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Dr. Tara Swart explains what the vagus nerve is, describing it as a cranial nerve that "wanders" through the body, being the longest nerve extending from the skull down to the intestines. This clip provides a clear, concise definition of a key component in gut-brain communication.
The host raises a critical counterpoint to the benefits of transcendent belief, highlighting historical examples where such beliefs have led to horrific, destructive acts like radicalization and violence. Dr. Tara Swart acknowledges this important distinction, differentiating it from near-death experiences, and emphasizes the need for continuous questioning and learning, even while exploring the positive aspects of transcendent belief.
Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, reveals her belief in the possibility of communicating with those who have passed away, highlighting the societal taboo and fear of being labeled "insane" for such beliefs.
Dr. Tara Swart explains that cultivating the ability to receive signs or intuitive messages is like learning a new language or going to the gym, emphasizing that belief is the crucial first step.
Dr. Tara Swart shares fascinating examples from nature, like slime mold's cooperative intelligence and mycelial networks sustaining felled trees, to illustrate profound interconnectedness and challenge our understanding of what's possible, hinting at broader implications for human consciousness.
Dr. Tara Swart explains the cutting-edge research on the gut-brain axis, revealing it's a three-way system involving the brain, gut neurons, and trillions of microorganisms. She emphasizes how this complex network directly influences our entire system, including the brain, and how it's the most direct access point to influencing our mental faculties.
Dr. Tara Swart explains how the modern Western diet can lead to dysbiosis and brain inflammation, hindering higher mental functions. She then introduces the concept of accessing "hidden wisdom" and intuition stored physically in the body, beyond just the brain, through practices like art, humming, drumming, storytelling, dancing, and yoga.
Dr. Tara Swart introduces the concept of dark retreats, an ancient practice from Tibetan philosophy and other civilizations, where individuals spend days or weeks in complete darkness. She explains that these retreats are the closest way for ordinary people to emulate a near-death experience and gain its profound benefits.
The host questions whether altered states of consciousness induced by practices like breathwork or psychedelics are merely neurological changes or access to different realms. Dr. Tara Swart, as a neuropharmacologist, acknowledges that science would attribute these experiences to neurochemicals, but frames it as a "glimpse into what's possible." This clip explores the intersection of scientific and spiritual interpretations of profound experiences.
Dr. Tara Swart discusses natural ways to achieve altered states of consciousness, citing research that shows conscious connected breathwork can have effects similar to psilocybin. She also shares personal experiences of profound spiritual moments through nature and art (ballet), emphasizing that there are many non-drug pathways to glimpse what's possible beyond ordinary perception.
Dr. Tara Swart defines "true connection" as a deep, non-transactional, meaningful, and altruistic bond. She explains it involves connecting to oneself, to others, and to something greater than oneself, emphasizing the importance of contributing. This clip offers a clear and profound understanding of authentic human connection.
Dr. Tara provides actionable advice on how to release trauma stored in the body, emphasizing physical activities like dancing, singing, drumming, and yoga. She connects these modern practices to ancient wisdom, like the wailing and chest-beating rituals in ancient Greek burials, highlighting a long-understood link between physical expression and emotional release.
Dr. Tara Swart recounts the story of Russell Foster's groundbreaking discovery of melanopsin cells in the retina, which sense time through light/dark cycles. She highlights how his findings were initially ridiculed by the scientific community, yet were later proven true, illustrating that science constantly pushes boundaries and there are still many unproven phenomena.
Dr. Tara Swart provides actionable advice on how to directly influence your brain and enhance intuition through your gut. She highlights methods like exercise, diet, supplementation, and even meditation, art, and music therapy, explaining their beneficial effects on the gut microbiome and its communication with the brain.
Dr. Tara Swart challenges the common belief that humans only have five senses, revealing through research that we actually possess 34 senses, expanding our understanding of human capability and perception.
Dr. Tara Swart explains the underlying reason behind prioritizing gut health for brain function and intuition: reducing inflammation. She details how the brain's vulnerability to oxidative stress and free radicals makes gut health crucial for protecting nerve cells, memory, and preventing cognitive impairments. This clip moves beyond superficial advice to explain the 'why'.
Tara introduces 'noticing beauty' as a transformative practice that elevates gratitude and naturally boosts oxytocin. She explains how this active search for beauty becomes a rewarding habit and encourages others to adopt it, recognizing that 'habituation' can make us overlook familiar wonders like a beautiful tree or building.
Tara candidly shares her ongoing struggle with grief, admitting she's 'afraid to let my light really shine' due to a lingering sense of guilt. She feels this guilt is associated with the idea of achieving career success after her husband's profound suffering and death.
Dr. Tara Swart vividly describes the progression of a dark retreat experience: from initial deep sleep due to melatonin release, to seeing pulsations of light, then animals (real or fantastical), and eventually deities, similar to near-death experiences. She highlights the profound benefits reported by those who undergo these retreats, including increased joy, reduced fear of death, greater compassion, and a willingness to take healthy risks, ultimately expanding one's mind.
The host expresses profound gratitude to Tara, explaining how her previous appearance transformed his show and led him to a more open-minded, agnostic position. He shares how continuously learning from guests has revealed the vastness of what he doesn't know, reinforcing that one's mind should never be fixed to a single position.
