NeuroFaith

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Have you wondered how the intersection of mental health, science and faith converge? How we can strengthen our relationship with God, ourselves and others? Join Dr. Curt Thompson, board-certified psychiatrist, as he explores themes of interpersonal neurobiology and Christianity. NeuroFaith invites listeners to discover how their minds were built to function and how to implement healthy practices that confront fear and encourage mindfulness. Presented by Q Ideas.

Curt Thompson, MD


    • Aug 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 17 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The NeuroFaith podcast is a remarkable exploration of the intersection between modern neuroscience and religious beliefs. It delves into how scientific discoveries in the field of neuroscience align with and complement the teachings found in religious texts, particularly the Bible. Hosted by Dr. Curt Thompson, a highly gifted mental health provider and biblical anthropologist, this podcast offers accessible language and insights that make complex concepts easy to understand.

    One of the best aspects of The NeuroFaith podcast is Dr. Thompson's ability to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. He skillfully presents scientific findings in a way that affirms religious beliefs, demonstrating how they are not mutually exclusive but rather can exist harmoniously. This integration of mind and spirit is truly fascinating, and listeners will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their faith through these discussions.

    Another standout aspect is Dr. Thompson's expertise as a biblical anthropologist, which allows him to provide rich insights into the teachings of scripture. His role as a tender shepherd guiding his audience through the complexities of the topics discussed is evident throughout each episode. Listeners will find themselves challenged intellectually while also feeling supported in their spiritual journey.

    However, one potential downside to this podcast may be its narrow focus on Christianity and the Bible as sources of wisdom. While it provides valuable insights for individuals who identify with this specific religious tradition, those from other faith backgrounds or non-religious listeners may feel excluded or unable to relate to some of the content presented.

    In conclusion, The NeuroFaith podcast offers an incredibly insightful exploration of the relationship between neuroscience and religion. Dr. Curt Thompson's expertise as a mental health provider and biblical anthropologist shines through each episode, providing listeners with accessible language and practical implications for their own lives. While it primarily caters to Christian audiences, it offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in understanding the mind-body-spirit connection more deeply. Overall, it is a must-listen for those seeking intellectual stimulation alongside spiritual growth.



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    Latest episodes from NeuroFaith

    A Posture of Gratitude with Dr. Joanne Tsang

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 46:13


    In this NeuroFaith episode, Dr. Joanne Tsang, an associate professor of psychology at Baylor University, discusses her research on gratitude and its connections to social psychology, religion, and moral emotions with Dr. Curt Thompson. Dr. Tsang illustrates her journey into the field, emphasizing her interest in the intersection of psychology and religion. She particularly focuses on how gratitude and forgiveness play significant roles in helping behaviors. She highlights the importance of incorporating gratitude exercises into daily life and how they contribute to personal well-being and positive interpersonal relationships. Listen in as Dr. Tsang shares personal stories, including her son's hospitalization, and illustrates how journaling and practicing gratitude in relationships can be powerful tools for fostering positivity and enhancing both individual and collective well-being. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    The Power of Memory with Dr. Connie Svob

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 47:50


    In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Connie Svob, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. Dr. Svob's research focuses on how memories of life events are shaped and passed down through generations. She looks at how memory, including dreams and involuntary memories, can be affected by trauma, loss, and spirituality. Dr. Svob discusses the idea of memory being a constructed rather than a stored thing, showing how our emotions, identities, and external factors influence what and how we remember. Listen in as she explores the link between memory, hope, and mental health, highlighting the importance of understanding memory's role in shaping our future and overall well-being. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    Exploring Forgiveness: A Journey to Transformation with Dr. Robert Enright

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 50:41


    In this episode of the NeuroFaith podcast, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Robert Enright, a licensed psychologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Enright, a pioneer in the study of forgiveness, shares his journey from focusing on justice within moral development to exploring the concept of forgiveness. Despite facing opposition from the academic community on the subject of forgiveness, Enright persisted. Driven by the belief that forgiveness could benefit those suffering from deep injustices, he continued his work. Over time, his persistence paid off, as the study of forgiveness has gained acceptance and is widely researched and applied in mental health practices. Listen as Dr. Enright emphasizes the importance of adopting a more forgiving and lesresentful mindset that can lead to significant personal healing and community renewal in our lives. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    Finding Meaning in Suffering with Dr. Elizabeth Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 41:55


    In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Elizabeth Hall, a professor of psychology at Biola University. She specializes in understanding suffering, mothering, sexism, and embodiment and draws from her personal experiences, including a battle with cancer. Her work focuses on how suffering disrupts our established systems of meaning and the process of integrating these experiences into a broader worldview. Dr. Hall emphasizes that finding meaning in suffering does not eliminate pain but involves finding peace and purpose despite ongoing grief. She also discusses how religion and faith provide essential frameworks and practices that aid in processing and integrating suffering. Faith can offer a sense of purpose and direction, which is crucial for meaning-making during difficult times. Listen in as she highlights the role of biblical lament and talks about a practice involving the expression of sorrow and wrestling with God as a powerful tool for dealing with profound grief and suffering. Dr. Hall's insights offer a profound understanding of how faith and psychological processes intertwine in the context of suffering. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    The Intersection of Faith and Recovery with Michael John Cusick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 44:12


