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Unlatched Mind

Arts & Culture Podcasts

The Unlatched Mind podcast is a long form discussion on topics including neuroscience, morality, behavioral science, religion, artificial intelligence, psychology and philosophy. Host Vinny Vallarine introduces listeners to guests and experts on these, and other topics of interest.

Location:

United States

Description:

The Unlatched Mind podcast is a long form discussion on topics including neuroscience, morality, behavioral science, religion, artificial intelligence, psychology and philosophy. Host Vinny Vallarine introduces listeners to guests and experts on these, and other topics of interest.

Language:

English


Episodes

Ep 67: Mike Brooks | AI and the Race to the Bottom

3/2/2024
Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big tech driving society towards a race to the bottom? Mike Brooks, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and a licensed specialist in school psychology in Austin, Texas, joins Unlatched Mind to discuss. The conversation includes the rapid pace of technological evolution, particularly focusing on AI's impact on society and individual well-being. They delve into issues like the overwhelming amount of digital content, the concept of 'want saturation', and the ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment. They express concerns about AI's optimization for profit over societal benefit and the potential for technology to exacerbate social divides and misinformation. The dialogue also touches on human adaptation to technological changes and the balance between technological advancement and human values. They discuss how digital saturation affects human psychology and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI. They highlight concerns over AI's profit-driven motives and its potential to deepen societal divisions. Additionally, they contemplate the necessity for a balance between technological progress and maintaining core human values, emphasizing the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. Check out Mike at https://www.drmikebrooks.com.

Duration:01:07:06

Ep 66: JW Ross | Kava, Kratom, and Feel Free

1/13/2024
In this conversation, Vinny Vallarine and JW Ross discuss the significance of freedom, government control and lobbying, and the challenges of working with the government. They also delve into JW's journey of creating Feel Free, a product designed to address social anxiety. The conversation explores the differences between kratom and kava, the launch of Feel Free, and the impact of society on stress and anxiety levels. The conversation explores the evolution of society and the contrast between different lifestyles. It delves into the origins and controversy surrounding kratom, highlighting the need for proper regulation and education. The complexity of chemistry and the importance of understanding the different forms of kratom are discussed. The conversation also touches on the motives behind the opposition to kratom and the relative safety of its use. The role of tools and substances in altering mood and the potential for future product development are explored. The influence of childhood experiences and the lack of emotional connection are also examined, along with the role of alcohol in coping. The conversation explores the dangers of excessive consumption and the potential consequences of crossing the line. It also delves into the distinction between social drinking and substance abuse, highlighting the different motivations behind each. Additionally, the conversation touches on the desire to escape reality through substance use. Finally, there is a brief discussion about an upcoming new soda product release. Check out Feel Free at https://botanictonics.com. New customers can use code “UM40” for $40 off your order.

Duration:01:14:17

Ep 65: Guy Odishaw | Light Therapy, Cellular Intelligence, and the Future of Healthcare

