Try for $0.00
Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Your Plus plan is $7.95 a month after 30 day trial. Upgrade or cancel anytime.
Calm World: Introduction to Meditation By cover art

Calm World: Introduction to Meditation

By: Alice Fraser,Ash Ranpura
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

  • Summary

  • Meditation is everywhere: your mobile phone, clothing stores and even in colouring books. But where does it come from and what even is it? With the help of neuroscientist Ash Ranpura, comedian Alice Fraser explores the science, history and culture behind meditation. On the way we will meet the tiny part of the brain that triggers most of our fear and anxiety, the NBA coach who taught Michael Jordan how to meditate, and the writer who says the best way to cope with our polarised politics is to practice mindfulness.

    This is an Audible Original Podcast. Free for members. You can download all 6 episodes to your Library now.
    ©2018 Audible, Ltd. (P)2018 Audible, Ltd.
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Ep. 1: Why is Everyone Meditating?

    Ep. 1: Why is Everyone Meditating?
    Nov 9 2018

    Alice Fraser starts this series by telling a story about how the world is speeding up. How did we get to a place where everything is so fast all the time? A place where we have no time to slow down. She chats to Robert Colville, an author who has written about the history of speeding up.

    Ash talks to Brigid Schulte. She wrote a book called Overwhelmed: How To Love Work And Play When No One Has The Time. She says technology and time management are taking over our lives and making us more and more distracted. And that is actually changing our brains. The episode will end with the author and journalist Robert Wright talking about the idea of the red pill in the Matrix. He tells Alice we have deluded ourselves for too long but there is a way out: meditation.
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
    Try for $0.00
  • Ep. 2: The Pause

    Ep. 2: The Pause
    Nov 9 2018

    Alice tells Ash her own story of growing up in a Buddhist family. She says meditation allowed her to consider her emotions more but she doesn’t know why. What is it about that helps us deal with our emotions?

    To answer Ash goes back to Robert Wright who explains why we are so emotional in the first place. He says the main problem is we are not in as much control of our minds as we think. That’s because of evolution. But according to the neuroscientist Sara Lazar it’s also because of something else - this tiny part of our brains that controls our emotional response called the amygdala. Sara explains that meditation provides a pause between experiencing something and reacting this. This insight chimes with Alice’s experience of meditating.
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
    Try for $0.00
  • Ep. 3: How Does Meditation Change the Brain?

    Ep. 3: How Does Meditation Change the Brain?
    Nov 9 2018

    Alice travels to Cambridge. She understands the experience of meditation but now she wants to know whether it actually changes the brain in any fundamental way. She has her brain imaged by the scientist Barbara Jachs, who is trying to work out the relationship between meditation and brain activity. This is now a mainstream area of science but it wasn’t always that way.

    Ash chats to Daniel Goleman who wrote the book The Science of Meditation. It turns out Dan was one of the first researchers to start studying this idea that meditation can change the brain. The idea was radical back then but a certain scientific theory changed everything: neuroplasticity. This theory has helped scientists realise meditation strengthens brain circuits like doing reps in the gym strengthens your muscles. Ash also talks to Sara Lazar about a pioneering study she did that shows meditation can make fundamental changes to the brain after just 8 weeks of practice.
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
    Try for $0.00
Meditation
Show more Show less

Featured Article: Find Your Center with the Best Meditation Podcasts


Daily life can feel hectic and nonstop. Meditation offers the chance to take a pause in your day to be fully present and reconnect with yourself. If you've never meditated before, stepping into a mindfulness practice on your own can feel daunting. Luckily, these accessible podcasts are wonderful guides for novices and longtime practitioners alike. From the best guided meditations to deep sleep meditations, there is something on this list for everyone.

Featured Article Find Your Center with the Best Meditation Podcasts

What listeners say about Calm World: Introduction to Meditation

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    34
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    34
  • 4 Stars
    5
  • 3 Stars
    5
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    31
  • 4 Stars
    7
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Audible.co.uk reviews

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Steve

Presented in a light and entertaining way

The series presented potentially boring information in an entertaining way that had me listening to one episode after the next until I finished it. Unlike most books or presentations about meditation, it doesn't try to actually lead you through a meditation. Instead, it focuses on the scientific, religious, and cultural aspects of meditation, while nudging you to give it a try.

