In this series, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has conversations with public figures whose work engages with big questions about humankind, and who have an interesting relationship with religion and spirituality. What do they believe and how does that shape their values and actions?

This week's guest is the psychologist Dr Susan Blackmore. She’s spent five decades studying, thinking and writing about consciousness. Her captivation with the subject began when she had an out-of-body experience at the age 19. It was to change the course of her life as she set out to prove the existence of the paranormal. Her academic journey ultimately led her personally to scepticism. She’s an atheist who is fascinated by beliefs. She’s well known for her contribution to meme theory, which examines how habits and beliefs are passed on from one person to another. She continues to explore consciousness through the practice of Zen meditation.

Producer: Dan Tierney for BBC Audio North. Show less