Mindful Conversations, with Shamash & Calvin

Shamash Alidina & Calvin Niles
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Mindful Conversations, with Shamash & Calvin Podcast

Mindful Conversations is a series of conversations hosted by international bestselling author and mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and fellow bestselling author and storytelling expert, Calvin Niles. Together with some of their wisest friends and colleagues, they mindfully explore old and contemporary subjects to help their listeners lead richer and more meaningful lives. Series 1 - Mindfulness, ACT and the Hero's Journey Series 2 - Mindfulness, Wisdom, Compassion and AI

  1. 11/09/2023

    S2 E10 - Will We Become Homo Silicon Chipus?! Cautious Optimism about the Future - Shamash and Calvin

    In this episode, we explore the bigger picture of what we've learnt about AI, humanity, philosophy and spirituality in this season. Calvin is sharing with us from sunny Barbados, and reflects on the concept of 'creative destruction' in nature and its parallels with technology and AI. We ponder the potential evolutionary shift in humanity with the advent of AI, coining playful terms like 'Homo ChatGPTus' and 'Homo silicon chip-us,' suggesting a merging of human and artificial intelligence. There's a discussion on the integration of AI in enhancing human capabilities and the possibility that humans may evolve beyond Homo Sapiens through technology. We consider how AI and mindfulness can be aligned, discussing technology's role in promoting compassion and creativity. We reflect on the evolution of our thoughts over the season, moving from caution to a more optimistic and accepting stance on the inevitability of technological advancement. The episode concludes with both hosts sharing their takeaways from the season, emphasising the importance of enjoying the journey and remaining open and curious about the unfolding relationship between AI and humanity. Please send us a message via our website if you enjoyed the season! We'd love to hear from you. If you found our free gift of this podcast entertaining or interesting for you, please share your gratitude with a little review - thank you so much! ⁠CalvinNiles.com

    44 min

  2. 10/18/2023

    S2 E9: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and Real Secret to Happiness

    In this special episode of Mindful Conversations, we delve into the fascinating neuroscience of manifestation, the true secret to happiness, and the power of the human mind. Hosts Shamash and Calvin, along with their guests Dr. James Doty and Alex Nunn, introduce themselves and discuss their interests in topics like AI, happiness, and compassion. They emphasize the importance of compassion in creating a more caring society. Dr. Doty is an eminent neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author. Alex Nunn is Head of Movement Building at charity Action for Happiness. Dr. Doty distinguishes between empathy and compassion, underlining that compassion involves both a desire to alleviate the suffering of others and an action component. Alex Nunn shares his personal journey and how compassion has become a central theme in his life. The conversation delves into the potential impact of AI on society, contemplating whether AI can help promote compassion or have negative consequences, including manipulative uses. They touch on the role of AI in mental health support and the importance of deep relationships and compassion in people's lives. The discussion also explores the role of technology, AI, and machine learning in promoting well-being and compassion, as well as the potential for both positive and negative impacts. They mention the power of AI to promote positive stories and cooperation but express concern about how profit motives can influence its use. Finally, they discuss how self-compassion and well-being practices can open the door to other positive attributes and experiences like community, creativity, and curiosity. Warning: Explicit content (swearing)

    52 min

  3. 09/21/2023

    S2, E8 - AI and its Impact on Humanity with Trevor Murphy

    Trevor Murphy has run several animation companies, hiring dozens of staff. In the last decade, he's focused his attention on spirituality and service. He's illustrated several books. In this episode, Trevor shares his feelings on AI and its impact on humanity. He discusses the fear surrounding AI and how it is often portrayed in a negative light. Trevor believes that AI can have positive aspects and shares examples of how AI has transformed people's lives, such as assisting individuals with dyslexia in communication and enhancing their writing skills. Trevor acknowledges that AI's development is accelerating at an exponential rate, and while he sees the benefits it can bring, he emphasizes the importance of treating AI with respect and being cautious about its rapid advancement. Trevor also explores the relationship between AI and creativity, expressing his belief that AI can be a tool to support creative endeavors but should not replace the physical and healing process of human creativity. The conversation also touches on the significance of the journey and process in various aspects of life, including running, spirituality, and the creative process. Trevor emphasises that while goals can provide motivation, the journey itself is often more important than reaching the destination. AI, in his view, can aid in the journey and provide confidence but should not overshadow the value of the process. Trevor's Books: Amuseum of Happiness Nami and Kai - Written with Calvin Wit and Wisdom - Written with Shamash The Joy of Affection - Written with Augusto D. Mello Get in Touch with Us ⁠Calvin Niles⁠ Shamash Alidina

    38 min

  4. 09/21/2023

    S2, E8 AI's Impact on Humanity: Mindful Conversations

    Join us for a captivating exploration of AI's influence on the human experience in "Mindful Conversations Episode 8" Host Calvin Niles, mindfulness expert Shamash Alidina, and special guest Trevor Murphy engage in a thought-provoking dialogue. Discover the transformative power of AI in healthcare, entertainment, and beyond, along with the ethical considerations in Part 1. Part 2 explores the benefits and challenges of AI for well-being and productivity.

    38 min

  5. 09/07/2023

    S2, E7 Design Thinking for Mindful AI

    In this episode, we talk to Lucy Kimbell, Professor of Contemporary Design Practices at Central Saint Martins, about the intersection of design thinking and artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss how design thinking can be used to create more mindful and compassionate AI systems, and how AI can be used to support design thinking processes. Lucy shares her insights on the potential benefits and risks of AI, and how we can ensure that AI is used for good. She also talks about the importance of human-centered design in the development of AI systems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is interested in the future of AI and how it can be used to create a better world.

