274: How Dopamine Is Wrecking Our Kids (and Us)
Podcast: Oh Crap with JamiePublished On: Thu Nov 20 2025
Description: In this episode, I’m diving deep into one of the biggest problems affecting us—and our kids—right now: dopamine overload. We’ve built a world that’s too comfortable, too fast, and too easy—and it’s wrecking our motivation, focus, and happiness. From snacks and screens to constant stimulation, our brains (and our kids’ brains) are stuck in overdrive. I’ll explain what dopamine actually is (it’s not the reward—it’s the motivation), why fast dopamine leads to burnout, and what we can do to slow things down. From going analog to doing hard things, this episode is your wake-up call to start craving real life again—the messy, meaningful, slow kind.Timestamps:00:00 — Welcome + Maverick’s barking + recording chaos 🐶03:00 — Why we’re in a “comfort crisis” as humans06:15 — Jamie’s first Tough Mudder + discovering the value of struggle10:00 — Dopamine 101: what it actually is and how it works13:45 — Pleasure vs. pain balance + why we always want more17:30 — Fast dopamine vs. slow dopamine explained20:00 — How hyper-palatable foods and screens hijack the brain24:15 — The danger of early brain wiring (ages 0–5)29:00 — What happens when kids get constant “fast” dopamine hits33:30 — Addiction, food noise, and why moderation doesn’t work for everyone38:15 — The role of analog living + slowing down reward pathways43:00 — Real-life solutions: go analog, delay gratification, do hard things47:30 — Jamie’s winter hike story: “We’re built for struggle”55:00 — Parenting takeaways: slow it down, let kids struggle, simplify life59:00 — The “idle brain” and why quiet is necessary1:03:00 — Final words: “Put your phone down and rock on.” 🤘👉 Sign up for my newsletterJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapeeBrick for Phones
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