Charles T. Tart, Ph.D. is internationally known for his psychological work on the nature of consciousness, particularly on altered states of consciousness, and for his research in scientific parapsychology. He is one of the founders of the field of transpersonal psychology. Tart’s two classic books, Altered States of Consciousness (Doubleday 1972) and Transpersonal Psychologies (Harper Collins 1992), were instrumental in introducing these subjects to modern psychology. He is the author of many books including: Altered States of Consciousness (Doubleday 1972) , Waking Up: Overcoming the Obstacles to Human Potential(iUniverse 2001), and The Secret Science of the Soul: How Evidence of the Paranormal Is Bringing Science and Spirit Together (Fearless Books 2017)

Tags: Charles Tart, Near Death Experiences, NDEs, brain chemistry, spontaneous mystical experiences, assassin, altered states of consciousness, Science, Spirituality, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Meditation

Tara Cousineau, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist at Harvard University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services. She’s professionally trained in mind-body medicine, energy psychology, mindfulness, self-compassion, and other psychological methods. She is the author of The Kindness Cure: How The Science Of Compassion Can Heal Your Heart And Your World (New Harbinger Publications 2018) and The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever (Alcove Press 2025)

Interview Date: 7/18/2025 Tags: Tara Cousineau, three types of perfectionism, naming your inner critic, self-compassion, affirmations, kindness, support from friends, how the body speaks, mental health, destress, nitpicker, naming our inner narratives, Scarlet O’Hara, movie “The Help”, be our own cheerleader, allies, Personal Transformation, Psychology

Brian Thomas Swimme, Ph.D. is Professor of Evolutionary Cosmology at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. He is the Director of the Third Story of the Universe at The Human Energy Project He is the host of the Emmy-award winning PBS special "Journey of the Universe," written with Mary Evelyn Tucker He is also the host of the 35-part video series "The Story of the Noosphere," created for the Human Energy Project. Monica DeRaspe-Bolles is a doctoral student at the California Institute of Integral Studies in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness program. Her area of research is the “Third Story of the Universe” and the potential emergence of a new structure of experience fostering cosmogenic awakening. She is a collaborator with Brian Swimme of the video series “Story of the Noosphere.” They are the co-authors of the book The Story of the Noosphere (Orbis Books 2024) Illustrated by Brian’s son, Sebastian Swimme.

Interview Date: 7/11/2025 Tags: Brian Thomas Swimme, Monica DeRaspe-Bolles, geosphere, biosphere, technosphere, Earth’s brain, Noosphere, Teilhard de Chardin, evolutionary time, biome complexification, planetary wisdom, chaos, wealth, money, universe is a verb, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Science, History, Community