The Light Watkins Show

226: The Science Behind Defeating Stress, Why There's No Such Thing as Free Will, and the Impact of Determinism on Society with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, Renowned Neuroscientist and Primatologist


Listen Later

In this captivating episode of The Light Watkins Show, host Light Watkins sits down with the renowned Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, primatologist, and acclaimed author of "Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers" and "Determined." Known for his extensive research on baboons and their stress-related behaviors, Dr. Sapolsky dives deep into his fascinating journey from growing up as an Orthodox Jew in Brooklyn to becoming a leading voice on the science of stress and the concept of free will.

Listeners will be intrigued as Dr. Sapolsky shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his teenage realization that led to atheism and his early obsession with primates. He recounts his experiences in the Serengeti, observing baboons' complex social structures and drawing parallels to human behavior. Dr. Sapolsky's insights reveal how stress impacts our health, why certain individuals are more prone to stress-related diseases, and the surprising similarities between baboon and human social dynamics.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as Light and Dr. Sapolsky discuss the illusion of free will, exploring how our choices and actions might be more predetermined than we think. They delve into the implications of this idea for society, touching on topics like criminal justice, personal responsibility, and the human tendency to seek punishment and reward.

With engaging anecdotes and clear explanations, Dr. Sapolsky breaks down complex scientific concepts into relatable, everyday language. This episode promises to leave listeners pondering their own beliefs about free will and how much control we truly have over our lives.

Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on the forces that shape our behavior. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most brilliant minds in neuroscience and primatology, only on The Light Watkins Show.

Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Light Watkins ShowBy Light Watkins

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

861 ratings


More shows like The Light Watkins Show

View all
Aubrey Marcus Podcast by Aubrey Marcus

Aubrey Marcus Podcast

3,981 Listeners

The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

The School of Greatness

21,076 Listeners

Align Podcast by Aaron Alexander

Align Podcast

876 Listeners

The Mark Groves Podcast by Mark Groves

The Mark Groves Podcast

4,728 Listeners

Commune with Jeff Krasno by Commune

Commune with Jeff Krasno

613 Listeners

The Human Design Podcast by Emma Dunwoody

The Human Design Podcast

442 Listeners

WITH LOVE, DANIELLE by Danielle LaPorte

WITH LOVE, DANIELLE

659 Listeners

The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst by Doug Bopst

The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

350 Listeners

Kreatures Of Habit Podcast by Michael Chernow

Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

247 Listeners

The Gathering Room Podcast by Martha Beck

The Gathering Room Podcast

663 Listeners

HEAL with Kelly by Cloud10

HEAL with Kelly

402 Listeners

Know Thyself by André Duqum

Know Thyself

526 Listeners

Take Back Your Mind by Michael B. Beckwith

Take Back Your Mind

710 Listeners

Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? with Emily Fletcher by Emily Fletcher

Why Isn't Everyone Doing This? with Emily Fletcher

449 Listeners

Healing + Human Potential by Alyssa Nobriga

Healing + Human Potential

279 Listeners