The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Dr. Jeffery Goldberg: How to Improve Your Eye Health & Offset Vision Loss
In this episode, my guest is Jeffery Goldberg, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University. His clinical and research efforts focus on retinal and optic nerve diseases such as glaucoma and discovering stem cell and nanotechnology treatments to cure blindness. We discuss how to maintain and improve eye health throughout life, the advantages and disadvantages of corrective lenses, including if you should wear “readers,” the use and risks of contact lenses, considerations for LASIK eye surgery, floaters, dry eye, the importance of sunlight and UV protection and specific exercises to improve eye and vision health. Dr Goldberg also explains age-related conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy; and the behavioral and supplementation-based, prescription and surgical tools used to promote eye health. This episode provides essential tools for listeners of any age and background to maintain eye health and offset vision loss. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Jeffery Goldberg (00:03:08) Sponsors: Maui Nui, LMNT, Eight Sleep (00:06:29) Childhood & Eye Exams (00:11:36) Eye Misalignment & Recovery (00:20:38) Myopia (Near-Sightedness), Children & Sunlight (00:30:04) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:31:18) Eye Safety & Protection; Eye Hygiene (00:40:07) Adults & Eye Exams; Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist (00:46:35) Presbyopia (Age-Related Vision Decline), Reading Glasses (00:54:54) Reading Glasses: Use & Recommendations (00:58:34) Night Vision & Glasses (01:02:55) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:03:54) Corrective Eye Glasses, Exercises (01:09:52) Near-Far Exercise & Presbyopia; Smooth Pursuit Exercise & Concussion (01:13:25) Supranormal Vision & Performance Training (01:19:11) 20/20 Vision; Visual Acuity (01:24:51) Contact Lenses: Use, Risks & Aging (01:31:34) UV Protection & Cataracts, “Blue Blockers” (01:38:20) Light Sensitivity & Eye Color (01:40:29) LASIK Eye Surgery (01:46:26) Dry Eye, Tears & Age (01:53:24) Dry Eye, Serum Tears & Preservative-Free Artificial Tears; PRP (02:00:46) Vision Loss: Cataracts, Glaucoma (02:09:23) Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Dry & Wet Forms (02:14:02) Diabetic Retinopathy, Type I vs Type II Diabetes (02:18:54) Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment, Blood Pressure (02:22:17) Glaucoma Screening & Treatment (02:28:07) Smoking, Vaping & Vision Diseases; Cannabis & Eye Pressure (02:35:13) Eye Pressure & Sleep Position (02:37:48) Macular Degeneration, Optic Neuropathies & Red-Light Therapy (02:42:23) “Floaters” (02:45:29) Eye Twitching (02:48:10) AREDS2 Supplementation & Age-Related Macular Degeneration (02:53:39) Glaucoma & Vitamin B3 Supplementation (02:58:42) Retinal Imaging & Neurodegeneration Screening, Multiple Sclerosis (03:06:30) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
AMA #8: Balancing Caffeine, Decision Fatigue & Social Isolation
Welcome to a preview of the eighth Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of the Huberman Lab Premium subscription. The Huberman Lab Premium subscription was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the standard Huberman Lab podcast channel — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. Subscribe to Huberman Lab Premium at https://hubermanlab.com/premium. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction 00:01:46 Pros & Cons of Daily Caffeine Consumption 00:23:01 Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: Can Caffeine Have a Detrimental Effect on the Gut Microbiome? What Are Some Ways of Recovering or Resetting From Decision Fatigue? Effects of Social Isolation Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Tim Ferriss: How to Learn Better & Create Your Best Future
