Feeling stuck, numb, overwhelmed… or just weirdly “off”? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien explore the brain’s four major feel-good chemicals — dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin — and the surprising ways creativity helps activate every single one of them. What starts as a conversation about burnout and anhedonia turns into a hopeful deep dive into creativity, connection, movement, laughter, art, and the science of feeling better. Along the way, Susan and Laura unpack “cheap dopamine,” creative flow states, the power of community, and why your right amygdala might be the unsung hero of your emotional well-being. A neuroscience-meets-creativity episode for anyone who could use a little more wonder, possibility, and joy right about now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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