In this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative researcher Quinn Conklin. Quinn's research examines the interconnection of mind and body, and the effects of stress and meditation training on biomarkers of health and well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including: her interest in mind-body connection and how that led her into meditation research; understanding meditation retreats; advantages and challenges of studying meditation in a retreat context; how personality can influence the effects of meditation; telomeres and cell aging, and impacts of stress and meditation; creating safety and support for practice (on retreat); oxytocin and various theories of its function in social connection; effects of meditation retreat on oxytocin; allostasis and prediction; studying community responses to COVID and how meditation provides support; increasing diversity in contemplative science; and making research findings accessible. Full show notes and resources