Almost 30 is all about tools, tricks, and insights that anyone can use to feel happier and more aligned as they navigate the big transitions in their life… but we’ve never really talked about WHY people feel happy. Like what’s going in these mammal brains of ours? So Lindsey + Krista sat down with Loretta Breuning, PhD, a professor, an author, and the Founder of The Inner Mammal Institute. Loretta teaches people how to build power over their mammalian brain chemistry and understand nature’s operating system.   Because if we understand the science of what’s happening when we form habits or feel a certain way, we have the power to manipulate those chemicals, rewire our brains, and ultimately, live a better life. Are you ready to make peace with your inner mammal?   We discuss…   Early brain development Why it’s so difficult to create new neural pathways in our brains after puberty Our impulse to want more Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, & endorphin The medical model VS the animal world Ups + downs being NORMAL Do animals have memories like we do? Why the size of your brain directly correlates to the length of childhood (and the animal with the biggest brain) The amazing miracle of reproduction Breaking an addictive habit Getting back to neutral after experiencing trauma Endorphins + GABA Every single person being wired for an individual experience (and feeling a little different from the herd)   Find more to love at almost30podcast.com!   Resources: Learn more | innermammalinstitute.org Listen | The Happy Brain Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/LorettaBreuningPhD Twitter | @innermammal YouTube | youtube.com/c/InnerMammalInstitute Read | Habits of a Happy Brain: serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphin Read | The Science of Positivity Read | I, Mammal: make peace with the animal urge for social power Silver Fern | Use code ALMOST30 for 15% off your first order at silverfernbrand.com Bioclarity | Use code ALMOST30 for $20 off your 1st month at bioclarity.com Four Sigmatic | Get 15% off your order at foursigmatic.com/almost30 The Almost 30 Podcast is edited by Podcast Masters