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Happy Chemicals Self-Coaching

Happy Chemicals Self-Coaching

By Christian Rivera

"Happy Chemicals" is a journey into the world of self-coaching, where we explore how to harness the power of our head, heart, and gut wisdoms to achieve greater happiness and fulfillment. Each episode dives into practical self-coaching techniques, insights from personality frameworks, and the wisdom of systems like the Enneagram and Gene Keys. Join us as we uncover the tools and practices that can help us navigate life's challenges and tap into our true potential for a balanced, joyful life.
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Public Vulnerability

Happy Chemicals Self-CoachingApr 09, 2018

00:00
11:60
Embracing and Creating Emotional Boundaries

Embracing and Creating Emotional Boundaries

In this new era of "Happy Chemicals," we delve into the foundational topic of emotional boundaries. Join us as we explore the significance of recognizing and setting healthy boundaries for personal growth and mental wellness. Drawing from insights in psychology, the Gene Keys, and personal experiences, we discuss practical ways to establish and maintain boundaries that honor our emotional needs and foster meaningful connections. This episode is not just about setting limits; it's about creating space for self-discovery, respect, and genuine interactions. Whether you're beginning your journey in self-coaching or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the intricate world of emotions and relationships.

Christian Rivera dives into the importance of creating emotional boundaries in our lives. He shares his personal journey with understanding private vs public intimacy, and how a lack of modeling healthy boundaries growing up led him to overshare. Christian reflects on nurturing intimacy through respecting different levels of access in our relationships. He emphasizes processing feelings privately and alchemizing emotions through creativity.

In this episode, Christian Rivera discusses:

  • His trigger around extreme openness and lack of emotional boundaries
  • Learning about setting boundaries through the Gene Keys system
  • Childhood lack of modeling for healthy emotional boundaries
  • Using a house analogy to understand levels of intimacy and access
  • Respecting privacy in marriage relationships
  • Dangers of being emotionally boundaryless
  • Creating true intimacy through healthy boundaries
  • Processing emotions privately vs public trauma dumping
  • Concept of alchemizing difficult emotions
  • Using creativity to process feelings in a healthy way
  • Coaching and therapy for building emotional skills
  • Daily self-care for emotional regulation
  • Establishing inner and outer relationship circles
  • Setting social media boundaries with toxic people
  • Benefits of personal emotional boundaries
  • Private journaling for self-processing
  • Emotional intimacy with oneself first
  • Public sharing vs personal happiness nurturing
  • Emotional boundaries for potency and helpfulness
  • Treating happiness as a continual self-care process
  • Fine-tuning daily practices to nurture joy
  • Exploring the mind-body-spirit connection
  • Udemy course on The Wisdom of the Three Centers


Self-Coaching Courses: https://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera/

Follow CNote: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio

Jan 22, 202426:29
INTPs and the Emotional Grip: Understanding & Overcoming

INTPs and the Emotional Grip: Understanding & Overcoming

Introduction: Welcome to today’s episode featuring Christian Rivera, also known as C-Note, as he dives into the intricacies of emotional expression and the quest for meaningful connections. Main Themes: Emotional Expression and Connection: C-Note shares his experience as an INTP personality type, discussing the challenges he faces in expressing emotions and connecting with others. The Impact of Introverted Thinking: Learn about how Rivera grapples with his introverted thinking process, which sometimes leads to feelings of disconnection, especially while working from home. The Power of Conversation: Rivera emphasizes the importance of extroverting his thoughts and the role of dialogue in refining and validating his ideas. Battling Anxiety and Fear of Rejection: Hear how C-Note confronts his anxiety and the fear of seeking attention, revealing his vulnerabilities in the pursuit of connection. Emotional Expression Outlets: Discover the creative ways Rivera has found to express emotions, including through music, emotional content, and hosting mental wellness open mic nights. The Struggle with Emotional Processing: C-Note candidly speaks about his difficulties with emotional processing, potentially exacerbated by ADHD and hyper-fixations. The Importance of Receptive Listeners: The episode highlights Rivera’s relief in finding listeners who are receptive to his thoughts, emphasizing the value of genuine care and support. Quality over Online Recognition: A discussion on the importance of true connections rather than superficial online interactions. Assessing Relationship Sincerity: Rivera shares insights into how he evaluates the sincerity of his relationships, insisting on the need for actions that support emotional well-being. Communicating Needs and Relationship Dynamics: An exploration of Rivera’s efforts to communicate his needs clearly and update his connection methods with his spouse. Learning and Growth Opportunities: Details on Rivera’s Udemy course on the three centers and his offer of one-on-one sessions to aid others in personal growth. Invitation for Feedback and Engagement: C-Note seeks feedback and encourages listeners to engage with his content, especially his videos on extroverted feeling. Closing Thoughts: Join us in this profound discussion with Christian Rivera as he navigates the complexities of self-expression and the search for authentic relationships in today’s world. Connect with C-Note: For those eager to delve deeper, Rivera’s content is a resource for anyone looking to enhance their emotional literacy and forge deeper connections. Reminder: If you find value in today’s show, please consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Thank you for tuning in to this episode where self-awareness and emotional intelligence take center stage in the journey of personal development. ----------------- Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. These videos are for entertainment, self-diagnosis, self-assessment, self-experimentation, and expressions of Christian's own personal process and development. He is not a mental health professional so any actions taken from the content of these videos is the responsibility of the viewer. Any advice given is from the lens of personal experience and self-acquired knowledge. INTP Support Courses: http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio ------------------ Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/ Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637

Jan 17, 202424:18
Mental Wellness and The Big Picture

Mental Wellness and The Big Picture

In my latest video, I reflect on how mental wellness has been a throughline in my life and share my vision for being a "junction box" between people and the therapists, coaches, consultants, and creatives who can support them. Instead of being the expert, I want to diagnose where people are stuck and direct them to the right resources. There's so much potential for us to help each other if we connect authentically, individual to individual. What are your thoughts? I wrote a post this morning about where I"m going with mental wellness support: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Aje14LotN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link ----------------- Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. These videos are for entertainment, self-diagnosis, self-assessment, self-experimentation, and expressions of Christian's own personal process and development. He is not a mental health professional so any actions taken from the content of these videos is the responsibility of the viewer. Any advice given is from the lens of personal experience and self-acquired knowledge. INTP Support Courses: http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio ------------------ Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/ Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637

Jan 16, 202426:10
Navigating Fear, Blame, Shame & Guilt

Navigating Fear, Blame, Shame & Guilt

Welcome to today’s episode where we explore CNote’s innovative approach to mental wellness and his four-quadrant strategy. The episode delves into the challenges of feeling diagnostically stuck and the journey towards clarity and self-understanding. Main Themes: Comprehensive Mental Wellness: We discuss CNote’s holistic strategy for mental wellness, focusing on overcoming the feeling of being directionless through personality profiling and alternative methods. The Emotional Roots: A deep dive into how fear, blame, shame, and guilt can impede personal growth and the importance of addressing these emotions to foster understanding. Fear and the Future: Analysis of fear’s connection to future uncertainties, survival instincts, and larger global issues such as climate change and the impact of billionaires. Societal Implications of Emotions: The cultural phenomenon of “canceling” as a social shaming practice. The evolutionary purpose of shame in maintaining social norms. Relationships and Self-Perception: The destructive effects of shame and guilt on personal relationships and self-image. The call for self-acceptance and recognizing the healing nature of shared human experiences. Personal Connection: CNote shares his own struggles with guilt and the crucial role of self-forgiveness. The value of ongoing self-reflection in maintaining personal connections and combating loneliness. Seeking Guidance: An invitation for listeners to engage with CNote for personalized sessions. The goal of helping individuals explore personal values, purpose, and fostering a deeper self-connection. Conclusion: Summarizing CNote’s message on the importance of inner work and self-discovery in achieving mental wellness. Encouragement to reach out for support and the promise of personalized help in navigating the complexities of the human emotional landscape. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to connect with CNote for tailored support and to start their journey towards a clearer understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Final Thoughts: Reflecting on the profound impact that addressing deep-seated emotions can have on one’s overall mental health and well-being. A reminder that you are not alone in your experiences and that reaching out for help is a brave and vital step towards healing. ----------------- Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. These videos are for entertainment, self-diagnosis, self-assessment, self-experimentation, and expressions of Christian's own personal process and development. He is not a mental health professional so any actions taken from the content of these videos is the responsibility of the viewer. Any advice given is from the lens of personal experience and self-acquired knowledge. INTP Support Courses: http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio ------------------ Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/ Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637

