Essentials: How Your Brain Works & Changes

This is the second episode of Huberman Lab Essentials — short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. This Essentials episode offers insights into what makes us sleepy, helps us sleep soundly, and feel awake and alert. It covers a wide range of tools for anyone looking to improve their sleep and wakefulness, with the science and reasoning behind each tool explained. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Access the full show notes for this 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 Introduction to Huberman Lab Essentials 00:00:18 Understanding Sleep & Wakefulness 00:01:11 The Role of Adenosine & Caffeine 00:03:45 Circadian Rhythms & the Importance of Light 00:04:54 Morning Light Exposure & Cortisol 00:06:27 Sponsor: AG1 00:16:14 Evening Light Exposure & Melatonin 00:18:08: Sponsor: Eight Sleep 00:19:47 Managing Light Exposure for Better Sleep 00:28:03 The Benefits of Naps & Yoga Nidra 00:29:06 Sponsor: ROKA 00:34:38 Supplements for Sleep & Wakefulness 00:38:42 Conclusion & Final Thoughts Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills. We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions. We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: protocolsbook.com Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman  David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman  LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman  Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman  Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski   00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep   00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level   00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function   00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment   00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI   00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage   00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory   00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David   00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs   00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity   00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course   00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media   00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv   01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media   01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function   01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria   01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities   01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia   01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression   01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research   01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes   01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines   01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning   02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning   02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams   02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention   02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter   Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Allan Schore, Ph.D., a faculty member in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, a longtime clinical psychotherapist, and a multi-book author. We discuss how early child-parent interactions shape brain circuitry, impacting our ability to form attachments, manage emotions, and navigate conflict and stress. We cover how the development of right-brain circuitry related to emotional processing and the unconscious mind regulates physiological responses, influencing adult friendships and romantic relationships. We also explore how improving your ability to listen to the emotional tone—rather than just the meaning—of words is a vital skill for fostering better relationships with yourself and others, and how it plays a role in reshaping brain circuitry. Additionally, we explain how circuits in the right brain hemisphere drive creativity and intuition and discuss activities to access the unconscious mind. This episode delves into how the unconscious mind regulates emotions—both your own and others’—and shapes our sense of self. By the end, you’ll have new knowledge and tools to build more secure, meaningful, and impactful connections of all kinds: professional, romantic, familial, friendships, and beyond. Access the full show notes for this episode, including referenced articles, resources, and people mentioned at hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our chat-based tool, for summaries, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Allan Schore 00:02:37 Sponsors: David & Eight Sleep 00:05:49 Thoughts & Unconscious Mind 00:07:36 Right vs Left Brain, Child Development, Attachment 00:13:19 Attachment Styles & Development, Emotions & Physiology 00:18:12 Intuition, Arousal, Emotional Regulation & Attachment 00:23:13 Psychobiological Attunement, Repair; Insecure & Anxious Attachment 00:28:33 Attachment Styles, Regulation Theory; Therapy 00:34:20 Sponsor: AG1 00:35:51 “Surrender,” Therapy, Patient Synchronization 00:39:46 Synchrony, Empathy, Therapy & Developing Autoregulation 00:45:07 Mother vs Father, Child Development; Single Caretakers 00:50:51 MDMA, Right Brain; Fetal Development 00:55:58 Sponsor: Function 00:57:46 Integrating Positive & Negative Emotions, Quiet vs Excited Love 01:03:33 Splitting, Borderline; Therapy & Emotions 01:09:24 Tool: Right Brain, Vulnerability & Repair 01:15:32 Right vs. Left Brain, Attention 01:19:26 Right Brain Synchronization, Eye Connection, Empathy 01:25:39 Music & Dogs, Resonance 01:30:58 Right Brain & Body; Empathic Connection, Body