570 WSYR "YOUR HEALTH MATTERS" Ep #20: Michael E. Long | The Many Roles of Dopamine / Addiction

Karl Sterling Podcast

This show aired 6/2/24 on the News Radio 570 WSYR, YOUR HEALTH MATTERS radio show with host, Karl Sterling. "The Molecule of More" by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long explores the powerful role of dopamine in shaping human behavior and experience. The book delves into how this neurotransmitter drives our desires, ambitions, and emotions, affecting everything from our love lives and creative pursuits to our addictions and mental health. In this interview, Michael E. Long explains that dopamine is responsible for the pleasure we feel from new experiences and the motivation to pursue future rewards. They categorize its influence into two main areas: the “desire circuit,” which motivates us to seek out new things, and the “control circuit,” which helps us manage our resources to achieve long-term goals. Throughout the interview, Long illustrates several points with examples from everyday life and scientific studies, demonstrating how dopamine can lead to both positive outcomes, like innovation and progress, and negative consequences, such as addiction and destructive behavior. He also discusses ways in which understanding dopamine’s effects can help us make better choices and improve our lives. Overall, "The Molecule of More" provides a comprehensive look at the chemical that plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, actions, and overall well-being. http://www.karlsterling.com