Huberman Lab

Dr. Beth Shapiro, PhD, is an evolutionary biologist and Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences. Her work focuses on de-extinction and wildlife conservation efforts. We discuss genetic differences among humans, and how ancient DNA and modern embryology are being used to de-extinct and protect woolly mammoths, dodo birds, and dire wolves, as well as to help conserve endangered species. We also explore the ethical implications of de-extinction and how synthetic biology can help build a more bio diverse and resilient world. Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how the neurochemicals epinephrine, acetylcholine and dopamine contribute to focus and concentration. I discuss tools for improving attention, including sleep, sound, structured work sessions, nutrition, caffeine and deliberate cold exposure. I also describe a brief daily meditation and visual focus exercises that train your ability to refocus when attention drifts. Additionally, I discuss the potential benefits and limitations of supplements, prescription treatments for ADHD, and why taking time to deliberately defocus supports concentrated w

Michael Pollan is a renowned author, journalist and professor at UC Berkeley. He is best known for his influential works on how humans and plants have shaped each other at the level of food, medicine, health, and culture. In this episode we discuss consciousness—what it is and how the recognition between our self vs others contributes to-- but also can impair, certain aspects of conscious experience. We discuss psychedelics, the microbiome, caffeine, and how the unconscious dialogue between our body and brain impacts our thoughts and feelings. Pollan offers a hopeful perspective on how our rel

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I revisit episode 2 of my six-part guest series with Dr. Andy Galpin, PhD, an exercise scientist and expert in human performance. We discuss how strength and muscle growth (hypertrophy) differ and why resistance training is important for maintaining physical function as we age. We also explain how to build effective training programs using progressive overload, exercise selection, repetition speed and weekly training volume. Dr. Galpin shares practical tools for developing strength, power and muscle size, including how to adapt workouts to your goals, e

Dr. Chris Thompson, MD, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chief of Interventional Gastroenterology at Mass General Brigham in Boston, and Co-Director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness, is a world-renowned expert on gastroenterology, metabolism, nutrition, and obesity medicine. He explains how your GI tract regulates hunger, fullness, and blood sugar, as well as the gut microbiome, metabolic health, and weight loss. We also discuss common GI tract issues and which particular tests or interventions are actually useful. We discuss both GLP-1 medications and non-GLP-1

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Andy Galpin, PhD, an exercise physiologist. We revisit the first episode of his Huberman Lab Guest Series to discuss the nine major components of physical fitness and how to assess your abilities. We explain practical tests for movement quality, power, strength, muscle mass and endurance, including grip strength, push-ups and VO2 max. We also discuss how to organize fitness testing, track progress and identify which areas to prioritize in your training to support long-term health and performance. Read the episode show notes at hubermanl

Dr. Arthur Brooks, PhD, professor at Vanderbilt University and senior fellow at Harvard Business School, is an expert on the science of happiness. He shares the three “macronutrients” of true happiness and tools for you to understand what specifically is in the way of you accessing more happiness and a sense of purpose. Dr. Brooks’ work goes beyond stories and observations by offering potent self-discovery tools for you to identify what truly matters most to you and how to shape your life around those things, and doing so, experience more joy and fulfillment. Show notes: https://go.hubermanl

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Oded Rechavi, a professor at Tel Aviv University who studies genetics, epigenetics and the inheritance of acquired traits. We discuss how DNA, RNA and epigenetic mechanisms determine what information can pass between generations, and why acquired traits are generally not thought to be inherited. We also explain research in C. elegans showing how small RNAs can transmit antiviral resistance and influence behavior across generations, what these findings might mean for mammals and humans, and potential future applications for reproductive h

Dr. Jared Rutter, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Utah and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is a leading expert on mitochondria and metabolism. He explains how mitochondria produce the energy for your cells to work but also how they regulate cell growth and replication and thereby contribute to health and disease. We also discuss how mitochondria are linked to aging, cancer, and other diseases. Our conversation explores your metabolism as the composite of trillions of individual cells and points to new ways to improve health, avoid, and treat diseases. Show no

