
About this episode
When the behaviors we thought would make us happy don’t, we’re forced to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be. But our happiness goals are often stifled by the disease of addiction—and its complex neurochemical influence on our desires.
A conversation with psychiatrist Anna Lembke helps us understand the gap between the cravings that drive us and the happiness we seek.
This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and is hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Matthew Simonson.
Be a part of How to Build a Happy Life. Write to us at [email protected]. To support this podcast, and get unlimited access to all of The Atlantic’s journalism, become a subscriber.
Music by the Flix (“Saturdays”), Mindme (“Anxiety”), Dylan Stills (“Queens”), and Yomoti (“Nebula”).
Click here to listen to more full-length episodes in The Atlantic’s How To series.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time How to Age Up 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 How to Age Up

What It Takes to Reclaim Your Attention Span
How to Age Up
Aug 24, 202640:21pending

Why Learn Something That a Machine Can Do for You?
How to Age Up
Aug 17, 202633:26pending

The Internet Is More Image-Focused Than Ever
How to Age Up
Aug 10, 202637:11pending

How AI Could Make People More Anxious
How to Age Up
Aug 3, 202627:59pending