NACHOS S4E16 - Summer, Serotonin, and the Science of Being Human

In this episode of NACHOS, Dr. Dutch reflects on the unofficial start of summer, the importance of joy, and the deeply human question: What support is missing?Starting with Memorial Day weekend and a perfectly cheeky Mark Twain quote about summer, this episode explores how seasons, stress, environment, and expectation shape the way we move through life. From there, Dr. Dutch connects joy, music, community, and summer memories to larger conversations about neurodiversity, self-care, anxiety, serotonin, aging, movement, universal design, and what it really means to be human.This episode also looks at recent science stories about brain chemistry, human evolution, biological aging, anxiety, and exercise, while asking how we can move away from shame and toward support that actually fits real human beings.Dr. Dutch also shares updates about upcoming work at Yale, the PB&J framework of Predictability, Balance, and Joy, preparation for a Fulbright American culture lecture tour in Central Asia, and the Humanities 101 Foundation Summer Concert Ticket Giveaway.For Humanities 101 students, this episode includes the weekly participation question and reminders about Google Classroom, weekly videos, Crip Camp, and course expectations.Participation question: What is one small support, adjustment, or source of joy that might help you feel more balanced this summer?Learn more about the Humanities 101 Foundation and the summer concert ticket giveaway at Humanities101.org/giveaway.