Unpacking the Past: Cultural Trauma, Hoarding, and the Dopamine Trap

DesignShift - The Crossroads of Design and Mental Health

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Hello, beautiful souls! In this episode of DesignShift, I sit down with the brilliant (and super chill) Sam Duterville, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, to explore the fascinating connections between cultural trauma, hoarding tendencies, and the psychology of dopamine hits. Why do we cling to stuff? What’s the deeper emotional pull behind it? And how do our brains trick us into chasing that next “feel-good” moment—even if it’s piling up a closet full of things we don’t need? Get ready for a fun, insightful convo where we unpack some heavy topics with a lighthearted twist. Bring your coffee (and maybe start clearing that junk drawer while you listen)!

Key Takeaways:

1. Hoarding isn’t just about “stuff”: Sam explains how cultural trauma and personal history can influence our attachment to objects, often as a way to create a sense of safety or identity in the face of uncertainty.

2. The dopamine trap is real: Learn how our brains reward us with little hits of dopamine when we acquire things, leading to patterns of impulsive shopping, clutter, and even emotional avoidance.

3. Healing starts with awareness: Sam shares practical tips for breaking the cycle, including strategies for identifying emotional triggers, rethinking our relationship with possessions, and embracing small, sustainable changes.

About Sam:

Samantha Duterville (She/They) is a Haitian American Queer woman, a sound artist, and healer dedicated to exploring the spiritual, meditative, and liberatory impacts of singing bowls, especially for Black communities. As a Doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology, she is committed to decolonizing psychology through a Black feminist, multicultural lens, weaving together ancestral knowledge, spirituality, and holistic wellness practices with the vision of creating wellness for all.

Her research and clinical focus include the impact of racism on mental health, disparities in mental health care, spirituality, and the experiences of the African Diaspora. Her work also addresses acculturative stress among immigrants, anti-carceral approaches, liberation, Afro-pessimism, and embodiment. Through her practice as a sound artist, Samantha brings these areas of focus into spaces that nurture healing, community, and ancestral connection.

Connect with Sam:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolkidsam/

Sound Meditation Podcast: https://samssacredsoundscape.substack.com/

Connect with Me:

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Keywords:

Holistic healing, Natural remedies podcast, Mind-body connection, Alternative medicine, Energy healing, Wellness and holistic health, healing through meditation, Herbal medicine, spiritual healing, Integrative health practices, Female Empowerment Podcast, Women in Business Podcast, Women-led Podcasts, Girl Boss Podcasts, Feminist Podcasts, Women's Health and Wellness, Female Entrepreneurs, Women's Issues Podcast, Inspirational Women Podcast, Women Supporting Women