#112: The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science - John Dunne, PhD

About this episode

John Dunne, PhD discusses the construction of self-identity through meditation and neuroscience.

The Illusion of Self: Nondual Meditation & Brain Science with John Dunne, PhD explores how our sense of identity is constructed moment by moment, drawing on Buddhist philosophy, neuroscience, and contemplative practice to explain why thoughts feel real and how seeing through them can fundamentally change our experience. In this episode of The FitMind Podcast, we sit down with John Dunne, PhD —a leading scholar-practitioner bridging ancient wisdom and modern science—to examine the nature of mind, self, and awareness. Rather than treating thoughts as accurate reflections of reality, John frames them as useful but often misleading constructions shaped by the brain's attempt to predict and navigate the world. We explore how meditation helps us "de-reify" thoughts—seeing them as mental events rather than truths—and why this shift may be central to reducing anxiety and depression. John also breaks down non-dual traditions like Mahamudra and Dzogchen, offering a clear lens into practices aimed not at changing experience, but at recognizing its underlying nature. Topics include: How the brain constructs a sense of self through predictive models Why thoughts feel real and how to see…

People in this episode

Host: FitMind

Guest: John Dunne, PhD

Topics covered

• nondual meditation
• brain science
• identity construction
• Buddhist philosophy
• anxiety reduction
• depression
• predictive models

Keywords

• self
• meditation
• neuroscience
• thoughts
• awareness
• anxiety
• depression
• Buddhism
• Mahamudra
• Dzogchen

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FitMind

Books & works: The FitMind Podcast, Mahamudra, Dzogchen

More episodes of The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

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• #109: The Science of Letting Go - Shawn Prest · January 21, 2026 · 1h 36m
• #108: The Ethics of Meditation - Nicholas Van Dam, PhD · December 16, 2025 · 1h 46m
• #107: The Science of Human Connection - Dr. Tania Singer · November 25, 2025 · 45 min
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