Building Healthy Brain Habits - with Dr. Loretta Breuning l EP 52 Unshelling Medicine Podcast

This episode of the Unshelling Medicine Podcast dives into the fascinating world of happy brain chemicals with Dr. Loretta Breuning. Together, we unpack how dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins shape our behaviors, habits, and even our conflicts. Loretta explains why these chemicals are not meant to flow nonstop, how social comparison has ancient roots in our monkey brains, and what it takes to replace negative thought loops with healthier habits. The conversation also explores childhood wiring, accountability struggles, and the delicate dynamics of family relationships. From practical tools for rewiring the brain to cultural challenges around therapy and truth-telling, this episode is both eye-opening and deeply relatable. Tune in to learn how small, intentional habits can create healthier pathways and unlock your power over happiness. ➤ SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@unshellingmedicine/?sub_confirmation=1 ➤ EPISODE LINKS: https://innermammalinstitute.org/ https://www.instagram.com/inner.mammal.inst https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettabreuning/ ➤ FOLLOW US ON UNSHELLING MEDICINE PODCAST SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altruistic-scribe https://www.tiktok.com/@altruisticscribeco_https://www.tiktok.com/@admeliorahealthhttps://www.tiktok.com/@unshellingmedicine https://www.linkedin.com/in/idongesit-obeya/   https://www.facebook.com/unshellingmedicinepodcast https://www.instagram.com/altruisticscribeco/https://www.instagram.com/unshellingmedicinepodcast   ➤ CHECK OUT OUR CHANNEL HERE:https://www.youtube.com/@unshellingmedicine episodes.fm/1743323898   ➤ DOWNLOAD EPISODE: https://open.spotify.com/show/50PRIWOcq2hJt7IWJy0pwh https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshelling-medicine/id1743323898   ➤ CHAPTERS:  00:00 Intro: The power of the happy brain 01:18 How happy chemicals really work 02:32 Social comparison and the monkey brain 05:07 Recognizing self-made stress 06:14 Building healthy, happy habits 07:29 Conflict, chemicals, and childhood wiring 12:15 Why accountability is difficult for some adults 14:11 Culture, therapy, and the resistance to change 20:15 Truth-telling, empathy, and family dynamics 24:08 Mother–daughter relationships and neural pathways 29:22 Respect, communication, and generational tension 34:30 Are we selfish by nature? ➤ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7194746867107143680/   ➤ WEBSITE: https://altruisticscribeco.comwww.admeliorahealth.com     ✨ ADHD PlannerStanstore 👉 https:...