Jan 16, 202429:17
The Link Between ADHD and Sensory Overload for Intuitives

The Link Between ADHD and Sensory Overload for Intuitives

In this episode, I'm sharing with you my tips for unleashing authenticity as an INTP. As an INTP, it's easy to get lost in your thoughts and feel like you don't express yourself authentically. But by learning how to embrace your true self, you can start to feel more confident and connected. I hope you find these tips helpful as you work to unleash your authentic self. I know they've been helpful to me and I believe they can help you too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know! ----------------- Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. INTP Support Courses: http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio ------------------ Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/ Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637

Jan 05, 202407:06
Embracing Your Authentic Self as an INTP

Embracing Your Authentic Self as an INTP

In this episode, I'm sharing with you my tips for unleashing authenticity as an INTP. As an INTP, it's easy to get lost in your thoughts and feel like you don't express yourself authentically. But by learning how to embrace your true self, you can start to feel more confident and connected. I hope you find these tips helpful as you work to unleash your authentic self. I know they've been helpful to me and I believe they can help you too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know! ----------------- Christian Rivera creates videos and courses that support INTP personality type growth. INTP Support Courses: http://www.udemy.com/user/christian-a-rivera Get a Free INTP eBook for joining the e-mail list: http://www.linktr.ee/cnotestudio ------------------ Personality Hacker Personality Test: https://ca157.isrefer.com/go/phpt/letsgocnote/ Truity Labs Test: https://www.truity.com/?a=3234637

Jan 05, 202416:10
Which Spiritual Leaders are Trustworthy?

Which Spiritual Leaders are Trustworthy?

I found myself asking about trust in spiritual leaders and why some activate some negative gut responses from me. So I share some of my thoughts on why we can or can't trust certain mentors or leaders and how they may prey on vulnerability.
Oct 11, 202313:55
Outsourcing Our Artificial Intelligence

Outsourcing Our Artificial Intelligence

What's the future of Artificial Intelligence? What does it mean for creativity? What does it mean for humans? What does it mean for our collective future?


Artificial intelligence is being used to automate tasks that were previously done manually, such as content creation and design work. This allows for faster and more efficient production of templates and presentations. While AI can handle the technical aspects of these tasks, human creativity, and discernment are still necessary for making aesthetic and effective design choices. The use of AI in various fields, including warfare, raises ethical and philosophical questions about human intervention and the potential risks associated with AI. However, AI also has the potential to free up human time and energy for more creative and imaginative pursuits. The emergence of the noosphere, the world of thought and ideas facilitated by social media, further expands the reach of human consciousness and the possibilities for discovery and connection. The future impact of AI on humanity is uncertain, but it offers both opportunities and challenges that require careful consideration and exploration.


