Can your brain’s “anti-reward” system sabotage motivation — and can you train it to work for you instead of against you?In this Live Talk, Being Patient founder Deborah Kan sits down with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, physician, public health leader, and behavior expert, to explain the science of the habenula — a tiny brain structure with an outsized role in motivation, habits, cravings, stress, and setbacks.Dr. Bobinet describes the habenula as an “anti-reward” hub that can overpower dopamine pathways when it flips on in response to perceived failure, fueling frustration, shame, and negative self-talk. She shares a practical framework for regaining momentum by learning to neutralize failure through an iterative mindset — treating slip-ups as feedback, making small adjustments, and trying again.You’ll also learn behavior strategies to help break bad habits by “putting the brakes” between you and a craving — and why chronic stress can make the habenula more reactive for people stuck in a deeper addiction loop, sometimes requiring layered support.Featuring: Dr. Kyra BobinetAuthor of Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience That Frees Us From Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change---If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Episode ID: 1000746777805

GUID: 4451bba4-2d00-4764-9fe3-30df06824bd2

Release Date: 27/01/2026, 06:08:38