11/18/2023
I had the privilege of delving into the fascinating realm of biophysics and cellular intelligence with Guy Odishaw, the founder of CerebralFit. The conversation unfolded around the revolutionary field of biologic medicine, where the integration of light therapy, or electroceuticals, takes center stage in leveraging the innate intelligence of our cells for optimal health. Our dialogue began by exploring the profound connection between humans and the natural world, drawing parallels between how plants harness light energy for sustenance and oxygen production and how our bodies absorb sunlight to produce vital substances like vitamin D. Guy eloquently explained the intricate dance between grounding, or earthing, and sunlight exposure, emphasizing the transformative process of becoming a living battery through these elemental practices. The core of our discussion revolved around the medicinal potential of light, particularly in the red and near-infrared spectrums. Guy elucidated the science behind this, shedding light on the approximately 1,400 chemical products produced in the body through sunlight exposure. Beyond vitamin D, photons serve as essential elements for cellular communication and function, making light therapy a powerful tool to influence cellular physiology predictably and repeatably. The conversation transitioned into a deeper exploration of the body's response to light therapy. Guy eloquently likened our bodies to a person managing their income and expenses, drawing parallels between the resources we allocate and the deferred maintenance within our biological systems. By providing the body with the "resources" of light energy, cellular vitality is reinvigorated, leading to healing and regeneration. What sets this approach apart is its positivistic focus on vitalizing the system rather than merely combating specific pathogenic forces. Guy used a compelling analogy, likening the body's response to increased resources to an individual with newfound wealth attending to neglected repairs in their home. This fresh perspective challenges the traditional allopathic approach, emphasizing enhancement and vitality over mere negation of diseases. As the conversation unfolded, we delved into the intelligence inherent in cellular structures and tissues. Drawing inspiration from Michael Levin's TAME theory, which posits that mind extends beyond humans and even lower animals, Guy explored the concept of agency and communion at the cellular level. The discussion unfolded into a rich tapestry where cells possess inherent intelligence, and the challenge lies in providing them with the resources to optimize their function. A key distinction emerged as Guy contrasted biologic medicine with pharmaceutical approaches. Instead of micromanaging and forcing changes at the molecular level, biologic medicine opts for a holistic strategy, providing resources to enhance cellular intelligence and allowing the body's innate wisdom to guide healing and regeneration. The podcast episode provided a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of biologic medicine, bridging ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. Guy's insights challenged conventional paradigms and opened doors to a new era of healthcare that respects and collaborates with the inherent intelligence of living systems. The discussion hinted at a promising future where the understanding of cellular intelligence becomes a fundamental principle in scientific exploration and medical practice. To explore more on this transformative journey into biologic medicine and cellular intelligence, visit Guy Odishaw's website at cerebralfit.com and dive into the extensive research, articles, and resources he generously shares. You can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discover how biologic medicine may unlock new dimensions of health and vitality for you.

Duration:01:09:11

Ep 64: Frank McAndrew, Ph.D. | Personal Likeability, Evolutionary Psychology, and Culture

10/20/2023
In this wide-ranging discussion, we dove deep into the fascinating world of evolutionary psychology with Dr. Frank McAndrew, Ph.D., a renowned professor of psychology at Knox College. Our conversation started with an exploration of “Dunbar’s Number”, which delves into the limits of human social connections. We pondered the significance of this limit in our increasingly connected yet isolating world. From there, the discussion evolved to touch upon language, dialects, and accents. Dr. McAndrew and I discussed how even in countries with a common language, various dialects and accents develop, highlighting our natural inclination to create smaller groups within the larger whole. We considered how these divisions could lead to both positive and negative outcomes and examined the complexities of human nature. Our conversation then shifted towards the roles of leaders and politicians in our society. We contemplated the challenges they face in balancing their personal beliefs and agendas with the expectations of the public. Dr. McAndrew expressed the importance of understanding the evolutionary psychology behind human behavior and how it can influence our interactions and conflicts. As we explored the topic of retirement, Dr. McAndrew provided valuable insights from his own perspective. He shared that retirement doesn't have to be an abrupt stop to one's professional life but rather a change in the ratio of activities we choose to pursue. He discussed how having a flexible plan for retirement can be a healthy approach and reflected on his own path towards retirement. Throughout our conversation, we touched on various subjects, from the traits of effective leaders to the ways in which human nature and evolution shape our interactions. We also examined the impacts of biases and prejudices, and how understanding these behaviors can lead to more effective ways of addressing and mitigating them. Ultimately, this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Frank McAndrew offered insights into the complex world of human psychology and the importance of understanding our evolutionary roots to foster a more compassionate and harmonious society. We found it to be an engaging and enlightening exploration of the human experience! Checkout Frank at https://www.frankmcandrew.com

Duration:00:56:58

Ep 63: Noam Shpancer, Ph.D. | Culture, Social Media, Personal Responsibility, and Mental Health

