Best Cognitio Podcasts (2025)

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Navigating the Trust Apocalypse: Examining Collective Agency and Distributed Cognitio 1:30:32

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24d ago1:30:32

1:30:32

How do we rebuild trust and meaning in a world where certainty and connection are breaking down? In this episode of The Lectern, John welcomes Kieran McCammon and Jordan Hall to discuss the 'trust apocalypse' and its intersection with the meaning crisis. They delve into the vicious cycle between the loss of trust and the fragmentation of communitie…

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Why Reason Needs Spirit | John Vervaeke 51:40

4h ago51:40

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Thank you for joining us for this in-depth solo lecture from Dr. John Vervaeke, where he continues his exploration of cognition, meaning, and spirit from the perspective of relevance realization and predictive processing. In this talk, John takes us on a journey through the architecture of the mind, explaining how voluntary necessity, scientific id…

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Silk Road Seminar - Bishop Maximus 1:04:21

1M ago1:04:21

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Bishop Maximus is a theologian, scholar, and Orthodox bishop whose work bridges ancient Christian thought with contemporary philosophical inquiry. A leading voice in the revival of patristic epistemology, he focuses on the integration of faith and reason through figures such as Clement of Alexandria. His research explores how early Christian thinke…

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The Philosophical Silk Road: A Journey to Rediscovering Theosis and Sacred Pluralism 1:07:59

1M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

The Calling to Reorient the Self How can the sacred be recovered in a world fractured by autonomy and fragmentation? In this deeply personal episode of Kainos on The Lectern, recorded during a session hosted by Alexander Beiner on Kainos, John Vervaeke shares reflections from his recent pilgrimage across Europe—what he calls the Philosophical Silk …

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Agency, Communion, and the Dialogical Self 1:16:38

2M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

"To what extent is authenticity a solitary alignment with the inner self, versus a relational and dialogical process shaped through communion with others?" John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques and Matthew Schaublin come together for a discussion covering the concept of authenticity. Matthew Schaublin presents findings from two studies, one of which emplo…

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The Crisis of Being 1:13:10

2M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

The Crisis of Being James Filler is a philosopher, theologian, and leading voice in metaphysics and post-Cartesian thought, specializing in substance ontology, the meaning crisis, and relational models of reason. With a PhD in philosophy and expertise in ancient and contemporary ontology, Filler is the author of Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the His…

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Embarking on the Philosophical Silk Road: Exploring Pilgrimage and Theosis 1:49:01

3M ago1:49:01

1:49:01

This conversation marks the beginning of a deeper inquiry for Dr. John Vervaeke: What if pilgrimage is not a retreat from the world, but a return to what is most real? Joined by Ethan Hsieh, John explicates his intent to preregister his intellectual and philosophical orientation before beginning his metaphorical pilgrimage. Drawing on parallels wit…

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The Return of the Sacred: Mysticism, Tradition, and the Challenge of Modernity 1:31:10

3M ago1:31:10

1:31:10

Ritual, Wisdom, and What’s Lost Sebastian Morello was trained in philosophy by Sir Roger Scruton and Andrew Pinsent. He is a lecturer, columnist, and popular public speaker in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Morello has previously co-authored books on subjects of philosophy and education. He lives in Bedfordshire, England, with his wife a…

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What AI Can Never Be | John Vervaeke 57:04

3M ago57:04

57:04

Can artificial intelligence truly become wise? In this landmark lecture, John Vervaeke explores the future of AI through a lens few dare to examine: the limits of intelligence itself. He unpacks the critical differences between intelligence, rationality, reasonableness, and wisdom—terms often used interchangeably in discussions around AGI. Drawing …

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Sacredness After Deconstruction 1:38:05

4M ago1:38:05

1:38:05

Britt Hartley is a certified spiritual director, meditation teacher, and leading voice in secular spirituality, specializing in religious trauma, deconstruction, and nihilism recovery. With a Master’s in Applied Theology, doctoral work in Open and Relational Theology (ABD), and training across Sufi, Mormon, and meditation traditions, she is the aut…

