In this episode of “Into the Magic Shop,” host Dr. Jim Doty interviews Dr. Dan Siegel, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA and executive director of the Mindsight Institute. They discuss various topics including the concept of self, the developing brain, attachment theory, and trauma. Dr. Siegel also introduces his upcoming book, “IntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging,” which combines personal reflections with scientific discussions of how the mind,...

In this episode of “Into the Magic Shop,” host Dr. Jim Doty interviews Neelama Eyres, a director of the Applied Compassion Training program that is part of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. They discuss the program's aim to cultivate compassion and translate it into real-world action. Eyres, who recently went through a divorce, shares her personal experiences and how compassion played a crucial role in navigating this challenging time. She emphasizes the...

In this episode of the "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty interviews Eric Stanley, an internet entrepreneur, violinist, and founder of One Way Hope, a network of positive and uplifting brands with over 12 Million followers. They discuss Eric's journey, from learning violin at the age of 12 to inspiring millions through his music and positive messages. Eric shares his brother's struggle with addiction after being shot multiple times and how it led to a faith-based recovery, inspiring many. He...

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," host Dr. Jim Doty interviews evolutionary biologist and biomimicry expert, Tamsin Woolley-Barker. They discuss her research on baboons and human evolution. They also explore the shift from mechanistic thinking to living design, the challenges of human interaction, and the potential for organizations to scale exponentially. The conversation further delves into the importance of indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts and the need for respect and...

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty hosts a conversation with Chip Comins, CEO of the American Renewable Energy Institute (AREI) and the Founder of American Renewable Energy Day (AREDAY). Chip traces his interest in these areas back to his childhood and his work with the Lakota tribe. He and Dr. Doty discuss the creation of AREDAY, which recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary, and its mission of addressing climate change. The conversation also covers the problems with...

In this podcast episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty interviews financier Anthony Scaramucci, known for his brief role as the White House Director of Communications from July 21 to July 31 in 2017, about his background and career. They discuss Scaramucci's upbringing as a child of first generation middle-class Italians, his father's work ethic and commitment to Scaramucci's education which led him to Tufts, then Harvard University. Scaramucci reflects on the motivations that drove...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Dr. Yuria Celidwen, an Indigenous and climate activist of Nahua and Maya descent, born into a family of mystics, healers, poets, and explorers from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Together, Dr. Celidwen and Dr. Doty delve into a discussion about the impact of European colonialism and Western capitalism on Indigenous Peoples and the environment. They emphasize the need to honor and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures,...

In this podcast episode of "Into The Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty interviews Amandine Roche, a human rights lawyer, author, traveler, and seeker, who has a fascinating story to share. They discuss how they initially met through Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as well as their mutual admiration for spiritual leaders such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Amandine delves into her background, highlighting her passion for human rights, her insatiable curiosity to explore different cultures around the world,...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop” podcast, Dr. Jim Doty interviews cognitive scientist, humanistic psychologist and author Scott Kaufman. The two discuss various topics related to psychology, optimism, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. They also explore the concept of dispositional optimism and tragic optimism, as well as the idea of toxic positivity. They delve into Maslow's hierarchy of needs, emphasizing the importance of self-actualization and transcendence. The conversation touches...

In this episode of the "Into the Magic Shop" podcast, Dr. Jim Doty engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, one of the preeminent female spiritual teachers in the world, and author of the recent book, Hollywood to the Himalayas, A Journey of Healing and Transformation. Together, they delve into the profound topic of finding freedom in life's journey and overcoming trauma. Sadhvi shares her personal experiences of suffering and how they have shaped her...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. James Doty interviews venture capitalist and award-winning social entrepreneur Sophia Swire about her life, work, and experiences in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Sophia reflects on her upbringing, her connection to Afghanistan, and her decision to work in finance before realizing her desire for more meaningful work. She shares pivotal moments in her life, including her involvement in drafting Pakistan's drugs policy...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Rick Doblin as his guest. They discuss Rick's journey and how he got involved in his life work, including his experiences with psychedelics, his involvement in the construction industry, and his passion for psychedelic research and drug policy reform. Rick shares personal stories, including his encounters with renowned figures in LSD research and his own experiences with various therapies and psychedelic substances. They also...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Rick Doblin as his guest. They discuss Rick's journey and how he got involved in his life work, including his experiences with psychedelics, his involvement in the construction industry, and his passion for psychedelic research and drug policy reform. Rick shares personal stories, including his encounters with renowned figures in LSD research and his own experiences with various therapies and psychedelic substances. They also...

