Podcasts · Health & Fitness · Religion & Spirituality

The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

FitMind: Neuroscience, Meditation & Mental Fitness Training

100 episodes

Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more.

More about the show

Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes.

At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app.

Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men's Health.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. #118: Self-Compassion, Shame & the Inner Critic - Kristin Neff, PhD

    · 53 min

    Psychologist and pioneering self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff returns to the FitMind Podcast to explore how to work with shame, self-criticism, and difficult emotions in everyday life. We discuss how…

  2. #117: Mental Fitness, Releasing & Lasting Bliss - Liam McClintock

    · 1 h 36 min

    FitMind founder Liam McClintock returns to the FitMind Podcast after several years of intensive meditation and monastic training to explore how his understanding of mental fitness has evolved, what he learned from life…

  3. #116: Taoism & the Neuroscience of the Self - Dr. Aldrich Chan

    · 1 h 16 min

    Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins the FitMind Podcast to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, and what these fields can teach us about our growing…

  4. #115: Meditation Beyond the Brain - Idil Sezer, PhD

    · 49 min

    Neuroscientist Idil Sezer joins the FitMind Podcast to explore what meditation changes beyond the brain. She explains how meditation may influence attention, emotional regulation, pain, brain–heart communication, and…

  5. #114: Mindfulness, Medicine & the Biology of Stress - Dr. Craig Hassed

    · 1 h 03 min

    Mindfulness, Medicine & the Biology of Stress explores how meditation can change our relationship to stress, support the body's natural healing systems, and help us live with more presence, compassion, and ease. In…

  6. #113: Zen & the Science of Living Well - Robert Waldinger, MD

    · 1 h 04 min

    Zen & the Science of Living Well with Robert Waldinger, MD explores what the longest-running study of adult life reveals about happiness, health, connection, and the many different ways a meaningful life can unfold.…

  7. #112: The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science - John Dunne, PhD

    · 1 h 26 min

    The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science with John Dunne, PhD explores how our sense of identity is constructed moment by moment, drawing on Buddhist philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practice…

  8. #111: The Future of Meditation: AI, Neurofeedback, & VR - Steve Haberlin, PhD

    · 58 min

    Meditation is evolving. New technologies like neurofeedback, virtual reality, and AI are beginning to intersect with ancient contemplative practices, raising an important question: can technology help people learn…

  9. #110: Rites of Passage & the Wisdom in Collapse - Linda Thai

    · 54 min

    Rites of Passage & the Wisdom in Collapse explores how personal crisis can function as initiation, drawing on contemplative practice, psychology, and wisdom traditions to explain why avoiding discomfort often deepens…

  10. #109: The Science of Letting Go - Shawn Prest

    · 1 h 36 min

    The Science of Letting Go explores how meditation works in the brain, drawing on neuroscience, predictive processing, and contemplative science to explain how letting go reduces stress, softens self-related thinking,…

  11. #108: The Ethics of Meditation - Nicholas Van Dam, PhD

    · 1 h 46 min

    Clinical psychologist and contemplative science researcher Dr. Nicholas Van Dam joins us to explore the ethics of meditation and what scientific research reveals about how contemplative practices actually work. He…

  12. #107: The Science of Human Connection - Dr. Tania Singer

    · 45 min

    Social neuroscientist Dr. Tania Singer joins us to explore the science of empathy, compassion, and the plasticity of the social brain. She breaks down why empathy and compassion are entirely different neural states,…

  13. #106: Multitasking Myths, Focus & Real-World Brain Health - Therese Huston, PhD

    · 52 min

    Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she…

  14. #105: Freediving & Mental Mastery - Will Trubridge

    · 1 h 22 min

    World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance. In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and…

  15. #104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD

    · 1 h 12 min

    Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count,…

  16. #103: The Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchrist

    · 1 h 48 min

    Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain's…

  17. #102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhD

    · 1 h 05 min

    Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the…

  18. #101: Movement as Meditation - George Thompson

    · 1 h 23 min

    Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only…

  19. #100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhD

    · 1 h 32 min

    In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy. Often misunderstood and mislabeled as "sensory…