If you enjoyed Alice Fraser on this presentation, check out her special brand of comedy show called "Savage" on Amazon Prime Video. I promise it won't be what you expect!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for melanie cos

Surprising

I was attracted bully calm more than by meditation. And it ends up being Interesting, dynamic, fun and I want to know more!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael D Hughes

Too much different information

The information was good and relevant. But, it was presented in a very unorganized and incoherent way. It was hard to get the real meaning from each chapter.


Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Victoria

An eye opener

I really liked how both presenters were ‘real’ and broke down what is often a complex subject into easy to digest information via storytelling.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mtlnative

Very good

I liked that they brought the subject of meditation down to a layperson’s level: it’s not mysterious, it’s something we probably already do but just not consciously and we should do more of it.

My only quibble, and that’s probably because I am a Boomer and they are Gen Z, is that they speak so fast in a prediction that is about slowing down and being more thoughtful. I liked them but just found the pace a bit frenetic.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jessica

Great Series! Good Introduction to meditation

I liked the set up of this series, great speakers, not super annoying background music. I like they way they hit on the scientific research behind meditation, the interviews with people that use it... overall, I walk away feeling like I learned much about meditation and that it doesn't have to be hours of my time each day to be beneficial and there are different ways to meditate. It gives me a foundation and an interest to try I out.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Rihards D
  • Rihards D
  • 11-20-18

Best introduction on why we should meditate

As title says - these shorts are the best material I've found so far on why we should meditate.

Performance were great, guests were great, though not a fan of Dan Harris, listened to his book 10% happier, so much ego, and it feels like he does everything just to promote his books and his app, a salesman, at least he admits that he can be an ass. Listened for some 3h and still he did not get to the point in his book.

In contrast - this podcast, it was very nicely explained why meditation is great for us in just 2 hours, with lots of scientific research backing and entertaining presenters. I think that this podcast could be great for everybody, good chance that there could be learnt something new, even for seasoned meditators and it's free for members! Very well done!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

41 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Trudi
  • Trudi
  • 11-22-18

Really enjoyable listen

I have recently become very interested in meditation and Buddhism and this is a great listen. The presenters are warm and funny and the subject of meditation is discussed in a way which will appeal to many from the people who want more calm in their life to the more spiritual practitioner. I loved hearing about the research into meditation benefits for the brain and hearing the presenters experiences. My only criticism is that I really wanted to hear the results of Alices tests!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

27 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Peter L. Clarke
  • Peter L. Clarke
  • 06-23-19

Avoid: superficial twaddle

I tried very hard to like this, struggling through five of the six individual chapters or episodes (each 20 minutes or so) or whatever they are (and you have to download and start each one individually, which is annoying in itself). But there's an awful lot of inane chitchat between the two presenters which overwhelms the stated attempt to present some solid introductory information about meditation. For example, I'm not particularly interested to know that one of presenters doesn't like having a hair washed before she has an EEG… Also there is a clear attempt to try and bridge both sides of the Atlantic with examples drawn from America (generally, sporting of course) and the UK that often falls flat. Then, there's annoying background "music/sound effects" one of which sounds like somebody clapping or castanets or whatever.

I appreciate that this may be aimed at an age group way below mine (sixth decade) but nevertheless it's massively overpriced for what it is. Potential purchasers should be aware that it's not a recording of a book but produced by a specialist "content provider" that produces all sorts of stuff for BBC radio, advertisers et cetera and my guess is that this is reflected in the "podcasty" nature of the production. Avoid

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for P M Lockett
  • P M Lockett
  • 01-05-19

Great introduction

Very engaging, and gives a great balanced view of why you should meditate even from a secular viewpoint.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for chan
  • chan
  • 05-08-19

Inspiring and logical

For someone that knew little about the subject matter I felt myself really drawn in. inspired me to make changes to my life. I liked how it was science based and they introduced quite a few different speakers .
definitely a 'made you think' kinda podcast.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Olivialuna
  • Olivialuna
  • 03-26-19

This listening is a must

I have been meditating for over 10 years. I confirm what is shared here - very focused and calm when you do it regularly, even for a few minutes. Being a physician, learning more about the science is very reassuring.