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Bob Thurman as a guest to discuss compassion. Thurman shares his thoughts on the relationship between empathy, happiness, and compassion, emphasizing that empathy fuels compassion. He also discusses the importance of happiness and joy in cultivating compassion and explains the concept of self-compassion. Thurman explores the connection between mindfulness and the body and the delusion of the false self, which is a more fearful...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jim Doty interviews Jamil Zaki, a professor of psychology at Stanford, Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab and author of “The War on Kindness.” Zaki and Doty explore the three intersecting circles of emotional empathy, cognitive empathy and empathic concern and its connection to compassion. While they discuss how individuals with high empathic concern are more likely to seek contact with suffering individuals, they also describe the challenges faced...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jim Doty interviews Lara Love Hardin, author of "The Many Lives of Mama Love," about her memoir and her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming the CEO of her own literary agency. They discuss topics such as addiction, identity theft, suicide, and redemption. Lara shares her experiences of self-compassion, public humiliation, and her time in jail. She also discusses the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system and the nonprofit organization...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. James Doty and psychologist, professor and author, Shauna Shapiro, explore the relationship between mindfulness and compassion, emphasizing the importance of intention, attention, and attitude in mindfulness practice. The conversation touches on how mindfulness creates a space to pause and choose a response that opens to right intention and compassion. They also mention the danger of mindfulness being used solely for personal gain. Dr. Doty and...

In a recent episode of the "Into the Magic Shop" podcast, Dr. Jim Doty and Dacher Keltner, author of "Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life," "The Power Paradox," and most recently, "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life," discuss the significance of compassion and self-transcendence in society, particularly in affluent areas where the philosophy of altruism is often rejected. Keltner discusses how his studies on economic inequality, power...

In this episode of the “Into the Magic Shop” Dr. Jim Doty interviews Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, a Zen teacher and author, about his journey towards healing and self-discovery. Sensei Ellison shares his experiences with bullying and struggling with his sexuality, and how the teachings of Sensei White helped him find solace in stillness. Dr. Doty and Ellison discuss the importance of finding a practice that supports self-love and coming back to one's values, as well as the need to examine...

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop” host Jim Doty speaks with David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas school of business where Aaker is a specialist in marketing with a focus on brand strategy. Dr. Doty and Aaker, who has won numerous awards in the science of marketing and was inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2015, discuss the intersection of brand awareness, brand loyalty and compassion. Aaker emphasizes the...

In this podcast episode, host Jim Doty and Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson discuss the influence of corporate entities on politics and the need for policies that prioritize the safety, health, and wellbeing of the American people. They touch on the issue of brainwashing and the need for people to understand the policies being propagated against them by the political parties they support. Williamson proposes an economic bill of rights that includes policies such as a...

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Tay to his students) was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who spent his life promoting compassion, kindness to others, and being a tireless advocate for human rights, nonviolence, and peace.  In Part Two of Tay’s episode on Into The Magic Shop, he continues the conversation around suffering and compassion, because says Tay, where there is no suffering, there is no happiness either.  “We don't want to send our children to a place where there is no suffering. Because in...

Thich Nhat Hanh (Tay to his students) was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and one of the best-known and respected Zen masters. A peace activist, prolific author, poet, teacher, and founder of Plum Village, Tay is recognized as the main inspiration for “engaged Buddhism”, and is considered by many to be the father of mindfulness.  Buddhist monks learned hundreds and hundreds of years ago, (and scientists are only now catching up to) that when we're compassionate, not only does it improve the lives...

Having made the decision to become a Buddhist Monk at just 10 years old, the venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi, the president and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has dedicated his life to promoting empathy and conflict resolution, and is involved in the ongoing dialogue between Buddhism, meditation, and neuroscience. “One of the things I've found is that if you have to tell me [that you’re on the path to spiritual...

When he was just 10 years old, Tenzin Priyadarshi made a non-rational decision to become a Buddhist monk. He ran away from school and took a two-day train journey to one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist tradition.  “I arrived at this temple and I knocked on the door, and this wonderful monk opened the door. And without even me saying hello, he said, oh good, you're here, we were expecting you.” Today, the venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi is an innovative thinker, philosopher, educator,...