Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Mood, Alertness & Neuroplasticity

Welcome to a special edition of the 14th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. This episode is a recording of a live stream AMA, originally exclusive to our Annual and Lifetime 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 (00:00:34) 2023 Scientific Research Contributions (00:07:07) Anterior Mid Cingulate Cortex Studies: Discussion on Research & Findings (00:12:32) Evening Routines and Light: Insights on Managing Light Exposure Before Sleep (00:21:26) Light Therapy in Northern Regions: Tips for Coping With Limited Morning Light (00:28:48) Annual Health and Fitness Metrics: Key Metrics to Monitor Yearly (00:39:59) Dealing With Midnight Wakefulness: Strategies for Falling Back Asleep (00:46:41) Strength Training for Women: Protocols for Strength Without Hypertrophy (00:50:56) Full Body Scan MRIs: Evaluating the Benefits and Usage (00:55:07) Dog Wellness and Communication: Potential Exploration Into Canine Well-Being (00:56:17) Balancing Muscle Strength: Strategies for Equalizing Arm Strength (01:00:54) Content on Children's Development: Future Plans and Current Resources (01:03:23) Conclusion & Thank You Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Dec 20231h 5min

In this episode, my guest is Rick Rubin, world-renowned music producer of numerous award-winning artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Adele, Eminem, Slayer, and many more. Rick is also the host of the podcast Tetragrammaton and the author of the best-selling book about the creative process entitled “The Creative Act: A Way of Being.” In this Q&A episode, Rick explains the practical aspects of the creative process, such as specific morning and daily routines, the role of movement, and how to source and capture ideas, interpret dreams, and generate work-life balance. He also offers advice for those struggling with creative or motivation blocks. He explains how cultivating relationships with the unknown, uncertainty and life circumstances heightens the creative process. Rick’s insights into accessing your artistic spirit and direction apply to everyone and all realms of art, work, and life. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Rick Rubin (00:02:00) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:06:27) Tool: Coherence Breathing, Heart Rate Variability (00:09:32) Treading Water, Podcasts (00:11:45) Tool: Meditation Practices (00:15:43) Sunlight, Skin, Circadian Rhythm (00:20:00) Headphones, Natural Living, Diet (00:24:31) Artificial Intelligence (AI); Childhood; Magic & Mentalists (00:28:34) Tool: Writer’s Block, Creativity, Diary Entries; Deadlines (00:33:33) Sponsor: AG1 (00:35:54) Uncertainty; Creativity & Challenges; Sensitivity & Environment (00:40:43) Wrestling, Storytelling; Johnny Cash (00:48:51) Creative Endeavors & Outcome; Surprise in Oneself; Experimentation (00:56:36) Resistance; Business & Art (01:01:39) Source of Ideas; Internet & Information (01:08:31) Dreams & Interpretation; Unconscious Mind; Motivations, Art & Outcome (01:14:07) Career Advice, Book Writing, Diary Entries, Expressive Writing (01:19:25) Music Industry; Capturing Ideas; Money & Ingenuity (01:25:21) Audience; Innovative Ideas (01:29:35) Alcohol, Confidence, Psychedelics (01:35:10) Creativity, Chaos & Organization; Shocking Experiences (01:42:13) News & False Stories; Playing, Wonder & Childhood (01:46:58) Ramones; Henry Rollins (01:49:55) Daily Routine; Red Light, Circadian Rhythm & “Cheap Photons” (01:57:46) Creativity, Experience vs. Institutions; Work, Stress & Relationships (02:04:29) Book Recommendations; Ancestry & Creativity (02:07:41) Experiencing Music; Developing Albums (02:12:28) Music Videos; Book Interpretation; Current Projects & Documentaries (02:16:40) Podcasting & Conversation (02:25:41) 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

25 Dec 20232h 24min

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Robert Lustig, M.D., neuroendocrinologist, professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and a bestselling author on nutrition and metabolic health. We address the “calories in- calories out” (CICO) model of metabolism and weight regulation and how specific macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), fiber and sugar can modify the CICO equation. We cover how different types of sugars, specifically fructose, sugars found in liquid form, taste intensity, and other factors impact insulin levels, liver, kidney, and metabolic health. We also explore how fructose in non-fruit sources can be addictive (acting similarly to drugs of abuse) and how sugar alters brain circuits related to food cravings and satisfaction. We discuss the role of sugar in childhood and adult obesity, gut health and disease and mental health. We also discuss how the food industry uses refined sugars to create pseudo foods and what these do to the brain and body. This episode is replete with actionable information about sugar and metabolism, weight control, brain health and body composition. It ought to be of interest to anyone seeking to understand how specific food choices impact the immediate and long-term health of the brain and body. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Robert Lustig (00:02:02) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:06:41) Calories, Fiber (00:12:15) Calories, Protein & Fat, Trans Fats (00:18:23) Carbohydrate Calories, Glucose vs. Fructose, Fruit, Processed Foods (00:26:43) Fructose, Mitochondria & Metabolic Health (00:31:54) Trans Fats; Food Industry & Language (00:33:55) Sponsor: AG1 (00:37:04) Glucose, Insulin, Muscle (00:42:31) Insulin & Cell Growth vs. Burn; Oxygen & Cell Growth, Cancer (00:51:14) Glucose vs. Fructose, Uric Acid; “Leaky Gut” & Inflammation (01:00:51) Supporting the Gut Microbiome, Fasting (01:04:13) Highly Processed Foods, Sugars; “Price Elasticity” & Food Industry (01:11:51) Processed Foods & Added Sugars (01:14:19) Sugars, High-Fructose Corn Syrup (01:18:16) Food Industry & Added Sugar, Personal Responsibility, Public Health (01:30:04) Obesity, Diabetes, “Hidden” Sugars (01:34:57) Diet, Insulin & Sugars (01:38:20) Tools: NOVA Food Classification; Perfact Recommendations (01:43:46) Meat & Metabolic Health, Eggs, Fish (01:46:44) Sources of Omega-3s; Vitamin C & Vitamin D (01:52:37) Tool: Reduce Inflammation; Sugars, Cortisol & Stress (01:59:12) Food Industry, Big Pharma & Government; Statins (02:06:55) Public Health Shifts, Rebellion, Sugar Tax, Hidden Sugars (02:12:58) Real Food Movement, Public School Lunches & Processed Foods (02:18:25) 3 Fat Types & Metabolic Health; Sugar, Alcohol & Stress (02:26:40) Artificial & Non-Caloric Sweeteners, Insulin & Weight Gain (02:34:32) Re-Engineering Ultra-Processed Food (02:38:45) Sugar & Addiction, Caffeine (02:45:18) GLP-1, Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Tirzepatide), Risks; Big Pharma (02:57:390 Obesity & Sugar Addiction; Brain Re-Mapping, Insulin & Leptin Resistance (03:03:31) Fructose & Addiction, Personal Responsibility & Tobacco (03:07:27) Food Choices: Fruit, Rice, Tomato Sauce, Bread, Meats, Fermented Foods (03:12:54) Intermittent Fasting, Diet Soda, Food Combinations, Fiber, Food Labels (03:19:14) Improving Health, Advocacy, School Lunches, Hidden Sugars (03:26:55) 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

18 Dec 20233h 24min

Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a live event in Chicago, Illinois. This event was part of a lecture series called The Brain Body Contract. My favorite part of the evening was the question & answer period, where I had the opportunity to answer questions from the attendees of each event. Included here is the Q&A from our event at The Chicago Theatre. We'll be hosting four live events in Australia in February 2024. Limited tickets remain for our show in Melbourne on February 10, 2024, and our second show in Sydney at the Aware Super Theatre on February 18, 2024. For tickets and event details, please visit https://www.hubermanlab.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:42) What Is Your Best Advice to Keep My Brain Healthy in Old Age? (00:07:07) How Can I Optimize Sleep While Working 24 Hour Shifts? (00:10:17) How Does Hypnosis Therapy Work? (00:17:15) Psychedelics in Clinical Therapy (00:30:23) How Has Your Podcast Changed Your Life? (00:35:21) What Do You Feel Is the Next Big Thing in the Health Space? (00:44:31) Daylight Saving Time: Is It Worth the Productivity Trade-Off? (00:46:34) Enhancing Neuroplasticity: Strategies for a 19-Year-Old College Student (00:50:17) How Can We Transform the American Education System to Be More Effective? (00:54:06) Conclusion Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Dec 202354min

