Book · 2017 · Psychology
Altered Traits
Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body
Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson has been mentioned in 7 episodes across 2 podcasts (7 episodes recommend it and 0 episodes discuss it), through . Most frequently brought up by Andrew Huberman (6 episodes) and Richard Davidson (1 episode) on Huberman Lab (6 episodes) and On Purpose with Jay Shetty (1 episode).
- episodes
- 7
- podcasts
- 2
- people
- 2
- episodes recommend it
- 7
This concept is elaborated in the remarkable book Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson.
Questions about Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson
Who recommends Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson on podcasts?
Andrew Huberman (6 episodes) has recommended Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson on podcasts. In all, 2 people brought it up across 2 podcasts (1 person recommended it).
Which podcasts mention Altered Traits the most?
Huberman Lab (6 episodes) and On Purpose with Jay Shetty (1 episode).
Is Altered Traits recommended, or only discussed?
Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson was recommended in 7 episodes and discussed without a recommendation in 0 episodes, as of 2026-03-16.
What do people say about Altered Traits?
Mentioned on Huberman Lab (2022-10-31): "This concept is elaborated in the remarkable book Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson."
When was Altered Traits last mentioned on a podcast?
Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman, Richard J. Davidson was last discussed on Huberman Lab by Richard Davidson on 2026-03-16.
What they say about it
- Highlights meditation and brain changes“how meditation changes your mind”3
- Calls it an excellent book“an excellent book”2
- Mentions Wisconsin studies“group out of Wisconsin was early”2
The best things said about it
What am I about to read you is from an excellent book that I recommend, if any of you are interested in neuroscience and things like meditation and default mode networks and things of that sort, the book is called, Altered Traits.
Andrew Huberman Huberman Lab · Sep 2021 While a single meditation session may lead to brain adjustments, as detailed in the book Altered Traits, engaging in repeated daily short meditations or longer TM retreats can indeed induce significant brain plasticity.
Andrew Huberman Huberman Lab · Apr 2023 I love love love the book.
Andrew Huberman Huberman Lab · Mar 2026 This is the book. It's an excellent book, Altered Traits by Goleman and Davidson.
Andrew Huberman Huberman Lab · Apr 2021 The book Altered Traits is the one that comes to mind.
Andrew Huberman Huberman Lab · Jun 2023 Why people recommend it
Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson investigates the neurological and physiological impacts of long-term meditation practice, distinguishing between temporary brain states and permanent mental traits. Andrew Huberman frequently championed the book on Huberman Lab, expressing deep admiration during closing remarks and referencing it as a foundational text for understanding neuroplasticity and default mode networks. Huberman highlighted the book's insights into how daily short meditation sessions or extended retreats can induce significant structural changes in the brain, comparing its findings to scientific studies on metabolism and aging. Co-author Dr. Richard Davidson also appeared on Huberman Lab to discuss the scientific papers he co-wrote with Daniel Goleman that ultimately inspired the book. Throughout these episodes, the hosts consistently pointed listeners toward the publication as an essential scientific resource for anyone interested in exploring the measurable benefits of contemplative practices on human biology and health.
Every mention
Andrew Huberman It's so great that you have a new book coming out because I, of course, read Altered Traits. I've talked ab… 6
“It's so great that you have a new book coming out because I, of course, read Altered Traits. I've talked about it on the podcast. I love love love the book.”
“I'm thinking of the studies that were done out of the University of Wisconsin that are talked about in Altered States, um, uh, which is a wonderful book and the work that you've talked about in your books.”
“there are thousands of studies my laboratory's done a few of them there are other Laboratories who have done far more the book altered traits is the one that comes to mind”
“The book Altered Traits is the one that comes to mind; a group out of Wisconsin was early to the game on this.”
“at least from the book altered traits which I'm a big fan of um talked about these daily repeated short meditations or these longer TM Retreats as they're sometimes called”
“I find this intriguing, as it parallels meditation; while a single meditation session may lead to brain adjustments, as detailed in the book *Altered Traits,* engaging in repeated daily short meditations or longer TM retreats can indeed induce significant brain plasticity.”
“What am I about to read you is from an excellent book that I recommend, if any of you are interested in neuroscience and things like meditation and default mode networks and things of that sort, the book is called, "Altered Traits." Science reveals how meditation changes your mind, brain and body and no, I'm not going to try and”
“It's not focused on growth hormone but the book is called "Altered Traits." This is the book. It's an excellent book, "Altered Traits" by Goleman and Davidson. "Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body." Very interesting book.”
Richard Davidson There was a paper I wrote many, many years ago with my dear friend and colleague um Daniel Goleman, who I w… 1
“There was a paper I wrote many, many years ago with my dear friend and colleague um Daniel Goleman, who I wrote the book Altered Traits with.”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker1
“This concept is elaborated in the remarkable book 'Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body' by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson. They have conducted excellent work and produced many writings and TED Talks on meditation. In fact, around 2016 or 2017, this book effectively captured the core elements of the science and history of meditation.”