Wendy Hasenkamp – Widening the Aperture

Since this podcast launched, Wendy Hasenkamp has guided listeners through 84 in-depth conversations, bringing warmth, curiosity, and intellectual depth to every episode. After five years with the show and over 13 years with the Mind & Life Institute, Wendy is stepping into a new chapter, returning to school and pursuing studies to become a clinical herbalist. While we’ll miss her deeply, we’re excited about this new path for her, where she will surely continue to share her wisdom and guide others toward greater well-being and connection. In this special episode, Mind & Life co-producer Phil Walker sits down with Wendy for a conversation reflecting on her time as host—the insights gained, the themes that emerged, and the questions that continue to inspire her. They cover many topics, including:

her own path into contemplative science;

finding a home in the Mind & Life community;

the dialogue between Buddhism and science;

supporting science education for Tibetan monastics;

science communication, nuance & mindfulness hype;

how this podcast was born and evolved over time;

the importance of open-mindedness and critique in science;

some key themes that emerged from years of conversations with leading thinkers and scholars;

reckoning with an interdependent self;

the problem of othering;

mind-body connection;