
How Placebo Effects Work to Change Our Biology & Psychology
In this episode, I discuss placebo and belief and mindset effects — all of which exert a powerful and real influence on our biology and psychology. I discuss how your beliefs and expectation that a certain outcome will occur after taking a substance (or any intervention cause genuine changes in brain and bodily function. I discuss how placebos can change neurotransmitter and hormone release, pain levels, whether the stress response is beneficial or detrimental and more. I also explain how placebo effects can work with traditional drug or behavioral treatments to help improve health outcomes and why some people are more susceptible to placebo effects. By the end of the episode, listeners will understand the placebo effect, how it works, and how beliefs and mindsets can be leveraged toward mental health, physical health, and performance goals. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Placebo Effects (00:02:40) Sponsors: Eight Sleep, AeroPress & Levels (00:07:24) Placebo, Nocebo vs. Belief Effect, Prefrontal Cortex (00:14:03) Dopamine, Placebo & Parkinson’s Disease; Placebo Controls (00:21:36) Hormone Release & Placebo Effect, Paired Associations (00:28:52) Conditioning Effect & Insulin; Pavlovian Response (00:32:50) Sponsor: AG1 (00:34:17) Context & Expectations; Placebo Effect & Brain (00:40:51) Cancer, Mind-Body Practices; Placebo Effects & Limits (00:44:54) Asthma, Specificity & Placebo Effects (00:48:01) Sponsor: InsideTracker (00:49:03) Nicotine & Dose-Dependent Placebo Effects (00:55:31) Placebo Effects vs. Belief Effects, Food & Mindset (01:01:02) Exercise & Belief Effects (01:04:08) Placebo Effect, Brain & Stress Response (01:11:18) Individual Variation, Genetics & Placebo Effect (01:16:11) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4 Mars 20241h 13min

AMA #16: Sleep, Vertigo, TBI, OCD, Tips for Travelers, Gut-Brain Axis & More
Welcome to a special edition of the 16th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium, recorded in Sydney, Australia. This episode is a recording of a live stream AMA, originally exclusive to our Premium members. We've decided to make the full-length version available to everyone, including non-members of Huberman Lab Premium. Huberman Lab Premium was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the main Huberman Lab podcast — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. If you're not yet a member but enjoyed this full-length livestream AMA, we invite you to join Huberman Lab Premium. By subscribing, you'll gain access to exclusive benefits including our regular monthly full-length AMA episodes, AMA transcripts, podcast episode transcripts, early access to live events and more. Additionally, a significant portion of your membership proceeds contributes to advancing human scientific research. You can learn more about the research we were able to support in our Annual Letter 2023. If you're a Huberman Lab Premium member, you can access the transcript for this AMA episode here. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:34) Achieving Key Health Pillars While Traveling (00:07:11) Improving Sleep Quality (00:13:11) Understanding and Managing Vertigo (00:20:44) Enhancing Brain Function Post-TBI (00:26:58) Getting Closer to Unraveling OCD (00:30:44) Adjusting Circadian Rhythms for Travel (00:34:58) Optimal Dosage for Fish Oil Supplements (00:40:17) Monitoring Hormone Levels (00:46:09) Optimizing the Gut-Brain Axis (00:52:04) Best Practices for Tongue Cleaning (00:56:36) Conclusion & Thank You Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 Feb 202456min

Protocols for Excellent Parenting & Improving Relationships of All Kinds | Dr. Becky Kennedy
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Becky Kennedy, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of Good Inside, an education platform for parents and parents-to-be. We discuss actionable protocols for raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids and effective alternatives to typical forms of reward and punishment that instead teach children valuable skills and strengthen the parent-child bond. These protocols also apply to other types of relationships: professional, romantic, friendships, siblings, etc. We explain how to respond to emotional outbursts, rudeness, and entitlement, repair fractured relationships, build self-confidence, and improve interpersonal connections with empathy while maintaining healthy boundaries. We also discuss how to effectively communicate with children and adults with ADHD, anxiety, learning challenges, or with “deeply feeling” individuals. The conversation is broadly applicable to all types of social interactions and bonds. By the end of the episode, you will have learned simple yet powerful tools to build healthy relationships with kids, teens, adults, and oneself. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Becky Kennedy (00:02:44) Sponsors: Mateína, Joovv & AeroPress (00:07:35) Healthy Relationships: Sturdiness, Boundaries & Empathy (00:14:34) Tool: Establishing Boundaries (00:18:24) Rules, Boundaries & Connection (00:22:19) Rewards & Punishments; Skill Building (00:29:48) Sponsor: AG1 (00:31:16) Kids & Inherent Good (00:34:06) Family Jobs, Validation & Confidence, Giving Hope (00:41:54) Rewards, Pride (00:44:48) Tool: “I Believe You”, Confidence & Safety; Other Relationships (00:52:15) Trauma, Aloneness & Repair (00:57:07) Tool: Repair & Apologies, Rejecting Apology (01:01:04) Tool: Good Apologies (01:03:35) Sponsor: InsideTracker (01:04:37) Tool: Rudeness & Disrespect, Most Generous Interpretation (01:12:32) Walking on Eggshells, Pilot Analogy & Emotional Outbursts, Sturdy Leadership (01:20:49) Deeply Feeling Kids; Fears, Sensory Overload (01:30:10) Co-Parenting Differences & Punishment (01:37:11) Tool: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Meditation (01:41:20) Tool: Tolerating Frustration, Screen Time, Learning (01:51:57) Grace & Parenthood, Parenting Job Description; Relationship to Self (01:55:24) Tool: “I’m Noticing”, Asking Questions; Emotional Regulation (02:01:15) Adolescence & Critical Needs, Explorers vs. Nomads (02:09:58) Saying “I Love You”, Teenagers; Family Meetings (02:15:07) Self-Care, Rage & Boundaries; Sturdy Leaders; Parent Relationship & Conflict (02:22:08) Tool: Wayward Teens, Marijuana & Substance Use, Getting Additional Help (02:30:03) Mentors (02:34:26) Tool: Entitlement, Fear & Frustration (02:41:57) Tool: Experiencing Frustration; Chores & Allowance (02:46:31) Good Inside Platform (02:51:27) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 Feb 20242h 49min

