450. “Your Brain Is Wired for Transcendence” | Spiritual Intelligence and the Science of Awakening with Dawson Church

In this episode, we welcome back Dawson Church, bestselling science writer and researcher whose work has helped bridge the gap between neuroscience and human transformation. With more than 100 peer-reviewed studies to his name and collaborations with leading institutions, Dawson joins us to explore ideas from his latest book, Spiritual Intelligence, which maps what actually happens in the brain during elevated states of consciousness.

Our conversation centers on a powerful reframe: transcendent experiences are not rare or reserved for monks. They are built into our biology. Dawson shares how neuroscience now shows consistent brain patterns behind compassion, awe, and self-transcendence, regardless of belief system. Even brief, accessible practices like meditation and conscious breathing can quiet the brain’s stress centers, activate compassion, and lead to measurable changes in emotional regulation, creativity, and resilience.

We also explore why inner states matter so much for outer change. As spiritual intelligence develops, it becomes a leverage point that influences how we relate to our bodies, our relationships, and the world around us, offering a grounded, science-backed path toward calm, clarity, and kindness.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Focus on your breath”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Watch our previous episode with Dawson Church here
• Spiritual Intelligence by Dawson Church 
• Pre Meditations (including immunity-focused meditation)

Produced by NOVA