CogNation is a podcast by Rolf Nelson and Joe Hardy, two cognitive psychologists interested in the future of brain science and technology. We explore relevant topics in the areas of cognitive science, technology, AI, and philosophy. Although we dabble with dystopian implications of new technologies (such as the impending robopocalypse), we are led by our curiosity and try to keep it light and fun. https://www.facebook.com/CognationPodcast/ email: [email protected]
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Compassionate Las Vegas - The Podcast is part of the grassroots organization whose mission is to foster the Charter for Compassion and the movement of compassion in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Compassion acts as our guiding principle. Nearly all moral and religious institutions suggest a version of the Golden Rule that we should "do to others as you would have them do to you", and yet we are a world divided. We believe the need for more compassion is the most pressing issue of our time. Ther ...
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Expanding our Moral Circle with Philosopher Jeff Sebo
1:18:21
1:18:21
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1:18:21Rolf and Joe talk to NYU philosopher Jeff Sebo about his new book "The Moral Circle", which makes the case for expanding our circle of who is deserving of ethical consideration to nonhuman animals, insects, plants, and AI systems.By Joe Hardy
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Dreaming (part 3) with Antti Revonsuo
1:36:52
1:36:52
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1:36:52Rolf and Joe wrap up their 3-part series on dreaming with Finnish neuroscientist and philosopher Antti Revonsuo. Dr. Revonsuo is the originator of the Threat Simulation theory of dreams, which suggests that dreams are simulated worlds in which we may practice threatening situations. Topics include the history and methodology in dream research, how …
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Climate Crisis Confronted: A Pediatrician's Perspective with Dr. Debra Hendrickson
30:42
30:42
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30:42About the Guest: Dr. Debra Hendrickson is a seasoned pediatrician operating in Reno, Nevada, renowned for its status as the fastest warming city in the United States. With a dual background in environmental science as an environmental analyst and planner, Dr. Hendrickson merges her expertise to address the health implications of climate change on c…
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Dreams and Anaesthesia: Guest Pilleriin Sikka
44:05
44:05
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44:05In their second episode in a series on dreaming, Joe and Rolf are joined by Dr. Pilleriin Sikka, a Stanford neuroscientist who is currently studying the therapeutic value of dreams under anesthesia. Hack, L. M., Sikka, P., Zhou, K., Kawai, M., Chow, H. S., & Heifets, B. (2024). Reduction in Trauma-Related Symptoms After Anesthetic-Induced Intra-Ope…
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When the Bottom Falls Out: Building Inner Strength in Times of Crisis with Rick Hanson
1:04:35
1:04:35
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1:04:35The lecture titled "When the Bottom Falls Out: Building Inner Strength in Times of Crisis" was held on November 14, 2024, at UNLV in Las Vegas. The session featured Rick Hanson, Ph.D., a renowned psychologist and best-selling author, who discussed strategies for building resilience in the face of personal and societal challenges. This lecture is va…
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Why do we dream, and what is the meaning of our dreams? Rolf and Joe talk about several ideas about dreaming, including a new theory by David Eagleman called the "defensive activation theory", which proposes that dreams are like a screen saver to keep the visual parts of the brain from being overtaken by other senses. Eagleman, D. M., & Vaughn, D. …
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Beyond Borders: Global Youth Leaders Shaping the Future
49:34
49:34
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49:34"Never dim your light. If somebody tells you you're shining too bright, tell them to put their shades on." — Fajr DeLane About the Guests: Fajr DeLane is the CEO of Fun Fit Fabulous (F3), an organization dedicated to empowering young girls and women through personal development and wellness initiatives. Her journey into advocacy began in high schoo…
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Beyond Bias: Discovering Common Ground for Peace in Polarized Times
56:37
56:37
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56:37About the Guests: Will Rucker: Reverend Will Rucker is a key figure dedicated to fostering compassion throughout Las Vegas. He serves as a Global Council Trustee for the United Religions Initiative (URI) North America and is at the forefront of promoting peaceful and ethical engagement in faith communities. Karen Volker: Karen is the Director of Pa…
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Dismantling Systemic Violence Through Compassion: Real-World Strategies with Ann Helmke & Felipe Zurita
1:07:30
1:07:30
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1:07:30🎙️ Compassionate Responses to Systemic Violence | Special Guests: Ann Helmke & Felipe Zurita In this powerful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas: The Podcast, Geneva Blackmer moderates a conversation with podcast host Will Rucker, Ann Helmke, faith liaison for the City of San Antonio, and Felipe Zurita from the Charter for Compassion, to explore ho…