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Gina Poe, PhD, a Professor of Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). We discuss the architecture of sleep and how each stage supports distinct functions, including memory consolidation, creativity, brain restoration, and emotional processing. We also explain science-supported tools to improve sleep quality, support cognitive performance, and hormone balance. Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/Y6JKgFE Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklm

My guest is Joe Liemandt, technology entrepreneur and principal of Alpha School, a K-12 model that uses AI and individualized learning to help students master academics in just two hours a day, freeing the rest of their time to build businesses, conduct experiments, engage with their communities, and develop practical life skills. We discuss Alpha’s promising results, tools parents and educators can use today, and Joe’s vision for how AI could transform education and human potential. Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/296-joe-liemandt Pre-order Protocols: https://protocolsbook.com Huber

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Chris Palmer, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. We explain how nutrition and metabolism directly affect mental health, including the biological mechanisms underlying these effects. We also discuss how carbohydrate restriction, ketogenic diets and fasting can improve mood, energy, and, in some cases, treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://be

Dr. Masud Husain is a Professor of Neurology & Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and a leading expert on the science of motivation, apathy, and neurological diseases. We discuss how dopamine and specific brain circuits shape motivation, including how the brain weighs the trade-off between effort vs reward when deciding what goals to pursue. Dr. Husain also explains practical tools to increase motivation, reduce distractions, and make it easier to start and maintain goal pursuit. We also discuss dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, including new insights into cognitiv

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest Rick Rubin, world-renowned music producer and author of The Creative Act: A Way of Being, and I discuss how to access creativity by noticing ideas, trusting your taste and staying fully present with the work. Rick explains the phases of the creative process and how focus, disengagement, self-doubt, deadlines and meditation can support original work. We also explore perception, pro wrestling and why remaining open to uncertainty can help anyone create more authentically. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https

Get tickets to Huberman Lab live events: https://www.hubermanlab.com/events Pre-order Andrew's book Protocols: https://protocolsbook.com Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Rorra: https://rorra.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Ralph Adolphs (00:02:54) Emotions; Qualities of Emotions: Priority, Valence (00:10:00) Qualities of Emotions: Scalability, Persistence (00:15:25) Sponsors: Helix Sleep & Rorra (00:18:17) Do Animals Have Em

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Sara Gottfried, M.D., a Harvard-trained, board-certified gynecologist and expert in female hormone health. We discuss the key biomarkers women should track at each stage of life and how cortisol, thyroid hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shape energy, mood, metabolism, and long-term disease risk. We also discuss PCOS, the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives, and the shift in brain metabolism that begins in perimenopause. Dr. Gottfried explains actionable tools for hormone and micronutrient testing, nutrition, stress

Dr. Fei-Fei Li, PhD, is a professor of computer science at Stanford University and a pioneer and expert in artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss how AI can be used safely and effectively to extend human capabilities – not just to search for information but specifically to increase human intelligence and creativity. We also discuss how humans collaborating with AI and robots stand to positively transform human health and one’s experience of life. And we cover what makes AI fundamentally different from human cognition, and why your intuition and unique experiences are not replicable by AI or

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how key neuromodulators shape motivation, energy, focus and mood throughout the day. I also describe a toolkit of science-supported behavioral, nutritional and supplement-based strategies to increase baseline levels for each neuromodulator, which can be modified to support your specific health and performance goals. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Optimize Neuroc

My guest is Dr. Matthew (Max) Krummel, PhD, professor at UCSF and one of the world’s leading immunologists. We discuss how your immune system works and how sleep, emotions, and even memories shape immune function. We also explore thymus function, its role in autoimmunity, and its potential role in combating cancer. And we discuss how the type and timing of immunization can impact health. This episode provides an actionable framework for understanding how your immune system works, which ought to benefit people of all ages and health statuses. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Th

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Jocko Willink, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, author and host of the Jocko Podcast. We discuss why discipline, rather than motivation, is the reliable driver of daily action, and how taking action is the most effective way to move through adversity, loss and setbacks. We also discuss how exercise generates energy, the leader’s role as a counterweight to team morale, and detachment as a trainable skill for widening perspective and making better decisions under stress. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our spons

I answer questions submitted by listeners about topics ranging from how to ensure great sleep after nighttime exercise, effective no-caffeine pre-workouts (that also improve your sleep quality), neuroscience-supported tools for improving your memory and sense of smell, nutrition and supplementation for improving female and male fertility, the link between (peri)menopause and mental health, accelerating recovery from surgery, how to find your life’s passion, and more. Please note that if your question was not answered this time, we will keep it to consider for future Q&A episodes. A special t

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Sam Harris, PhD, a neuroscientist, bestselling author, and world-renowned meditation teacher whose work focuses on consciousness, ethics, and religion. We discuss how meditation can help us better understand the nature of the self and transform the conscious experience. Sam also explains how meditation can help overcome universal challenges such as distractibility, mental chatter and emotional reactivity, which can allow for greater focus and fulfillment in the present moment. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you t

Dr. Tommy Wood, BM, BCh, PhD, is a professor of neuroscience at the University of Washington and an expert on brain health, neuroplasticity, and cognitive performance. Dr. Wood explains how to use specific forms of exercise, dietary strategies, and compounds to enhance the rate and stability of mental and/or physical skill development. We also discuss science-based tools to preserve cognitive function, reduce dementia risk, and offset loss of memory after a concussion or other brain injury. This episode provides practical, science-based tools for learning new information and skills and for imp

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biology, symptoms and types of bipolar disorder (sometimes called bipolar depression), a condition characterized by extreme, maladaptive shifts in energy, mood and perception. I describe the diagnostic criteria that distinguish bipolar I from bipolar II, including mania and hypomania and the different patterns of mood cycling. I discuss the remarkable history and discovery of lithium and how it works, in part by reducing inflammation, providing neuroprotection and supporting the interoceptive neural circuits affected in bipolar disorder. I

Dr. Alan Castel, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and one of the world's foremost experts on human memory and cognitive aging. We discuss what science actually tells us about how to improve our learning ability and memory at any age. We also discuss how memory works, why all planning and imagination about the future is based on the past, false memories, and how to leverage curiosity, emotion, and self-testing retrieval practice to stamp in memories for the long term. We discuss what "superagers"—people who actually improve their cognitive ca

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biology and psychology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and describe the neural circuitry behind repetitive "thought-action loops," including why compulsive actions actually strengthen the underlying obsessions rather than relieve them. I discuss the most effective treatments for OCD, including exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs, and explain what the research shows about how these compare when used alone versus together. Finally, I describe a specific clinical protocol in which patients are guided into states of an

Cesar Millan is a world-renowned dog behavior expert. We discuss how to adjust your energy and behavior to ensure your dog is calm and happy and always follows your lead. Cesar shares specific tools for: returning home to your dog each day, structuring their walks, and eliminating aggressive behaviors and anxiety. We discuss how to determine if your dog is front, middle, or back of the pack order—a hardwired feature that determines much of their needs and personality. And we explore how human-human interactions are based on balances in energy, too. Both dog owners and non-owners will gain extr

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Kyle Gillett, MD, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine, and an expert in hormone optimization. We discuss science-based tools for optimizing male hormones across the lifespan, including the role of bloodwork, nutrition, and exercise in supporting healthy hormone levels. We also discuss testosterone therapy, hair loss, prostate health, and supplements such as creatine, L-carnitine, Tongkat Ali, and Fadogia agrestis. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.c

Ido Portal is a world-renowned movement coach who has developed specific practices anyone can use to greatly evolve their mental and physical health, and even gain clearer self-understanding. We discuss the effects of playful movement versus exercise, discipline versus willpower, and how approaching friction points in your practice with relaxed awareness can rewire your default reactions to stress and fear. Ido explains how to leverage transition states, such as the state between sleep and waking, to gain heightened bodily awareness and new insights. He also explains specific movement patterns

