The Weekend University

Insights for Evolving Consciousness.

Insights for Evolving Consciousness In-depth interviews with leading thinkers at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, culture, and spirituality. This show is for you if you’re interested in: – Reducing suffering — in yourself and others – Continuously upgrading your perspective – Realising more of your potential – Experiencing a greater sense of awe, meaning, and connection in everyday life. New episodes every Thursday.

  1. Dr. Christof Koch - Exploring the Further Reaches of Human Consciousness

    15 HR AGO

    Dr. Christof Koch - Exploring the Further Reaches of Human Consciousness

    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 Brazil changed his understanding of reality — The discovery of “covert consciousness” in patients thought to be in vegetative states — How the perturbational complexity index (PCI) shows a clear boundary between conscious and unconscious states, and why this matters — How Integrated Information Theory approaches the question of free will You can learn more about Dr. Koch’s work at https://christofkoch.com. --- Dr. Christof Koch is a Meritorious Investigator at the Allen Institute. Christof received his baccalaureate from the Lycée Descartes in Rabat, Morocco, his B.S. and M.S. in physics from the University of Tübingen in Germany and his Ph.D. from the Max-Planck Institute for biological Cybernetics in 1982. Subsequently, he spent four years as a postdoctoral fellow in the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From 1987 until 2013, Koch was a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, from his initial appointment as Assistant Professor, Division of Biology and Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences in 1986, to his final position as Lois and Victor Troendle Professor of Cognitive & Behavioral Biology. See here for Christof’s academic pedigree and his students. Christof joined the Allen Institute for Brain Science as Chief Scientific Officer in 2011 and became President in 2015. Christof writings and interests integrate theoretical, computational and experimental neuroscience with philosophy and contemporary trends, in particular artificial intelligence. His latest book, Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It, publish in May 2024. His previous book, Consciousness: Confessions of a Romantic Reductionist, blends science and memoir to explore topics in discovering the roots of consciousness. Stemming in part from a long-standing collaboration with the late Nobel Laureate Francis Crick, Christof authored the book The Quest for Consciousness: A Neurobiological Approach. Koch also authored the technical books Biophysics of Computation: Information Processing in Single Neurons and Methods in Neuronal Modeling: From Ions to Networks, and served as editor for several books on neural modeling and information processing. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Koch’s website: https://christofkoch.com — Dr. Koch’s book: https://amzn.to/4mIKG9W

    51 min
  2. Integrative Attachment Therapy — Dr. David Elliott

    23 APR

    Integrative Attachment Therapy — Dr. David Elliott

    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 becoming the client's good attachment figure. And more. You can learn more about Dr. Elliott’s work at https://www.davidelliottphd.com. --- Dr. Elliott received his Ph.D. in Psychology in 1989 from Harvard University. His clinical training while at Harvard included externships at the Tufts University Counseling Center, the Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Massachusetts, and a clinical psychology internship at McLean Hospital, the psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. He also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at McLean Hospital, where he worked on the Adolescent and Family Treatment Unit and at the hospital’s mental health outpatient clinic. He was licensed as a Psychologist in Massachusetts in 1990, and in Rhode Island in 1993. Recognizing from an early age that there are many dimensions to human experience, any and all of which can contribute to well-being or to difficulty, Dr. Elliott has maintained a commitment to learning and understanding the whole range of human possibility — from the deepest confusions and struggles of psychosis, to the patterns of personality that create personal and relational conflicts, to the development of the self in ways that promote both independence and intimacy, and to higher levels of growth that allow for flourishing and even a recognition of oneself as beyond the limits of the personal self. --- Interview Links: — Dr Elliott’s website - https://www.davidelliottphd.com 3 Books Dr Elliott Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World - Sue Marriott & Ann Kelley - https://amzn.to/4cn9ttG — A Compelling Idea: How We Become the Persons We Are - Alan Sroufe - https://amzn.to/4cvP31X — Attachment Disturbances in Adults: Treatment for Comprehensive Repair - Daniel P. Brown & David S. Elliott - https://amzn.to/4cvPcCx

    1hr 3min
  3. What Neurosurgery Taught Me About Materialism, Consciousness, and Free Will — Dr. Michael Egnor

    16 APR

    What Neurosurgery Taught Me About Materialism, Consciousness, and Free Will — Dr. Michael Egnor

    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 function normally — What paradoxical lucidity in dementia patients reveals about consciousness — How research on patients in persistent vegetative states challenges materialist assumptions — Why evidence from neuroscience points to the existence of an immaterial mind And more. You can learn more about Dr. Egnor’s work through his book, “The Immortal Mind". — Michael Egnor’s practice includes patients diagnosed with Arnold Chiari deformity, hydrocephalus, cranio-synostosis, brain tumors, and spina bifida, as well as children with severe head trauma. He has an international reputation for research on hydrocephalus, and he is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Hydrocephalus Association in the United States. --- Interview Link: — Dr. Egnor’s Book: https://amzn.to/4bIAiv3

    1hr 5min
  4. Navigating “Possession” in Psychotherapy — Robert Falconer

    9 APR

    Navigating “Possession” in Psychotherapy — Robert Falconer

    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 decade of written dialogues on consciousness and healing. In this conversation, they explore: — Why the belief that minds are isolated and impermeable may contribute to psychological distress — How intergenerational trauma can be passed down through epigenetic mechanisms — The difference between parts of ourselves and external psychological influences — Why fear is the main way intrusive patterns maintain their influence — The role of interoception in mental health, and how Internal Family Systems approaches these cases And more. You can learn more about Robert’s work at http://robertfalconer.us. --- In 2023, Bob published his book about IFS and unattached burdens – The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind, and Spirit Possession, and it quickly became a best-seller in its category. Prior to that he co-authored Many Minds, One Self (2017) with Richard Schwartz and since then he has published When You’re Going Through Hell …Keep Going (2024), and his latest book, Spirit (2025), a summary of many of the journals of his daily dialogues with Spirit. For the past 20 years or so Bob has devoted himself full-time to IFS work (Internal Family Systems Therapy). In that time he has completed all levels of IFS training offered, and has been a program assistant more than 18 times. Bob has been at many workshops and events with Richard Schwartz both as assistant and participant. In addition to studying with many of the other senior IFS trainers, For all of his therapeutic work, both professional and personal, Bob now uses IFS almost exclusively. Before this Bob used and explored many forms of therapy, starting with Ericksonian hypnotherapy which he studied with Carol Erickson. He received his master’s degree and hypnotherapist certificate under her tutelage. Then he met and began studying with Jack and Helen Watkins, the creators of Ego State Therapy. Before beginning his graduate work, starting in 1971, Bob was a regular at with the Esalen Institute where he has attended more than 120 events and workshops. At Esalen Bob met and worked with many of the leaders of the human potential movement and focused on Gestalt Therapy mainly with Mariah Fenton Gladys and Christine Price. In the 80s and 90s Bob also studied codependency and addictions with Pia Mellody. --- Interview Links: — Robert’s website: https://robertfalconer.us/ — Robert’s books: https://amzn.to/4t2AuLX

    1hr 2min
  5. Behavioural Coaching, Meaning-Making, and Finding the Middle Way — Eric Zimmer

    2 APR

    Behavioural Coaching, Meaning-Making, and Finding the Middle Way — Eric Zimmer

    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 puzzle to be solved rather than a problem to be fixed — What it means to be “on your own side”, and how this fuels personal growth — Why self-compassion and accountability are not opposites—but partners And more. You can learn more about Eric’s podcast, membership, and programs at oneyoufeed.net --- A behavior coach, Certified Interfaith Spiritual Director, podcast host, and writer, Eric Zimmer is endlessly inspired by the quest for a greater understanding of how our minds work and how to intentionally create the lives we want to live. At the age of 24, Eric was homeless, addicted to heroin and facing long jail sentences. In the years since he has found a way to recover from addiction and build a life worth living for himself. Eric works as a behavior coach and has done so for the past 20 years. He has coached hundreds of people from around the world on how to make significant life changes and create habits that serve them well in achieving the goals they’ve set for themselves. In addition to his work as a behavior coach, he currently hosts the award-winning podcast, The One You Feed, based on an old parable about two wolves at battle within us. With over 600 episodes and over 30 million downloads, the show features conversations with experts across many fields of study about how to create a life that has less suffering and more fulfillment and meaning. Guests on the show include scientists, authors, researchers, teachers, thought leaders, spiritual gurus, and public figures and all offer practical, actionable wisdom that listeners can readily apply to their daily lives in order to act their way into a better experience of living. His story and his work have been featured in the media including TedX, Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, the BBC and Brain Pickings. --- Interview Links: — Eric’s website - https://www.oneyoufeed.net — Get Your Copy of Eric's New Book: https://www.oneyoufeed.net/book/

    1hr 1min
  6. Was Jesus Really Teaching Nonduality? - Cynthia Bourgeault

    26 MAR

    Was Jesus Really Teaching Nonduality? - Cynthia Bourgeault

    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 consciousness — The practice of kenosis and why “clinging to nothing” is central to spiritual development — What the resurrection reveals about different levels of consciousness and being — Why human beings may serve as a bridge between material and non-material realms And more. You can learn more about Cynthia’s work at https://wisdomwaypoints.org. --- Cynthia Bourgeault is a modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader. She divides her time between solitude and sailing the waters around her seaside hermitage in Maine and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and Wisdom paths. Cynthia is a core faculty emeritus at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been honored by the annual Watkins Review as one of the 100 most spiritually influential living people in 2021. Cynthia grew up in the rolling countryside just west of Philadelphia and experienced her first tastes of silence and mystical presence during the weekly Meeting for Worship at the Quaker school she attended. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies, where she specialized in early music and liturgical drama: training that would prove to serve her well in her later work as a spiritual teacher. She studied at the Philadelphia Divinity School and was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1979. In 2013 she became a core faculty member of the center for Action and contemplation, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The strength of a lineage depends on the strength of its students, Cynthia believes. From the start she has taken an active interest in mentoring a new generation of Wisdom teachers and leaders, and it has been a joy to watch their emergence. You will meet many of them right here on this website, featured in the forum and profile sections, or leading the practices and book groups While retirement continues to elude her, she does steal as much time as she can for hermit solitude, exploring the spiritual cutting edges, and “messing about in boats.” You can learn more about Cynthia’s work at https://wisdomwaypoints.org. --- Interview Links: — Cynthia's websites: http://wisdomwayofknowing.org and https://wisdomwaypoints.org — Cynthia's book: https://amzn.to/4rW8SXs

    1hr 13min
  7. Healing Addiction with Internal Family Systems — Marc Lewis and Cece Sykes

    19 MAR

    Healing Addiction with Internal Family Systems — Marc Lewis and Cece Sykes

    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 with addiction. She is the author of “Internal Family Systems Therapy for Addictions”. In this discussion, they explore: — Why addiction is best seen as an adaptive response to emotional difficulty rather than a disease — How the polarization between critical and escape-seeking parts maintains addictive patterns — The neuroscience behind why parts emerge in specific moments and contexts — Why bringing compassion, rather than judgment, to addictive behaviours creates the conditions for change — How Internal Family Systems therapy helps people access their capacity for self-regulation And more. You can learn more about Professor Lewis at https://memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com and Cece at https://www.cecesykeslcsw.com. --- Prof Marc Lewis, PhD is a neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s leading experts on the neuroscience of addiction. In his academic work, he has authored or co-authored more than fifty journal articles, and for many years was a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Toronto and then Radboud University (Netherlands) before retiring. For the last decade, he has focused on making his work more accessible to a wider audience through books for lay readers, pop science articles, public talks, and interviews. He is the author of two bestselling books on addiction: “Memoirs of an Addicted Brain” and “The Biology of Desire”, a book which Dr Gabor Mate argues “effectively refutes the disease model of addiction.” He is currently practicing psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist in Toronto, working with clients with addictive problems and other difficulties. --- Cece Sykes, LCSW, ACSW; IFS Senior Trainer, US and international. Contributed to Levels 1 and 2 IFS training manuals and teaches L1 as well as L2 Trauma and Addiction. Cece has over thirty years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families, specializing in work with the effects of trauma and addiction. Her chapter on compassionate approaches to addictive process appears in IFS: Innovations and Elaborations, 2016, Routledge. Cece also has special interests in spiritual practices intersecting with therapy and in the impact of psychotherapy upon the life of the therapist and she lectures, consults and leads workshops on all of these topics. Cece lives and works in the city of Chicago. --- Interview Links: Interview Links: — Professor Lewis’ website: https://memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com — Professor Lewis’ books: https://amzn.to/4rIga10 — Cece’s website: https://www.cecesykeslcsw.com — Cece’s book: https://amzn.to/4btvzfm

    1hr 8min
  8. Caroline Myss: Archetypes, Seeking Divine Guidance, & Co-Creating a Better World

    12 MAR

    Caroline Myss: Archetypes, Seeking Divine Guidance, & Co-Creating a Better World

    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 explore: — Why human development may move from the love of power to the power of love — How the symbolic realm shapes physical reality — The role of archetypes as impersonal patterns that organise human consciousness — Why intention, rather than action, determines the consequence of our choices — How guidance from the non-physical realm operates in moments of genuine need And more. You can learn more about Caroline’s work and courses at https://myss.com. — Caroline Myss is a five-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned speaker in the fields of human consciousness, spirituality and mysticism, health, energy medicine, and the science of medical intuition. Caroline established her own educational institute in 2003, CMED (Caroline Myss Education), which offers a diverse array of programs devoted to personal development and draws students from all over the world. Caroline then pursued her interest in the language of symbols, myths, and archetypes, conducting research that enabled her to profile an individual’s “Sacred Contract,” a complex of 12 archetypal patterns that reflect in mythic language the agreements the soul made prior to birth. Based on this work, Caroline released “Sacred Contracts”, which became her third New York Times bestseller. Caroline followed with two more New York Times bestsellers, “Invisible Acts of Power” in 2004 and “Entering the Castle” in 2007. Caroline’s interest in mysticism and the nature of mystical consciousness only deepened following the writing of Entering the Castle. She pursued her interest in the nature of grace, the consciousness of the soul and the mystical phenomenon of healing that transcends reason in “Defy Gravity”, released in October 2009. In 2020, Caroline released a book on prayer, including 100 of her personal prayers, “Intimate Conversations with the Divine”. In addition to her written work, Caroline has produced more than one hundred audio/visual products on subjects that include healing, spirituality, personal development, and the study of archetypes. --- Interview Links: — Caroline’s website: https://myss.com — Caroline’s books: https://amzn.to/4rZIa0X — Caroline’s online courses: https://myss.com/online-courses — Caroline’s live workshops: https://myss.com/in-depth-experiences

    1hr 2min
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4.9
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Insights for Evolving Consciousness In-depth interviews with leading thinkers at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, culture, and spirituality. This show is for you if you’re interested in: – Reducing suffering — in yourself and others – Continuously upgrading your perspective – Realising more of your potential – Experiencing a greater sense of awe, meaning, and connection in everyday life. New episodes every Thursday.

Information

  • Creator
    Insights for Evolving Consciousness.
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    290
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Weekend University

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