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Hacking Humanity: Data, Desire, and the Future of Free Will 1:58:48

4M ago1:58:48

1:58:48

What happens when data knows us better than we know ourselves? In this raw and riveting conversation, John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro sit down with Andy Russell — a former architect of data-driven persuasion — to expose how AI, behavioral profiling, and social media algorithms can hijack human desire, threaten our agency, and reshape our…

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Lectern Q&As: The Virtue of Love | Featuring John Vervaeke, Ethan, and Ellie 1:03:03

5M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Welcome to a special installment of the Lectern Q&A! This month’s theme is Love as a Virtue and Existential Stance. This session dives into the nature of love—not just as a feeling, but as a participatory, person-making virtue that binds us to reality and each other. Joining John and Ethan is Ellie, who brings both a deeply reflective presence and …

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Autonomy, Authenticity, and the Fragmented Self 1:13:34

5M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

If you find yourself torn between rationality and spirituality, science and mysticism, facts and belief; The Lectern's inaugural 8-week course will offer you a new lens through which to reflect on these dilemmas. Click here to enroll: https://lectern.teachable.com/p/einstein-and-spinoza-s-god1 “What does it really mean to be authentic, and can this…

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Redefining Human Flourishing: AI and the Meaning Crisis 1:17:56

6M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

As AI continues to advance and integrate into our daily lives, can it truly be designed to align with our deepest human values and moral principles? If so, how can we ensure that AI not only understands but also respects and promotes our ethical frameworks, without compromising our privacy or hindering our personal growth and autonomy? John Vervaek…

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Neoplatonism and the Ground of Relationality 1:06:53

6M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

What if the deepest truth of reality lies not in substances or isolated things, but in the pure relationality that connects everything? John Vervaeke is joined by renowned scholar Douglas Hedley to explore James Filler's groundbreaking work "Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being." John and Douglas examine the profound implications of vi…

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Reconnecting to the Real | A Transformational Retreat 1:02:24

7M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Join John Vervaeke, Guy Sengstock, and Kyle Koch as they invite you to a transformative retreat designed to help you reconnect to the real—deepening your connection to yourself, others, and the world around you. They explore the philosophical, spiritual, and psychological concepts behind the retreat and how these ideas will be integrated into the a…

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The Interwoven Mind | Plotinus, Contemplation, and the Structure of Reality 1:38:08

7M ago1:38:08

1:38:08

What is the true nature of contemplation, and how does it intertwine with our understanding of reality? John Vervaeke is joined by Mateusz Stróżyński to discuss his masterful work, Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World. They explore the deep and often overlooked wisdom of Plotinus, one of history’s greatest thinkers. Together, th…

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Rethinking Divinity: The Limited God and the Fine-Tuned Universe 1:26:51

7M ago1:26:51

1:26:51

"How does the concept of a 'limited God' differ from traditional theistic views, and what implications does this have for understanding the purpose of the universe and human existence?" John Vervaeke is joined by Phillip Goff to discuss his influential book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe, and his unique perspective on panpsychism. The duo discus…

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How Jhana Meditation Facilitates Insight and Cognitive Flexibility 1:08:14

8M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Question - "How does Jhana meditation simplify experience to facilitate insight and cognitive flexibility?" John Vervaeke is joined by Mark Miller, Rick Repetti, to explore the intersection of predictive processing, relevance realization, and embodied cognition in contemplative practices. They introduce PhD candidate Jonas Mago, who discusses his r…

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Philosophical Connections: Relational Ontology and the Modern Crisis 1:16:08

10M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

John Vervaeke engages in a profound discussion with James Filler, author of 'Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being'. They examine the core arguments of Jame’s book, which emphasizes relationality as more fundamental than individual existence in understanding reality. The conversation explores Neoplatonism, Heidegger's philosophy, and th…

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Decoding the Enigma of Consciousness: Life, Cognition, and the Nature of Awareness | Evan Thompson 1:26:33