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Layne Norton, PhD, an expert in nutrition, fat loss, and metabolism. We discuss the science of energy balance and utilization, including practical strategies for building lean muscle and losing fat. We also cover optimal protein and fiber intake, artificial sweeteners, seed oils, and animal vs. plant-based protein sources. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Carbon: https://joincarbon.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps (00:0

Dr. Paul Eastwick, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and a leading expert on the modern science of mate selection in humans. We discuss what people actually look for in a partner, including surprising findings about age preferences, finances, and physical attractiveness. We also discuss why dating apps often lead people to select for traits that don't support lasting partnerships. We discuss how initial attractions form and evolve and which factors best predict romantic relationship stability and satisfaction. We also explain activities that can expand y

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biology of flexibility and discuss the organ systems that shape range of motion and limb flexibility. I also discuss different types of stretching, which methods are most effective, and practical tools for timing stretching relative to exercise. Finally, I provide specific protocols for how intensely and how often to stretch to maximize flexibility, support exercise performance, and offset age-related losses of flexibility. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT

Andy Stumpf is a retired Navy SEAL, world-record-holding wingsuit BASE jumper, martial artist, and author. We discuss the mental framework and moment-to-moment decision-making process that can allow anyone to build discipline and resilience and better navigate both everyday life and life's most challenging moments. Andy explains several simple-yet-powerful tools gleaned from his time in — and after — his SEAL career that can help you determine where to focus your actions and how to clear your mind of things you can't control or that hold you back mentally. Andy also shares and reflects on less

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss science-supported tools to improve sleep by supporting a healthy circadian rhythm using key behaviors and environmental cues. I explain specific morning, afternoon and evening behaviors that will increase daytime alertness and support deeper, more consistent sleep at night. I also cover sleep supplements, the effects of caffeine, alcohol and THC on sleep, as well as practical strategies for managing jet lag and shift work. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: htt

Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, is a professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University School of Medicine and an expert on the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and sleep. We discuss how even moderate sleep loss increases appetite, changes hunger-related hormones, and causes weight gain, even when calories are not increased. We also explain how meal timing and specific foods, like fiber, ginger, saturated fat, and various oils, affect sleep onset, sleep quality, and metabolism. Throughout the conversation, we discuss specific foods and diets that directly support weight loss,

In loving memory of Nolan Williams (1982-2025): ⁠https://stan.md/3Qle2zp⁠ In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Nolan Williams, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist and neurologist. We discuss cutting-edge treatments for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including transcranial magnetic stimulation, neuromodulation, and psychedelic-assisted therapies. We also discuss the neurobiology and therapeutic potential of specific psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine, and ayahuasca. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank

Dr. Abud Bakri, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and expert in the science and clinical use of peptides. We discuss the history, uses, sourcing and safety of BPC-157, GHK-Cu, pinealon, epithalon, GLP-1s, retatrutide, melanotan and growth hormone-promoting peptides. We discuss the gap that exists between animal and human data and meaningful differences in the sources for different peptides. For those interested in peptides, Dr. Bakri provides a grounded look at the science, risks and uncertainties shaping the field today. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you t

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the neuroscience of grief, including how the brain maps relationships across three dimensions — space, time, and closeness — and why losing someone requires a remapping of those neural circuits. I describe how grief differs from depression, the role of oxytocin in driving yearning after a loss, and why people move through grief at different rates. I also discuss science-based tools for grieving adaptively, including how to access feelings of attachment while decoupling them from episodic memory. Finally, I explain how foundational biology — pa

Jeff Cavaliere, MSPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist and one of the world's leading public educators on resistance training to build muscle size and strength, avoiding and overcoming injuries, and improving your posture and movement patterns (biomechanics). We discuss often-overlooked muscles and exercises that support decades of pain-free training and long-term progress. Jeff explains the best and most efficient ways to strengthen glutes, rotator cuff, neck, and foot muscles and connective tissues, and how to resolve back, hip, and other pain.

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Eddie Chang, MD, a neurosurgeon and Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). We discuss the neural circuits underlying speech and language, including how the brain controls the larynx, vocal folds and articulators to shape breath into words. We also explore his pioneering work on speech neural prosthetics — brain-machine interfaces that allow paralyzed patients to communicate by decoding neural activity into speech and avatar-driven facial expressions. Additionally, we examine

Dr. Nick Epley, PhD, is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago and a leading expert on the science of social connection. We discuss how seemingly small daily interactions with strangers (as well as with people we know) can meaningfully improve our mental and physical health. Dr. Epley also explains how to reduce social anxiety using simple and easily accessible science-supported tools. We also discuss the data on assumptions — both the ones we and others make — and why so often those are wrong when it comes to social dynamics. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the neural circuits that activate and control aggressive states and behaviors. I discuss how hormones, genes and environmental factors such as day length can shift our aggressive tendencies. I also share science-based tools for modulating aggression, including sunlight exposure, heat therapy and supplementation with ashwagandha or acetyl-L-carnitine. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

Dr. Kentaro Fujita, PhD, is a professor of psychology at The Ohio State University and an expert in the science of self-control and motivation. We discuss the best tools for developing strong self-control: to do more of what you aspire to and cease doing things you would like to avoid. We discuss why you need more than one form of willpower to achieve sustained motivation and overcome procrastination. Dr. Fujita also clarifies the data on the 2-marshmallow test, delayed gratification and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Casey Halpern, MD, a professor of neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. We discuss how deep brain stimulation and other neuromodulation approaches are being used to treat Parkinson's disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), binge eating disorder and depression-related symptoms. We also explore the brain circuits that drive compulsions, cravings and impulsivity, as well as emerging non-invasive tools for predicting and treating harmful behaviors. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab

Dr. Paul Conti, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and an expert in how to improve mental health and increase your sense of agency and wellbeing. He is also an expert in trauma treatment. We discuss practical tools you can use to gain insight into your natural strengths and to make better life choices on your own behalf. We explore how these tools can help overcome low motivation, intrusive thoughts and self-destructive bad habits. We also discuss how to balance internal reflection and external action to ensure you move your life forward in the right directions. Thank you to our sponsors

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how the body senses and uses sugar, and why understanding those mechanisms can help reduce sugar cravings. I discuss different types of sugar and how they are processed by pathways in the gut and the brain to shape appetite and the desire for specific foods. I also share many science-based tools to help curb sugar cravings and support healthy blood sugar regulation. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberma

Scott Galloway is a professor of marketing at New York University's Stern School of Business. We discuss masculine roles and obligations of past, present and future. We explore which are timeless and which are changing, and positive steps boys and men can take to create meaning and stability in their lives. We cover work, finances, health and relationships to build a grounded, purposeful life. We also discuss tech, social media, alcohol, cannabis and porn. Throughout, we emphasize specific daily practices for building mental, physical and economic resilience, compassion for others, and for nav

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD, a professor and Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). We discuss the brain circuits and genes underlying spoken language and why the ability to learn and produce vocalizations is extraordinarily rare in the animal kingdom. We also explore why song likely evolved before language, how gesture and movement share deep neural roots with speech, the neurobiology of stuttering, why childhood is the optimal window for lan

Dr. Marc Brackett, PhD, is a professor of psychology at Yale University and director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. We discuss the science of emotion regulation and practical tools to increase your emotional intelligence. Dr. Brackett clarifies exactly how to do that both in the context of relationships, but also things that you can do on your own to become more emotionally intelligent to later serve you in the context of relationships, work, school, etc. We also discuss how your childhood experiences influence your relationship with emotions, with particular emphasis on how bo

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how memories are formed and how key neurochemicals, such as adrenaline, can be leveraged to enhance memory formation. I also share science-based protocols to enhance learning, strengthen memory recall and reduce the number of repetitions needed to retain new information. In addition, I discuss how exercise supports cognitive function and memory and explore unique memory phenomena such as déjà vu. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman