Gabriel Ellis, PhD | The Curious Mind Podcast Archiv

Social isolation is increasing significantly in our modern society. But why? In this episode, I introduce the causes and context of this growing problem. Technological developments, urbanization, individualism, and the decline of social gathering places have led to more and more people experiencing loneliness. At the same time, anxiety, depression, and economic pressure further reinforce this trend.


https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/


https://www.npr.org/2025/01/29/1227543269/antisocial-century-derek-thompson





Youtube: https://youtu.be/5Hnvf07X5nY


Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

There are places in the mind that go beyond immediate sensory perception - both positive (contentment and peace) and negative (despair and sadness). But what does it mean in ancient Buddhism to find a true home in the depths of the Dhamma? I describe similarities with the Greek Logos and how truth and inner stability belong together.





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/Gu-evzKY9rw


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

After giving a first introduction to the "home of the ego" from a Buddhist perspective, in this episode I bring examples of other mystical traditions. It seems that whenever people are inspired by wisdom or devotion they develop similar techniques for transcending normal consciousness. Examples are from from Plotinus, Christian, Islamic and Jewish mystics. The next episode will return to Buddhism and to how the shift in consciousness is carried out technically.





Youtube: https://youtu.be/C35HmEYG2Ns





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

This episode dives into the Buddhist concept of Āyatana, the “home base” of our ego that shapes how we experience the world. While we usually operate within the sensual realm, Buddhism teaches that through spiritual practice, we can transcend this and access higher levels of awareness, such as meditative concentration and liberation.Short Ayatana article: https://www.academia.edu/45655783/%C4%80yatana_the_Buddhas_forgotten_teaching


Longer article: https://www.academia.edu/43117230/%C4%80yatana_in_Early_Buddhism





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/FY9VPKLIXBw


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this episode I explore why psychology risks being superficial without a philosophical foundation. I argue with historical patterns, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and modern psychological trends like self-optimization and self-love. Philosophical ideas reveal how we can understand psychological phenomena more deeply and realistically. An invitation to view psychology not only as a science but as a profound reflection on humanity.





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/_5tlmMHa9J0


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In psychology, self-development, and spiritual circles, we’re often told to stop judging and simply accept things as they are. But is that truly possible? This episode explores why the mind is inherently bound to judge and how healthy development can still happen. I draw on Hegel’s philosophy, Buddhist concepts, and existentialist perspectives to uncover the deeper mechanisms of judgment and value creation. Discover why judgment is inevitable, how it shapes us, and how we can consciously refine it – in daily life, meditation, or therapy.





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/ev9cThylNLc


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

Fears and anxiety accompany us all, from everyday worries to deep existential questions: the fear of loneliness, of an insignificant life or of death. But how do you deal with it? In this episode I talk about the role of responsibility in dealing with fear. You will learn why superficial fears can often be overcome through therapy and practical tools, while more existential fears require more inner work and courage.





Free discovery call: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/P9jhJzRdSd8


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

How can we free ourselves from the unconscious patterns and trances of everyday life? In this episode, I delve deep into the tool box and show you numerous methods to get out of unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. To do this, I combine ancient and contemporary wisdom with practical exercises that help you take responsibility, find freedom and make your mind clear and free. In this way, I hope to support you in establishing more space, curiosity and self-determined action in your life.





Literature references:


- Maha Boowa, e.g. the lectures entitled "The Path to Arahantship" (https://www.luangta.eu/site/books.php)


- Jiddu Krishnamurti: e.g. https://jkrishnamurti.org/content/breaking-pattern-conditioning-0/conditioning





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min





Youtube: https://youtu.be/VF3-BFTTu50


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this episode, I examine the deeper mechanisms of everyday trance and how unconscious emotions influence our perception and decisions. Based on my therapeutic experiences and inspired by Jean-Paul Sartre's concepts of emotion and reality as well as Buddhist teachings, I describe how identifying with unconscious emotions narrows our consciousness and makes it difficult for us to take responsibility for our lives. Find out why the simple concept of "self-hypnosis" and "positive thinking" is often not enough and how we can develop a differentiated view of our inner processes.





