Dopamine Expert: How to Rewire your Brain for Meaning in a World Addicted to MORE!

About the conversation

Mike Long is a playwright, speechwriter, and co-author of Taming the Molecule of More — the practical sequel to the bestselling neuroscience book The Molecule of More. Dopamine doesn’t bring happiness — it brings anticipation. It’s the molecule that keeps us scrolling, swiping, craving, and chasing. But when understood and tamed, it can also drive purpose, focus, and deeply fulfilling lives. Expect to learn why dopamine isn’t about pleasure at all, how it hijacks our relationships, sex lives, and attention spans, the true science behind dopamine fasting and cold plunges, how porn and dating apps rewire the brain’s reward system, the difference between craving and contentment, why “boosting dopamine” is a myth, how to inject novelty into long-term love, how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are changing the science of addiction, and how to finally align your brain’s pursuit system with long-term meaning. ... 00:01:55 – Understanding Dopamine: The Molecule of More 00:04:56 – The Misconceptions of Dopamine and Happiness 00:07:55 – Taming the Molecule of More: Motivations and Insights 00:10:56 – Dopamine's Role in Human Evolution and Modern Life 00:13:58 – Rewiring the Brain: Valuing the Present vs. Future 00:17:07 – The Impact of Technology on Dopamine Levels 00:19:49 – Finding Meaning in a Dopamine-Driven World 00:23:03 – The Importance of Self-Reflection and Belief Systems 00:25:50 – Dopamine Fasting: Myths and Realities 00:28:56 – Boosting Dopamine: Exercise and Lifestyle Choices 00:43:07 – The Power of Small Daily Actions 00:45:25 – Dopamine and Relationships 00:51:07 – Understanding Expectations in Relationships 00:52:13 – Mindfulness and Reaction to Stimulation 00:56:35 – Injecting Novelty into Relationships 01:02:26 – Navigating Attraction and Cravings 01:07:59 – The Importance of Meaning in Life 01:12:27 – Finding Meaning and Purpose 01:25:08 – Practical Steps to Manage Impulses ... Follow My Neuroscience Podcast - The Giants Shoulder Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5m3Gta5MtIYdk59pb2GJ7M?si=b33232eae67b4126 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/brief-enquiry-to-the-brain/id1752486249 Get the Comfiest Sleep Mask on the Planet at https://bit.ly/4ilzfBL (use Code GIANTSMANTA10)