Episodes

  • Essentials: Optimize Your Learning & Creativity With Science-Based Tools

    Essentials: Optimize Your Learning & Creativity With Science-Based Tools
    Jan 2 2025
    In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to boost creativity and enhance learning by aligning with the body’s natural rhythms and strategically using protocols to optimize states of alertness or calm. I outline tools to improve focus and learning, including when to use specific techniques based on the time of day and how to adjust focus and tasks according to energy levels. I also discuss the two essential components of creativity and explain how to structure productive, creative work sessions. By combining biological tools — such as exercise, meals, hydration, and sleep — with subjective methods like music, I demonstrate how to tailor your approach to align with your unique biological rhythms and individual goals, fostering greater creativity and learning. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes, approximately 30 minutes, focused on key scientific and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials are released every Thursday, while full-length episodes continue to be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Neuroplasticity 00:01:50 Types of Neuroplasticity 00:03:46 Autonomic Arousal, Sleep 00:05:06 Sponsor: AG1 00:06:34 Waking Up, Tools: Sunlight, Caffeine Delay, Hydration 00:09:39 Alertness, Morning & Work Bout 00:10:05 Dopamine & Learning; Tool: Music & Alertness 00:14:24 Sponsor: David 00:15:40 Tool: Exercise Early; Morning Work 00:16:58 Meals; Afternoon Dip & Work, Tools: Hydration, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) 00:19:21 Creativity: Exploring vs. Implementation 00:21:44 Psychedelics, Sensory Blending; Tool: Timing Creative Work 00:23:50 Sponsor: LMNT 00:24:07 Tool: Evening Sunlight; Lights, Evening Meal & Carbohydrates 00:26:09 Natural Sleep/Wake Schedule; Tools: Anticipate Evening Alertness; NSDR 00:30:25 Work & Daily Schedule, Tool: 90-Minute Work Bouts 00:31:43 Optimize Biological Rhythms & Tools for Creativity & Learning Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    35 mins
  • Dr. Jordan Peterson: How to Best Guide Your Life Decisions & Path

    Dr. Jordan Peterson: How to Best Guide Your Life Decisions & Path
    Dec 30 2024
    In this episode, my guest is Dr. Jordan Peterson, Ph.D., psychologist, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, best-selling author, and prominent online educator. We discuss the biology of human emotions and motivations, healthy versus destructive impulses, addictions, and generative drives. Topics include how brain states shape decision-making—for better or worse—and how religion and culture can guide us toward and through the best paths in life. We also explore the innate human drive to create "impact at a distance" and how it influences social interactions, educational pursuits, career choices, and relationships. Additional subjects include morality, social media, politics, the human appetite for drama, and the importance of embracing responsibility as a form of adventure to avoid wasting time. Listeners will gain practical knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and religion. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Jordan Peterson 00:02:32 Sponsors: David & Levels 00:05:19 Brain, Impulses, Integration, Personalities 00:14:08 Personalities, Motivation 00:18:18 Context & Children; Religion, Motivation & Personality 00:24:08 Hypothalamus, Context, Maturation 00:29:46 Psychopathy, Kids & Aggressive Behavior & Socialization 00:33:37 Polytheistic & Monotheistic Religions; Rage, Sociopathy & Addiction 00:41:05 Sponsors: AG1 & ROKA 00:43:58 Belief in God, Addiction 00:50:34 Pornography, Dopamine, Processed Foods 00:56:20 Clean Diet, Satiety; Fundamental Pleasures, Food, Sexuality 01:04:44 Power, Target, Sin 01:06:46 Sponsor: Function 01:08:33 Abraham; Call to Adventure, Success, Respect, Community 01:21:30 Wisdom, Noah; Religion, Incentive Structure & Motivation 01:26:52 Dopamine & Target, Sin; Frontal Eye Fields 01:31:59 Meta-Target & Goals, Sermon on the Mount; Fears 01:40:36 Sponsor: LMNT 01:41:51 Ultimate vs. Local Victory, Pearl of Great Price 01:45:05 Time Scales & Rewards; Entropy, Dopamine & Goals 01:51:20 Pornography, Effortless Gratification; Revelation & Sexuality Demise 02:02:33 Adventure & Responsibility, Sacrifice; Tool: Ordering Room 02:12:02 Storytelling, Science, Career Advancement, Pursuing Truth 02:23:46 Abraham & Adventure; Purposeful Satisfaction, Podcast 02:28:13 Finding Your Calling, Tools: Calling & Conscience; Creating Order 02:35:06 Order vs. Chaos; Public Shootings, Narcissism 02:40:16 Long-Term Goals, Pursuit, Curiosity, Commitment 02:45:43 Finding Purpose, Tool: Fixing Messes; Conscience & Voice of Divine 02:54:26 Prayer, Aim, Revelation; Thought 03:00:34 Religion, Common Themes 03:10:55 Psychoanalytical Traditions; Play 03:19:23 Play; Humor, Discourse, Alternative Media 03:27:18 Democrats, Republicans; Fear & Growth 03:34:59 Tour, Peterson Academy, YouTube, Cancel Culture 03:48:30 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    3 hrs and 51 mins
  • Essentials: How to Learn Faster by Using Failures, Movement & Balance

    Essentials: How to Learn Faster by Using Failures, Movement & Balance
    Dec 26 2024
    In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how making mistakes and perceived frustration drive learning and how movement enhances the brain’s adaptability. I explain how making errors triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which are essential for learning. I also discuss the differences between how neuroplasticity occurs in children and adults, focusing on the varying requirements and effort needed for learning. I discuss science-supported learning strategies for adults, including small practice bouts, leveraging frustration, regulating your autonomic state, and using movement to maximize focus and neuroplasticity. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Learning 00:01:29 Representational Plasticity, Performance Errors 00:03:16 Neuroplasticity, Neurotransmitters 00:05:03 Sponsor: AG1 00:06:11 Visual Adaptation, Children vs. Adults 00:10:23 Errors, Frustration & Neuroplasticity, Adult Learning 00:14:13 Adults, Incremental Shifts vs. High Contingency; Tool: Small Learning Bouts 00:18:43 Sponsor: David 00:20:00 Tool: Ultradian Cycles, Focus, Errors & Frustration 00:22:08 Dopamine, Errors & Subjective Beliefs; Peak Focus; Tool: Frustration 00:25:56 Sponsor: BetterHelp 00:27:02 Limbic Friction; Tool: Behaviors to Increase Alert or Calm 00:30:43 Balance, Errors & Neurotransmitters 00:33:28 Tool: Enhance Neuroplasticity; Movement Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    37 mins
  • Dr. Laurie Santos: How to Achieve True Happiness Using Science-Based Protocols

    Dr. Laurie Santos: How to Achieve True Happiness Using Science-Based Protocols
    Dec 23 2024
    In this episode, my guest is Dr. Laurie Santos, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University and a leading researcher on happiness and fulfillment. We discuss what truly increases happiness, examining factors such as money, social comparison, free time, alone time versus time spent with others, pets, and the surprising positive impact of negative visualizations. We also explore common myths and truths about introverts and extroverts, the science of motivation, and how to adjust your hedonic set point to experience significantly more joy in daily life. Throughout the episode, Dr. Santos shares science-supported strategies for enhancing emotional well-being and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning and happiness. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Laurie Santos 00:02:52 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & ExpressVPN 00:06:00 Happiness, Emotion & Cognition; Emotional Contagion 00:11:18 Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Rewards 00:14:43 Money, Comparison & Happiness 00:21:39 Tool: Increase Social Connection; Real-Time Communication 00:32:16 Sponsor: AG1 00:33:47 Technology, Information, Social Interaction 00:39:22 Loneliness, Youth, Technology 00:42:16 Cravings, Sustainable Actions, Dopamine 00:47:01 Social Connection & Predictions; Introverts & Extroverts 00:57:22 Sponsors: Function & LMNT 01:00:41 Social Connection & Frequency; Tools: Fun; “Presence” & Technology 01:07:53 Technology & Negative Effects; Tool: Senses & Grounding; Podcasts 01:15:11 Negativity Bias, Gratitude, Tool: “Delight” Practice & Shifting Emotions 01:25:01 Sponsor: David 01:26:17 Importance of Negative Emotions; Judgements about Happiness 01:34:16 Happiness & Cultural Differences, Tool: Focus on Small Pleasures 01:41:00 Dogs, Monkeys & Brain, “Monkey Mind” 01:47:40 Monkeys, Perspective, Planning 01:53:58 Dogs, Cats, Dingos; Pets & Happiness 02:00:49 Time Famish; Tools: Time Affluence Breaks; Time Confetti & Free Time 02:07:46 Hedonic Adaptation; Tool: Spacing Happy Experiences 02:15:27 Contrast, Comparison & Happiness; Tool: Bronze Lining, Negative Visualization 02:24:08 Visualization, Bannister Effect; Tool: Imagine Obstacles 02:29:12 Culture; Arrival Fallacy, Tool: Journey Mindset 02:37:11 Mortality, Memento Mori, Tool: Fleeting Experiences & Contrast 02:44:33 Awe 02:48:15 Timescales; Community Engagement & Signature Strengths; Tool: Job Crafting 02:56:55 Strength Date, Leisure Time; Tool: Doing for Others, Feel Good Do Good 03:01:42 Tool: Asking for Help 03:05:32 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    3 hrs and 8 mins
  • Essentials: How to Focus to Change Your Brain

