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Almost 30

Ep. 126 - Breaking Bad Habits + The Science of Being Happy with Loretta Breuning

Jun 28, 2018
Loretta Breuning, a professor and founder of The Inner Mammal Institute, dives into the science of happiness and brain chemistry. She explains how our early experiences shape our neural pathways and the challenges of habit formation after puberty. Loretta discusses the roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in shaping our emotions. The conversation also tackles breaking addictive habits and the importance of rewiring our brains for resilience. Get ready to understand your inner mammal and reclaim your happiness!
01:15:45

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The formation of neural connections in our brains during early life experiences is crucial for shaping cognitive and emotional behaviors into adulthood.
  • Understanding brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin is essential for recognizing the influences on our happiness and social connections.

Deep dives

The Formation of Neural Circuits

At birth, humans have billions of neurons but no established connections between them. These neural circuits are formed through early life experiences, emphasizing the principle that our brain's wiring relies heavily on what we learn and interact with during formative years. By the end of puberty, the potential for neuroplasticity declines significantly, making it harder for adults to create new pathways in their brains. This insight suggests that early education and social interactions play critical roles in shaping our cognitive and emotional frameworks that last into adulthood.

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