9/10/2023
Dr. Noam Shpancer joins Unlatched Mind to delve into the complex interplay of technology, mental health, and personal responsibility. Dr. Shpancer, a clinical psychologist and professor, provides valuable insights into the challenges posed by the modern digital landscape, particularly concerning the mental well-being of young people. Our conversation began with an exploration of how excessive choices, a byproduct of advanced civilization, can paradoxically lead to dissatisfaction and stress. Dr. Shpancer introduced the concept that having too many options can often result in decision regret, as we are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices we face in various aspects of life. One significant contributor to this phenomenon is the proliferation of technology, particularly smartphones and social media. Dr. Shpancer pointed out that the introduction of cell phones coincided with rising levels of anxiety and depression, suggesting a potential link between technology use and declining mental health. He explained that heavy users of social media are more susceptible to negative mental health effects, as the platforms are designed to maximize user engagement by presenting extreme and agreeable content. Our conversation then shifted to the broader societal context, emphasizing that the responsibility for addressing these issues should not rest solely on individuals or parents. Dr. Shpancer highlighted the need for both top-down and bottom-up efforts to create a healthier technological environment. While individuals should be empowered and educated about responsible technology use, there must also be societal regulations and rules governing technology usage in specific contexts. Just as smoking was made uncool through social pressure, similar tactics can be employed to reduce excessive phone and screen time. Furthermore, Dr. Shpancer likened the challenge of moderating technology use to managing other aspects of life, such as food consumption. Both technology and food are essential for survival, but excessive use can be detrimental. He advocated for finding the right balance and purpose in technology use, just as one would with food. Technology can be a valuable tool for business, education, and connection when used mindfully. Throughout our conversation, the concept of "dial issues" was introduced. Dr. Shpancer explained that many challenges in life are not binary "switch issues" but rather dial issues. This means that moderation and finding the right level of use are essential, similar to adjusting a dial to control light or volume. We should aim to dial down our technology use to a functional level while considering the purpose and type of our usage. In summary, Dr. Noam Shpancer's insights shed light on the challenges posed by technology in the modern world, particularly its impact on mental health. Our conversation underscores the importance of striking a balance in technology use, combining individual responsibility with societal regulations to create a healthier technological environment. Ultimately, technology can be a valuable tool when used mindfully and purposefully, contributing positively to various aspects of our lives. Checkout Noam's work at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/noam-shpancer-phd and https://www.otterbein.edu/faculty/noam-shpancer

Duration:01:06:17

Ep 62: Ryan Michler | Embracing Resilient Masculinity and Spiritual Growth

8/5/2023
Ryan Michler is the founder of Order of Man, and he's doing some fantastic work helping men become better leaders in their lives. We delved into the concept of resilient masculinity and how it's essential to embrace our roles as men in today's world. We discuss the challenges modern men face and how we need to navigate the changing landscape of masculinity. Ryan emphasized the importance of understanding that being a man doesn't mean suppressing emotions, but rather learning from them and responding appropriately. We also explored the impact of social media and how it affects our perceptions of success, happiness, and self-worth. It's crucial to avoid the comparison trap and focus on our individual journeys rather than trying to measure up to others. Ryan shared his thoughts on personal responsibility and the need for men to step up and take ownership of their lives. We agreed that playing the victim only hinders growth, and real progress comes from taking control of our destinies. We touched on the significance of community and how surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals can positively influence our personal growth. Ryan's perspective on building connections and bonds with others resonated deeply with me. Our conversation also veered into the topic of faith and its impact on our lives. Ryan shared his spiritual beliefs, and I found it inspiring how his faith shapes his outlook on life, giving him an eternal perspective on his actions. Stoicism was another subject we explored, and it was fascinating to see how it aligns with many biblical principles. We discussed the idea of not letting emotions dictate our actions and using them as a factor in decision-making rather than reacting impulsively. Throughout the episode, Ryan emphasized the need for humility and self-awareness in personal development. It's essential to acknowledge that we all have room for growth and that our actions and choices matter in shaping our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Ryan , and I highly recommend checking out his work at orderofman.com or at Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryanmichler. So, be sure to listen to the full episode and get inspired by Ryan's insights on embracing resilient masculinity and achieving personal growth. Listen & enjoy!

