Episode 41: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Reward (Podcast with APA Award Winner for Distinguished Scientific Contributions, Dr.Kent Berridge) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

How do the brain mechanisms behind pleasure and reward influence motivation? 

“Celebrate your small wins—they train your brain to stay on track. And stay aware of how temptations can sneak in and trigger your reward system.” — Dr. Kent Berridge

Pleasure is more than a fleeting feeling—it’s a driving force that shapes our choices, fuels our motivation, and even determines the habits we form. In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Kent Berridge, whose groundbreaking research on the brain’s reward system has transformed our understanding of “liking” vs. “wanting,” cravings, and motivation.

From the subtle ways dopamine guides our daily behavior to the brain’s ability to rewire habits, Dr. Berridge unpacks the science behind why we pursue certain goals, how we can better manage temptations, and what it takes to sustain motivation even when rewards feel distant. His insight—“Reward your small steps toward your goal and be mindful toward your temptation”—becomes the guiding principle for the conversation.

We explore:

• How the brain’s reward system shapes motivation and productivity.

• Neuroscience-backed strategies for managing cravings and temptations.

• The role of pleasure in relationships and social bonding.

• What burnout does to the brain—and how to reset motivation.

• The balance between indulgence and discipline in a world of instant gratification.

• How to reignite joy in simple activities and protect ourselves from the pull of social media.

📚 Book Spotlight: How Pleasure Works

In the first segment, we review How Pleasure Works, a fascinating exploration of why humans take pleasure in art, food, love, and even seemingly odd activities. The book challenges the idea that pleasure is purely sensory—arguing instead that our beliefs, cultural context, and personal history shape how much we enjoy something. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a favorite song, or a family tradition, the meaning we attach to it is just as important as the sensation itself.

This lens beautifully complements Dr. Berridge’s work, showing that the neuroscience of pleasure isn’t just about brain chemistry—it’s about how the mind and culture interact to create meaning.

🎓 Student Voice: Meghan Fouad

In our final segment, my former student Meghan Fouad offers a fresh, personal reflection on the topic. She shares how learning about the neuroscience of pleasure and reward reshaped her view of motivation, how she applies “rewarding small steps” in her own goals, and why understanding our brain’s wiring can make self-discipline feel less like a battle and more like a game we can win.

Listen in for a blend of cutting-edge science, thought-provoking ideas, and practical takeaways that will help you rethink how you pursue pleasure, manage cravings, and keep your motivation alive.

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*Act of kindness: Connect with kindness with others ; Receiving compliment from someone

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Dr. Kent C. Berridge is a world-renowned neuroscientist and the James Olds Collegiate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. For over three decades, he has been at the forefront of research on the brain mechanisms of pleasure, reward, motivation, and addiction. His pioneering work introduced the influential distinction between “liking” and “wanting,” showing how separate neural systems control the pleasure we experience and the desire that drives our behavior.

Dr. Berridge’s research has shed light on topics ranging from how cravings are triggered to how habits form, and his insights have influenced fields as diverse as psychology, psychiatry, behavioral economics, and public health. He has received numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, the APS William James Fellow Lifetime Achievement Award, the Grawemeyer Award for Psychology, and the APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions.