Next Door Neuro

Why do the things we turn to to feel better so often end up making us feel worse?In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Judy Grisel - a behavioral neuroscientist, professor at Bucknell University, and nationally bestselling author who has spent decades studying addiction… while also living through it herself.At 12 years old, Judy describes alcohol as: “the solution to a problem I didn’t know I had.”What followed was a decade-long spiral through substance abuse, homelessness, expulsion from multiple schools, and profound despair - before eventually finding sobriety and becoming a neuroscientist focused on understanding addiction, reward, and the brain.What makes Judy especially compelling isn’t just her scientific expertise. It’s the combination of deep neuroscience with lived experience.In this conversation, we explore why addictive behaviors often begin as solutions… how the brain adapts in ways that trap us in destructive cycles… and why addiction may actually be getting worse despite decades of scientific progress.We discuss dopamine and the brain’s reward system, why modern environments are amplifying addiction risk, how phones, pornography, gambling, and social media hijack the same neural pathways as drugs, and why adolescents may be especially vulnerable in today’s world.We also dive into evolutionary mismatch, the limits of willpower, the importance of environment, and what recovery taught Judy about meaning, awe, challenge, and real-world fulfillment.This conversation isn’t just about addiction.It’s about how the brain learns, adapts, copes, and searches for relief in the modern world.⸻About Judy:Judy Grisel is a behavioral neuroscientist, professor at Bucknell University, and the author of the bestselling book "Never Enough."She is also the founder of True Weed - an educational initiative focused on helping young people better understand cannabis, addiction, brain development, and decision-making through science-based education and peer collaboration.Learn more:True Weed → https://trueweed.org⸻Connect with Judy:Instagram: @trueweed.igTikTok: @trueweed.ttX: @TrueWeed_xFacebook: TrueWeedLinkedIn: TrueDrugsBluesky: @trueweed.bsky.socialBucknell Faculty Page:https://www.bucknell.edu/fac-staff/judith-grisel⸻Subscribe to Next Door Neuro for conversations on neuroscience, stress, behavior, brain health, and how to better fuel your brain in the modern world.

Most people think they’re not starting because they don’t have enough time, clarity, or confidence… but that’s not the real reason.It’s that starting feels risky. And your brain is wired to treat that risk (especially rejection) as a threat.In this Lab Notes episode of Next Door Neuro, I break down why something as simple as asking for a free coffee can feel so uncomfortable, and what that reveals about how your brain processes rejection.More importantly, I walk through how to retrain that response so you can stop avoiding risk… and start taking action instead.In this episode:• Why your brain treats rejection like a threat (and where that comes from)• How avoidance reinforces fear and keeps you stuck• Why confidence and clarity don’t come before action - they come from it• How exposure rewires your brain’s threat response over time• Why most people never start (and what’s actually driving that hesitation)Try this:• Say it out loud: “I’m new to this - if I’m missing something, tell me”• Create small “rejection reps” (ask for something slightly uncomfortable)• Measure your reps - not your outcomes🎧 Full conversation with Mark Heckmann mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SdqHT3etZs&t=21sIf your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?Follow Next Door Neuro for science-backed insights on stress, behavior, and how to take action in the modern world.

Why is it so hard to start something new… even when you know it would be good for you?In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Mark Heckmann - multi-business founder and entrepreneurial coach - to explore what actually gets in the way when we try to start.Mark has built companies across industries ranging from robotics and agriculture to AI and consulting. But what makes him especially interesting isn’t just what he’s built... it’s how he thinks.He started with almost no resources… bartering websites for things like pizza… and built momentum by taking action before feeling ready.Now, he helps others do the same.In this conversation, we break down:Why most people never take the first step,How your brain interprets risk and rejectionWhat actually changes when you stop waiting for certainty and start taking action.We also get into one of the most powerful mindset shifts for me personally: reframing rejection not as failure, but as data. Because you’re not even in the game until you’ve heard 100 “nos.”If your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?In this episode: • Why starting feels so difficult (even when the idea is clear) • How your brain interprets risk, rejection, and uncertainty • Why waiting for certainty keeps you stuck • How to reframe rejection as useful data • The role of repetition in building confidence • Why autonomy changes how you think about work • How to start something without massive resources • The difference between planning and actually doing • Why most people quit before they’ve even really startedAbout Mark: Mark Heckmann is a multi-business founder and entrepreneurial coach who has built and operated companies across a wide range of industries.He is the founder of Crooked Ventures and JobBored, where he helps people launch and grow their own ventures - often starting with limited resources and learning as they go.Connect with Mark: Crooked Ventures: https://www.crookedventures.com JobBored: https://www.jobbored.co Denison Entrepreneurship Pathways Program: https://jobbored.co/denison/Subscribe to Next Door Neuro for conversations on brain health, behavior, stress, and how to better fuel your brain in the modern world. 

