The Weekend University – Details, episodes & analysis

The spiritual teaching of nonduality, which stems from the Indian philosophy of advaita, teaches that consciousness is the primary reality, the fundamental essence of the cosmos. On the other hand, the current scientific worldview holds that the physical world is primary, and that consciousness somehow, in ways that we do not yet understand, emerges from it. Both views have their challenges. If consciousness is primary, why do we not see it in all things? Conversely if the physical world is primary, how does consciousness arise from something as insentient matter? Peter Russell proposes that the solution to these problems lies in the recognition that information is fundamental to both realities, and physical reality, as we conceive of it, is but a representation of the external world appearing in the mind. This turns our current worldview inside-out; and into one that both beliefs can inhabit. --- Peter Russell studied theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science at the University of Cambridge. He then went to India, to study meditation and Eastern philosophy, and on his return conducted research on the psychology of meditation. A leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality, he coined the term "global brain" with his 1980s’ bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. Other books include The Awakening Earth, Waking Up in Time, From Science to God, and his most recent, Letting Go of Nothing. Peter is a fellow of The World Business Academy, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Findhorn Foundation, and an Honorary Member of The Club of Budapest. --- Interview Links: — Peter’s website: www.peterrussell.com/index.php — Peter’s books: https://amzn.to/3WRrnhd

Tomás Hardiman is a film producer and a survivor of childhood abuse. His recent documentary “The Days of Trees” tells the story of his own experience of childhood sexual abuse, and his long road to recovery. In this conversation, Tomás reflects on the years he spent in the dark, his gradual process of healing, and how he was able to convert his deepest childhood wound into a creative project - a documentary that is now impacting people all over the world. Gabor Maté had this to say about it: 'It's all about healing and transformation, a person finding themselves… I really urge you to see it. A beautiful film.' Here are some of the things we explore in this discussion: — How memory, shame, and repression often intertwine in trauma — Why Tomás almost walked away from the film — The role of creative work in transforming suffering — How Tomás has been able to forgive the seemingly unforgivable. And more. You can watch the film at https://thedaysoftrees.com/ and get 50% off if you use the code: TWU50 when purchasing. --- Tomás Hardiman holds a B.Comm from NUI Galway (1979) and an M.A. in Film and Television Studies from Dublin City University (1992). After graduation he worked in human resources in Dublin before living for a time in Toronto, where he began a professional career in the theatre as General Manager of Mercury Theatre Company. Following his return to Ireland he was appointed Marketing/Publicity Director of The Abbey Theatre where he worked from 1985 to 1993. He then returned to Galway where he ran his own communications and independent film production company, Parzival Productions. From October 2002 to November 2007 he was Managing Director of Galway Arts Centre and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature. He was a member of the board of Theatre Forum, the representative group for Irish arts organisations, from 2005-2007. He continues to produce and manage creative projects across multiple artforms and in 2013 completed a three-year training programme to become a teacher of the Alexander Technique. He produced eleven films between 1998 and 2023. Most recently he collaborated with acclaimed Irish writer/director Alan Gilsenan, to produce a loose trilogy of films about psychological trauma: Meetings with Ivor, The Meeting and The Days of Trees. The latter won the George Morrison Award for Best Documentary at the 2024 Irish Film and Television Awards. --- Interview Link: — Tomás’ website - https://thedaysoftrees.com/

Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a clinician, researcher, and teacher who has spent his professional life studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences. He specialises in translating emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of effective treatments for traumatic stress and developmental trauma in children and adults. He is the author of the New York Times Bestseller: The Body Keeps the Score, the Founder of Trauma Center in Boston, and currently serves as President of the Trauma Research Foundation. In this conversation, we explore: — The role that neurofeedback can play in healing developmental trauma — Dr van der Kolk’s study examining the effects of MDMA on PTSD — The essential difference between those who were traumatised by the 9-11 attacks and those who weren’t — How developmental trauma leads to deficits in sensory integration areas of the brain and the most effective treatments for addressing this. And more. You can learn more about Dr van der Kolk’s work by going to: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/ --- Bessel van der Kolk MD spends his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults. In 1984, he set up one of the first clinical/research centers in the US dedicated to study and treatment of traumatic stress in civilian populations, which has trained numerous researchers and clinicians specializing in the study and treatment of traumatic stress, and which has been continually funded to research the impact of traumatic stress and effective treatment interventions. He has focused on studying treatments that stabilize physiology, increase executive functioning and help traumatized individuals to feel fully alert to the present. ​ His efforts resulted in the establishment of Trauma Center (now the Trauma Research Foundation) that consisted of a well-trained clinical team specializing in the treatment of children and adults with histories of child maltreatment, that applied treatment models that are widely taught and implemented nationwide, a research lab that studied the effects of neurofeedback and MDMA on behavior, mood, and executive functioning, and numerous trainings nationwide to a variety of mental health professional, educators, parent groups, policy makers, and law enforcement personnel. --- 3 Books Dr van Der Kolk Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — John Bowlby - Attachment and Loss - https://amzn.to/4bOd3NK — Daniel Stern - The Interpersonal World of the Infant - https://amzn.to/4e1aTf8 — Ed Tronick - The Neurobehavioral and Social-Emotional Development of Infants and Children (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) - https://amzn.to/459qIwa

With his wealth of expertise, Dr. Solms presents an enlightening talk that explores the intricacies of why we dream and unveils the hidden meanings behind these enigmatic nocturnal experiences. Throughout the lecture, Dr. Solms navigates through cutting-edge research and timeless theories, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the neuroscience behind dreaming. Drawing on his own pioneering studies and decades of exploration, he presents compelling evidence that underscores the importance of dreams in our cognitive and emotional landscapes. --- Professor Mark Solms is best known for his discovery of the forebrain mechanisms of dreaming, and for his pioneering integration of psychoanalytic theories and methods with those of modern neuroscience. He holds the Chair of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital (Departments of Psychology and Neurology). His other positions have included: Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at St. Bartholomew’s & Royal London School of Medicine, Director of the International Neuro-Psychoanalysis Centre, London, and Director of the Arnold Pfeffer Center for Neuro-Psychoanalysis at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Professor Solms’ books include: Clinical Studies in Neuro-Psychoanalysis (winner of the NAAP’s Gradiva Award Best Book, Science Category in 2001), The Brain and The Inner World (2002), and most recently: Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness (2021). -- Links - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Professor Solms website: www.psychology.uct.ac.za/psy/staff/pr…rs/marksolms - Professor Solms book chapter: bit.ly/encyclo-behavioralneuro

In this thought-provoking episode, Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett delves into the intricate workings of the brain, and its primary role in regulating bodily systems for overall well-being. Unravel the concept of affect, the ever-present feelings we experience, influencing our responses to life's challenges. Discover the transformative power of emotional granularity, as it enables us to discern and label emotions with precision, impacting our mental health profoundly. Gain insights into how investing in diverse experiences and learning can shape our future, "seeding" our brains for positive changes and empowering us to embrace personal responsibility. Uncover the path to enhanced resilience and a brighter life in this compelling talk. --- Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett is in the top one percent of the most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes. She has also given a popular TED talk with over 6.5 million views. You can learn more about Dr Barrett's work by going to: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com --- Interview Links: — Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3CWM1VQ — How Emotions are Made - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3Rx1BeT — Dr Barrett’s website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com — Matter and Consciousness - Dr Iain McGilchrist: https://bit.ly/3RGSQz0 3 Books Dr Barrett Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Between us by Batja Mesquita - https://amzn.to/3FdYkxT — The End of Trauma by George Bonanno - https://amzn.to/3AW1fbL — How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett - https://amzn.to/3GVdxFl

Welcome to an enlightening exploration of the current state of the science of spirituality, featuring three esteemed pioneers in the field: Dan Siegel, Rupert Sheldrake, and Andrew Newberg. In this captivating video, these renowned experts individually present their groundbreaking research and insights, offering a deep dive into the intersection of science and spirituality. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the profound connections between the material and the metaphysical. --- About the Scientists: Dan Siegel, a renowned neuroscientist and author, delves into the fascinating realm of interpersonal neurobiology, shedding light on the brain's engagement with spiritual experiences. Rupert Sheldrake, the visionary biologist and TED speaker, challenges conventional scientific assumptions, unveiling a new understanding of interconnectedness and consciousness. Andrew Newberg, the pioneering figure in neurotheology, explores how the brain processes religious and spiritual practices, elevating our comprehension of the transcendental. In this thought-provoking video, you'll encounter: — The neural underpinnings of spiritual experiences and their impact on our perception of self and the universe. — Fresh perspectives on the nature of consciousness and its profound relationship to spirituality. — The scientific exploration of meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices, and their effects on brain function. — Cutting-edge research on how spirituality fosters mental and emotional well-being. Don't miss this unique opportunity to glean valuable insights from these three thought leaders as they share their pioneering work in the realm of spiritual science.