  20. #99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Philippe Douyon, MD

    · 1 h 09 min

    This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience. We discuss the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging…

  21. #98: Connection & the Mind - Adam Dorsay, PsyD

    · 1 h 15 min

    In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life…

  22. #97: Predictive Processing & Ultimate Well-Being - Shamil Chandaria, PhD

    · 1 h 19 min

    In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being. He discusses the Bayesian…

  23. #96: The Science of Forgiveness - Fred Luskin, PhD

    · 1 h 15 min

    Stanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing. He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to children…

  24. #95: Mental Wellness & Monk Training - Andrew Litchy, ND

    · 1 h 47 min

    In this episode, Dr. Andrew Litchy recounts his journey from life as a monk to becoming a naturopathic doctor. He shares his insights on how meditation helped him manage ADHD and how it has become integral to both his…

  25. #94: Exploring Consciousness & Deep Awareness - Doug Kraft

    · 1 h 00 min

    How does the mind shape our reality? What happens when the conceptual mind turns off? The answers might be found in the depths of meditation. Doug Kraft has delved into the complexities of the mind from various…

  26. #93: Neuroplasticity, Meditation & the Predictive Brain - Ruben Laukkonen, PhD

    · 1 h 31 min

    How does the brain work at its deepest levels? And to what extent can we radically upgrade it, creating neuroplastic changes? Ruben Laukkonen, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist, contemplative, speaker, and poet. His…

  27. #91: The Science of Creativity & Imagination - Anna Abraham, PhD

    · 1 h 02 min

    Dr. Anna Abraham is a psychologist and neuroscientist who investigates creativity and how we can optimize this key trait. She's also a leading scholar on the study of human imagination. On this episode, we discuss the…

  28. #90: Master of Sleep - Nick Littlehales

    · 50 min

    Nick Littlehales has been an elite sport recovery coach for nearly a quarter-century and is the bestselling author of Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind.…

  29. #89: Consciousness, Perception & Reality - Donald Hoffman, PhD

    · 51 min

    Donald Hoffman, PhD is a cognitive scientist and author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes. He is currently a professor at UC Irvine, where he studies consciousness, visual…

  30. #88: Profound States of Mind - Andrew Holecek

    · 1 h 08 min

    Andrew Holecek is an author and meditation teacher with decades of intensive practice experience, including a 3-year silent retreat in the Tibetan tradition. Andrew's work combines ancient wisdom with modern science.…

  31. #87: The Future of the Brain - Miguel Nicolelis, MD, PhD

    · 1 h 04 min

    Miguel Nicolelis, MD, PhD is a Brazilian neuroscientist and physician famous for his pioneering work in the field of brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. Dr. Nicolelis's extensive research with brain-machine…

  32. #86: The Science of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland, PhD

    · 46 min

    Edward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient…

  33. #85: Neuromagic & Illusion - Stephen Macknik, PhD & Susana Martinez-Conde, PhD

    · 54 min

    Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde and Dr. Stephen Macknik are neuroscientists who specialize in the science of magic and illusion. Both are professors of ophthalmology, neurology, and physiology & pharmacology at the…

  34. #84: The Brain of a Mental Olympian - Elena Antonova, PhD

    · 1 h 06 min

    Dr. Elena Antonova is a neuroscientist and senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University London. Her research focuses on the effects of long-term mindfulness meditation practice in the hope of promoting mental…

  35. #83: Origins of the Mind - Antonio Damasio, MD, PhD

    · 48 min

    Dr. Antonio Damasio is a neurologist, psychologist and best-selling author. He's the Founder & Director of the Brain and Creativity Institute, which researches human emotions, memory, communication, and…

  36. #82: Sleep & Dreams - Sidarta Ribeiro, PhD

    · 57 min

    Dr. Sidarta Ribeiro is an award-winning neuroscientist, author, and Founder of the Brain Institute at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil, where he is also a professor of neuroscience. In this…