    Essentials: How to Focus to Change Your Brain
    Dec 19 2024
    In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how neuroplasticity allows the brain to continue to adapt and change throughout life, particularly through focused attention and active engagement in learning. I explain how neuroplasticity differs in children and adults, highlighting the key neurochemicals required for adult learning. I explain science-supported protocols to boost alertness and improve attention, including techniques like visual focus and goal accountability. I also discuss how sleep, along with practices such as non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) and naps, support the brain to enhance learning. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman More Huberman Lab Huberman Lab Premium: https://go.hubermanlab.com/premium Huberman Lab Merch: https://go.hubermanlab.com/merch Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Neuroplasticity 00:03:27 Sponsor: David 00:04:43 New Neurons; Sensory Information, Brain & Customized Map 00:07:40 Recognition, Awareness of Behaviors 00:09:58 Sponsor: AG1 00:11:06 Attention & Neuroplasticity 00:15:40 Epinephrine, Acetylcholine & Nervous System Change 00:18:20 Improve Alertness, Epinephrine, Tool: Accountability 00:20:39 Improve Attention, Acetylcholine, Nicotine 00:23:09 Sponsor: LMNT 00:24:26 Tool: Visual Focus & Mental Focus 00:29:54 Tool: Ultradian Cycles, Anchoring Attention 00:31:00 Sleep & Neuroplasticity; NSDR, Naps 00:33:34 Recap & Key Takeaways 00:36:38 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Recommendations, Sponsors Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    37 mins
  • Dr. Bernardo Huberman: How to Use Curiosity & Focus to Create a Joyful & Meaningful Life

    Dr. Bernardo Huberman: How to Use Curiosity & Focus to Create a Joyful & Meaningful Life
    Dec 16 2024
    In this episode, my guest is Dr. Bernardo Huberman, Ph.D., a research physicist, expert on quantum networks, and vice president of CableLabs’ Next-Gen Systems. We discuss his journey into science, beginning in South America, how a curiosity about physics led him to the United States, and how his hunger for studying novel problems guided him into fields like physics, computer science, biology, economics, and, most recently, quantum computing. He explains relativity theory, chaos theory, fractals, and quantum internet in terms anyone can understand. We explore how curiosity has continually guided his decisions about what to study and how to live, and how researching hard, even abstract, problems can serve as a model for staying grounded and enjoying everyday life. We also discuss meditation, spirituality, and why continually asking questions about how the world is organized can bring about an immense and lasting sense of meaning and joy. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols at protocolsbook.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/huberman Mateína: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman More Huberman Lab Huberman Lab Premium: https://go.hubermanlab.com/premium Huberman Lab Shop: https://go.hubermanlab.com/merch Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Bernardo Huberman 00:02:13 Sponsors: Helix Sleep & BetterHelp 00:05:08 Early School, Science Interest, Argentina; Soccer 00:12:29 Physics, Childhood Teacher, Family 00:20:48 Music; Dictatorship; Humanistic Education 00:29:09 Sponsor: AG1 00:30:40 US Graduate School 00:39:27 Counterculture, Peer Pressure; Graduation, Job Search 00:49:19 Xerox, Personal Computers; Risk-Takers, Tachyon 00:54:49 Sponsors: LMNT & ExpressVPN 00:57:33 Relativity Theory, Quantum Mechanics 01:05:53 Chaos Theory, Fractals, Butterfly Effect 01:17:21 Scientists, Positive Contributions & Flaws 01:26:19 Sponsor: Mateína 01:27:45 Enjoyment of Life, Meditation; Goal Pursuit 01:35:44 Changing Fields, Computers 01:43:24 Mentors, Students; Restlessness, Curiosity 01:47:41 Industry, Academia, Graduate Degrees 01:54:02 Podcast, Interviewing; Mistakes, Working with Others 02:05:48 Quantum Internet, Unbreakable Code 02:09:48 Physics & Neuroscience; AI 02:15:06 Analog vs. Digital Life, Thinking about Future 02:21:38 Worry, Meditation 02:24:22 Beliefs, God; Spiritual Experiences, Randomness 02:33:53 Thinking about Past; Nostalgia 02:39:19 Politically Incorrect; Libertarians; Cryogenics; Enjoying Life 02:46:30 Joyful; Pushing to Limits; Worry & Enjoyment, Living with Elegance 02:55:57 Etiquette, Clothing 03:04:11 Retirement, Money, Travel 03:12:00 Future Plans; Joyful Life 03:13:33 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    3 hrs and 16 mins
  • Essentials: Understand and Use Dreams to Learn and Forget

    Essentials: Understand and Use Dreams to Learn and Forget
    Dec 12 2024
    In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the important role that sleep and dreams have in learning, regulating emotions, and recovering from trauma. I discuss how dreams during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep contribute to emotional learning and the processing of traumatic experiences. I also discuss the similarities of REM dreams to clinical treatments like ketamine and EMDR therapy. I explain how non-REM dreams function differently to support other types of learning. Additionally, I describe science-backed strategies to optimize both types of sleep for improved learning, mood and emotional regulation. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman More Huberman Lab Huberman Lab Premium: https://go.hubermanlab.com/premium Huberman Lab Shop: https://go.hubermanlab.com/merch Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Dreaming, Learning & Un-learning 00:01:04 Types of Sleep 00:02:57 Slow-Wave Sleep, Motor Learning 00:06:23 Sponsor: AG1 00:07:30 REM Sleep, Paralysis, Unlearning of Emotional Events 00:12:29 Lack of REM Sleep, Emotionality 00:15:02 REM Sleep, Learning & Meaning 00:18:54 Sponsor: Joovv 00:20:08 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapy, Trauma 00:26:48 Ketamine Therapy, PCP, Trauma 00:29:52 Sponsor: Eight Sleep 00:31:23 REM Sleep as Therapy, Emotions 00:33:40 Tool: Improve Slow-Wave & REM Sleep 00:37:05 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    39 mins
  • Dr. Kelly Starrett: How to Improve Your Mobility, Posture & Flexibility

    Dr. Kelly Starrett: How to Improve Your Mobility, Posture & Flexibility
    Dec 9 2024
    In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kelly Starrett, DPT, a world-renowned physical therapist, best-selling author, and expert on improving movement in fitness, sports, and daily life. We discuss strategies to enhance mobility and flexibility to boost physical performance and overall health, including ways to offset aging, heal from injuries faster, and correct movement or strength imbalances. Topics include zero- and low-cost tools, such as how to warm up effectively, prepare mentally for workouts, properly use foam rollers, perform fascial release, and apply heat or cold for pain management and tissue recovery. We also cover the best flexibility protocols. Dr. Starrett explains how to optimize default postures for sitting, standing, and everyday activities. Listeners will gain practical, easy-to-implement knowledge to improve their health and physical performance. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman More Huberman Lab Huberman Lab Premium: https://go.hubermanlab.com/premium Huberman Lab Shop: https://go.hubermanlab.com/merch Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Kelly Starrett 00:02:44 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Joovv 00:05:46 Movement; Tool: Daily Floor Sitting 00:12:50 Tools: Stacking Behaviors, Stretching, Floor Sitting 00:17:07 Transferring Skills; Movement-Rich Environments; Range of Motion 00:23:47 Sponsor: AG1 00:25:18 Warm-Ups & Play 00:30:51 Asymmetries & Training 00:38:27 Maximizing Gym Time; Tool: 10, 10, 10 at 10 00:42:41 Tool: Warming Up with Play; Breathwork 00:47:26 Sponsors: Function & Eight Sleep 00:50:35 Tool: Foam Rolling, Uses, Types & Technique 01:01:30 Injury vs. Incident, Pain 01:05:54 Managing Pain & Stiffness, Tool: D2R2 Method 01:11:04 Posture, Neck Work 01:19:58 Sponsor: LMNT 01:21:33 Pelvic Floor, Prostate Pain 01:28:06 Urination & Men, Pelvic Floor; Tool: Camel Pose 01:33:42 Mobilizing the Pelvic Floor, Urogenital Health 01:38:27 Abdominals, Rotational Power, Spinal Engine Work 01:43:51 Dynamic & Novel Movements; Endurance & Strength Propensities 01:50:29 Tool: Workout Intensity; Consistency & Workout Longevity 01:57:41 Hip Extension, Tools: Couch Stretch, Bosch Snatch 02:09:38 Fundamental Shapes & Training, Hip Extension, Movement Culture 02:21:06 Training for Life & Fun 02:30:20 Aging with Range of Motion & Control; Mental State & Training 02:35:38 Fascia, Myofascial Mobilization 02:41:17 Rolfing, Tool: Tissue Mobilization & Reducing Discomfort 02:45:14 Deliberate Heat & Cold, Training, Injury & Healing 02:54:35 Desire to Train, Physical Practice 02:58:54 Balanced Nutrition; Eating Behaviors & Social Media 03:10:23 Sustainable Nutrition & Training; Tool: 3 Vegetable Rule 03:14:30 Supplements 03:23:05 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures
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    3 hrs and 26 mins