I cannot recommend Meditation enough, and these short reads are very reassuring and informative.

Thanks Audible.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for naydine
  • naydine
  • 07-21-19

basic and lightweight but good enough

If you already have experience in the area of meditation and mindfulness, this series may seem a bit lightweight, but, it's still worth a try if you have the time.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for The Gentleman
  • The Gentleman
  • 07-09-19

I love the presenters!

Loving these mini series'. Theyre to the point, but theyre also fun and engaging. Both presenters are enthusiastic, warm, open and they seem to be pretty good friends to boot. Great presentation, very well edited and produced and overall wholesome!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 07-07-19

Calm

I really enjoyed this . It is very entertaining and educational. Love the narrator's interactions and comments.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for gina
  • gina
  • 04-04-19

Boarding boarding boarding boarding boarding

Boaring boaring not helpful no idea why it has this title it dose Not rise to expectation bla bla

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kindle Customer
  • Kindle Customer
  • 12-20-19

A lot of fact, not much technics

A lot of info about meditation not much about to really practise.

Clear and energetic narrators

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 08-24-19

absolute garbage

this is a bunch of kids who have done a few practices listened to a few tutorials and now think they are wise enough to rant and rave to the world. like i said absolute garbage! a total insult to mindfulness meditation practice.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 11-27-19

great listening!!

another great podcast by you guys. loved everything I learnt about meditation and the brain! you two work so well together please do more!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 06-16-21

its time to start meditation!!

loved it! so interesting, real eye opening about the benefits of relaxing the mind and getting out of our heads

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 05-12-21

Clapping, white noise, busy and rushed.

When you sit down to listen to a book on meditation/mindfulness the last thing you expect is a rushed book full of busy background noise. I'm sorry but I found this anexiety forming.
It was just horrible, I have been meditating for years and this is the worst I have ever come across. Learning mindfulness should. be a calming and life changing experience not speed read, background sounds and that constant clapping

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mj
  • Mj
  • 04-10-21

Light but inspiring

All guests & hosts spoke about very interesting aspects of meditation. Like the way they spoke of 'just startubg' an old habit again & again if u have to.. (like exercise) Timely after getting back to my laps this morning after 6wks prioritising uni study, feel great after btw)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for K. Eggleston
  • K. Eggleston
  • 12-18-20

Learnt something new

Having unsuccessfully tried meditation a number of times - and a few doctors try to explain (badly) how to do mindful meditation - the biggest revelation was that the losing concentration and bringing awareness back to meditation IS beneficial. That actual - and inevitable - act of noticing IS exercising your grey matter. This had never been clarified before. I also enjoyed learning more of the science and history of meditation. I did find however, a number of occasions where background sound effects were added to set a "scene" during the narration, which simply didn't translate when listening as they might have visually - e.g. crowd noises. They just were a distraction, and sometimes too loud, and I missed parts of the narration. There was also a couple of times where people mumbled, or what seemed like "inside" jokes were told - added to the lower performance rating.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Simon Sproull
  • Simon Sproull
  • 10-13-20

Great but missing " how to "

Very informative. Well presented. Learned a lot. Was just missing some exact techniques of meditation.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for DDD
  • DDD
  • 07-01-20

surprisingly amazing

This surprisingly turned a topic that has the potential to be very boring into something fun, exciting and original. I felt compelled to listen to the next installment after each episode. In short, amazing!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 06-16-20

good start

Easy listening. Genuinely nice presenters. Probably should have discussed a bit more of the data if they had a 'scientist' on to help the sceptics. Could have added how to get started and a few tips or resources.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!