M3CS Seminar Series Recordings
Established in 2024, this monthly webinar series offers a deep dive into the realm of contemplative wisdom. Led by Professor Craig Hassed, these sessions ignite engaging conversations with a diverse panel of thinkers, meditators, researchers, and individuals from various wisdom traditions, delving into topics like mindful parenting, burnout, morality, and the impacts of technology on attention. Through these series, we invite you to explore the profound impact of contemplative practices and bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and the complexities of modern living.
M3CS 2026 Seminar Series - Sessions
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Session 1. Meditation dose with Dr. Sarah Strohmaier
How much meditation is enough, and can you have too much of a good thing? In this seminar, mindfulness researcher Dr Sarah Strohmaier explores the concept of "meditation dose", examining how much practice is most beneficial, whether more is always better, and how mindfulness programs can be tailored to individual needs.
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Session 2. Behind the Mask with Josh Piterman
Listen to internationally acclaimed musical theatre performer Josh Piterman in a conversation on meditation, personal growth, and living authentically. Drawing on lessons from both the stage and life's challenges, Josh shares insights into resilience, inner work, and thriving through adversity.
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Session 3. Breaking Bad Habits (the mindful way) with Professor Judson Brewer
Listen to psychiatrist, neuroscientist and mindfulness researcher Professor Judson Brewer as he explores the science of habits, addiction, and behaviour change. Drawing on two decades of research, Jud shares how mindfulness and self-awareness can help us break unhelpful patterns and create lasting positive change.
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Session 4: Venerable Robina Courtin on a Buddhists Understanding of Meditation, Meaning and the Mind
Listen to renowned Buddhist nun and teacher Venerable Robina Courtin as she explores Buddhist perspectives on the mind, self, meaning, and enlightenment. Drawing on decades of teaching and practice, Robina offers insights into how contemplative traditions can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the nature of the mind.
M3CS 2025 Seminar Series - Sessions
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Session 1. The Mindful Way to Insight and Coping with Adversity
Watch Professor Craig Hassed and Elizabeth Granger as they explore how insight meditation eases stress, builds resilience, and supports mental health.
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Session 2. Psychedelics: New Uses for Ancient Practices
Watch Dr Paul Liknaitzky, the head of the Monash Clinical Psychedelic Lab in conversation with Professor Craig Hassed as they explore the uses of psychedelics. From ancient uses to the modern revival largely due to their purported therapeutic potential.
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Session 3. Peak Mind - The Power of Attention and How to Train It with Amishi Jha
In an age of constant distraction, attention is more valuable than ever. In this seminar, neuroscientist Professor Amishi Jha joined Professor Craig Hassed to explore what weakens our attention and how we can train it to boost clarity, performance, and resilience.*This recording isn’t publicly available, but you can view key insights on our social media channels.
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Session 4: Mind vs Brain - Is There More to Consciousness? A Conversation With Andy Karr
Is the mind just brain activity, or is there something more? In this thought-provoking conversation, Buddhist teacher Andy Karr joined Kevin Berryman to explore the nature of mind through the lenses of neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. They delve into perception, free will, and the wisdom that can lead to genuine freedom.
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Session 5. Finding Meaning: What Athletics and Mindfulness Have Taught Me About Life
Cathy Freeman joined Professor Craig Hassed in a powerful seminar exploring her search for meaning, touching on the pursuit of excellence, mind training, and a deep connection to her cultural roots. Cathy shared personal reflections and insights drawn from a life lived in the public eye, as well as from her inner journey of self-discovery. *This recording isn’t publicly available, but you can stay updated by following Cathy via her Instagram account.
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Session 6. Needs and Challenges Growing up in the 21st Century with Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg
Today’s young people are growing up in a world more complex than ever before. With rising mental health challenges, social isolation, substance use, climate anxiety, and declining trust in institutions, the basic human needs for happiness, connection, and purpose can feel increasingly out of reach. Professor Craig Hassed interviews Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading child, adolescent, and family psychologists, sharing his expert insights into the pressures facing younger generations and what we can do to support them.
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Session 7. Understanding 'Self'
Who are we, really? What does it mean to have a sense of self and how does it evolve over time? Dr Kelsey Perrykkad joined Professor Craig Hassed to explore the fascinating science and philosophy behind the concept of 'self'. Drawing on her background in cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, Kelsey discus's how we come to know ourselves, how the self can shift, and the role practices like meditation might play in shaping it.
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Session 8. A Sufi Perspective | Dr Aydogan Kars
Join Dr Aydogan Kars, scholar of medieval intellectual history and expert in Sufism and Islamic theology, for an exploration of Sufism's rich contemplative tradition. Discover how its teachings and practices offer insights into the mind, meaning, selfhood, and personal transformation.
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Session 9. Making a ProSocial World with Paul Atkins
In a time of growing conflict and polarisation, how can we build stronger, more cooperative communities? In this seminar, psychologist and ProSocial World cofounder Paul Atkins explores the importance of a prosocial approach to life, offering practical insights into strengthening relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating positive change in our communities and beyond.
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Session 10. The Power of Music and Kindness in Healthcare with Dr. Catherine Crock
In this session, Dr Crock shares stories from her medical career, the motivation behind her work with HUSH, and how music and kindness can profoundly improve patient outcomes, staff wellbeing, and the overall healthcare experience.
M3CS 2024 Seminar Series - Recordings
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Session 1. Mindful Parenting
Watch Professor Craig Hassed, Dr Luke Smith, and Dr Sherelle Connaughton in a compelling discussion on practical strategies for balancing the demanding roles of caregiving, work, and personal life in today's fast-paced world about. Discover how mindfulness can help to transform your parenting approach, enhance communication, and help improve family dynamics.
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Session 2. Does Meditation Make Us More Moral?
Professor Craig Hassed, along with M3CS PhD student and Buddhist monk Kevin Berryman, delve into the complex relationship between meditation and ethical living. Watch as they explore how meditation impacts morality, the challenges it presents, and how it supports our ethical development. Discover how you can apply these insights to create a more positive and ethical influence in your life and on those around you.
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Session 3. Burnout and How to Prevent It
Professor Craig Hassed is joined by Megan Flamer to tackle a subject that resonates deep in today's faced paced world: burnout. Watch this session to discover how to recognise, prevent, and discuss burnout with your friends, family, and colleagues. Gain tools in how to support your wellbeing in a safe and research backed seminar from the team at M3CS.
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Session 4. From Mindful Practice to Global Impact
Watch Professor Craig Hassed in this inspiring discussion with Elise Bialylew, founder of Mindful in May, as they explore how mindfulness enhances personal well-being while fostering generosity and kindness. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness in this insightful session.
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Session 5. Meditation and the Brain
In this captivating discussion, Professor Craig Hassed is joined by Dr. Sara Lazar to explore the transformative impact of meditation on the brain. They examine landmark studies that show how meditation can reduce stress, slow brain aging, and enhance mental resilience. This conversation also delves into the neurological changes associated with meditation practices and maturity development through mindfulness.
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Session 6. Intersecting Wisdoms Indigenous & Buddhist Insights
Watch Dr. John Bradley, alongside Professor Craig Hassed, in a thought-provoking discussion as he shares his personal insights from over 40 years of Vajrayana Buddhist practice and expertise in Indigenous languages and law. He explores the fascinating synergies and contrasts between these two profound wisdom traditions.
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Session 7. Converging Journalism & Well-being Through Mindful Narratives
Shannon Harvey, a multi-award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker, joins Monash mindfulness expert and M3CS Education Director Professor Craig Hassed in a dynamic discussion. Shannon shares how her personal health challenges led her to explore the scientific mind-body connection and mindfulness.
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Session 8. The Many Faces of Knowledge: Wisdom and Different Ways of Knowing
M3CS Education Director Professor Craig Hassed and Monash academic, author, and television presenter, Dr. Susan Carland explore knowledge and wisdom from an Islamic perspective and discuss why wisdom and contemplation can provide insights and help us to work through real-world challenges.
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Session 9. Mindfulness and the High Performance Mind
Professor Craig Hassed delves into the art and science of mindfulness with Emma Murray, a leading expert in mental strength training. With over two decades of experience working with elite athletes and professionals, Emma's unique approach goes beyond traditional mindfulness to unlock peak performance under pressure.
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Session 10. Exploring Consciousness
Watch leading philosopher and consciousness expert, Professor Jakob Hohwy, in a though-provoking conversation with Professor Craig Hassed. Together they explore the mysteries of consciousness - from the 'what,' the 'why,' the 'how,' and even 'who (or what) else might experience it!