S2E4 // More than Brains: Neuroscience, Inner Fragmentation, and Ancient Christian Visions of Personhood (Guest: Dr. Vladimir Miskovic)

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Vladimir Miskovic—neuroscientist, Orthodox Christian thinker, and co-author of Dreaming Reality—for a wide-ranging conversation on the nature of the human person. Together we explore how contemporary neuroscience and ancient Christian tradition converge in their understanding of consciousness, attention, and the layered or “nested” self, and what this might reveal about fragmentation, harmony, and healing. From St. Paul’s inner and outer self to the provocative “filter theory” of consciousness, this discussion challenges reductive materialism and invites us into a more spacious, mystical vision of what it means to be human.

Listen on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or RSS wherever you get podcasts.

In this episode, we talk about:

* What understandings of human personhood modern neuroscience and ancient Christian anthropology share in common

* St. Paul’s language of the “inner” and “outer” self

* The model of “nested selves” and layered consciousness

* Attention, perception, and how they shape who we become

* Intrapersonal harmony as an icon of Trinitarian life

Resources and links:

* Book: Dreaming Reality: How Neuroscience and Mysticism Can Unlock the Secrets of Consciousness, by Vladimir Miskovic and Steven Jay Lynn (Harvard University Press, 2025)

* “Behind the Book” with Vladimir Miskovic

* Eleni’s article about forgiveness (here)

* Dick Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) model

* The synergistic anthropology of Russian theologian Sergey Horujy (1941–2020)

* “Poetry” by Neruda

* All music featured on this podcast is used in accordance with Creative Commons licenses. For a full list of the tracks we use, visit https://recreationpodcast.substack.com/p/music-featured-in-our-episodes

Let’s Connect:

* More about Nicole:

https://www.nicoleroccas.com/

* More about Eleni:

https://www.eleniopperwallcounselling.com/

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Re-Creation is a podcast about trauma, faith, and mental health from an Orthodox Christian perspective. Hosts Nicole Roccas, a trauma-informed coach and author, and Eleni Opperwall, a registered therapist, explore what it means to be human after trauma through honest and hopeful conversations. Drawing on Orthodox tradition, professional insights, and personal stories, they share reflections to support healing, wholeness, and spiritual growth.

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional mental health care.