PODCAST · health
The Backward Step
by Anuj
The Backward Step is a podcast that sits at the intersection of neuroscience, contemplative practice, and the therapeutic mind.Each episode takes a single piece of cutting-edge research — from predictive processing to consciousness science, from the neurobiology of trauma to the psychology of self — and follows it all the way down. Not just what the science says, but what it means: for how we suffer, how we heal, and how we might actually live differently.The name comes from Dogen Zenji's instruction in the Fukanzazengi: "Take the backward step that turns the light and shines it inward." That move — away from the surface, toward what's underneath — is the spirit of this show.Hosted by Anuj Ansal, a practicing psychotherapist in Chicago, IL, The Backward Step is for anyone drawn to the deep questions: meditators and clinicians, neuroscience enthusiasts and contemplatives, and anyone who has ever lain awake wondering wha
-
1
The Predictive Mind
What if everything you perceive is your brain’s best guess not reality itself? In this first episode, we explore a 2021 paper by Ruben Laukkonen and Heleen Slagter that bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient contemplative wisdom, and finds they’ve been describing the same thing from opposite directions.We cover the Predictive Processing framework the idea that your brain is a prediction machine, sealed in darkness, running a controlled hallucination we call reality. We trace what this means for consciousness, for suffering, for the Default Mode Network, and for the self. And we follow the thread all the way through to what meditation actually does, mechanically, to the architecture of the mind and why that matters for depression, anxiety, and the therapeutic process.Paper Referenced: “From Many to N-one: Meditation and the Plasticity of the Predictive Mind” Laukkonen & Slagter, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 2021.Topics: Predictive Processing · Bayesian Brain · Default Mode Network · Focused Attention · Open Monitoring · Radical Plasticity · Ego dissolution · Psychedelics & therapy · Dukkha · Dogen · Therapy · ACT Therapy · Mindfulness · Meditation
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Backward Step is a podcast that sits at the intersection of neuroscience, contemplative practice, and the therapeutic mind.Each episode takes a single piece of cutting-edge research — from predictive processing to consciousness science, from the neurobiology of trauma to the psychology of self — and follows it all the way down. Not just what the science says, but what it means: for how we suffer, how we heal, and how we might actually live differently.The name comes from Dogen Zenji's instruction in the Fukanzazengi: "Take the backward step that turns the light and shines it inward." That move — away from the surface, toward what's underneath — is the spirit of this show.Hosted by Anuj Ansal, a practicing psychotherapist in Chicago, IL, The Backward Step is for anyone drawn to the deep questions: meditators and clinicians, neuroscience enthusiasts and contemplatives, and anyone who has ever lain awake wondering wha
HOSTED BY
Anuj
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Backward Step have?
The Backward Step currently has 1 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Backward Step about?
The Backward Step is a podcast that sits at the intersection of neuroscience, contemplative practice, and the therapeutic mind.Each episode takes a single piece of cutting-edge research — from predictive processing to consciousness science, from the neurobiology of trauma to the psychology of self...
How often does The Backward Step release new episodes?
The Backward Step has 1 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Backward Step?
You can listen to The Backward Step on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Backward Step?
The Backward Step is created and hosted by Anuj.
URL copied to clipboard!