Exploring frontiers of contemplative science
The Mind & Life podcast explores fundamental questions at the intersection of science and contemplative wisdom.
How do we understand our minds? What are the mental patterns that shape our experience and how are those patterns created, maintained, and changed? What role can contemplative practices like meditation play in individual and collective well-being?
Through conversations that span psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, anthropology, religion, social science, art, activism, and lived experience, we bring together leading researchers, thinkers, and practitioners to deepen understanding of ourselves and our world.
A New Season with Host David Creswell
Health psychologist David Creswell, PhD, is the new host of the Mind & Life Podcast, bringing leading voices across science, contemplative wisdom, and social change into thoughtful, long-form conversation. Bridging cutting-edge research and timeless wisdom, each episode helps listeners better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and respond more skillfully to the challenges of our time. This season brings eight episodes, one every two weeks, with guests including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Sona Dimidjian, Richie Davidson, Mara Lisa Arizaga, Jeremy Hunter, and more.
David is the William Dietrich II Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Carnegie Mellon University and a leading researcher in the science of mindfulness, stress, and health. His work focuses on understanding what makes people resilient under stress, including how mindfulness meditation training impacts the brain, stress physiology, and health, and the important role of learning acceptance and equanimity skills. David first joined the podcast as a guest in 2023 to explore equanimity.
Mind & Life is a production of the Mind & Life Institute. Views expressed on the show do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization. Episodes are produced by Phil Walker. Music on the show is from Blue Dot Sessions and Universal.