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Neuroscience Explained: Happiness Myth, Collective Trauma, Manifestation, Attention Spans & More
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In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Kaela Singleton joins us to discuss the neuroscience behind manifestation, dopamine hacking, and why happiness isn’t a sustainable state. We explore how trauma and epigenetics impact the brain, why radical self-care is essential, and the intersection of neuroscience and systemic oppression. Kaela also shares insights on neuro-racism, the effects of capitalism on mental health, and how we can shift our mindset for true contentment.
Discussed in This Episode:
- What dopamine hacking is and why it’s misunderstood
- How manifestation and neuroscience actually intersect
- The truth about happiness and why it isn’t a sustainable goal
- How social media is affecting our attention spans
- The impact of systemic racism on the brain
- Neuro-racism and the historical misuse of neuroscience
- The role of trauma and epigenetics in shaping mental health
- Why radical self-care is a form of resistance
- How capitalism manipulates our dopamine responses
- Practical ways to retrain your brain for contentment
Resources Mentioned:
- Kaela Singleton on Insta
- Kaela Singleton on Bluesky
- Dr. Jim Doty on Mel Robbins’ podcast
- Black in Neuro
- “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem
- “They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us” by Hanif Abdurraqib
- “Chain Gang All Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
- “Portrait of a Thief” by Grace D. Li
- “Universality” by Natasha Brown
- Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love
Dr. Kaela S. Singleton (she/her) is a Black Samoan Queer neuroscientist whose career blends groundbreaking research, community leadership, and advocacy for diversity in STEM. Raised in Georgia, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Classical History from Agnes Scott College and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Georgetown University. Her postdoctoral research at Emory University focused on pediatric neurodegeneration, advancing cellular and developmental neuroscience.
She now serves as the Director of Grants Management at Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Dr. Singleton’s expertise and leadership have earned her recognition as a NINDS BP-ENDURE alum, NINDS D-SPAN Scholar, and Burroughs Wellcome Fund PDEP Fellow. As the President and Co-Founder of Black In Neuro, an international nonprofit, Dr. Singleton is dedicated to fostering equity and accountability in STEM, creating inclusive spaces that celebrate and empower Black scholars.