Duration:00:57:27

Ep 61: Dr. Ginger Campbell, MD | Certainty, Bias, Intuition, and Open-Mindedness

7/9/2023
Dr. Virginia “Ginger” Campbell is a physician, author, and science communicator. She is the author of “Are You Sure: The Unconscious Origins of Certainty” and she is a member of the Podcast Hall of Fame (2022). Dr. Campbell began podcasting in 2006 when she launched two shows: Brain Science and Books and Ideas. Brain Science is still going strong and is widely regarded as the best podcast about neuroscience. Dr. Campbell spent over 20 years as an emergency physician in rural Alabama. In 2014 she went back to the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she completed a Fellowship in Palliative Medicine. She now practices Palliative Medicine at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Birmingham, AL, where she enjoys both patient care and teaching residents, fellows, and medical students. Ginger joins Unlatched Mind to discuss various topics related to neuroscience, consciousness, decision-making, intuition, beliefs, and personal experiences. We touch upon subjects like the limitations of artificial intelligence, the complexity of the human brain, the role of intuition in decision-making, the importance of open-mindedness, the power of personal narratives, and the significance of embracing a big story in life. Ginger shares insights from her own experiences, including her participation in vision quests, and emphasizes the value of showing up in life and cultivating a larger story for oneself. Find Dr. Campbell’s Podcast at brainsciencepodcast.com and follow at twitter.com/docartemis, facebook.com/docartemis, and linkedin.com/docartemis

Duration:01:01:53

Ep 60: Dr. Mike Brooks | ChatGPT, ChaosGPT, and Government Oversight

5/26/2023
In this episode of Unlatched Mind, Vinny and Mike Brooks discuss the importance of realism over optimism when it comes to AI and the need for regulatory measures. They explore the concept of evolutionary mismatch and how our brains are ill-equipped to handle the rapid advancements of AI due to our hunter-gatherer evolutionary history. The exponential growth of technology is highlighted as a key factor that contributes to the lack of concern or understanding about the potential risks of AI. Mike Brooks shares his series of blog posts that aim to raise awareness and initiate crucial conversations about AI's impact on society. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach, combining hope and realism, to ensure the development and regulation of AI align with our values and long-term well-being. With warnings of A.I. coming from Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Nick Bostrom, Stephen Hawking, Steve Wozniak, and even Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, there are no doubt potential scenarios to be concerned with in the very near future. In this episode, they delve into the specifics of Mike's blog post, "Regulate AI Now: Using Our Voices to Safeguard Our Future," focusing on the challenges and potential solutions related to AI regulation. Check out Mike’s work at https://www.drmikebrooks.com ***Episode description written by ChatGPT 3.5

Duration:01:23:09

Ep 59: Dr. Mike Brooks | Is the Artificial Intelligence Dystopia Inevitable?

4/3/2023
Mike Brooks, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and a licensed specialist in school psychology in Austin, Texas. He has expertise in positive psychology, life balance, the needs of children and teens, and effective parenting practices. He also uses wisdom traditions, including Buddhist psychology and Stoic philosophy, to help clients live richer, fuller lives. With a long-standing interest in how technologies such as video games, smartphones, and social media affect our daily lives, Brooks is also the lead author of Tech Generation: Raising Balanced Kids in a Hyper-Connected World. Mike joins Unlatched Mind to discuss the pending dystopian reality driven by the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. Check out Mike at https://www.drmikebrooks.com.

