Does Meditation Really Change Your Brain?

For years, headlines claimed that meditation could actually grow parts of the brain. But what if that’s not the most interesting question?

As the science has evolved, researchers have shifted their focus. What changes in the brain? Which changes matter most? And why might some structural changes grow, then recede, as expertise develops?

In this conversation, Richie and Cort explore what decades of neuroscience have taught us, what scientists have gotten right, what they’ve gotten wrong, and where the research is heading.

Enjoy!

Watch on YouTube; Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

If these conversations are useful, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Reminder: We have a FREE 1-hour live practice session on Aug 19th, 7pm CT with Richie and Cort discussing how different meditation practices map to the four pillars of well-being (Awareness, Connection, Insight, and Purpose). More details and register here!

Episode Companion Flashcards!

In This Episode:

00:00 Does Meditation Really Change the Brain?

03:16 Brain Function vs. Brain Structure

05:41 The Gray Matter Studies That Started It All