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Wanting vs Liking: Why Addiction Isn't About Pleasure | Dr. Kent Berridge

2026-08-04 · 61 min · 7 entities

Asserted relationships

  • → hosted by Richard Taite person
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Richard Taite
  • → discusses Health & Fitness concept
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    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Health & Fitness
  • → discusses Mental Health person
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Mental Health

Entities found in this episode

persons 4

  • mentioned Richard Taite person
    0.70
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Richard Taite
  • hosted by Richard Taite person
    0.55
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed author/publisher: Richard Taite
  • mentioned Mental Health person
    0.50
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Mental Health
  • discusses Mental Health person
    0.40
    evidence rules-v5
    Feed category: Mental Health

concepts 3

Episode description as stored
Dr. Kent Berridge spent 40 years at the University of Michigan asking why people keep chasing things that stopped making them happy. He's the neuroscientist who discovered that dopamine isn't pleasure, it's wanting, and his research changed how addiction science understands craving. Richard sits down with Berridge to break down the wanting versus liking theory, why some people develop sensitized cravings and others don't, and why a smell, a street, or a song can trigger an urge years after someone gets sober. Richard brings 25 years of his own recovery experience to test the science in real time. They cover genetics and vulnerability, GLP-1 medications and craving reduction, why people tend to gravitate toward one substance over another, and what Berridge's rat studies reveal about how the brain assigns addiction to a specific target. A conversation for anyone trying to understand the neuroscience behind compulsive behavior, whether it shows up as substance use, food, gambling, or something else entirely. If you or someone you love is dealing with substance use, One Call Placement can help you find the right resource. Call (888) 831-1581. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow We're Out of Time so you never miss one.