Episode 3: Building a Bigger Park

A 1970s rat experiment revealed that addiction isn't about weak willpower — it's about a lack of connection. This week, KC walks through Bruce Alexander's famous "Rat Park" experiment from the 1970s, which challenged everything we thought we knew about addiction. Rats isolated in bare cages chose drugged water every time. Rats living in a rich, social "park" environment barely touched it. The takeaway isn't really about rats at all — it's about how much connection, community, and belonging shape our choices as humans, and what it might mean to build a bigger "park" in your own life. Chapters: 00:00:10 — Welcome to the Lounge 00:01:00 — Rat Park Experiment 00:02:41 — Connection Over Judgment 00:03:35 — Build a Bigger Park This week's reflection: Where in your life could you build a bigger "park" — more connection, more community — instead of relying on willpower alone? Follow Sweeter Than Sweet Noir wherever you listen. Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/user-ap2lRluLPHj2 YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@SweeterThanSweetNoir Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Vffh6e487pC12VB9yny  Apple: Sweeter than Sweet Noir (search) Note: the "Convos: Welcome to the Lounge" chapter title was recorded before the rename.