February 19, 2025 • 17 mins
In this eye-opening episode 25 of The Hood Debutante podcast, host London Bambi dives deep into the seven major forms of artificial fulfillment that are hijacking our minds, bodies, and lives. From porn as artificial intimacy to social media as artificial connection, this episode breaks down how these quick dopamine hits trick us into trading real joy, nourishment, and relationships for temporary highs. Packed with hard-hitting facts, thought-provoking insights, and raw truths, this episode challenges listeners to break free from the cycle of cheap dopamine and reclaim what’s real. Tune in, get uncomfortable, and start living authentically.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:13):
Let's roll up, it's a new high.
Good laughs and some good vibes.
.999It's a safe space to talk about all the dope things that's on our mind.
From world travel to philosophies.
.999We stay stylish, come and rock with me.
.999It's a good time, we got the sauce to make champagne, which is reality.
.999We do it for the culture. 8 00:00:29,939.999 --> 00:00:31,99.999 Gotta show them what we can be. 9 00:00:31,899.999 --> 00:00:32,579.999 This is the high life.
Yeah, we also fancy.
(00:35):
Keep it a G cause we are family.
It's the hood debutante.
We're London Bambi. 14 00:00:41,210.1 --> 00:00:46,169.999 I'm the hood debutante. 15 00:00:51,389.999 --> 00:01:11,070 Yo, what's up rock stars? Welcome to another episode of the hood debutante podcast with Me, your host, and today's episode is episode 25, and it is titled the high cost of artificial living.
(01:11):
And today we are talking about something that's real, something that's pulling a lot of people into a cycle of emptiness without them even realizing it.
.999We're breaking down artificial living the way we've been tricked into replacing real authentic experiences with cheap substitutes. 18 00:01:26,939.999 --> 00:01:27,609.999 Think about it.
Porn instead of intimacy, alcohol instead of real joy, junk food instead of nourishment, drugs instead of bliss, smoking instead of actual comms, celebrities instead of genuine role models, and social media instead of real connections. 20 00:01:42,819.999 --> 00:01:45,289.9 Now, this isn't just about calling these things out.
(01:45):
It's about reclaiming what's real and refusing to settle for a life built on hollow highs and temporary escapes.
If you've ever felt something is missing like no matter what you do you can't seem to truly seem to truly feel fulfilled, this episode I think is for you.
So, you know, like really tune in.
Okay.
(02:05):
So we're going to get into it.
Now, before I break this down, I want to get one thing straight.
This isn't about demonizing every single thing on this list.
.999So I don't want you to feel like I'm coming at you because I participated in some of these things like, you know, the alcohol and the social media part, but it is about recognizing how they control us, how they keep us from experiencing real fulfillment.
(02:26):
.999Because the truth is artificial pleasures are designed to be addictive.
They give us the feeling of satisfaction without actually satisfying anything.
They're placeholders.
They're substitutes.
Illusions.
.999And like any illusion, the moment you step back and see it for what it is, you realize it was never real to begin with.
Let's start with intimacy, or better yet, the illusion of intimacy.
(02:48):
Porn.
Porn is one of the biggest lies ever sold to humanity.
It presents itself as entertainment, as something harmless, as something natural, but what it really is is artificial intimacy.
It's performance.
It's designed to trick your brain into thinking you're experiencing something real when in reality you're consuming a product that is engineered to hijack your mind and your body.
(03:11):
Let's talk about what porn Actually does to you when you watch porn, your brain releases huge amounts of dopamine, way more than you would give from normal sexual experiences.
And here's the problem.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, learning, and pleasure.
When you flood your brain with it, you desensitize yourself.
(03:31):
That means over time you start needing more extreme, more graphic, and more unrealistic content just to feel the same level of excitement.
And the worst part, it numbs you to real intimacy.
You start struggling with attraction to real partners.
You struggle with performance.
.999And in the long run, porn actually increases loneliness instead of solving it.
(03:52):
.999Here's a fact for you. 51 00:03:54,254.999 --> 00:03:59,955 Studies have shown that porn addiction affects the brain in the same way that drug addiction does.
One study found that the brain scan of a heavy porn user looked almost identical to those of drug addicts.
Literally rewired for compulsion consumption and get this men who consume high amounts of porn are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
(04:20):
.999Porn is a business y'all, and a business don't care about your well being. 55 00:04:24,379.999 --> 00:04:30,340 They care about keeping you hooked because every click, every subscription, every view is money in their pocket.
So what do they do? They push more extreme content.
Younger looking actors and more aggression and they convince you that this is normal and this is how real intimacy look But real intimacy isn't something you can download it is built.
(04:45):
It takes connection Vulnerability effort and if you trade that for instant highs of porn you are sacrificing something priceless for something temporary alright, the next one I'm going to talk about is something I kind of dibble and dabble in with my friends every now and then.
But I don't let it control my life.
But I have to put it on the list if I'm going to be real.
(05:07):
And that is alcohol. 62 00:05:09,239.999 --> 00:05:13,020 This is one of the most socially accepted forms of artificial joys.
We're taught that drinking is fun, that it helps you loosen up, that it's just a normal part of socializing.
But what we really don't talk about is how alcohol is literally a depressant. 65 00:05:22,899.999 --> 00:05:24,460 It numbs your nervous system.
