Let’s talk about dopamine—specifically beneficial vs. health destructive dopamine pursuits. We hear about this wonderful chemical (often referred to as the reward chemical) all the time, but as you’ll learn in this show, the experts will tell you that it’s really the motivation chemical. When dopamine is released into your bloodstream, it motivates you to continue to pursue what is perceived as pleasurable and rewarding behaviors. But we have hijacked our body chemistry in modern life, and we no longer exist in the same kind of life-or-death circumstances of primal times, so now we can achieve pleasurable dopamine highs through the use of all kinds of adverse vehicles (like recreational drugs).  However, as you will hear in this breather show, there are ways to promote a sustained release of dopamine without that crash we’re all familiar with when we indulge in things that hijack brain chemistry. This is important because when you flood your dopamine pathways with instant gratification behaviors, you block the pathways that are intended for serotonin and oxytocin—however, when you persevere through challenging pursuits that align with your passion and purpose, you release dopamine, as well as other pleasure chemicals, that contribute to leading a rich, meaningful, hormone and neurotransmitter balanced life. I also talk about the importance of John Demartini’s concept of pursuing your “inspired purpose” to lead your best and richest life, what to do when your career is not yet aligned with your inspired purpose, how to recognize (and stop) the behaviors that create conflict within ourselves, why motivation is a flimsy source of productivity, and how to create a sustained release of dopamine.   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel (Now Available in Cocoa Bean)   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @brad.kearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD Plunge: Sensational custom-designed home cold plunge with filtered, circulating water, custom temperature setting, and sleek design. Save $150 with code BRAD. Also enroll in my Cold Plunge online course! B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity. New Cocoa Bean flavor! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement Brad's Favorites on Amazon I have a newly organized shopping experience at BradKearns.com/Shop. Visit here and you can navigate to my B.rad Nutrition products (for direct order or Amazon order), my library of online multimedia educational courses, great discounts from my affiliate favorites, and my recommended health&fitness products on Amazon. See omnystudio.com/