Tune into this groundbreaking discussion between Rich Roll and the Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford and Reveri Founder, Dr. David Spiegel.
The Surprising Neuroscience of Hypnosis: Myths, Truths & Use Cases
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"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.
Show Notes
- 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 Determining 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