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From Shame to Love: Finding Your True Self with Ole Kjörrefjord
53:11
53:11
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53:11Episode Summary: Join host Will Rucker as he engages in a profound conversation with Ole, a dedicated advocate for global compassion and member of the Global Charter for Compassion. Ole's life-altering transition from a successful business career to a mission-driven journey for a better world sets the stage for this insightful episode. During the e…
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Reimagining Education: Why Gold Stars Shouldn't Define Your Worth with Pedro Silva II
28:08
28:08
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28:08About the Guest: Pedro Silva II is an insightful thought leader committed to fostering compassion and understanding in diverse communities. He is known for his work in the areas of belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Silva is also a podcaster, an author, and someone who deeply values authentic relationships and big love. He has a uni…
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The Art of Belonging: How to Find Your Tribe with Pedro Silva II
26:18
26:18
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26:18"Your belonging is not in question. If you find yourself questioning your belonging, you're wrong." - Pedro Senhorinha Silva II About the Guest: Pedro Silva is an accomplished professional with a robust background in diverse fields including military service, linguistics, corporate recruitment, pastoral work, and social advocacy. An Air Force veter…
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Cybersecurity for the Next Generation: Building Safe Online Habits with Arun Vishwanath
32:44
32:44
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32:44"We trust technology more than we trust each other." - Arun Vishwanath About the Guest: Arun Vishwanath is a cognitive behavioral scientist who specializes in the nexus of technology and human behavior. He has devoted over 20 years as a tenured professor to studying technology use and deception, focusing on cyber hygiene and cybersecurity. Arun has…
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Daniel Dennett, who passed away on April 19th at the age of 82, was one of the great philosophers of our time. Rolf and Joe discuss his ideas and his influence on the field of philosophy, including (especially) bringing consciousness back as a topic of serious study with his book "Consciousness Explained", as well as his work on free will, evolutio…
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Authenticity in Leadership: Inspiring Others to Find Their Voice with Erica Mosca
25:22
25:22
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25:22About Erica Mosca: Erica Mosca is a changemaker with roots deeply embedded in community development and educational equity. As the founder and past executive director of Leaders in Training (LiT), she has dedicated her career to fostering leadership amongst youth, particularly those from underserved communities. Erica is recognized for being the fi…
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From Immigrant Roots to Public Service: Shelley Berkley's Inspiring Journey
25:34
25:34
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25:34I always felt that every day from the time that my grandparents fled Europe was a gift to me and my family. And what you do with a gift is you pay it forward. - Shelley Berkley About the Guest: Shelley Berkley is a renowned figure in public service, with a career spanning over three decades. She has served as a member of the Nevada State Assembly a…
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The Birthright of Healing and Love: Embracing Your Authentic Self with Lauren Sunshine
32:24
32:24
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32:24"Healing is the outcome of being yourself." - Lauren Sunshine About the Guest: Lauren Sunshine is a thinker, creator, and advocate passionately centered around the themes of gender healing and self-alignment. As a content creator, group facilitator, and digital strategist, Lauren focuses on the transformative power of personal gender exploration to…
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The Power of Compassion in the Pursuit of Justice with Kara Jenkins
28:28
28:28
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28:28"Justice in the pursuit of equity is going to be an ongoing conversation for generations to come. We all should have equal access and opportunities to succeed, irrespective of our backgrounds." - Kara Jenkins About the Guest: In this episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker introduces us to guest Kara Jenkins, an influenti…
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Tipping Points for Peace: How Small Actions Can Create Big Change with David Gershon
23:42
23:42
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23:42About the Guest: David Gershon, an esteemed founder of the Empowerment Institute, is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to advancing the global movement of peace and empowerment. Renowned for orchestrating an event that saw a symbolic flame traversed worldwide, David ignites a spirit of peace in the hearts of global citizens. With an a…