Most of us think that just getting outside is enough.But if your attention is on your phone, your brain is still operating like you’re indoors… and you’re missing a lot of what nature is actually doing for you.In this Lab Notes episode of Next Door Neuro, I break down how your phone may be undermining the benefits of being outside - and why presence, not just location, is what actually matters. I explore why nature helps reduce stress, restore attention, and quiet rumination - and how those benefits can be lost if your attention is somewhere else. I also share two simple ways to start getting more out of the time you’re already spending outside.In this episode:• Why being outside doesn’t automatically reduce stress • How your phone keeps your nervous system “on” • What “soft fascination” is, and how it restores attention • How nature helps quiet anxiety and rumination • Two simple ways to get more out of time you’re already spending outsideTry this:• Stand still longer than feels normal• Pause before reaching for your phoneMentioned in this episode:Being Outside Isn’t Enough - conversation with Sarah Nielsenhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXhaC7JQK0&t=10sIf your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?

What if the reason you still feel stressed, scattered, or disconnected isn’t because you’re not spending enough time outside… but because you’re not actually experiencing it?In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Sarah Nielsen, M.Ed, NBC-HWC, a health and outdoor educator and board-certified wellness coach, to explore why simply being outside isn’t always enough, and what it actually takes for nature to meaningfully impact your brain, body, and well-being.We talk about how modern life has shifted us indoors, how screens now follow us everywhere, and why so many of us are technically “outside,” but still mentally somewhere else.  Sarah shares how our phones are changing the way we experience nature - turning special moments into something we capture instead of something we actually feel - and what we’re missing as a result.  We also explore the science behind why nature helps us feel better, from stress reduction and attention restoration to the sensory and emotional experiences that screens simply can’t replicate.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:You don’t necessarily need more time in nature. You need more presence when you’re there.Sarah also introduces something critical: the idea of “sips of nature” - small, consistent moments of outdoor exposure that can meaningfully improve your stress, focus, and overall well-being.  Key Topics:Why 93% of Americans spend most of their time indoorsWhy being outside isn’t enough if your attention is elsewhereHow phones are changing our experience of natureWhat we miss when we’re not fully present outdoorsStress Reduction Theory & Attention Restoration TheoryWhy nature improves focus, mood, and brain function“Sips of nature” vs. all-or-nothing outdoor thinkingIntrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation (and social media’s role)Why nearby nature and your “wild home” matter mostSimple ways to bring nature into daily lifeAbout Sarah Nielsen:Sarah Nielsen is a health and outdoor educator and board-certified wellness coach who helps people reconnect with nature to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being through simple, accessible practices.Connect with Sarah:https://sgwellnessatx.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nielsen-m-ed-nbc-hwc-ab446717/If your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?Subscribe to Next Door Neuro for conversations on brain health, stress, behavior, and how to better fuel your brain in the modern world.Timestamps:00:00 – Why being outside isn’t enough 01:10 – 93% indoors: how we got here 03:00 – Screens, smartphones, and “bed rotting” 05:20 – You’re outside… but still on your phone 08:00 – What we miss when we don’t engage with nature 11:00 – Sensory experience, noticing, and presence 13:30 – Comfort, modern life, and the loss of variability 16:00 – Why nature helps us feel better 17:30 – “Sips of nature” vs. all-or-nothing thinking 20:00 – Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation outdoors 23:00 – Nature and personal well-being 27:00 – Stress Reduction & Attention Restoration 31:00 – Focus, productivity, and presence 33:30 – Nature vs. phone-driven reward 37:00 – Awe, emotion, and connection 39:30 – Overcoming discomfort 41:30 – Reframing challenge outdoors 45:30 – Designing your environment 47:00 – Nearby nature and your “wild home” 52:00 – Bringing nature indoors 54:30 – Final takeaways

