Anna Lemke

Mentioned in 13 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows

Stanford neuroscientist and psychiatrist specializing in addiction research who authored *Dopamine Nation*, a book examining how intensity-seeking and reward-driven behaviors shape modern addiction patterns. She is frequently discussed on podcasts for her expertise on dopamine dysregulation, technology's role in addiction, and her public disclosure of personal struggles with behavioral addiction. Her work bridges neuroscience and practical insights into attention, habit formation, and managing compulsive behaviors in contemporary life.

Appears On

REAL AF with Andy Frisella The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Passion Struck with John R. Miles Deep Questions with Cal Newport Hidden Brain Huberman Lab The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Office Hours with Arthur Brooks The Dr. John Delony Show

Episode Appearances

REAL AF with Andy Frisella · Apr 24, 2026

1019. Andy & DJ CTI: DOJ Says SPLC Funded $3M+ To White Supremacist Groups, Indian Man Used AI-Generated To Scam Men On Social Media & Ilhan Omar's California Winery LLC Dissolved

“Addiction researcher whose work on dopamine desensitization cited to explain pornography's impact on male ambition and relationships”

SPLC Funding of Extremist GroupsDOJ Indictment of Southern Poverty Law CenterShell Company Structures and Financial Fraud

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The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett · Apr 23, 2026

Stanford Neuroscientist: Can’t Remember Your Dreams? Your Brain May Be Warning You!

“Colleague of Eagleman; researches dopamine and addiction across different substance types”

Brain Plasticity and NeuroplasticityCognitive Reserve and Dementia PreventionDream Function and REM Sleep

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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard · Apr 15, 2026

Rachel Zoffness (on pain)

“Mutual friend of Zoffness; runs pain and addiction center addressing intersection of pain and addiction medicine”

Chronic Pain Neuroscience and Brain-Based Pain GenerationBiopsychosocial Pain Model vs. Biomedical ModelPhantom Limb Pain and Mirror Therapy

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Passion Struck with John R. Miles · Mar 27, 2026

Social Media Addiction: Why You Feel You Don’t Matter | John R. Miles - EP 747

“Expert witness in trial; testified on addictive design mechanisms and dopamine deficit states in digital product users”

Social Media Addiction DesignAlgorithmic Engagement TargetsMental Health Harms of Social Media

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Deep Questions with Cal Newport · Mar 2, 2026

Ep. 394: Do I Need a Better Planning System?

“Neuroscientist and author of Dopamine Nation; upcoming guest to discuss dopamine and attention”

Planning Systems DesignTask Management and CaptureTime Blocking and Calendar Management

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Hidden Brain · Feb 9, 2026

Coming Clean

“Stanford psychiatrist and addiction researcher who publicly disclosed her struggle with romance novel addiction”

Self-disclosure and vulnerability in relationshipsTrust-building through authentic communicationPsychological benefits of sharing secrets and embarrassing stories

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Huberman Lab · Feb 9, 2026

How Genes Shape Your Risk Taking & Morals | Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden

“Stanford colleague who wrote 'Dopamine Nation' about addiction and intensity-seeking”

Behavioral geneticsAdolescent brain developmentAddiction neuroscience

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The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens · Feb 6, 2026

The Consumption Pyramid

“Cited for her perspective on addiction and technological temptation in modern environments”

Consumption Psychology and Hedonic TreadmillResilience Building Through Voluntary SimplificationEnergy Constraints and Supply Chain Fragility

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Hidden Brain · Dec 15, 2025

The Path to Enough

“Stanford psychiatrist and author of Dopamine Nation; primary expert discussing addiction neuroscience and recovery strategies”

Dopamine Homeostasis and Neural Seesaw ModelBehavioral Addiction vs. Substance AddictionDopamine Fasting and Abstinence Protocols

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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Dec 15, 2025

3 Ways to Want Less and Be Happier

“Stanford Medical School professor and author of 'Dopamine Nation' book recommended for understanding dopamine neuroscience.”

Dopamine neuroscience and hedonic adaptationSatisfaction as a component of happinessDelayed gratification and struggle as value drivers

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Hidden Brain · Dec 8, 2025

The Paradox of Pleasure

“Psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher at Stanford University studying behavioral addiction and dopamine dysregulation”

Dopamine and the pleasure-pain balance mechanism in the brainBehavioral addiction (gambling, shopping, pornography, reading)Neuroadaptation and tolerance in non-substance addictions

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The Dr. John Delony Show · Dec 8, 2025

My Fiancé Hid $100K in Debt from Me

“Author of 'Dopamine Nation'; recommended resource for understanding addiction and behavioral patterns”

Financial infidelity and hidden debt in relationshipsSpending addiction and compulsive consumer behaviorSocial media addiction in Gen Z and remote workers

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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Nov 10, 2025

A 5-Step Approach to Ending Your Phone Addiction

“Author of 'Dopamine Nation'; expert on addiction and dopamine mechanisms referenced throughout episode”

Dopamine neuroscience and reward cycle mechanismsPhone addiction diagnostic criteria and prevalence statisticsBlue light effects on melatonin and cortisol production

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