ancient brain wiring propels us to seek pleasure and avoid pain, creating a delicate balance within us. Unravel the profound role of dopamine, the neurotransmitter behind pleasure, motivation, and reward, and how its imbalance can lead to addiction. Dr. Lembke offers a thought-provoking remedy for managing compulsive ov...
Aug 07, 2023•20 min
In this captivating conversation, Richard Schwartz shares his remarkable personal journey of transformation, evolving from a place of aggression and anger to discovering profound self-leadership and healing. Unraveling the depths of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Schwartz elucidates its profound goals - the liberation and harmonization of our internal parts. He thoughtfully critiques the conventional attachment theory, challenging the notion that self can solely emanate from external rel...
Aug 03, 2023•22 min
With his wealth of expertise, Dr. Solms presents an enlightening talk that explores the intricacies of why we dream and unveils the hidden meanings behind these enigmatic nocturnal experiences. Throughout the lecture, Dr. Solms navigates through cutting-edge research and timeless theories, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the neuroscience behind dreaming. Drawing on his own pioneering studies and decades of exploration, he presents compelling evidence that underscores the ...
Jul 31, 2023•22 min