Most of us are using AI the same way:Ask a question.Get a great answer.Maybe go a little deeper…And in the moment, it feels incredibly productive.Clear. Insightful. Like you’ve really learned something.And then a few hours later… it’s gone.Why does this happen?In this Lab Notes episode, I break down the brain science behind why learning with AI often doesn’t stick, even when it feels like it should.There are a few key mechanisms at play, including cognitive offloading (outsourcing the work of thinking), the difference between recognizing and generating information, and the lack of “desirable difficulty” that our brains actually need to learn. We also explore the fluency illusion - why something can feel clear in the moment without being deeply understood - and how instant answers may be disrupting dopamine-driven learning.AI isn’t the problem. But the way we’re using it may be eroding how we learn. Over time, that creates a gap between what feels like progress… and what we can actually use in our day-to-day lives.In this episode, I also share two simple ways to learn with AI instead of just consuming it:• Think First, AI Second• The No-Look TestThe goal isn’t to use AI less, it’s to use it in a way that actually builds your brain.Timestamps00:00 – Why AI learning doesn’t stick00:45 – The illusion of learning with AI02:28 – Cognitive offloading (why you don’t remember)04:00 – Recognition vs generation06:20 – Why easy learning doesn’t last07:10 – Handwriting & deeper encoding08:40 – The fluency illusion09:30 – Why instant answers hurt learning11:50 – Think First, AI Second13:00 – The No-Look Test14:30 – The real goal: learning that sticks

What happens when the way we get answers starts to change how we think?In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Lori Robbins, Head of AI Strategy at Denison University and founder of Herizon AI, to explore how AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we learn, reflect, and relate to other people.We start with Lori’s experiment stepping away from AI for a week, and what it revealed about how quickly these tools have become embedded in our daily lives. From the frustration of going back to traditional search, to the deeper connection that comes from turning back to human experience, the conversation highlights both what AI gives us and what it might be taking away.We explore why AI can feel like a “thought partner,” where that experience breaks down, and how instant answers may be altering the way we process, understand, and retain information. Lori also shares how these systems actually work, why they tend to agree with us, and what it means to use AI in a way that supports - rather than replaces - our own thinking.We also discuss the growing role of AI in education, mental health, and companionship, and what it means for a generation growing up alongside this technology.If your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?In this episode:Lori’s AI-free experiment and what it revealedWhy AI feels conversational, and why that mattersThe difference between AI-generated insight and human experienceHow instant answers can create the illusion of understandingThe “Yes-Bot effect” and why AI often agrees with youAI, critical thinking, and the next generationThe opportunities and risks of AI in mental health and connectionData privacy and what we share with AI toolsAbout Lori:Lori Robbins is the Head of AI Strategy at Denison University and the founder of Herizon AI, where she helps individuals and organizations better understand and responsibly use artificial intelligence.

Most of us start our day the same way: Phone.Notifications.A quick scroll. Within minutes, we’ve had dozens of tiny dopamine hits…And somehow, the rest of the morning feels flat. Why? In this Lab Notes episode, I break down the neuroscience of dopamine - and why not all dopamine is created equal. There’s a critical difference between earned dopamine and unearned dopamine, and understanding this difference can completely change how you think about motivation, energy, and focus in your daily life. We live in a world filled with instant rewards (social media, ultra-processed food, constant notifications) and over time, these “easy” dopamine hits can actually reduce your baseline motivation and make meaningful work feel harder. But there’s a better way!In this episode, I cover:What dopamine actually does (it’s not just “pleasure”)Why “unearned rewards” can drain motivation over timeHow modern life is pushing us toward low-quality dopamineWhy effort, challenge, and discomfort lead to better outcomesHow to rebuild motivation through “earned rewards”3 practical ways to rebalance your dopamine:Create space between effort and rewardAdd one daily “earned reward” anchorReduce one source of constant, easy dopamineThe goal isn’t less dopamine.It’s better dopamine.If you found this valuable, consider following the show and sharing it with someone who might benefit.  Timestamps 00:00 – Why your mornings feel flat01:05 – Not all dopamine is created equal01:45 – What dopamine actually does02:25 – The 2 types of dopamine03:30 – How “easy rewards” lower motivation04:15 – Why modern life is the problem06:30 – Earned vs unearned dopamine08:00 – Why effort feels better (and lasts)10:00 – 3 ways to fix your dopamine10:15 – #1 Create space between effort and reward11:45 – #2 Add a daily “earned reward”12:45 – #3 Reduce one easy dopamine source14:20 – The real goal: better dopamine

What if the reason so many of us feel off is because life has become too comfortable, too controlled, and too disconnected from what our brains actually need?In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Richard Campbell, founder of 10Adventures, to explore why so many people are drawn to adventure, nature, and challenge - and why these experiences may be far more important for our mental health, perspective, and sense of meaning than we realize.We discuss why outdoor adventure isn’t about dramatic, life-changing epiphanies, but instead about small shifts in how we think, feel, and live. Richard shares what he’s learned from helping thousands of people step outside their normal routines, and we explore how challenge, movement, nature, and disconnection from modern life can help us feel more like ourselves again.We also dive into evolutionary mismatch, the hidden psychological cost of modern convenience, why walking helps solve problems, how adventure can strengthen relationships, and what it means to build a life around what actually matters.If your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?In this episode, we cover:Why people crave adventure during major life transitionsThe simplicity people rediscover when they step away from daily lifeWhy meaningful change tends to happen gradually, not all at onceHow modern environments may be pulling us away from what our brains are wired forWhy walking, hiking, and time outdoors support stress reduction and clearer thinkingThe connection between challenge, discomfort, and feeling more aliveHow shared outdoor experiences can strengthen relationshipsRichard’s decision to leave a successful career at 40 to pursue a more meaningful pathWhy clarity often comes from stepping away rather than pushing harderAbout Richard CampbellRichard Campbell is the founder of 10Adventures, which helps people experience the world through active, outdoor travel - including hiking, biking, and skiing trips. His work focuses on helping people reconnect with movement, nature, and a simpler, more intentional way of living.Resources & Links10Adventures: https://www.10adventures.com/How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425570-how-will-you-measure-your-lifeSubscribe & FollowFollow Next Door Neuro for conversations on brain health, stress, behavior, and how to better fuel your brain in the modern world.Timestamps00:00 – Why modern life can feel “off”01:03 – What we’re really craving (and why)03:45 – The myth of the big life-changing epiphany05:11 – How stepping away changes perspective07:28 – Why adventure and nature are surging09:44 – The mental health benefits of getting outside13:46 – Evolutionary mismatch: what your brain needs15:51 – Why challenge and discomfort feel so good18:10 – Walking, thinking, and problem-solving25:11 – Daily habits: walks, sunlight, and resets32:21 – Fitness, discipline, and feeling better44:40 – Redefining success: time, family, and meaning

Most of us have a constant voice in our head: questioning, criticizing, and second-guessing everything we do. What if you could change your relationship with that voice, and see it for what it really is? In this Lab Notes episode, I reflect on my conversation with Dawn Wecker (from the Dawnversations Podcast) and break down the neuroscience behind negative self-talk, rumination, and the identity loops that shape how we see ourselves. You’ll learn:Why your brain is wired to focus on negative thoughtsHow this drives ruminationWhy modern life makes all of this worseHow repeated thoughts become our identity over time And most importantly, I’ll walk you through four simple techniques you can use immediately to create distance from that inner voice and take back control. This isn’t about “just thinking positive.” It’s about understanding your brain, and learning how to work with it instead of against it. If your brain fuels your life… what fuels your brain?Key Moments:00:00 – Meeting the voice in your head (“Carol”)02:20 – Why self-criticism gets so loud03:00 – The Default Mode Network and rumination06:00 – Negativity bias and survival wiring07:30 – How thoughts shape identity09:30 – The brain’s capacity to change (neuroplasticity)10:00 – Four tools to break the cycle Try this today:The next time that voice shows up, don’t fight it.Just say: “I’m having the thought that…”That one shift can put the voice in its place.  If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who might appreciate it!

We’re more connected than ever…so why does it feel like something’s missing? We talk more than ever.We’re surrounded by people.We have endless ways to communicate. And yet, so many of us don’t feel truly heard or connected. In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I sit down with Dawn Wecker to explore why real connection feels harder than it should, and what’s actually getting in the way. Together, we unpack a simple but powerful idea: The problem isn’t that we don’t want to connect.It’s often that we’re not fully present when it matters. In this conversation, we discuss:Why most people are listening while waiting to talkWhat it actually means to feel heard and validatedHow being stuck in your own head blocks real connectionThe role of your inner voice (“Carol”) in shaping interactionsWhy shared stories help us realize we’re not aloneHow even small moments of connection can create a ripple effectWhat it looks like to bring more presence into everyday conversations At the core of this conversation the idea that: Connection doesn’t come from being interesting.It comes from being interested. — Connect with Dawn:YouTube: @dawnversationspodcast444Instagram: @dawnversations_podcast — If your brain fuels your life, what fuels your brain? Subscribe for conversations and tools to help you think clearly, connect more deeply, and show up the way you want to in your work and life. — 00:00 – Why connection feels harder than it should02:30 – What people actually want: to be heard08:00 – Listening vs waiting to talk15:00 – Being stuck in your own head22:00 – The inner voice (“Carol”)30:00 – Stories and realizing you’re not alone40:00 – The ripple effect of helping one person50:00 – What real presence looks like 

We tend to think the problem is the behavior. Drinking too much.Scrolling too often.Snacking late at night. But what if those behaviors aren’t the problem. . .and are actually the solution? In this Lab Notes episode, I reflect on my conversation with Erica Mallery and unpack a powerful mindset shift: • These habits exist because they reduce discomfort• And your brain is wired to repeat what works From a neuroscience perspective: discomfort activates the amygdala (our "fight or flight" brain region), and under stress, the prefrontal cortex (which helps regulate the amygdala) becomes less effective; together, this leads us to default to familiar, reliable relief. That’s where habit loops form.And that’s why trying to “replace” a problem behavior often fails. We're trying to replace a behavior that's actually working for us in the short term.Instead, real change comes from building your ability to sit with the discomfort that remains once you remove the coping mechanism.  In this episode, I walk through:• The neuroscience of habit loops and negative reinforcement• Why modern life makes discomfort easy to escape• How “extinction learning” reshapes your brain’s response• A simple, practical way to start (30–60 seconds at a time)Try this today:• The next time you feel discomfort, pause.• Stay for 30 seconds.• Notice what happens. You’re not doing nothing.You’re training your brain.If you want to go deeper, listen to my full conversation with Erica Mallery. And for weekly insights + reflections:https://substack.com/@nextdoorneuro ⸻ Next Door Neuro - Lab Notes: Episode 2 ⸻0:00 The Real Problem Isn’t the Habit1:38 Your brain and discomfort (amygdala + prefrontal cortex)4:10 The habit loop: why relief reinforces behavior6:10 The modern world removes discomfort7:20 Why replacing the habit doesn’t work8:10 The real solution: sitting with discomfort9:10 A simple practice to start11:30 How your brain rewires (extinction learning)13:20 Why change becomes easier over time13:58 Final takeaway + challenge

Your relationship with alcohol isn’t just about drinking. It’s about how you cope with stress, regulate your emotions, and navigate discomfort. In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I’m joined by Erica Mallery, founder of ShameOver, to explore a more nuanced and compassionate approach to alcohol and behavior change. Rather than framing alcohol as the problem, Erica offers a different perspective: For many people, alcohol is a solution,A reliable way to manage stress, emotional overload, and mental fatigue. Here, we discuss:Why alcohol isn’t a moral or willpower issueHow shame and judgment keep people stuckThe role of identity in changing behaviorWhy all-or-nothing approaches often failHow to build awareness, self-trust, and sustainable change At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reframe... The challenge isn’t just what you’re doing,It’s what that behavior is doing for you. ⸻ Next Door Neuro: Episode 2 ⸻

In this first Next Door Neuro Lab Notes episode, I take a deeper look at an idea that came up in my conversation with Marcy Stoudt:What if stress isn’t the problem?Instead, what if the way we think about stress is what actually shapes how it impacts our health, performance, and overall well-being?Most of us are taught to see stress as something to avoid. . . something harmful that wears us down over time. But research suggests a more nuanced (and empowering) reality.In this episode, I walk through:A large-scale study showing how stress mindset is linked to long-term health outcomesResearch from Stanford psychologist Alia Crum demonstrating how quickly stress beliefs can shiftHow your body responds differently to stress depending on your mindsetWhy two people can experience the same situation but have very different biological and psychological outcomesI also explore what’s happening under the surface - from cortisol to DHEA - and how your mental framing of stress can influence resilience, growth, and performance.  Most importantly, I talk about how to apply this.I’ll walk you through a simple, practical way to start shifting your stress mindset in everyday life, something you can use in moments of pressure, overwhelm, or uncertainty.A simple practice to tryWhen you notice stress building, take a moment and remind yourself:This stress is giving me the tools I need to succeedI’m growing because of this challengeI stress because I careStart small. Practice in low-stakes moments. Build the skill so it’s there when it matters most.This Lab Notes episode is designed to pair with my conversation with Marcy Stoudt, where we explore how emotional regulation and mindset shape leadership and performance.Next Door Neuro is where neuroscience meets everyday life,through conversations, reflections, and practical tools you can actually use.⸻ Next Door Neuro - Lab Notes: Episode 1 ⸻

Your brain shapes how you lead.It influences how you respond to stress, how you communicate, and the emotional tone you bring into every room.In this episode of Next Door Neuro, I’m joined by Marcy Stoudt, founder of REVEL, a leadership advisory firm focused on helping organizations grow without losing their identity.We explore a more human approach to leadership, one grounded in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional presence.In this conversation, we discuss: • What authentic leadership really means in practice • Why leadership starts with regulating yourself, not controlling others • How “victim loops” shape behavior and limit growth • Why adapting your leadership style can strengthen (not weaken) authenticity • How small mindset shifts can unlock better performance and connectionAt the core of this conversation is a simple idea:Leadership isn’t about controlling the room. . . it’s about regulating yourself inside it.⸻ Next Door Neuro: Episode 1 ⸻

Your brain fuels your life.It shapes how you focus at work, how you respond to stress, how patient you are with the people you love, and how effectively you make decisions. And yet, despite how central the brain is to everything we do, most of us rarely think intentionally about how to support it.Modern life quietly works against brain health. We spend more time indoors under artificial light, more time on screens designed to capture our attention, and more time under chronic stress. At the same time, many people struggle to get consistent sleep, access nourishing food, move their bodies regularly, or spend time in nature.Over time, these forces slowly deplete the brain’s capacity, making it harder to show up as the person we want to be.Considering this, Next Door Neuro explores a simple question:If our brains fuel our lives, what can we do to fuel our brains?Hosted by neuroscientist and wellness coach Jamey Maniscalco, the podcast features conversations with scientists, health & wellness practitioners, and thoughtful leaders exploring how the brain works and how we can realistically support it in the modern world.Each episode translates neuroscience into simple ideas and practical habits that help restore clarity, resilience, and emotional steadiness in everyday life.Welcome to Next Door Neuro!