11M ago1:26:33

1:26:33

John Vervaeke and Evan Thompson continue the exploration of life, cognition, and consciousness, drawing from interdisciplinary collaboration and philosophical discourse. The discussion challenges reductionist perspectives in biology, examines organisms as autonomous agents, and questions the adequacy of current models to explain life's complexities…

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Lectern Dialogues: Concept of Daimon in Pre-Platonic and Platonic Thought | Charles Stang 1:25:38

11M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

In this episode, John Vervaeke and Harvard professor Charles Stang explore the concept of the 'daimon’', stemming from Stang's book Our Divine Double. John and Charles discuss semi-autonomous entities in psychological and philosophical contexts, linking ancient wisdom and modern cognitive science. Key topics include Socratic 'daimonion', Platonic t…

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Metaphysics of Mattering | John Vervaeke on Life’s Deep Connections 32:27

12M ago32:27

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In this presentation delivered at the "Metaphysics and the Matter with Things: Thinking with Iain McGilchrist" conference—a collaborative event by the Center for Process Studies (CPS) and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in March 2024—John Vervaeke explores the concept of "mattering" and its critical role in understanding the mea…

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Exploring Adolescence and the Meaning Crisis with IFS Therapy | Kasra Mirzaie & Dr Robin Barre 1:24:09

1y ago1:24:09

1:24:09

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, examining the intersection of psychotherapy, dynamical systems theory, and the meaning crisis. Kasra is dedicated to exploring how self-organizing criticality and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can drive transformation and person…

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Beyond Atheism: Finding Meaning in the Secular Age 32:46

1y ago32:46

32:46

Can we find meaning in a world without religion? In this episode first released on Dissident Dialogues, Freddie Sayers hosts John Vervaeke and Alex O'Connor, formerly known as Cosmic Skeptic, to explore the deep question of meaning in an increasingly secular world. They discuss the historical role of religion in providing purpose and narrative, the…

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From Monasteries to Boardrooms: Integrating Spirituality and Leadership | Nicholas Janni 1:26:40

1y ago1:26:40

1:26:40

Nicholas Janni is a pioneer in executive development, having co-founded Olivier Mythodrama Associates, where he created leadership programs based on Shakespearean stories. He continues to work globally with leaders and organizations through his consultancy, Core Presence, and his innovative 'Leader as Healer' program, which promotes integrated, con…

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Metamodern Christianity Part 2: Evolving Spirituality and the Sacred Universe | Brendan Graham Dempsey 1:17:55

1y ago1:17:55

1:17:55

Brendan Graham Dempsey is the director of Sky Meadow Institute and the author of the Metamodern Spirituality Series. He explores the evolution of spirituality and the integration of science and religion in contemporary culture. To learn more about his latest book release, "A Universal Learning Process," which is the first volume in his series "The …

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Saintliness and the Philosophical Silk Road | Christopher Mastropietro & Andrew Sweeny 1:20:54

1y ago1:20:54

1:20:54

Have we confined the true essence of sainthood within too narrow a boundary? In this episode of 'Voices with Vervaeke,' John Vervaeke welcomes Christopher Mastropeitro and Andrew Sweeny for a discussion that delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of their innovative project, the Philosophical Silk Road. Together, they challenge cont…

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Is IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra Mirzaie 1:11:21

1y ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, exploring the interplay between psychotherapy, spirituality, and self-deception. Can understanding all parts of ourselves sometimes lead us away from the truth? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke continues to explo…

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Transforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay 1:43:33

1y ago1:43:33

1:43:33

Paul Vander Klay is a minister at Living Stones CRC in Sacramento, CA, known for his engaging online discussions on faith and thoughtful community engagement. How can the convergence of ancient spiritual practices and modern cognitive science redefine our understanding of identity and collective wisdom? In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," Jo…

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Rediscovering Plato's Beauty | Thomas Jockin 1:19:31

1y ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Thomas Jockin is a Fellow at the Halkyon Guild and the Founder of TypeThursday. He has taught at Pratt Institute, FIT (SUNY), Queens College (CUNY), and City College of New York (CUNY). Sign Up for Thomas Jockin’s Course: Plato on Beauty and Virtue | Halkyon Academy Can re-engaging with classical ideals of beauty help us address the meaning crisis?…

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Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy 1:18:13

1y ago1:18:13

1:18:13

Marc Lewis is a neuroscientist and former professor of developmental psychology, who taught at the University of Toronto and Radboud University. He is the author of numerous journal publications and books, including Memoirs of an Addicted Brain and The Biology of Desire. How can understanding our internal parts lead to emotional healing and persona…

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Transpersonal States: Awakening, Enlightenment, and the Ego | Vivian Dittmar 1:23:51

1y ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Vivian Dittmar is an author, speaker, and wisdom teacher dedicated to enhancing holistic development for over two decades. Through her books and the Be the Change Foundation, she focuses on emotional intelligence, ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment to address modern society's crises. What does it mean to truly tran…

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Beyond the Binary: Science and Spirituality Unite | Transcendent Naturalism #14 with Henriques, Alderman, and Layman 1:15:48

1y ago1:15:48

1:15:48

Gregg Henriques is a professor at James Madison University, author of "A New Unified Theory of Psychology," and a leader in the Unified Psychotherapy Movement, with over 20 years of experience in psychology and psychotherapy, specializing in adult psychopathology. Pascal Layman is a philosopher based in Northern Ontario, known for his groundbreakin…

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Reviving Faith with Metamodern Spirituality and the Future of Christianity | Brendan Graham Dempsey 1:32:38

1y ago1:32:38

1:32:38

Brendan Graham Dempsey is an author and speaker specializing in metamodern spirituality, exploring the intersections of traditional faith and contemporary thought. How can ancient faith traditions adapt to the complexities of the modern world? In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, John Vervaeke and Brendan Graham Dempsey explore the potential fo…

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Insights from UTOK 2024 on Naturalism and Emergentism | Alexander Bard, Gregg Henriques, Bonnitta Roy & John Vervaeke 1:50:37

1y ago1:50:37

1:50:37

Gregg Henriques is a clinical psychologist and professor at James Madison University. He is known for his Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), which integrates various domains of psychology into a coherent framework. Bonnita Roy is the founder of Alderlore Insight Center, a non-profit educational organization and the curator of The POP-UP School, an…

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Transforming Lives Through Relational Practices | Tataya Bailey and Rachel Hayden 1:13:37

1+ y ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Tataya Bailey is the founder and lead trainer of Prisma Leadership, combining her law degree, multiple yoga certifications, and over two decades of facilitation experience to create a unique leadership approach rooted in integrity and connection. Rachel Hayden is a magpie of the Liminal Web, and occasional collaborator with people like John, Gregg …

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Can Cognitive Science Reveal the Fourth R of Human Connection? 55:30

1+ y ago55:30

55:30

Gregg Henriques is a clinical psychologist and professor at James Madison University. He is known for his Unified Theory of Knowledge (UTOK), which integrates various domains of psychology into a coherent framework. What drives our social connections and sense of belonging? In this episode, originally recorded at the UTOC 2024 conference, John Verv…

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Could AI Help Solve the Meaning Crisis? 1:02:08

1+ y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Mahon McCann is a writer, award-winning playwright, philosophy doctoral researcher, martial arts coach, and podcast host who explores personal development and ethical issues of technology. Are we on the brink of a new era of enlightenment or facing the rise of an existential threat? In this episode, John Vervaeke and Mahon McCann delve into the int…

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The Philosophical Silk Road: Exploring the Intersections of Philosophy and Spirituality with Christopher Mastropietro and Andrew Sweeny 1:27:45

1+ y ago1:27:45

1:27:45

In the vast expanse of human thought, how do philosophy and spirituality intertwine to shape our understanding of the sacred? In this conversation, first released on Andrew Sweeny's channel, The Parallax, John Vervaeke, Andrew Sweeny, and Christopher Mastropietro examine the delicate balance between philosophical rigor and spiritual experiences. Th…

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The Blind Spot in Perception: Evan Thompson on Cognitive Science, Asian Philosophy, and Mystical Insight 1:14:57

1+ y ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Evan Thompson is a philosopher and author, specializing in the integration of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and Asian philosophical traditions. Based at the University of British Columbia, his work, including his recent book 'The Blind Spot', examines the intersections of consciousness, experience, and reality through a comprehensive inter…

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Exploring the Connection Between Wisdom, Love, and the Really Real 1:26:46

1+ y ago1:26:46

1:26:46

Elizabeth Oldfield is a writer, speaker, and advocate for intentional community living based in South London. Her work, including her book 'Fully Alive', explores the intersections of faith, culture, and ethics through a deeply personal lens. In a world that often trivializes love and deep connections, how can we cultivate a life of wisdom, virtue,…

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Conversations at the Crossroads of Nature and Wisdom 1:10:36

1+ y ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Kyle Koch is a facilitator at Evolve Move Play, where he integrates dialogical practices into natural settings to foster deep personal connections and psychological growth. Have you ever wondered about the impact of our environment on our cognition and ability to connect with others? In this episode of Voice with Vervaeke, John and Kyle explore the…

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Illuminating the Interplay: Terri Dentry and Aspasia Karageorge on Emotion, Physicality, and the Path to Healing 1:10:33

1+ y ago1:10:33

1:10:33

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke, alongside Terri Dentry and Aspasia Karageorge, delves into the complex interplay between emotions, chronic pain, and the mechanisms of healing within the framework of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). Through a rich dialogue, the discussion unfolds to explore the intricate …

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Mentoring the Machines: Setting the Course for the Future of Artificial Intelligence 1:05:36

1+ y ago1:05:36

1:05:36

This episode, first released on the “Into the Impossible” channel with Dr. Brian Keating, brings together the brilliant minds of John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne to discuss the advent of artificial general intelligence and its potential consequences. The conversation starts with the motivations behind major tech figures' drive towards AI development a…

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Dialogues on Transformation: The Journey of Insightful Healing with Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin 1:19:29

1+ y ago1:19:29

1:19:29

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke is joined by Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin to discuss their unique perspectives on the intricate journey from chronic pain to insightful healing. The conversation delves into the psychological and existential dimensions that underpin true transformation, emphasizing the importance of dialogical…

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Consciousness, Intelligence, and the Quest for Meaning with Vervaeke, Henriques, Levin, and McSweeny 1:23:48

1+ y ago1:23:48

1:23:48

In this episode, John Vervaeke, Gregg Henriques, Michael Levin, and Justin McSweeny come together to discuss the complexities of consciousness, intelligence, and the human condition. The conversation balances between imagination and empirical evidence, introducing cognitive light cones to frame goal-directed behavior. They explore recursive relevan…

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Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis 1:29:39

1+ y ago1:29:39

1:29:39

In this episode of ”Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke continues his ongoing exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory with psychotherapist, clinician, and researcher Kasra Mirzaie. Kasra shares his insights into the cognitive, existential, and spiritual aspects of IFS, highlighting its potential to help individuals make sense of their …

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Faith in Dialogue: Navigating Complexity and Transformation with Jordan Hall Part 2 1:30:45

1+ y ago1:30:45

1:30:45

Dive deeper into the transformative journey with John Vervaeke and Jordan Hall as they continue their exploration into faith, meaning, and the power of Dialogos. This second part of their conversation delves into the evolution of Christianity, the limitations of the scientific worldview, and the urgent meta-crisis that beckons a collective awakenin…

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Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch 1:24:31

1+ y ago1:24:31

1:24:31

In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch join host John Vervaeke to explore the intersection of chronic pain, dialog, reasoning, and socio-technology ethics. Drawing from Nate's personal experience with chronic pain and his background in organizational design, the conversation delves into the challenges corporations fa…