Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Mood, Alertness & Neuroplasticity

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Berson, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Brown University and an expert on the visual system and circadian biology. We explore how the brain processes visual information, from photons entering the eye to conscious perception in the cortex. We discuss color vision, the discovery of melanopsin and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, and how light regulates our circadian clock and melatonin release. We also examine the vestibular system's role in balance and motion detection, the cerebellum's function in motor coordination, and the midbrain's integration of multiple sensory inputs. Finally, we discuss the basal ganglia's role in decision-making and an extraordinary case of neuroplasticity in visual cortex. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. More Huberman Lab Essentials: https://hubermanlab.com/essentials Thank you to our sponsors AGZ: https://drinkagz.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. David Berson (00:00:30) Visual Perception, Photons & Retinal Processing, Ganglion Cells (00:02:12) Color Vision, Wavelengths & Photoreceptors; Cones & Rods (00:05:56) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1 (00:07:24) Melanopsin, Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells & Brightness Detection (00:08:31) Circadian Clock & Synchronization, Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN); Master Clock Function (00:11:16) Hypothalamus, Autonomic Nervous System & Hormonal Systems (00:13:01) Tool: Light Exposure & Melatonin Regulation, Pineal Function (00:14:35) Vestibular System, Balance & Motion Detection; Semicircular Canals (00:16:44) Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Image Stabilization & Head Rotation (00:18:51) Sponsor: Function (00:20:45) Motion Sickness, Visual-Vestibular Conflict; Tool: Avoiding Nausea (00:22:24) Cerebellum, Motor Coordination & Learning (00:23:17) Cerebellar Function, Precision & Timing of Movement; Cerebellar Ataxia (00:24:54) Flocculus & Visual-Vestibular Integration (00:25:56) Midbrain, Brainstem & Reflexive Behavior; Superior Colliculus (00:28:26) Spatial Orientation & Multisensory Integration; Rattlesnake Heat Detection (00:30:13) Sensory Integration & Corroboration (00:31:13) Sponsor: LMNT (00:32:45) Basal Ganglia, Go vs No-Go Behavior & Decision Making (00:33:56) Tool: Impulse Control & Delayed Gratification, Marshmallow Test (00:34:51) Individual Differences, Genetics & Experience (00:35:37) Visual Cortex, Neural Processing & Brain Plasticity (00:36:26) Cortical Reorganization, Braille Reading & Stroke Recovery (00:39:15) David Berson's Work; Acknowledgements Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Okt 40min

My guest is Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology at Stanford School of Medicine. She explains how hearing works and why hearing loss—affecting over 1.5 billion people—impacts people of all ages. We discuss how hearing loss impairs focus and increases the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the role of menopause and other biological milestones in hearing health. We share science-backed protocols to protect your hearing and highlight risks to avoid. And we discuss tinnitus—its causes and treatment options. AGZ: https://drinkagz.com/huberman Wealthfront*: https://wealthfront.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.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 September 26, 2025, 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. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments are not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value. 00:00 Konstantina Stankovic 03:27 Hearing Loss, How Hearing Works, Types of Hearing Loss 10:58 Sound Waves, High vs Low Frequency, Communication, Importance of Hearing 15:26 Sponsors: Wealthfront & Our Place 18:40 Sound Projection, Intensity, Speech; Moving Ears; Larger Ears 22:59 Sounds & Emotionality; Tinnitus 26:43 Painful Sounds, Hyperacusis, Phonophobia; Memory, Auditory Hallucinations 32:19 Concerts & Ringing in Ears, Hidden Hearing Loss; Tool: Safe Sound Threshold 39:15 Concerts & Protecting Hearing, Tools: Ear Plugs, Magnesium Threonate 43:44 Magnesium Food Sources & Supplements; Migraines & Tinnitus 47:30 Tinnitus; Hearing Loss, Genetic & Environmental Factors 53:19 Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & David 56:04 Individualization; Tinnitus Examination & Treatment, Supplementation? 1:04:36 Headphones, Tough vs Tender Ears, Children, Tool: Safe Sound Levels 1:09:41 Compounded Damage, Concerts & Hearing Loss, Tool: Ear Plugs 1:12:59 Transitioning Environments, Hyperacusis; In-Utero Hearing 1:15:56 Dogs & Sea Animals, Sound Pollution 1:19:54 Hearing Loss, Dementia & Cognitive Decline; Tool: Slow Speech & Face Listener 1:26:26 Sponsor: Joovv 1:27:38 Lip Reading; AI-Enhanced Hearing Aids 1:30:12 Sleep, Tool: Earplugs; Hearing Yourself Speak, Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence 1:36:54 Hearing & Balance, Vibrations; Sound Therapy 1:42:05 Music, Dance, Hearing & Frequency Map; Cochlear Implants 1:48:20 Sponsor: LMNT 1:49:52 Hearing & Social-Cognitive Development, Mental Health; Cochlear Implants 1:56:07 Men vs Women, Estrogen; Hearing Loss, Environment, NSAIDs 2:01:52 Environmental Toxins, Heavy Metals, Plastics; Tool: Heating Plastic 2:06:39 Tool: Avoid Regular NSAIDs Use; Birds & Hair Cell Regeneration; Cancer 2:12:05 Head & Neck, Lymphatic System & Surgery 2:14:44 Adult Auditory Plasticity, Music & Language 2:17:37 Splitting of Senses, Podcasts, AI & Human Progress 2:22:20 Prevent Hearing Loss & Recap 2:25:09 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Okt 2h 27min

