
Ep. 162 | Why am I Not Happy? Ancient Brains & Modern Emotions
About this episode
Dr. Loretta Breuning was unconvinced by prevailing theories on human motivation & after researching the animal origins of our brain chemicals, wrote the book Habits of a Happy Brain. Here she shares why we find ourselves saying, “I shouldn’t be so unhappy! I have everything I need” or doing late-night shopping at the expense of your savings account, drinking more than we said we would, or going back into that bad relationship. She breaks down each brain chemical in plain language, philosophical vs physical happiness, & why our expectation of constant happiness can be a source of chronic distress.
If you liked this episode, you’ll also like episode 63: NATURAL MENTAL HEALTH HACKS BY MEREDITH
Guest: https://innermammalinstitute.org/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettabreuning/ | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happy-brain/id1377502232 | https://www.instagram.com/inner.mammal.inst/
Host: https://www.meredithforreal.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/meredithforreal/ | [email protected] | https://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal | https://www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovert
Sponsors: https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ | https://www.ensec.net/
Request to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/
Get every episode summarized
Each time Meredith for Real: the curious introvert publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Meredith for Real: the curious introvert

Ep. 334: Football: Are We Cheering for Brain Trauma?
Meredith for Real: the curious introvert

Ep. 333: Does Age = Pain? How to NOT Age Like Everyone Else!
Meredith for Real: the curious introvert

Ep. 332: The Cult Origins of Teen Rehab: How are these places still open??
Meredith for Real: the curious introvert

Ep. 331: Disentangling Faith from Religious Trauma [REMASTERED]
Meredith for Real: the curious introvert