EP 49 – Susan Blackmore

FromWhat I Believe

Start listening View podcast show

EP 49 – Susan Blackmore

FromWhat I Believe

ratings:

Length:

35 minutes

Released:

Oct 13, 2022

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer and broadcaster Dr Susan Blackmore about what she believes, from being open minded and then skeptical, to arguments leading you somewhere, and the self as the whole embodied person with no free will but happy and good.

Released:

Oct 13, 2022

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (57)

In this podcast, Chief Executive of Humanists UK Andrew Copson talks to humanists today about what they believe, to understand more about the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.

Skip carousel

Janet Ellis: In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor, presenter, and novelist Janet Ellis about what she believes, from the role of chance to the joy of self-creation and human connections. by What I Believe
41 min listen
David Baddiel: In this episode, Andrew talks to comedian, author, screenwriter and TV presenter, David Baddiel about what he believes, from complexity, the importance of stories, really really really knowing for absolute certain that there is no god, and being a Jew. by What I Believe
50 min listen
Rebecca Goldstein: In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher and novelist, Rebecca Goldstein about what she believes, from the lust for truth to building an integrated worldview, and why every person matters. by What I Believe
40 min listen
Robin Ince: In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian, writer, and broadcaster Robin Ince about what he believes, from finding delight in the disorder of the universe to accepting the absurdity of life. by What I Believe
28 min listen
Tim Minchin: In this episode, Andrew speaks to composer, lyricist, musician, comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director, Tim Minchin about what he believes, from skepticism to the necessity of diplomatic good faith (not that sort of faith…). by What I Believe
35 min listen
Margaret Heffernan: In this episode, Andrew speaks to entrepreneur, writer, and TEDTALK favourite, Margaret Heffernan about what she believes, from the fact of uncertainty to the importance of freedom of choice. by What I Believe
37 min listen
Richard Wiseman: In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist, author, and magician, Richard Wiseman about what he believes, from skepticism to making your own luck to not forgiving yourself. by What I Believe
27 min listen
Adèle Anderson: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Olivier Award-nominated singer and actress, Adèle Anderson about what she believes, from music, beautiful cassocks, performance, opening yourself up to experiences, collaboration, and role models. by What I Believe
55 min listen
Paul Sinha: In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian, broadcaster, and professional quizzer, Paul Sinha about what he believes, from the joy of facts to the power of family. by What I Believe
31 min listen
Alice Roberts: In this episode, Andrew speaks to academic, broadcaster, and writer, Alice Roberts about what she believes, from serendipity to the importance of stepping outside your species. by What I Believe
41 min listen
Dan Snow: In this episode, Andrew speaks to historian and television presenter, Dan Snow about what he believes, from the use of history to understand today, growing out of British exceptionalism, the spirit of reform, and being a work in progress. by What I Believe
42 min listen
Christina Patterson: In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer, broadcaster, and author, Christina Patterson about what she believes, from suffering, human relationships, authenticity, breaking bad habits, perspective, to thinking about death and then living. by What I Believe
34 min listen
Leo Igwe: In this episode, Andrew talks to Nigerian human rights advocate and humanist activist, Leo Igwe about what he believes, from humanism as an alternative, harm done to the vulnerable by religion in Nigeria, and our potential to change the world. by What I Believe
29 min listen
Natalie Haynes: In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer, broadcaster, classicist, and comedian, Natalie Haynes about what she believes, from everyone’s right to be inspired by the ancient world, happiness through personal development, and personal development as a sort... by What I Believe
42 min listen