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Karen Parker, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Social Neurosciences Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. We discuss the biology of social connections and bonding in babies, children and adults. Dr. Parker explains our current understanding of autism and autism spectrum disorders: what they are, why the incidence of autism has increased so dramatically in recent years and both the current and emerging treatments for autism. We also discuss the condition formerly called “Asperger’s.” This episode ought to be highly relevant for anyone interested in child and human development, how social bonds form, and to those curious about autism and other spectrum conditions. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Karen Parker (00:01:30) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:06:25) Autism, Frequency, Diagnosis (00:10:41) Early Interventions; Heritability & Autistic Traits (00:13:00) Autistic Spectrums; Studying Autism (00:21:29) Environment, Risk Factors & In Utero Development (00:28:01) Sponsor: AG1 (00:31:26) Oxytocin, Vasopressin, Social Behavior & Parent-Child Bonding (00:43:240 Oxytocin in Humans; Social Features of Autism, Intranasal Oxytocin (00:55:16) Oxytocin & Autism; Benefit & Risks (01:06:30) Neuroplasticity & Autism; Early Intervention; Challenges of Early Diagnosis (01:14:30) MDMA & Autism (01:17:05) Vasopressin, Social Interaction; Voles & Parenthood (01:27:07) Human Social Connection, Oxytocin Levels & Autism (01:33:45) Primate Model of Social Impairment (01:42:47) Preclinical Animal Models, Mouse & Primates (01:47:11) Primates, Biomarkers & Social Connection; Vasopressin (01:52:20) Vasopressin Levels & Autism, Children & In Utero (02:03:06) Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) & Vasopressin; Urination; Alternative Therapies (02:10:32) Intranasal Vasopressin, Children, Autism & Social Responsiveness (02:19:15) Vasopressin & Social Connection, Mechanism & Future Studies (02:26:35) Gut Microbiome & Vasopressin; Scientific Funding (02:34:52) Vasopressin Pathways, Social Behavior, Autism (02:43:00) Vaccine Theory & Autism; Immunology (02:54:06) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Dec 20232h 51min

In this episode, my guest is Robert Greene, multiple New York Times bestselling author and expert on human psychology and behavior both at the individual and group levels and in the context of relationships, careers, and society. We discuss how to find, pursue and achieve one’s unique life purpose, and how to best learn from good and hard experiences along that journey. We discuss power dynamics in relationships, the different types of human communication and the interplay between seduction and vulnerability. We discuss how to find the right romantic partner, improve healthy self-awareness, the link between anxiety and creativity, and pick ideal mentors and role models. Robert also discusses his recent stroke and what he has learned from his near-death experience about motivation, urgency and appreciation for life. Listeners of all ages will benefit from Robert’s insights on navigating the process of building a deeply purposeful life and enhancing one’s relationship with the self, others and society.  For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Robert Greene (00:02:15) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:05:56) Mastery (The Book), Purpose (00:08:26) Finding Purpose, Childhood, Learning & Emotional Engagement (00:18:00) Early Interests, Delight & Discovery (00:22:50) Love vs. Hate Experiences & Learning (00:28:25) Self-Awareness, Frustration, Excitation (00:30:51) Sponsor: AG1 (00:33:18) Sublime Experiences, Real vs. False; Authenticity & Time (00:43:57) Power & Relationships; Purpose & Mastery (00:55:51) Seduction, Vulnerability, Childhood (01:08:05) Power Dynamics & Romance; Equality, Love Sublime & Connection (01:18:42) Vulnerability in Relationships, Creativity; Social Media, Justice (01:29:45) Outrage, Control, “Art of Ignore” (01:33:50) Masculinity & Femininity (01:42:16) Picking Role Models; Purpose & Mentor Relationship (01:51:07) “Alive” Thinking; Anxiety & Creativity (01:58:55) Convergent Interests & Romantic Relationships (02:07:19) Self-Awareness, Core Values & Romantic Relationships (02:15:27) Non-Verbal Communication & Relationships (02:24:58) Eyes, Voice, Intuition & Seduction (02:28:38) Virtual World, Social Skills, Non-Verbal Communication (02:32:19) Self-Awareness & Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nuance (02:41:43) Human Brain, Plasticity (02:45:18) Stroke & Near-Death Experiences, Self, Time (02:55:49) Appreciation & Near-Death Experience, Urgency (03:01:36) “Death Ground” & Urgency (03:09:13) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Dec 20233h 7min

