In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss interoception, the brain’s ability to sense and interpret signals from the body, which shapes our sense of self and underlies vital functions like focus, sleep, healing and emotions.

I explain how the body communicates different types of information to the brain, influencing processes like digestion, heart rate and immune function.

I also describe practical tools such as breathwork to regulate alertness, strategies to support gut health and reduce sugar cravings, and awareness practices to enhance interoception. By understanding and applying these tools, you can strengthen the brain-body connection to improve mood, overall health and performance.

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

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Sense of Self, Interoception

00:01:25 Brain & Body Communication, Vagus Nerve, Mechanical & Chemical Information

00:04:43 Lungs & Diaphragm, Tool: Breathwork for Alert or Calm

00:09:47 Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep

00:13:14 Brain & Gut Communication, Tool: Reduce Sugar Cravings

00:18:27 Brain, Gut Chemistry, Inflammation & Gut Microbiome, Tool: Fermented Foods

00:22:20 Sponsor: LMNT

00:23:52 Vomiting, Brain; Tool: Reduce Nausea

00:28:52 Fever, Brain Chemistry, Tool: Cooling Body

00:33:20 Vagus Nerve, Emotions, Mood, Tool: Heart Awareness

00:39:29 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona and a world expert on the science of grief and loss. We discuss what happens in the brain and body when we grieve, the role of dopamine and yearning in the grieving process, the health risks of getting stuck at particular stages of grief and how to move through loss while also deeply honoring the person, animal or thing that is no longer with us. Dr. O’Connor explains that grief involves cycling back and forth between protest and despair (often guilt and anger too) and explains science-supported ways to move through that process in the healthiest possible way. Everyone experiences grief and loss at some point. Dr. O’Connor provides valuable knowledge and tools to help you navigate grief under any circumstance.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

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

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.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 Mary-Frances O’Connor

00:02:22 Grief vs Grieving; Love & Bonding, Gone Yet Everlasting

00:07:42 Sponsors: Wealthfront & BetterHelp

00:10:29 Sudden vs Slow Death, Attachment, Reframing Relationship

00:14:52 Religion, Integrating the New Relationship

00:20:46 Yearning, Dopamine, Brain, Addiction

00:27:58 Culture & Grief Literacy; Protest, Despair & Hope, New Relationships

00:40:09 Sponsors: AG1 & Helix Sleep

00:43:21 Protest, Despair & Transmutation; Changing Attachment Hierarchy

00:52:04 Bereavement Support, Medical Risk

01:05:27 Culture, Alcohol & Death; Dying of a Broken Heart, Medical Risk

01:13:40 Sponsor: Function

01:15:28 Navigating Grief, Emotions & Body, Tool: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

01:23:57 Grief Stages; Permission & Coping, Judgment & Guilt; Lessons from Grief

01:35:44 Grieving Suicide, Rumination, Tool: Shifting Environment

01:47:24 Belief Systems, Religion & Grief

01:54:17 Afterlife, Contemplating Death

01:58:35 Tools: Contemplating Death; Life Celebration, Terror Management, Empathy

02:07:46 Mental Oscillation, Dual Model of Bereavement

02:14:00 Avoidance; Remembering a Loved One, Resilience; Getting Worse & Seeking Professional Help

02:22:15 Time Perception & End of Life, Motivation & Energy

02:30:01 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 my guest is Lex Fridman, PhD, a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an expert in robotics and host of the Lex Fridman Podcast.

We discuss the development of artificial intelligence through machine learning, deep learning and self-supervised techniques. We also examine the growing significance of interactions between humans and robots, including their potential for companionship and emotional connection. This episode explores how AI is shifting from a technical tool into something that could reshape human relationships, emotions and society.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

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

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Lex Fridman; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine

00:02:23 Supervised vs Self-Supervised Learning, Self-Play

00:09:06 Tesla Autopilot, Autonomous Driving, Robot &

00:14:26 Sponsors: AG1 & Maui Nui

00:17:47 Human & Robot Relationship, Loneliness, Time

00:22:38 Authenticity, Robot Companion, Emotions

00:27:55 Robot & Human Relationship, Manipulation,

00:32:12 Sponsors: Function & David

00:35:14 Dogs, Homer, Companion, Cancer, Death

00:40:04 Dogs, Costello, Decline, Joy, Loss

00:47:31 Closing

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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My guest is Dr. Melissa Ilardo, Ph.D., professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Utah. We discuss the interplay between genes and behaviors, including how certain behaviors can improve resilience by changing gene and organ function, as well as natural selection events happening in humans today.