Joan Bakewell: In this episode, Andrew speaks to journalist, television presenter, and Labour Party peer, Joan Bakewell about what she believes, from curiosity about the beliefs of others, the value of education, social justice, the value of age, giving up the idea of ... by What I Believe
39 min listen
Polly Toynbee by What I Believe
50 min listen
David Aaronovitch: In this episode, Andrew speaks to award-winning journalist, David Aaronovitch about what he believes, from the value of freedom of expression, an obsession with truth, a hatred of scapegoating, and giving up the Marxist-Leninist worldview he was raised i... by What I Believe
44 min listen
Ian McEwan: In this episode, Andrew speaks to critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan about what he believes, from novels as a conversation through the generations, tolerance, empathy, freedom, pleasure, being each other, and enlarging our sympathies. by What I Believe
45 min listen
José González: In this episode, Andrew speaks to indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, José González about what he believes, from doing what you can, the use of art in making arguments, and the importance of reducing suffering of all sentient animals. by What I Believe
31 min listen
Carol Smillie: In this episode, Andrew speaks to broadcaster and Humanist Society Scotland celebrant, Carol Smillie about what she believes, from collaborative environments, the diversity of human stories, taking on taboos and injustices, and building your own life st... by What I Believe
30 min listen
Hannah Peel: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Emmy-nominated composer and producer, Hannah Peel about what she believes, from the meaning of music, its primal quality, music science and nature, music that binds us to place, music that connects us to people, being op... by What I Believe
34 min listen
Stephanie Merritt: In this episode, Andrew speaks to English critic, feature writer, and novelist, Stephanie Merritt about what she believes, from freethinking, cultural interchange, cosmopolitanism and unity, to shared values, and the telling of stories. by What I Believe
37 min listen
Shaparak Khorsandi: In this episode, Andrew speaks to stand up comedian and author, Shaparak Khorsandi, about what she believes, from living in exile and being an outsider, to hospitality, communication and creativity, connecting with others, equality of status, and appreci... by What I Believe
49 min listen
Richard Dawkins: In this episode, Andrew speaks to world-renowned evolutionary biologist and science communicator, Richard Dawkins about what he believes, from wanting to be understood, clarity, poetry, and being glad to change your mind. by What I Believe
36 min listen
Jim Al-Khalili: In this episode, Andrew speaks to theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster, Jim Al-Khalili about what he believes, from lessons from quantum, science as a human enterprise, the values of the scientific approach, and amiable approaches to finding th... by What I Believe
35 min listen
Helen Czerski: In this episode, Andrew speaks to physicist, oceanographer, author, television presenter, and ‘bubble-enthusiast’, Helen Czerski about what she believes, from finding out how the world works, acknowledgment of messiness, the perspective of a scientist, b... by What I Believe
30 min listen
Mike Little: In this episode, Andrew speaks to co-founder of WordPress, Mike Little, about what he believes, from democratic participation, to giving people a voice, an open source world, cooperation, and inspiration in utopianism. by What I Believe
29 min listen
John Amaechi: In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist and author, John Amaechi OBE, about what he believes, from leadership, to congruence, opportunity, words authentically delivered for social good, and human thriving and development. by What I Believe
31 min listen
Andrew Gold: In this episode, Andrew speaks to journalist and podcaster, Andrew Gold about what he believes, from encounters with difference, enjoying people, understanding people, compromise, anti-dogmatism, and the nature of being human. by What I Believe
36 min listen
Isaac Hempstead Wright: In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor and fledgling scientist Isaac Hempstead Wright about what he believes, from inquiry and truth, joy of finding things out, question after question, and how creativity and imagination are essential for science, and m... by What I Believe
30 min listen

