Loretta Breuning: The Biology vs. Politics of Unhappiness | Episode 66

Brain Shaman

Loretta Breuning returns, with her new book - Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics. In this episode, we discuss that book - debunking various myths about happiness and teaching you how to surf the continuous waves of unhappiness. Take back control over your brain by taking small repeated steps toward goals that fulfill your biological and existential needs. Stop waiting for, chasing, or expecting a constant high. That is the recipe for a life of cortisol, disappointment, and disaster.
Your mind is not broken. Society is not broken. It's time to see through the lies of "Science" and politics and embrace the dark yet navigable realities of human biology. Yes, you are unhappy. And that's okay. We are biologically wired to be unhappy. That's simply part of the package of being a big-brained mammal. But with Loretta's new book and this conversation, you can begin to change your expectations, beliefs, and actions, thereby smoothing out your ride down the rocky roads of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and cortisol.
We also discuss: Loretta's trip to Japan (our fun hangout together!), her childhood circuits, mindfulness & meditation, Stoicism, eating behavior, habit change, dating & relationships, connection vs. independence, academia, "happy" countries, naked Tahitian girls, cocky poodles, and your inner fish and reptile.
**CONNECT WITH LORETTA BREUNING**
website: innermammalinstitute.org
RESOURCES
BOOKS
- I, Mammal by Loretta Breuning
- Status Games by Loretta Breuning
- The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn
- Why You're Unhappy by Loretta Breuning
- Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin
DOCUMENTARIES
- Chimp Empire
- My Octopus Teacher
PEOPLE
- Flint the Chimp (*personhood status questionable)
- James Altucher
- Jane Goodall
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Joe Rogan
- Max Planck (he's the one who said, "Science proceeds one funeral at a time.")
- Thomas Kuhn
**Learn more or connect**
website: innermammalinstitute.org
(scroll to the bottom of the page for your FREE '5-Day Happy Chemical Jumpstart')
course: innermammalinstitute.org/course (use discount code HAPPY20 for 20% off)
podcast: The Happy Brain
(her interview with me: 'Learning a Foreign Language' (Oct 2023))