In this episode, my guest is Tim Ferriss — a five-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, technology investor and host of the iconic podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. We discuss Tim’s process of exploration, experimentation and mastery — themes that have spanned his career that have placed him on the cutting-edge of many important fields. Tim explains what questions to ask when approaching any new endeavor in order to maximize success. He also explains how to incorporate structure and playfulness into skill and knowledge mastery, how to find and work with mentors, the key importance of location and networks in creating truly impactful things. We also discuss Tim’s philanthropic efforts to support research on psychedelics for the treatment of mental health challenges and we discuss his latest creative endeavors. This episode should be of interest to a wide range of listeners, as Tim’s mastery and wisdom spans athletic and mental pursuits, business, media, technology and the arts. What distinguishes Tim is his ability to thoughtfully deconstruct these processes in order to teach others how to do the same. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Tim Ferriss (00:04:08) Sponsors: Maui Nui, LMNT, Levels (00:07:43) 4-Hour Body & Development Mindset (00:15:22) Origins of Good Ideas (00:20:06) Writing & Structured Thinking (00:27:58) Writing, Night Owls (00:33:06) Sponsor: AG1 (00:34:21) Investigating Outliers; Social Media & Smartphones (00:40:37) Scientific Literacy, Randomized Clinical Trials (00:45:09) Supplement & Experiment Fails; Cold Exposure & Hyperthermia (00:50:46) Slow Carb Diet & Adherence (01:03:35) Morning Protein Intake; Fasting (01:08:48) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:09:53) Power of Place; Building Your Network & Volunteering (01:21:43) Developing Skills; Examining Motivation & Good Questions; Simplicity (01:33:32) Early Psychedelic Exploration, Depression (01:45:38) Psychedelic Research & Mental Health Funding (01:59:00) Saisei Foundation, Journalism Fellowship, Law & Education (02:08:22) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Psychedelics (02:13:28) Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Nature (02:18:50) Extended Nature Retreats & Integration Period; “Generative Drive” (02:28:05) Mentors (02:34:53) Mind & Attention Allocation, Social Media, Boredom (02:44:12) Cockpunch (03:00:23) Suicide & Depression, Sexual Abuse, Vulnerability (03:14:22) Making Meaning from Suffering (03:19:32) Role Identity, Future (03:27:38) Parenthood, Animals & Training (03:32:21) Podcasting, Experimentation (03:36:52) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
The Science of MDMA & Its Therapeutic Applications
In this episode, I discuss Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is also commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly,” including how it works in the brain to cause short- and long- term-shifts in emotional processing and its clinical applications for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and other substance-use addictions. I discuss the neuronal mechanisms for how MDMA elevates mood, empathy, motivation, social engagement, and empathy, and reduces “threat detection” and how these effects can synergistically support talk therapy. I also explain the ongoing debate about the potential neurotoxicity of MDMA, myths about the origins and treatments for post-MDMA “crash,” the evolving legal landscape around MDMA use for clinical purposes, and I caution recreational users about the extremely dangerous additives (e.g., fentanyl) now commonly found in black market MDMA. This should be of interest to those curious about MDMA, neuropharmacology, the origins of emotional processing in the brain, empathy, PTDS, neuroplasticity, mental health and psychiatry. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) MDMA “Ecstasy” (00:04:37) Sponsors: Helix Sleep, ROKA, HVMN (00:08:18) MDMA History & Synthesis; Legality (00:14:45) MDMA, Methamphetamine (Meth), Dopamine & Serotonin (00:23:30) MDMA vs Psychedelics vs Ketamine (00:26:54) MDMA & Serotonin 1B Receptor, Subjective Feelings, Trauma (00:33:36) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:34:51) Amygdala & Threat Detection, Pro-Social Behavior, MDMA Dosages (00:45:48) Interoception, MDMA & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (00:52:36) Long-Term Effects, Threat Detection & PTSD (00:56:14) MDMA, Social Connection & Empathy; Meth, SSRIs (01:06:10) Sponsor: LMNT (01:07:22) Oxytocin & MDMA (01:16:10) Safety & Neurotoxicity; Recreational Use, Caffeine & Fentanyl (01:26:36) Is MDMA Neurotoxic?; Poly-Pharmacology, Body Temperature (01:37:07) Post-MDMA “Crash”, Prolactin & P‑5‑P (01:43:07) PTSD & Trauma; Talk Therapy, SSRIs (01:54:09) PTSD Treatment: Talk Therapy + MDMA (02:02:46) MDMA & Addiction; Dissociative PTSD & Empathy (02:09:47) Side-Effects?, MDMA Efficacy & Legality (02:15:22) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Dr. Immordino-Yang: How Emotions & Social Factors Impact Learning