In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss: — Why it's important that we become more trauma-informed; both individually and collectively — How trauma impacts the body and nervous system — Why trauma exists on a continuum, and how the same experiences can affect people in different ways — The power of authenticity in the therapeutic relationship — The dangers of unrecognised trauma, and some symptoms that indicate someone may have had a traumatic experience. And a whole lot more. After receiving his doctorate in clinical psychology, Guy spent several years studying the impact and treatment of trauma and early psychosis. In 2014, he founded The Trauma Therapist Project to raise awareness of trauma and create an educational and supportive community for new trauma workers. His podcast has an audience in more than 160 countries. You can learn more about Guy’s work at www.thetraumatherapistproject.com/, and follow him on Twitter @guy_phd. --- Relevant Links: — Guy’s website: https://www.thetraumatherapistproject.com/ — Guy’s newsletter: https://bold-field-2905.ck.page/3f8a5c5f3f — The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Keeps- Score-Transformation-Trauma/dp/0141978619 — Bruce Perry’s books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bruce-D.-Perry/e/B004G8LMOU — Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5

Freud's claims about why we dream were largely refuted with the discovery of the brain mechanisms of REM sleep (between the 1950s and 70s). This lecture will present findings which show that dreaming is not in fact isomorphic with REM sleep, and that it is generated by a part of the brain that is deeply implicated in emotion, motivation, and memory. Recent findings will also be presented from an ongoing study which is seeking to establish that the biological function of dreaming is actually quite practical and uncomplicated. --- Professor Mark Solms is best known for his discovery of the forebrain mechanisms of dreaming, and for his pioneering integration of psychoanalytic theories and methods with those of modern neuroscience. He holds the Chair of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital (Departments of Psychology and Neurology). His other positions have included: Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at St. Bartholomew’s & Royal London School of Medicine, Director of the International Neuro-Psychoanalysis Centre, London, and Director of the Arnold Pfeffer Center for Neuro-Psychoanalysis at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Professor Solms’ books include: Clinical Studies in Neuro-Psychoanalysis (winner of the NAAP’s Gradiva Award Best Book, Science Category in 2001), The Brain and The Inner World (2002), and most recently: Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness (2021). -- Links - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Professor Solms website : www.psychology.uct.ac.za/psy/staff/pr…rs/marksolms - Professor Solms book chapter: bit.ly/encyclo-behavioralneuro

Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett is in the top one percent of the most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. In addition to the books Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes. She has also given a popular TED talk with over 6.5 million views. You can learn more about Dr Barrett's work by going to: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com --- Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a psychologist, neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author, and one of the most cited scientists in the world. She received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. These highly competitive, multimillion-dollar awards are given to scientists of exceptional creativity who are expected to transform biomedical and behavioral research. She also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in Psychology in 2021. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, consulted with the National Cancer Institute, appeared on Through The Wormhole with Morgan Freeman and The Today Show with Maria Shriver, and been a featured guest on public television and podcast and radio programs worldwide. She is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada. --- Interview Links: — Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3CWM1VQ — How Emotions are Made - Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://amzn.to/3Rx1BeT — Dr Barrett’s website: www.lisafeldmanbarrett.com — Matter and Consciousness - Dr Iain McGilchrist: https://bit.ly/3RGSQz0 3 Books Lisa Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — Between us by Batja Mesquita - https://amzn.to/3FdYkxT — The End of Trauma by George Bonanno - https://amzn.to/3AW1fbL — How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett - https://amzn.to/3GVdxFl

This episode provides a detailed explanation of the 2nd organising principle of Polyvagal Theory: Neuroception. Learn how the nervous system detects whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life threatening. Where do these states leave us on the Autonomic Ladder? And how does it fit into the "Safety/Danger Equation? --- The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of daily living powerfully shaping experiences of safety and influencing the capacity for connection. Polyvagal Theory, through the organizing principles of hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation, has revolutionized our understanding of how this system works. We now know that trauma interrupts the development of autonomic regulation and shapes the system away from connection into patterns of protection. For many clients, states of fight, flight, and collapse are frequent, intense, and prolonged while the state of safety and connection is elusive. Their autonomic nervous systems now respond in characteristic post-traumatic patterns of hyperarousal, hypervigilance, disconnection, and numbing. A Polyvagal approach uses an updated map of the autonomic circuits that underlie behaviors and beliefs so clinicians can reliably lead their clients out of adaptive survival responses into the autonomically regulated state of safety that is necessary for successful treatment. Polyvagal Theory gives clinicians a guide to help clients safely tune into their autonomic states, reshape their nervous systems, and rewrite the trauma stories that are carried in their autonomic pathways. --- Deb Dana, LCSW is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma. She is a consultant to the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute, Clinical Advisor to Khiron Clinics, and an advisor to Unyte. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training Series and lectures internationally on ways Polyvagal Theory informs work with trauma survivors. Deb is the author of The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices, co-editor of Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal-Informed Therapies, and creator of the Polyvagal Flip Chart. For more information, please see: https://rhythmofregulation.com -- Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Deb Dana’s website: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/ - Deb Dana’s books: https://amzn.to/3lkgTUO