What if you had more influence over your happiness than you realize?

In this thought-provoking episode of In the Groove with Todd and Jackie, hosts Todd Cudaback and Jackie Bailey welcome Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay, and bestselling author of Habits of a Happy Brain.

Together, they explore the fascinating connection between human emotions, brain chemistry, and the mammalian instincts that shape our everyday experiences. Loretta explains the natural role of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphin, and cortisol, revealing how these powerful brain chemicals influence motivation, relationships, stress, happiness, and decision-making. She also shares practical strategies for building new neural pathways that support healthier habits, greater emotional resilience, and lasting personal growth.

✨ In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• How dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphin influence emotions and behavior

• Why happiness is not designed to be constant—and what that means for daily life

• How the mammalian brain shapes habits, motivation, and decision-making

• Practical ways to create new neural pathways and healthier emotional patterns

• The role of cortisol and stress in the human experience

• How understanding brain chemistry can help you build a more fulfilling life

This conversation is filled with practical insights, fascinating science, and empowering perspectives that can help you better understand yourself and the emotions we all experience as human beings.

🎙️ Guest: Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD Founder, Inner Mammal Institute Author of Habits of a Happy Brain

Learn more about Loretta and her work: https://innermammalinstitute.org/

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