More Episodes from What I Believe

Skip carousel

EP 57 – Adam Kay on the values of the NHS, fundamental human equality, and the future of one of the UK’s most cherished institutions: Andrew Copson speaks to award-winning writer, comedian, and former doctor Adam Kay who shares the beliefs that have shaped his life and career. From the original values of the NHS, to questions about its future, he lifts the lid on one of the UK’s mo... by What I Believe
38 min listen
EP 56 – Lynne Featherstone on liberalism, being the chief architect of the same-sex marriage act, and her deep aversion to conformity: Andrew Copson speaks to Liberal Democrat peer and patron of Humanists UK, Baroness Lynne Featherstone who shares her political experiences as a Minister of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition Government (2010-2015). From being the chief archi... by What I Believe
31 min listen
Ep 55 – Alom Shaha on becoming a humanist, the joy of teaching, and writing ’The Young Atheist’s Handbook’,: Andrew Copson speaks to science communicator Alom Shaha who shares his experiences as a teacher and author. From growing up in a strict Bangladeshi Muslim area in south-east London, to the role of his teachers in shaping his worldview, it’s a thought... by What I Believe
35 min listen
EP 54 – Tommy Sheppard MP on republicanism, the anti-nuclear campaign, and why he’s not a nationalist: Andrew Copson speaks to SNP MP Tommy Sheppard about his life and career as a politician. From his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, to his unwavering commitment to Scottish independence, it's an engaging episode that explores the imp... by What I Believe
29 min listen
EP 53 – Samira Ahmed on the art of interviewing, equal pay at the BBC, and the ‘toxic’ nature of UK political discourse: Andrew Copson chats to multi award-winning journalist, writer, and broadcaster Samira Ahmed who shares the secrets and skills behind her successful career. From questioning those in power, to taking an equal pay case against the BBC, it’s an inspirin... by What I Believe
41 min listen
EP 52 – Adam Rutherford on tackling racist pseudoscience, ’Where are you really from?’, and Taylor Swift Vs Charles Darwin: Andrew Copson chats with geneticist and author of How to Argue With a Racist Adam Rutherford about the motivations behind a career spent challenging false claims from religion and pseudoscience. From unshackling ourselves from the constraints of evol... by What I Believe
33 min listen
EP 51 – Henry Marsh on being a neurosurgeon, living with advanced prostate cancer, and the arguments for assisted dying: Andrew Copson explores the life and work of eminent neurosurgeon and writer Henry Marsh who reflects on living with advanced prostate cancer and the motivations behind his world-renowned career. From his unconventional route into medicine, to his exp... by What I Believe
33 min listen
EP 50 – Sandi Toksvig on bishops, Scandi convents, and masterminding a school rebellion: Andrew deep dives into the fascinating world of comedian, author, and human rights advocate Sandi Toksvig who shares some of the experiences that have fueled her fervent commitment to equality and justice. From school days spent at a French-speaking ... by What I Believe
33 min listen
Laura Lacole: In this episode, Andrew speaks to model and humanist campaigner Laura Lacole about what she believes, from one life, to being who you are, making a difference, and expressing yourself. by What I Believe
29 min listen
Christer Sturmark: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Swedish author and IT-entrepreneur Christer Sturmark about what he believes, from the importance of being an activist, to our moral responsibility to learn and be coherent, and critical thinking to find the truth. by What I Believe
30 min listen
Nichola Raihani: In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist Nichola Raihani about what she believes, from cooperation and our social instincts, to moral trade-offs, and the cultural specifics of certain values. by What I Believe
31 min listen
S I Martin: In this episode, Andrew speaks to historian S I Martin about what he believes, from history and common ownership, to history as a framework for great arguments and ongoing engagement, and exposure to as many diverse views and experiences as possible. by What I Believe
36 min listen
Kate Pickett: In this episode, Andrew speaks to epidemiologist Professor Kate Pickett about what she believes, from fairness as a moral value to the benefits to all of reducing inequality, hopefulness in the cause of social change, and taking the long view. by What I Believe
37 min listen
Clive Lewis: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Clive Lewis MP about what he believes, from the necessity of politics to camaraderie of service, opposing imperialism and racism, universal humanity, and the climate threat. by What I Believe
34 min listen
Tim McGarry: In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Tim McGarry about what he believes, from devout atheism to accidental humanism, the values of education and comedy, and mutual respect and tolerance. by What I Believe
35 min listen
A C Grayling: In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher A C Grayling about what he believes, from curiosity and making sense of things to being a good guest at life's dinner party, our democratic deficit, the good state, and the interconnectedness of all these thi... by What I Believe
32 min listen
Angela Barnes: In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Angela Barnes about what she believes, from occasional nostalgia to knowing where and who you are, making the most of the here and now, and putting everything out there. by What I Believe
33 min listen
Frank Turner: In this episode, Andrew speaks to singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, about what he believes, from creativity to community, connection, empathy through art, nothing to excess, and 'know thyself'. by What I Believe
27 min listen
Nigel Warburton: In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher Nigel Warburton about what he believes, from clarity to being accessible, free speech, thinking aloud, thinking together, thinking on the page, and being free and open. by What I Believe
42 min listen
Anne Glover: In this episode, Andrew speaks to former Chief Scientific Adviser to the European Commission, Professor Dame Anne Glover, about what she believes, from curiosity, to the infinite possibilities of things you can't see, uncertainty, making knowledge useful... by What I Believe
34 min listen
Saiful Islam: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Professor of Materials Chemistry, Saiful Islam, about what he believes, from beautiful crystals, to green energy, scientific progress, combating ignorance and fear, and the value of education. by What I Believe
29 min listen
Francesca Stavrakopoulou: In this episode, Andrew speaks to broadcaster and Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion, Francesca Stavrakopoulou, about what she believes, from justice for marginalised people from the past, to death rituals, identity in the long human story, a... by What I Believe
30 min listen
Mike Little: In this episode, Andrew speaks to co-founder of WordPress, Mike Little, about what he believes, from democratic participation, to giving people a voice, an open source world, cooperation, and inspiration in utopianism. by What I Believe
29 min listen
Angela Eagle: In this episode, Andrew speaks to Labour MP, Dame Angela Eagle, about what she believes, from opportunity for all, to contributing to a collective effort, remaking society, and being a pragmatic humanist. by What I Believe
28 min listen
Steven Pinker: In this episode, Andrew speaks to cognitive scientist, Steven Pinker, about what he believes, from understanding ourselves, to consciousness raising of what it means to be human, the continuous landscape of knowledge, progress, and rationality. by What I Believe
34 min listen
John Amaechi: In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist and author, John Amaechi OBE, about what he believes, from leadership, to congruence, opportunity, words authentically delivered for social good, and human thriving and development. by What I Believe
31 min listen
Shaparak Khorsandi: In this episode, Andrew speaks to stand up comedian and author, Shaparak Khorsandi, about what she believes, from living in exile and being an outsider, to hospitality, communication and creativity, connecting with others, equality of status, and appreci... by What I Believe
49 min listen
Eddie Marsan: In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor Eddie Marsan about what he believes, from choosing your way, living with integrity, thinking like an immigrant, combatting dogmatism and supremacy, empowerment, making your own character, and opportunity for all. by What I Believe
28 min listen
Polly Toynbee by What I Believe
50 min listen
Andrew Gold: In this episode, Andrew speaks to journalist and podcaster, Andrew Gold about what he believes, from encounters with difference, enjoying people, understanding people, compromise, anti-dogmatism, and the nature of being human. by What I Believe
36 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

