Meredith for Real: the curious introvert

Meredith Hackwith Edwards
  • 4.8 (172)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each episode explores a taboo question or cultural blind spot with an expert who is themselves, a paradox -Like the atheist doctor who studied near death experiences for 50 years (ep 224)Or the deeply religious man studied by NASA who sees UFOs regularly (ep 261).The mission is to inspire the kind of curiosity that looks for & celebrates nuance, because we all deserve a more curious future.So tune in each week (new episodes every Monday) to question things like American individualism (ep 260), trigger warnings (ep 208) & circumcision (ep 178).Still not sure where to start?Other listeners loved ep 230 - Can a sexless marriage survive? and ep 237 - Black man who attends KKK rallies: race & friendship

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep. 308: How to Think Impossibly: Precognition, Poltergeists & Time

    Can we take psi seriously while maintaining critical thinking? Jeffrey Kripal, PhD, explores the YES AND of the ordinary & extraordinary. You’ll hear about precognition, poltergeists, Skinwalker Ranch, time travel, demons & X-Men.   Jeffrey Kripal, PhD is the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He is also the author or co-author of thirteen books including, How to Think Impossibly: about souls, ufos, time, belief and everything else.   If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 287: IF ALIENS ARE REAL, WHY DOES NO ONE CARE?    Guest:  https://a.co/d/9OAQIWi https://jeffreyjkripal.com/    Host:   https://www.meredithforreal.com/   https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  meredith@meredithforreal.com https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal   https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert    Sponsors:  https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/  https://www.historicpensacola.org/about-us/    00:00 – What sounds crazy now, but won’t later? 02:15 – Meet Dr. Jeffrey Kripal: real-life Professor X 04:10 – What happens when we stop “thinking possibly”? 06:30 – Is impossible thinking actually pro-social? 09:20 – Beyond self: why impossibility matters 11:00 – The John story: a visit from the future 15:05 – Why impossible experiences are deeply emotional 17:15 – Meredith’s own “it’s gonna be okay” voice 19:40 – Breaking time down like a fifth grader 23:00 – Is time a function of the brain? 26:00 – A child’s prank turns prophetic 28:45 – Feeling special but set apart 30:12 – “Think-with” vs. “listen-lite” 32:18 – Stories that want to be told 34:05 – Time as a sales pitch or reality? 36:20 – Einstein, relativity & no universal “now” 39:14 – Are precognitive visions real physics? 42:02 – When religion calls it “the devil” 45:15 – Poltergeists as psychokinesis 48:20 – Skinwalker Ranch — entity or human? 51:05 – Deception vs. evil 53:40 – Closing the loop vs. living in openness 55:12 – X-Men are real? 57:20 – Why we embrace fantasy but reject reality Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    58 min

  2. SEP 1

    Ep. 307: Can Psychedelics Help Us Grieve? Getting Unstuck with Truth Medicine

    Is psychedelic assisted therapy is BETTER than traditional talk therapy? You’ll hear how they’re different, how psychedelics may help not just the combat veteran or trauma survivor, but the functional griever (goes to work every day, acts like everything is fine, but having panic attacks out of nowhere). You’ll also hear about my own experience with psychedelics and different types of medicines for different types of grief.   Michael Sapiro, PsyD, is an ordained Buddhist monk, poet & clinical psychedelic psychotherapist. In addition to working extensively with first responders, he is a psychological consultant for SWAT command & a member of a crisis negotiation team. In his new book, Truth Medicine, he details how psychedelic assisted therapy has helped many find peace, purpose and healing after loss & trauma.   If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 278: MORBID OR SACRED? LET’S TALK ABOUT DEATH (WITH A DEATH DOULA)   Guest:  https://a.co/d/eK7nTrw  https://www.michaelsapiro.com/  https://www.instagram.com/dr_mike_boise/   Host:   https://www.meredithforreal.com/   https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  meredith@meredithforreal.com https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal   https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert    Sponsors:  https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/  https://www.historicpensacola.org/about-us/    0:00 – Why psychedelics and grief belong in the same conversation 1:10 – Meet the monk-turned-therapist exploring new ways to heal 4:20 – How psychedelics shift what talk therapy can’t reach 7:05 – The brain’s default mode network and why it matters 9:00 – The surprising ways grief hides in everyday life 12:45 – Why the “stages of grief” don’t tell the whole story 15:40 – What happens when grief goes untended 18:30 – What psychedelics reveal about anger, relief, and forbidden feelings 21:50 – Ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin: how each one helps differently 25:40 – Why preparation is everything before a psychedelic journey 29:30 – What risks you should know before trying psychedelics 32:45 – Self-guided journeys vs. guided therapy: what’s the difference? 36:50 – How one client went from panic attacks to presence 40:10 – How identities like “the grieving mother” can keep us stuck 42:20 – Why grief isn’t about “getting it out” but tending it 44:15 – Final insights on grief, psychedelics, and telling the truth Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    45 min

  3. AUG 25

    Ep. 306: Sex Addiction: Real or Convenient Diagnosis? [REMASTERED]

    In this episode, we discuss the difference between addiction & dependence, convenient diagnoses, compulsive sexual behavior within bipolar disorder & OCD, how to identify sex addiction & what recovery looks like. Dr. Joshua Grubbs is an addiction researcher who found his interest in sex addiction in college (not as exciting as it sounds). He’s since published over 100 papers on sexual compulsive behavior disorder & serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Center on Alcohol, Substance use & Addiction at the University of New Mexico. This episode originally aired February 13, 2023. If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 156: SHOULD SEX BE SAVED FOR MARRIAGE?   Guest:  https://twitter.com/JoshuaGrubbsPhD  https://www.joshuagrubbsphd.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grubbs-a3aa05267/  https://www.lifeafterpornography.com/privacy33621776  Host:   https://www.meredithforreal.com/   https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  meredith@meredithforreal.com https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal   https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors:  https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/  https://www.historicpensacola.org/about-us/   0:00 – Why we tackle taboo topics  2:16 – Is “sex addiction” just an excuse?  3:21 – Meet the researcher untangling the myth  5:41 – What really makes something an addiction?  9:11 – From ancient myths to modern labels  13:26 – Why novelty (not tolerance) drives porn use  17:51 – Cheater… or compulsive addict?  22:41 – When hypersexuality is a symptom, not a sin  26:41 – Addiction, OCD, or trauma response?  31:31 – How shame makes people self-diagnose  36:56 – The classic cases researchers look for  41:16 – Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore  45:51 – What recovery actually looks like  50:21 – Why you should be cautious online  54:11 – Where to learn more from Dr. Grubbs  56:31 – Next episode: psychedelics & grief Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    34 min

  4. AUG 18

    Ep. 305: Are Political Parties Just Cults?!

    Rachel Bernstein is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Cult Specialist & the Host of the IndoctriNation Podcast. She has spent the last 35 years helping former cult members & those who have had loved ones in cults, focusing on emotional abuse recovery, identity repair & moral injury. In this episode she explains the psychology of political allegiance, why religion & politics always fuse together, thought stopping cliches & media influence vs media manipulation. If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 229: IS YOUR HAPPINESS BEING POLITICIZED? CULTURE, CORTISOL & THE BRAIN Guest: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/rachelbernsteintherapy | https://www.instagram.com/indoctrinationpodcast/ | https://open.spotify.com/show/1prXo4iIxUfjYpfX671cUD?si=3522f54be4ae456f | https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/book--journal.html  Host:  https://www.meredithforreal.com/  | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  | meredith@meredithforreal.com | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal  | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/ | https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    48 min

  5. AUG 11

    Ep. 304: Could AI Blackmail You? Corporate Affairs, Self-driving Cars & Robot Romance

    Michael Glawson is a PhD philosopher of science, technology, religion & ethics. As an ethicist, he has created corporate ethics training for government organizations & fortune 500 companies. In this episode, he puts into plain language the ever evolving world of AI.  We cover Anthropic’s recent report of their AI technology blackmailing two of their executives in a recent sandboxed experiment, why AI isn’t as smart as you think, why AI can re-write its own rules, what experts think about our future with AI, the reality of robot romance & practical tips for the average person. If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 168: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE: AI, SMART CITIES & DATA NESTING DOLLS Guest: https://www.instagram.com/michaelglawson/ | https://www.facebook.com/michaelglawson | https://x.com/MichaelGlawson | https://linktr.ee/michaelglawson | michaelglawson@me.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmglawson/ Host:  https://www.meredithforreal.com/  | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  | meredith@meredithforreal.com | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal  | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/ | https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    52 min

