How do smart, motivated, successful people get pulled into spending thousands of dollars, many years, and lots of trust on a self-help program or teacher? Psychologist Dr. John Hunter applies the dopamine hypothesis to explain how these events may be messing with our brain chemistry in a way that puts us into a manic or hypomanic state. If you are curious about cults or if you’re a self-help person, this is a must-listen! Finally, we have a psychological explanation for what is actually going on in your brain when exposed to certain types of self-help.
Dr. John Hunter’s book is “Manufacturing Mania: The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience.” His research has focussed on LGATs (Large Group Awareness Trainings) and neurology, providing an important link to understand how anyone is susceptible to the power of these events.
Show Notes:
To Read:
Manufacturing Mania: The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience by Dr. John Hunter
LGATs and Fight Club. Dissecting a Delusion by Dr. John Hunter for The Fincher Analyst
To Learn:
Explanation of the Dopamine Hypothesis on Wikipedia
Learn more about SEEK Safely on our website
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Follow Dr. Glenn on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Read the memoir “This Sweet Life: how we lived after Kirby died” by Jean and her mom, Ginny Brown
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To Contact SEEK email info@seeksafely.org
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