Antonio Damasio

Mentioned in 9 analyzed podcast episodes across 9 shows

Prominent neuroscientist known for developing theories of consciousness that emphasize the primacy of feelings and bodily regulation over rational thought, with roots tracing to the brainstem. His work is frequently referenced in discussions about the nature of consciousness and whether artificial intelligence could achieve it, particularly through his influence on thinkers like Michael Pollan. Podcasts discuss his research when exploring fundamental questions about human consciousness and its implications for machine consciousness.

Appears On

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard A Beginner's Guide to AI Good Life Project Chasing Life Big Technology Podcast The Daily The Daily The Interview Hidden Brain

Episode Appearances

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard · Apr 1, 2026

Michael Pollan Returns (on consciousness)

“Researcher who demonstrated feelings are essential to rational decision-making, not opposed to it”

Consciousness definition and the hard problem of subjective experienceEvolution of consciousness and theory of mind in social primatesPlant sentience and neurobiology of plants

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A Beginner's Guide to AI · Mar 28, 2026

Are You Human? Proof it!

“Quoted saying 'we are feeling machines that think' to distinguish humans from AI”

Human consciousness vs AI pattern matchingThe Turing Test vs The Blurring TestEmbodied cognition and physical experience

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Good Life Project · Mar 5, 2026

Michael Pollan: Wake Up & Reclaim Your Attention

“Neuroscientist at USC whose research shows feelings originate in brain stem and precede conscious thought”

Consciousness Definition and NeuroscienceAttention Economy and Digital DistractionMeditation and Contemplative Practice

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Chasing Life · Feb 27, 2026

The Miracle and Mystery of Consciousness

“Neuroscientist profiled in the book; developed theory of consciousness as deliberate life regulation originating in brainstem”

Definition and nature of consciousnessNeuroscience of consciousness and brain localizationPsychedelic therapy and consciousness research

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Big Technology Podcast · Feb 25, 2026

Can AI Achieve Consciousness? — With Michael Pollan

“Neuroscientist who emphasized feelings over thoughts as basis of consciousness”

AI consciousnessHard problem of consciousnessLarge language models

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The Daily · Feb 7, 2026

'The Interview': Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change

“Researcher supporting the theory that consciousness originates from feelings, not thoughts”

Hard problem of consciousnessAI consciousness and machine sentiencePanpsychism and consciousness theories

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The Daily · Feb 7, 2026

'The Interview': Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change

“Neuroscientist whose research shows feelings and bodily monitoring, not thoughts, are the origin of consciousness”

The Hard Problem of ConsciousnessEmbodiment and Feelings as Basis of ConsciousnessAI Consciousness and the Turing Test

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The Interview · Feb 7, 2026

Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change

“Neuroscientist whose research on feelings as origin of consciousness influences Pollan's skepticism about machine consciousness”

The Hard Problem of ConsciousnessEmbodied Cognition and ConsciousnessArtificial Intelligence and Machine Consciousness

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Hidden Brain · Aug 18, 2025

How Our Brains Learn

“Eminent neuroscientist under whom Mary Helen worked; collaborated on research evoking engagement through documentary storytelling”

Transcendent Thinking and Brain DevelopmentEngagement vs. Entertainment in EducationNeuroscience of Learning and Motivation

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