Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What did ancient Taoism understand about the mind that modern neuroscience is only beginning to explain?
In this episode of the FitMind Podcast, clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins Josh to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, meditation, and the nature of the self.
Aldrich explains how the brain’s default mode network shapes our sense of identity and our experience of time, and what happens when meditation quiets self-referential thinking. They explore the Taoist idea of “original nature,” experiences of self-transcendence and oneness, and why these states may be less mystical than they initially appear.
The conversation also covers evolutionary mismatch and modern mental health, Taoist “nothingness” as a space of possibility, wu wei and the neuroscience of flow, productive vs. overwhelming stress, movement-based meditation, working with uncertainty, and why play and spontaneity are essential parts of well-being.
Dr. Aldrich Chan is a clinical neuropsychologist, psychotherapist, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University, and author of 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return.
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FitMind is a mental fitness nonprofit that aims to make science-based meditation accessible to all.
🌐 Explore FitMind: fitmind.org
📱 Train Your Mind: bit.ly/fitmindtraining
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: fitmind.org/podcast
📘 Read Fit Mind Book: fitmind.org/book
Show Notes
0:00 | Original Nature, Selflessness & Consciousness
0:51 | Introduction to Dr. Aldrich Chan
1:56 | From Neuroscience to Taoism
8:18 | The SAD Theory: Separation, Alienation & Discord
15:38 | Evolutionary Mismatch & Modern Isolation
19:46 | The Default Mode Network, Time & Meditation
24:23 | The Neuroscience of “Original Nature”
32:13 | Self-Transcendence Without Losing Function
34:33 | Meditation vs. Psychedelic States
37:04 | Taoist Nothingness & the Uncarved Wood
42:08 | Creating Space for Difficult Emotions
44:14 | Tai Chi, Wu Wei & Flow States
49:54 | Eustress & Dynamic Equilibrium
57:52 | Dr. Chan’s Stillness Meditation Practice
1:00:30 | How to Work With Uncertainty
1:06:25 | Reframing Mental Health & Evolutionary Mismatch
1:10:07 | Why Play Matters
1:12:48 | The Seven Principles as Invitations
1:14:24 | Dr. Chan’s Book & Where to Find His Work
What did ancient Taoism understand about the mind that modern neuroscience is only beginning to explain?
In this episode of the FitMind Podcast, clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins Josh to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, meditation, and the nature of the self.
Aldrich explains how the brain’s default mode network shapes our sense of identity and our experience of time, and what happens when meditation quiets self-referential thinking. They explore the Taoist idea of “original nature,” experiences of self-transcendence and oneness, and why these states may be less mystical than they initially appear.
The conversation also covers evolutionary mismatch and modern mental health, Taoist “nothingness” as a space of possibility, wu wei and the neuroscience of flow, productive vs. overwhelming stress, movement-based meditation, working with uncertainty, and why play and spontaneity are essential parts of well-being.
Dr. Aldrich Chan is a clinical neuropsychologist, psychotherapist, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University, and author of 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return.
____________________________________________________________
FitMind is a mental fitness nonprofit that aims to make science-based meditation accessible to all.
🌐 Explore FitMind: fitmind.org
📱 Train Your Mind: bit.ly/fitmindtraining
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: fitmind.org/podcast
📘 Read Fit Mind Book: fitmind.org/book
Show Notes
0:00 | Original Nature, Selflessness & Consciousness
0:51 | Introduction to Dr. Aldrich Chan
1:56 | From Neuroscience to Taoism
8:18 | The SAD Theory: Separation, Alienation & Discord
15:38 | Evolutionary Mismatch & Modern Isolation
19:46 | The Default Mode Network, Time & Meditation
24:23 | The Neuroscience of “Original Nature”
32:13 | Self-Transcendence Without Losing Function
34:33 | Meditation vs. Psychedelic States
37:04 | Taoist Nothingness & the Uncarved Wood
42:08 | Creating Space for Difficult Emotions
44:14 | Tai Chi, Wu Wei & Flow States
49:54 | Eustress & Dynamic Equilibrium
57:52 | Dr. Chan’s Stillness Meditation Practice
1:00:30 | How to Work With Uncertainty
1:06:25 | Reframing Mental Health & Evolutionary Mismatch
1:10:07 | Why Play Matters
1:12:48 | The Seven Principles as Invitations
1:14:24 | Dr. Chan’s Book & Where to Find His Work
