EP64. "Once you've seen, you cannot unsee" – Dr. Bill Richards on the science of psychedelics for consciousness, end of life, and mental health

EP67. Former NIH Director Francis Collins: Inside the "Exhausted Middle", The Big Bang & Faith, & Bridging Our Deepest Divides

I interviewed Dr. Francis Collins—a physician-scientist who led the international Human Genome Project, which successfully sequenced all three billion letters of the human genome, and later served three U.S. presidents as director of the National Institutes of Health—about his book The Road to Wisdom. We discuss his journey from materialism to Christian faith, why wisdom requires humility and listening, and how we can seek truth across deep differences. Dr. Collins also explains how to build a “mental immune system” against misinformation, restore trust in science, and find meaning beyond a purely material view of life. We close with his new initiative, Discovery Lives in Us. ** Francis Collins is a physician-scientist. Under his direction, the Human Genome Project produced the first finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book in 2003. From 2009 to 2021, Collins served under three Presidents as the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world. His contributions to science, medicine, and society have been recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Templeton Prize. His most recent book is The Road To Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust (Little, Brown and Worthy, 2024; see francisscollins.com). He is the founder of a new initiative called Discovery Lives in Us that aims to collect and distribute hundreds of authentic patient narratives about the value of medical research. ** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Wisdom in a polarized world 01:18 Francis Collins’ first “inner calling” 04:02 When science reached its limits 06:00 The patient who challenged his worldview 08:45 From materialism to Christian faith 09:43 Why Francis Collins wrote The Road to Wisdom 11:30 Why America feels so divided 13:40 Learning from people you disagree with 15:30 Building a “mental immune system” 17:20 How do we know whom to trust? 19:00 What COVID taught Francis Collins 21:10 Listening without becoming defensive 23:00 Young adults, meaning, and materialism 24:15 Can science and faith work together? 26:10 DNA, the Big Bang, and evidence for God 30:10 Beauty, morality, and transcendence 33:10 Why young people are leaving the church 34:45 Do science and faith really conflict? 37:10 Finding community and purpose 39:20 Viktor Frankl and the search for meaning 40:00 Can authentic faith help heal society? 40:40 What gives Francis Collins hope? 42:20 Restoring trust in science 43:05 Discovery Lives in Us 44:00 Final thoughts EPISODE LINKS The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Road+to+Wisdom+Francis+Collins The Language of God https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Language+of+God+Francis+Collins Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mere+Christianity+C.S.+Lewis Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Man%27s+Search+for+Meaning+Viktor+Frankl BioLogos https://biologos.org Braver Angels https://braverangels.org Discovery Lives in Us https://discoverylivesinus.org francisscollins.com [http://francisscollins.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfranciscollins/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfranciscollins/] PODCAST LINKS Website: www.innercalling.org FIND DR. VICTORIA HERE. Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com Email: drvictoria@innercalling.org Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP66. "Who do you choose to be?" — Leadership Expert Dr. Margaret Wheatley on Finding Purpose in Chaotic Times

I interview Dr. Margaret Wheatley, internationally renowned leadership thinker and author of Who Do We Choose to Be?, about how we find a way forward in uncertain times. We discuss meaningful work, genuine contribution, leadership, community, creating "islands of sanity," synchronicity, purpose, and why the most important question may not be "How do we change the world?" but "Who needs me right now?" TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Finding Your Calling & Purpose 03:45 Viktor Frankl, Meaning & Discovering Your Gifts 06:00 Synchronicity, Intuition & Feeling Guided 09:00 Loneliness, Individualism & Why Community Heals 12:00 Joy, Community & the Antidote to Despair 14:00 "Who Needs Me Right Now?" Overcoming Despair 17:00 Restoring Our Humanity 18:00 Parenting, Technology & Raising Human Beings 20:00 Can One Person Still Make a Difference? 23:00 Social Collapse, Leadership & Facing Reality 28:00 Why Facing Reality Is Empowering 29:00 Fear, Anxiety & Leadership 33:00 Powerlessness & Finding Your Contribution 36:00 Social Media, Influence & True Impact 39:00 Science, Spirituality & Consciousness 41:00 Meditation, Nature & Feeling Held by Life 43:00 Leadership in Uncertain Times 45:00 Creating "Islands of Sanity" 48:00 AI, Humanity & the Future 50:00 Mental Health, Anxiety & Despair 52:00 "I'm Not Hopeful." Finding Meaning in Difficult Times EPISODE LINKS • Dr. Margaret Wheatley's website: https://margaretwheatley.com/ • Who Do We Choose to Be: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/ • Turning to One Another: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/turning-to-one-another/ • Leadership and the New Science: https://margaretwheatley.com/books/leadership-and-the-new-science/ • Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807014273 PODCAST LINKS Website: www.innercalling.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4 Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8 FIND DR. VICTORIA HERE. IDKYBILY Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com Email: drvictoria@innercalling.org #spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #existentialpsychology #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP65. Breaking the Stigma of Teen Depression: A Father's Powerful Story of Loss, Wisdom, & Hope | Brian Monday

I interview Brian Monday, who shares the story of his son, Eric. We discuss teen depression, suicide, grief, and the lessons Brian learned through losing his son—and how those lessons can help us better support young people living with depression while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. *** Brian Monday is the Founder and President of the Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the culture of athletics through mental health awareness, education, suicide prevention, and support. Following the loss of his son, Eric, Brian has made it his mission to help parents, coaches, student athletes, and families recognize the signs of depression, reduce stigma, and create environments where young people feel safe asking for help. Through the Foundation's free Coaches Guide to Mental Health Training, Brian teaches the evidence-based LASRR framework—Listen, Accept, Support, Refer, and Report—to help coaches identify and respond compassionately to athletes who may be struggling. A sought-after keynote speaker, Brian has presented on mental health in sports to schools, universities, government organizations, and athletic programs across the country. ** Disclaimer: This episode includes a discussion of depression, suicide, and the loss of a loved one. If these topics are difficult for you, please use your discretion and take care of yourself while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, please seek immediate support. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local emergency services or crisis support resources. ** TIMESTAMPS 0:00 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Athletes 1:00 Brian's Story: Losing His Son to Suicide 2:05 Turning Tragedy Into Purpose 4:23 Eric's Early Signs of Depression 7:08 Why Failure Makes Athletes Stronger 9:06 Bullying, Trauma & Mental Health 11:42 When Depression Turns Into Suicidal Thoughts 12:15 Why Athletes Are More Likely to Die by Suicide 15:18 The Critical Role of Coaches 20:35 Losing a Son to Suicide 22:06 A Father's Grief & Self-Blame 23:15 The Night Eric Died 27:50 Parenting Regrets & Healing 30:17 Therapy, Grief & Recovery 31:20 Advice for Parents of Depressed Teens 33:26 Trust Your Gut as a Parent 35:56 Stay Close to Your Child 36:38 Why Every Teen Needs a Support Network 38:07 You Can't Solve Everything for Your Child 40:10 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health 41:22 Listen, Accept, Support 43:12 Creating the Support Eric Needed 45:12 How Support Networks Save Lives 47:22 How Grief Changed His Life 48:20 Advice for Parents Who Lost a Child 49:44 Finding Purpose After Tragedy 50:22 Where Strength Comes From 54:05 Treat Mental Health Like a Broken Bone 56:45 How the Eric Monday Foundation Helps Athletes 1:00:02 Helping Athletes Build Identity Beyond Sports 1:03:08 Sports, Resilience & Mental Strength 1:05:10 Mental Health Training for Coaches 1:06:18 Warning Signs Coaches Should Know 1:08:00 Building a Healthier Sports Culture 1:10:03 The LASER Method: Listen, Accept, Support, Refer 1:11:35 Mental Health Resources for Parents 1:12:45 You're Not Alone 1:15:25 A Message to Anyone Struggling 1:17:40 Is Suicide Ever the Answer? 1:19:18 Healing Shame & Finding Hope EPISODE LINKS ericmondayfoundation.org melee-til-midnight.com #takedownthestigma PODCAST LINKS Website: www.innercalling.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4 Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8 CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HERE Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com drvictoria@innercalling.org Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP64. "Once you've seen, you cannot unsee" – Dr. Bill Richards on the science of psychedelics for consciousness, end of life, and mental health

I interview Dr. Bill Richards, a pioneering clinical psychologist and one of the leading figures in psychedelic-assisted therapy, on his book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences. We discuss psilocybin, psychedelic therapy, mystical experiences, consciousness, spirituality, mental health, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy can transform our relationship with death. *** Dr. Bill Richards is a pioneering clinical psychologist and one of the leading figures in psychedelic-assisted therapy. For more than 60 years, he has studied the therapeutic and spiritual potential of psychedelics, serving as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University and contributing to landmark clinical trials. He is the author of Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, a groundbreaking exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and healing. *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Bill Richards' Inner Calling 05:00 What Is God? Science & Spirituality 08:00 What Is a Mystical Experience? 11:00 Bill Richards' First Psilocybin Experience (1963) 16:00 How Psilocybin Reduces the Fear of Death 18:00 Psychedelic Therapy for Terminal Illness 20:00 Consciousness Beyond Time 23:00 Why Mystical Experiences Are Beyond Words 25:00 Why Psychedelics Matter for Mental Health 26:00 Why Bill Richards No Longer Fears Death 28:00 Does the Brain Create Consciousness? 30:00 Spontaneous Spiritual Experiences 33:00 Intuition vs. Rational Thinking 35:00 Einstein, Steve Jobs & Mystical Consciousness 37:00 Intuitive Knowledge & William James 39:00 Why Western Society Fears Death 43:00 How Fear of Death Shapes Our Lives 45:00 How to Prepare for a Psychedelic Journey 47:00 What Causes a Bad Trip? 49:00 Ego Death Explained 52:00 Suffering, Trust & the Spiritual Path 54:00 Living Until You Die 57:00 Why Darkness Is Part of Healing 59:00 Life Advice After 60 Years of Psychedelic Research 1:02:00 Bill Richards' Biggest Regrets 1:05:00 Trust Your Heart 1:08:00 Psychedelics, Religion & the Future of Spirituality 1:18:00 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine 1:20:00 Psychedelics: The Frontiers of Science EPISODE LINKS Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics & Religious Experiences by Dr. Bill Richards: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Knowledge-Psychedelics-Religious-Experiences/dp/0231174063 PODCAST LINKS Website: www.innercalling.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4 Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8 CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HERE Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com * * * * WHAT IS INNERCALLING? INNERCALLING is a podcast dedicated to the belief that there is a light inside you of profound power, beauty, and wisdom that no darkness can ever overcome. It's a space where mental health meets spirituality, where explore timeless questions about existence, and what it deeply means to be human in this technological age. Inspired by the field of clinical psychology, which values what happens simply when two people sit together and talk about life and all its beauty and complications, conversations are organic and spontaneous, like jazz. WHO IS DR. VICTORIA? Hi there, I'm Dr. Victoria Ranade. I'm a board certified licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and podcaster deeply passionate about mental health, spirituality, existential psychology, and questions related to how to hold onto our humanity in the face of AI and technology.✌🏼💛 I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. SEND ME ANY MAIL OR QUESTIONS HERE: drvictoria@innercalling.org #spirituality #mentalhealth #depression #existentialpsychology #drvictoriaranade #innercallingpodcast #intuition #innerwisdom #innerlight #psychedelicmedicine #psychedelicjourney #death #deathanxiety #existentialpsychology #existentialism Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP63. Reflections on Existence, Death, and Impermanence with Zen Buddhist Master Ryushin Marchaj

I interview my friend and teacher, Zen Buddhist priest Ryushin Marchaj, about how to live when you know you will die. We explore death, reincarnation, impermanence, and the existential pain—and beauty—of being human, through the lens of Zen Buddhism. *** Rev. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, is a Zen priest in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, and a dharma heir of the late John Daido Loori, Roshi. Ryushin Sensei was the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Born in Warsaw, Poland, he immigrated to the United States in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Yale University in 1976, and his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1980. He worked first as a pediatrician in Portland, Maine, later serving in the US Navy as a physician for three years. He then returned to Albany for postgraduate training in psychiatry. After completing his residency, he served as medical director for a community psychiatric outreach program, the Mobile Crisis Team, which served Albany County’s disenfranchised and homeless population. He entered full-time residential training at the Monastery in 1992. In addition to his roles as the Monastery’s abbot and director of operations, he explored contemplative practices in higher education, collaborating with several liberal arts educators and administrators in the Northeast to look at ways for college students to engage religious practice as part of their education. He has been practicing Buddhism since 1983. Since 2014, he has been rigorously exploring and training in ayahuasca ceremonies in various traditions, guided by several teachers. Drawing on his background as a physician and psychiatrist, Ryushin’s infectious interest and thorough training in the workings of the mind and compassionate expression of unconditional love, combined with his skill at translating complex concepts into the accessible, everyday language, characterize his unique teaching style. Currently, he resides and guides at River Refuge Zen Temple in Roxbury, Connecticut. Contact: Ryushin Marchaj at 845-282-4278 or fusanryushin@gmail.com *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Zen Buddhism on Death and Dying 01:45 Childhood Fascination with Death 04:00 Buddhist Teachings on Death and the Ego 08:00 How to Die Peacefully: Lessons from Zen 09:00 What Is the Ego? The Illusion of Self 12:00 Loneliness, Isolation, and the Human Condition 15:00 Spiritual Materialism and the Spiritual Ego 17:00 Mortality, Meaning, and the Urgency of Life 20:00 Ayahuasca, Consciousness, and Facing Death 24:00 Zen Lineage, Dharma Transmission, and Awakening 25:30 Watching a Zen Master Die 29:00 Love, Vulnerability, and Letting Go 33:00 Death, Love, and Human Connection 34:00 Reincarnation in Zen Buddhism 39:00 The Wheel of Samsara Explained 41:00 Consciousness, Rebirth, and the Afterlife 43:00 The Nature of Consciousness and Reality 47:00 Impermanence, Grief, and Loss 49:00 What Death Teaches Us About Love 50:00 Meditation, Surrender, and Preparing for Death 52:00 Nirvana, Enlightenment, and the Wisdom of No Escape 55:00 Nonduality, Oneness, and Buddhist Philosophy 57:00 How to Cope with Fear of Death 58:00 Final Wisdom: Receive Some Love Today *** PODCAST LINKS Website: www.innercalling.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innercalling/id1809177408 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K2khwqNKgs90Hs8vrQenZ?si=ad3d2dbeceab49c4 Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8 CONTACT DR. VICTORIA HERE Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com Disclaimer: https://innercalling.org/disclaimer ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.