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.

  • 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.