My guest is Dr. Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., therapist, author, and founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. We discuss how IFS views the mind as a collection of parts, each shaped by different life experiences—both good and bad, including trauma. To demonstrate how IFS works, Dr. Schwartz guides Dr. Huberman and you, the listener, through an example IFS session. We also explore how IFS and body awareness can help break harmful thought and behavior patterns, promote emotional healing, and build healthier relationships.

Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Wealthfront**: https://wealthfront.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

This experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients of Wealthfront, and there is no guarantee that all clients will have similar experiences. Cash Account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) on cash deposits as of December 27,‬ 2024, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to partner banks where they earn the variable‭ APY. Promo terms and FDIC coverage conditions apply. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Richard Schwartz

00:02:11 Internal Family Systems (IFS), Self & Parts

00:07:23 Sponsors: BetterHelp & David Protein

00:09:44 Trauma & Parts: Exiles, Roles, Critic, Managers, Firefighters

00:15:32 Frustration & Anger, Surrender & Perspective

00:19:35 Feelings, Curiosity & Self-Exploration, Protecting Other Parts

00:29:35 Exploration of Inner Frustration, Judgement, Firefighters, Protectors

00:40:04 Titanium Teddy Bear, The Self & Curiosity, Tool: The 8 C’s & Self

00:46:41 Sponsors: AG1 & Wealthfront

00:49:24 IFS Therapy, Self-Exploration

00:53:47 Role Confusion, Conflict, Self & Clarity; Legacy Burdens

01:00:26 Cognitive vs Somatic Feelings; Tools: Localize Body Feeling, Curiosity

01:04:11 IFS & Psychedelics, Ketamine, Big Self, Journal Retractions

01:11:18 Early Morning, Breathwork, Exiles & Healing

01:13:53 Sponsor: Function

01:15:41 Shame, Racism, Protectors & Carrying Burden, Compassion

01:21:29 Unhealthy Romantic Relationships, Child-Parent Relationship

01:27:06 Therapist, Self-Exploration, Protectors & Introduction to Self

01:31:08 Tool: Questions for a Self-Exploration of Internal Protectors

01:39:30 Writing, Forming New Relationships with Parts, Leading with Self

01:42:51 Protectors, Managers, Firefighters, Suicidal & Addiction Behaviors

01:48:37 Overworking, Fear, Mortality

01:54:35 Technology & Distraction, Exiles, Worthlessness

01:58:58 Psychiatry, Medicine, New Ideas

02:02:58 Culture & Expanding Problems, Activism & Self

02:10:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how hormones regulate hunger, appetite and feelings of satiety (fullness), along with strategies to help control appetite.

I describe how the body senses nutrient levels and how the brain processes these signals to stimulate hunger or suppress appetite. I also discuss how certain foods can help curb hunger, while processed foods and emulsifiers can interfere with satiety signals, leading to overeating. Additionally, I cover how lifestyle factors such as exercise and meal timing regulate blood glucose levels, which in turn impact hunger and appetite.

Huberman Lab Essentials episodes are approximately 30 minutes long and focus on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, while our full-length episodes will continue to be released every Monday.

This Huberman Lab Essentials is from the full-length Huberman Lab episode, “How Our Hormones Control Our Hunger, Eating & Satiety.”

Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

For all Huberman Lab sponsors, visit hubermanlab.com/sponsors.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Hunger & Appetite

00:00:56 Hunger, Hypothalamus, Cortex & Mouth

00:04:46 Sponsor: David Protein

00:06:02 Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone, AgRP Neurons, Ghrelin, Tool: Regular Meal Timing

00:10:13 Cholecystokinin (CCK), Tool: Omega-3s, Amino Acids & Blunting Appetite

00:13:26 Sponsor: AG1

00:14:30 Highly-Processed Foods, Emulsifiers, Tool: Whole Foods & Satiety Signals

00:19:10 Insulin, Glucose, Type 1 & 2 Diabetes

00:22:16 Sponsor: Mateina

00:23:41 Insulin & Glucagon, Tools: Food Order, Movement & Blood Glucose

00:27:26 Tool: Exercise & Stable Blood Sugar

00:29:38 Metformin, Ketogenic Diet, Blood Glucose

00:31:59 Sponsor: LMNT

00:33:16 Diabetes, Urine & Blood Sugar

00:35:40 Caffeine, Tool: Yerba Mate, Glucagon-Like Peptide -1 (GLP-1), Appetite

00:38:49 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Dr. Roger Seheult, M.D., a board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care, and sleep medicine at Loma Linda University. We discuss the powerful benefits of light therapy, including infrared light, red light, and sunlight, for improving mitochondrial function in all the body’s organs. We also explore ways to reduce the risk of influenza, colds, and other illnesses that affect the lungs, sinuses, and gut.

