Dopamine is often talked about as if it’s the brain’s “happiness chemical”, with phrases like dopamine detox or dopamine addiction becoming increasingly popular. In this episode, I unpack what dopamine actually is, and what it really does.

Dopamine isn’t the pleasure chemical. It’s a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, learning and helping the brain decide what’s worth our effort. When we understand this properly, it can change how we think about productivity, procrastination, compulsive habits and even low mood.

I explore concepts like reward prediction error, why novelty can feel so compelling, and how we can get caught in “wired but tired” loops that leave us overstimulated and under-satisfied. I also share evidence-based strategies to help you work with your dopamine system rather than against it.

This episode is about cutting through the myths and using neuroscience in a practical way. When you understand how dopamine shapes motivation and follow-through, you can begin to make more intentional choices about your habits, your focus and your energy.

Find out more: https://wendycastelino.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why We Doomscroll and How to Break the Cycle

Doomscrolling has become a familiar part of modern life, especially during times of uncertainty, stress or overwhelm. In this episode, I explore what doomscrolling actually is, why so many of us find ourselves stuck in it, and what’s happening in our brains when we can’t stop scrolling through bad news.

I talk about the role of our nervous system, how fear and threat keep us hooked, and why doomscrolling can feel compulsive even when it leaves us feeling worse. This isn’t about blaming ourselves or relying on willpower, but about understanding the psychology behind the behaviour and responding with curiosity rather than judgement.

I also share practical ways to interrupt the cycle, reduce its impact on your mental health, and build more awareness around how and when you consume news and social media. Small, intentional changes can make a real difference to how safe, grounded and present we feel.

This episode offers a compassionate look at doomscrolling, why it makes sense in the context of how our brains work, and how we can begin to regain a sense of choice and balance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts and memories. It also shows up in the body, often in ways we don’t consciously recognise. In this episode, I explore how EMDR therapy and the concept of the body score can support recovery from trauma.

I talk about what the body score is, how it’s used within EMDR, and why paying attention to physical sensations can be such an important part of healing. Rather than focusing only on what we think or remember, EMDR helps us notice how trauma is held in the body and gently work with those sensations in a safe, structured way.

I also reflect on why this approach can be especially helpful for people who struggle to put their experiences into words, or who feel “stuck” despite understanding their trauma intellectually. By involving the body as well as the mind, EMDR can support deeper processing and integration.

This episode offers an accessible introduction to EMDR and the body score, how they work together, and why body-based approaches can play a vital role in trauma recovery.

You can find out more, and support resources at www.wendycastelino.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.