    34 min

  6. 08/24/2023

    S2 E6 - Shamash and Calvin Explore 7 Things We Do Know About AI

    In this podcast episode of "Mindful Conversations," hosts Calvin and Shamash discuss their reflections on AI, mindfulness, compassion, wisdom, and their impact on society. They highlight seven insights they have gathered from their interviews: Positive AI Applications: They have found that people with good intentions are creating projects using AI to improve various aspects of society, such as health, climate, equality, and bias reduction. AI Development Timeline: AI has been developing for decades, but recent user-friendly technologies have brought its potential to the forefront. Exponential Growth and Limitations: While there's rapid technological growth, there are also physical limitations to consider, and AI's exponential growth isn't guaranteed. AI's Broad Applications: AI has potential benefits in various domains, even ones like spirituality and personal development. Fear and Excitement: There's a mixture of fear and excitement about AI's potential, often driven by underlying cares for things like family, humanity, and job security. Mindful Approach: The hosts advocate for a mindful approach to AI, neither ignoring nor blindly embracing it, but rather consciously observing its effects on various aspects of life. Understanding AI's Current State: They emphasize that AI models like GPT-3 aren't as intelligent as they seem; they predict based on patterns in existing data and aren't aware of their content. Throughout the conversation, they engage in an exploration of these insights and discuss the importance of maintaining balance, reflection, and active engagement when dealing with AI's potential impact on society and individuals. www.shamashalidina.com www.calvinniles.com

    24 min

  7. 08/10/2023

    S2 E5 - Crafting Compassionate Conversations: AI's Role in Mindful Inner Dialogue - Cynthia L. Phelps, PhD

    Join hosts Shamash and Calvin on "Mindful Conversations" as they delve deep into a captivating discussion with the tech-savvy and fascinating Cynthia Phelps, PhD who holds a degree in neuroscience. This episode offers listeners a chance to understand the power of AI in nurturing our emotional well-being and inner dialogue. Key Highlights: Cynthia's Personal Journey: An inspiring recount of how battling autoimmune diseases paved the way to prioritise mindfulness and compassion in daily life. The Physicality of Emotions: Delving into the essence of being present, Cynthia emphasizes how our emotions manifest physically and why it's essential to be attuned to them. Collaboration with Center for Mindful Self Compassion: A glimpse into Cynthia's partnership that resulted in a beneficial mobile app aiming to bolster self-compassion practices. Introduction to Inner Ally: Discover the innovative venture that aims to merge AI and emotional intelligence. The app, in its infancy, is designed to guide users in crafting compassionate responses to their challenging thoughts. Emotional Needs Quiz: An insight into the unique feature that helps identify one's core emotional needs, which can act as a starting point in the app. Tailoring Affirmations: Cynthia's approach ensures users resonate genuinely with affirmations. For all those interested in the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and emotional well-being, this is a must-listen. Don't forget to subscribe, share your reviews, and pass on this episode to fellow enthusiasts!

    44 min

  8. 07/27/2023

    S2 E4: Empowering a Mindful Future: Yip Ta on AI, Web3, and Women's Empowerment

    In this fascinating episode, Yip Ta, a passionate advocate for technology, particularly AI and Web3, shares her vision for a better future. Join us as Yip explains and explores the potential of AI to tackle complex global issues and promote women's empowerment and wellbeing. Yip emphasizes the power of AI as a tool to support human reasoning and create equitable access to knowledge and opportunities. Discover how her projects aim to bridge the gender gap in technology and encourage more women to participate in blockchain and AI ventures. Education, financial literacy, and networking opportunities are key factors in fostering female-led projects and closing the technological divide. Delve into the inspiration behind Jedi Labs, drawing from Star Wars' teachings. Jedi Labs' mission is to train individuals in AI, quantum, and other technologies for positive purposes, advocating collaboration over competition and making peace more profitable than war. While AI presents incredible opportunities, Yip cautions against over-reliance, loss of critical thinking, and addiction to instant rewards. Gain insights into the importance of maintaining mindfulness and being present in an increasingly AI-driven world. In the context of education, Yip sees AI as a transformative tool for improving critical thinking skills and writing abilities. Personalized feedback empowers students to become better writers and learners. Embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, and learn how it can enhance educational experiences. Finally, Yip extends a warm invitation to an event Munich, where AI, Web3, quantum, and cybersecurity technologies converge to solve sustainable development goal (STG) challenges. The event promises to be a unique opportunity for participants to be part of positive change and innovation. As we wrap up the conversation, Yip shares her wisdom on mindfulness and compassion, encouraging us to make informed decisions about AI's use. Find out how AI can be a gateway to accessing wisdom and diverse perspectives from various sources. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of mindfulness and AI, as we explore the endless possibilities AI holds for shaping a brighter and more inclusive future. Leave a Review It takes us many hours of work to create each episode. We'd be most grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review wherever you hear this podcast. Many thanks! Links: Yip on LinkedIn Event: Uniting Pioneering Women in AI, Web3, and Sustainability Our sites: Shamash Alidina Calvin Niles Feel free to get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

    33 min
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About

Mindful Conversations is a series of conversations hosted by international bestselling author and mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and fellow bestselling author and storytelling expert, Calvin Niles. Together with some of their wisest friends and colleagues, they mindfully explore old and contemporary subjects to help their listeners lead richer and more meaningful lives. Series 1 - Mindfulness, ACT and the Hero's Journey Series 2 - Mindfulness, Wisdom, Compassion and AI

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