Topics include the flu shot, whether handwashing truly prevents illness transmission, and treatments for long COVID and mold toxicity. We review the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the power of hydrotherapy for combating infections, and strategies for improving sleep and overall health. Additionally, we discuss air quality. This episode provides actionable, science-based tools for preventing and treating infectious illnesses.

Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

Sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Roger Seheult

00:02:16 Avoiding Sickness, Immune System, Tool: Pillars of Health, NEWSTART

00:08:03 Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep

00:10:46 Sunlight, Mitochondria, Tool: Infrared Light & Melatonin

00:19:09 Melatonin Antioxidant, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)/Free Radicals

00:26:38 Infrared Light, Green Spaces, Health & Mortality

00:31:35 Infrared Light, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Disease

00:38:46 Sunlight & Cancer Risk?, Tools: UV Light, Clothing & Sunlight Exposure

00:41:01 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT

00:43:32 Sunlight, Incidence of Influenza or COVID

00:48:41 Tools: Sunlight Exposure Duration, Winter Months

00:55:18 Infrared Lamps?, Winter Sunlight Exposure; Obesity & Metabolic Dysfunction

00:59:48 Cloudy Days; Sunlight, Primitive Therapy, Hospitals

01:11:33 Sponsor: Function

01:13:21 Artificial Lights, Hospitals & Light Therapy?, ICU Psychosis

01:22:16 Sleep & Darkness, Tools: Eye Mask, Bathroom Navigation; Meals & Light

01:28:27 Influenza, Flu Shots, Swiss Cheese Model; Flu Shot Risks?

01:38:13 Masks?, Flu; Handwashing

01:42:16 Sponsor: Our Place

01:43:57 Water, Sodium; Innate Immune System, Fever & Hydrotherapy

01:53:46 Fever, Heat Hydrotherapy, Interferon & Immune System

01:58:25 Cold Hydrotherapy, Vasoconstriction & White Blood Cells

02:09:56 N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Glutathione, White Clots, Flu, Covid

02:19:28 Tool: NAC Dose & Regimen; Mucous, Flu Symptoms

02:25:25 Zinc Supplementation, Copper; Exogenous Interferon

02:28:40 Eucalyptus Oil, Inhalation

02:32:22 Air, Smoking, Vaping, Nicotine Gum

02:36:49 Fresh Air, Forest Bathing, Tool: Go Outdoors

02:40:09 Nature vs Inside Environments, Dark Days/Bright Nights Problem

02:52:38 Long COVID, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Intermittent Fasting, Sunlight

03:00:43 Covid & Varied Severity, Smell Loss Recovery

03:05:04 Mold Toxicity, Lungs, Germ vs Terrain Theory, Immunocompromised

03:11:46 Trust, Spirituality, Community, Faith; Forgiveness

03:19:46 Hospital Admission, Tool: Asking Questions

03:25:42 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to optimize hormones—particularly testosterone, estrogen, and related sex steroids—to enhance fertility and overall well-being.

I discuss the sources of testosterone and estrogen and how their levels fluctuate with age in both males and females. I also cover how behaviors such as exercise, cold and heat exposure, light exposure, illness, and breathing patterns affect hormones. Additionally, I examine specific supplements and replacement therapies, highlighting important precautions to consider when adjusting hormone levels.

Huberman Lab Essentials episodes are approximately 30 minutes long and focus on key scientific insights and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. These short episodes will be released every Thursday, while our full-length episodes will continue to be released every Monday.

