12. The Science of Motivation: Dopamine | The Rhythm That Moves Us

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of MOHIVATE, Dr. Mohi Sarawgee explores dopamine - the neurotransmitter of anticipation, motivation, and the  spark that pulls you toward what matters.Dopamine is not the molecule of pleasure or fireworks, but the subtle chemistry of maybe - the signal that says, lean forward, try again, something meaningful might be here.Dr. Mohi unpacks what dopamine really is, where it’s made, and how it shapes movement, momentum, curiosity, learning, procrastination, restlessness, and why modern life tugs so sharply at our attention.From the midbrain pathways that steady your habits to the reward-prediction errors behind phones, novelty, and dating, this episode brings science into the moments you live every day - with warmth, humour, and a doctor’s clarity.Discover what supports a healthy dopamine rhythm, and how to nurture motivation without burning out your nervous system.References:1.  Schultz, W. (2016). Reward functions of the basal ganglia. Journal of Neural Transmission.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-016-1570-02. Salamone, J.D., & Correa, M. (2012). The Mysterious Motivational Functions of Mesolimbic Dopamine. Neuron.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.0213. Björklund, A., & Dunnett, S. (2007). Dopamine neuron systems in the brain: an update. Trends in Neurosciences.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2007.03.0064. Lisman, J., & Grace, A.A. (2010). The hippocampal-VTA loop: controlling the entry of information into long-term memory. Neuron.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2010.05.0025. Glimcher, P.W. (2011). Understanding dopamine and reinforcement learning. Current Opinion in Neurobiology.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2011.02.0126. Book reading : The Molecule of More” — Lieberman & Long Just a gentle reminder: this episode is for information, education, and inspiration only. It’s not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For any personal health concerns, always seek guidance from your doctor.