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Get your copy of Luke’s new book: A Horse Named Lonesome https://ahorsenamedlonesome.com

The Neuroscience of Addiction, Breaking Bad Habits, Childhood Trauma, Psychedelic Healing, Loneliness & Emotional Recovery

Host Dave Asprey sits down with Luke Storey, host of The Life Stylist Podcast and author of A Horse Named Lonesome, to explore the science of addiction, loneliness, childhood trauma, emotional healing, psychedelics, brain chemistry, and the surprising relationship between human connection and happiness. Drawing on nearly three decades of recovery from drug addiction, Luke explains why overcoming substance abuse doesn't necessarily resolve the emotional patterns behind it, how unresolved trauma can shape relationships and behavior, and why having fewer, deeper friendships may lead to greater fulfillment.

Luke shares his journey from childhood trauma and early substance use to long-term sobriety, revealing why he continued struggling with codependency, unhealthy relationships, and self-destructive patterns even after 20 years without addictive drugs. He discusses his controversial decision to explore ayahuasca and other psychedelics after two decades of sobriety, the emotional breakthroughs he experienced, and the importance of distinguishing personal healing experiences from approaches that may be appropriate for others. Dave and Luke examine the relationship between addiction, trauma, altered states of consciousness, meditation, and the brain's ability to change entrenched behavioral patterns.

The conversation turns to nicotine, dopamine, cravings, and the biology of addiction. Luke describes his experience with heavy nicotine use, dependence, and the cognitive and emotional challenges of stopping abruptly. Dave explores how nicotine delivery methods influence habitual behavior, the distinction between dependence and addiction, and the potential roles of mitochondrial function, cellular energy, ketones, and GLP-1 signaling in cravings and self-control. They also discuss modafinil, nootropics, NAD therapies, and how changing your physical and mental state can influence behavior, focus, and emotional regulation.


You'll Learn:
-Why overcoming addiction doesn't always resolve the childhood trauma, emotional patterns, and relationship difficulties that contributed to it
-How Luke approached psychedelics after 20 years of sobriety, and what his experiences taught him about trauma and emotional healing
-How nicotine dependence, dopamine signaling, and habitual behaviors influence cravings, focus, and self-control
-Why mitochondrial health, cellular energy, ketones, and GLP-1 signaling are being explored in connection with addictive behaviors
-How meditation, breathwork, psychedelics, and other altered states may influence emotional regulation and entrenched patterns of thinking
-Why obsessive biohacking and self-improvement can interfere with happiness, relationships, and a meaningful life
-How childhood loneliness and unresolved trauma can affect adult relationships, intimacy, and emotional connection
-Why having fewer close friends may be more fulfilling than maintaining a large network of superficial relationships
-How to distinguish healthy solitude from harmful isolation and build deeper, more authentic human connections


Resources:
• Get your copy of Luke’s new book: A Horse Named Lonesome https://ahorsenamedlonesome.com
• Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-cl....ean-nicotine-roadmap
• Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Trailer
00:55 - Luke’s Road to Recovery
06:33 - Psychedelics and Sobriety
13:52 - Ayahuasca and Childhood Trauma
20:30 - Bad Trips
25:59 - Surrender
31:16 - Nicotine, Dependence, and Withdrawal
40:43 - Nootropics
47:24 - Biohacking Meets Spirituality
57:11 - A Horse Named Lonesome
01:04:37 - Being Lonely