Huberman Lab

My guest is Tom Segura, renowned comedian, writer, actor and director. We discuss the “how-to” of comedy writing and storytelling, and what the science of humor and the creative process reveal about human emotion and memory. We explore why surprise and the act of "saying the unspoken truth" activate the brain’s reward circuits, as well as the subconscious mechanisms that shape our sense of what is funny. The episode also examines the bi-directional influence between comedy and cultural standards. It will interest anyone curious about the science of humor, the art of performance and emotional contagion.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

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

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

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

Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Tom Segura

00:01:45 Family, Sports, Running

00:09:35 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Helix Sleep

00:12:37 Ideas, Running, Sleep & Brain, Tools: Exercise for Energy; Phone Outside Room

00:20:16 Capturing Ideas, Cannabis, Storytelling, Experimentation

00:27:28 Ideas & Set List, Performance

00:31:52 Wife, Jokes, Reframing Content; Cancel Culture, Audience Reaction

00:40:56 Jokes, Self & Amusement; Evolution & New Material

00:48:26 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein

00:51:24 Surprise, Hidden Thoughts; Acting

00:59:02 Voice Impersonation, Kids, Strength Training, Activities

01:05:40 Repeating Jokes; State Changes, Crowds & Energy

01:13:11 Silly Mindset; Audience, Emotional Contagion; Humor & Subconscious Mind

01:27:44 Sponsor: Function

01:29:32 Crowd Work, Comedy Clubs; Original Comedy

01:38:13 Comedy & Social Context; Dark Comedy

01:47:51 Drugs, Overdose, Comedian Deaths, Mental Health; Cynicism, Hope

01:54:21 Audience, Twin Comics; Vulnerability; Stand-Up & Performance

02:01:49 Comedy & Passion, Complaints; Childhood Struggle, Insecurities, Therapy

02:10:53 “Bad Thoughts” Show, Upcoming Projects

02:14:44 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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In this episode of Huberman Lab Essentials, my guest is Dr. Karl Deisseroth, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical psychiatrist and professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.

We discuss his experiences as a clinician treating complex psychiatric conditions and his lab’s pioneering work in developing transformative therapies for mental illness. He explains the complexities of mental illness and how emerging technologies—such as optogenetics and brain-machine interfaces—could revolutionize care. We also explore promising new therapies, including psychedelics and MDMA, for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode at ⁠hubermanlab.com⁠.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

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

Timestamps

00:00:00 Karl Deisseroth; Neurology vs Psychiatry

00:01:36 Speech; Blood Test?; Seeking Help

00:04:20 Feelings, Jargon; Psychiatric Treatment

00:09:40 Sponsor: David

00:10:55 Future Treatment; Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Depression, Optogenetics

00:19:40 Brain-Machine Interfaces

00:20:53 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:23:00 ADHD Symptoms, Lifestyle, Technology

00:29:34 Psychedelics, Depression Treatment, Risks

00:35:43 Sponsor: AG1

00:37:30 MDMA (Ecstasy), Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment

00:40:33 Projections: A Story of Human Emotions Book, Optimism

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is Dr. Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., professor of medicine and director of nutrition studies at Stanford. He is known for his pioneering research on the impact of dietary interventions on weight loss and health.

We compare ketogenic, vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous diets—and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach. All agree, however, that eliminating or dramatically reducing processed foods is best for health.

We discuss the protein needs controversy; plant vs. animal proteins; the importance of fiber and low-sugar fermented foods for gut health and inflammation; and how diet affects gene expression. We also review food allergies—including gluten, wheat, dairy and soy—as well as raw dairy.

The episode offers data-supported advice for healthier eating.

Read the 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

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Levels: https://levelshealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Christopher Gardner

00:02:32 Is there a Best Diet?, Individual Needs, Geography & Diet, Lactose

00:11:02 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Mateina

00:13:49 Raw Milk, Lactose Intolerance

00:20:33 Wheat Allergies, Gluten Intolerance; Celiac Disease

00:25:12 Processed Foods, Food Dyes, Research Outcomes, NOVA Classification, GRAS

00:33:44 Processed Foods, Economic & Time Considerations, US vs European Products

00:39:59 Food Industry Funding, Investigator Influence, Equipoise, Transparency

00:50:10 Sponsors: AG1 & BetterHelp

00:53:11 Industry Funding, National Institute of Health (NIH)

00:56:41 Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet; Diet Comparison, DIETFITS, A TO Z Study

01:10:24 Nutrition Naming, Omnivore, Meat, Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

