S2E4: Chasing Real Dopamine

In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, Thomas dives into our modern obsession with dopamine — that tiny “pleasure chemical” that makes scrolling, notifications, and binge-watching feel thrilling. He blends heart, humor, science, and neuroscience to explore the difference between cheap, rented hits and real dopamine that comes from creation, alignment, and small wins.

Thomas unpacks why our brains get hooked on anticipation rather than fulfillment, how social media and modern life exploit that “maybe” feeling, and what real dopamine feels like — the buzz of finishing a run, writing a paragraph, or showing up fully for what matters. Interwoven are irreverent, memorable quotes and references from neuroscience, James Clear, and Maya Angelou, highlighting the value of congruence, self-respect, and small victories.

Listeners get actionable practices to generate real dopamine, including a 4-step exercise for setting intentions, completing small tasks, and celebrating wins. Thomas also invites those ready to untangle their dopamine habits to explore coaching and build a life where joy and motivation are self-generated.

Packed with wit, insight, and practical guidance, this episode is for anyone ready to stop chasing cheap thrills, start showing up for life, and cultivate the kind of joy that lasts.

In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, Thomas dives into a surprisingly underrated life skill: being satisfyable—learning to feel genuinely content without endlessly chasing “more.” He blends heart, humor, science, and philosophy to explore how gratitude, presence, and boundaries on desire can transform your experience of life.

He unpacks the origins of this concept—from the Stoics, Buddha, and Aristotle’s eudaimonia, to modern psychology’s insights on the hedonic treadmill, dopamine vs. serotonin, neuroplasticity, and awe research—showing that satisfaction is a skill we can cultivate. Interwoven are inspiring quotes from Black transformational women writers like Toni Morrison, bell hooks, Maya Angelou, and Audre Lorde, highlighting the wisdom of finding contentment in simplicity and living fully in the present.

Thomas shares actionable practices for strengthening a satisfyable mindset, including daily gratitude, savoring rituals, “The Pause Practice,” making an “Enough List,” and a comparison detox. Plus, he invites listeners to explore coaching with him to move from constant striving to grounded satisfaction.

Packed with laughter, relatable reflections, and practical guidance, this episode is for anyone ready to embrace a life that’s rich, whole, and—yes—satisfyable AF.

The Transformative Power of Deep Listening

In this episode, Thomas (he/him) invites you into one of the most underrated life skills: listening, not just the polite nod or the distracted scroll, but listening as your accomplice, a transformative act that moves heart, mind and soul.

Drawing from a powerful moment on a Maui, Hawai’i beach with a dream-interpreting psychologist, Thomas shares how truly listening opened a doorway to profound self-understanding and healing. Through neuroscience insights, thoughtful reflections, and quotes from voices like Alok Vaid-Menon and Andrea Gibson, this episode explores how deep listening creates connection, lowers stress, and sparks transformation.

Plus, Thomas offers practical tips on cultivating “listening-only mode”, a mindful practice of focused listening through podcasts, audiobooks, or guided meditations that can give your nervous system a much-needed break.

And here’s a fun twist: did you know these solo podcasts are actually conversations? You’re invited to jump in by sharing your thoughts via the website, social media, or YouTube comments — turning this into a community of listening and growth.

If you’re ready to be truly heard and discover your own next steps, Thomas also introduces his coaching practice where deep listening meets real-life change.

Tune in for a rich, heart-centered conversation that might inspire you to rethink the power of listening — and why it deserves to be your lifelong accomplice.

You’ll hear about:

• 💡 Why “listening without a clipboard” is an act of love and bravery
• ✨ Practical tips to build your “listening muscle” every day
• 🧠 The science of how our brains sync when we truly listen

This isn’t just about hearing words — it’s about listening as an accomplice to healing, connection, and transformation.