Dhru Purohit Show
The Scarcity Brain Loop and How Our Brains Are Being Hijacked By the Environment with Michael Easter
02 Nov 2023
This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, Cozy Earth, and Beekeepers. Our modern lifestyles and technology have led us to crave and consume with addictive tendencies and a hope of immediate gratification. Whether it's food, social media, news, gambling, or even alcohol, we know that people are struggling with moderation, balance and feeling fulfilled. Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with professor and journalist Michael Easter to discuss how our ancient brains lead us to the “scarcity brain.” Michael shares what he has learned through his research and travels about stopping cravings, learning and processing information in our daily lives, and reframing our thoughts on addiction. Michael Easter is an author, journalist, and professor known for his work on a wide range of topics, including fitness, nutrition, mental health, and environmental conservation. He is the author of a book titled The Comfort Crisis, where he explores the concept of embracing discomfort as a method to improve physical and mental resilience. His newest book is called Scarcity Brain, where he focuses on our ancient mindset and how it can lead us to have a scarcity mindset, crave more, and have addictive behaviors. In this episode, Dhru and Michael dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version): -Living in a world that is designed to take advantage of our brains (2:30 / 2:30) -Why is focusing on bad habits a key to unlocking longevity (4:00 / 4:00) -Michael’s time with the Tsimane tribe in Bolivia and what he learned about scarcity mindset (5:44 / 5:44) -What is the scarcity loop (13:02 / 10:36) -How a routine and eating the same thing each day can lead people to make better food choices (20:18 / 17:54) -The history of ultra-processed foods and how the industry uses them to cause addiction (23:47 / 21:14) -Where does the scarcity loop live in the brain, and what it causes us to feel (26:40 / 24:19) -Michael’s thoughts on addiction, what he has learned, and how it applies to various forms of addictions (32:00 / 28:14) -Certainty and what role it plays in your overall journey and goals (42:44 / 38:49) -Michael’s time with Benedictine monks and what he learned (48:44 / 44:46) -How to prevent behaviors that operate within the scarcity loop (51:33 / 47:36) -Information overload and how to put in the effort to truly understand the information you are being (54:07 / 50:10) -How drinking alcohol at a later age can prevent addiction and how it is used to cope (1:04:00 / 1:00:06) Also mentioned in this episode: -2% Newsletter Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests with Rupa Health. You can check out a free, live demo with a Q&A or create an account at RupaHealth.com today. Right now, get 40% off your Cozy Earth sheets. Just head over to cozyearth.com and use code DHRUP. Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/DHRU and enter code “DHRU” to get Beekeeper’s Naturals' exclusive offer of 20% off sitewide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Dhru Purohit Show
Transcribed and ready to explore now
How to Rewire a Fearful, Judgmental, and Stressed-Out Mind into One Rooted in Freedom and Presence with Joe Hudson
04 Jun 2025
Dhru Purohit Show
Why Excess Added Sugar is Driving Modern Diseases and How to Take Back Our Metabolic Health and Overcome a Sedentary Lifestyle
02 Jun 2025
Dhru Purohit Show
Neurophysiologist Shares Top 3 Drivers of Alzheimer’s Disease, How To Reduce Your Risk of Cognitive Decline At Any Age, and How to Build a Super-Brain with Louisa Nicola (Rebroadcast)
28 May 2025
Dhru Purohit Show
The Labs You Need Your Doctor to Run to Know if Your Metabolically Healthy
26 May 2025
Dhru Purohit Show
Integrative Doctor Shares the Dangers of Microwaving Plastic, Eating Canned Foods and Top Sources of Endocrine Disruptors and How Simple Swaps in Our Home Make a Huge Difference with Dr. Vivian Chen
21 May 2025
Dhru Purohit Show
How to Make It To 100 With A Sharp Brain And Good Mobility
19 May 2025
Dhru Purohit Show