It doesn't create joy. 67 00:05:25,939.999 --> 00:05:29,769.999 It chemically suppresses your inhibition so you feel like you're having fun. 68 00:05:30,59.999 --> 00:05:31,204.9 But that's not.
(05:31):
The same thing.
Here's some little, little science.
Okay.
Alcohol temporarily increases dopamine in a brain, which makes you feel good.
.999But then what happens? Your brain has to compensate.
.999So after that, how have your dopamine level crashes, which we've all had that. 75 00:05:49,274.999 --> 00:05:59,625 What happens after that? And what does that lead to? Well, in some cases, it could lead to more drinking to chase that feeling, or worse, a dependency on alcohol to feel normal.
(05:59):
And this is how, some alcoholics are made.
.999The statistics don't lie. 78 00:06:04,434.999 --> 00:06:11,445 In the United States alone, excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140, 000 deaths per year.
That's more than drug overdoses.
That's more than gun violence.
And yet, we glamorize it.
We make it a lifestyle.
Real joy isn't found in a bottle, it's found in presence, in creativity, in love, in purpose, but we live in a culture that pushes artificial joy because if you were actually fulfilled, you wouldn't need the products that's being sold.
(06:33):
Okay, so let's just move on to junk food or aka artificial nourishment.
.9995So we're eating, but we're starving guys. 86 00:06:42,149.9995 --> 00:06:44,020 Junk food is artificial nourishment.
It looks like food. 88 00:06:45,269.999 --> 00:06:47,950 It tastes like food, but it does not fuel your body.
.999It poisons it.
And that is not an exaggeration.
.999This is something I learned when I really found out how Europe don't have half the ingredients in a food that we allow here in America, fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks are designed for addiction.
(07:03):
The combination of sugar, salt, and fat hijacks your taste bud and your brain chemistry, making you crave more by giving you almost zero neutral value.
And what is the result? Obesity, heart disease, move disorders.
The U S has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.
That is 42 percent of American adults are obese.
(07:27):
.999And it is not just about looks.
It's about health. 98 00:07:30,984.999 --> 00:07:32,454.999 These food don't nourish you.
They keep you hooked.
Real nourishment isn't about eating until you're full.
.999It's about eating in a way that fuels your body, sharpens your mind, and sustains your energy, but that's not profitable for the food industry.
So they're going to sell you chemicals and they call it food. 103 00:07:47,614.999 --> 00:08:00,815.001 And again, I, I've learned a lot of this while finding out if you Google, um, Europe and the rest of the world, they don't allow half of the ingredients in their food that we allow here in America.
(08:00):
And I forget what it is. 105 00:08:02,475.001 --> 00:08:03,505 The red color.
.002I don't want to. 107 00:08:05,460.001 --> 00:08:09,520.001 Give you guys the wrong, the wrong ingredients. 108 00:08:09,540.001 --> 00:08:12,640.001 But I believe it's like red color dye 42. 109 00:08:12,990.001 --> 00:08:17,70.001 I mean, I could take time to Google it right now, but I'm, I'm, I'm too lazy. 110 00:08:17,100.001 --> 00:08:25,610.001 And I'm doing this podcast actually a little bit last minute, but they just banned a red dye in our food that was used. 111 00:08:25,690.001 --> 00:08:32,120.001 And Skittles, it was used, I believe, in like some of the Starbursts, like some of the candy that we eat here. 112 00:08:32,120.001 --> 00:08:33,210.001 So think about that. 113 00:08:33,210.001 --> 00:08:39,970 Why are we banning that? Alright, so I'm gonna move on again because I don't want to linger and I would digress easily. 114 00:08:40,380.001 --> 00:08:46,250.001 Next, let's move on to drugs, okay? Artificial bliss. 115 00:08:46,270.001 --> 00:08:50,230.001 Now, whether it's hard drugs, prescription pills, or even weed. 116 00:08:50,240.001 --> 00:08:54,40.001 Yes, weed, because we know I like a, we know I like a joint every now and then.
(08:54):
Drugs are artificial bliss. 118 00:08:55,950.001 --> 00:09:06,210.001 They give you an escape, a moment of euphoria, but at what cost? Every high has a crash, and over time, your body starts needing more just to feel normal. 119 00:09:07,480.001 --> 00:09:12,260 Opioids alone killed over 80, 000 people per year in the U. 120 00:09:12,260.001 --> 00:09:12,550.001 S. 121 00:09:12,720.001 --> 00:09:15,490.001 And even weed, sometimes people saw as harmless. 122 00:09:15,735.001 --> 00:09:23,275.001 Has been linked to increased anxiety, paranoia, memory loss, and over time, this like, just gets worse. 123 00:09:23,525.001 --> 00:09:30,655.001 We chase artificial bliss, but because real peace requires work, it requires healing, we don't want to do it.
(09:31):
No company is making billions off of you meditating. 125 00:09:34,460.001 --> 00:09:42,200.001 I would say few companies, okay, is making billions off you meditating or going to therapy, but I will say give it a try. 126 00:09:42,230.001 --> 00:09:43,90.001 I do both.