Read the show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Hormones

00:01:15 Testosterone & Estrogen Sources & Age, Adrenals

00:03:34 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:05:05 Competition, Males & Testosterone; Dopamine

00:09:27 Testosterone Decreases, Expectant Fathers, Illness

00:11:30 Sleep Apnea, Testosterone, Estrogen, Cortisol, Tool: Nasal Breathing

00:15:57 Sponsor: AG1

00:17:00 Dopamine, Cortisol, Fertility, Tool: Light Viewing Behavior 

00:19:31 Heat, Cold & Hormone Levels

00:21:14 Resistance & Endurance Training, Testosterone, Tool: Exercise Order

00:23:26 Estrogen, Menopause, Hormone Therapy

00:25:07 Sponsor: Function

00:26:54 Vitamins, Opioids, Supplements, Tongkat Ali, Cancer Risk

00:31:26 Luteinizing Hormone, hCG, Fadogia Agrestis, Tool: Blood Tests

00:36:00 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

My guest is Dr. Michael Platt, Ph.D., a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss how factors such as hormonal or social status influence what we value, how we make decisions, and even our perceptions across a range of areas, from who and what we find attractive to our political affiliations. We also discuss how humans evaluate and shift power in relationships and form hierarchies in groups. Dr. Platt also shares new science-based tools for improving focus, creativity, and attention.

Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.

Sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman

Wealthfront**: https://wealthfront.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

**This experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients of Wealthfront, and there is no guarantee that all clients will have similar experiences. Cash Account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) on cash deposits as of December 27,‬ 2024, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to partner banks where they earn the variable‭ APY. Promo terms and FDIC coverage conditions apply. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Michael Platt

00:02:12 Humans, Old World Primates & Decision-Making; Swiss Army Knife Analogy

00:07:52 Sponsors: Our Place & Wealthfront

00:11:01 Attention Allocation, Resource Foraging

00:16:40 Social Media; Marginal Value Theorem, Distraction

00:22:22 Tool: Remove Phone from Room; Attention & Urgency

00:25:23 Tool: Self Conversation; Visual Input, Attention as a Skill

00:29:29 Warming-Up Focus, Tool: Visual Aperture & Attention

00:38:57 Sponsor: AG1

00:40:13 Control of Attention, Tool: Changing Environment

00:44:07 Attention Continuum, Professions, Measuring Business Skill with Neuroscience

00:53:06 Theory of Mind, Covert Attention, Attentional Spotlights

01:00:05 Primates, Hormone Status, Brain Size, Monogamy

01:09:31 Monkeys, Neuronal Multiplexing & Context; Equitable Relationships

01:20:05 Sponsor: BetterHelp

01:21:11 Relationships, Power Dynamics, Neuroethology

01:29:34 Humans, Females & Hormone Status; Monkeys, Social Images, Hormones

01:38:03 Humans, Attractiveness, Value-Based Decision Making

01:44:32 Altruism, Group Selection & Cooperation, Selflessness

01:49:08 Males, Testosterone, Behavior Changes

01:55:46 Sponsor: Function

01:57:34 Oxytocin, Pro-Social Behaviors, Behavioral Synchrony

02:08:13 MDMA, Oxytocin, Anxiety; Social Touch, Despair & Isolation

02:17:12 Isolation, Social Connections & Strangers, Tool: Deep Conversation Questions

02:21:17 Bridging the Divide, Tribes & Superficial Biases

02:26:58 Testosterone, Risk-Taking Behavior

02:30:52 Decision-Making, Tool: Accurate or Fast?

02:38:31 Decision-Making, Impact of Time & Fatigue

02:45:23 Advertising, Status, Celebrity, Monkeys

02:52:19 Hierarchy; Abundance & Scarcity, Money & Happiness, Loss Aversion

03:02:47 Meme Coins, Celebrity Endorsement, Social Sensitivity

03:12:22 Decisions & Urgency; Bounded & Ecological Rationality

03:18:09 Longevity Movement; Mortality & Motivation

03:24:48 Retirement?, Serial Pursuits & Pivoting

03:30:17 Apple or Samsung?, Brand Loyalty, Empathy

03:38:15 Political Affiliation, Empathy

03:46:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the crucial role hormones play in shaping the sexual development of both the brain and body.

I discuss how biological masculinization and feminization depend on factors such as genetics, hormone ratios, and receptor availability. I also explore how hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and other steroid hormones influence sexual characteristics and brain development. Additionally, I examine the impact of environmental factors—such as herbicides like atrazine, cannabis, alcohol, and even cell phones—on hormone function and reproductive health.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on key science 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 episode show notes, including referenced articles, resources, and people mentioned at hubermanlab.com.

This Huberman Lab Essentials episode is from the full-length episode, available here: https://go.hubermanlab.com/PQYuc9i

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Hormones, Sexual Development

00:01:25 Chromosomal Sex, Gonadal Sex, Hormonal Sex, Morphology

00:06:08 Sponsor: Function

00:07:56 Steroid Hormones, Sexual Characteristics

00:10:59 Primary & Secondary Sexual Characteristics, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Kisspeptin

00:15:12 Masculinization of Brain, Estrogen

00:16:29 Sponsors: Our Place, BetterHelp

00:19:15 Herbicides, Atrazine, Hormone Effects, Sperm Counts

00:25:04 Female Sexual Development, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

00:28:37 Sponsor: AG1

00:29:41 Cannabis & Aromatase Activity, Gynecomastia; Alcohol & Estrogen Activity

00:32:34 Cell Phones & Gonads

00:35:24 Beard & Hair Growth, DHT

00:38:42 Hyenas, Hormones, Androstenedione; Plants

00:43:44 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Pavel Tsatsouline, a world-renowned strength and conditioning coach, former military special forces training instructor, author, and founder of StrongFirst—an online school focused on “low-tech, high-concept” training to build strength for men and women of all fitness levels.

We discuss the most effective and efficient ways to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. We cover bodyweight-only, free-weight, and machine-based protocols and describe training splits and lesser-known but highly effective ways to train, especially for people with limited time.

We also discuss local versus systemic nervous system and muscle recovery, how to complete training sessions with increased energy, why training to “failure” is not advised, optimal rest-between-sets protocols to improve performance, and how to vary effort levels across each week and month to ensure regular progress. This episode brings you highly practical, science-supported, and real-world-tested training methods to build strength, endurance, and flexibility from one of the world’s top experts.

Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/YC80Wvt

Sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

Levels: https://levels.link/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman

Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Pavel Tsatsouline

00:02:29 Fitness, Strength, Model Athlete

00:07:19 Tool: Essential Training Movements

00:13:46 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Levels

00:16:29 Dips, Pull-Ups, Farmer Carry, Tools: Kettle Bell Mile, Grip Strength & Longevity

00:29:57 Concentric vs Eccentric Only Movements, Isometric, Tool: Pause Reps

00:38:38 Sponsor: AG1

00:39:53 “Greasing the Groove”, Cramming Analogy, Strength is a Skill

00:48:27 Tool: Greasing the Groove Protocol

00:54:12 Tool: Movement & Motivation; Nervous System

01:00:00 Frequency & Recovery, Heterochronicity, Soviet vs American Training

01:10:25 Soviet vs American Strength Schools, Periodization, Recovery

01:20:00 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv

01:22:45 Bell Squat, Non-Spine Compressing Leg Work, Tool: Zercher Squat

01:27:15 Machines, Beginners vs Advanced?

01:28:41 Shorter Cycles? Linear & Wave Progression, Step Loading, Variable Overload

01:32:04 Strength & Endurance, Bodybuilding, “Bro Split”

01:40:28 Endurance, Cost of Adaptation, Heart Adaptations

01:46:38 Rest Periods, Interval Training, Tool: German Interval Training 

01:51:34 Tool: Cardiovascular Training, Glycolytic Power Repeats; Muscle Growth

01:57:31 Sponsor: Maui Nui

01:59:00 Rest Period Activities, Tool: Protecting Back

02:04:33 Endurance Training, Anti-Glycolytic Revolution, Specialized vs Variety 

02:11:30 Not Seeking the “Pump”, Repeated Sprint Ability, Tool: Anti-Glycolytic Endurance Training

02:19:06 Seek Soreness or Pump?, Hypertrophy

02:23:05 Tool: Planning Strength & Endurance Training, Individualization

02:32:27 Training Quality, Practiced Skill

02:35:39 Non-Athletes, Strength & Endurance, Training Duration

02:40:20 Post-Exercise Fatigue, Tools: Fragmentation, Feedback, Volume

02:48:01 Pre-Workout Stimulants

02:53:51 Performance & Arousal, Breathing, Disinhibition, Emotion

03:03:42 Train to Failure?, Recovery

03:08:40 Flexibility, Range of Motion Training, Kettle Bell, Tool: Wall Squat

03:14:57 Training for Flexibility; Training as a Practice

03:17:46 Older Adults & Strength Training, Consistency Over Intensity

03:25:08 Body-Weight vs Barbell vs Kettlebell Training

03:34:06 Kettlebell Training, Swings, Power & Endurance

03:41:55 Training Choices, Tool: Simple, Consistent Program

03:47:38 Kids & Training, General vs Specialization?

03:51:21 Core Work, Abdominals, Tools: Tension & Attention; ‘Pressurize’ Abs

04:03:34 Breathing, Force, Strength

04:05:02 Directing Gaze While Weightlifting

04:12:37 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss the biology of emotions and moods, focusing on how development and neurochemicals shape our feelings and relationships.

I describe how early infant bonds and puberty shape adult patterns of emotional connection. I explain that understanding emotions requires recognizing both internal states and external cues, along with strategies to enhance your emotional awareness. Additionally, I discuss the key elements of healthy emotional bonds and provide practical tools to deepen one’s understanding of emotions, leading to a richer emotional life.

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 episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Emotions

00:03:01 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:04:39 Emotions & Childhood Development

00:06:35 Infancy, Anxiety

00:08:04 Understanding Emotions; Tools: Mood Meter; Emotions & 3 Key Questions

00:11:45 Infancy, Interoception & Exteroception

00:12:48 Sponsor: BetterHelp

00:14:02 Strange-Situation Task & Babies, Social Bonds, Emotional Regulation

00:18:04 Tool: Exteroception vs Interoception Focus?

00:23:07 Sponsor: AG1

00:24:11 Puberty, Kisspeptin; Testing the World & Emotional Exploration

00:31:56 Sponsor: LMNT

00:33:13 Creating Healthy Emotional Bonds; Dopamine, Serotonin & Oxytocin

00:37:07 Vasopressin; Vagus Nerve & Alertness

00:41:34 Recap & Key Takeaway

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Ellen Langer, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Harvard University and the world’s leading researcher on the mind-body connection and the power our thinking has on our physical health. She explains how specific ways of framing and asking questions about the world shape our physical health and rate of aging. Dr. Langer also explains how our perception of time and control significantly impact our rate of physical healing, hormones, immune system, and longevity. She describes mindfulness as a way of framing life, not simply a meditation or other practice, and discusses data showing how to use one’s mind to overcome health challenges and achieve remarkable outcomes. Dr. Langer is a luminary and pioneer in researching the relationship between the mind and body with scientific rigor. Her work and our discussion are applicable to women and men of all ages and walks of life.

Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman

Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Ellen Langer

00:02:57 Mindfulness

00:06:53 Mindless, Focus; Being Mindful

00:11:03 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep

00:13:41 Meditation

00:14:47 Choices & Longer Life; Mind & Body Unity, Exercise, Nocebo & Placebo Effect

00:25:39 Self, Mind-Body Interconnectedness

00:32:16 Acupuncture; Cancer & Healing, Probabilities, Tool: Tragedy or Inconvenience?

00:42:18 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv

00:44:46 Brain & Predictions, Control & Mindlessness; Resolutions

00:48:09 “Should” Thoughts, Multitasking, Making Moments Matter, Work-Life Balance

00:56:55 Sleep, Stress, Tool: Perceived Sleep & Performance

01:01:58 Counterclockwise Study

01:06:15 Pioneering a Field, Change, Decisions & Uncertainty

01:16:47 Sponsor: Function

01:18:35 Making Sense of Behavior, Forgiveness, Blame

01:25:35 Technology, Human Drive; Tool: Noticing & Appreciating New Things

01:32:50 Art, Mindfulness, Education, Awards

01:39:30 Labels, Borderline Effect; Identity, “I Am”, Learning & Age

01:49:44 Sponsor: Our Place

01:50:56 Memory Loss, Vision; Chronic Disease, Symptom Variability

02:01:22 Deadlines, Constraints; Scientific Method & Absolutes

02:06:47 Covid Crisis, Vaccines, Uncertainty, Multiple Answers

02:12:06 Age & Decline?, Experience Levels & “Disinhibited”

02:18:18 Justice, Drama; Life-Changing Events & Perspective

02:25:45 Death, Spontaneous Cancer Remission; Will to Live

02:31:59 Mindful Hospital, Stress, Burnout, Tool: Mindful Checklist

02:36:32 Noticing, Choices

02:41:16 Coddling, Fragility, Social Media, Money

02:48:26 Tool: Playfulness

02:52:08 Nostalgia, Mindfulness; Tool: Gamifying Life; Parenthood & Work

02:59:17 Healing & Time Perception, Awareness & Neuroplasticity, Imagine Possibilities

03:07:12 Reviews & Critical Feedback, Others’ Opinions

03:12:00 Enlightenment, Flexibility, Expansiveness; Everyone Song

03:19:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biological mechanism behind motivation and drive, as well as discuss practical tools for overcoming procrastination. 

I discuss the key role dopamine plays in driving cravings and motivating action. I explain how dopamine regulates the balance between pleasure and pain, and what happens when this system becomes dysregulated, leading to addiction. I discuss the role of molecules like serotonin, which help enhance the enjoyment of the present, and explain how to balance the drive for more while staying focused in the present. I also discuss the causes of procrastination and describe strategies to boost dopamine levels through behavioral approaches or supplements. 

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 episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Motivation

00:01:57 Dopamine & Brain 

00:04:08 Anticipation, Craving & Dopamine

00:05:37 Sponsor: AG1

00:06:46 Food, Drugs & Dopamine Release

00:10:18 Addiction, Pleasure & Pain Balance

00:14:12 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Mateina

00:17:14 Dopamine, Pain, Yearning

00:19:08 “Here and Now” Molecules, Serotonin, Endocannabinoids, Tool: Mindfulness

00:22:42 Procrastination; Tool: Extend Dopamine, Offset Pain

00:26:15 Sponsor: LMNT

00:27:31 Dopamine & Motivation; Increasing Dopamine, Phenethylamine (PEA)

00:30:58 Dopamine Schedule, Subjectivity

00:33:59 Gambling, Intermittent Reinforcement, Tool: Blunting Rewards

00:38:51 Recap & Key Takeaway

Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Josh Waitzkin, former child chess prodigy and the subject of the movie and true story Searching for Bobby Fischer. Josh is also a world champion martial arts competitor and the author of the book The Art of Learning. We discuss Josh’s childhood as a chess prodigy and how he learned to train and compete at the highest levels by facing his fears and overcoming points of weakness. He explains the principles that unify disparate physical and mental pursuits and how understanding the interconnectedness of the learning process enables ultra-high-level performance across disciplines.

We explore how to structure one’s day to tap into the most creative, generative, and unique capabilities. Josh shares his approach to learning, including how to address flaws and mistakes and how to harness the subtle and overt energies of the learning and peak performance process. He also discusses how he structures his life and makes decisions related to career and family. This episode is sure to inspire deep thinking and practical life changes for all who listen.

Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Josh Waitzkin

00:03:21 Chess, Competition & Performance

00:10:50 Martial Arts, Tai Chi, Jiu-Jitsu, Foiling, Training Others

00:14:41 Sponsors: Wealthfront & Our Place

00:17:43 Theory of Mind, Chess, Strategy & Mindset

00:26:39 Early Chess Training

00:32:30 Failure & Change, Chess, Tension, Power of Empty Space

00:43:22 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv

00:48:06 Grief, Competition Loss, Growth, Frustration Tolerance

00:57:22 Arousal, Frame Rates, Intense Moments

01:06:17 Frame Rates & Pupil Size; Firewalking, Training

01:13:12 Sponsor: Function

01:15:58 Stress & Recovery, Tools: Doing Less, Most Important Question (MIQ)

01:23:24 Tool: Still Body, Active Mind; Shame, Strengthening Weaknesses

01:32:02 Child Prodigies, Brittle; Chess Principles & Transfer to Life

01:43:22 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

01:44:48 Preconscious vs Postconscious

01:52:02 Hypoxic Breathwork Caution & Drowning; Foiling, Fear, Postconscious

01:57:05 Static vs Dynamic Mindset, High Performers

02:05:48 Comebacks, Hunting Adversity, Living on Other Side of Pain, Tool: Cold Plunge

02:19:20 Ego, Identity, Unbreakable Will

02:29:18 Studying People; Chess, Computers; Science & AI; Ocean & Control

02:40:37 Time, Future Direction, True to Self, Wounds

02:51:07 Daily Routine, Individualization, Waking Up, Tool: MIQ Gap Analysis

03:00:21 Tool: MIQ; Stuck Points, Distraction

03:05:58 Reflective vs Stimulus-Response, Optimize Quality not Quantity

03:14:12 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures