Mike Long is a playwright, speechwriter, and co-author of Taming the Molecule of More — the practical sequel to the bestselling neuroscience book The Molecule of More.Dopamine doesn’t bring happiness — it brings anticipation. It’s the molecule that keeps us scrolling, swiping, craving, and chasing. But when understood and tamed, it can also drive purpose, focus, and deeply fulfilling lives.

Expect to learn why dopamine isn’t about pleasure at all, how it hijacks our relationships, sex lives, and attention spans, the true science behind dopamine fasting and cold plunges, how porn and dating apps rewire the brain’s reward system, the difference between craving and contentment, why “boosting dopamine” is a myth, how to inject novelty into long-term love, how GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are changing the science of addiction, and how to finally align your brain’s pursuit system with long-term meaning

Timestamps:

00:01:55 – Understanding Dopamine: The Molecule of More

00:04:56 – The Misconceptions of Dopamine and Happiness

00:07:55 – Taming the Molecule of More: Motivations and Insights

00:10:56 – Dopamine's Role in Human Evolution and Modern Life

00:13:58 – Rewiring the Brain: Valuing the Present vs. Future

00:17:07 – The Impact of Technology on Dopamine Levels

00:19:49 – Finding Meaning in a Dopamine-Driven World

00:23:03 – The Importance of Self-Reflection and Belief Systems

00:25:50 – Dopamine Fasting: Myths and Realities

00:28:56 – Boosting Dopamine: Exercise and Lifestyle Choices

00:43:07 – The Power of Small Daily Actions

00:45:25 – Dopamine and Relationships

00:51:07 – Understanding Expectations in Relationships

00:52:13 – Mindfulness and Reaction to Stimulation

00:56:35 – Injecting Novelty into Relationships

01:02:26 – Navigating Attraction and Cravings

01:07:59 – The Importance of Meaning in Life

01:12:27 – Finding Meaning and Purpose

01:25:08 – Practical Steps to Manage Impulses.

...

Follow My Neuroscience Podcast - The Giants Shoulder

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5m3Gta5MtIYdk59pb2GJ7M?si=b33232eae67b4126

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/brief-enquiry-to-the-brain/id1752486249

Neuroscience Products I Swear By (Supports the Channel)Manta Sleep Mask: Get the Comfiest Sleep Mask on the Planet (Use Code GIANTSMANTA10 https://bit.ly/4ilzfBL )Brain.FM: Music Entrainment for Focused Deep Work (30 Day Free Trial: https://www.brain.fm/giantsshoulderConsensus.AI: AI Powered Research (Use Code THEGIANTSSHOULDER for 1 Year Free Premium Sub)