In Episode 14 of Train.Brain.Daily, Morry Morgan and Dr Michael Hewitt-Gleeson (Hewi) explore the science of stress, the role of adrenaline and cortisol, and how understanding our brain's ancient survival mechanisms can help us navigate modern life.
Building on previous episodes examining dopamine and oxytocin, the conversation turns to adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, and its rapid response to perceived threats. Hewi explains how our stress response evolved to protect us from immediate physical dangers, such as escaping a predator. Adrenaline mobilises energy, accelerates heart rate and temporarily deprioritises functions like digestion, preparing the body for survival.
However, while this response works brilliantly for short emergencies, modern humans frequently experience prolonged stress from mortgages, workplace pressures, uncertainty and relationships. Unlike a fleeing zebra, we can remain psychologically threatened for months or years. This chronic activation, particularly involving cortisol, can contribute to long-term health problems.
Interestingly, not all stress is harmful. Morry highlights how people actively seek adrenaline through roller coasters, skydiving and scary movies. The difference lies in duration, predictability and perceived control.
The hosts identify three powerful stress-reducing factors: control, predictability and social support.
Morry introduces BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), demonstrating how having alternative plans reduces anxiety about uncertain futures. Hewi connects this to practical thinking tools and heuristics, including GBB and CVS to BVS, which help people regain a sense of agency.
Their discussion expands into positive psychology, personal strengths and the importance of deliberate training. Drawing on military leadership, Dungeons & Dragons, stand-up comedy and artificial intelligence, they argue that abilities can be broken into learnable skills, practised and strengthened over time.
For business leaders, the implications are significant. Managers can unknowingly trigger stress responses through their language, behaviour and expectations. High-pressure sales environments can similarly create anxious customers rather than loyal advocates. Effective leadership should reduce unnecessary threats while building confidence, capability and trust.
The episode concludes with perhaps its most valuable insight: genuine friendships and supportive relationships are among our strongest protections against chronic stress.
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