Fresh Take: Michaeleen Doucleff, DOPAMINE KIDS
Science reporter Michaeleen Doucleff, author of the new book DOPAMINE KIDS, explains how dopamine drives our addictions to our phones and to ultra-processed foods—and how to help ourselves, and our kids, build healthier habits.
What does dopamine actually do to our brains—and to our kids' brains? We welcome back science journalist and parenting expert Michaeleen Doucleff to discuss her latest book, DOPAMINE KIDS.
After years as an NPR science reporter, and after writing the bestselling HUNT, GATHER, PARENT, Doucleff began noticing something unsettling in her own life: even during beautiful moments with her daughter, she felt pulled toward her phone.
That realization led her to explore the powerful role of dopamine, the brain chemical tied to reward, motivation, and habit formation—and how modern technology and ultra-processed foods are designed to trigger it.
In this conversation, Amy and Doucleff discuss how the dopamine-driven design of both screens and ultra-processed foods affects both kids and parents, often making it harder for families to reduce the use of these things in the home.
They also explore practical ways families can reclaim attention, connection, and balance in a world full of digital distractions.
Here' s where you can find Michaeleen:
- www.michaeleendoucleff.com
- Buy DOPAMINE KIDS: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781668049839
What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.
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