Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis. He also shares his ideas on his popular newsletter, 2% with Michael Easter.
Episode cheatsheet
The big takeaway
Journalist and author Michael Easter dives deep into why humans are driven to always want more, and how our ancient brains are mismatched to the abundance of the modern world. By understanding the evolutionary roots of our habits, cravings, and the so-called “scarcity brain,” he offers strategies for breaking the cycle of overconsumption and learning to thrive with “enough.”
Why you always want more (and how to fix it): Key takeaways
The “scarcity loop” is an ancient brain mechanism that keeps us chasing unpredictable rewards—in everything from slot machines to social media and shopping.
Overconsumption isn’t just food or money—it’s possessions, status, information, and even how we spend our time.
Modern life gives us more stimulation than ever, but can also leave us searching for meaning and satisfaction in counterproductive ways.
The antidote to chronic cravings isn’t just willpower—it’s rewiring your life (your “pigeon cage”) to find more meaningful stimulation and challenge so that moderation becomes easier.
6 practical tips for tackling cravings and habits:
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