684. Chris Niebauer - a podcast by Rick Archer

Chris Niebauer earned his Ph.D. in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right sides of the human brain. He is the author of No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism and The No Self, No Problem Workbook: Exercises&Practices from Neuropsychology and Buddhism to Help You Lose Your Mind. He was a professor at a state university in Pennsylvania for 22 years, where he taught courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left- and right-brain differences, and artificial intelligence.

Website: chrisniebauerphd.comYouTube Channel

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook GroupTranscript of this interview

Interview recorded June 3, 2023Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.



YouTube Video Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump
00:06:21 - Disappointment with Daniel Dennett's book on consciousness
00:11:55 - The Value of Intelligence and Happiness00:17:39 - The Dominance of Language in Reality
00:23:31 - Breaking the Cycle of Mental Excitation00:29:04 - Non-Thinking Forms of Consciousness
00:34:24 - The Power of Numbers and Abstractions00:40:01 - Observing the Interpreter and Letting Go of Intrusive Thoughts
00:45:55 - The Need for a Tiny Shift00:51:17 - The Inventive Storytelling of the Left Brain
00:57:17 - Holistic Development of the Brain01:02:52 - The Playfulness of Debates and the Power of Music
01:08:41 - The Nature of Skepticism and Strange Beliefs01:14:25 - The Shift to Right Brain Awareness
01:19:53 - The Left Brain on Trial01:25:32 - Individual Paths and Categorization
01:31:05 - Liberation and the Illusion of Self01:36:54 - The Paradox of the Soul and Individuality
01:43:02 - Embracing Paradoxes01:48:22 - The Connection between Light and Consciousness
01:53:31 - The Role of Faith in Materialism and Consciousness Studies01:58:37 - The Inadequacy of Neuroscience
02:03:46 - The Limitations of Understanding and Balance in Life

Further episodes of Buddha at the Gas Pump

Further podcasts by Rick Archer

Website of Rick Archer