Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives. We discuss: How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain Breath and body awareness as daily meditation Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner “parts” Why facing life’s challenges with integrity is the real practice FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to George Thompson 9:58 | Meeting Master Gu 12:56 | Tai Chi Training 15:45 | Healing Knee Pain 20:12 | Breath Awareness Exercise 22:09 | How Taichi Transforms Thought 29:40 | Emptiness Described 34:10 | Taoist Origin Story of the Universe 38:26 | Patterns 41:55 | Daily Practices 47:58 Breathwork Practices 50:04 | Applying Daily Mindfulness 56:10 | Internal Family Systems - Labeling Parts 57:47 | Documentary Message & Inspiration 1:01:02 | Consciousness 1:10:00 | Facing Challenges 1:15:33 | Life of Service & Integrity 1:21:25 | Where to Find More on George 🎥 Watch George’s documentary “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM 🌿 Learn more about George’s retreats and teachings: https://www.balanceispossible.com/ & https://www.taoistwellness.online/
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset. We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety. Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance. Whether you’re new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD 2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment 18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating 20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation 31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity 43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation 47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last 52:29 | Floating & Meditation 54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences 58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating 1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System 1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank 1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention 1:24:17 | Respiration 1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/
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#99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Philippe Douyon, MD
This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience. We discuss the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life. Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive function. Key strategies for brain health, including diet, fasting, exercise, and lifelong learning, are explored, along with neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chronic stress. Practical approaches to mental fitness and stress management highlight how individuals can enhance cognitive resilience and take control of their brain health. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Philipe Douyon 4:18 | Neuroplasticity Explained 6:00 | Myths About Neuroplasticity 10:01 | Inherited Mindset 12:13 | Taking Charge of Your Brain 15:21 | Lifestyle Changes for Brain Health 23:50 | Fasting 26:55 | Diet 30:13 | Life-Long Learning 38:36 | Neurological Disorders: Strokes & Dementia 42:32 | Pseudo-Dementia 46:26 | Flow States 48:47 | Benefit of Learning New Things 53:55 | Role of Emotions 56:22 | Chronic Stress Management 1:06:41 | Rapid Fire Questions
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#98: The Science of Connection - Adam Dorsay, PsyD
In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction. The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fostering connection in personal relationships, work, and the natural world, offering strategies to enhance purpose and well-being. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Adam Dorsay 1:45 | 4 Types of Connection 10:02 | Neuroscience of Connection 21:09 | How to “Know Thyself” 25:44 | Vulnerability & Courage 29:24 | Connection to the World 39:50 | Amazement & Awe 49:00 | Connect to Your Work 59:59 | Effective Communication Strategy
In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being. He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise. Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habitual thought patterns, offering a deeper awareness of how the brain shapes our experience and revealing profound insights into consciousness. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Shamil Chandaria 3:38 | Spiritual Awakening in Human Flourishing 4:31 | How the Brain Predicts Reality - Bayesian Brain Explained 9:26 | AI & the Human Brain 21:33 | Free Energy Principle in Wellbeing 37:30 | Befriending Difficult Emotions 43:30 | Boundless Awareness 54:00 | Effortless Action 57:17 | Psychedelics & Bayesian Brain 1:07:29 | Default Mode Network & Predictive Processing 1:13:12 | Gamma Brain Waves in Long-Term Meditators Research
Über The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more.
Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes.
At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app.
Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King’s College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men’s Health.
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