The School of Greatness

Neuroscientist: How To Hack Your Dopamine To Boost Your Mood, Energy, and Focus

Mar 5, 2025

T.J. Power, a neuroscientist and author of "The Dose Effect," dives into the impact of modern technology on brain chemistry. He addresses how frequent phone use can harm mental well-being more than substances like alcohol. The conversation reframes ADHD as a potential superpower when channeled properly and discusses the importance of balancing dopamine levels for better mood and focus. T.J. shares strategies for tackling distractions, enhancing life satisfaction, and the profound effects of spirituality on mental health.

01:04:54

Creator website

Episode guests

T.J. Power

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The excessive use of technology leads to dopamine dysfunction, causing significant distractions and impairing our ability to experience genuine joy.

Reframing ADHD as an 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Ability' allows individuals with ADHD to channel their energy into their passions for exceptional performance.

Establishing structured boundaries around technology use and promoting social connections are essential for enhancing mental health and overall well-being.

Deep dives

The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Brain Chemistry

Modern activities, particularly the use of social media, have significant effects on brain chemistry, resembling addictive behaviors. Engaging in quick dopamine-releasing activities leaves individuals feeling numb to genuine pleasures in life, creating a cycle of dependency. Neuroscientist T.J. Power emphasizes that our brains, evolved over thousands of years, are not equipped to handle the rapid-fire dopamine hits from social media, resulting in increased distraction and a lack of focus. This disconnection highlights the importance of understanding and managing our digital consumption to maintain mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Intro

4min

Navigating ADHD: Challenges and Strengths

14min

Navigating Dopamine: The Impact of Quick and Slow Rewards on Mental Health

5min

Breaking the Dopamine Cycle

11min

Dopamine, Media, and Attention

5min

Dopamine Management for Life Satisfaction

11min

Navigating the Pressures of Success and Mental Well-Being

4min

Neuroscience of Faith and Mental Health

10min

Harnessing Dopamine: Strategies for Better Mood and Growth

2min

10.

The Three Truths for a Meaningful Life

2min

11.

The Path to Greatness Through Discipline and Financial Freedom

4min

I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!

Get my new book Make Money Easy here!

Prepare to completely rethink your relationship with technology as neuroscientist TJ Power reveals the shocking truth about what's happening to our brains in the digital age. Drawing from his groundbreaking research and personal struggle with addiction, TJ explains how our modern environment is creating an epidemic of dopamine dysfunction that's sabotaging our ability to focus, feel joy, and connect meaningfully with others. The conversation explores the fascinating evolutionary mismatch between our hunter-gatherer brains and our modern digital environment, with TJ offering a compelling reframe of ADHD as a potential superpower when properly channeled. Whether you're fighting distractions, battling mood swings, or simply feeling numb despite constant stimulation, this episode delivers practical, science-backed strategies to reclaim your focus, energy, and capacity for genuine happiness through what TJ calls "The Dose Effect" – a revolutionary approach to balancing your brain's essential neurochemicals.

Buy TJ’s Book The Dose Effect

In this episode you will learn:

Why constantly checking your phone (140-170 times daily for most people) is more damaging to your brain than alcohol or other addictions
The counterintuitive reason people with ADHD often become exceptional performers when they find their passion
How implementing strategic "phone fasts" and scheduled social media times can dramatically improve your mood and focus
Why "quick dopamine" activities like scrolling and porn create numbness while "slow dopamine" activities create fulfillment
The essential morning routine practice that ancient hunter-gatherers naturally did that modern humans desperately need
How pursuing oxytocin (connection) rather than dopamine (pleasure) leads to deeper life satisfaction and meaning
Why disciplined boundaries around technology actually create greater freedom rather than restriction

For more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1741

For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960

More SOG episodes we think you’ll love:

Dr. Caroline Leaf – greatness.lnk.to/1079SC

Dr. Charan Ranganath – greatness.lnk.to/1632SC

Dr. Andrew Huberman – greatness.lnk.to/1072SC

Get more from Lewis!

Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!

Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on Spotify

Text Lewis AI

YouTube

Instagram