Welcome to a preview of the 13th 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) Does Cold Weather Make You Sick? (00:21:58) Huberman Lab Premium In the full AMA episode, we discuss: Wim Hof Breathing and Sickness Articles Association of oral breathing with dental malocclusions and general health in children Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Nov 202324min

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Adam Grant, Ph.D., a professor of organizational psychology at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an expert in the science and practical steps for increasing motivation, maximizing and reaching our potential, and understanding how individuals and groups can best flourish. He is also an avid public educator, having written five bestselling books, delivered several top-ranking TED Talks and is the host of two psychology podcasts. We discuss how to overcome procrastination, how to increase intrinsic motivation (even for dreaded tasks), identify blind spots and rethink our assumptions, and how we can build a persistent growth mindset. We also explain tools to improve creativity and discuss the surprising relationship between creativity and procrastination. We then explore how to effectively solicit useful feedback and grow from constructive criticism and how you can improve your level of focus and attention using science-supported methods. We also discuss mental tools to get out of negative thought spirals, how to nurture potential in yourself or others, and the dark side of perfectionism. The discussion delivers more than a dozen science-supported protocols that are readily applicable to anyone seeking to live a more productive, fulfilling, and creative life. For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com. Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Adam Grant (00:01:53) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up (00:05:56) Procrastination & Emotion; Curiosity (00:14:06) Creativity & Procrastination; Motivation (00:20:48) Intrinsic Motivation & Curiosity (00:27:59) Tool: Tasks & Sense of Purpose (00:29:34) Sponsor: AG1 (00:32:34) Extrinsic Rewards, Choice; Social Media (00:42:24) Tool: “Quiet Time” Protocol, Chronotypes (00:49:20) Tool: Creativity: Mornings, Movement, Stillness (00:58:14) Tools: Ideas & Filtering, Feedback & Opinions, Advice (01:07:15) Tool: Constructive Criticism, “Second Score”; Verbs (01:14:40) Tool: Growth Mindsets, Scaffolding; Job Innovation (01:21:50) Tools: Task Sequencing & Intrinsic Motivation; Tapering & Frame of Reference (01:30:03) Tools: Momentum, Confidence & Domains; Negative Thought Spirals (01:36:16) Tool: Phone & “To Don’t” List; Writing Ideas (01:39:54) Tool: Bias Blindspot, Reflected Best-Self Portrait (01:45:36) Helping Others, Synthesizing Information (01:50:24) Modes of Thinking, Blind Spots & Assumptions (01:56:10) Thinking Like a Scientist: Hypothesis-Testing & Discourse, Social Media (02:05:150 Tool: Authenticity, Sincerity & Etiquette, “Snapshot” & Online Presence (02:12:49) Realizing Potential: Motivation, Opportunity & Process (02:21:53) Skills to Realize Potential, Perfectionism (02:27:52) Tool: Early Success & Performance Cycle, “Failure Budget” (02:31:56) Future Projects, Complex Issues & Challenging Ideas (02:40:10) Artistic Hobbies, Magicians (02:45:55) Science Communication, Interest & Self-Relevance (02:52:16) Languishing, Descriptive Language & Emotions (03:00:09) Tool: Nurture Potential in Children, “Coach Effect” (03:10:16) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Nov 20233h 7min