Voices of Esalen Extended Edition
Three-Part Podcast Series
The annual Blue Mind Summit, brainchild of marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, was first developed to tell the modern story of water, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual benefits of healthy waters.
This year, the 9th of the gathering, a unique team of internationally recognized experts in neuroscience and psychology convened at the Esalen Institute. Alongside Dr. Nichols, Dr. Shauna Shapiro and Dr. Dan Siegel led a multifaceted exploration into the topics of awe, wonder, compassion, empathy, mindfulness, and meditation.
“When I met Shauna and Dan, and realized there was this incredible synergy, both between friends and individuals, our love of water and being in the ocean,” explained Dr. Nichols, “as well as in their areas of academic expertise, that really started the conversation about Blue Mindfulness. The three of us have kept that conversation going ever since.”
“At the 9th annual Blue Mind Summit, 120 participants explored what we really mean by mind, what Blue has to do with, and what it can do for us to feel this fullness.”
![]() |
Dr. Wallace J. Nichols on The Healing Powers of Water |
![]() |
Dr. Shauna Shapiro on Blue Mindfulness |
![]() |
Dr. Dan Siegel Defines the Mind |