56. Loretta Breuning: The Evolutionary Science of our Mammalian Brain - Decoding Emotions and Behavior

What if you were given the key to understanding your own emotions and behavior? Prepare to venture on a fascinating exploration of the human brain with our esteemed guest Loretta Breuning Ph.D, the founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, an author of 8 books, and a  host of The Happy Brain podcast. We delve into the power of brain chemicals - serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins and the impact of childhood experiences on our neural development, and strategies for managing our emotions. We're not stopping there. We're also diving deep into the role of cortisol - the stress hormone often overlooked in discussions about emotions. We examine our responses to fear and survival, and how these are linked to our evolution. Moreover, we provide practical tips on how to relieve cortisol and shed light on how our brain's operating system functions. In the latter stages, we navigate the complex terrain of negative thoughts, pursuits, and disappointments, expectation setting, unraveling how these scenarios impact our neural pathways. We also discuss the differences in behavior between men and women from an evolutionary perspective, and how our expectations are directly linked to our dopamine levels. Join us as we reveal the power of creating new neural pathways, even in the face of fatigue or hardship. This episode is an essential listen for anyone wanting to decode the intricate science behind our emotions and behavior.Resources: Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Endorphin LevelsThe Happy Brain PodcastInner Mammal InstituteReading ListAnger Management: I Feel PrettySend us Fan Mail8 EIGHT SLEEPSave $200 on 8Sleep and get better quality and deeper sleep with automatic temperature adjustmentLEORÊVER COMPRESSION AND ACTIVEWEARGet 10% off Loerêver Balanced Compression and Activewear to elevate your confidence and performanceDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.This content is also available in a video version on YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who may enjoy it as well, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also submit your feedback directly on my website. Follow @GrandSlamJourney on Instagram, Facebook,  Twitter, and join the  LinkedIn community.