Dr. Dan Siegel (Part 2) - Interconnection, Death and G.O.D. by Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat
37 min listen
The Mind: A Factory of Fears [SSL200]: Exploring Paul Tillich's insightful and prescient work "The Courage to Be" on the topic of fear and anxiety as they relate to mortality. by Spark My Muse
16 min listen
Dr. Dan Siegel (Part 1) - The Wheel of Awareness, Energy and the Mind by Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat
45 min listen
Episode 82, ‘The Nature of Consciousness’ with Susan Blackmore (Part I - Mystery and Illusion): Welcome to 'Episode 82 (Part I of II)’ where we’ll be discussing the nature of consciousness with Susan Blackmore. by The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast
61 min listen
Death and The Information Gap by The Contemplative Science Podcast
35 min listen
The Black Books - I: The Genesis of the Black Books with Murray Stein and Paul Bishop by Hermitix
63 min listen
Dr. Antonio Damasio: Narrowing the Gap Between the Body and the Mind by Finding Mastery
69 min listen
The Brain as a Non-Linear Optical Computer: Reflections on a 2-Week Jhānas Meditation Retreat by Building a Science of Consciousness
134 min listen
Ep. 149 – Desire: The Driving Force of Samsara by Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein
57 min listen
Time and Quantum Mechanics SOLVED? | Lee Smolin: Lee Smolin joins TOE to discuss his work in theoretical physics, the dynamic nature of the laws of physics and the concept of time. YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOKOodQXjhc by Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
99 min listen
593. Ameeta Kaul: Ameeta was born and raised in Mumbai India and recalls two predominant family themes which influenced her formative years: intellectual curiosity and devotion to God. She was educated and conditioned to aspire to conventional success, by Buddha at the Gas Pump
99 min listen
Bernardo Kastrup: Consciousness & Superdeterminism Doubts: Bernardo Kastrup: Consciousness & Superdeterminism Doubts by Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
83 min listen
220. Charles Foster on Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness: Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, natural history, agriculture, medical law and ethics, Charles Foster, in , makes an audacious attempt to feel a connection with 45,000 years of human history. He experiences the Upper Paleolithic era by living in... by The Michael Shermer Show
117 min listen
The weird and wonderful history of quantum entanglement that led to this year’s Nobel prize: In this podcast we delve into the curious phenomenon at the heart of the 2022 prize by Physics World Weekly Podcast
48 min listen
#60 - The Self-Conscious Emotion of Shame: A Dialogue with June Tangney: In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with June Tangney about shame and the various components of this emotion. They provide a definition of shame and how it is a distinct emotion from guilt. They discuss how the same event can be implicated wit... by Converging Dialogues
114 min listen
Brian Boyd on the Origin of Stories: Brian Boyd is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His work has appeared in 20 languages and has won awards on four continents. Most importantly, Prof. Boyd is the author of On the Origin of Stories which examines the... by Singularity.FM
130 min listen
Conversation with David Bohm - A feeling for something sacred: David Bohm’s contact with Krishnamurti began in the early 60s and continued into the 80s. Their dialogues are far-reaching and profound. Over 30 audios and videos are available on our YouTube channel, and are published in the books Truth and Actuality, T... by Urgency of Change • The Krishnamurti Podcast
94 min listen
Understanding the Buddha’s Dharma: Creating Action from Anger – Ep. 297: In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the ongoing effects of the Trump presidency on American civil rights, constitutional protections, health care, women’s reproductive access, and sensible gun laws, as well as the Buddha’s revolutionary redefin by Bob Thurman Podcast: Buddhas Have More Fun!
57 min listen
823 - P.J. O'Rourke (Re-release): How The Hell This Happened? and Rest In Peace, P.J. O'Rourke: This is a re-release of an episode with P.J. O'Rouke, an American libertarian political satirist and journalist. by The James Altucher Show
82 min listen
Secularizing Buddhist Ethics by Buddhist Geeks
48 min listen
Noam Chomsky on AI, Neural Networks, and the Future of Linguistics: Noam Chomsky is one of the most influential and highly cited scholars of our time. by Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
98 min listen
489 Schopenhauer (aka The Tunnel and The Hole) by The History of Literature
68 min listen
Ep. 191 - Knowing, Awareness And Wisdom by Insight Hour with Joseph Goldstein
54 min listen
Neurotheology: The Coexistence Of Science & Spiritual Experiences with Dr. Andrew Newberg: TODAY´S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FLOW RESEARCH COLLECTIVE Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest profess... by Flow Radio
76 min listen
Nicholas of Cusa and the Infinite–Thomas J. McFarlane: Nicholas of Cusa and the Infinite Thomas J. McFarlane Nicholas of Cusa (1401-64) was a philosopher and theologian whose writings influenced the development of Renaissance mathematics and science. The first part of this podcast trace by Rosicrucian Podcasts
1 min listen
Episode 48, Rebecca Goldstein: Why Philosophy Won’t Go Away (Part II): Welcome to 'Episode 48 (Part II)', where we'll be talking to Rebecca Newberger Goldstein about her own philosophical positions. by The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast
47 min listen
146: The Extended Mind, with Annie Murphy Paul: Author Annie Murphy Paul joins us to talk about playing with ideas, working in groups, and other ways to extend the mind. by Focused
61 min listen
Episode 116: Harald Atmanspacher: Physicist Harald Atmanspacher, Ph.D. on his books, The Pauli-Jung Conjecture, and Dual-Aspect Monism & the Deep Structure of Meaning by Speaking of Jung: Interviews with Jungian Analysts
67 min listen
The Creative Brain With Dr Iain McGilchrist – #334: The Creative Brain With Dr Iain McGilchrist – #334 My guest today says that in order to understand ourselves and the world we need science and intuition, reason and imagination. Dr. Iain McGilchrist is a psychiatrist, neuroscience researcher, by SuperCreativity Podcast with James Taylor | Creativity, Innovation and Inspiring Ideas
27 min listen
Why I Am Not a Buddhist (Robert Wright & Evan Thompson) by The Wright Show
60 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

EP 49 – Susan Blackmore

EP 49 – Susan Blackmore

Description

Titles in the series (57)

More Episodes from What I Believe

Related podcast episodes