  6. AUG 4

    Ep. 303: When Grief Gets Complicated: A Story of Addiction, Shame & Truth

    Before Lauren Sisler was an Emmy award-winning ESPN sideline reporter, she was an 18-year-old in her dorm room when she found out that her parents had died just hours of each other due to a hidden battle with opioids. When her world came crashing down, the next decade became a wrestling match with the truth. In this episode, she’s going to share her story & unpack her thoughts on legacy, shame & identity for what you’re sure to find as a more relatable American experience. We talk about how her parents secret financial problems & prescription drug addiction led to compartmentalized identities, the pain of truth vs the pain of denial & how shame & grief can create a confusing mess. If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 278: MORBID OR SACRED? LET’S TALK ABOUT DEATH (WITH A DEATH DOULA) Guest: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler | https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler/ | https://x.com/LaurenSisler | https://a.co/d/ep7fTHc Host:  https://www.meredithforreal.com/  | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  | meredith@meredithforreal.com | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal  | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/ | https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    46 min

  7. JUL 28

    Ep. 302: FEED DROP! UAP Studies Podcast with George Knapp

    Our first ever FEED DROP SWAP! I'm personally endorsing UAP STUDIES Podcast because I know how much you all love the UFO topic! This week's episode is a sample of their show - an episode I picked that I think you'll love. Listening supports my show, but the real magic happens when you also subscribe to the UAP Studies Podcast & download a few episodes for later (they are doing the same for us)!  The UAP Studies Podcast is hosted by Jason Guillemette, Dr Michael Glawson & Katie Paige. Each episode unpacks aspects of high strangeness with names you might know like Garry Nolan, Jacques Vallee & Michael Masters & promise to be the deep dive you’re NOT getting anywhere else.   This episode is with veteran investigative journalist George Knapp & you'll hear him reflect on his Netflix documentary experience, challenges in UFO journalism & Skinwalker Ranch stories you’ve never heard before! Guest podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uapstudies/ | https://www.youtube.com/@UAPStudies | https://www.linkedin.com/in/uapstudies/ |  https://www.facebook.com/uappodcast/ | https://x.com/UapStudies | https://open.spotify.com/show/5oK09tjBdQUKC6ypBqtoDu?si=b0c6ee2f28694153    Host:  https://www.meredithforreal.com/  | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  | meredith@meredithforreal.com | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal  | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/ | https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    1h 30m

  8. JUL 21

    Ep. 301: The Science of Swearing: What Makes a Word BAD? [REMASTERED]

    Dr. Benjamin Bergen is a Cognitive Science professor at the University of California San Diego, the author of the book, What the F, and was featured on the Netflix series “The History of Swear Words.” Here he shares what makes a word bad, discusses the future of cussing, the efficacy of word prohibition & the cultural influence of cursing etymology around the world. This episode originally aired August 22, 2022. If you like this episode, you’ll also like episode 245: IS SKIPPING SMALL TALK AN OPTION? UBERS, ELEVATORS & FAMILY [REMASTERED] Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-bergen-a89b763/  | https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-K-Bergen/e/B00DVR8POC/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Host:  https://www.meredithforreal.com/  | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/  | meredith@meredithforreal.com | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal  | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert  Sponsors: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/starterpacks/ | https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/

    33 min
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4.8
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About

Each episode explores a taboo question or cultural blind spot with an expert who is themselves, a paradox -Like the atheist doctor who studied near death experiences for 50 years (ep 224)Or the deeply religious man studied by NASA who sees UFOs regularly (ep 261).The mission is to inspire the kind of curiosity that looks for & celebrates nuance, because we all deserve a more curious future.So tune in each week (new episodes every Monday) to question things like American individualism (ep 260), trigger warnings (ep 208) & circumcision (ep 178).Still not sure where to start?Other listeners loved ep 230 - Can a sexless marriage survive? and ep 237 - Black man who attends KKK rallies: race & friendship

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