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Revolutionizing Hope: How Kathryn Goetzke Plans to Make Las Vegas SHINE Like Never Before
27:10
27:10
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27:10"Hope is teachable. Keep shining." - Kathryn Goetzke About the Guest: Kathryn Goetzke is an advocate for mental health awareness and the power of hope. A survivor of personal tragedy, she lost her father to suicide as a freshman in college and later faced her own challenges with mental health. Goetzke channeled her experiences into a mission to und…
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Finding Hope in a Divided World: Rick Hanson's Guide to Staying Optimistic
38:16
38:16
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38:16In the Season 6 premiere of Compassionate Las Vegas—the Podcast, host Will Rucker interviews world-renowned psychologist and mindfulness teacher Rick Hanson. They discuss the power of compassion and the importance of empathy and caring in today's world. They delve into the challenges of overcoming the "us versus them" mentality and the need for uni…
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AI and Cognition with Daniel Sternberg
1:21:50
1:21:50
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1:21:50What can neuroscience teach us about AI, and vice versa, what can AI teach us about our own intelligence? Joe and Rolf talk to returning guest Daniel Sternberg about advances in AI over the past year. Topics include using the methods of cognitive psychology to understand AI; representation in artificial intelligence; what current large language mod…
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This episode is dedicated to the memory of colleague and friend Grace Baron. Joe and Rolf talk to Dr. Matthew Goodwin, a professor at Northeastern University whose research focus is on autism. His most recent paper used biosensing (heart rate, skin conductance, etc.) to predict aggressive behavior in profound autistic individuals up to three minute…
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Joe and Rolf discuss the ideas of perceptual psychologist Donald Hoffman, who has argued that our perceptual systems have no access to reality, since evolution is driven by fitness functions, not objective truth. He has also argued that our perception is a user interface (like a desktop on a computer, or a VR headset), and that objects such as the …
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Episode 53: Beckley Retreats CEO Neil Markey on guided psychedelic retreats
56:20
56:20
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56:20Neil Markey, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, used meditation for years to deal with depression and PTSD. He is currently CEO of Beckley Retreats, a group that runs retreats to Jamaica and the Netherlands for guided psychedelic experiences. He talks about his path from the military to consulting to his work with Beckley, how guided psychedelic re…
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Revolutionary Initiatives in Anti-Human Trafficking and Security Operations
43:56
43:56
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43:56About The Guest: Joel Kisner is a former law enforcement officer with a passion for helping victims of crime. After a long career in law enforcement, including working on a federal task force and in homicide investigations, Joel now runs his own business called Pinnacle Consulting and Advisors. He is also involved in the development of the Global S…
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Episode 52: The IIT controversy with Felipe De Brigard
1:09:22
1:09:22
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1:09:22We discuss the recent controversy about Integrated Information Theory (IIT), a theory about the neural correlates of consciousness, with Felipe De Brigard, a philosophy and psychology professor at Duke University who signed a letter describing the theory as pseudoscience. The letter: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/zsr78/ The adversarial collabor…
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Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Finding Joy and Gratitude with LeAnzar Stockley
31:37
31:37
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31:37LeAnzar Stockley is a grief recovery specialist and the founder of Soul Society 61. He is certified in the evidence-based grief recovery program and helps individuals process their grief in a healthy and effective way. Summary: LeAnzar Stockley discusses the impact of the holiday season on grief and provides strategies for navigating through grief …
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The Therapeutic Power of Self-Love: Healing the Heart and Finding Love Within
28:26
28:26
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28:26About The Guest: Tasha K is a certified love coach and restoration life coach. With a background in accounting and therapy, Tasha combines her skills to help individuals heal their hearts and cultivate self-love. She believes that love is a necessity and works to spread love and compassion to people all over the world. Summary: Tasha K, a certified…
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Building Trust in a Virtual World: Safeguards and Strategies with Lisa Flynn
31:58
31:58