In this episode, my guest is Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, EdD, a professor of education and psychology at the University of Southern California (USC) who has done groundbreaking research on emotions, self-awareness and social interactions and how these impact the way we learn and change across our lifespan. She explains how an understanding of emotions can be leveraged to improve learning in kids and in adults, and how the education system should be altered to include new forms of exploration, rules, and emotional and social contexts to facilitate better learning and to include more diverse learning (and teaching) styles. This episode ought to be of interest to anyone interested in how we learn, human development in children and adults, as well as those generally interested in education, psychology or neuroscience. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman The Brain Body Contract https://hubermanlab.com/tour Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (00:02:11) Sponsors: Eight Sleep, HVMN, ROKA (00:05:54) Inspiration, Awe & Story (00:09:59) Brain-Body, Narratives (00:15:58) Emotions, Durability & Lifespan (00:21:47) Conjuring Stories, Historical Context & Emotion (00:32:16) Sponsor: AG1 (00:33:30) Hierarchal Emotion Organization, Default Mode Network, Story & Emotion (00:46:24) Emotional Development & Lifetime (00:57:13) Narrative & Genocide; Checking Assumptions & Mental Flexibility (01:05:22) Social Media, Cognitive Dissonance (01:09:52) Education, Deconstructing Beliefs & Curiosity (01:17:22) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:18:32) Emotion & Learning; Constructing Meaning (01:28:59) Good Teachers & Curiosity (01:33:25) Inter-disciplinary Education; Development & Culture (01:50:58) Idea Exploration, Tolerance (01:56:53) Reframing Education, Deconstructing Assumptions (02:03:28) Safety, Creativity & Default Mode Network (02:12:15) Civic Discourse & Education; Deconstructing Ideas (02:27:31) “Mirror” Neurons, Shared Social Experiences (02:35:49) Cold Exposure & Sickness; Role of Education (02:38:51) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
AMA #7: Cold Exposure, Maximizing REM Sleep & My Next Scientific Studies
Welcome to a preview of the seventh Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of the Huberman Lab Premium subscription. The Huberman Lab Premium subscription was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the standard Huberman Lab podcast channel — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. Subscribe to Huberman Lab Premium at https://hubermanlab.com/premium. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:45) Is It Possible to Get a Cold or Sick From Deliberate Cold Exposure? (00:20:02) Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: How Can You Increase Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep? What Experiment(s) Would You Like to Undertake in Regard to Physical or Mental Performance? Articles Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans The Effects of Sleep Extension on the Athletic Performance of Collegiate Basketball Players Sleep extension improves serving accuracy: A study with college varsity tennis players The impact of extended sleep on daytime alertness, vigilance, and mood Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Adderall, Stimulants & Modafinil for ADHD: Short- & Long-Term Effects
