logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
23m 6s

138. Is Dopamine Worth the Hype?

OptimalWork
About this episode

#138: There is increasing interest in dopamine, a molecule that is closely related to our experience of pleasure, reward, expectation, and motivation. It’s involved in negative processes, like overindulgence and addiction, but it can also be harnessed to set virtuous cycles in motion. Surprisingly, as Dr. Kevin Majeres and Sharif discuss, the dopamine molecule is involved in the very spiritual processes of living ideals and deepening bonds.

Up next
Oct 6
268. Understanding Depression II: Good and Bad Tired
#268: Kevin and Sharif unpack why “good tired” and “bad tired” aren’t just degrees of fatigue but two distinct brain states tied to adenosine pathways—and how dopamine (and even caffeine) changes the experience. They translate cutting-edge neuroscience into practical steps you ca ... Show More
30m 19s
Sep 29
267. Understanding Depression I: The Role of Adenosine
#267: Kevin and Sharif explore how depression connects to “bad tired,” the draining fatigue that comes from poor sleep, chronic stress, or unfinished effort. At the center is one molecule — adenosine — which can make us feel either “good tired” (satisfied, fulfilled) or “bad tire ... Show More
29m 59s
Sep 22
[Rebroadcast] Overcoming Anxiety I: Feel the Fear
#266: Overcoming anxiety occurs in three successive stages. In this first installment of a three episode series, we discuss stage one: confronting the trigger of anxiety head-on, embracing the fear. Over time, the trigger will habituate; as you challenge yourself, the fear you ex ... Show More
32m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Do You Need to Take a Dopamine Fast?
Her name is Anna Lembke and she's Chief of Stanford's Addiction Medicine Clinic and the author of the book Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in an Age of Indulgence. At the start of our conversation, Anna unpacks the definition of addiction, why she believes it applies equally wel ... Show More
51m 57s
Jul 2024
How Dopamine Works
Dopamine is perhaps the most talked-about, most misunderstood biochemical in our bodies. It’s linked to not only addiction and depravity, but also focus, motivation, and living a productive life. How can one molecule be so many things to so many people?See omnystudio.com/listener ... Show More
45m 7s
Sep 2021
Change Your BRAIN By Using These Hacks to Increase Your DOPAMINE | Dr. Andrew Huberman
Check out our sponsors:  Better Help: Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/impacttheory LMNT: Go to drinkLMNT.com/Impact to try their brand NEW flavor - Watermelon Salt. Real Good Foods: Click the link for $25 OFF any order of $25 or more! https://realgoodfoods. ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 2024
Episode 380: Dopamine Misconceptions
Hello friends! In today's enlightening episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, and their impact on our behavior and mental health. We also touch on trichotillomania and the role of medications like Wellbutrin in treating such condi ... Show More
26m 43s
Mar 2023
Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort
In this episode, I explain how dopamine dynamics — meaning changes and interactions between our baseline and peak levels of dopamine drive our cravings and sense of motivation. I also explain how to leverage dopamine dynamics to overcome procrastination. I cover behavioral, cogni ... Show More
1h 54m
Mar 2021
How to Increase Motivation & Drive
This episode explains the science of motivation and drive. I describe how dopamine — a chemical we all make in our brain, underlies our desire for and pursuit of our goals, as well as our capacity to move and experience pleasure. I describe how we can leverage specific behaviors, ... Show More
1h 25m
Sep 2021
Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction
This episode serves as a sort of “Dopamine Masterclass”. I discuss the immensely powerful chemical that we all make in our brain and body: dopamine. I describe what it does and the neural circuits involved. I explain dopamine peaks and baselines, and the cell biology of dopamine ... Show More
2h 13m
Jan 2024
The Reason Behind Your Addiction with Dr. Daniel Lieberman
How does dopamine shape your desires—both positively and negatively? Dopamine is one of many neurotransmitters produced in your brain and is most commonly associated with pleasure. But there’s actually more to it than that. It’s the basis of motivation, incentivizing you to do th ... Show More
20m 44s
Mar 2024
Trigger Dopamine to Get the Success You Desire
These days, many of us have heard something about the importance of dopamine in our brain. We explore with you here, simple but powerful ways to trigger the dopamine we need to get to the outcomes we so want. 
12m 24s