EP: 224 INTERDIMENSIONAL with Dr. Laura Sanger

Do people who turn their backs on religion leave something crucial behind? Atheist philosopher and scientist Sam Harris thinks they do. He argues that those who reject the contemplative aspects of faith traditions are missing out on the contentment that comes from seeking transcendental states of mind, which has historically been the domain of religion.

Harris is known for encouraging skeptics to confront religion. In 2017’s Waking Up, he lays out a reason-based approach to spirituality that’s rooted in what science and meditation teach about the workings of the human mind.

In this guide, we’ll explore Harris’s definition of spirituality, what neuroscience says about the nature of consciousness, and Harris’s argument that while consciousness is real, your sense of self is an illusion. We’ll examine what spiritual enlightenment looks like from a secular worldview, its implications for self-improvement, and what science and theology have to say about consciousness, the soul, and the mind.

Dive into the unseen cosmos in the latest Lex Fridman Podcast, where theoretical physicist Lisa Randall explores the elusive world of dark matter. Randall unearths the compelling hypothesis on how this invisible phenomenon might influence cosmic and terrestrial events, even pondering the existence of life beyond our known chemical and biological paradigms. As they discuss the contrast of dark matter's structure with observable matter, unravel with them the profound implications this has on our understanding of the universe and the vast potential for the types of life it could support.

In this intellectually stimulating session, Randall traverses the frontiers of theoretical physics, from the limitations of the Standard Model to the ambitious scientific collaborations facilitated by the Large Hadron Collider. With the integrity of scientific inquiry at heart, Lex and Lisa journey through the philosophies behind the structure of the cosmos, the ethical considerations in our environmental impact, and the transformative power of curiosity. Touching upon emergent phenomena, the nature of consciousness, and the essence of discovery, this episode is a kaleidoscope of thought-provoking ideas that challenge us to look beyond the visible and embrace the mysteries awaiting in the shadows of our universe.

Do you have the power to shape your own future? Popular yogi and spiritual guide, Sadhguru argues that you do—if you correctly understand the concept of karma. In Karma, Sadhguru demystifies this ancient concept, explaining that it’s not an external system of reward and punishment, as many believe; rather, it’s a way of living rooted in your actions, thoughts, and emotions.

In this guide, we’ll begin by explaining Sadhguru’s definition of karma before elaborating on the four types of karma and how they impact you. Finally, we’ll explain what you can do with karma and offer practical strategies for those who wish to release themselves from the cycle of karma altogether. Since Sadhguru discusses karma largely based on his experience as a yogi, we'll also put karma in the context of its philosophical and religious traditions and examine his assertions from a scientific perspective.

Immerse yourself in an engaging blend of personal recollections and artistic musings with the latest episode of SmartLess, featuring a delightful conversation with music legend Paul Simon. Hosted by the comedic trio of Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman, this session ventures through the depths of performance authenticity while capturing the essence of an artist who's crafted the soundtrack of generations. In a nod to the perpetual demands of touring, the hosts start by mulling over the sentiments of Miley Cyrus, setting the stage for a profound dive into the symbiotic relationship between performer and stage.

The episode offers an intimate look at the challenges Paul Simon faces with hearing impairment and how it shapes his presence as a live performer. Simon elegantly discusses his latest musical experiment, "Seven Psalms," revealing his uncanny ability to fuse traditional sounds with a modern edge. The trio also traverses the broad spectrum of Simon's early influences and his unwavering dismissal of genre confines, which have established his standing as a true rock and roll chameleon. Beyond music, discover Simon's musings on baseball, his latent acting passions, and unexpected creative inspirations, solidifying his repute as a multifaceted cultural icon. Don't miss this journey through the life and legacy of Paul Simon, and stay tuned as SmartLess sets the stage for yet another intriguing peek into the world with Misha Brown's "The Big Flop."

By studying the brain, the science of neurology brings the empiricism of science together with mankind’s deepest philosophical questions. What makes us human? What is the true nature of the self, memory, knowing, or action? The late neurologist Oliver Sacks dedicated his life to studying the mysteries and extraordinary powers of the human brain. In The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Sacks presents the case histories of some of his patients. Each story is a profoundly human narrative of struggle, survival, and, in some cases, hope.

You were born to be a badass, but are you getting the most out of your life? In You Are a Badass, author Jen Sincero helps you identify and change the self-sabotaging thoughts and behavior patterns that are stopping you from living up to your potential.

Creating a better life requires only one simple shift: Going from wanting to change your life to deciding to change your life. This book will explain why you are the way you are, how to change what you don’t like, and how to love yourself as you create a new, awesome life.

Do you ever feel that there is a more authentic, primal self within you waiting to be free? Glennon Doyle has felt this way, too—like a wild animal in captivity who was conditioned not to feel, think, or trust herself. She tells her story in Untamed, part memoir—covering her personal story of addiction and rehab, falling in love with a woman, leaving her marriage, and rebuilding her life—and part call to action for any woman who feels held captive by society’s rules and expectations.

Through exploration of her story, she instructs readers to rebuild their lives using emotion, intuition, and imagination as guiding forces. In this guide, we’ll explore Doyle’s journey out of captivity and her lessons for other captive women. Along the way, we’ll explore complementary ideas from other feminist thinkers, psychological reasoning for aspects of captivity, and practical actionables to help you live Doyle’s principles.

Whether you're a man seeking to understand your partner better or a woman wanting to provide your partner with a resource for understanding you, The Man's Guide to Women is a practical guide to navigate the complexities of female psychology. Renowned relationship experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman, together with Doug Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams, employ scientific research, real-life examples, and years of clinical experience to demystify the intricacies of women's inner world.

From dating to sex to marriage, this guide equips men with the tools to initiate, build, and sustain a successful and mutually fulfilling relationship. We’ll supplement the authors’ advice with a range of perspectives on psychology, gender, love, and marriage from authors like Esther Perel (Mating in Captivity), Ian Kerner (She Comes First), and Rollo Tomassi (The Rational Male).

What does it mean to live like Jesus and become love in the world? That's the question Bob Goff attempts to answer in Everybody, Always. Through spiritual guidance and examples from his own life, Bob provides a blueprint for how to grow deeper in your faith and become the person God meant for you to be. Part of fulfilling your purpose in God’s world is learning to open yourself up to His love and mirror it back to others. If you can find the courage to live as Jesus did, you will experience the power of His love in your life.