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore how biological rhythms and neurochemicals impact our perception of time. I describe how the body aligns with daily and seasonal light cycles to regulate hormones that influence energy, mood and motivation throughout the year. I share science-based tools to enhance focus and productivity, including strategies for structuring work intervals and optimizing the timing of exercise and daily light exposure. I also explain how neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin influence our perception of time and how factors such as novelty, emotion and routine impact how we experience and recall time. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Time Perception (0:48) Entrainment, Circannual Rhythms & Melatonin (4:22) Circadian Rhythms, Tools: Exercise; Morning & Evening Light for Circadian Entrainment (9:01) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1 (10:30) Ultradian Cycles, Focus & Work (14:06) Time Perception, Past, Present & Future (16:21) Dopamine, Norepinephrine & Serotonin, Time Perception (18:40) Dopamine & Serotonin, Daily Fluctuations, Tool: Structuring Work, Sleep (20:23) Trauma, “Over-clocking”, Slowing Time & Emotions (24:59) Sponsor: BetterHelp (26:15) Event Perception (Fun vs Boring), Time & Memories (29:23) Novel Experiences, Places & People, Retrospective Time (31:24) Habits, Tool: Schedule Functional Units (32:59) Recap & Book Suggestion Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Okt 33min

My guest is DJ Shipley, a retired Tier 1 operator Navy SEAL and now a top public educator on how to build mental and physical health and reach top-level performance in any endeavor. DJ’s life is one marked by extraordinary strivings, wins, setbacks and comebacks that together have shaped his approach to overcoming challenges of all kinds and to daily life. DJ explains a regimen of clear, practical steps and a mental stance that can allow anyone—male, female, young or old—to build extreme resilience of mind and body and to be successful in family and work. We also discuss his experience with new, emerging treatments for addiction, PTSD and depression that many people, not just veterans, are benefiting from. The tools DJ describes to “stack small wins” and to be ultra-intentional about your mindset will be of immense benefit to anyone wishing to achieve the best version of themselves. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman Rorra: https://rorra.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) DJ Shipley (4:03) Mental & Physical Health, Tools: Morning Routine & Micro-wins (8:35) Balancing Work & Family, Tools: Compartmentalization, "Control the Controllable" (13:46) Sponsors: Rorra & BetterHelp (16:25) Phones, Social Media vs Focus, Negativity, Tool: Consistency & Sleep (23:05) Routine & Stressors, Exercise & Benefits, Tool: Morning Workout (29:24) Body Awareness, Hurt vs Injury (33:53) Physical Injury & Rehab; Exercise; Mobility, Tool: 5-Day Workout Program (44:26) Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & Eight Sleep (47:29) Skateboarding, Career, Navy SEAL, BUD/S & Embracing Discomfort (56:13) BUD/S, Motivation & Mental Resilience (1:02:18) Navy SEALs, Iraq War & Casualties, Compartmentalization (1:08:41) Public Press; Extortion 17, Operation Red Wings; Death of Friends (1:16:25) High Performers, Social Media Negativity & Legacy (1:19:37) Sponsor: Function (1:21:24) Family Legacy, Military & Purpose, Navy SEAL Culture, Wife & Relationship (1:30:10) Second Deployment, Helplessness & Trauma, Inspiration & Reverence (1:38:30) Skydiving, Injury & Mental Resilience; Medical Retirement & Addiction (1:49:17) Art Therapy, Skateboarding, Electrocution & Recovery (2:00:57) Physical Recovery, Trainer Vernon Griffith (2:04:38) Miracles, Higher Power; Work & Life Tension (2:12:52) Sponsor: ROKA (2:14:39) Physical & Mental Posture, Suicide, Depression, Tool: Control the Controllable (2:21:22) Suicide, Mental Health & Darkest Hour, Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT (2:31:18) Ibogaine & Empathy, 5-MeO-DMT & Ego Death; Returning Home, Tool: Dials Not Switches (2:42:42) Psychedelics, Mental Health Plasticity; Veterans' Solutions, Addiction (2:50:39) Medical Ibogaine, Anger, Numbing Out & Hate; Dogs (3:03:42) GBRS Program, High Standards, Functional Fitness, Tool: Fitness Test (3:17:50) Self-Care, Longevity & Fitness, GBRS Program (3:24:45) Self-Respect, Tools: 20-Minute Walk & Relationships; Micro-wins (3:32:57) Acknowledgements, American Flag Hat, Patriotism (3:40:00) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 Okt 3h 42min

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Buss, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of evolutionary psychology. We explore the science behind human mate selection in both short- and long-term relationships. We discuss universal traits valued in long-term partners along with key differences between women and men in what they prioritize when selecting a mate. We also discuss the darker aspects of mating behavior, such as deception, the evolutionary function of jealousy and the motivations behind stalking. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) David Buss (0:21) Mate Selection, Preferences & Competition (3:26) Desirable Qualities of Men & Women, Universal Traits for Long-Term Mates (4:38) Women’s Preferences; Men’s Preferences; Age Differences (8:58) Sponsor: LMNT (10:32) Mate Deception & Online Dating, Tool: Travel, Stress & Emotional Stability (13:41) Short- vs Long-Term Mates, Men vs Women Preferences (15:58) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1 (17:27) Jealousy, Mate Value Discrepancy, Vigilance to Violence (20:58) The Dark Triad, Sexual Harassment & Coercion (22:18) Stalking, Motivations & Outcomes (24:57) Sponsor: Function (26:38) Childhood Attachment Styles & Relationship Stability (27:43) Self-Assessment for Mate Value, Self-Esteem (31:20) Evolutionary Psychology & Neuroscience (32:05) David Buss’ Books; Acknowledgements Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Okt 36min

My guest is Dr. Poppy Crum, PhD, adjunct professor at Stanford, former Chief Scientist at Dolby Laboratories and expert in neuroplasticity—our brain’s ability to change in response to experience. She explains how you can learn faster and ways to leverage your smartphone, AI and even video games to do so. We also discuss “digital twins” and the future of health technology. This episode will change the way you think about and use technology and will teach you zero-cost protocols to vastly improve your learning, health and even your home environment. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Poppy's Cheat Sheet: https://go.hubermanlab.com/xCwHF1e Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Helix: https://helixsleep.com/huberman Rorra: https://rorra.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Poppy Crum (2:22) Neuroplasticity & Limits; Homunculus (8:06) Technology; Environment & Hearing Thresholds; Absolute Pitch (13:12) Sponsors: David & Helix Sleep (15:33) Texting, Homunculus, Mapping & Brain; Smartphones (23:06) Technology, Data Compression, Communication, Smartphones & Acronyms (30:32) Sensory Data & Bayesian Priors; Video Games & Closed Loop Training (40:51) Improve Swim Stroke, Analytics & Enhancing Performance, Digital Twin (46:17) Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & Rorra (49:08) Digital Twin; Tool: Learning, AI & Self-Testing (53:00) AI: Increase Efficacy or Replace Task?, AI & Germane Cognitive Load (1:02:07) Bread, Process & Appreciation; AI to Optimize Physical Environments (1:09:43) Awake States & AI; Measure & Modify (1:16:37) Wearables, Sensors & Measure Internal State; Pupil Size (Pupillometry) (1:23:58) Sponsor: Function (1:25:46) Integrative Systems, Body & Environment; Cognitive State & Decision-Making (1:32:11) Gamification, Developing Good Habits (1:38:17) Implications of AI, Diminishing Cognitive Skill (1:41:11) Digital Twins & Examples, Digital Representative; Feedback Loops (1:50:59) Customize AI; Situational Intelligence, Blind Spots, Work & Health, “Hearables” (2:01:08) Career Journey, Perception & Technology; Violin, Absolute Pitch (2:09:44) Incentives & Neuroplasticity; Technology & Performance (2:13:59) Acoustic Arms Race: Moths, Bats & Echolocation (2:21:17) Singing to Spiders, Spider Web & Environment Detection; Crickets; Marmosets (2:31:44) Acknowledgements (2:33:18) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Sep 2h 36min