Duration:01:25:30

Ep 58: Steven Kotler | Master Aging with Flow Science

2/11/2023
Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. Steven is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 50 languages, and has appeared in over 100 publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review. Alongside his wife, author Joy Nicholson, he is also the co-founder of The Buddy Sue Hospice Home for Old Dogs, a canine elder care facility, and Rancho de Chihuahua, a dog rescue and sanctuary. Steven joins Unlatched Mind to discuss his newest book, Gnar Country. In Gnar Country, Steven shows there is no age limit for peak performance and our best years are still to come! Checkout Gnar Country at https://www.gnarcountry.com and connect with Steven’s work at https://www.flowresearchcollective.com or https://www.stevenkotler.com.

Duration:00:57:26

Ep 57: Addiction & Your Higher Power

12/9/2022
Peg O’Connor, Ph.D., is a Professor of Philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Her training is in moral philosophy, feminist philosophy, addiction studies, and the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. She believes that philosophy helped her to get and remain sober. Avoiding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for the first 20 years of her sobriety because of the concept of a “higher power,” she is focused on using some of the great canonical thinkers in western philosophy to illuminate dimensions of addiction. She further shares this in her new book, Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering. Dr. Peg O’Connor is a recovering alcoholic who maintains that Philosophy got and helped her to stay sober. For the last twelve years, she has shifted the focus of her work to using some of the great canonical thinkers in western Philosophy to illuminate dimensions of addiction. She understands addiction as a meaning of life problem and no discipline is as well suited as Philosophy to address meaning of life questions. In Higher and Friendly Powers, Dr. O’Connor addresses an audience much like herself: those in recovery who have struggled with the Christian-centric God at the heart of AA. She brings our attention to a little-known fact: the term “higher power,” a touchstone in the twelve steps of AA, was coined by William James, philosopher, psychologist, and intellectual giant of the early 20th century. Find Dr. O’Conner at http://pegoconnorauthor.com Video Clips of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/c/unlatchedmind

Duration:00:59:46

Ep 56: Moral Injury

11/13/2022
Philosopher, emerging public intellectual, and the Director of Great Philosophical Problems, Dr. Timothy Shaw joins the show. Dr. Shaw has undertaken original research into how existential concepts impact and are reflected in the psychological distress models of the “Signature Wound” of contemporary war, Moral Injury. Moral Injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct. Moral injury can occur in reaction to a traumatic event in which deeply held morals or values are violated. The resulting distress may lead to PTSD, depression, and other disorders in which feelings such as guilt, shame, betrayal and anger are predominant, although these feelings may occur in the absence of a formal disorder. Although most research that has been conducted has focused on military Veterans, moral injury can occur outside of the military context. In this episode, we discuss: Chomskyorigin and use of nuclear weapons Nuremberg trials

Duration:00:36:46

Ep 55: Extracting Strength from Struggle

10/28/2022
Joel Green is CEO of Pro Level Training, the National Director of Nike Sports Camps, a former professional basketball player, and a renowned motivational speaker. After retiring from his career in professional basketball, Joel Green founded Pro Level Training (PLT), which has become a 7-figure company. In addition to running PLT, Green is also the National Director for Nike Sports Camps as well as an accomplished speaker. He was honored to speak to thousands and deliver his own TED Talk. Joel Green’s unique differentiator in business and as an individual, is his ability to see life objectively from multiple vantage points. Unfortunate circumstances as a youth helped to groom and refine Joel into adulthood. Growing up in an abandoned home and seeing both sides of life has really helped him to connect with people over time. A thought leader in the motivational category, Joel Green has a B.A. in Psychology from Rider University, which has helped to fuel his ambition to inspire others. He has developed a reputation for personal excellence and motivational talks that contribute tangible advice for attaining desired goals. Many of the messages he has delivered on are conveyed in his first book, Filtering: The Way to Extract Strength from the Struggle, is available now. In addition, Green is a professional sports and fitness model and actor, and he has been featured in commercials, ads and on television. Most recently he was the face of Cheez-It crackers Celebrity Crunch Classic campaign, in which he was solely featured on millions of snack boxes. Green is known for setting very ambitious goals for himself, most recently his own challenge of reading 30 books in 30 weeks. He has unflinchingly put in 18-20-hour workdays with great joy to make his dreams a physical manifestation. He attributes his work ethic to his unwavering faith and his passionate desire for excellence – both of which have allowed him to overcome many difficulties and life challenges. Learn more about Joel Green at http://www.joelbgreen.com Video clips of the Unlatched Mind Podcast can be found at https://youtube.com/c/unlatchedmind