The host explains the core philosophy of his podcast, DOAC, which stands for Diversity, Open-mindedness, Awareness, and Connection. He elaborates on how these values guide the show, fostering a community of dreamers searching for increased awareness and deeper connections, and why he remains open-minded to all perspectives.
Dr. Tara Swart discusses the profound benefits of understanding and believing in something greater than oneself, even without direct experience. Citing research on the impact of learning about near-death experiences, she explains how this perspective fosters compassion, gratitude, less materialism, and overall well-being. She connects this to ancestral wisdom, where spiritual interpretations of nature were fundamental, highlighting the essential, non-frivolous role of art, dance, and storytelling in human life.
Dr. Tara Swart explains how animals possess senses beyond human capabilities, such as dogs and cats smelling diseases or imminent death (hyperosmia). She cites the famous nurse who smelled Parkinson's and discusses how blind people can rewire their brains for echolocation, highlighting that rare humans can also possess these extraordinary animal senses.
The host discusses his obsession with purpose and meaning, arguing that modern society's increasing individualism and independence, while offering more choice, have led to a sacrifice of tribal connection and shared responsibility. He posits that the traditional layers of belonging (family, city, nation, God) have eroded, leaving many feeling "unanchored" and contributing to a crisis of meaning and purpose, evidenced by the rise of midlife crises and a turn to spirituality.
Dr. Tara Swart recalls her 2020 prediction of a mental health crisis that could become a spiritual revolution. She connects current societal challenges—pandemic aftermath, cost of living crisis, crime rates, and technological irony of increased disconnection—to a loss of what it means to be human. She advocates for a return to ancient wisdom and "true connection" (self, others, something greater) as the way forward, emphasizing community and caring beyond one's immediate circle.
The host advocates for a balance of healthy skepticism and open-mindedness, comparing it to historical figures who dared to challenge established beliefs, like the Earth revolving around the sun or being round. He argues that while challenging norms invites criticism, it's essential for societal progress and encourages his audience to embrace asking questions.
Dr. Tara Swart shares a deeply personal and emotional story of her husband Robin's critical condition in the ICU. She recounts the harrowing emergency call, rushing to the hospital, and the profound moment when she found him conscious amidst medical machinery, saying he only wished to see her face one last time as he thought he was dying. This powerful anecdote illustrates the depth of their bond and the intensity of a near-death experience.
Dr. Tara Swart shares another poignant part of her husband Robin's health journey. After weeks of being bedridden and resistant to therapy, a moment of vulnerability where Tara cried led Robin to demand discharge from the hospital to be home with her. Despite medical concerns, Tara, faced with the choice between distrusting her husband and showing unwavering support, agreed to manage his care at home. This act of profound trust led to his unexpected recovery, highlighting the power of love and personal conviction in the healing process.
Tara recounts the poignant final days with her husband, Robin, including a doctor's advice that offered a glimmer of hope and the emotional moment where Robin's 'claustrophobia' served as his unspoken goodbye, just two days before his passing.
Tara shares her deep desire to ensure her late husband, Robin, is not forgotten, having dedicated her book to him. She reveals a profound sense of purpose, believing she had to stay in this life to fulfill something Robin wants her to do.
Dr. Tara Swart, a psychiatrist, shares her personal experience with grief, explaining how it can manifest with symptoms akin to psychosis, changing brain chemistry and electrical signaling, offering profound empathy for those navigating loss.
Tara reflects on the complex question of finding love after losing a partner. She shares her experience of Robin showing her unconditional love and explains why, despite being open to receiving love, she isn't actively seeking it due to feeling vulnerable and having been 'so lucky' already.
Tara describes how losing Robin has made her more fragile and vulnerable, and how friends told her she would be able to help many people. She initially resisted this idea, feeling she shouldn't need such suffering to help, but now embraces her desire to help those grieving and suffering, especially those who want to feel seen.
Dr. Tara Swart shares intimate details of her daily communication with her late husband, Robin, including specific examples like receiving the requested "Phoenix" sign on a significant anniversary, demonstrating her unique method of connecting with the passed away.
Dr. Tara shares a profound personal story of receiving a 'sign' related to her late husband, Robin, involving the name "Phoenix" appearing repeatedly in unexpected places, especially around the anniversary of his passing. This illustrates her belief in signs from loved ones.
Dr. Tara, drawing from her own experience, offers empathetic and practical advice for those struggling with grief. She emphasizes not repressing emotions, the value of talking therapy, and the crucial role of physical activity, time in nature, and engaging in creative outlets to process and heal, providing a holistic approach to managing loss.
Dr. Tara explains that based on phenomena like terminal lucidity, where irreversibly damaged brains suddenly function normally before death, the only current scientific explanation is that the mind, thoughts, and psyche are not solely emergent from physical matter. This challenges conventional neuroscience and offers a profound perspective on consciousness.
Dr. Tara recounts a compelling story shared by Dr. Bruce Grayson about an ICU patient who, during a near-death experience, saw his deceased primary nurse. The nurse delivered a specific message for her parents about a "red MG," a detail the patient could not have known, proving the reality of the experience and challenging conventional understanding of consciousness.