Informative and well written The DOSE (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins) effect. I loved how it was divided into bite-sized tips and information so that I could listen to a different hormones on different days. Helping understand our brain and optimise its chemistry to improve mental health and try to actually change bad habits.

Summary: The DOSE Effect offers simple, science-backed habits to rebalance your brain chemistry—boosting motivation, connection, mood, and calm—for a happier, healthier life in today’s demanding world.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! As a neuroscientist and PhD researcher, I had a bit of background knowledge but TJ Power really does a great job explaining the science behind our brain chemicals - dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins without making it feel overwhelming or too technical.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this, but I’m really glad I gave it a go. It’s one of those books that doesn’t try to be something it’s not—it just makes sense. TJ Power talks about DOSE (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins) and how they affect our mood, motivation, and general brain chaos… but in a way that’s actually understandable and useful. No overcomplicated science-speak, just “here’s how your brain works and what you can do to help yourself feel better.”

He narrates it himself, which made it feel more personal—like being talked to instead of talked at. And as someone who zones out easily with audiobooks, I actually stayed with this one. That says a lot.

It’s not a magic fix or some shiny toxic positivity nonsense—it’s about small things that help you feel more balanced day to day. I finished it thinking, “Okay, I can do that,” which honestly? Is a win.

Would I listen again? Yep. Would I like a physical copy to scribble in and highlight the bits that hit? Also yes.

Favourite thing: The focus on small, doable shifts instead of telling you to overhaul your entire life. Because… no thanks.

This is an interesting self help book. I’m not usually very keen on this type of book, but I am interested in brain chemicals. T J Power, neuroscientist, author and narrator, has taken a complex subject and explained it really well. Additionally, it’s packed with tips and strategies to help develop habits that will boost production of specific chemicals known to improve mood, mental balance and well being.

It’s well laid out with separate chapters for each of the chemicals identified in the acronym DOSE. That makes it easy to focus on specific aspects. Much of it is common sense for those of us who take outer health seriously; adequate sleep, good diet, low sugar and alcohol intake, but it’s pit across in an engaging way. He also touches on the ubiquitous subject of UPF. Don’t get me started on that one! It’s well thought through, particularly for any reader or listener who’s unfamiliar with much of the science behind these critical chemicals. There’s much food for thought with the practical advice and it’s very accessible. The narration, at times was a little in your face and I wasn’t interested in his girlfriend, but those are small criticisms overall. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley fir a review copy of the audio version.

Just finished this audiobook and recommend! Love things about the workings of our brains and how our daily habits can significantly impact our mental well-being. Recommend to all!

This was a fantastic exploration into different types of hormones that impact our body, mind and wellbeing - serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, etc, what triggers them and how we can manage them. Although most of the tips in this book are things we know, eg low alcohol, sugar free, good sleep and diet, it was a really interesting reminder of the actions that can make us healthier. I listened to the audiobook and will probably buy the physical book too, to flick through and remember the key points.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, TJ Power, and publisher, HQ for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This had been recommended so I decided to listen to the audiobook. I hadn’t heard of the author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book.

The book gives strategies on how to boost positive brain chemicals and explains the science behind it. It also touches on the link between UPF and your brain which is topical at the moment. It’s written in an accessible way and everything is explained clearly. The author is quite relatable but at times comes across like an excited teenager with frequent mentions of his ‘gorgeous girlfriend’ which I felt undermined his credibility.

There is some useful information in this book and I will be considering taking some of the strategies on board.

"The DOSE Effect" by TJ Power is a refreshing and insightful guide to understanding and optimizing our brain chemistry for improved mental well-being. Power, a neuroscientist, takes a complex subject and makes it accessible to the average reader, offering practical strategies that can be easily integrated into daily life.

The book centers around the acronym DOSE, representing four key neurochemicals: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Power explores how these chemicals influence our mood, motivation, and overall mental state. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on actionable steps. It's not just about understanding the science; it's about applying that knowledge to make tangible changes.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its practicality. Power doesn't overwhelm the reader with complex scientific jargon. Instead, he breaks down the information into digestible chunks, providing clear explanations and real-world examples. He offers a range of strategies, from simple daily habits to more significant lifestyle adjustments, that can help readers naturally boost their DOSE levels. These include techniques related to diet, exercise, social connection, mindfulness, and technology use. The author's approach is both encouraging and empowering, making the prospect of improving one's mental health feel achievable.

The book's structure is also commendable. It's well-organized, with each chapter dedicated to one of the four neurochemicals. This allows readers to focus on specific areas of interest or address particular challenges they may be facing. The writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy to stay motivated and keep turning the pages. Power's tone is friendly and supportive, creating a sense of connection with the reader.

"The DOSE Effect" is more than just a self-help book; it's a guide to understanding the intricate workings of our brains and how our daily habits can significantly impact our mental well-being. It provides a framework for making positive changes and fostering a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and well-being in a sustainable and evidence-based way.

An interesting look at four of our hormones and how you can impact how they work for you, creating a healthier and happier way of life. There are some great tips that I will implement myself.

This was recommended to me so I was quite looking forward to it. Though it sounds quite science-led, it read as more of a typical self help book, which I guess it is, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.
There were some interesting insights into how our lives have change and what we have evolved to be, compared to how we actually live in these times.
I enjoyed the author's narration, which was very enthusiastic and upbeat.

The Dose Effect is a great read with simple tools that can be used to support improving your life. The language is straightforward and easy to grasp. The science is clear and articulated well.

The author talks about the various things that distract us in the modern age of technology and how this can reduce dopamine levels, for example social media eating sugary foods and pornograhy. He offers ways to boost our flow state and to concentrate for longer and longer periods.
I found it a useful book, and the narrator was good. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of this audio book.

**Listened to the audiobook**

I was so excited to read this. This book has had loads of publicity and has been everywhere! It's one of 2025's most hyped books i feel.

I really hated this book - and I know that's a strong comment to make, but I honestly think everything in this book was just waffle and quite frankly, common sense!
The narrator was good as the TJ Power, the author, narrates the audio.

I found this book to be going around in circles, and I had to check whether or not there was a glitch with the audio book. Nope! It was just super repetitive.

Not for me, and cannot recommend.

This audiobook is a wonderful, truly life changing piece of work.

Neuroscience is explained in a clear, concise and functional way that is both fascinating and (crucially) easy to implement for the listener.

My first impression of this audiobook was that the author who narrates delivers with charisma that really help me invest my commitment to following it. As such I bought in to the content really quickly and found myself talking about it a lot!!

Handily the ‘Dose’ of the DOSE Effect is an acronym for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. I took away that these brain chemicals are vital for our mental and physical health wellbeing and are typically far from optimised in our modern world.

The book is divided into 4 main parts, corresponding to each of these brain chemicals. Various strategies, challenges and information is given about each one to help us arrive at an actionable plan that aligns with our individual priorities and lifestyles.

It is really lovely that the authors personal anecdotes are provided throughout the book, to make it relatable and engaging!

The bonus content is really well thought out and comprehensive, it is so clear that the author truly wants to help the listener optimise their health, and this shines through.

Despite having read widely on mental health and wellbeing, this is the only book that has had me making manageable daily changes to my life and for this (and the positive impact these have had), I (and my elevated oxytocin!) are truly grateful.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook in exchange for an advance copy.