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.


Find more at ⁠⁠https://www.OptimalWork.com⁠⁠

Up next
Nov 24
275. Engines of Enthusiasm III: Attention and the Cortex
<p>#275: In this episode, Sharif and Kevin explore how the cortex and attention form the capstone of motivation and enthusiasm. Together, they trace how meaning (the septum), willingness (the striatum), and focused presence (the cortex) work in harmony to create clarity, silence, ... Show More
27m 33s
Nov 17
274. Engines of Enthusiasm II: Effort and the Striatum
<p>#274: In this follow-up to their discussion on meaning and the septum, Sharif and Kevin turn to the <em>striatum</em>—the brain’s engine of effort and challenge. Kevin explains how our willingness to act depends on dopamine, and how love, purpose, and embracing discomfort tran ... Show More
29m 55s
Nov 10
273. Engines of Enthusiasm I: Motivation and the Septum
#273: In this conversation, Sharif Younes and Dr. Kevin Majeres explore the brain’s septum—the hidden center where love, meaning, and motivation converge. Kevin explains how “septal resonance” connects our sense of purpose to our relationships, and how practices like sincerity, g ... Show More
33m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Do You Need to Take a Dopamine Fast?
<p>Her name is Anna Lembke and she's Chief of Stanford's Addiction Medicine Clinic and the author of the book <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ad1Kv6" target="_blank"><em>Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in an Age of Indulgence</em></a>. At the start of our conversation, Anna unpacks th ... 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
Jan 2024
Episode 380: Dopamine Misconceptions
<p><strong>Hello friends!</strong></p> <p>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 Wellbu ... 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
<p>How does dopamine shape your desires—both positively and negatively?</p> <p>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 yo ... Show More
20m 44s
Mar 2024
Trigger Dopamine to Get the Success You Desire
<p>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.</p> 
12m 24s