#054 - Dr. Loretta Breuning - How Your Brain Wires Happiness, Stress, & Bad Habits

Dr. Loretta Breuning breaks down the brain’s chemical wiring—dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and cortisol—and how they shape emotions, habits, and social behavior. She explains why people get stuck in thought loops, how to rewire them, and the role of neuroplasticity in changing deep-seated patterns. We also get into how mental health narratives shape our thinking, the impact of social comparison, and why happiness isn’t what most people think it is.Timestamps:00:00 The Inner Mammal01:47 Taking Ownership Of Your Emotions03:27 Brain Built For Survival 06:16 Conscious Thinking & Unconscious Feeling 09:29 How Dr. Breuning Found Her Work12:34 Breakdown Of Happy Chemicals 18:28 How To Break A Bad Habit24:01 Thinking Chemically Instead Of Emotionally 27:09 Physical Pain vs. Social Pain32:13 Dependence On Therapy Language36:24 Mental Anticipation Of Pain Turns Into Physical Creation Of Pain40:07 How To Stop Making Narratives44:22 Navigating Moments You Crave Stimulation48:35 Needing A Greater Appreciation For Neuroplasticity51:47 Linger On Your Gains Like You Linger On Your Losses53:48 You Are The One Who Changes Your Life56:05 Feeling Happiness From Being Unhappy57:39 Thinking Happiness Means 'Privileged'1:02:23 Taking Responsibility For Your Happiness1:03:40 Reframing Your Understanding Of Happiness1:08:37 Connect With Dr. Loretta BreuningSend us Fan MailThank you so much for listening. I truly appreciate your time and support. Let me know what you thought of the episode and what you would like to see in the future. Any feedback would be awesome. Don't forget to subscribe for more exciting content on YouTube, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or whatever platform you are listening on. Connect with me below:Instagram: Tim DoyleYoutube: Soulture