David Creswell takes over as host of the Mind & Life Podcast

Creswell challenges the idea that meditation is always a relaxing experience. He told Carnegie Mellon that difficult moments in meditation may be when the practice is working, and that those moments can also be when people stop.Ccmu.edu 1 source for this line, starting with cmu.edu

The podcast has addressed attention alongside subjects such as compassion and emotional intelligence, Carnegie Mellon reports. In mindfulness practice, attention to the present moment is central, rather than becoming absorbed in thoughts about the past or future.Ccmu.edu+1 2 sources for this line, starting with cmu.edu

Creswell described the podcast as a meeting place for scientific research and contemplative wisdom. He said the Mind & Life Institute has spent nearly 40 years bringing scientists and contemplatives together to discuss questions about the mind.Ccmu.edu 1 source for this line, starting with cmu.edu

Carnegie Mellon says the show's conversations have brought together people from research, clinical practice, philosophy and contemplative teaching. Guests have discussed how inner experience relates to the world around them, including subjects such as nature connectedness and systems change.Ccmu.edu 1 source for this line, starting with cmu.edu

The Mind & Life Institute is a nonprofit based in Charlottesville, according to its Wikipedia entry. The entry says the organization has funded research and convened conferences and dialogues with the Dalai Lama. Carnegie Mellon says the podcast makes conversations between scientists and contemplatives available to listeners.Ccmu.edu+1 2 sources for this line, starting with cmu.edu

Other psychology podcasts have addressed subjects including attention to technology and relationships, PsyPost reports. Yahoo notes that the Golden Globes introduced a podcast award, with Amy Poehler's Good Hang winning in January.Ppsypost.org+1 2 sources for this line, starting with PsyPost

For the new season, Creswell said his focus is wisdom. He told Carnegie Mellon that his goal is for each listener to leave an episode with one thing they can try that day.Ccmu.edu 1 source for this line, starting with cmu.edu