.001Okay, I, I, I meditate a lot. 128 00:09:45,890.001 --> 00:09:49,710.001 I check in with myself and I try to stay balanced. 129 00:09:49,720.001 --> 00:09:53,580.001 So again, I talked about this in a few other episodes. 130 00:09:53,580.001 --> 00:09:55,160.001 If you find yourself struggling. 131 00:09:55,815.001 --> 00:10:00,205.001 Please try to substitute it for something a little bit more healthier.. 132 00:10:00,895.001 --> 00:10:02,695.001 So we're gonna move right on to smoking. 133 00:10:02,775.001 --> 00:10:04,555.001 Or what I call artificial calm. 134 00:10:04,785.001 --> 00:10:06,835.001 Now look, nicotine doesn't calm you. 135 00:10:06,985.001 --> 00:10:10,305.001 It just stops the withdrawal symptoms it created in the first place. 136 00:10:10,565.001 --> 00:10:13,794.999 Smoking and vaping It's a billion dollar industry.
(10:14):
It's built on addiction.
The biggest lie is that it relieves stress.
A study shows that smokers have higher anxiety than non smokers.
So what are you really calming? I mean, I can tell you.
You're calming the craving that they manufactured in you, all right, and that's plain and simple.
Now I'm not going to go into detail on smoking because I don't think a lot of people smoke here in America, but there's still a few that I feel need to hear this.
(10:38):
.999So we're going to move right on to celebrities or aka artificial role models.
We idolize people we don't even know, all right? Celebrities aren't real role models.
If you notice, I don't really talk about celebrities on my podcast.
It's because, first of all, it's because I think you need to be focused on yourself and you should be your own best friend.
(10:59):
That's what my podcast is geared towards, like, discovering new things in the world and you building yourself. 148 00:11:04,560.1 --> 00:11:07,280 So I don't believe you should be really looking up to somebody.
Unless they're like healthy role models, like, you know, Michelle Obama, right? But you know, I don't think like, like celebrities aren't real role models.
.999They're brands.
They are manufactured to sell you an image, a lifestyle, and a product.
(11:23):
But behind the scenes, I can promise you they're struggling just like the rest of us.
Why put your energy into idolizing a stranger when you could be building your own life? And that's something I seriously want you guys to Think about, okay, now we're going to move straight on to the other one.
Another one that I, I participate in.
Most of us participate in, and I'm kind of participating in it now with my podcast and that is social media.
(11:45):
.001Now I want you to look up the word, um, parasocial relationship. 157 00:11:50,95.001 --> 00:11:58,475 And if you don't know what that is, that's pretty much a one sided relationship where most people who idolize these influencers or people online. 158 00:11:58,830.001 --> 00:12:06,170.001 They have a feeling for them, but it's a one sided feeling because most of the time the person on the other end don't even know who they are. 159 00:12:07,50.001 --> 00:12:11,730.001 Social media convinces us we're connected while making us lonelier than ever. 160 00:12:12,30.001 --> 00:12:17,720.001 The dopamine hits from likes, comments, it tricks your brain into thinking you have real relationships. 161 00:12:17,990.001 --> 00:12:31,485.001 But studies have shown that excessive social media use increases depression, anxiety, and you'll probably be asking like, Why? Why? How is this? It's because connection requires depth, effort, and presence. 162 00:12:31,715.001 --> 00:12:32,765.001 Not just scrolling. 163 00:12:32,775.001 --> 00:12:36,585.001 You can get real connections just by scrolling, liking, and commenting. 164 00:12:36,895.001 --> 00:12:45,295 So it's really important that, yeah, um, you could participate in social media, but step outside of that and touch some grass. 165 00:12:45,455.001 --> 00:12:54,295.001 Cultivate real relationships and make sure you are staying present with those people whom are in your life right now that you can reach out and touch. 166 00:12:54,755.001 --> 00:13:05,85.001 Now, I feel like these last few podcasts I've been pointing out, like, issues or problems with society, but I also want to share solutions with you guys.
(13:05):
So that's what I try to do.
.001I'm not the type of person that just again, want to talk about these are the problems I see with society. 169 00:13:10,405.001 --> 00:13:11,815.001 This is the problem with you. 170 00:13:12,95.001 --> 00:13:15,815.001 No, I also want to jump into, okay, this is how I believe. 171 00:13:15,980.001 --> 00:13:27,500.001 We can solve these or if you find yourself falling into any of the things I'm talking about like any of these addictions Um, this is how you can touch grass to say the least. 172 00:13:27,560.001 --> 00:13:37,875.001 All right now So what do you do? How do we break free from the cycle of artificial living is what i'm trying to say So first I want you to recognize the illusion. 173 00:13:38,145.001 --> 00:13:39,975.001 The first step is awareness. 174 00:13:40,15.001 --> 00:13:41,755.001 You can't change what you don't acknowledge. 175 00:13:41,845.001 --> 00:13:45,905.001 Pay attention to the things that you use as replacement for real experience.
(13:46):
.001Be honest with yourself.
.001Ask yourself why can't, why you reach for certain vices? What are they covering up? What are you afraid to face? The moment you recognize these things are distractions, you start reclaiming your power. 178 00:14:02,95.001 --> 00:14:04,815.001 Two, I want you to start prioritizing the real.
.001Start choosing what's authentic over what's convenient. 180 00:14:08,265.001 --> 00:14:12,505.001 Real intimacy, real joy, real nourishment, real connections. 181 00:14:12,905.001 --> 00:14:16,355.001 None of these things are instant, but they are deeply fulfilling. 182 00:14:16,565.001 --> 00:14:19,24.901 They require effort, but they're worth it. 183 00:14:19,25.001 --> 00:14:24,175.001 The best thing in life comes from investment, from showing up for yourself, for others. 184 00:14:24,540.001 --> 00:14:30,640.001 Start valuing depth over ease and watch how much more alive you start to feel. 185 00:14:31,370.001 --> 00:14:31,970.001 3. 186 00:14:32,130.001 --> 00:14:34,180.001 Detach from these addictions. 187 00:14:34,660.001 --> 00:14:39,110.001 Whether it's social media, alcohol, junk food, or any other artificial replacements. 188 00:14:39,330.001 --> 00:14:40,390.001 Start cutting back. 189 00:14:40,450.001 --> 00:14:43,690.001 Observe how your mind reacts when you don't reach for these things.
(14:44):
.001What are you avoiding? What do you really need? It's not about quitting everything cold turkey. 191 00:14:49,610.001 --> 00:14:51,090 It's about regaining control.
.001It's about making sure these things don't own you. 193 00:14:53,700.001 --> 00:15:00,340.001 Because when something starts to own you, it controls your decision, your time, your energy, and that's not freedom. 194 00:15:01,580.001 --> 00:15:02,160.001 4. 195 00:15:02,600.001 --> 00:15:05,10.001 Cultivate inner fulfillment. 196 00:15:05,370.001 --> 00:15:12,610 The strongest, most powerful thing you can do is create a life where you don't need external distractions to feel whole. 197 00:15:12,640.001 --> 00:15:15,820.001 I want you to let that sink in meditate guys.
(15:15):
.001I know I talk about it a lot, but it really works create. 199 00:15:19,465.001 --> 00:15:20,475.001 I love creating. 200 00:15:20,725.001 --> 00:15:21,315.001 Try it. 201 00:15:21,315.001 --> 00:15:25,165.001 You may not think you're a creative person, but trust me, I believe we all are. 202 00:15:25,865.001 --> 00:15:26,995.001 Move your body. 203 00:15:27,75.001 --> 00:15:30,25.001 Spend some time with people who enrich your life. 204 00:15:30,75.001 --> 00:15:31,365.001 Build something real. 205 00:15:31,395.001 --> 00:15:33,475.001 Develop hobbies that bring you joy. 206 00:15:33,485.001 --> 00:15:36,75.001 You know, try to learn a new language or a new skill. 207 00:15:36,655.001 --> 00:15:38,365.001 Not just fleeting pleasure. 208 00:15:38,895.001 --> 00:15:41,545.001 Take care of your mental and emotional health. 209 00:15:41,575.001 --> 00:15:43,805.001 Real fulfillment comes from within. 210 00:15:43,855.001 --> 00:15:50,505.001 And when you stop outsourcing your happiness, you start, you, you will become unshakable.
(15:50):
Trust me. 212 00:15:52,365.001 --> 00:15:52,935.001 Five. 213 00:15:52,945.001 --> 00:15:53,905.001 And it's going to be the last one.
.001Redefine success and happiness.
.001I think a lot of you guys need to do this. 216 00:15:59,505.001 --> 00:16:02,655.001 Stop letting society dictates what fulfillment looks like. 217 00:16:02,665.001 --> 00:16:06,455.001 It's not about money, it's not about status, how many followers you have. 218 00:16:06,475.001 --> 00:16:09,185.001 It's about waking up and feeling at peace with yourself. 219 00:16:09,215.001 --> 00:16:12,165.001 It's about knowing you're living in alignment with your values. 220 00:16:12,435.001 --> 00:16:13,675 That's the real flex. 221 00:16:13,895.001 --> 00:16:15,95.001 That's the real success. 222 00:16:15,105.001 --> 00:16:21,445.001 When you start defining happiness on your own terms, you free yourself from the endless cycle of chasing artificial highs. 223 00:16:21,990.001 --> 00:16:25,710.001 Trust me, alright? Again, I don't want this to get too long. 224 00:16:25,970.001 --> 00:16:33,100.001 So, Rockstars, I want to just say before I close out is we have to stop sacrificing the real for the fake. 225 00:16:33,460.001 --> 00:16:39,10.001 The real wants to keep us numb, distracted, and addicted because it makes us easier to control. 226 00:16:39,260.001 --> 00:16:41,110.001 But we're not here to be controlled. 227 00:16:41,120.001 --> 00:16:42,410.001 We're here to be free. 228 00:16:42,700.001 --> 00:16:43,900.001 Chase what's real. 229 00:16:44,80.001 --> 00:16:45,490.001 Chase what's sustain you. 230 00:16:45,730.001 --> 00:16:49,920.001 Don't settle for cheap dopamine when you can be building something authentic. 231 00:16:50,150.001 --> 00:16:51,570.001 You deserve more. 232 00:16:52,100.001 --> 00:16:54,70.001 Alright guys, that is it. 233 00:16:54,80.001 --> 00:16:57,30.001 Again, thank you for listening to me. 234 00:16:57,100.001 --> 00:16:59,620.001 You know, thank you for giving me the space to talk. 235 00:16:59,660.001 --> 00:17:01,170.001 Thanks for being here. 236 00:17:01,810.001 --> 00:17:04,380.001 I will see you next Wednesday. 237 00:17:04,490.001 --> 00:17:06,870 And yeah, until next time.
(17:06):
.001Keep it real.
Stay powerful.