We also discuss the immune system–related reasons people find the smells of potential mates attractive—or not.

We explore how physical and psychological traits are passed from one generation to the next, and the specific behaviors that can influence gene expression to improve health and performance.

Melissa explains her lab’s pioneering research on breath-hold training and how activation of the dive reflex through breath holding can significantly improve oxygen availability by changing spleen size and function.

We also delve into the medical uses and ethics of gene editing to cure disease in both babies and adults.

For those interested in genes and inheritance, human performance, immune system function, and natural selection, this episode illustrates the remarkable interplay between human nature and nurture.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our 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

Timestamps

00:00:00 Melissa Ilardo

00:02:35 Nature vs Nurture, Gene Expression, Eye Color

00:07:06 Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep

00:10:24 Epigenetics, Trauma, Mutations; Hybrid Vigor, Mate Attraction

00:15:47 Globalization; Homo Sapiens, Mating & Evolution; Mutations

00:25:28 Sea Nomads, Bajau & Moken Groups; Free Diving, Dangers & Gasp Reflex

00:32:52 Cultural Traditions, Free Diving & Families; Fishing

00:35:36 Mammalian Dive Reflex, Oxygen, Spleen, Cold Water & Face; Exercise

00:42:43 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT

00:46:00 Free Diving, Spleen, Thyroid Hormone, Performance Enhancement

00:52:00 Dive Reflex, Immune System; Swimming & Health; Coastal Regions & Genetics

00:55:17 Female Free Divers, Haenyeo, Cold Water, Age, Protein

01:03:20 Human Evolution & Diet, Lactase, Fat

01:05:07 Korean Female Free Divers & Adaptations, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy

01:10:13 Miscarriages & Genetic Selection; Bajau, External Appearance, Mate Selection

01:17:15 Sponsor: Function

01:19:03 Free Diving, Underwater Vision; Super-Performers & Genetics

01:25:01 Cognitive Performance, Autism, Creativity; Genetic Determinism & Mindset

01:36:30 Genetics & Ethics, CRISPR, Embryo Genetic Screening

01:44:36 Admixture, Genetics; Are Humans a Single Species?

01:49:39 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 provide a science-based daily protocol designed to enhance performance, mood and overall health by strategically timing simple yet powerful tools and behaviors.

I explain how to increase energy and alertness in the morning, optimize your workspace and work sessions for maximum focus, and structure your day for sustained productivity. I also discuss the roles of fasting, meal and caffeine timing, and key nutrients, as well as how to leverage exercise to sharpen alertness and cognitive performance. Additionally, I describe evening practices and supplements that help you fall asleep quickly and promote quality sleep.

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 the full-length episode at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

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

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Office Hours, Example Daily Protocol

00:01:48 Morning, Tools: Temperature Minimum, Walk, Sunlight

00:05:30 Hydration, Electrolytes, Tool: Delay Caffeine

00:07:39 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:09:45 Morning Focus, Fasting

00:10:34 Tools: Optimize Workspace, Screen Position, Work

00:13:45 Tool: Timing Work Bouts, Temperature Minimum

00:16:02 Exercise, Strength & Hypertrophy, Endurance

00:19:01 Sponsor: AG1

00:20:48 Afternoon, Meal Timing, Carbs, Omega-3s, Tool:

00:25:33 Dinner, Sleep Transition, Carbs, Serotonin

00:28:44 Sponsor: LMNT

00:30:16 Accelerate Sleep, Tool: Reduce Temperature &

00:32:06 Sleep Supplements, Magnesium, Apigenin, Theanine;

00:35:06 Example Daily Routine, Work Blocks

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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