Inspiring Minds Series

Live Conversations Offering Wisdom for Our Time

Inspiring Minds is Mind & Life’s online conversation series that brings together thought leaders and contemplatives to engage with one another and the audience in exploring the role of the mind in human flourishing. At a time of profound global crises, we look at how science and contemplative wisdom can inform efforts to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.

Each heartfelt conversation includes a guided meditation and artistic offering, and inspires us with a call-to-action to be a force for positive change. A recording of the event will be made available afterwards.

With Host Shankari Goldstein

Inspiring Minds is a live online conversation series hosted by Shankari Goldstein. For over 10 years she has been an avid social and environmental justice activist and Registered Yoga instructor. Shankari continues to find ways to uplift the contemplative voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) to inspire diverse audiences. She currently lives on a regenerative farm with her husband, and more than 70 animals, medicinal herb gardens, and edible landscapes. Shankari serves as Program Manager at the Mind & Life Institute.

Season 2 Conversations

Inspiring Minds – February 2022

Healing Intergenerational Trauma

This conversation features Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and Aaron Stern, with artist Hawah Kasat sharing innovative programs and approaches designed to nurture meaningful dialogue, break down barriers, and facilitate personal transformation aimed at healing the harmful legacies of the past.

Topics: Compassion & Empathy | Contemplative Wisdom | Self & Other

Inspiring Minds – January 2022

From Climate Distress to Climate Action

Our January 2022 conversation features Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Elissa Epel. They discuss how contemplative practice can build resilience to address injustice and the climate crisis.

Topics: Environment | Social Change | Stress & Resilience

Inspiring Minds – November 2021

Mindfulness Approaches to Addiction and Recovery

Our November conversation features Eric Garland and Durga Leela, with musician Geoffrey Menin. They discuss mindfulness and embodied practices for holistic healing.

Topics: Body-based Practices | Brain & Cognitive Science | Mental Health | Mindfulness

Inspiring Minds – September 2021

Sustaining Social Change Movements through Kinship and Contemplative Practice

Our September conversation features Adam Bucko and Fred Bahnson, with musicians Holy River. They discuss how Christian contemplative practice can reinforce our sense of interconnection, reciprocity, and kinship.

Topics: Compassion & Empathy | Contemplative Wisdom | Social Change | Stress & Resilience