Duration:00:55:08

Ep 54: The China Threat

9/18/2022
Former Air Force Chief Software Officer, Nicolas Chaillan was the Special Advisor for Cloud Security and DevSecOps for the U.S. Department of Defense. Mr. Chaillan is recognized as one of France’s youngest entrepreneurs, has founded 12 companies and has created and sold over 180 innovative software products to 45 Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Chaillan is also recognized as a pioneer of the computer language PHP. Nicolas joins us to discuss the state of the U.S. Defense Department and the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. Check out https://www.learnwithnic.com to learn about the massively informative and tactically relevant "Learn with Nic" technical learning platform, just recently launched! Video clips of the Unlatched Mind Podcast can be found at https://youtube.com/c/unlatchedmind

Duration:00:46:13

Ep 53: Philosophy, Entrepreneurship, and the Metaverse

8/15/2022
Po Chi Wu, Ph.D., is an active advisor/investor supporting startups at SkyDeck, the accelerator/incubator program at the University of California at Berkeley. He has taught entrepreneurship at several universities in China and Hong Kong. Po Chi joins Unlatched Mind to discuss entrepreneurship, philosophy, blockchain, NFTs, the Metaverse, and how the next generation and technology will impact each other.

Duration:01:14:15

Ep 52: Falling to Grace

6/26/2022
When prominent psychologist Dr. Howard J. Rankin, Ph.D., has his license permanently revoked for a brief consensual encounter with a former client, he has to learn to deal with the fallout including, shame, humiliation and disgrace as well as fake news and haters. Howard J. Rankin, Ph.D., joins Unlatched Mind to discuss his redemption after making the single biggest mistake of his life. https://www.drhowardjrankin.com

Duration:01:00:35

Ep 51: Can’t We All Just Get Along?!

5/30/2022
Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D., MPP, is a social science writer/researcher with a Masters in Public Policy and a Ph.D. in evolutionary epistemology, which simply means a focus on how different kinds of organisms make an interpretive effort. Dr Sherman joins us to discuss the real reasons why we struggle to get along with one another. You can find Jeremy at https://jeremysherman.com

Duration:01:00:31

Ep 50: Radical Candor

5/15/2022
Amy Sandler is the chief content officer at Radical Candor, where she also serves as a Candor Coach and is the host of the Radical Candor podcast. She has shared Radical Candor around the world, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, in industries ranging from aerospace to technology, financial services to franchising, and education to healthcare. Amy has trained tens of thousands across a spectrum of roles, from seasoned CEOs to individual contributors just starting on their career path.

Duration:01:04:10

Ep 49: The Male Mind

4/2/2022
Jett Stone, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the mental health of men. In this episode, we take an honest look inside the minds of men to get an idea how a man’s thoughts affect relationships, family struggles, work-life balance, and everything in between. Check out some of Jett’s content at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/jett-stone-phd

Duration:01:09:11

Ep 48: Was ‘Don’t Look Up’ an Important Film?

2/1/2022
David Kyle Johnson, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at King's College, PA, and also produces philosophy courses for The Teaching Company. Kyle specializes in critical thinking, metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of science. In this episode, Kyle joins Unlatched Mind to discuss whether the film ‘Don’t Look Up’ is an important film and why we should not look at it simply as a satirical ‘popcorn film’. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/david-kyle-johnson-phd https://www.youtube.com/c/UnlatchedMind?sub_confirmation=1

Duration:01:09:32