In this episode, I explain how medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse and other stimulants work to increase focus and treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I explain the brain circuits involved in focus and the key roles dopamine and norepinephrine play in their regulation. Then I explain how stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity in kids or adults with ADHD, and how and why Ritalin and other medications (e.g., Modafinil, Guanfacine) may work better for some. I explain the long-term effects of ADHD medications on height, cardiovascular health, hormones, predisposition to addiction and psychosis, and whether these treatments can be used and then stopped. I also discuss the immense individual variation in dosage sensitivity for these medications and the negative side-effects that occur from recreational use. This episode ought to benefit anyone with ADHD, their parents, those on ADHD medications or anyone curious about how these medications work. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman The Brain Body Contract https://hubermanlab.com/tour Timestamps (00:00:00) Stimulants & Attention-Deficient/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (00:03:21) Sponsors: Maui Nui, ROKA, HVMN (00:06:35) The Brain-Body Contract (00:07:22) Attention, Prefrontal Cortex & ADHD (00:16:27) Stimulants “Sympathomimetics” (00:21:29) Adderall, Dopamine & Norepinephrine (00:25:58) Sympathomimetics, Dopamine & Norepinephrine (00:31:05) Sponsor: AG1 (00:32:20) Vyvanse is Timed-Release D-Amp (00:36:36) Ritalin, Concerta (00:40:10) Dopamine & “Noise Reduction”; Norepinephrine & “Signal Amplification” (00:45:28) ADHD: Focus, Hyperactivity & Impulsivity; Drug Selection & Dose (00:50:57) How do Stimulants ‘Calm’ ADHD? (00:54:480 Neuroplasticity & Neuromodulators (00:58:06) Kids, ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment; Predispose Addiction? (01:04:02) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:05:12) ADHD Medications: Individuality, Doses, Tapering & Long-Term Use (01:13:28) Medication & Long-Term Effects: Height, Cardiovascular Risk, Alcohol (01:19:32) Cortisol & Hormones (01:27:45) Psychosis & Addiction; Methamphetamine (01:38:20) Recreational Use, Addiction & Psychosis; Habituation (01:42:30) Drug Holidays; Ritalin & Long-Term Effects (01:45:35) Modafinil, Armodafinil; Side-Effects (01:53:03) Guanfacine, Alcohol (01:58:03) ADHD Medications (02:00:26) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris: The Science of Psychedelics for Mental Health
In this episode, my guest is Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD, distinguished professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. He is one of leading researchers in the study of how psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD and DMT can change the human brain and in doing so, be used to successfully treat various mental health challenges such as major depression, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction. He explains how psilocybin induces sustained changes in adaptive brain wiring and cognition. We discuss the key components of safe and effective psychedelic journeys, the role of hallucinations, the use of eye-masks to encourage people to “go internal,” and music, as well as what effective therapist support consists of before, during and after the session (also known as integration). We discuss micodosing vs. macrodosing and how researchers control for placebo effects in psychedelic research. We also discuss the current legal landscape around psychedelic therapies. Psychedelic therapies are fast emerging as powerful and soon-to-be mainstream treatments for medical health disorders, but they are not without their risks. As such, this episode ought to be of use to anyone interested in brain plasticity, mental health, psychology or neuroscience. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman The Brain Body Contract https://hubermanlab.com/tour Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris (00:02:12) Sponsors: Eight Sleep, Levels, HVMN (00:05:41) The Brain-Body Contract (00:06:31) Origin of the Word: “Psychedelics”; Pharmacology (00:12:05) Psychedelics & Revealing the Unconscious Mind, Psychotherapy (00:17:32) Microdosing (00:26:08) Psilocybin vs. Magic Mushroom Doses (00:28:28) “Psychedelic-Therapy”, Music (00:35:12) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:36:26) Psychedelic Journey: “Trust, Let Go, Be Open” (00:43:01) Negative Emotions, Fear & Psychedelics (00:46:21) Global Functional Connectivity, Serotonin 2A Receptor; Subjective Experiences (00:52:33) Pharmacology: Therapeutics without Psychedelic Effects; SSRIs (00:58:45) Psilocybin & Depression; Long-Term Effects: Connectivity & Neuroplasticity (01:09:14) Sponsor: LMNT (01:10:26) Psilocybin Therapy & Anorexia (01:12:56) Integration Phase & Psychedelic-Therapy; Meditation (01:19:50) First-Time Psychedelic Use, “Entropic Brain Effect”, Neuroplasticity, Cognition (01:30:16) Fibromyalgia & Psychedelic Treatment; MDMA Therapy & “Inner Healer” (01:38:55) Placebo Response & Psychedelic Therapy (01:41:39) LSD & Psychedelic-Therapy, Micro-Dose (01:48:19) Combination Psilocybin-MDMA Therapy (01:56:06) DMT “Rocketship” & Serotonin 2A Receptors; Ibogaine (02:01:04) “Ego Dissolution”, Cocaine vs. Psychedelics; Relapses (02:12:26) Psychedelics & Legal Landscape; Decriminalization (02:17:54) MDMA, Trauma & Clinical Trials; Future Regulatory (FDA) Approval? (02:23:25) Psilocybin & Current Clinical Trials (02:28:41) Mental Health & Psychedelic Treatment, Safeguards, Paradigm Shift (02:34:39) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Dr. Susanna Søberg: How to Use Cold & Heat Exposure to Improve Your Health
In this episode, my guest is Susanna Søberg, PhD. She earned her doctoral degree at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, researching the effects of deliberate cold and deliberate heat exposure on metabolism and other aspects of human physiology. We discuss how cold or sauna can improve metabolism, cardiovascular and brain health, balance hormones, and decrease inflammation. Dr. Søberg discusses how deliberate cold protocols can improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity and trigger release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine which enhance energy, mood, and focus. We compare cold showers and cold immersion, traditional and infrared saunas, and other variables. This episode provides actionable tools and answers to common questions about the use of deliberate cold and heat to improve health. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Plunge: https://plunge.com/huberman Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman The Brain Body Contract Tickets: https://hubermanlab.com/tour Presale code: HUBERMAN Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Susanna Søberg (00:03:23) Sponsors: Plunge, Maui Nui, Thesis (00:06:49) The Brain-Body Contract (00:07:40) Physiology in Uncomfortably Cold Environments (00:12:05) Tool: Water Temperature, “Cold Shock” & Discomfort (00:17:37) Cold Showers vs. Immersion in Water, Brown Fat (00:22:11) Cold Receptors, Brown Fat & Temperature Homeostasis (00:25:22) Shiver, “After Drop”, Healthy Stress (00:31:08) Long-Term Health Benefits of Deliberate Cold Exposure (00:35:48) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:37:02) Blood Pressure & Heath (00:38:26) Brown Fat, Insulin Sensitivity & Metabolism (00:45:07) Temperature Regulation, Brown Fat vs. White Fat (00:52:26) Cold Resilience, Scandinavia (00:59:07) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:00:16) Winter Swimmers & Brown Fat; Discomfort (01:10:28) Sex differences & Brown Fat, Cold-Adapted (01:15:21) Diving Reflex & Parasympathetic Activation (01:18:44) Tool: Deliberate Cold & Sauna Protocol (01:23:11) Winter Swimmers, Shiver; Circadian Rhythm & Brown Fat (01:31:14) Tool: Minimum Threshold for Cold & Heat; Sauna & Cardiovascular Health (01:35:19) Tool: Maintaining Stimulus when Cold-Adapted; Shorter Sessions (01:38:09) Cold Exposure, Sleep Quality, Clothing (01:47:37) “Brown Fat Negative” & Shiver (01:52:13) Cold & Heat, Inflammation Reduction (01:55:40) Tool: “Soberg Principle”: End on Cold, Metabolism (01:59:39) Cold Exposure: Fed or Fasted? (02:00:32) Raynaud’s Syndrome; Hand/Feet Protection in Cold (02:05:21) Tool: Headache & Cold Exposure; Head Submersion & Head Coverings (02:11:29) Children & Hypothermia Risk (02:17:16) Gender Differences & Cold Exposure (02:19:57) Tool: Brief, Repeated Temperature Changes; Circadian Rhythm & Temperature (2:27:53) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
How Psilocybin Can Rewire Our Brain, Its Therapeutic Benefits & Its Risks
In this episode, I discuss what psilocybin is (chemically) and how it works at the cellular and neural circuit level to trigger neuroplasticity, which is our brain’s ability to rewire itself in ways that lead to long-lasting shifts in our emotional, cognitive and behavioral patterns and abilities. I discuss the emerging clinical trial evidence for the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, addictions and other psychiatric challenges. I explain the typical duration and phases of a psilocybin journey, the different categories of dosages often used and I explain the importance of set, setting and support when using psychedelics. I explain which groups of people place themselves at great risk by taking psilocybin as well as groups that could benefit, and I highlight the rapidly changing legal and medical landscape around psilocybin. This episode is a thorough exploration of psilocybin from the scientific and clinical literature perspective and ought to be of interest to anyone curious about psilocybin, mental health, neuroplasticity and/or psychedelics more generally. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Psilocybin, Legal Considerations (00:08:32) Sponsors: Eight Sleep, ROKA, HVMN (00:12:00) Psilocybin Becomes Psilocin in the Gut, Serotonin (00:17:00) The Serotonin 2A Receptor, Therapeutic Outcomes SSRIs vs. Psilocybin (00:21:40) Serotonin Receptor Expression; Visual Hallucinations & Eyes Closed (00:27:21) Safety & Cautions for Specific Patient Populations (00:29:13) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:30:28) Psilocybin, “Magic Mushrooms” Dosing, Micro-Dosing, “Heroic Doses” (00:36:21) Psychedelic Journey: Set, Setting & Support (00:43:43) Music & the Psilocybin Journey; Duration of Effects (00:48:58) Psilocybin & the Brain: Subjective Experiences, Perception (00:58:36) Sponsor: LMNT (00:59:48) Brain Networks & Therapeutic Outcomes (01:05:23) Creativity; Music, Emotionality & Psychedelic Journeys (01:12:39) Depression & Psychedelics as Neuroplasticity “Wedge” (01:16:53) Positive Psychedelic Journeys, Unity, “Oceanic Boundlessness” (01:25:23) “Bad Trips”, Anxiety & Physiological Sighs (01:32:57) Therapeutic Use of Psilocybin (01:36:11) Neuroplasticity, Structural Brain Changes & Psilocybin (01:48:08) Psychedelics: Therapeutic Breakthroughs & Depression (01:56:37) Combining Psilocybin Therapy & Talk Therapy, Antidepressant Effects (02:03:11) Psilocybin Experience & Mental Health (2:06:42) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Dr. Noam Sobel: How Smells Influence Our Hormones, Health & Behavior
In this episode, my guest is Noam Sobel, PhD, professor of neurobiology in the department of brain sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Dr. Sobel explains his lab’s research on the biological mechanisms of smell (“olfaction”) and how sensing odorants and chemicals in our environment impacts human behavior, cognition, social connections, and hormones. He explains how smell is a crucial component of “social sensing” and how we use olfaction when meeting new people to determine things about their physiology and psychology, and he explains how this impacts friendships and romantic partners. He explains how smell influences emotions, hormone levels, memories and the relationship between breathing and autonomic homeostasis. He describes how smell-based screening tests can aid disease diagnosis and explains his lab’s work on digitization of smell — which may soon allow online communication to include “sending of odors” via the internet. Dr. Sobel’s work illustrates how sensitive human olfaction is and how it drives much of our biology and behavior. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Noam Sobel (00:03:46) Sponsors: ROKA, Thesis, Helix Sleep (00:06:46) Olfaction Circuits (Smell) (00:14:49) Loss & Regeneration of Smell, Illness (00:21:39) Brain Processing of Smell (00:24:40) Smell & Memories (00:27:52) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:29:07) Humans & Odor Tracking (00:39:25) The Alternating Nasal Cycle & Autonomic Nervous System (00:48:18) Cognitive Processing & Breathing (00:54:47) Neurodegenerative Diseases & Olfaction (01:00:12) Congenital Anosmia (01:05:01) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:06:19) Handshaking, Sharing Chemicals & Social Sensing (01:15:07) Smelling Ourselves & Smelling Others (01:22:02) Odors & Romantic Attraction (01:24:58) Vomeronasal Organ, “Bruce Effect” & Miscarriage (01:40:20) Social Chemo-Signals, Fear (01:50:26) Chemo-Signaling, Aggression & Offspring (02:03:57) Menstrual Cycle Synchronization (02:12:11) Sweat, Tears, Emotions & Testosterone (02:27:46) Science Politics (02:37:54) Food Odors & Nutritional Value (02:45:34) Human Perception & Odorant Similarity (02:52:12) Digitizing Smell, COVID-19 & Smell (03:05:50) Medical Diagnostic Future & Olfaction Digitization (03:10:55) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
AMA #6: Eye Health, Why We Yawn & Increasing Motivation
Welcome to a preview of the sixth Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of the Huberman Lab Premium subscription. The Huberman Lab Premium subscription was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the standard Huberman Lab podcast channel — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. Subscribe to Huberman Lab Premium at https://hubermanlab.com/premium Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:53) What Are the Best Eye Exercises, Supplements, Food, Protection Practices for the Eye? (00:33:55) Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: Why We Yawn and Don't Yawn During Sleep How to Stay Motivated and Overcome Lethargy in Learning Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Science-Based Mental Training & Visualization for Improved Learning
In this episode, I explore the science of mental visualization and its application for learning motor and cognitive skills. I discuss neuroplasticity-based skill development and the roles of focus, sleep, movement restriction, and agitation. I then present five key principles of mental visualization to enhance learning speed, accuracy, and consistency. I also provide examples of specific protocols, including repetitions, rest periods, and session frequency, and how to adapt these methods for injuries or breaks from traditional training. Throughout, I reference the scientific studies supporting these concepts. This episode should allow anyone to learn or teach more effectively through the use of mental visualization and training. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Mental Training & Visualization (00:04:46) Sponsors: LMNT, Maui Nui, Eight Sleep (00:08:04) Developmental vs. Adult Neuroplasticity (00:11:42) Learning New Skills: Focus & Sleep (00:14:49) Long-Term Potentiation (LTP), Long-Term Depression (LTD) & New Skills (00:23:42) Principle #1: Very Brief, Simple, Repeated Visualization (00:29:36) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:30:51) Principle #2: Mental Training Cannot Replace Real Training (00:37:36) Principle #3: Combining Real & Mental Training (00:43:17) Principle #4: Assigning Real-World Labels to Visualizations (00:50:37) Principle #5: Mental Imagery Equivalence to Real-World Perception (00:55:28) Tools: Effective Mental Training: Epochs, Repetitions, Sets & Frequency (01:03:43) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:05:00) Adding Mental Training; Injury, Travel or Layoffs (01:11:09) Timing of Mental Training & Sleep (01:15:17) Role of Gender & Age on Mental Training (01:17:10) First-Person vs. Third-Person Visualization; Eyes Open vs. Closed (01:23:53) Physical Skills, Motor Cortex & Cerebellum (01:31:15) “Go” & “No-Go” Pathways (01:34:19) Stop-Signal Task, Withholding Action (01:44:19) Aphantasia, Synesthesia; Social Cognition (01:52:58) Mental Training Practice & Benefits (01:57:36) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Dr. Matthew MacDougall: Neuralink & Technologies to Enhance Human Brains
In this episode, my guest is Matthew MacDougall, MD, the head neurosurgeon at Neuralink. Dr. MacDougall trained at the University of California, San Diego and Stanford University School of Medicine and is a world expert in brain stimulation, repair and augmentation. He explains Neuralink’s mission and projects to develop and use neural implant technologies and robotics to 1) restore normal movement to paralyzed patients and those with neurodegeneration-based movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Disease) and to repair malfunctions of deep brain circuitry (e.g., those involved in addiction). He also discusses Neuralink’s efforts to create novel brain-machine interfaces (BMI) that enhance human learning, cognition and communication as a means to accelerate human progress. Dr. MacDougall also explains other uses of bio-integrated machines in daily life; for instance, he implanted himself with a radio chip into his hand that allows him to open specific doors, collect and store data and communicate with machines and other objects in unique ways. Listeners will learn about brain health and function through the lens of neurosurgery, neurotechnology, clinical medicine and Neuralink’s bold and unique mission. Anyone interested in how the brain works and can be made to work better ought to derive value from this discussion. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Matthew MacDougall (00:04:05) Sponsors: HVMN, Levels, Thesis (00:07:38) Brain Function & Injury; Brain Tumor Treatment (00:13:52) Frontal Lobe Filter; Sleep Deprivation (00:19:00) Neuroplasticity, Pharmacology & Machines (00:22:10) Neuralink, Neural Implants & Injury, Robotics & Surgery (00:31:05) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:32:20) Neocortex vs. Deep Brain (00:36:45) Decoding Brain Signals (00:42:08) “Confidence Test” & Electrical Stimulation; RFID Implants (00:51:33) Bluetooth Headphones & Electromagnetic Fields; Heat (00:57:43) Brain Augmentation & Paralysis (01:00:51) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:02:09) Brain Implants & Peripheral Devices (01:12:44) Brain Machine Interface (BMI), Neurofeedback; Video Games (01:22:13) Improving Animal Experimentation, Pigs (01:33:18) Skull & Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (01:39:14) Brain Health, Alcohol (01:43:34) Neuroplasticity, Brain Lesions & Redundancy (01:47:32) Car Accidents & Driver Alertness (01:50:00) Future Possibilities in Brain Augmentation & BMI; Neuralink (01:58:56) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair
In this episode, I explain the biology of hair, hair growth, why hair growth slows and what cause hair to stop growing and/or “fall out.” I discuss the essential role of hair stem cells and other supporting biological factors for healthy hair growth. Then I describe various approaches (mechanical and chemical) to slow hair loss by increasing blood flow to hair stem cells, including minoxidil, tadalafil, PRP, microneedling, Botox and ketoconazole treatments. I also discuss how age-related hormone changes cause hair loss and explain the effectiveness of treatments such as caffeine, saw palmetto, growth hormone, finasteride and dutasteride. For all hair growth options, I describe potential side effects, how soon to expect results and the amount of hair regrowth to expect and I highlight effective combination treatments for hair regrowth even in hair “dead” (bald) zones. For many listeners, thinning, brittle hair, or pattern baldness are a source of anxiety and stress. This episode explains the mechanisms underlying hair regrowth tools and the science behind them so that you can evaluate potential treatments and associated side-effect profiles and select the best one(s) for you. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman HVMN: https://hvmn.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Hair (00:04:13) Sponsors: Helix Sleep, HVMN, ROKA (00:08:04) Psychological States & Hair (00:13:19) Hair Anatomy & Stem Cells (00:26:05) 3 Phases of Hair Growth (00:35:40) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:36:55) Minoxidil & Blood Flow (00:45:37) Increase Blood Flow: Massage, Tadalafil, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Microneedling (00:56:10) Microneedling, Minoxidil & “Dead Zones” (01:00:13) Sponsor: LMNT (01:01:25) Botox Treatments (01:06:27) Androgens, Hair Growth & Pattern Hair Loss; Scalp vs. Beard Hair (01:15:46) Topical Caffeine & Slowing Hair Loss (01:21:06) IGF-1: Growth Hormone & Sermorelin; Insulin Sensitivity: Myo-Inositol (01:25:52) Iron & Hair Growth (01:27:04) 5-Alpha Reductase & Saw Palmetto; Curcumin (01:33:22) Ketoconazole & Offsetting Hair Loss (01:38:46) Topical & Oral Finasteride (01:51:00) Post- Finasteride Syndrome (01:56:01) Dutasteride (01:58:53) Mechanical & Chemical Stimulation for Hair Growth (02:02:46) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer