Mind & Life Institute is seeking a thoughtful and engaging Podcast Host (Consultant) to co-create and lead the next season of the Mind & Life Podcast.
The Mind & Life Podcast is an organizationally branded podcast that addresses fundamental questions that arise through bridging science, research and contemplative wisdom. The Mind & Life Podcast investigates these complex questions with leading researchers, thinkers, and on-the-ground practitioners, moving us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world.
This is a paid, contract-based role (not a staff position), with flexible arrangements around production and editing.
The Mind and Life Institute invites organizations or individuals to submit a proposal based on the requirements set forth in this notice. This describes our current understanding of our needs; however, these requirements are not firm commitments and may be subject to change.
Scope of Work Overview:
- Host will bring to bear their own experience and knowledge in the field in these conversations.
- Communicate nuanced information in the podcast with clarity, and help translate complex concepts for a lay audience.
- Serve as a key representative of the mission, vision, and values of the Mind & Life Institute.
- Select and interview relevant guests about their work in contemplative research.
- Themes for the podcast episodes will be determined in collaboration with Mind & Life Institute leadership, with an emphasis on the new strategic vision of the Mind & Life Institute.
- Produce 6-8 episodes over a 12 month period
In your proposal, please let us know:- Whether you have your own editor or prefer to work with ours.
- If proposing your own editor, please include editing rates as part of your overall fee quote.
- Podcast can be produced in collaboration with the in-house team at Mind & Life and will be made available in both video and audio formats.
- Collaborate with our in-house team on distribution via audio and video platforms.
We’ll select based on both host fit and the best value between in-house or external editing support.
Important Notes
- The podcast will be produced and published on Mind & Life’s platform. All final products will be owned by Mind & Life.
- This is a remote consultant opportunity, expected to span approximately 12 months.
- The role is contingent on final funding confirmation.
- Compensation is commensurate with experience and proposed scope.
Requirements
- Outstanding verbal communication skills
- Warm and personable demeanor
- Ability to translate complex scientific and philosophical concepts to a broad audience
- 5+ years of experience in the field of contemplative research, able to address themes broadly and specifically
- Due to the specialized nature of the work, preference will be given to individuals with prior engagement in Mind & Life programs (e.g., Fellows, SRI participants, or grantees)
- Prior podcast hosting experience preferred
- Ongoing personal contemplative practice preferred
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send the following to jobs@mindandlife.org with the subject line:
“Podcast Host Consultant – [Your Name]”
- CV
- Proposal (max 2 pages)
Your proposal should speak to the position summary and qualifications and
include:- A brief explanation of your strengths, qualifications, and track record that demonstrate your capacity to serve as a podcast host — and producer, if applicable.
- Whether you propose to handle production (including editing) yourself, or would prefer to collaborate with Mind & Life’s in-house editor.
- A proposed budget for 6–8 episodes over 12 months. Please specify whether this includes editing or not.
Optional prompts – feel free to address any of the following in your proposal:- What guests, themes, or big questions would you be excited to explore on the podcast?
- What do you see as the unique role this podcast could play in the contemplative field today?
- Do you envision a particular tone, format, or audience for the show?
- Is there a past project or episode (yours or someone else’s) that reflects the spirit of what you’d bring?
Deadline to Apply:
Closing date July 30, 2025
Questions? Feel free to reach out. We’re happy to chat informally before you apply.
(Updated June 25, 2025)
About Mind & Life
At the Mind & Life Institute, we bring science and contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind and promote human flourishing. Building on Mind & Life’s 38-year legacy and co-founder the Dalai Lama, we seek to foster insights and inspire action on how our inner lives contribute to individual, societal, and planetary flourishing. We’re committed to addressing mounting global challenges through our convenings, grantmaking, digital resources, and strategic partnerships. For more information, visit our About page.
Mind & Life is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to following best practices to support a thriving organization with a diversity of perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
