The DIY High: Science of Accomplishment
Explicit content warning
04/23/25 • 32 min
Ever wondered why finishing a DIY project feels so rewarding? That rush of satisfaction isn't just in your head—it's a powerful cocktail of brain chemicals working their magic. Join hosts Cameo and Greg as they dive deep into the science of accomplishment and reveal why tackling challenges yourself creates a natural high that scrolling social media simply can't match.
• The "DIY high" occurs when our brains release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin after completing meaningful tasks
• Dopamine is released both in anticipation of accomplishment and after task completion
• Dr. Anna Lempke's "Dopamine Nation" explains how challenging activities provide more sustainable satisfaction than quick, easy rewards
• The "Ikea effect" shows we value items more when we've invested our own effort in creating them
• Social media provides quick dopamine hits that may prevent us from seeking more meaningful but challenging activities
• Establishing good habits (like sleep hygiene) often means trading immediate gratification for more sustainable rewards
Ready to transform your understanding of accomplishment and motivation? Listen now to discover why finishing the thing might be exactly what your brain needs. Then share your own DIY triumph with us—we'd love to hear what projects have given you that natural high!
More Cameo - Word up!
Sign up for The Weekly Reset Newsletter!
https://www.cameoelysebraun.com
https://www.instagram.com/cameoelysebraun
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083952/support
Ever wondered why finishing a DIY project feels so rewarding? That rush of satisfaction isn't just in your head—it's a powerful cocktail of brain chemicals working their magic. Join hosts Cameo and Greg as they dive deep into the science of accomplishment and reveal why tackling challenges yourself creates a natural high that scrolling social media simply can't match.
• The "DIY high" occurs when our brains release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin after completing meaningful tasks
• Dopamine is released both in anticipation of accomplishment and after task completion
• Dr. Anna Lempke's "Dopamine Nation" explains how challenging activities provide more sustainable satisfaction than quick, easy rewards
• The "Ikea effect" shows we value items more when we've invested our own effort in creating them
• Social media provides quick dopamine hits that may prevent us from seeking more meaningful but challenging activities
• Establishing good habits (like sleep hygiene) often means trading immediate gratification for more sustainable rewards
Ready to transform your understanding of accomplishment and motivation? Listen now to discover why finishing the thing might be exactly what your brain needs. Then share your own DIY triumph with us—we'd love to hear what projects have given you that natural high!
More Cameo - Word up!
Sign up for The Weekly Reset Newsletter!
https://www.cameoelysebraun.com
https://www.instagram.com/cameoelysebraun
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083952/support
Previous Episode
Projection: When It's Not About You
Ever been confused by someone’s reaction to you?
That discomfort might not be about you at all.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What projection really is (and how to spot it)
- Subtle ways it shows up (e.g., "must be nice" comments or unfair assumptions)
- Why we often absorb others' projections as truth
- The cost of shrinking ourselves to keep others comfortable
- How to use the Three R’s Framework from The Reset Button:
- Reflect: Notice what’s really happening
- Reset: Respond with intention
- Reinvent: Choose a new way forward
- A personal story: how I projected my childhood birthday trauma onto my son's party
- The power of learning to “observe, not absorb”
Takeaway:
Understanding projection helps you stay grounded, protect your energy, and stop carrying what’s not yours.
📩 Share with someone who needs the reminder: sometimes, it’s not about them
More Cameo - Word up!
Sign up for The Weekly Reset Newsletter!
https://www.cameoelysebraun.com
https://www.instagram.com/cameoelysebraun
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083952/support
Next Episode
What Your Smartwatch Knows About Your Heart (That You Don’t) with Abby Gamby, CNP
Think your smartwatch is just counting steps? Think again.
Certified Nurse Practitioner Abby Gamby joins the show to reveal how wearable devices like Apple Watches and Oura Rings are transforming heart health—capable of detecting conditions like atrial fibrillation with over 95% accuracy, often before symptoms even begin.
We dive into how everyday factors like caffeine, stress, diet, and even sleep can influence your heart’s performance—and what to do when the numbers start looking off. Abby also shares practical lifestyle advice for supporting heart health at any age, from exercise recommendations to early warning signs of heart attack and stroke.
Whether you’re a fitness buff, navigating midlife, or just curious about that little buzz on your wrist, this episode turns heart health science into real-world insight you can actually use.
More Cameo - Word up!
Sign up for The Weekly Reset Newsletter!
https://www.cameoelysebraun.com
https://www.instagram.com/cameoelysebraun
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2083952/support
The Cameo Show - The DIY High: Science of Accomplishment
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Cameo Show . I'm your host , cameo , and we are joined today by my husband and co-host , mr Greg Braun .
Speaker 2So excited to be here .
Speaker 1Welcome . Greg likes to start us with a dad joke , so I assume you have one ready to lay on us .
Speaker 2If you like this episode you’ll love
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