.001And remember, you are the creator of your own reality. 241 00:17:13,670.001 --> 00:17:15,420.001 This is The Hood debutante. 242 00:17:15,840.001 --> 00:17:18,760 I'm London Bambi and I'm signing off. 243 00:17:18,840.001 --> 00:17:19,950.001 Love you guys. 244 00:17:20,285.001 --> 00:17:20,975.001 Peace.
Let's roll up, it's a new high.
Good laughs and some good vibes.
.999It's a safe space to talk about all the dope things that's on our mind.
From world travel to philosophies.
.999We stay stylish, come and rock with me.
.999It's a good time, we got the sauce to make champagne, which is reality.
.999We do it for the culture. 8 00:00:29,939.999 --> 00:00:31,99.999 Gotta show them what we can be. 9 00:00:31,899.999 --> 00:00:32,579.999 This is the high life.
Yeah, we also fancy.
(00:35):
Keep it a G cause we are family.
It's the hood debutante.
We're London Bambi. 14 00:00:41,210.1 --> 00:00:46,169.999 I'm the hood debutante. 15 00:00:51,389.999 --> 00:01:11,070 Yo, what's up rock stars? Welcome to another episode of the hood debutante podcast with Me, your host, and today's episode is episode 25, and it is titled the high cost of artificial living.
(01:11):
And today we are talking about something that's real, something that's pulling a lot of people into a cycle of emptiness without them even realizing it.
.999We're breaking down artificial living the way we've been tricked into replacing real authentic experiences with cheap substitutes. 18 00:01:26,939.999 --> 00:01:27,609.999 Think about it.
Porn instead of intimacy, alcohol instead of real joy, junk food instead of nourishment, drugs instead of bliss, smoking instead of actual comms, celebrities instead of genuine role models, and social media instead of real connections. 20 00:01:42,819.999 --> 00:01:45,289.9 Now, this isn't just about calling these things out.
(01:45):
It's about reclaiming what's real and refusing to settle for a life built on hollow highs and temporary escapes.
If you've ever felt something is missing like no matter what you do you can't seem to truly seem to truly feel fulfilled, this episode I think is for you.
So, you know, like really tune in.
Okay.
(02:05):
So we're going to get into it.
Now, before I break this down, I want to get one thing straight.
This isn't about demonizing every single thing on this list.
.999So I don't want you to feel like I'm coming at you because I participated in some of these things like, you know, the alcohol and the social media part, but it is about recognizing how they control us, how they keep us from experiencing real fulfillment.
(02:26):
.999Because the truth is artificial pleasures are designed to be addictive.
They give us the feeling of satisfaction without actually satisfying anything.
They're placeholders.
They're substitutes.
Illusions.
.999And like any illusion, the moment you step back and see it for what it is, you realize it was never real to begin with.
Let's start with intimacy, or better yet, the illusion of intimacy.
(02:48):
Porn.
Porn is one of the biggest lies ever sold to humanity.
It presents itself as entertainment, as something harmless, as something natural, but what it really is is artificial intimacy.
It's performance.
It's designed to trick your brain into thinking you're experiencing something real when in reality you're consuming a product that is engineered to hijack your mind and your body.
(03:11):
Let's talk about what porn Actually does to you when you watch porn, your brain releases huge amounts of dopamine, way more than you would give from normal sexual experiences.
And here's the problem.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, learning, and pleasure.
When you flood your brain with it, you desensitize yourself.
(03:31):
That means over time you start needing more extreme, more graphic, and more unrealistic content just to feel the same level of excitement.
And the worst part, it numbs you to real intimacy.
You start struggling with attraction to real partners.
You struggle with performance.
.999And in the long run, porn actually increases loneliness instead of solving it.
(03:52):
.999Here's a fact for you. 51 00:03:54,254.999 --> 00:03:59,955 Studies have shown that porn addiction affects the brain in the same way that drug addiction does.
One study found that the brain scan of a heavy porn user looked almost identical to those of drug addicts.
Literally rewired for compulsion consumption and get this men who consume high amounts of porn are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
(04:20):
.999Porn is a business y'all, and a business don't care about your well being. 55 00:04:24,379.999 --> 00:04:30,340 They care about keeping you hooked because every click, every subscription, every view is money in their pocket.
So what do they do? They push more extreme content.
Younger looking actors and more aggression and they convince you that this is normal and this is how real intimacy look But real intimacy isn't something you can download it is built.
(04:45):
It takes connection Vulnerability effort and if you trade that for instant highs of porn you are sacrificing something priceless for something temporary alright, the next one I'm going to talk about is something I kind of dibble and dabble in with my friends every now and then.
But I don't let it control my life.
But I have to put it on the list if I'm going to be real.
(05:07):
And that is alcohol. 62 00:05:09,239.999 --> 00:05:13,020 This is one of the most socially accepted forms of artificial joys.
We're taught that drinking is fun, that it helps you loosen up, that it's just a normal part of socializing.
But what we really don't talk about is how alcohol is literally a depressant. 65 00:05:22,899.999 --> 00:05:24,460 It numbs your nervous system.
It doesn't create joy. 67 00:05:25,939.999 --> 00:05:29,769.999 It chemically suppresses your inhibition so you feel like you're having fun. 68 00:05:30,59.999 --> 00:05:31,204.9 But that's not.
(05:31):
The same thing.
Here's some little, little science.
Okay.
Alcohol temporarily increases dopamine in a brain, which makes you feel good.
