Episode 111: Unveiling the Pleasure Trap: Navigating Temptations, Desires and How to Overcome Them with Dr. Doug Lisle

Have you ever wondered why we find it so hard to resist certain temptations, even when we know they may not be in our best interest? Well, you’re in for a thought-provoking episode as we explore “The Pleasure Trap” with our esteemed guest, Dr. Doug Lisle.

Now, I know some of you may be thinking, “Wait, an atheist and evolutionist on a show aimed at Christians?” And that’s precisely why I invited Dr. Lisle here today—to challenge our perspectives and open our minds to new ideas. Dr. Lisle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on this subject, and he’ll shed light on how the pursuit of pleasure can sometimes lead us down a path we didn’t anticipate—the notorious “pleasure trap.”

Whether you’re a Christian, a follower of Jesus, or simply curious about the complexities of human behavior, this episode promises to be enlightening. We’ll learn how the pleasure signal can be both a blessing and a curse and discover strategies to navigate this intricate web of desires in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.

So, grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable listening chair, and get ready to challenge your beliefs and expand your understanding about the “Pleasure Trap”!

Here’s a bit of what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

-What is the Pleasure Trap?…04:45

-Energy Conservation, evolution, and how pursuing the path of least resistance impacts our health…11:05

-The first step to escaping the pleasure trap…16:15

-Thoughts on food and drink correlated to the pleasure trap…24:00

-What about those who have “tried” and things didn’t work out?…30:30

-When the pain is greater than the circumstances, change is on the horizon…34:45

-Advice for those struggling with mental health as it pertains to the pleasure trap…40:00

-And much more…

Resources mentioned:

Visibly Fit episode with Evan Queler

Esteem Dynamics

Connect with today’s guest:

Dr. Lisle has been the clinical psychologist at the TrueNorth Health Center for over 30 years. He has published numerous articles in the scientific literature. He is the co-author of The Pleasure Trap and is in private practice, conducting psychotherapy at the TrueNorth Health Center.

Delightfully candid and warm, Dr. Douglas Lisle is one of psychology’s most innovative and curious minds. Deeply dedicated to exploring the mysteries of human behavior from fresh, uncharted waters, his research in evolutionary psychology and its impact on health, happiness and the pursuit of pleasure is generating critical acclaim.

Dr. Lisle is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (Summa Cum Laude). He received the President’s Fellowship and was a Dupont Scholar at the University of Virginia where he completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He was then appointed Lecturer in Psychology at Stanford University and was on the staff at the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Lisle worked as a forensic psychologist for the criminal justice system in Dallas, Texas and as a consultant for the National Institute of Health Clinical Trial on Cognitive Therapy for Recurrent Depression at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Lisle lectures nationally to health professionals on topics including evolutionary psychology, cognitive therapy, lifestyle modification, relaxation and stress management, and weight loss.

P.S. If you're just checking out the show to see if it's a good fit for you, welcome!

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