Clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller joins us to reveal the groundbreaking neuroscience that connects spirituality with mental health, purpose, and human flourishing. Drawing from decades of research at Columbia University, she shares how spiritual awareness literally changes the brain — rewiring us for resilience, compassion, and meaning. From the awakened brain to the power of awe, Lisa bridges empirical science with lived spirituality, showing how we are biologically built for connection with something greater than ourselves. https://www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyself Use code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off! https://livemomentous.com and use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off the best creatine in the game Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list ___________ 00:00 Intro 03:40 What Is the Awakened Brain? 07:10 How Spirituality Changes the Brain 10:50 Depression as a Doorway to Awakening 14:25 The Biology of Faith and Meaning 18:05 The Parietal Lobe and the Sense of Oneness 22:00 From Egoic Mind to Spiritual Awareness 26:15 Dorsal vs. Ventral Attention Networks Explained 30:10 How Prayer and Meditation Rewire the Brain 34:00 The Neuroscience of Love and Connection 38:25 What Happens in the Brain During Awe 42:10 Synchronicity and the Science of Guidance 46:00 Raising Spiritually Connected Children 50:20 Addiction, Recovery, and the Search for Spirit 54:35 The Brain as an Antenna for Consciousness 59:15 Science Meets Mysticism: Where They Overlap 1:03:30 The Future of Mental Health and Spirituality 1:07:40 Reawakening the Innate Spiritual Brain 1:12:00 Living with Awe, Service, and Gratitude 1:16:10 Closing Reflections ___________ Episode Resources: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/ https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/ https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/ https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com Listen to the show: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4bZMq9l Apple: https://apple.co/4iATICX