.999But then what happens? Your brain has to compensate.
.999So after that, how have your dopamine level crashes, which we've all had that. 75 00:05:49,274.999 --> 00:05:59,625 What happens after that? And what does that lead to? Well, in some cases, it could lead to more drinking to chase that feeling, or worse, a dependency on alcohol to feel normal.
(05:59):
And this is how, some alcoholics are made.
.999The statistics don't lie. 78 00:06:04,434.999 --> 00:06:11,445 In the United States alone, excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 140, 000 deaths per year.
That's more than drug overdoses.
That's more than gun violence.
And yet, we glamorize it.
We make it a lifestyle.
Real joy isn't found in a bottle, it's found in presence, in creativity, in love, in purpose, but we live in a culture that pushes artificial joy because if you were actually fulfilled, you wouldn't need the products that's being sold.
(06:33):
Okay, so let's just move on to junk food or aka artificial nourishment.
.9995So we're eating, but we're starving guys. 86 00:06:42,149.9995 --> 00:06:44,020 Junk food is artificial nourishment.
It looks like food. 88 00:06:45,269.999 --> 00:06:47,950 It tastes like food, but it does not fuel your body.
.999It poisons it.
And that is not an exaggeration.
.999This is something I learned when I really found out how Europe don't have half the ingredients in a food that we allow here in America, fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks are designed for addiction.
(07:03):
The combination of sugar, salt, and fat hijacks your taste bud and your brain chemistry, making you crave more by giving you almost zero neutral value.
And what is the result? Obesity, heart disease, move disorders.
The U S has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.
That is 42 percent of American adults are obese.
(07:27):
.999And it is not just about looks.
It's about health. 98 00:07:30,984.999 --> 00:07:32,454.999 These food don't nourish you.
They keep you hooked.
Real nourishment isn't about eating until you're full.
.999It's about eating in a way that fuels your body, sharpens your mind, and sustains your energy, but that's not profitable for the food industry.
So they're going to sell you chemicals and they call it food. 103 00:07:47,614.999 --> 00:08:00,815.001 And again, I, I've learned a lot of this while finding out if you Google, um, Europe and the rest of the world, they don't allow half of the ingredients in their food that we allow here in America.
(08:00):
And I forget what it is. 105 00:08:02,475.001 --> 00:08:03,505 The red color.
.002I don't want to. 107 00:08:05,460.001 --> 00:08:09,520.001 Give you guys the wrong, the wrong ingredients. 108 00:08:09,540.001 --> 00:08:12,640.001 But I believe it's like red color dye 42. 109 00:08:12,990.001 --> 00:08:17,70.001 I mean, I could take time to Google it right now, but I'm, I'm, I'm too lazy. 110 00:08:17,100.001 --> 00:08:25,610.001 And I'm doing this podcast actually a little bit last minute, but they just banned a red dye in our food that was used. 111 00:08:25,690.001 --> 00:08:32,120.001 And Skittles, it was used, I believe, in like some of the Starbursts, like some of the candy that we eat here. 112 00:08:32,120.001 --> 00:08:33,210.001 So think about that. 113 00:08:33,210.001 --> 00:08:39,970 Why are we banning that? Alright, so I'm gonna move on again because I don't want to linger and I would digress easily. 114 00:08:40,380.001 --> 00:08:46,250.001 Next, let's move on to drugs, okay? Artificial bliss. 115 00:08:46,270.001 --> 00:08:50,230.001 Now, whether it's hard drugs, prescription pills, or even weed. 116 00:08:50,240.001 --> 00:08:54,40.001 Yes, weed, because we know I like a, we know I like a joint every now and then.
(08:54):
Drugs are artificial bliss. 118 00:08:55,950.001 --> 00:09:06,210.001 They give you an escape, a moment of euphoria, but at what cost? Every high has a crash, and over time, your body starts needing more just to feel normal. 119 00:09:07,480.001 --> 00:09:12,260 Opioids alone killed over 80, 000 people per year in the U. 120 00:09:12,260.001 --> 00:09:12,550.001 S. 121 00:09:12,720.001 --> 00:09:15,490.001 And even weed, sometimes people saw as harmless. 122 00:09:15,735.001 --> 00:09:23,275.001 Has been linked to increased anxiety, paranoia, memory loss, and over time, this like, just gets worse. 123 00:09:23,525.001 --> 00:09:30,655.001 We chase artificial bliss, but because real peace requires work, it requires healing, we don't want to do it.
(09:31):
No company is making billions off of you meditating. 125 00:09:34,460.001 --> 00:09:42,200.001 I would say few companies, okay, is making billions off you meditating or going to therapy, but I will say give it a try. 126 00:09:42,230.001 --> 00:09:43,90.001 I do both.
.001Okay, I, I, I meditate a lot. 128 00:09:45,890.001 --> 00:09:49,710.001 I check in with myself and I try to stay balanced. 129 00:09:49,720.001 --> 00:09:53,580.001 So again, I talked about this in a few other episodes. 130 00:09:53,580.001 --> 00:09:55,160.001 If you find yourself struggling. 131 00:09:55,815.001 --> 00:10:00,205.001 Please try to substitute it for something a little bit more healthier.. 132 00:10:00,895.001 --> 00:10:02,695.001 So we're gonna move right on to smoking. 133 00:10:02,775.001 --> 00:10:04,555.001 Or what I call artificial calm. 134 00:10:04,785.001 --> 00:10:06,835.001 Now look, nicotine doesn't calm you. 135 00:10:06,985.001 --> 00:10:10,305.001 It just stops the withdrawal symptoms it created in the first place. 136 00:10:10,565.001 --> 00:10:13,794.999 Smoking and vaping It's a billion dollar industry.
