Transcending the Dopamine Trap: The Neurobiology of Pain and Pleasure and How to Balance Your Life (Our Cultural Crisis Ep XVII)

Dopamine is the brain’s reward chemical, crucial for regulating human motivation, desire, and focus. Yet never in human history have so many dopamine-delivery vehicles (from sugar to social media to online shopping) been so pervasive. We live in a dopamine-glutted world. And the overabundance of dopamine creates continual pitfalls of over-indulgence and addiction all around us. In this episode, we explore the neurobiology of dopamine and, following the work of Dr. Anna Lembke, the mindbody’s pain-pleasure balance. Because understanding this principle and  engaging core practices to keep your life in balance can radically change you...and help change the world.