I’m excited to share episode one of a new podcast that I’ve helped create and produce. This new podcast is called David Senra, and it’s hosted by David Senra. For those of you not familiar with David Senra, he is an expert in all things related to greatness. He studies greatness and understands it, mostly in the domain of business but also among creatives, athletes and other world-class performers. This first episode of the podcast is with Daniel Ek, the co-founder and CEO of Spotify. It's an absolutely spectacular conversation that I'm certain you'll enjoy. With episode one of David Senra now available, please be sure to subscribe wherever you’re listening so you don't miss future episodes. You can also subscribe to the podcast on the platforms below. Spotify: https://spti.fi/TVrr557 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WaK1S6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidsenra X: https://x.com/davidsenra Chapters (0:00) Introduction from Dr. Andrew Huberman (1:13) Reflecting on a Life-Changing Conversation (2:30) Optimizing for Impact Over Happiness (5:21) The Journey of Self-Motivation (10:11) The Importance of Trust and Relationships (15:37) The Role of Criticism and Self-Reflection (17:37) The Evolution of an Entrepreneur (23:27) Building a Company True to Yourself (34:56) The Power of Trust in Business (42:25) Intellectual Humility and Learning from Others (42:49) Shadowing Leaders for Growth (45:01) Learning from Mark Zuckerberg (48:15) Balancing Personal Taste and Metrics in Product Decisions (53:35) The Evolution of Leadership at Spotify (59:13) Building a Company That Outlasts the Founder (1:15:25) Managing Energy Over Time (1:25:31) The Never-Ending Game of Life (1:25:54) Lessons from Henry Ford (1:27:08) The Value of Solving Problems (1:31:42) The Importance of Quality (1:37:20) The Power of Focus and Patience (1:54:32) Balancing Work and Life (2:00:25) The Journey of Self-Discovery (2:08:43) Final Reflections and Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Sep 2h 10min

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how the immune system defends against infection and describe the relationship between the immune and nervous systems. I discuss the immune system's three primary layers of defense, emphasizing how each contributes to protection from infection. I share practical tools to enhance immune function and accelerate recovery from sickness, including specific breathing patterns, sleep positioning and targeted supplementation. I also explore the powerful mind-body connection, showing how mindset and nervous system activation can directly influence the body's ability to heal. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Immune System & Nervous System (0:33) Immune System 101, Innate & Adaptive Immune Systems (8:03) Mucus & Microbiome, Tools: Nasal Breathing; Avoid Eyes; Ingest Fermented Foods (10:57) Sponsor: AG1 (12:04) Sickness Behavior & Vagus Nerve, Fever, Photophobia, Rest (16:43) Humoral Factors, Inflammatory Cytokines (18:14) Sleep & Enhancing Immune System, Glymphatic System, Tool: Elevate Feet (21:12) Sponsor: LMNT (22:44) Stress & Inflammation, Tool: Early Symptoms & Cyclic Hyperventilation (31:09) Positive Mindset & Immune Function, Dopamine (34:03) Electroacupuncture, Fascia, Catecholamines & Inflammation (36:22) Accelerating Recovery, Medication, Tool: Spirulina & Rhinitis (38:34) Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

25 Sep 39min