  37. #81: Mind Control & Brain-Computer Interfaces - Ramses Alcaide, PhD

    · 46 min

    Ramses Alcaide, PhD is an electrical engineer, neuroscientist, and CEO of Neurable, an innovative brain-computer interface company. At Neurable, he is the inventor and primary developer of a brain-computer interface…

  38. #80: The Power of Focus - Amishi Jha, PhD

    · 50 min

    Dr. Amishi Jha is a neuroscientist and professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She's the Director and Co-Founder of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative. Dr. Jha…

  39. #79: Pain & Placebo - Apkar V. Apkarian, PhD

    · 53 min

    Apkar V. Apkarian, PhD is a professor of physiology, anesthesiology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been studying pain for more than two…

  40. #78: Neuroscience, Consciousness & Nonduality - James Cooke, PhD

    · 56 min

    Dr. James Cooke is a neuroscientist, writer and speaker, focused on consciousness, meditation, psychedelic states, and science. He studied Experimental Psychology and completed his PhD in Neuroscience at Oxford…

  41. #77: The Science of Compassion - Shauna Shapiro, PhD

    · 41 min

    Shauna Shapiro, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and an expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. She has spent two decades studying the benefits of mindfulness and compassion. Her TEDx Talk on…

  42. #76: Peak Performance Mindset - Elliot Roe

    · 48 min

    Elliot Roe is a leading expert in mindset optimization for high performers. In just the last 3 years his poker clients have won over $150,000,000 and nearly every major tournament title, including the World Series of…

  43. #75: The Stoic Philosophy - Massimo Pigliucci, PhD

    · 1 h 02 min

    Dr. Massimo Pigliucci is Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York, former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and one of the most influential modern Stoics. He's published several books…

  44. #74: Sublime Qualities of Mind - Sharon Salzberg

    · 44 min

    Sharon Salzberg is a world-famous meditation teacher and NY Times bestselling author. She's largely responsible for popularizing mindfulness in the West. Sharon co-founded the Insight Meditation Society with Jack…

  45. #73: Hacking of the Human Mind - Robert Lustig, MD, MSL

    · 50 min

    Dr. Lustig is an endocrinologist, professor emeritus of pediatrics at UCSF, and bestselling author of Fat Chance. He also wrote The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies…

  46. #72: Altered States, Shamanism & Beliefs - Roger Walsh, MD, PhD

    · 1 h 01 min

    Dr. Roger Walsh has a unique background that makes him one of the world's leading experts on the mind. He graduated from Australia's Queensland University with degrees in psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and…

  47. #71: The Distraction Crisis & Brain-Enhancing Tools - Adam Gazzaley, MD, PhD

    · 52 min

    Dr. Adam Gazzaley is a neuroscientist, author, photographer, entrepreneur, and inventor. He's the Founder and Executive Director of Neuroscape, a lab that bridges technology and neuroscience to enhance brain function.…

  48. #70: Your Microbiome & the Gut-Brain Connection - Robynne Chutkan, MD

    · 55 min

    Dr. Robynne Chutkan is the Founder of Gutbliss, an integrative gastroenterologist, microbiome expert, and bestselling author. She did her undergrad pre-Med at Yale and went on to get an MD from Columbia. Here we dive…

  49. #69: Mental Energy & Taoist Sex - Mantak Chia

    · 42 min

    Mantak Chia is a Taoist meditation master who has taught millions of students worldwide for over 45 years. He's authored 57 books and founded the Universal Healing Tao Center in Thailand. Master Chia has also studied…

  50. #68: Nutrition for the Brain - David Perlmutter, MD

    · 52 min

    Dr. David Perlmutter, is a world-renowned neurologist and 5-time NY Times bestselling author, including #1 NY Times bestseller Grain Brain. Dr. Perlmutter has received the Linus Pauling Award (Institute for Functional…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.