    In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson talks with Michael John Cusick, CEO and Founder of Restoring the Soul, about the deep connection between personal experiences and professional work in counseling and spiritual care. Michael shares personal stories about his struggles with alcohol abuse and sexual addiction and explains how these experiences have shaped his career and his approach to helping others. During this episode, Dr. Curt and Michael discuss the misconceptions about love within church settings, the experiential nature of God's love, and the importance of accepting one's brokenness to experience true transformation. Resources: Check out Michael's Book Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    The Evolution of Trauma with Dr. Diane Langberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 40:33


    In this episode of NeuroFaith, Dr. Curt Thompson interviews Dr. Diane Langberg, a renowned clinical psychologist with over 50 years of experience, particularly in the fields of trauma and abuse. Dr. Langberg discusses her journey into the field, beginning at a time when trauma was not yet a recognized area of study. She shares her experiences with early clients, including a college student who disclosed childhood sexual abuse and Vietnam veterans exhibiting similar trauma symptoms. Dr. Langberg highlights the challenges and misconceptions about trauma within both the clinical and faith communities. She underscores the importance of listening to and validating the experiences of those who have suffered trauma. The conversation also explores how false theology in the church can contribute to misunderstanding and mishandling trauma, emphasizing the need for a deeper, more compassionate understanding of human suffering. Throughout the podcast, Dr. Thompson and Dr. Langberg delve into the evolution of trauma recognition and treatment, the intersection of faith and psychology, and the necessity of acknowledging and addressing wounds for true healing and flourishing. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Check out more from the THINQ podcast network: NextUp with Grant Skeldon The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

    The Keys to Happiness with Dr. Arthur Brooks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 40:56


    It seems like at some point, everyone hits a time where they don't enjoy their work like they used to. Even worse, maybe one finds they've gotten worse at their job instead of improving. Is there any science that backs this phenomenon up? What does this mean for those on the second half of their career? Curt is joined on this episode by Dr. Arthur Brooks, professor at Harvard University to talk about different learning styles, high achievement, and how everyone should be thinking about their purpose, both now and in the future.  Find Dr. Brooks' newest book, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life wherever books are sold. Presented by Q Ideas.

    Do Emotions Matter? with Jon & Tristen Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 38:24


    It seems that most people live in one of two worlds, all heart or all brain. Christians can also be harsh toward emotions, painting them as borderline useless. Jon Collins, co-founder of BibleProject, and his wife Tristen Collins, LPC, join Curt to talk about why emotions matter to God and how our emotions can show our humanity.  Learn more about their work at whyemotionsmatter.com. Presented by Q Ideas.

    Mind your Work with Dr. Peter Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 35:32


    There's been conversations for years about how Christians can integrate faith and work. But does workplace spirituality actually matter? Are some people a better spiritual fit for a workplace than others? Does seeing meaning in work affect performance? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Peter Hill, of Biola University, to talk about the psychology of spirituality in the workplace. Presented by Q Ideas.

    Start Acting Like a Child with Dr. Justin Barrett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 36:55


    Teach Me to Learn with Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 22:39


    How is meaning-making attached to learning? Are these ideas that parents and teachers should be thinking about as they work to form the next generation? Join Dr. Curt Thompson and Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, of University of Southern Califonia, explains how children make meaning and sense of the world. Presented by Q Ideas.

    For Goodness Sake with Dr. Sarah Schnitker

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 43:26


    Patience seems to be sorely lacking as a virtue in contemporary conversations. Moreover, many seem to believe that being patient is implying passivity or disengagement. Is that true? Should we even try to cultivate patience? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Sarah Schnitker from Baylor University about virtue formation, patience and flourishing.   Presented by Q Ideas.

    For the Love of Neighbor with Dr. Aderonke Pederson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 29:37


    There has been a long-standing stigma against receiving mental health care. This is even more prevalent in minority communities who have long been pushed to the margins. This week, Dr. Aderonke Pederson joins us to talk about overcoming and aiding in mental health stigmas. Presented by Q Ideas.

    For the Love of God with Dr. Julie Exline

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 48:59


    Most people experience some sort of struggle with God, even nonreligious people. What does it do in our brains to be angry at God? Or to perceive that God is angry at you? Is it possible to move past these struggles and into greater flourishing? This week, Curt talks to Dr. Julie Exline, expert in spiritual struggles, about these topics. 

    Attachment to God with Dr. Jim Wilder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 45:29


    Attachment is a powerful force in our brains. What does attachment to God mean? How do our loves define our beliefs?  In this episode, Curt talks with Dr. Jim Wilder, a neurotheologian and founder of Life Model Works about attachment love.  Learn more about Dr. Wilder's work at lifemodelworks.org. Presented by Q Ideas.

    Loving God With All Your Mind with Dr. Ward Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 36:28


    Each of the Synoptic Gospels repeats the line, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." What does it mean to love the Lord with your mind and what can psychology teach us about connecting the two? Dr. Ward Davis, professor of Psychology at Wheaton College, talks with Curt about positive psychology, emotional health, and resiliance. Presented by Q Ideas.

    Understanding Our Minds with Dr. Dan Siegel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 43:52


    In the first episode of this season, Curt talks to Dr. Dan Siegel to talk about what exactly the mind is. Is the mind defined by simply brain activity? Or is it something more? Why does this matter to us? How has the pandemic changed the way we talk about these topics? Curt and Dan talk about these things and more in this inaugural episode of Neurofaith. Presented by Q Ideas.   Find more about Dr. Dan Siegel and his work here: https://drdansiegel.com 

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