# 189: Why Are Dopamine, Synapsis', & the Prefrontal Cortex Critical to Art & Social Change?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/art-is-change-strategies-skills-for-activist-artists-cultural-organizers-917696/189-why-are-dopamine-synapsis-the-prefrontal-cortex-critical-to-art-social-change
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/art-is-change-strategies-skills-for-activist-artists-cultural-organizers-917696/189-why-are-dopamine-synapsis-the-prefrontal-cortex-critical-to-art-social-change.md
Podcast: [ART IS CHANGE: Strategies & Skills for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/art-is-change-strategies-skills-for-activist-artists-cultural-organizers-917696)
Published: 2026-08-05T11:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://change-the-story-chan.captivate.fm/episode/189-why-are-dopamine-synapsis-the-prefrontal-cortex-critical-to-art-social-change
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/3db0af92-2f61-44dc-887d-7e90cbdc925d.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2844

## Resource

A while back we shared the story of how Breaking Ice, a theater company working out of an arts based social service agency called Pillsbury House and Theater in Minneapolis, joined up with a large health care system in St. Louis to provide a powerful boost to their diversity, equity and inclusion program. That led to a and exploration of what neuroscience can contribute to understanding and dealing with the human struggle with difference. Dopamine, synapses, and the prefrontal cortex might sound like a science fair project gone wild, but trust me, they're crucial when we dive into the colorful world of art and social change! In this episode, we’re unpacking how the brain's wiring and our creative expressions are intertwined, and how that connection can help us tackle the ever-pressing issues of diversity and social justice. We’ll explore the magic of storytelling and empathy, revealing how art can literally change the way our brains perceive and react to the world around us. Buckle up, because we’re taking a wild ride through neuroscience, creativity, and the transformative power of community art—a journey that’s not just enlightening but also a whole lot of fun. So grab your thinking caps and get ready to dance with some brainy ideas! In this episode we explore: The intersection of neuroscience and creativity can help us understand the human struggle with difference. Empathy is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental part of our humanity that artists can harness to create impactful work that can change the way people think about each other. Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful tool for social change that can rewire how we think about ourselves and each other, ultimately driving cooperation. Spending time with the Breaking Ice theater based diversity, equi…

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