Oct 04, 202330:14
Mid-80s Millennial Pathologies and Calming the Nerves

Mid-80s Millennial Pathologies and Calming the Nerves

I'm sharing some of my healing work around the Fearful Avoidant Attachment Style as a Millennial born in the 1980s to immigrant parents. I share how some of us are products of our parents' panic to fit into their Generation's culture and how that led to the millennial pathology of feeling like a bad person. I talk a bit about our access to the wild west of the internet at a young age and how that affected some of our relationship to sex and relating. I reference the show BEEF which is a must see if you resonate with some of these challenges.
Aug 21, 202337:24
The Coming Generational Crisis: Where are we? And where are we going?
Aug 07, 202336:55
Exploring The Fearful Avoidant Attachment Style

Exploring The Fearful Avoidant Attachment Style

I've recently learned that I have a fearful avoidant attachment style and much has been coming out of that. On this episode I process out loud what has been coming from my learning, how that relates to my story, and where I can start to go from here. I also talk a bit about why Millennials are seeking labels so freely.
Aug 04, 202340:59
Redefining Mental Health: Exploring Philosophy and AI's Impact on Humanity

Redefining Mental Health: Exploring Philosophy and AI's Impact on Humanity

Introduction

Welcome back to Happy Chemicals! I'm CNote, and today I want to share my recent insights into mental health, philosophy, and the implications of artificial intelligence on humanity. Over the years, I've discussed my mental health journey, attempting to differentiate between mental illness and overall well-being. Today, I've reached a new understanding of mental health, and I believe it's essential to redefine our approach to it. Join me as we delve into the three pillars that shape my perspective: mental wellness, philosophy, and existential considerations.

Subscribed

The Transition to Mental Wellness

I'm Christian Rivera, and for the past six years, I've openly discussed my mental health struggles and how they relate to my personality. Recently, I took some time off to reflect on my experiences and redefine mental health for myself. I've come to realize that mental health isn't solely about mental illness, depression, or despair. It also involves our day-to-day well-being, managing our emotions, and understanding our "happy chemicals" that keep us balanced.

The Struggles of Finding Our Place

Many of us face challenges, such as a lack of community, connection, and purpose, leading to a crisis of meaning. This struggle becomes more pronounced in younger generations, like millennials, who may feel disconnected from the world they were born into. While generational theory may help us understand these feelings, finding our place and belonging remains an ongoing challenge.

Three Pillars of Mental Wellness

I've divided my approach to mental wellness into three interconnected pillars:

  1. Mental Health / Mental Wellness: Focused on understanding our emotions, managing day-to-day challenges, and examining how we've arrived at our current state through actions and experiences.

  2. Philosophy: This pillar involves reconciling our core principles and beliefs, exploring our personality traits, and expressing our thoughts through philosophy or creative outlets.

  3. Existential Considerations: We look to the future, contemplating our identity, life path, and the impact of technology, especially artificial intelligence.

AI's Role in Our Lives

AI is becoming an integral part of our lives, impacting various sectors, including military and technology. As we face ethical and existential questions about AI, we must consider how it aligns with human values and principles. AI's ability to learn and interact at great speed raises questions about its role in warfare, climate change, and even terraforming other planets.

AI and Our Survival

AI's existence is intrinsically linked to human thought and the continuation of humanity. As we develop AI, we must provide it with principles that it can question and adapt. Just as we continually challenge our beliefs and adapt, AI should be able to assess its principles in response to new challenges and experiences.

Concluding Thoughts

Embracing mental wellness, exploring philosophy, and addressing the implications of AI are crucial steps in shaping our future. As thinkers and creators, we must engage in discussions about ethics, principles, and the coexistence of AI and humanity. I hope to bring these topics to Happy Chemicals on Substack, YouTube, and my podcast. Your contributions and opinions are invaluable as we navigate this ever-changing landscape.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery and exploration. Let's continue to ponder, discuss, and shape the world around us.

Note: The transcript has been cleaned up and restructured to create a coherent and concise Substack article. Some content has been condensed to focus on the main points, and headers have been added for better organization.

Aug 02, 202329:13
Overdoing Executive Functioning

Overdoing Executive Functioning

Ironically making a podcast about how I'm doing too much and burning out often.
Jul 11, 202317:08
Continuing the Story

Continuing the Story

I've spent so long making this podcast with a multi year journey of healing and growth. So what now?
Jun 29, 202321:02
Is power bad?
Jun 15, 202318:37
Success After Succeeding

Success After Succeeding

When you have everything you want does it make sense to still want more?
May 09, 202317:36
Disentangling Self
Apr 13, 202318:44
Building a Career Despite Mental Health Struggles: Insights and Strategies
Apr 05, 202322:09
Career Transcendence: Embracing AI and Letting Go of the Past

Career Transcendence: Embracing AI and Letting Go of the Past

Hey there, welcome to the Happy Chemicals podcast! I'm your host and resident neurotic, and in this episode, I'm here to talk about my ongoing journey of career transcendence.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Wow, this guy's really got it together!" But let me tell you, transcendence is no walk in the park. It's more like a marathon through a jungle filled with quicksand and monkeys that throw coconuts at you.

But I'm determined to make it through, and I want to share my experiences with you. In this episode, I'll be discussing the challenges I've faced in letting go of my old ways and embracing new opportunities, all while avoiding the temptation to crawl back into my comfort zone.

And let's not forget about the big bad wolf that is AI. It's out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting to steal our jobs and our identities. But don't worry, I've got a plan - and it involves befriending the robots and convincing them to join our team.

If you're ready to join me on this wild and wacky ride of career transcendence, then tune in now! And if you want to support me along the way, check out my Patreon page at
patreon.com/happychemicals. Plus, for a limited time only, buy my book, Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir, and I'll throw in a free bag of popcorn! (Popcorn not included.) You can find the book at bit.ly/happychemicalsbook.

So come on, let's get transcendental! (Disclaimer: transcendence may cause side effects such as increased happiness, productivity, and a sudden urge to dance.)
Apr 04, 202319:55
Wrestlemania and Our Violent Needs
Apr 03, 202324:07
Avoiding Lottery Winner Styles of Advice
Apr 03, 202327:08
Attention as Currency: Navigating Social Media and Chemical Health

Attention as Currency: Navigating Social Media and Chemical Health

Hey there! Today, I want to talk about the concept of attention as currency in our modern world. We often give away our attention freely without realizing its true value, but when we're in situations where we have less attention to spare, we come to understand how precious it is.

One way to maximize our attention is through immersive experiences that allow us to be fully present in the moment. Whether it's reading a book, hiking in nature, or attending a live event, these experiences help us to focus our attention and enhance our lives.

But in today's world, social media can be a major drain on our attention. As comedian Chris Rock has pointed out, there are four ways we try to get attention online: showing our ass, becoming infamous, being excellent, or being a victim. While social media can provide a sense of community and connection, it can also be addictive and lead to disconnection from the real world.

That's why I think it's important to reframe the conversation around mental health as "chemical health" and pay attention to how our bodies feel when we're on social media versus when we're off. By becoming aware of the impact of our digital habits on our physical and emotional well-being, we can make better choices about how we spend our time and attention.

So, let's start treating our attention like the valuable currency that it is. And, speaking of valuable things, I want to invite you to support the Happy Chemicals podcast on
Patreon.com/happychemicals. This podcast explores the fascinating world of brain chemistry and how it influences our behavior and emotions. By supporting the podcast, you can continue to learn more about the science of happiness and well-being.

Thanks for tuning in to "Attention as Currency: Navigating Social Media and Chemical Health"!

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Mar 30, 202329:20
Chemical Systems Effects: My Journey Through Burnout, Neurotransmitters, and Sex Addiction

Chemical Systems Effects: My Journey Through Burnout, Neurotransmitters, and Sex Addiction

In this episode, I delve into the fascinating world of chemical systems effects and their impact on my mental and emotional wellbeing. Join me as I explore my journey through burnout and my relationship to key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, testosterone, and serotonin. I also touch on the role of sex addiction and how it relates to my overuse of analytic brain functioning. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the intersection of chemistry and psychology from my personal perspective.

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at
www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Mar 30, 202325:26
The Pursuit of Happiness: My Brain Dump on Finding Fulfillment in the Present Moment

The Pursuit of Happiness: My Brain Dump on Finding Fulfillment in the Present Moment

In this episode, I take a deep dive into my personal journey towards happiness and share some of my insights and experiences. Join me as I discuss how happiness is not a permanent state, and explore strategies for being more mindful and present in the moment. We'll also explore the idea of being aware of our emotions about emotions, and how this awareness can help us better understand ourselves and lead to a more fulfilling life. So, sit back and tune in as I share my brain dump on becoming a happier person.

Support at
www.patreon.com/happychemicals

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Mar 27, 202355:10
500th Episode of Happy Chemicals! Inflammation and Depression, AI, Self-Trust, and Looking Ahead

500th Episode of Happy Chemicals! Inflammation and Depression, AI, Self-Trust, and Looking Ahead

Join us for a very special episode as we celebrate a momentous occasion: the 500th episode of Happy Chemicals! In this episode, we reflect on the journey so far, express our gratitude for our listeners, and share exciting updates on what's to come.

We also delve into a fascinating topic that's gaining more attention in the mental health world: the connection between inflammation and depression. You'll learn about the potential link between these two factors and discover ways to reduce inflammation and improve your mental health.

Finally, we explore the promising opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for mental health, including the ability to self-experiment and develop greater self-trust. Tune in to celebrate with us and learn how you can boost your well-being and happiness with the latest insights from science.

If you love our podcast and want to support our mission of spreading happiness and positivity, please consider becoming a patron on Patreon at
patreon.com/happychemicals. Your support helps us create more great content and bring happiness to even more people!

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Feb 24, 202315:36
Empowering Sexual Fantasies: Dissociation & Power (Part 2)

Empowering Sexual Fantasies: Dissociation & Power (Part 2)

Continuing from the previous episode, join me for a deeper dive into the topic of sexual fantasies and control. In this episode, I explore my relationship between my inner self and the desire for control, and how this relates to caring for myself and those around me.

Tune in to gain insights into your own personal relationship with sexual fantasies and control, and discover how you can empower yourself to live a happier, more fulfilling life.

If you enjoy my podcast and want to support my mission of spreading happiness and positivity, please consider becoming a patron on Patreon at
patreon.com/happychemicals. Your support helps me create more great content and bring happiness to even more people!

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Feb 14, 202325:43
Empowering Sexual Fantasies: Dissociation & Power (Part 1)

Empowering Sexual Fantasies: Dissociation & Power (Part 1)

In this episode, we delve into a thought-provoking topic that's often shrouded in taboo: sexual fantasies, power dynamics, and the role of masturbation. We explore how these topics can relate to dissociation, and discuss strategies for processing and understanding our own sexual desires in a healthy and empowering way.

So tune in for an insightful and candid conversation about sexuality, power dynamics, and mental health, and discover how you can approach these often misunderstood topics with greater clarity and self-awareness.

If you love our podcast and want to support our mission of spreading happiness and positivity, please consider becoming a patron on Patreon at
patreon.com/happychemicals. Your support helps us create more great content and bring happiness to even more people!

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Feb 13, 202330:14
Unleashing Your Creativity: The Power of a Commonplace Book

Unleashing Your Creativity: The Power of a Commonplace Book

Discover the power of unleashing your creativity with a commonplace book in my latest episode. I explore how creating a commonplace book during overwhelming times can help you organize your thoughts, distill your ideas, and unleash your creativity. Drawing inspiration from a thought-provoking video on Big Think, I discuss the benefits of expressing yourself through a commonplace book and how it can help you release mental energy for greater creative expression. To support the podcast, consider joining my Patreon at patreon.com/happychemicals.

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Jan 19, 202315:30
Finding Joy: Commitment to Goodness, Truth, and Beauty

Finding Joy: Commitment to Goodness, Truth, and Beauty

Join Christian and Molly as they discuss the "Mission: Joy" documentary, which features a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu about finding joy in life. This episode delves into the idea of commitment and devotion to goodness, truth, and beauty, and how we can develop wellness as a skill.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will inspire you to cultivate more joy in your life. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon at
patreon.com/happychemicals. Your support helps us create more great content and spread happiness to even more people!

Pick up my new book Happy Chemicals: A Neurotic Memoir at www.bit.ly/happychemicalsbook

This is a book about a person writing a book and the challenges that come with writing a book. I guess it's also about a person trying to better understand themselves by outputting their inner dialogue into a book to try and better understand the parts of themselves. It's a neurotic memoir because it's about letting loose and seeing what the brain truly comes up with, complains about, notices, figures out, makes absurd, wants to dismiss, and wants to hide. This book is about bringing all of those thoughts, even the scary ones, up to the surface to bounce them around a bit and make some sense out of it or better yet, nonsense.
Jan 11, 202339:26
The Extraverted Feeling Stretch (INTP)

The Extraverted Feeling Stretch (INTP)

Sharing some thoughts on needing to give myself more Fe in my life.
Jan 05, 202309:54
Why Uncomfortable Thoughts are Important...

Why Uncomfortable Thoughts are Important...

Why are uncomfortable thoughts important? How do they allow us to navigate our personal growth? And how can we become better champions of introverted thinking?

Nov 23, 202213:45
Reviewing Psychological Source Code (INTP)

Reviewing Psychological Source Code (INTP)

What does it mean to review your source code as an INTP? How can we better champion our dominant function of Introverted Thinking?
Nov 23, 202224:39
Building a Starship Enterprise: Integrating Extraverted Thinking as an INTP

Building a Starship Enterprise: Integrating Extraverted Thinking as an INTP

I'm in a place where I'm learning that I've ignored the helpfulness of Extraverted Thinking in my life. I've played more of a lone wolf role, rejected hierarchical structures, refused to play office politics, and have had difficulties in building a team. I've never liked feeling like I'm a human resource but I've also treated myself like one. In this episode, I share this relationship to hierarchy, and extraverted thinking, and talk about what it would mean to build my own Starship Enterprise.

Nov 12, 202226:38
Getting Better at Helping and Being Helped

Getting Better at Helping and Being Helped

Today I want to share some of my thoughts on recent revelations around my relationship to helping and being helped. Namely, a better use of Extraverted Thinking (Te) is required in my life to begin a process of outsourcing and talent-scouting with some of the ambitious projects I and my clients want to take on. I'm reaching certain limits of what I can handle and it's affecting my health, relationships, use of time, and money. So, this is the beginning of a major adjustment for me. 

What about you? What's your relationship to help?

Productivity Course for INTPs: https://dopeamine.teachable.com/p/the-intp-productivity-workshop

Nov 11, 202222:18
Toxic Fame and Career Transcendence

Toxic Fame and Career Transcendence

Today I'm talking about toxic fame and career transcendence. How can we break away from the noise of social media? What does it look like to get rid of a career I'm so used to? What kind of leap does it require?

Nov 10, 202230:14
Avatars and Archetypes

Avatars and Archetypes

Today I'm sharing a quick differentiation between avatars and archetypes.

Nov 07, 202207:30
My Villain Era

My Villain Era

Today on the podcast we're talking about the drama triangle and empowerment dynamic. I've heard the phrase "my villain era" over and over but is that a healthy way to integrate assertiveness? I share some of my story around my villain era, being a goth kid, and adjustments I'm making.

Oct 25, 202221:21
The Great Millennial Idealism Crash is Coming

The Great Millennial Idealism Crash is Coming

There's a great idealism and Identity crash coming for millennials. The major battle to change the world will be met with a stark reality that we can't change everything and everyone. Millennials have been fed this idea that we can should be anything we want, which isn't going to work out. But even so, we can get started now in moving towards acceptance on a personal level to have a greater actual impact on our and other's lives.
Oct 20, 202218:28
The Diamond Rule (In Progress)

The Diamond Rule (In Progress)

If you've heard of the golden rule and the platinum rule then I'd like to introduce the Diamond Rule and play with this idea for a bit. I talk about how the Enneagram is useful for reverse engineering what someone needs and is experiencing on the inside.
Oct 20, 202230:07
Wealth Building and The Myers-Briggs Subtypes

Wealth Building and The Myers-Briggs Subtypes

Today on happy Chemicals I'm playing with the idea of using your Myers-Briggs subtype to suggest that there is a wealth building trajectory for that type. Which one are you? And do you resonate with that direction? Does it excite you? Let me know! 😎 🤘🏽 💜
Oct 16, 202217:04
The New Age in a Crisis and Spiritualism as a Religion

The New Age in a Crisis and Spiritualism as a Religion

This is a rollercoaster of an episode talking about what I believe is the religion-izing of the previous generational Awakening or new age spiritualism. I explore some of my own cynicism around that and the relationship to cultural events in the US and world events emerging via some of the patterns share in Spiral Dynamics and generational theory.
Oct 08, 202251:04
Insane Asylums and The Fear of Mental Health Therapy

Insane Asylums and The Fear of Mental Health Therapy

I was recently reminded of how late insane Asylums existed into the 20th century and how they must very much play a part in the zeitgeist of mental health awareness and resistance to emerging systems. This episode plays with what that could mean for the deeper programming of fear within myself and older generations who are apprehensive of the emerging mental health marketplace.
Oct 07, 202223:41
Developmental Necessities
Oct 01, 202224:04
Hormones and Mental Health Acceptance for INTPs

Hormones and Mental Health Acceptance for INTPs

Dr. Helen Fisher and Dr. Dario Nardi are making some interesting connections between chemicals hormone, brain scans and Myers-Briggs Personality Subtypes. For me, this is opening up a doorway of accepting aspects of myself that I've been pushing down and operating within unhealthy ways. So today I'm breaking down Oxytocin, testosterone, Dopamine, and Serotonin as it relates to the dominant, harmonizing, creative and normalizing personality subtypes.
Sep 29, 202222:29
INTP Cognitive Function Usage and Recharge

INTP Cognitive Function Usage and Recharge

I think of each cognitive function for the INTP as a battery that can be utilized and also needs recharging. Each battery affects the other batteries and also batteries can be overheated if not used or unplugged. In this episode I go over a leverage point word for each cognitive function that help signal when an INTP needs recharging in each area and how this could even help an INTP get out of the darkest depressive depths.
Sep 28, 202229:26
Shadows and Developmental Stages

Shadows and Developmental Stages

Welcome back to Happy Chemicals. Today we're talking about shadows, what it means relative to ego and persona and Developmental levels. When to do shadow work.
Sep 22, 202231:59
Balancing Happy Chemicals and The Enneagram Instincts
Aug 30, 202216:09
Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Seratonin: A Post-Mortem

Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Seratonin: A Post-Mortem

What did I discover on the journey of creating this podcast?
Jul 22, 202234:18
Teach 'Em How to Say Goodbye
Jun 25, 202219:39
Thesis and Antithesis

Thesis and Antithesis

On this episode of Dopamine and Other Happy Chemicals, Christian Rivera talks about thesis and anthesis. Is it okay to have opposing views of something? How is that still attachment? And can it be a bad thing to be antithetical?
May 19, 202224:31