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AntiSocial

AntiSocial

What does hobby-maxxing do to the brain?

Nov 2, 2026 · 8 min · 5 segments

We've been looking into the phenomenon of "hobby-maxxing." Adam Fleming spoke to Ciara McCabe, Professor of Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology and Mental Health at the University of Reading.

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Speakers: Ciara McCabeGuestAdam FlemingHost

Top entities: Gautam Adani×6 Ciara McCabe×6 BBC World Service×7 Adam Fleming×4 University of Reading×2

Show signals: SuitabilityLimitedBiasCenterAudience≈6k followers

Gautam AdaniPersonChairperson of Adani Group
95%6 mentions
Ciara McCabePersonResearcher
86%6 mentions
BBC World ServiceCompanyRadio network
77%7 mentions
Adam FlemingPersonScottish journalist and presenter
68%4 mentions
University of ReadingCollege or UniversityPublic university in Reading, England
59%2 mentions
Adani GroupCompanyMultinational conglomerate company
50%2 mentions
ItalyCountryCountry in Europe
41%2 mentions
IndiaCountryCountry in South Asia
32%2 mentions
TikTokSoftware ApplicationWebsite
23%1 mention
United KingdomCountryCountry in Europe
14%1 mention
BBCCompanyBroadcasting company
5%1 mention

MotivationPsychology
Mental HealthHealth
Hobbies as Mental-Health ProtectionHealth > Mental Health > Well-Being > Leisure Activities
Dopamine FunctionScience > Neuroscience > Brain Reward System
Dopamine in Hobby-Related Pleasure and MotivationScience > Neuroscience > Brain Reward System > Dopamine Function
Reward-Based LearningPsychology > Motivation
Anticipation and ReinforcementPsychology > Motivation > Reward-Based Learning
Seeking and Repeating Enjoyable HobbiesPsychology > Motivation > Reward-Based Learning > Anticipation and Reinforcement
Hobby EngagementPersonal Development > Leisure
Goal Setting and Structured PracticePersonal Development > Leisure > Hobby Engagement
Hobby MaxingPersonal Development > Leisure > Hobby Engagement > Goal Setting and Structured Practice
Anxiety and Performance PressurePsychology > Stress
Reduced Reward SensitivityPsychology > Stress > Anxiety and Performance Pressure
Stress Undermining Hobby EnjoymentPsychology > Stress > Anxiety and Performance Pressure > Reduced Reward Sensitivity
NeuroscienceScience
LeisurePersonal Development
StressPsychology
Personal Development
Well-BeingHealth > Mental Health
Leisure ActivitiesHealth > Mental Health > Well-Being
Brain Reward SystemScience > Neuroscience
Health
Psychology
Science