Language 01:36:47 Tool: Text Message, Communication, Relationships 01:42:18 Right Brain Dominance & Activities; Tool: Fostering the Right Brain 01:50:10 Defenses, Blind Spots 01:53:14 Creativity, Accessing the Right Brain, Insight 01:59:31 Paternal Leave, Parent-Child Relationships, Attachment 02:05:16 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Shanna Swan, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and reproductive health at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Swan is the world’s leading expert on the harmful impact of chemicals in our food, water, cosmetics, and various household and consumer products on our hormones, and the consequences for fertility and overall reproductive health. She explains how exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors adversely impacts fetal development, puberty, and the adult brain and body. We discuss the global decline in human fertility due to disruptive environmental toxins, such as pesticides, and certain foods and beverages we consume. We discuss practical strategies to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), BPS, and PFAS. This includes reducing disposable plastic use, making healthier food preparation, consumption, and storage choices, and selecting personal and household products that don’t contain harmful toxins. This episode allows you to assess your risk of exposure to endocrine disruptors accurately and empowers you to take control of your hormone health and fertility. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Shanna Swan 00:02:58 Sponsors: LMNT, ROKA & BetterHelp 00:06:49 Environmental Chemicals, Fertility, Hormones, Phthalates 00:13:30 Phthalate Syndrome, Animal Data, Male Offspring 00:19:11 Phthalate Syndrome in Humans, Pregnancy & Babies 00:27:30 Hyenas; Phthalate Syndrome in Males 00:32:49 Sponsor: AG1 00:34:22 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Mothers & Female Offspring 00:39:03 Anogenital Distance & Sperm Count 00:45:03 Sperm Count & Fertility 00:49:24 Sponsor: Function 00:51:11 Sperm Count Decline 00:58:19 Sperm Quality & Pesticides 01:04:12 Atrazine, Amphibians, Sexual Dimorphism, Behavior 01:09:00 Preschoolers, Phthalate Exposure, Sexually Dimorphic Behaviors 01:14:08 Tools: Lowering Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors, Fertility 01:24:52 Tools: BPA, BPS, BPF & Can Linings; Drinkware; Plastics & Microwave 01:30:07 Tools: Buying Organic; Skin Products, Fragrance; Sunscreens, Consumer Guides 01:32:58 Funding 01:34:31 Tools: Distilling Water, Shoes, Clothing, Food Sourcing; Building Materials 01:40:12 Europe vs. US Chemical Safety, REACH Program 01:46:20 Tool: Pregnancy & Fetal Health 01:49:23 Plastics & Environmental Concern; Fertility 01:55:26 Sperm Quality, Fertility, Cell Phone, Temperature 01:58:04 Other Animals & Fertility Decline, Ecosystems 02:01:58 Advancing Technologies, Fertility, Offspring & Adverse Effects 02:06:02 Tool: Consumer Guides, Personal & Household Products 02:09:39 Tool: Receipts; Thyroid System; Non-Stick Pans 02:15:18 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Bill Eddy, a lawyer, licensed therapist, professional mediator, and faculty member at the Pepperdine University School of Law. He specializes in identifying, reducing friction with, and disentangling from high-conflict individuals. We explain how high-conflict personalities differ from personality disorders and examine the cycles of blame and drama that cause persistent conflict in their relationships. We discuss how to quickly recognize high-conflict individuals based on specific criteria and behaviors, helping listeners learn to spot their less obvious tactics. You’ll also learn how to disengage from them with minimal friction and understand the methods they use to draw people back in or keep conflict alive. Additionally, we cover effective communication strategies for mediating situations involving high-conflict individuals, emphasizing empathy and problem-solving approaches. This episode equips listeners with tools to navigate conflict in various contexts, promoting resolutions that benefit all parties involved. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Bill Eddy 00:02:58 Sponsors: Maui Nui & ExpressVPN 00:06:41 High-Conflict Families, High-Conflict Individuals & Patterns 00:10:48 Personality Disorders, Prevalence & Overlap 00:18:28 High-Conflict Personality vs. Personality Disorders, Blame 00:24:33 High-Conflict Individuals, Tool: First-Year Rule & Commitment 00:30:53 Sponsor: AG1 00:32:05 Relationship Stability, Tool: Vetting Potential Partners 00:38:54 Heightened Emotions, Negative Advocates, Divorce 00:47:50 Brain, Plasticity & Fear; Bullies, Polarization 00:54:51 Sponsors: Function & David 00:58:00 Emotions, Media, Politics 01:04:57 Tool: WEB Method, Identify High-Conflict Individuals 01:12:20 Body Cues, Identify High-Conflict Individuals 01:18:40 Tool: Don’t Label & Empathy; Adapting Your Behavior 01:23:12 High Conflict Personalities & Occupations 01:28:18 Big Personalities: Evidence vs Assumptions 01:37:27 Tool: Leaving a Combative High-Conflict Individual, Blame, Gradual Exit 01:45:41 Exiting a High Conflict Relationship & Timing 01:49:27 Tool: Disentangling from a Victim High-Conflict Individual, “Hoovering” 01:52:32 High Conflict Divorce, Small Families & Parental Estrangement 01:57:01 Tool: Managing Emotions & Relationships, EAR Statements 01:59:52 Large Families & Conflict Resolution 02:04:11 Bullies & Online Social Groups 02:09:18 Personality Disorders, Causes, Culture 02:13:09 Tool: 4 “Fuhgeddaboudits”, Topics to Avoid in High Conflict Resolution 02:19:50 Tool: CARS Method, Connecting & EAR Statements, Analyzing 02:27:03 Tool: CARS Method, Responding & BIFF Response, Setting Limits & SLIC 02:36:40 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures