Into the Magic Shop Jim Doty

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty converses with Dr. Jana Borg about her new book, “Moral AI: And How We Get There,” and the integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in understanding and guiding moral decision-making. They explore the concept of a "moral GPS," the potential of training AI to provide moral guidance and feedback based on personal beliefs and values. Dr. Borg also discusses social synchrony and its potential impact on resilience and social connections as well as advocating for a moral growth mindset over a fixed one. The episode delves into the complexities of ethical AI development, the potential for manipulation, and the importance of diverse perspectives and community involvement in regulating emerging technologies.

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty converses with Chade-Meng Tan, author, philanthropist, motivator, and former Google software engineer. He and Dr. Doty discuss his transition from a child programming prodigy in Singapore to a Google engineer and mindfulness advocate. Meng retired from Google as its "Jolly Good Fellow" at the age of 45. Meng shares his struggle with depression, how meditation offered him solace, and the development of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute. They discuss the profound effects of mindfulness and compassion on personal success and well-being and his books, "Search Inside Yourself," "Buddhism for All" and "Joy on Demand." They also discuss his involvement in the "1 Billion Acts of Peace" initiative, which was nominated eight times for the Nobel Peace Prize, his aspirations to help others achieve enlightenment and to create a global Buddhist community network.

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty hosts Shauna Shapiro, a clinical psychologist and author, to discuss mindfulness, compassion, and mental resilience. They delve into the prevalence of anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness, and how mindfulness can be a tool to combat these issues. The conversation also covers the commercialization of mindfulness, the significance of self-compassion, and the potential of psychedelics like ketamine in mental health treatment, stressing the importance of responsible use. They highlight the role of mindfulness in emotional regulation, joy, and positive neuroplasticity, and Shapiro shares news regarding her new children's book, “Good Morning, I Love You, Violet! and an upcoming textbook. The episode emphasizes self-compassion and the transformative potential of mindfulness in mental health care. https://drshaunashapiro.com/

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty and Jennifer Nadel, award-winning journalist and leader of the UK think tank, Compassion In Politics, delve into the impact of upbringing and personal history on individual behavior and societal engagement. Jennifer discusses her father's past as a child refugee and the epigenetic effects of trauma. They explore the limitations of the legal system, media’s role in shaping divisive narratives, and the influence of fear and tribal instincts on politics. They also highlight the corruption in politics due to the intertwining of corporate interests and the need for a compassionate approach to governance. As the Executive Chair of the Global Compassion Coalition, Jennifer and Doty discuss the societal consequences of economic policies, the importance of resilience, and the power of kindness and joy in fostering change.

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty hosts behavior scientist, author, Stanford professor and founder and director of the Stanford Behavior Design Lab, BJ Fogg, to explore the nuances of behavior change and habit formation. With a background influenced by his Mormon upbringing and missionary work, Fogg distinguishes between persuasion and habit change, emphasizing the importance of ease and alignment with personal motivations. They discuss overcoming barriers to change, such as fear of failure and reliance on fluctuating motivation. Fogg's book, “Tiny Habits” highlights how small successes can shift identities, and they consider the role of hypnosis in this identity shift. The conversation also covers the psychological aspects of change, the value of self-compassion, the impact of positive interactions, and the importance of fostering success in others to strengthen relationships.

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty hosts Professor Paul Gilbert, a pioneer in Compassion Focussed Therapy. Gilbert shares his personal journey from a carefree childhood in Gambia, to his youth in the often harsh British school system, to his development of compassion-focused therapy. They discuss the impact of Gilbert's father's PTSD from WWII and his own experiences with depression and anxiety. The conversation covers the importance of human connections, the physiological effects of relationships, and the role of compassion and mindfulness in emotional regulation. They also explore the concept of free will, the effects of psychedelics, and the profound responsibility to use consciousness to alleviate suffering and contribute positively to the world. https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/