Julie Legg explores how many of our emotional reactions (especially anxiety and hesitation) are not about the present moment at all, but are driven by old predictions the brain learned in the past.

Drawing on insights from Brian DesRoches, the episode introduces the concept of memory reconsolidation, the brain’s ability to update outdated emotional patterns when it experiences something different from what it expects.

Rather than trying to force change through willpower or positive thinking, this approach invites curiosity. By noticing when the brain is predicting a negative outcome and gently creating new, contradictory experiences, we can begin to rewrite those internal patterns.

It’s a simple but profound shift: you are not your reactions — you are witnessing your brain’s predictions. And those predictions can change.

 Key Points from the Episode

•  Anxiety is often based on past predictions, not present reality
•  The brain is constantly scanning and predicting outcomes 
•  Many predictions are formed in childhood or repeated experiences
•  These predictions show up as feelings, not just thoughts
•  The “foot on the gas, foot on the brake” feeling is a prediction conflict 
•  Change happens through memory reconsolidation (updating emotional learning) 
•  A mismatch between expectation and reality is what rewires the brain 
•  You don’t need willpower — you need new experiences
•  Small, safe contradictions to predictions are enough to create change 
•  Repetition strengthens new neural pathways 
•  ADHDers often carry predictions like “I’m too much” or “I’m not enough” 
•  These patterns are learned and therefore can be overridden with updated data

Links

BRIAN DESROCHES S2E47: https://adhdifference.nz/s2e47-the-hidden-neuroscience-behind-self-sabotage-guest-brian-desroches/

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More