Why You Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Explained

Beth sits down with Dr. Trish Leigh, a neuro coach, educator, and all-around brain expert, for a fascinating and honest conversation about how our screens are shaping the way we think, feel, and connect. From social media scrolling to online overload, Dr. Leigh breaks down what’s really happening in our brains and why it can feel so hard to unplug. They dive into how screen habits can impact our relationships, our focus, and even our happiness, but also how we can start to rewire our brains for more balance, calm, and connection.

Whether you’re looking to feel more present, cultivate more joy and connection, or simply create a healthier relationship with your devices, this episode offers practical tools and a refreshing perspective to help you find balance in an always-on digital world.

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Dr. Trish Leigh is a cognitive neuroscientist, board-certified neurofeedback practitioner, and certified sex addiction recovery coach. With more than 25 years of experience, she specializes in treating screen-based compulsions and executive dysfunction using brain-based diagnostics and neuroplasticity strategies. Her work draws on qEEG brain mapping, trauma-informed coaching, and addiction neuroscience to help individuals restore brain balance and behavioral integrity. Her latest book, Mind Over Explicit Matter, is a best-seller in the field of porn addiction recovery and digital dependency.

Website: https://drtrishleigh.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtrishleigh/ 

We Also Talk About:

Neurological effects of screen time and explicit content on adults and children.

The concept of "strained brain" and its impact on mental health and well-being.

The role of dopamine in screen addiction and its effects on behavior and satisfaction.

The long-term consequences of early exposure to explicit material on brain development.

The challenges of behavior change and the importance of addressing neurological dysregulation.

The impact of hypersexualized social media on identity formation and self-regulation.

Parenting strategies for managing children's screen time and fostering healthy technology use.

The relationship between screen addiction and declining fertility rates.

The importance of intentional screen use and creating healthy habits to combat addiction.

The broader cultural implications of screen overuse on social skills, relationships, and emotional health.

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Chapters

Strained Brain & Screen Time Patterns (00:00:00)**  

Dr. Leigh explains "strained brain" patterns from screen time and explicit material, and how screens reinforce stress and exhaustion.

 

**Podcast Introduction, Guest Welcome & Dr. Leigh’s Mission (00:01:56)**  

Host welcomes Dr. Trish Leigh, introduces the podcast’s mission, and Dr. Leigh describes her neuro coaching, global work, and the measurable effects of screens on brain health.

 

**Neuroplasticity, Brain Recovery & Scientific Evidence (00:03:23)**  

Dr. Leigh discusses the brain’s ability to recover through neuroplasticity, and the scientific basis for the effects of screen time and explicit material.

 

**Insidious Nature of Screen Overuse & Behavior Change (00:04:41)**  

Dr. Leigh compares screen overuse to smoking, highlighting secrecy and normalization, and discusses the neurological underpinnings of addictive behaviors.

 

**Supernormal Stimuli, Dopamine Deficit & Real Life Impact (00:07:39)**  

Explanation of how supernormal stimuli like porn and screens create deep neurological changes, dopamine deficits, and reduce enjoyment of real-life experiences and relationships.

 

**Screen Exposure in Children, Parenting & Healthy Use (00:14:08)**  

Concerns about early screen exposure on developing brains, Dr. Leigh’s parenting approach, and advice on intentional, healthy screen use for children.

 

**Compulsion, Addiction, and Brain Dependency (00:21:00)**  

Explanation of the continuum from use to compulsion, how the brain becomes dependent on screen-based dopamine, and the impact on relationships and dating.

 

**Pandemic Effects, Porn-Induced ED & Signs of Problematic Use (00:28:17)**  

COVID-19’s impact on screen/porn use, scientific evidence of porn-induced ED, gender differences, and how to recognize misuse and addiction.

 

**Chronic Stress, Brain Miswiring & Life Consequences (00:39:46)**  

How chronic stress from screens causes cellular dysfunction, miswires children’s brains, and impacts identity, relationships, fertility, and family building.

 

**Neuroplasticity, Prevention & Balancing Screen Use (00:51:27)**  

How to rewire the brain’s pleasure pathways, the importance of prevention and co-regulation, five categories of harm, and challenges of balancing necessary screen use with healthy boundaries.

 

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