Category Archives: Academic Scientists

702. Neil Theise

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Neil Theise is a professor of pathology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Through his scientific research, he has been a pioneer of adult stem cell plasticity and the anatomy of the human interstitium. Dr. Theise’s studies in complexity theory have led to interdisciplinary collaborations in fields such as integrative medicine, consciousness studies, and science-religion dialogue. He is a senior Zen student at the Village Zendo in NYC. His life long Jewish practice has involved both traditional observances and formal academic study. In recent years, (to his surprise) he has also undergone shamanic initiation.

Books: 

Website: neiltheiseofficial.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview.

Interview recorded March 9, 2024

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:04:25 – Complexity Theory and the study of life
  • 00:08:34 – Dynamic Healing of the GI Tract
  • 00:12:40 – Artificial Life and Complexity Theory
  • 00:17:26 – Awakening through the Koan “Mu”
  • 00:22:41 – The Fascinating Idea of Biocentrism and Organizing Complexity
  • 00:25:45 – Discovering Complexity Theory
  • 00:28:37 – The Illusion of Materiality and the Nature of Pure Awareness
  • 00:33:37 – The Non-dual Fundamental Awareness
  • 00:37:38 – Complementarity in Quantum Physics and Beyond
  • 00:42:36 – The Quantum Field of the Body
  • 00:46:29 – Direct experiences of quantum level reality
  • 00:49:14 – The True Nature of Conscious Reality
  • 00:53:25 – The Illusion of Reality
  • 00:56:56 – The Mechanism of Human Consciousness
  • 01:01:23 – Challenging Empirical Science and Promissory Materialism
  • 01:04:51 – The Intimacy of Subject and Object in Quantum Science
  • 01:08:53 – The Limitations of Mathematics and Empirical Science
  • 01:13:30 – Gödel and Turing’s Implications for Mystical Exploration and Consciousness
  • 01:17:33 – Shifting Paradigms and the Nature of Consciousness
  • 01:21:20 – Self-Organization and Complexity in the Universe
  • 01:24:44 – Negative and Positive Feedback Loops
  • 01:29:02 – The Adjacent Possibles and Creativity
  • 01:32:16 – The Subtle Dimensions of Living Beings and the Universe
  • 01:35:26 – Language Limitations and Perspective
  • 01:39:02 – Awakening through Traumatic Experiences
  • 01:42:35 – Wondering about Luck and the Beloved Name
  • 01:45:28 – The Universe’s Construction and Spiritual Practices
  • 01:48:30 – The Divine Feminine and Unconditional Love
  • 01:52:57 – The Nature of Reality and True Compassion
  • 01:55:56 – Conclusion

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684. Chris Niebauer

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Chris Niebauer earned his Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right sides of the human brain. He is the author of No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and The No Self, No Problem Workbook: Exercises & Practices from Neuropsychology and Buddhism to Help You Lose Your Mind. He was a professor at a state university in Pennsylvania for 22 years, where he taught courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left- and right-brain differences, and artificial intelligence.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded June 3, 2023

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:06:21 – Disappointment with Daniel Dennett’s book on consciousness
  • 00:11:55 – The Value of Intelligence and Happiness
  • 00:17:39 – The Dominance of Language in Reality
  • 00:23:31 – Breaking the Cycle of Mental Excitation
  • 00:29:04 – Non-Thinking Forms of Consciousness
  • 00:34:24 – The Power of Numbers and Abstractions
  • 00:40:01 – Observing the Interpreter and Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts
  • 00:45:55 – The Need for a Tiny Shift
  • 00:51:17 – The Inventive Storytelling of the Left Brain
  • 00:57:17 – Holistic Development of the Brain
  • 01:02:52 – The Playfulness of Debates and the Power of Music
  • 01:08:41 – The Nature of Skepticism and Strange Beliefs
  • 01:14:25 – The Shift to Right Brain Awareness
  • 01:19:53 – The Left Brain on Trial
  • 01:25:32 – Individual Paths and Categorization
  • 01:31:05 – Liberation and the Illusion of Self
  • 01:36:54 – The Paradox of the Soul and Individuality
  • 01:43:02 – Embracing Paradoxes
  • 01:48:22 – The Connection between Light and Consciousness
  • 01:53:31 – The Role of Faith in Materialism and Consciousness Studies
  • 01:58:37 – The Inadequacy of Neuroscience
  • 02:03:46 – The Limitations of Understanding and Balance in Life

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682. Jill Bolte Taylor

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Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard trained and published neuroanatomist who is now affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology. In 1996 she experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. Her most recent 2021 book is WHOLE BRAIN LIVING: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life.

Dr. Taylor is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations about the beauty of our human brain and how we can work with ourself to live a more peaceful life. In 2008 she gave the first TED talk that ever went viral on the Internet, which now has well over 28.5 million views. Also in 2008, Dr. Taylor was chosen as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul Series” web-cast.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded May 14, 2023.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

YouTube Video Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 – Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
  • 00:05:33 – The Evolutionary Goal of Humanity
  • 00:11:07 – The Experience of the Present Moment
  • 00:17:04 – Developing the Whole Brain
  • 00:23:18 – Understanding the Dynamics of Relationships
  • 00:28:43 – Understanding Character Two and Emotional Pain
  • 00:33:33 – Understanding the Little Character Two
  • 00:38:03 – The Richness of Human Emotions
  • 00:42:05 – Autism and Brain Circuitry
  • 00:47:10 – The Potential Risks of Whole Brain Living and Psychedelics
  • 00:52:44 – Exploring the Options for Bipolar Disorder and PTSD
  • 00:59:58 – The Beauty of Humor
  • 01:07:06 – The Interface of Individuality and Universality
  • 01:16:07 – Bringing Balance and Meaning Into Life
  • 01:25:16 – The Differences in Perception and Information Processing
  • 01:32:07 – The Absurdity of Language and Consciousness
  • 01:37:18 – The Value Structure of Character Four
  • 01:44:01 – Changing the Model of Enlightenment
  • 01:48:18 – The Existence of Free Will
  • 01:53:44 – The Subtle Work of Cells and Neuronal Networks
  • 01:59:21 – The 90-Second Rule & Addiction in the Brain
  • 02:04:19 – Exploring Selective Mutism and Addiction
  • 02:11:27 – Dealing with Fear of the Future and Worry
  • 02:17:51 – Farewell and Thank You

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