In this episode of the One Foundation Science Series, expert Dr. Michael Longyear dives deep into the neurology and biochemistry of joy, highlighting a cultural struggle where we confuse pleasure (dopamine) with happiness (serotonin). Dr. Longyear explains that dopamine is the “reward molecule” that drives quick, isolating hits (like vertical scrolling), while serotonin is the “feel-good molecule” associated with long-term contentment, right-brain activity, and social connection. Crucially, he shares how the Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) process is used to address the underlying neurological and emotional patterns that create an imbalance in these systems, helping individuals break free from the constant need for dopamine and reconnect with their innate ability to experience profound, lasting joy.
Time-stamped Highlights
Dopamine vs. Serotonin and the Joy System
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0:02 Dr. Michael Longyear discusses the interconnected joy system involving dopamine and serotonin and the common struggle for patients to find joy today.
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4:57 Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter that rewards wanting (left brain, pleasure), while serotonin is the long-term, feel-good molecule about contentment (right brain, connection).
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10:34 Joy originates in the right orbital frontal cortex, emphasizing the neurological distinction between joy and sadness/fear.
The Role of NET in Restoring Balance
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11:33 NET is shown in research (Jefferson studies) to counteract amygdala hijacking by redirecting blood flow back to the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex.
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11:33 This restoration allows for improved coordination of the body, immune system, thoughts, emotions, and the ability to connect with others.
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14:21 Our society’s dopamine dependence conflates pleasure and happiness; counter this by building serotonin through the 4 C’s: Connect, Contribute, Cope, Cook.
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19:35 The state of joy is achieved when the three parts of the Triple Network Theory (Default Mode, Salience, and Cognitive Networks) are all in sync.
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22:20 To foster serotonin, engage in right-brain activities (nature, creativity, compliments), which are especially crucial for females.
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26:01 NET works by clearing the NEC (Neuro Emotional Complex), which is likened to a subluxation that moves us away from our nervous system’s natural state of joy.
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36:31 The emotional cerebellum uses GABA; removing an NEC allows for better integration and down-regulates amygdala wind-up.