(10:14):
It's built on addiction.
The biggest lie is that it relieves stress.
A study shows that smokers have higher anxiety than non smokers.
So what are you really calming? I mean, I can tell you.
You're calming the craving that they manufactured in you, all right, and that's plain and simple.
Now I'm not going to go into detail on smoking because I don't think a lot of people smoke here in America, but there's still a few that I feel need to hear this.
(10:38):
.999So we're going to move right on to celebrities or aka artificial role models.
We idolize people we don't even know, all right? Celebrities aren't real role models.
If you notice, I don't really talk about celebrities on my podcast.
It's because, first of all, it's because I think you need to be focused on yourself and you should be your own best friend.
(10:59):
That's what my podcast is geared towards, like, discovering new things in the world and you building yourself. 148 00:11:04,560.1 --> 00:11:07,280 So I don't believe you should be really looking up to somebody.
Unless they're like healthy role models, like, you know, Michelle Obama, right? But you know, I don't think like, like celebrities aren't real role models.
.999They're brands.
They are manufactured to sell you an image, a lifestyle, and a product.
(11:23):
But behind the scenes, I can promise you they're struggling just like the rest of us.
Why put your energy into idolizing a stranger when you could be building your own life? And that's something I seriously want you guys to Think about, okay, now we're going to move straight on to the other one.
Another one that I, I participate in.
Most of us participate in, and I'm kind of participating in it now with my podcast and that is social media.
(11:45):
.001Now I want you to look up the word, um, parasocial relationship. 157 00:11:50,95.001 --> 00:11:58,475 And if you don't know what that is, that's pretty much a one sided relationship where most people who idolize these influencers or people online. 158 00:11:58,830.001 --> 00:12:06,170.001 They have a feeling for them, but it's a one sided feeling because most of the time the person on the other end don't even know who they are. 159 00:12:07,50.001 --> 00:12:11,730.001 Social media convinces us we're connected while making us lonelier than ever. 160 00:12:12,30.001 --> 00:12:17,720.001 The dopamine hits from likes, comments, it tricks your brain into thinking you have real relationships. 161 00:12:17,990.001 --> 00:12:31,485.001 But studies have shown that excessive social media use increases depression, anxiety, and you'll probably be asking like, Why? Why? How is this? It's because connection requires depth, effort, and presence. 162 00:12:31,715.001 --> 00:12:32,765.001 Not just scrolling. 163 00:12:32,775.001 --> 00:12:36,585.001 You can get real connections just by scrolling, liking, and commenting. 164 00:12:36,895.001 --> 00:12:45,295 So it's really important that, yeah, um, you could participate in social media, but step outside of that and touch some grass. 165 00:12:45,455.001 --> 00:12:54,295.001 Cultivate real relationships and make sure you are staying present with those people whom are in your life right now that you can reach out and touch. 166 00:12:54,755.001 --> 00:13:05,85.001 Now, I feel like these last few podcasts I've been pointing out, like, issues or problems with society, but I also want to share solutions with you guys.
(13:05):
So that's what I try to do.
.001I'm not the type of person that just again, want to talk about these are the problems I see with society. 169 00:13:10,405.001 --> 00:13:11,815.001 This is the problem with you. 170 00:13:12,95.001 --> 00:13:15,815.001 No, I also want to jump into, okay, this is how I believe. 171 00:13:15,980.001 --> 00:13:27,500.001 We can solve these or if you find yourself falling into any of the things I'm talking about like any of these addictions Um, this is how you can touch grass to say the least. 172 00:13:27,560.001 --> 00:13:37,875.001 All right now So what do you do? How do we break free from the cycle of artificial living is what i'm trying to say So first I want you to recognize the illusion. 173 00:13:38,145.001 --> 00:13:39,975.001 The first step is awareness. 174 00:13:40,15.001 --> 00:13:41,755.001 You can't change what you don't acknowledge. 175 00:13:41,845.001 --> 00:13:45,905.001 Pay attention to the things that you use as replacement for real experience.
(13:46):
.001Be honest with yourself.
.001Ask yourself why can't, why you reach for certain vices? What are they covering up? What are you afraid to face? The moment you recognize these things are distractions, you start reclaiming your power. 178 00:14:02,95.001 --> 00:14:04,815.001 Two, I want you to start prioritizing the real.
.001Start choosing what's authentic over what's convenient. 180 00:14:08,265.001 --> 00:14:12,505.001 Real intimacy, real joy, real nourishment, real connections. 181 00:14:12,905.001 --> 00:14:16,355.001 None of these things are instant, but they are deeply fulfilling. 182 00:14:16,565.001 --> 00:14:19,24.901 They require effort, but they're worth it. 183 00:14:19,25.001 --> 00:14:24,175.001 The best thing in life comes from investment, from showing up for yourself, for others. 184 00:14:24,540.001 --> 00:14:30,640.001 Start valuing depth over ease and watch how much more alive you start to feel. 185 00:14:31,370.001 --> 00:14:31,970.001 3. 186 00:14:32,130.001 --> 00:14:34,180.001 Detach from these addictions. 187 00:14:34,660.001 --> 00:14:39,110.001 Whether it's social media, alcohol, junk food, or any other artificial replacements. 188 00:14:39,330.001 --> 00:14:40,390.001 Start cutting back. 189 00:14:40,450.001 --> 00:14:43,690.001 Observe how your mind reacts when you don't reach for these things.
