Cosmic Intelligence Chad Jayadev Woodford

This week we're sharing an episode of a podcast called Hit of Happiness, where Chad spoke to Brian Dubow about artificial intelligence and consciousness, among many other things. This may have been Chad's favorite interview so far, just because he loves talking to Brian and because they explored so many topics in such a coherent fashion.
This interview is a great teaser for this three-part series Chad is working on about the myth of artificial intelligence, the nature of consciousness, transhumanism, spiritual machines, and metaphor. As our long-time listeners know, Chad likes to do these deep-dive episodes once in a while. It’s taking a while to do all the research and writing so we can finally record it. But we think it will be worth the wait. Look for the first episode of that series in the coming week.
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In this episode, Chad explores a scientific theory of consciousness first put forth by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose and Dr. Stuart Hameroff in the 1990s called quantum consciousness. This unorthodox, yet-scientific theory proposes that consciousness arises out of highly coordinated quantum processes occurring in the cells of the brain. This theory combines quantum mechanics, relativity, neuroscience, cognitive science, molecular biology, and philosophy.
It’s different than prevailing theories of consciousness, which suggest that consciousness is an epiphenomenon of the firing of synapses in the neurons of the brain. Instead, Penrose’s theory suggests that subatomic particles collapse of their own accord and thereby create what Penrose calls proto-consciousness. It is an elegant way to bridge the two prevailing theories of consciousness: materialist and idealist.
This theory also has major implications for artificial intelligence because it means that machine learning and neural networks may never achieve true intelligence, strong AI, superintelligence, or anything resembling artificial consciousness.
Chad also explores the idea of computability, computers as universal metaphor, and the possibility that quantum computers might be a more promising avenue for research into artificial general intelligence.
This episode was inspired by Chad's work in the philosophy, cosmology and consciousness program at CIIS under Kerri Welch, for a course called The Epic of the Universe. Thank you Kerri for providing such rich pointers for further study!
The original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa5eRD4lGDA
To learn more, we recommend starting with this Penrose & Hameroff paper https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1571064513001188
For more about quantum weirdness and how nobody really understands what is happening when the quantum and classical worlds interact, check out this explainer from PBS Spacetime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7SiRiqK-Q&ab_channel=PBSSpaceTime
This conversation with Roger Penrose by Lex Fridman is pretty great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orMtwOz6Db0&t=644s
For a great intro to quantum computing, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3fz3dqhN44&t=6s
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Chad is relaunching his podcast with a new name and a broader focus! Starting this week on this same feed, the show will be called Cosmic Intelligence and explore fundamental questions about philosophy, artificial intelligence, consciousness, cosmology and what it means to be human in this new age. We will delve into philosophical ideas, spiritual practices and reflections on how technology is shaping the human experience. Our goal is not just more knowledge or productivity but greater insight, imagination and fulfillment. We believe that ancient contemplative traditions fused with cutting-edge insights from science and AI can illuminate the path ahead. This show is for anyone curious about humanity's place in a world of accelerating change. Join me as we seek revelation and renewal at the intersection of Silicon and Soul.

The new show will include all the existing content around spirituality and spiritual practices but also the implications of the AI revolution as it accelerates the consciousness revolution. Chad will continue to offer his uniquely balanced, open-minded, discerning, and grounded perspective.

I am also available for consulting and speaking engagements on AI, philosophy and consciousness.

Sign up for my email newsletter here.
Find me on Instagram @cosmicwit and YouTube @cosmicwit.
My website is cosmic.diamonds. 
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Want to talk about how Chad can assist you with your own transformation?
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Learn more about Chad's newly relaunched meditation course.
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Finally, you can support the podcast here.

This week I talk to Hilary Jackendoff, a yoga nidra and meditation teacher and trainer, and Human Design coach. She’s also a powerful, heart-centered woman. To me, Hilary is the ideal teacher: wise yet humble, evolved yet grounded, knowledgeable yet hilarious. 
In this episode, we talk about Yoga Nidra, states of consciousness, how Hilary came to the spiritual path, the importance of rest, making spiritual practices accessible, ashram life, and being seen by the Divine. 

We barely scratched the surface of what we want to talk about so look for a part 2 coming very soon, perhaps even in the coming weeks!

A quick note on the audio quality in this episode: Even though I used the same setup I always use for remote interviews, somehow my mic was too hot. So my audio will sound clipped or muffled in places. My apologies. Thank you for bearing with me. Apparently you never stop learning how to podcast well. 


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This week I discuss discernment: What it is, why it’s important, how it can prevent ridiculousness, why that matters, and how to increase our discernment. As part of this discussion, I explore the Yog-Vedantic theory of mind and specific practices that can help us be more discerning, including self study, kriya, classical Tantrik practices, having a teacher you can trust, spiritual community, working with sacred plants, meditation, and good old psychotherapy, including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. 
The philosophy, cosmology and consciousness masters program I’m enrolled in at the California Institute of Integral Studies has the following goals:
To open our consciousness, through learning and imagination, to those creative and evolutionary energies suffusing the Earth, the Universe, and the deep psyche that will enable us to participate fully in the regeneration of human communities and their enveloping life systems.To analyze the current devastation of planetary life and to strive to liberate ourselves and our communities from the underlying causes of alienation, consumerism, militarism, androcentrism, and unsustainable modes of life.To draw from the deep wells of philosophical, spiritual, and religious wisdom together with other scholarly and scientific insights in order to bring forth a profound vision of a vibrant planetary era.Other references from the episode:
Joanna Macy’s Active Hope and The Spiral of the Work That ReconnectsThe full Daily Show / Jordan Klepper segment about MAGA + GematriaAn example of a discerning analysis of someone like Jordan Peterson that fails to offer a positive ethosThe podcast episode about gurus and a guru sex scandal Patanjali’s Yoga SutrasThe Bhagavad GitaSupport the show
Want to talk about how Chad can assist you with your own transformation?
Book a free consultation!

Learn more about Chad's newly relaunched meditation course.
Or book a Vedic astrology reading.

Join Chad's newsletter to learn about all new offerings, courses, trainings, and retreats.

Finally, you can support the podcast here.

This week I talked to Kerri Kelly, the founder of CTZNWELL, a movement that is democratizing wellbeing for all. A descendant of generations of firemen and first responders, Kerri has dedicated her life to kicking down doors and fighting for justice. She’s been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems, and mobilizing people to act. A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the forthcoming book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities for her inspired work to bridge transformational practice with social justice.
In this episode, we talked about the ways in which the concept of wellness is distorted and unhealthy, and how, for us to truly heal as a country and a humanity, we need to examine our intentions, motives, and prejudices relentlessly so we can truly build community and transform collectively. The work is both inner and outer; spiritual, activist, political. Human.
Kerri’s been instrumental in translating the practices of wellbeing into social and political action, working in collaboration with community organizers, spiritual leaders, and policy makers to transform our systems from the inside out. Her leadership has inspired a movement that is actively organizing around issues of racial and economic justice, healthcare as a human right, civic engagement, and more.  
Kerri is also a powerful facilitator, TED speaker and is the host of the podcast, CTZN. You can learn more about her work at kerrikelly.co and ctznwell.org.
Support the show
Want to talk about how Chad can assist you with your own transformation?
Book a free consultation!

Learn more about Chad's newly relaunched meditation course.
Or book a Vedic astrology reading.

Join Chad's newsletter to learn about all new offerings, courses, trainings, and retreats.

Finally, you can support the podcast here.