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31:58About The Guest: Lisa Flynn is an expert in generative AI and social engineering. She holds a master's degree in information systems and cyber and is a white hat hacker. Lisa is passionate about demystifying AI and technology and educating others about the potential risks and benefits they pose. Summary: Lisa Flynn discusses the rise of social engi…
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Episode 51: Robin Carhart-Harris: The promise of psychedelics
2:03:45
2:03:45
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2:03:45Joe and Rolf talk to psychedelic researcher Robin Carhart-Harris. Robin is at the cutting edge of research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, and DMT. He discusses psychotherapy and the unconscious mind, models of what psychedelics are doing in the brain, and many other topics. A really fascinatin…
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The Radical Idea of Putting People First: A Conversation with Marianne Williamson
21:16
21:16
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21:16About The Guest: Marianne Williamson is a bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and presidential candidate. She has written numerous books, including "Healing the Soul of America," and has been a prominent figure in the self-help and spiritual community for decades. Williamson's campaign focuses on bringing love, compassion, and progressive polici…
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Redefining Representation: How Compassion Drives Rep. Susie Lee's Decisions
26:27
26:27
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26:27About The Guest: Susie Lee is the congresswoman from District Three in Nevada. She is known for her commitment to meeting people where they are and advocating for their needs. Susie Lee is a strong advocate for compassion and believes in the power of understanding and grace. Summary: Susie Lee defines compassion as meeting people where they are and…
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Scarlett Lewis on Choosing Love and Forgiveness After Tragedy
47:52
47:52
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47:52Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, joins Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas -the Podcast to discuss the power of choosing love in the face of tragedy. Scarlett shares her personal story of losing her son in the Sandy Hook shooting and how she found healing through forgiveness and compassion. She emphasizes the importance of te…
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Joe and Rolf discuss new work in neural interfaces that is helping paralyzed individuals communicate. Based on the recent Nature article: Metzger, S. L., Littlejohn, K. T., Silva, A. B., Moses, D. A., Seaton, M. P., Wang, R., ... & Chang, E. F. (2023). A high-performance neuroprosthesis for speech decoding and avatar control. Nature, 1-10.…
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Jeremiah Program: Disrupting Poverty and Empowering Single Moms with Maria Tucker
44:37
44:37
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44:37Maria Tucker, Executive Director of the Jeremiah Program in Las Vegas, joins Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas- The Podcast to discuss the program's transformative impact on the community. The Jeremiah Program works with single mothers and their children to disrupt the cycle of poverty through education. Maria shares her personal journey as a …
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Heatwaves & Hope: Co-Creating Las Vegas' Resilient Future with Ariel Choinard
32:47
32:47
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32:47Ariel Choinard from the Southern Nevada Heat Resilience Lab joins Will Rucker on Compassionate Las Vegas - The Podcast to discuss the challenges of extreme heat in the Las Vegas area. She explains how the city is the second fastest warming city in America and the impact of the urban heat island effect. Ariel emphasizes the importance of recognizing…
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Episode 49: The Self: Bundle and Ego Theories
53:31
53:31
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53:31Rolf and Joe discuss two philosophical theories of the self, Bundle Theory and Ego Theory, based on a paper by Derek Parfit. They return to the topic of the teletransporter, and although Joe is happy to go through the teletransporter, Rolf is convinced it means certain death. Parfit, D. (2016). Divided minds and the nature of persons. Science Ficti…
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Quentin Savwoir: Building Compassionate Communities and Fostering Democracy
46:39
46:39
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46:39Quentin Savwoir, President of the Las Vegas NAACP, joins host Will Rucker on the Compassionate Las Vegas podcast to discuss the importance of compassion and care in our communities. They explore the challenges of maintaining unity and combating division, particularly in the face of extremism. Quentin emphasizes the need for collective action and th…
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From Foster Child to Motivational Speaker: The Journey of Compassion with Lynne Jasames
40:46
40:46
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40:46Lynnee Jasames, a former foster child and now a foster parent trainer and recruiter, shares her inspiring story on the Compassionate Las Vegas podcast. She emphasizes the importance of compassion and the need for foster parents, especially within the African-American community. Lynne explains the process of becoming a foster parent and highlights t…
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Unveiling Resilience: Struggles, Soulful Melodies, and Steadfast Faith with Tymara Walker
38:11
38:11
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38:11In this episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker interviews Tymara Walker, a talented vocalist and performer. Tymara shares her journey from being a pastor's kid in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a renowned artist in Las Vegas. She opens up about her experience with domestic violence and how it led her to make the decision to leave her abusi…
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Compassionate Leadership in the AI-Driven Workplace: Future-Proofing Your Career through Connection with Cris Tietsort
58:49
58:49
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58:49🎙️ In this thought-provoking podcast, Will Rucker dives into the world of compassion at work with the brilliant Cris Tietsort, Ph.D. As a renowned compassion-at-work researcher and expert on organizational thriving, Cris brings a unique perspective to the table. 🤝 Compassion: More Than Sympathy and Empathy Cris skillfully breaks down the concept of…
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Episode 48: Psychedelic Science 2023
1:35:11
1:35:11
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1:35:11In this episode, CogNation goes to the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver to get in on all the excitement. We present four interviews from the conference that represent a range of ideas about the resurgent interest in psychedelics as therapeutics. Bekely Waves The East Institute Balasz Szigeti Manoj Doss…
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Where Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown Wants to Take North Las Vegas | City Cast Las Vegas
20:54
20:54
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20:54In this episode from City Cast Las Vegas, Vogue Robinson talks with Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown who made history last year when she was elected to the North Las Vegas mayoral seat — and became the first Black mayor in the state of Nevada. Mayor Goynes-Brown sits down to talk about her vision for North Las Vegas, the city she grew up in, from her ambi…
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Episode 47: Street Epistemology with Mark Solomon
52:41
52:41
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52:41Everyone has a set of beliefs. Increasingly, it seems like we wonder how so many people can hold opposite or contradictory beliefs -- puzzling if we think there's an objective reality. We have a great conversation with Mark Solomon, a clinical psychologist and the host of the Being Reasonable podcast, about Street Epistemology, a conversational met…
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Episode 46: Manesh Girn: Psychedelics and Brain Networks
55:28
55:28
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55:28Manesh Girn talks to us about the effects of psychedelics on the brain, based on his recent paper, "A complex systems perspective on psychedelic brain action". We discuss the current state of psychedelics as therapeutics, and how information theory can model changes in brain states that result from taking psychedelics. Special Guest: Manesh Girn.…
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Episode 45: Blame and Political Attitudes: Gail Sahar
1:00:38
1:00:38
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1:00:38We talk with Professor Gail Sahar about her new book, entitled "Blame and Political Attitudes: The Psychology of America's Culture War", where she applies social psychology to understand where and why we assign blame in the political sphere. https://www.amazon.com/Blame-Political-Attitudes-Psychology-Americas/dp/303120235X…
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Episode 44: Daniel Sternberg: The State of Artificial Intelligence
1:22:16
1:22:16
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1:22:16We talk to Dr. Daniel Sternberg, head of data at Notion Labs, about how to understand new developments in AI (artificial intelligence) like DALL-E-2 and chatgpt. Topics include the possibility for general intelligence in AI, similarities between human cognition and generative AI models, and the potential for sentient AI.…
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Episode 43: Stephanie Preston: Our Attachment to Stuff
1:00:03
1:00:03
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1:00:03Stephanie Preston (University of Michigan) returns to the show to talk about her latest research. Why do we hoard stuff? And how can we get people to care about the consequences of all that stuff on the environment? Her research has taken her from the strategies that some rats use to hide seeds (some hide in lots of small caches, while others hoard…
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Episode 42: The Science of Sleep with Dr. Aric Prather
1:13:05
1:13:05
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1:13:05Joe and Rolf talk to Dr. Aric Prather, a clinical psychiatrist at UCSF and author of the new book "The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest" about why sleep is important, the relationship of stress to sleep, and how to tune your body and environment to get a great night's sleep. Special Guest: Aric Prather.…
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