Cool People, Big Ideas with Dawson Church: The Science of Feeling Better on Purpose

The Science of Feeling Better on Purpose

What if happiness and connection aren’t just personality traits or good luck, but actual skills you can build, like biceps or baking bread? In this episode, Lauren talks with bestselling author and researcher Dawson Church about the neuroscience of what he calls “spiritual intelligence.”

They get into the nuts and bolts of how consistent practices like meditation and compassion-based training can physically change your brain, and why that matters for your everyday joy, focus, and ability to not lose it in traffic. Whether you're deep into meditation or just trying to sit still for five minutes, there’s something here that’ll land.

You’ll hear about:

• How meditation rewires your brain in as little as 30 days

• Why compassion speeds up brain growth (and might make you nicer to your barista)

• What the “Enlightenment Network” is and why it matters for your health

• The science behind joy and resilience—not as fluffy ideas, but as actual brain shifts

• Why Dawson believes we’re becoming more compassionate as a society (even if it doesn’t look like it on the news)

Key Takeaway: Spiritual intelligence isn’t something reserved for monks or mystics. It’s something you can build. With the right tools and some consistency, you can train your brain to be happier, more grounded, and more connected. No chanting required.

You can purchase Spiritual Intelligence here:  https://spiritualintelligencebook.com/?orid=559172&opid=179

✨ Tune in to learn how small daily practices can build a bridge between your brain, your heart, and the world you want to live in.

🌱 Like, subscribe, and share your reflections on awakening your spiritual intelligence.