Sources:


- Talk by Katie Griggs aka "Guru Jagat" (from 16:00): https://wanderlust.com/journal/guru-jagat-take-back-our-sovereignty/


- Sartre, J. P. (2002). Sketch for a theory of the emotions. Routledge Classics. London, New York.


- Sermon of the Buddha on the two arrows (SN36.6): https://suttacentral.net/sn36.6/en/sujato





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/Zu4VEb5tIOo


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this episode I explore the nature of consciousness and how it structures our experience. I first distinguish between consciousness itself and the content within it, following concepts from Kant and Buddhist philosophy. Then, I delve into the "smeared present," showing how we perceive moments as stretched over time rather than as single points. Drawing on insights from philosophers like Husserl, I then discuss how our perception of the present is actually the immediate past. Finally, I introduce the necessity of emotional processing in order to create a robust simulation of reality, and explain how we rely on a blend of past experience and instinct to navigate the future.





Philosophies mentioned:


- Immanuel Kant: Critique of Pure Reason


- Edmund Husserl: On the Phenomenology of the Consciousness of Internal Time (1893–1917)


- Detailed article about current research on time consciousness: https://plato.stanford.edu/ENTRIES/consciousness-temporal/


- Mahasi Sayadaw, The Progress of Insight: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/mahasi/progress.html


- Visuddhimagga, The Path of Purification: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanamoli/PathofPurification2011.pdf





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/EJ2E1jlALnc


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this podcast episode, consciousness researcher and therapist Gabriel Ellis further explores the concept of "everyday trance": We often live in a state in which our perception of the outside world is overshadowed by our inner world, consisting of beliefs, feelings and moods. This trance can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression and influences the way we experience reality. Gabriel sheds light on the connection between subjective perception and objective reality and explains why we often cling to false interpretations.





https://www.amazon.com/Trances-People-Live-Stephen-Wolinsky/dp/096261842X





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/DxjjuABj2ZU


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this episode I describe the trance states that influence our behavior and identity. Based on the work of Stephen Wolinsky in "Trances People Live" I examine the invisible patterns that permeate our everyday lives and put our lives on auto-pilot. Wolinsky shows us not only how to recognize these trances, but also how to free ourselves from their negative hypnotic suggestions in order to live a freer life. I build on his insights and will integrate them into a deeper understanding of our mind in the next episode. I am very grateful to Wolinsky for his inspiration.





https://www.amazon.com/Trances-People-Live-Stephen-Wolinsky/dp/096261842X


Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/tcLV8cPJ0gs


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this video, I critically question the traditional self-help culture that often prescribes simple and rigid solutions to complex, dynamic problems. My central argument is that this approach presents personal development as linear and straightforward, which doesn't do justice to the complex realities of life. Instead, I present Hegel's dialectical process as an alternative approach. It recognizes the limitations of simple solutions, emphasizes the need to grapple with contradictions, and leads to deeper growth through repeated adaptation. By understanding that no method works universally in the long term, we can discover new, more nuanced paths to personal development.





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/p3pxBRC-Uzk


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com

In this video, I reflect on the concept of "setting boundaries" and the pros and cons associated with it. Boundaries can provide clarity, but are not naturally given; they require active maintenance and adaptation. I explore how to set personal boundaries and strategies that help maintain those boundaries. It is important to communicate boundaries openly and respectfully, while considering the needs of others. Finally, I weigh the benefits of clear boundaries against a more flexible approach. A balanced understanding and sensible application of boundaries can help us have healthy and fulfilling relationships without losing the joy of life.





Free 30 minute consultation: https://calendly.com/gabriel-ellis/30min


Youtube: https://youtu.be/oYOmsBCGTM4


Homepage: https://www.gabriel-ellis.com