Since its launch in April 2020, the Mind & Life podcast has been a space for deep inquiry—where rigorous science meets lived wisdom, and where fundamental questions about the mind, human experience, and our shared humanity can unfold across many lenses. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, anthropology, and first-person experience, the show has created a platform for bridging multiple ways of knowing.
Over the past several years, we’ve explored wide-ranging topics—compassion, ethics, nature connectedness, attention, emotions, systems transformation, and more—all through the voices of leading researchers, contemplative scholars, teachers, clinicians, and practitioners working at the intersection of inner transformation and outer change. Guests have included Jon Kabat-Zinn on the heart of mindfulness, Richie Davidson on the science of meditation, Yuria Celidwen on Indigenous wisdom, Roshi Joan Halifax on enactive compassion, Daniel Goleman on emotional intelligence, john powell on othering and belonging, and Matthieu Ricard on compassion and care—among many others. These conversations have touched listeners around the world and built a community of people committed to understanding themselves, their relationships, and the conditions that foster individual and societal flourishing.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to share what’s next for the show.
1. A Conversation with Wendy Hasenkamp
Since the podcast launched, Wendy Hasenkamp has guided listeners through 84 in-depth conversations, bringing warmth, curiosity, and intellectual depth to every episode. After five years with the show and over 13 years with the Mind & Life Institute, Wendy felt called to more fully commit to her growing passion for herbal medicine, returning to school and pursuing studies to become a clinical herbalist. While we’ll miss her deeply, we’re excited about this new path for her, where she will surely continue to share her wisdom and guide others toward greater well-being and connection. In the coming weeks, Wendy will sit down with producer Phil Walker for a special conversation reflecting on her time as host—the insights gained, the themes that emerged, and the questions that continue to inspire her. It’s a chance to honor this chapter and all that Wendy has contributed to the show and our community. Stay tuned for the episode—coming next month!
2. A Mini-Series with Jamie Bristow
Later this spring, we’re thrilled to welcome mindful policy advocate and contemplative teacher Jamie Bristow for a five-episode mini-series exploring themes of systems change and the inner dimensions of societal transformation. Jamie brings a unique perspective at the intersection of contemplative practice and policy, and we’re eager to see where these conversations lead.
3. A New Season, A New Host
Then, in the fall, the podcast will begin a new season with a new host: social psychologist and contemplative researcher David Creswell. David is a leading researcher in the science of mindfulness, stress, and health, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him guide the next chapter of the show. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to launch.
Through these transitions, the heart of the podcast will remain the same: an invitation into inquiry, and one that honors interconnection, curiosity, and care. By weaving together science and contemplative wisdom, the show will continue to support a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and how inner change can ripple outward to transform communities and systems.
We’re deeply grateful to Wendy, whose years of dedication created a truly first-of-its kind podcast, and to our listeners and collaborators, who brought it to life through their engagement and support. The questions we explore on the show—about how our minds work, how we relate to one another, and how we might meet the challenges of our time—feel as urgent and alive as ever.
We can’t wait to share what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
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