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. Joy Tracking, Transforming Consciousness, and Living a Remarkably Charmed Life — Dr. Martha Beck

    6d ago

    Joy Tracking, Transforming Consciousness, and Living a Remarkably Charmed Life — Dr. Martha Beck

    In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Martha Beck, a Harvard-trained sociologist, and bestselling author who is widely regarded as the world’s leading life coach. Martha has written six New York Times bestsellers and is currently working on her new book, "The Pyramid and the Pool," which explores the collapse of hierarchical social structures and what might replace them. In this conversation, we explore: — Why Martha gave up everything in her twenties to create space for a more authentic life — The surprising relationship between “stuckness” and transformation — Martha's vision of a society that functions like a pool rather than a pyramid — How her experience raising a child with Down syndrome transformed her views on intellect and happiness — The relationship between integrity, intuition, and evolving consciousness And more. You can learn more about Martha's work, books, and coaching programs at https://marthabeck.com. --- Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She has spent a lifetime offering powerful, practical, and entertaining teachings that help people improve every aspect of their lives. Martha holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha’s published works include several self-help books and memoirs, including New York Times and international bestsellers Finding Your Own North Star, The Joy Diet, and Expecting Adam. She has also published over 150 magazine articles, including almost two decades of monthly columns for O, The Oprah Magazine. Martha is a passionate and engaging speaker, known for her characteristic blending of science, spirituality, and humor. As “the best-known life coach in America” (NPR, USA Today), she has spoken to audiences around the world on stage and on The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, and many other television programs. International nature-based retreats are also a big part of Martha’s work. Seminar participants travel from all over the world to attend her annual retreats in South Africa and Costa Rica. The rest of the time she lives in the Pennsylvania woods with her family and other assorted creatures. Her passions include nature, pajamas, and YouTube videos of unlikely animal companions. Martha’s recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her latest non-fiction book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, was an instant New York Times Best Seller. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Beck’s website: https://marthabeck.com — Dr. Beck’s book: https://amzn.to/44KbdMc

    1h 2m
  2. Rupert Sheldrake & Peter Hawkins-Morphic Resonance, Science & Spiritual Practices, The Extended Mind

    Jun 18

    Rupert Sheldrake & Peter Hawkins-Morphic Resonance, Science & Spiritual Practices, The Extended Mind

    This episode features a conversation between Dr. Rupert Sheldrake and Professor Peter Hawkins. This discussion is part of a series that Peter will be doing with some of the major thinkers and writers of our time, focusing on the necessary evolution of human consciousness, for humans to be future-fit to live on this planet in a way that makes a net-positive contribution to the wider ecology. The series is being done jointly with: The Weekend University and the Renewal Foundation. Rupert is a biologist and author of more than 100 scientific papers and 15 books. Trained at Cambridge and Harvard, he is best known for his work on morphic resonance, as well as his explorations of consciousness, memory, and the nature of scientific inquiry.His most recent book is Ways to Go Beyond and Why They Work, which explores how practices such as meditation, gratitude, pilgrimage, and connecting with nature can transform our lives. Peter is Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, founder of the Academy of Executive Coaching, and a leading authority on systemic leadership, coaching, and organizational transformation. His work integrates insights from psychology, systems thinking, ecology, and philosophy to help leaders navigate an increasingly complex world. His most recent book was: Beauty in Leadership and Coaching, which was published by Routeledge in 2025. In this conversation, they explore: — How morphic fields shape biological form and behavior through collective memory rather than genetic programming alone — Why Professor Sheldrake believes the laws of nature are more like evolving habits than eternal constants — The scientific evidence for telepathy, the sense of being stared at, and other phenomena beyond current materialist frameworks — How spiritual practices across traditions—from pilgrimage to gratitude—demonstrably improve health and wellbeing — Why the loss of ritual and connection to place has contributed to rising mental health challenges in Western societies — The relationship between consciousness, light, and vision that suggests our minds extend beyond our brains And more. You can learn more about Rupert’s work at sheldrake.org and Peter’s at https://renewalassociates.co.uk/. --- Interview Links: — Prof. Peter Hawkins’ website - https://renewalassociates.co.uk — Rupert’s website: http://sheldrake.org/ — Rupert’s books: https://amzn.to/2Gbvijy

    1h 14m
  3. The Hidden Drivers of Polarisation: Why People Become Radicalised — Dr. Joel Vos

    May 28

    The Hidden Drivers of Polarisation: Why People Become Radicalised — Dr. Joel Vos

    In this episode, Niall speaks with Dr. Joel Vos, a researcher and psychotherapist who specialises in meaning in life, existential psychology, and the roots of polarisation and extremism. Dr. Vos has conducted research at universities across Europe and has worked directly with individuals involved in political movements and radical groups. His work brings together academic research and real-world experience, offering a clear perspective on why people radicalise and how societies can respond. In this conversation, they explore: — Why polarisation and extremism are rooted in threats to meaning in life — The four ways people respond when they cannot live the life they want — Why many government approaches to extremism fall short, and what may work better — The idea of existential compassion, and why it may help reduce conflict — Practical ways to engage with people whose views you strongly oppose And more. You can learn more about Dr. Vos’s work at https://joelvos.com. --- Dr Joel Vos PhD MSc MA CPsychol AFBPsS FHEA is a psychologist and philosopher, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow with the British Psychological Society. He lectures and conducts research at the Metanoia Institute in London. He is the director of IMEC International Meaning Events and Community. He has trained as an existential-humanistic, cognitive-behaviour, group and contextual family psychotherapist. He has given therapy to thousands of clients in different mental health care settings, including his private practice. He has developed psychological treatments which has been validated in clinical trials, and which are now used worldwide. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Vos’ websites: https://joelvos.com — Dr. Vos’ books: https://joelvos.com/books

    1h 2m
  4. Boyd Varty — A Lion Tracker’s Guide to Presence, Purpose, and Self Transformation

    May 21

    Boyd Varty — A Lion Tracker’s Guide to Presence, Purpose, and Self Transformation

    In this episode, Niall speaks with Boyd Varty, a wildlife tracker, storyteller, and author of the bestselling books “Cathedral of the Wild”, and “The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life”. Boyd grew up at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, where he learned the ancient art of tracking from master Shangaan trackers. In this conversation, they explore: — How a near-death experience at eighteen revealed a state of consciousness beyond fear — Why tracking animals can teach us how to track our own lives and find what we’re truly looking for — The link between disconnection from nature and the search for meaning — Why transformation begins with saying, “I don’t know, but I want to” — How to follow a sense of aliveness in the body as a guide for decisions And more. You can learn more about Boyd’s work, retreats, and books at https://boydvarty.com/ and boydvarty.com/course-listing/track-your-life-masterclass. --- The wildlife and literacy activist Boyd Varty, author of the memoir Cathedral of the Wild, had an unconventional upbringing. Born to a family of conservationists, Boyd grew up on Londolozi Game Reserve in the South African wilderness, a place where man and nature strive for balance, where perils exist alongside wonders. Founded more than 90 years ago as a hunting ground, Londolozi was transformed into a nature reserve beginning in 1973 by Varty’s father and uncle, visionaries of the restoration movement. But it wasn’t just a sanctuary for the animals; it was also a place for ravaged land to flourish again and for the human spirit to be restored. When Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years of imprisonment, he came to the reserve to recover. Since childhood, Boyd shared his home with lions, leopards, snakes, and elephants and has spent his life in apprenticeship to the wisdom of nature. Boyd survived a harrowing black mamba encounter, a debilitating bout with malaria, even a vicious crocodile attack, but his biggest challenge was a personal crisis of purpose. As a university student, he studied psychology and ecology, supplementing his education by learning martial arts in Thailand, hiking through the jungles of the Amazon, and apprenticing to a renowned tracker from the Shangaan tribe deepening his intimate knowledge of the natural world. Boyd grew up speaking the local language and learning the true meaning of coexistence between people and with nature. Boyd continues to, like a tracker, follow unconventional pathways. He has worked intensively over the past 7 years in ceremonial spaces as an apprentice to a Peruvian shaman while generating his own system of coaching called “track your life” with draws lessons from the ancient art form of tracking to help people find more meaning, purpose and motivation. At the core of his work is the impulse of life towards healing, wholeness and wildness. He works in both the USA and South Africa to connect people to nature and to their own true inner nature. Boyd Varty is a major voice of the new consciousness. He engages audiences across the world on the subject of forging connections in ourselves, in our communities and with the earth. He speaks to those who long for a way of interaction both simpler and more profound than the way most of us live in the world today. Boyd has a psychology degree from the University of South Africa. He is a certified Master Life Coach, the author of two books and a TED speaker. Boyd has spent the last ten years refining the art of using wilderness as a place for deep introspection and personal transformation. Having taught his philosophy of “Tracking your Life” to companies and individuals all over the world he has been featured in the New York Times and NBC. --- Interview Links: — Boyd’s website: http://boydvarty.com — Track Your Life Masterclass: https://boydvarty.com/course-listing/track-your-life-masterclass

    1h 2m
  5. The Deeper Truths Hidden Inside Christianity — Aaron Abke

    May 14

    The Deeper Truths Hidden Inside Christianity — Aaron Abke

    In this interview, Niall speaks with Aaron Abke, an author and spiritual teacher who left a career in ministry to pursue a deeper understanding of consciousness and spiritual awakening. After what he describes as a transformative two-week period where he was “incapable of suffering,” Aaron devoted his life to understanding freedom from suffering and helping others find it. In this conversation, they explore: — The difference between “outcome happiness” and “no reason happiness” — How Aaron defines the ego, and why he sees it as innocent rather than something to fight — Why he believes only what we don’t give can ever be lacking in our lives — How surrendering personal control can lead to greater freedom and fulfilment — His perspective on “Christ consciousness” and what it means to see divinity in others And more. You can learn more about Aaron’s work at http://www.aaronabke.com. — Aaron Abke is the author of The Three Beliefs of Ego. A spiritual teacher and thought leader who delivers a fresh new perspective on self-realization, his online academy for consciousness expansion, 4D University, has more than 10,000 members. Multiple Gaia TV series, chart-topping spirituality podcasts, and SiriusXM radio programs have showcased Abke’s passion and purpose, which is to awaken this planet to the awareness of our oneness. He lives in Austin, Texas. Visit him online at http://www.aaronabke.com. --- Interview Links: — Aaron’s website: http://www.aaronabke.com — Aaron’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aabke — Aaron’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronabke — Aaron’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronAbke — Aaron’s Book: https://amzn.to/4rsmgDj

    1h 1m
  6. Healing Traumatic Attachment Patterns — Dr. Janina Fisher

    May 7

    Healing Traumatic Attachment Patterns — Dr. Janina Fisher

    In this interview, I’m joined by Dr Janina Fisher — a clinical psychologist, author, and former trainer at Harvard Medical School. She is the developer of Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment and widely regarded as a leading pioneer in the field of attachment and trauma-informed care. This conversation focuses on how Janina's insights and approach can be applied to working with traumatic attachment. Expect to Learn: — Why frightened or frightening parenting can be just as harmful as abuse. — The relationship between traumatic attachment and borderline personality disorder — How attachment patterns influence the “window of tolerance” — Dr Fisher’s advice for the next generation of therapists. And more. You can learn more about Dr Fisher’s work at https://janinafisher.com. --- Janina Fisher, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and a former instructor, Harvard Medical School. An international expert on the treatment of trauma, she is an Advisory Board member of the Trauma Research Foundation and the author of three books, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Self-Alienation (2017), Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: a Workbook for Survivors and Therapists (2021), and The Living Legacy Instructional Flip Chart (2022). She is best known for her work on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into trauma treatment, and she is also the creator of Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) therapy. --- 3 Books Dr. Janina Fisher Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Healing Trauma: Attachment, Mind, Body and Brain — Dan Siegel and Marion Solomon - https://amzn.to/4fOVm38 — Neurobiology Essentials for Clinicians — Arlene Montgomery - https://amzn.to/4dzfIex — Handbook of Attachment — Jude Cassidy and Phillip Shaver - https://amzn.to/3YBqiO0 Interview Links: — Dr Janina’s website - https://janinafisher.com

    54 min
5
out of 5
38 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.

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