Island of Knowledge: Human Flourishing

Photo illustration by Angelo Bautista. Original images by Marcelo Gleiser and Europeana (CC0).

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Original Air Date: 
August 30, 2025

Can we scale up human flourishing? We know meditation can reduce stress and ease symptoms of depression, but the benefits don’t have to stop there. Some scientists believe just a few minutes of mindfulness practice every day could make entire cities healthier and happier. 

Can we boost happiness on a city-wide scale?

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Flourishing is a skill, and with a few basic mindfulness practices, we can feel better. Now, neuroscientist Richie Davidson wants to scale up human flourishing to boost the well-being of entire cities.

Length: 
18:57

How music becomes our collective medicine

Audio

Dalal Abu Amneh is a Palestinian singer and neuroscientist. She says music has the capacity to heal and engage the entire brain, and the power to bring people together in the midst of political conflicts.

Length: 
15:46

Healing trauma takes time. Can we speed up psychotherapy?

Audio

Talking with a therapist is a proven path to wholeness, but psychotherapy can often drag on too long. Diana Fosha explains why Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy can have quick results for treating trauma.

Length: 
14:56
Show Details 📻
Airdates
August 30, 2025
Guests: 
Richard Davidson

Richard Davidson

Director, Center for Healthy Minds
richardjdavidson.com
twitter.com
Dalal Abu Amneh

Dalal Abu Amneh

Musician and Neuroscientist
centerhealthyminds.org
dalalabuamneh.com
Diana Fosha

Diana Fosha

Clinical Psychologist
aedpinstitute.org
Categories: 
Science
Full Transcript 📄

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Last modified: 
August 29, 2025