ConnectIONS Live!
Join us for a ConnectIONS Live webinar on the curious tension surrounding psi—psychic phenomena such as telepathy, precognition, and mind–matter interactions. While many people find these possibilities intriguing as a way of exploring human potential, history also shows that they have often been met with skepticism and even fear.
In this program, anthropologist and consciousness researcher Marilyn Schlitz, PhD, will be joined by IONS Scientist Garret Yount, PhD, for a conversation about why reports of psi experiences have stirred both interest and unease. Through personal accounts and historical context, they will explore how figures like Frederic Myers and Charles Tart worked to bring a deeper understanding of these phenomena.
Together, we’ll reflect on why psi has sometimes been resisted and how examining this dynamic can deepen our perspective on both the science and the meaning of these experiences.
The webinar will close with a live Q&A. Whether you’re a student of consciousness, curious about psi research, or simply interested in the mysteries of the mind, this discussion will offer thoughtful insights.
Psychic Abilities: A History of Fascination and Fear
Friday, October 24
11:00am – 12:00pm PDT
All registrants will receive a link to the recording. Please register even if you can’t attend live.
PRESENTERS
Garret Yount, PhD is a molecular neurobiologist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) where his research focuses on laboratory-based models of exceptional human abilities. He obtained his BS from the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology at the Pennsylvania State University and his PhD from the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He began his formal studies in consciousness research with a small grant from the Institute of Noetic Sciences in 1995, which allowed him to work with biofield practitioners and spiritual healers in the laboratory. Since then, Dr. Yount has conducted carefully controlled laboratory experiments with spiritual healers and biofield practitioners from around the world, including China, Brazil, Canada, USA, Japan, India, Russia, Hungary, and Sri Lanka, and was fortunate to be among the first scientists to be awarded a Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institutes of Health to study energy healing. He is the author of many peer-reviewed scientific papers and the book Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use it Wisely.
Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D., MBA, MA is an acclaimed social scientist, award-winning author, and master teacher. She has conducted clinical, laboratory and field-based research into consciousness, transformation, and healing. Her books include Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life (with Cassandra Vieten and Tina Amorok): Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind Body Medicine (with Tina Amorok and Marc Micozzi); and Death Makes Life Possible (and companion film by same title, with Deepak Chopra). Marilyn has taught at Stanford, Harvard, and Trinity Universities and is currently Professor of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University. She is also CEO/President Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Schlitz has published hundreds of articles in scholarly journals and popular publications, and has lectured extensively in diverse venues, including the United Nations, Smithsonian Institution, Commonwealth Club, and community groups across the world.