(14:44):
.001What are you avoiding? What do you really need? It's not about quitting everything cold turkey. 191 00:14:49,610.001 --> 00:14:51,090 It's about regaining control.
.001It's about making sure these things don't own you. 193 00:14:53,700.001 --> 00:15:00,340.001 Because when something starts to own you, it controls your decision, your time, your energy, and that's not freedom. 194 00:15:01,580.001 --> 00:15:02,160.001 4. 195 00:15:02,600.001 --> 00:15:05,10.001 Cultivate inner fulfillment. 196 00:15:05,370.001 --> 00:15:12,610 The strongest, most powerful thing you can do is create a life where you don't need external distractions to feel whole. 197 00:15:12,640.001 --> 00:15:15,820.001 I want you to let that sink in meditate guys.
(15:15):
.001I know I talk about it a lot, but it really works create. 199 00:15:19,465.001 --> 00:15:20,475.001 I love creating. 200 00:15:20,725.001 --> 00:15:21,315.001 Try it. 201 00:15:21,315.001 --> 00:15:25,165.001 You may not think you're a creative person, but trust me, I believe we all are. 202 00:15:25,865.001 --> 00:15:26,995.001 Move your body. 203 00:15:27,75.001 --> 00:15:30,25.001 Spend some time with people who enrich your life. 204 00:15:30,75.001 --> 00:15:31,365.001 Build something real. 205 00:15:31,395.001 --> 00:15:33,475.001 Develop hobbies that bring you joy. 206 00:15:33,485.001 --> 00:15:36,75.001 You know, try to learn a new language or a new skill. 207 00:15:36,655.001 --> 00:15:38,365.001 Not just fleeting pleasure. 208 00:15:38,895.001 --> 00:15:41,545.001 Take care of your mental and emotional health. 209 00:15:41,575.001 --> 00:15:43,805.001 Real fulfillment comes from within. 210 00:15:43,855.001 --> 00:15:50,505.001 And when you stop outsourcing your happiness, you start, you, you will become unshakable.
(15:50):
Trust me. 212 00:15:52,365.001 --> 00:15:52,935.001 Five. 213 00:15:52,945.001 --> 00:15:53,905.001 And it's going to be the last one.
.001Redefine success and happiness.
.001I think a lot of you guys need to do this. 216 00:15:59,505.001 --> 00:16:02,655.001 Stop letting society dictates what fulfillment looks like. 217 00:16:02,665.001 --> 00:16:06,455.001 It's not about money, it's not about status, how many followers you have. 218 00:16:06,475.001 --> 00:16:09,185.001 It's about waking up and feeling at peace with yourself. 219 00:16:09,215.001 --> 00:16:12,165.001 It's about knowing you're living in alignment with your values. 220 00:16:12,435.001 --> 00:16:13,675 That's the real flex. 221 00:16:13,895.001 --> 00:16:15,95.001 That's the real success. 222 00:16:15,105.001 --> 00:16:21,445.001 When you start defining happiness on your own terms, you free yourself from the endless cycle of chasing artificial highs. 223 00:16:21,990.001 --> 00:16:25,710.001 Trust me, alright? Again, I don't want this to get too long. 224 00:16:25,970.001 --> 00:16:33,100.001 So, Rockstars, I want to just say before I close out is we have to stop sacrificing the real for the fake. 225 00:16:33,460.001 --> 00:16:39,10.001 The real wants to keep us numb, distracted, and addicted because it makes us easier to control. 226 00:16:39,260.001 --> 00:16:41,110.001 But we're not here to be controlled. 227 00:16:41,120.001 --> 00:16:42,410.001 We're here to be free. 228 00:16:42,700.001 --> 00:16:43,900.001 Chase what's real. 229 00:16:44,80.001 --> 00:16:45,490.001 Chase what's sustain you. 230 00:16:45,730.001 --> 00:16:49,920.001 Don't settle for cheap dopamine when you can be building something authentic. 231 00:16:50,150.001 --> 00:16:51,570.001 You deserve more. 232 00:16:52,100.001 --> 00:16:54,70.001 Alright guys, that is it. 233 00:16:54,80.001 --> 00:16:57,30.001 Again, thank you for listening to me. 234 00:16:57,100.001 --> 00:16:59,620.001 You know, thank you for giving me the space to talk. 235 00:16:59,660.001 --> 00:17:01,170.001 Thanks for being here. 236 00:17:01,810.001 --> 00:17:04,380.001 I will see you next Wednesday. 237 00:17:04,490.001 --> 00:17:06,870 And yeah, until next time.
(17:06):
.001Keep it real.
Stay powerful.
.001And remember, you are the creator of your own reality. 241 00:17:13,670.001 --> 00:17:15,420.001 This is The Hood debutante. 242 00:17:15,840.001 --> 00:17:18,760 I'm London Bambi and I'm signing off. 243 00:17:18,840.001 --> 00:17:19,950.001 Love you guys. 244 00:17:20,285.001 --> 00:17:20,975.001 Peace.
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