Hypnosis, Brain Hacking, & Mental Mastery - Dr David Spiegel

Chris Williamson interviews Dr. David Spiegel about hypnosis, exploring common misunderstandings, neurobiological mechanisms, and its evolutionary basis. Dr. Spiegel details the stages of hypnosis, its relation to brain activity, and its applications in managing pain, stress, and anxiety. The discussion covers hypnotizability, genetic and lifestyle factors influencing it, and the potential for combining hypnosis with other modalities like breathwork. They also discuss the effectiveness of hypnosis in various scenarios, including smoking cessation and managing pain during medical procedures, and the role of acceptance and agency in its success. Dr. Spiegel also shares personal anecdotes and discusses his app, Reverie, as a tool for self-hypnosis.