How to Optimize Cognitive Function & Brain Health | Dr. Mark D'Esposito
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Mark D'Esposito, M.D., a neurologist and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. We discuss the brain mechanisms underlying cognition and the forms of memory required for focus, productivity, planning and achieving goals, and learning. We discuss neurochemicals such as dopamine and acetylcholine and how they can be leveraged to improve cognitive functioning. We also discuss concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease, and ways to restore or slow cognitive decline by using pharmacologic, lifestyle and behavioral protocols. This episode provides a modern understanding of cognition and memory and actionable tools to optimize brain health and function. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Mark D’Esposito (00:02:08) Sponsors: Maui Nui, Joovv & Eight Sleep (00:06:23) Brain & Frontal Lobes, Prefrontal Cortex, Executive Function (00:10:31) Frontal Lobe Development, Children (00:14:12) Rules, Context & Impulse Control; Learning & Goals (00:21:45) Focus, Improving Executive Function (00:26:04) Connections & Top-Down Signals (00:29:02) Sponsor: AG1 (00:30:29) Frontal Lobe Injury; Emotional Regulation (00:37:26) Smartphones, Social Media (00:44:37) Working Memory, Dopamine (00:52:59) Sponsor: LMNT (00:54:22) Dopamine Levels & Working Memory, Cognitive Tasks, Genetics (01:00:03) Bromocriptine & Working Memory, Dopamine (01:06:21) Guanfacine, Neurotransmitter Levels, Pupil Dilation & Biomarker Tests (01:12:46) Bromocriptine, Olympics; Pharmacology & Cognitive Function, Adderall (01:19:27) Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (01:25:22) Sleep, TBI, Concussion & Executive Function; BrainHQ (01:31:57) Aging & Frontal Executive System; Brain Health (01:39:26) Tools: Brain Health & Boosting Executive Function, Books (01:47:26) Alzheimer’s Disease, Genetics, Pharmacology (01:51:48) Parkinson’s Disease, L-Dopa; Coping with Alzheimer’s; Nicotine (01:58:37) Estrogen & Dopamine, Cognition; Tool: Physical Exercise (02:04:43) Tool: Mindfulness Meditation & Executive Function (02:10:31) Brain Networks; Modularity (02:17:08) Modularity, Brain Indices (02:22:53) Psilocybin; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (02:30:16) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 Feb 20242h 28min

How to Improve Oral Health & Its Critical Role in Brain & Body Health
In this episode, I discuss the importance of oral health for dental and microbiome health and general physical and mental well-being. I explain science-supported protocols for strengthening your teeth and gums, including how to remineralize your teeth. I cover the best approaches and timing for brushing and flossing, tongue, gum, and oral microbiome care and how oral health is critically important to offset metabolic, cardiac, and brain diseases, including dementia. I also discuss proper nutrition for oral health, fluoride, and how sugar and mouth breathing can accelerate tooth decay. This episode ought to be of interest to everyone seeking to improve their physical health, mental health, and lifespan, given the critical role that oral health plays in all of these. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Oral Health 00:03:44 Sponsor: LMNT 00:07:13 Oral Health Quiz 00:13:53 Teeth Biology, Cavity Repair 00:20:01 Mouth, Gums, Saliva 00:23:54 Sponsor: AG1 00:28:51 Cavity Formation, Bacteria, Sugar, Acidity 00:35:10 Teeth Remineralization, Fluoride, Water 00:43:58 Tools: The “Do Nots” of Oral Health, Mouth Breathing 00:54:48 Tools: Fasting & Teeth Remineralization; Nighttime Toothbrushing 01:03:23 Proper Teeth Brushing; Tooth Sensitivity & Gums 01:08:16 Bacteria, Plaque & Tartar; Tooth Polishing 01:11:02 Proper Flossing Technique, Waterpik; Children & Flossing 01:14:23 Tool: Xylitol, Bacteria & Cavity Prevention 01:19:43 Toothpastes: Xylitol, Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite 01:22:38 Mouthwash & Alcohol, Antiseptic Mouthwash 01:26:29 Tools: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide?, Salt Water Rinse 01:32:36 Alcohol-Based Mouthwash, Nitric Oxide 01:34:52 Tools: Canker Sore Prevention & Gut Microbiome; Sleep 01:37:47 Tools: Tongue Brushing; Toothbrush Care 01:41:38 Teeth Sealants; Metal Fillings, Mercury, Mastic Gum; Root Canals 01:48:43 Dentist Visits, Daily Routines & Oral Health 01:54:17 Practices for Oral Health, Oil Pulling 01:58:21 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 Feb 20241h 56min

The Biology of Social Interactions and Emotions | Dr. Kay Tye
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kay Tye, Ph.D., Professor of Systems Neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator. We discuss the neural circuit basis of social interactions and loneliness. We also discuss how animals and people establish themselves in a group hierarchy by rank and how the brain responds to dominance and subordination. Much of our discussion relates to how social media impacts our sense of social connectedness or lack thereof. The topics covered in this episode are directly relevant to anyone interested in the neuroscience of mental health, work-life balance, abundance versus scarcity mindset, and interpersonal dynamics. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Kay Tye 00:02:56 Sponsors: LMNT 00:06:40 Amygdala; “Valence” 00:12:43 Novelty; Reward & Punishment Response 00:20:06 Amygdala & Hunger; Social Interaction 00:26:21 Social Media & Social Connection; Tool: Email & Time Management 00:31:21 Sponsor: AG1 00:36:30 Social Media; Friction & Feedback, Leadership 00:43:44 Social Isolation, Harlow Experiments, “Loneliness Neurons” 00:51:47 Social Homeostasis, COVID-19 Pandemic & Loneliness 01:01:29 Quality of Social Contact, Social Homeostasis, Social Media 01:09:42 Social Media, Relationships; Social Isolation & Exclusion 01:18:26 Empathy: Friend vs. Foe 01:28:40 Background & Empathy, Diversity, Emotional Regulation 01:34:34 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset 01:37:22 Social Rank & Hierarchy, Sibling Order, Development 01:45:54 Dynamic Hierarchy; Dominants vs. Subordinates; Mentors 01:55:32 Psychedelics: Research & Mechanisms; Psilocybin 02:06:28 Work-Life Balance, Fitness & Extracurriculars 02:11:56 Personal Life, Diversity, Happiness; Typical Day 02:15:42 Science & Academia; Future Directions 02:23:48 Research & Science Outreach 02:28:48 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 Feb 20242h 26min

AMA #15: Fluoride Benefits/Risks & Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Welcome to a preview of the 15th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. Huberman Lab Premium was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support for the main Huberman Lab podcast — which will continue to come out every Monday at zero-cost. Second, it was launched as a means to raise funds for important scientific research. A significant portion of proceeds from the Huberman Lab Premium subscription will fund human research (not animal models) selected by Dr. Huberman, with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Tiny Foundation. Read our Annual Letter 2023. If you're an existing Premium member, you can login to access the full episode. If you're not a member, you can join Huberman Lab Premium to enjoy exclusive content, including monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) episodes, AMA transcripts, podcast episode transcripts, early access to live events and help advance human scientific research. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:46) Why Is Fluoride in Water and Is It Harmful? (00:26:44) Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: What Are the Effects of the Vagus Nerve on Calming the Body and the Brain? Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 Feb 202429min

Tools to Enhance Working Memory & Attention
In this episode, I discuss working memory, which is critical for learning and productivity, strategy setting, goal seeking, and navigating new environments. I explain the key role of dopamine and the biological mechanisms underlying working memory and how working memory differs from both short- and long-term memory. I also describe science-supported tools to enhance working memory and attention—including zero- or low-cost behavioral, supplemental and pharmacologic approaches. I include how to assess your working memory and how to use memory tasks to determine your baseline dopamine levels in certain brain circuits. This episode provides listeners with highly actionable tools to assess and improve their attention to specific tasks and task-switching capacity and to enhance their overall productivity. Read the full show notes for this episode 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 LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Timestamps 00:00:00 Working Memory 00:01:12 Sponsors: Mateina, BetterHelp & Helix Sleep 00:05:00 Short- vs. Long-Term Memory 00:09:59 Neuroplasticity 00:15:42 Working Memory; Attention & Focus 00:20:04 Working Memory Test 00:25:35 Sponsor: AG1 00:27:02 Brain & Working Memory; Dopamine 00:36:13 Working Memory Capacity Test 00:44:37 Increasing Dopamine & Working Memory 00:49:26 Task Switching, Distractions 00:54:42 Sponsor: LMNT 00:56:04 Tool: Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) & Dopamine 01:03:08 Tool: Deliberate Cold Exposure & Dopamine 01:11:02 Tool: Working Memory & Binaural Beats 01:15:23 Supplements to Increase Dopamine: L-Tyrosine, Mucuna Pruriens 01:22:53 Dopamine Prescriptions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 01:29:12 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 Jan 20241h 26min




