01:17:14 Transforming American Diet; Taste, Health & Environment

01:22:26 Sponsor: LMNT

01:23:43 Food Preparation, Chefs, Improve School Food

01:29:54 Scalability, Mega-Farms, Small Farm & Farmer Loss

01:34:25 Protein Requirements, Dietary Protein Recommendations, Standard Deviations

01:45:33 Protein & Storage

01:52:12 Plants & Complete Proteins?, Legumes, Bioavailability

02:01:58 Sponsor: Levels

02:03:17 Beyond Meat, Impossible Meat, Ingredients, Sourcing Meat, Salt

02:09:18 Vegan vs Omnivore Diet, Twin Study, Cardiometabolic Markers, Genes, Microbiome

02:20:24 Health Science Communication, DEXA; “Protein Flip” Diet; Food Patterns, Caloric Intake

02:31:29 Microbiome, Inflammation, Fiber, Tool: Low-Sugar, Fermented Food

02:45:32 Acknowledgements

02:47:55 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how the auditory and vestibular (balance) systems are essential for enhancing learning and improving focus.

I explain how the auditory system captures sound waves and how the brain interprets these signals to make sense of the environment. I also discuss the use of white noise and binaural beats to support brain states conducive to learning, focus and relaxation. Additionally, I explain how the vestibular system helps maintain balance and examine practical tools to enhance auditory learning, cognitive performance and mood.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length 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; Hearing & Balance

00:00:55 Sponsor: AG1

00:02:55 Ears, Sound Waves, Cochlea

00:06:42 Sound & Direction, Ventriloquism Effect, Cupping Ears

00:10:09 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:11:45 Binaural Beats, Alertness, Calmness, Learning, Anxiety

00:16:03 Tool: White Noise & Learning

00:19:31 White Noise, Hearing Loss & Child Development

00:22:38 Sponsor: Function

00:25:26 Auditory Learning, Cocktail Party Effect, Tool: Remember New Names

00:29:31 Balance, Ears, Vestibular System

00:34:42 Improve Dynamic Balance, Tool: Improve Mood & Learning, Tilted Exercise

00:37:35 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is James Sexton, Esq., a renowned attorney specializing in contracts related to love and money—prenuptial agreements, divorce and custody. We explore the counterintuitive fact that people with prenuptial agreements tend to stay married longer and report more satisfying relationships than those who don’t. We discuss how legal contracts can foster deeper understanding by encouraging vulnerability and honest communication about each partner’s values and expectations.

We also examine what defines true, lasting love versus generic romantic ideals—and how social media can distort our understanding of what we truly need. Additionally, we review how cultural traditions, gender dynamics, courtship length, and age at the time of marriage shape marital outcomes.

This episode offers practical tools for anyone—single or partnered—to build more successful and stable relationships through deeply honest dialogue and contracts that reflect genuine values around love and money.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.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 James Sexton

00:02:19 Divorce & Breakups, Men vs Women, Perception; Infidelity

00:12:04 Sponsors: Wealthfront & BetterHelp

00:14:41 Contracts, Business, Marriage Celebration, Prenups

00:26:24 Nesting; Prenups, Creating Rulesets

00:33:56 Prenups & Strengthening Marriage

00:38:19 Marriage Traditions; Divorce Rates, Religion

00:44:44 First vs Second Marriages, Love & Impermanence

00:50:09 Sponsors: AG1 & Our Place

00:53:53 Contracts, Relationships & Hard Conversations

01:02:37 Marriage & Underlying Problems, Love, Successful Marriages

01:16:27 Ideals, Social Media & Advertising, Simplicity, Dogs

01:27:33 Sponsor: Function

01:29:26 Intimacy, Tool: Early Framework for Hard Discussions

01:37:06 Prenup Consultation, Legal Defaults, Reasons for Marriage

01:47:37 Alimony, Prenups & Creating Rulesets, Yours, Mine & Ours, Adultery, Pets

02:02:30 Fond Memories & Ending Relationship, Pain, Divorce

02:12:49 Social Media, Movies & Ideals, Pornography vs Real Sexual Relationships

02:22:43 Revealing Flaws, Bravery, Prenups & Expectations, Money

02:37:49 Bravery, Vulnerability, Relationship Changes, Men vs Women, Marriage

02:47:11 Relationship Sacrifices, Men & Women; Prenups, Government

02:54:45 Life Milestones, Early vs Late Marriage, Navigating Challenges

03:01:38 Courtship Period & Marital Outcomes

03:10:12 Knowing Self & Partner, Vulnerability

03:16:58 "Postnup", Rekindling or Ending Relationships, Tool: Leave a Note

03:26:41 Heartbreak & Love, Divorce; Acknowledgements

03:34:45 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how your sense of smell (olfaction), taste, and chemical sensing influence memory, alertness, focus, and even communication between people.

I explain how these senses help us detect chemicals in the environment and respond to a variety of environmental cues. I discuss the connection between the olfactory system and cognitive performance, and I provide practical tools to enhance learning, sensory function, and brain health. Additionally, I examine how chemical signals exchanged between people subtly influence emotions, biology, and social bonds.

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

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode at ⁠⁠⁠hubermanlab.com⁠⁠⁠.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

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

Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Smell & Taste

00:02:04 Tears, Biological Response & Communication

00:05:16 Sponsor: AG1

00:07:16 Smell, Innate vs Learned Response, Memory

00:10:31 Accessory Olfactory Pathway, Pheromones, Vandenbergh

00:12:42 Smell & Alertness, Smelling Salts, Tool: Nasal

00:16:06 Tool: Increase Sense of Smell

00:16:51 Sponsor: LMNT

00:18:07 Smell, Brain Health, Olfactory Neurons, Tool:

00:20:11 Traumatic Brain Injury & Olfactory Dysfunction

00:22:25 Smell, Alertness, Smelling Salts, Tool: Peppermint

00:24:32 Taste Modalities & Functions; Taste &

00:30:47 Sponsor: Our Place

00:32:39 Pheromones, Coolidge Effect, Humans & Chemical

00:38:44 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is Dr. Karolina Westlund, Ph.D., a professor of ethology at the University of Stockholm and an expert in animal emotions and behavior who uses science-based methods to improve the lives of animals in human care. We discuss the often overlooked needs of domesticated animals—primarily dogs and cats—and the things we can do to improve their well-being and our relationship with them.

We cover how to interpret animal body language, the unique needs of specific dog breeds, and the needs of cats and birds. We also discuss the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and how weaning age impacts a pet’s attachment style. Whether you’re a pet owner, trainer, or simply an animal lover, this episode teaches you how specific pet behaviors are rooted in their immutable biology—and the simple things you can do to vastly improve your pets’ health and well-being, as well as your relationship with them.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com.huberman

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

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

Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Karolina Westlund

00:02:19 Students & Animal Species; Horses

00:06:36 Dog Breeds & Interaction, Predatory Sequence, Smell, Domestication

00:12:42 Sponsors: Our Place & Eight Sleep

00:16:09 Dog Breeds & Domestication, Bulldogs

00:20:16 Core Affect Space, Petting, Tool: Consent Test; Polyvagal Theory

00:27:53 Space, Dominance, Resources, Leash Walking; Dog-Owner Training

00:37:13 Tail Wagging & Interpreting Body Signals, Facial Expressions

00:43:24 Play Bow, Tool: MARS & Playing; Dogs & Empathy

00:48:39 Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv

00:51:46 Fairness, Social Groups; Anthropomorphism vs Anthropodenial

00:57:45 Cats, Hunting, Bring Gifts?, Interaction & Socialization

01:03:56 Scent & Territorial Marking; Covering Waste, Tool: Litter Box Placement

01:08:17 “Pee Mail” & Communication; Wolves, Domestication

01:11:54 Zoos, Conservation; Tigers

01:18:53 Sponsor: Function

01:20:41 Stalking; Birds, Parrots

01:25:22 Nose Work, Wildlife Chasing, Tool: Dog Feeding & Challenge

01:31:01 Understanding & Choosing Dog for Your Lifestyle, Tool: Introducing Cats

01:34:27 Recognizing Self vs Other, Inbreeding Avoidance, Imprinting

01:40:51 Imprinting vs Attachment Bonds; Dogs, Weaning & Secure Attachment

01:48:36 Spaying & Neutering, Hormones, Tool: Neutering Alternatives

01:57:07 Humans as Animals, Tools, Cultural Learning

02:02:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a preview of the 19th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium.

If you're an existing Huberman Lab Premium member, you can log in to access the full episode at https://hubermanlab.supercast.com. You can access the transcript here.

If you’re not a member, you can learn more and join Huberman Lab Premium at https://www.hubermanlab.com/premium.

ROKA Wind Down™: https://www.roka.com/huberman

Huberman Lab Essentials: https://go.hubermanlab.com/essentials

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:15 The Importance of Light Management for Sleep

00:00:58 Huberman Lab Premium

00:01:33 Research Funding & Matching Donations

00:03:05 Subscription Details & Benefits

00:03:48 Protein Sources

00:05:18 Comparing Whey Protein, Bone Broth, & Collagen

00:10:08 Protein Intake Recommendations

00:14:22 Whey Protein & Skin Health

00:17:42 Conclusion

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss the science of vision and share simple, effective tools to enhance eyesight and preserve eye health.

I explain how the eyes and brain work together to process light, color and motion using specialized structures such as the retina and photoreceptors, and why conditions like nearsightedness, visual hallucinations and lazy eye occur. I also cover specific visual protocols to increase alertness and focus during work, improve sleep, and support visual health. Additionally, I highlight key vitamins essential for vision and discuss supplements such as lutein and astaxanthin for maintaining long-term eye health.

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 full-length episodes will continue to be released every Monday.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode 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 Huberman Lab Essentials; Improve Vision

00:01:01 Eyes, Lens, Eyelashes

00:02:40 Retina, Photoreceptors & Brain

00:06:34 Eyesight & Subconscious Vision Effects

00:07:25 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:09:02 Time of Day & Retina, Tool: Morning Sunlight Exposure

00:12:02 Tool: Reduce Nearsightedness & Outdoor Time

00:12:33 Accommodation, Focus, Tools: Panoramic Vision; Upward Gaze

00:16:20 Sponsor: AG1

00:18:14 Improve Vision, Tools: View Distances; Smooth Pursuit; Accommodation

00:21:08 Binocular Vision, Lazy Eye, Children

00:23:57 Hallucinations & Visual System

00:25:09 Sponsor: ROKA

00:26:57 Improve & Test Vision, Tool: Snellen Chart

00:29:03 Support Vision, Tool: Vitamin A & Vegetables

00:30:23 Supplements, Lutein, Astaxanthin

00:32:52 Recap & Key Takeaways; Cardiovascular System

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is Ryan Soave, LMHC, a leading expert in addiction recovery with extensive experience helping people heal from all types of substance and behavioral dependencies. We discuss actionable tools for breaking out of the addictive cycle and staying free of obsessions and compulsions. We also examine the relationship between trauma and addiction.

We explore the full recovery process—from detoxing and physical stabilization to building distress tolerance. We review evidence-supported tools to structure your life at each stage of recovery and highlight the power of learning “self-directed state shifting” through yoga nidra (NSDR), breathwork, meditation and prayer.

We explain how to recognize signs of addiction in yourself and others, and the treatment options available across all levels of resources, from residential programs to 12-step. If you or someone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, this episode offers practical steps to break free and stay free.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Levels: https://levelshealth.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Ryan Soave

00:01:32 Addiction, Addictive Behaviors, Relief

00:06:10 Rehab, Detox, Physical & Emotional Stability

00:13:33 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Levels

00:16:08 Recognizing Addition; Video Games, Parents & Responsibility

00:23:38 Experiencing Real Life vs Addictive Behavior; Dopamine Dynamics

00:29:38 Drugs & Feelings; Reordering Your Life; Roles, Kids vs Parents

00:40:03 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT

00:43:13 Tool: 30 Days Abstinence & Addiction; Impact

00:46:10 Creating a Life Post-Addiction, Jellinek Curve

00:55:30 Tool: Emotional Weather Forecast, Gratitude, Plan, Strivings

01:02:48 Connection with Others, Mental Willpower Throughout Day, Defining Best Self

01:08:39 Emotional Weather Map, Navigating Life

01:10:16 Sponsor: Function

01:12:03 Tolerating Stress, Sailing Analogy, Discomfort

01:16:03 Building Distress Tolerance, Proactive Behaviors, Cold Plunge

01:23:55 Stilling Leads to Seeing, Tool: Recognizing Stress Response; Relationships

01:30:56 Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NDSR)

01:38:54 Yoga Nidra & Authenticity, Breaking Patterns

01:45:45 Yoga Nidra Timing, Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System; Breathwork

01:52:53 Sponsor: Waking Up

01:54:28 Alcoholism, Social Acceptability, Community, AA, Powerlessness

02:02:23 Gambling, Kids & Susceptibility

02:08:58 Transmuting Energy, Running, Dopamine, Feelings

02:15:41 Cocaine, Amphetamine, Stimulant Addiction

02:18:21 Overcoming Porn Addiction, Shame

02:30:03 Struggle, “Discomfort Appetite”

02:36:09 Addiction Treatment, Detox, Rehab Centers, 12-Step Meetings, AA

02:46:54 Is Addiction the Problem?, Trauma, Stress & Addiction Cycle

02:49:05 GLP-1 Agonists & Addiction Treatment?, HALT; Addicted to Stress?

02:52:44 Sugar Addiction, Caffeine; Ibogaine, Psylocibin & Considerations

02:59:56 Helping Someone With Addiction

03:04:58 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices