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A Deep Dive into Loretta Graziano Breuning’s Brain Science on Meet Miss Jess VR
Imagine a world where you could rewire your brain for happiness, understand the primal instincts driving your emotions, and unlock your creative potential—all while sipping coffee in a virtual reality space.
That’s exactly what happened on February 24, 2025, during episode three of Meet Miss Jess VR , a groundbreaking podcast hosted by Jessica Toft on The World’s Mayor Experience platform. This time, Jessica welcomed Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD—author, brain chemistry expert, and founder of the Inner Mammal Institute —for an electrifying conversation about the "happy chemicals" that shape our lives. Buckle up, because this blog is your ticket to a mind-blowing exploration of neuroscience, self-empowerment, and a sprinkle of VR magic.
Loretta isn’t your average guest. With a PhD under her belt, she’s the mastermind behind Habits of a Happy Brain , a book that’s been translated into 16 languages and teaches us how to boost serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphin levels naturally. Before founding the Inner Mammal Institute, she was a Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay, and even worked with the United Nations in Africa. Today, she’s a zoo tour guide and a painter—yes, she crafted the 3D brain masterpiece behind her during the podcast using spray insulation and pink paint!
Loretta’s mission? To decode the brain chemistry we’ve inherited from our mammal ancestors and show us how to harness it for a happier life. Spoiler alert: our brains aren’t wired for constant bliss, but we can take charge of those feel-good chemicals. Jessica, a self-proclaimed brain enthusiast, couldn’t have picked a better guest to dive into this topic.
The podcast kicked off with Jessica marveling at Loretta’s transition from international management to brain science. Loretta shared how her frustration as a professor—watching students (and her own kids) shrug off studying—sparked a creative itch. She painted that 3D brain to symbolize the effort it takes to learn, a theme that resonates deeply with Jessica’s passion for making education fun.
But what flipped the switch? Loretta explained how living across cultures revealed a universal truth: humans everywhere wrestle with the same dramas. “I started reading history and saw that humans have always had the same patterns,” she said. That epiphany led her to the animal brain, where survival-driven "happy chemicals" like dopamine and oxytocin rule the show. It’s not about chasing utopia—it’s about understanding why we feel what we feel and taking control.
Jessica jumped in with a question many of us ponder: how do we tap into happiness? She rattled off dopamine and serotonin, then Loretta filled in the blanks—oxytocin and endorphin. These four chemicals, Loretta explained, evolved for survival, not endless joy. “Animals have these chemicals, and they can’t lie to themselves,” she said. Unlike humans, who might deny self-interest, animals act on it openly—and so do we, whether we admit it or not.
“Our brain is motivated to do things that feel good.”
Loretta debunked the oversimplified “exercise equals happiness” myth. Sure, movement helps, but it’s not a cure-all. Instead, she offered a practical gem: replace a bad habit (like smoking) with something that feels good , like comedy. It’s about rewiring your neural highways—those pathways built from childhood and adolescence—to steer toward positivity.
As an educator, Jessica lit up when Loretta tied brain chemistry to learning. Loretta dropped a truth bomb: kids get a dopamine hit from dominating adults, not just from fun lessons. “If they refuse to work and you keep tap-dancing to entertain them, they win,” she said. Jessica nodded, recalling her early childhood development days: “You don’t feed energy into behaviors you don’t want.” It’s a dance of trust, timing, and intrinsic motivation—a balance Loretta likened to the carrot-and-stick approach (minus the stick, of course).
Jessica steered the chat to the workplace, where cliques and competition thrive. Loretta flipped the script: “We’re fanning the flames because of our own urge for our own ends.” That sting of not being invited to a party? It’s not about the party—it’s the monkey brain craving validation. Her advice? Recognize it’s just a drip of stress chemicals, not an emergency, and let it pass.
Loretta’s latest ventures are as captivating as her science. She just wrote The Jane Goodall of Goats , a novel about goat farmers teaching behavior lessons—complete with sabotage drama. Her next book targets teens and parents, exploring how adolescent obsessions (popularity, strength) shape lifelong neural pathways.
When Jessica asked about a dream VR experience, Loretta envisioned a game to shift bad feelings to good ones. Picture this: you’re on a neural highway of gloom. Step one: realize it’s not a crisis. Step two: take one step toward a goal and reward yourself. After 45 days, you’ve built a new happy highway. Jessica’s eyes sparkled—“It’s like a video game!”—and she’s already plotting to bring Loretta back for the project.
For fun, Jessica asked about Loretta’s superhero persona. “I’d be Chill,” Loretta laughed, “with the power to relax my muscles.” Her outfit? A flowy, non-tight gown—think blue evening cape. Jessica loved it: “Maybe you could help others loosen up too!” It’s a perfect metaphor for Loretta’s work—easing tension, mental and physical, one happy chemical at a time.
Jessica Toft isn’t just a host—she’s a force. A single mom, educator, and fashion designer, she teaches sustainable clothing creation while championing mental health, inclusivity, and special education. Her VR curriculum, Miss Jess VR Empathy and Inclusion , brings lessons to life, and her 2025 calendar (snag it here ) is a testament to her vision. As president of the Marine Foundation , she’s all about global citizenship. Join her journey of creativity and empowerment—it’s one stitch closer to a better world.
This wasn’t just a podcast—it was a masterclass in understanding ourselves. Loretta’s insights, paired with Jessica’s passion for immersive learning, make Meet Miss Jess VR a must-listen. Whether you’re rewiring your brain, navigating workplace drama, or dreaming up VR adventures, this episode has something for you. Share it, explore the links, and let’s keep the happiness flowing—mammal style.
