Dr. David Spiegel on the Rich Roll Podcast
Tune into this groundbreaking discussion between Rich Roll and the Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford and Reveri Founder, Dr. David Spiegel.
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The Surprising Neuroscience of Hypnosis: Myths, Truths & Use Cases
"Hypnosis is a way of teaching people how to better control what’s going on in their bodies and their minds. It’s not mind control—it’s giving you control over the parts of yourself that you usually take for granted."
— Dr. David Spiegel on the Rich Roll Podcast
Episode Highlights
In the latest episode of the Rich Roll Podcast, the prolific podcast host and Dr. David Spiegel dive deep into the clinical uses of hypnosis.
Watch Dr. Spiegel explain the science of hypnosis and why it’s a powerful tool for pain relief, stress reduction, and behavioral change.
Learn what happens in the brain during hypnosis and how it enhances focus, emotional regulation, and mind-body control.
Discover the key differences between hypnosis, meditation, and other therapeutic techniques—and why hypnosis can work faster than traditional methods.
Find out how to test your own hypnotizability and debunk common myths about hypnosis.
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00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:12 - Not the David Spiegel that Testified During the Depp - Heard Trial
00:06:56 - Defining Hypnosis
00:09:52 - Clinical vs Stage Hypnosis
00:20:00 - "Mind-Body Connection
Good Quotes about the brain"
00:20:40 - brain quote
00:22:39 - “The brain can control what’s going on in the body" quote
00:24:07 - The impact of Breathwork
00:28:16 - Neurochemical Process during Hypnosis State
00:32:25 - Determing How Receptive People Are to Hypnosis
00:37:28 - The Spiegel Test
00:41:44 - How Do Other Senses Affect Perception?
00:44:18 - Ad Break
00:46:10 - "Could You Weaponize Hypnosis?
Mass Hypnosis"
00:47:54 - “I believe that anything that has the power to help has the power to hurt.”
00:47:58 - Can You Remain Hypnotized Indefinitely?
00:49:33 - Does Hypnosis Need a Rebrand?
00:51:04 - Use Cases for Hypnosis
01:01:28 - “People think being hypnotized means losing control, it’s not. It means gaining control.”
01:02:24 - Are "Trigger Warnings" Misguided?
01:03:54 - “We have to face our vulnerabilities.”
01:05:20 - Amnesia
01:09:13 - 'People vs Shirley' Case
01:12:36 - Performing Under Duress
01:17:50 - Hypnotic State during Endurance Training
01:21:16 - Mindfulness as a Practice
01:25:58 - Self Hypnosis / REVERI App
01:36:27 - David's Current Studies
01:41:37 - "David's Work with Cancer Patients
Facing Death"
01:48:28 - Psychedelic Drugs & Therapy
01:50:10 - "Practical Advice on Hypnosis
Closing Thoughts"
Real stories of transformation
Reveri helped these people achieve their goals, and it can do the same for you.
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How Reveri works
Interactive audio sessions with the world's leading psychiatrist
We guide you through your personal success journey to reach mental clarity
Build confidence, track your progress and fuel your motivation with daily lessons
Start your journey to a better you today
Well done for making it here - that’s a big first step. Hypnosis is rooted in decades of clinical research. Harness it to transform your life today.