Episode Summary

Your pre-workout might be destroying your long-term motivation. Here's why.

Most lifters think they need MORE stimulation to stay motivated – stronger pre-workout, louder music, constant progress pics, social media validation. But this episode reveals the neuroscience showing you're actually KILLING your dopamine system and setting yourself up for burnout.

In this deep dive, we break down the real science of dopamine – how it works, why your "motivation hacks" are backfiring, and how to build unstoppable drive that lasts for DECADES, not just weeks.

We cover the cold exposure study that shows 250% dopamine increases (rivaling cocaine), why intermittent fasting works neurochemically, how to rewire your brain to crave hard work, and the exact protocols elite athletes use to maintain peak motivation without burning out.

This is NOT your typical "get motivated" fluff. This is hard neuroscience applied to real training.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN

✅ Why dopamine PEAKS actually lower your baseline motivation (and how to prevent it)

✅ The cold exposure protocol that boosts dopamine 250% for HOURS without crashing

✅ Why stacking pre-workout + music + social media is ruining your long-term drive

✅ How to rewire your brain to release dopamine from hard work itself (the David Goggins effect)

✅ The intermittent reward schedule that keeps motivation high forever

✅ Supplements that work (and the ones that will wreck your dopamine system)

✅ Why your weekend Netflix binges are killing your Monday morning training motivation

✅ The simple test to know if your dopamine system is healthy or broken

RESOURCES & RESEARCH CITED:

Scientific Studies:

• European Journal of Physiology: Human physiological responses to cold water immersion
• Volkow et al. (2015): Caffeine increases dopamine receptor density
• Stanford University: Intrinsic motivation and reward study
• Nature Reviews Neuroscience: Spatial and temporal scales of dopamine transmission

• "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence" by Dr. Anna Lembke
• "The Molecule of More" by Daniel Lieberman & Michael Long

• Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset
• Dr. Samer Hattar's circadian biology research
• David Goggins' approach to mental toughness

DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.

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About Brandon Smitley

Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

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Website: THIRSTgym.com

Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.