Creativity, Alcohol & Drug Use | Rick Rubin & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Rick Rubin shares his personal experiences and perspectives about peer pressure, alcohol, drugs and creativity with Dr. Andrew Huberman.
Rick Rubin is a world-renowned music producer who has worked with many award-winning artists. He also hosts the podcast Tetragrammaton and is the author of the best-selling book "The Creative Act: A Way of Being." Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
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[@danielnaberhaus5337]

I quit weed because of this podcast, and immediately quit playing music. And now that im back on the weed, im falling in love with music all over again.

[@eilonstoller7149]

Thats a good album to fall in love to🤘

[@Saintdream3]

This is relatable. I don't care much for music without weed. But honestly weed has plenty of cons

[@sunsetjunior9313]

I’m there right now. Almost a decade with weed mixed with guitar playing. Have noted little breaks in weed greatly reduced my creativity and interest. That said, I’m positive many great players dont smoke and I’m inspired to find a different route to that rewarding door. I’m almost a week without smoking now and sticking to that notion. Ultimately, it’s also easy to just go back to it too. I’ll just say I’m testing myself pretty hard hoping for all around betterment in life. Wish me luck….

[@travt7]

@@eilonstoller7149 311 Music is fantastic.

[@arch94]

Plants are wise but it’s rather sad when you can’t be on your own

[@germansent4168]

I’m a creative, professionally and recreationally, but now that I’m 35 I’m well on my way stopping consumption of alcohol even on weekends, and perhaps will only take edibles once in a blue moon, to pull myself out of reality, as it does something interesting to my creative process. Abusing these things is in my past, and Huberman has increasingly inspired me to focus on my physical and metal wellbeing the right way. Best wishes to both of you!

[@zsomborkovac5251]

Metal wellbeing is a bit a different thing haha

[@cozyslor]

Can you define "abusing"? I do various things recreationally and stay fit mentally and physically. These are not binary outcomes and the most important thing is to "know thyself". "With mogwai comes much responsibility".

[@codysearle366]

My metal being on a scale of 1 to Megadeth is yes.

[@larkdodge1403]

seriously. Just dont go mad with it. Every culture has embraced an altered state. Just do not let it become the norm.

[@MeMuppet444]

I quit weed and my playing got better, I can learn faster and I’m dreaming again. For me weed suppress my creativity.

[@rickygclef1611]

Have to agree and that was after smoking for decades . The dreams are frequent and vivid now . Drinking seems to disrupt my sleep now anything over 1 or 2 of anything

[@arguellescisnerosmovies2442]

For me it's the opposite ...i just write the Best songs and play really good ..xd

[@joeysocks5718]

Rick is 61 but doesn't look a day over 75

[@surfboarding5058]

86

[@cedwardmassey]

He doesn't look 61. But, do you remember when he did?

[@NanoMinardi]

Look like 161

[@cdane7]

I’ve read Rick’s book and followed a lot of his interviews and I have to say that it really surprises me that he has never taken a psychedelic. His whole nature and perspective on existence from what I can tell seems like someone who has experienced psychedelics. I guess it’s simply the everyday meditation practice that has gotten him past his ego and into a state of higher consciousness and awareness.

[@cozyslor]

Meh. The psychedelics are just a vehicle to get you there faster and more reliably (and more fun). You can get there without them.

[@devilsposterboy]

rick was a philosophy major in college so it makes sense. eastern philosophy will get you there too

[@whisperedaffirmations1453]

He could be neurodivergent, too.

[@JorshWarshington1]

He is playing a role. He's probably vaping and eating fast food.

[@deathisaprimitiveconcept]

Meditation is like going to the gym, psychedelics are like taking steroids. Do the work, be consistent and disciplined, and you will get the result. Or take the shortcut…. but in my experience there is no such thing as a free lunch.

[@DQuinlin]

I've always found the use of drugs and alcohol in art interesting. Obviously lots of artists use it and I do think it can enhance creativity especially if they feel like they're in a sort or rut or something. However, once it becomes the "only way" for them to access their creative side is when you start to see an artist struggle.

[@te9591]

Very insightful.

[@Yestherewego]

First it giveth and then it taketh away- Josh Homme.

[@te9591]

@@Yestherewego he's said that in an interview?

[@jamiehovis7722]

What artists use drugs for creativity? I’m not aware of too many if at all. Drugs kill creativity.

[@te9591]

@jamiehovis7722 i think the initial start of drugs can help creativity but the continued use as a coping mechanism kills creativity.

[@paullaborde1323]

Clicked on it to hear Rick Rubin on the topic but he didn't get a chance to expand

[@petepallett4639]

He wasn't given the opportunity to talk, unfortunately.

[@ShanePWagner]

1-2 beers before going on stage is so much better than no beers before going on stage. It loosens me up and helps me not overthink sometimes... but when practicing, rehearsing, and coming up with new ideas I find it's better to be sober

[@frlsh]

I'm much the same, but unfortunately find it really difficult to drink just one or 2 beers and I have often drunk way more with all the negativity which comes from that.

[@fencehopping]

"It's best to do mdma in a clinical setting with an eye mask on" is the most "ive only done mdma once in a clinical setting with an eye mask on" thing I've ever heard.

[@codysearle366]

Totally. You gotta get in a hotel, pop a couple triple stacks with a lady you are familiar with, play some good melodic music, and get in a cuddle puddle and root around....noobs. 🙄

[@larkdodge1403]

and

[@stevew3421]

Still waiting for Rick to weigh in on the subject.

[@jdub6153]

No one ever said, " I really turned my life around when I started drinking..."

[@victorfernandes5191]

I've always founded drugs to be a double-edged sword. When used sporadically, it can be inspirational. But if it becomes a habit, it's a hindrance.

[@Ottophil]

Everything is a habit. Might as well have one that makes doing nothing more fun

[@Yestherewego]

@@Ottophil do nothing for 20 years and come back and tell us if it was worth it.

[@taylorjanegreen1]

This is great and I’m surprised at many of the comments below…oddly attacking and defensive… Rick seems amazing and I want to hear the whole podcast.

[@coyotecreekband236]

Unfortunately the interview was 90% interviewer talking and 10% Rick.

[@shawnc318]

Guy talks too much

[@UncleNastyDjango]

@@shawnc318 logical, he's the interviewer.

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

Every time Rick responds with "Interesting", he's being sarcastic. His face doesn't lie.

[@newmonkmusicproject8336]

Every time drugs are mentioned “responsibly” - it still mentions that there are risks - why bother then. The clarity from staying sober has never been a deterrent of creativity

[@helenespaulding7562]

Another “never drinker or drug user” in the music business for 55 years, is Leland Sklar, top studio and touring bassist. I only mention this because it’s such a funny coincidence that Lee has an even longer white beard than Rubin. 😁

[@zachleary108]

Art, creativity and drugs will be forever inextricably linked. Sometimes for the better and then the all too common stories of for the worse. But there's no escaping the reality that drugs (mostly psychedelics) have changed the course of music for the better. It's interesting to me that Rick hasn't gone there but it sure seems like he's going to!

[@GFitz22]

Two grown-ups listening without interrupting each other, what a novel concept.

[@DJMightyFresh]

Rick talked for 45 seconds of this video

[@BinocularRivalry]

My creative process is improvisational. Cannabis allows me to open my mind and not overanalyze or object to what I'm doing. Curious if others started this way and found a better path, or even vice versa.

[@arguellescisnerosmovies2442]

As a jazz guitarist and a natural creative person weed is just the Best option...I play better, more fast...My ideas flow better..Ive been 5 years doing this and im not stopping

[@peterwipf5215]

Frank Zappa was battling this prejudice most of his life, people (fans, probably journalists) insisting that he must be on drugs to create the kind of music he did. He understood the relation between the two: drugs don't promote but interfere with creativity.

[@ummagumma00]

I stopped drinking because of Huberman!

[@engelbertus1406]

first it giveth than it taketh away

[@kyrgyzstanification]

Mushrooms can help you stop drinking if you think you are a problem drinker. When you're high on them, you can step outside yourself (not like an out of body experience though) and see how you're hurting yourself physically or just using alcohol to avoid dealing with trauma or boredom.

[@DyceFreak]

Standup paddle boarding down a nice river on a perfect sunny day while on mushrooms: highly recommended and pun intended.

[@giobowman5631]

100 percent agree with you 🍄

[@robertwiles8106]

I have been legit drunk twice in my life. Once circa 1987 in 8th grade was deliberate. I did not like the feeling, especially DOING THINGS AND NOT REMEMBERING LATER. I saw the profound danger in THAT and knew alcohol wasn't for me. The second time, summer 1993 in Florence, was accidental. I just drank too much wine on a hot afternoon and it hit me on a delay. I drink, I enjoy the taste and i enjoy a drink. I've been around drinking my whole like. MY PARENTS ALLOWED ME TO DRINK WHEN I WAS A CHILD. I just decided after that 8th grade experience that alcohol was not for me. I always stop before i get to the point of intoxication.

[@whisperedaffirmations1453]

I don't get why people drink. But my body has an abnormal response to it.

[@giaximoi]

straight edge for life.

[@kates6371]

I love Rick Rubin

[@larkdodge1403]

Hey Beyonce.

[@RomanZajats]

do not drink at all , do not do other drugs or cigarettes. Just smoking cannabis

[@reethkitchards]

Pot and Music are all you need.

[@BillMcGirr]

Interesting conversation. Good stuff. I’m a drunk and love everything about it.👍🥃 But I appreciate everyone doing themselves.😊

[@haevan92]

finally someone who makes sense

[@robvendetti]

Are artists more "creative" under or with substance abuse, Rick? I think we missed the opportunity to get his thoughts on this question

[@arguellescisnerosmovies2442]

Enhances creativity sure but You have to have the natural talent...otherwise is not doing anything

[@Hexspa]

Several things. Psilocybin: Has a lot of clinical support for depression. Most experiences are positive but some are negative. It may also have anti-addictive effects, like for alcohol use disorder or smoking. It has a mildly negative effect on creativity, according to some research into convergent and divergent thinking. Cannabis: No observed effect on creativity in the research I’ve seen. Also, it may be linked to higher activity levels and lower BMI (body fat). Concentrates may put you in the hospital. MDMA: Completed phase 3 trials for PTSD but has been rejected by the FDA, last I checked. Interestingly, its empathogenic effect is shared with regular methamphetamine. So it’s reasonable to think some meth users are self medicating for similar emotional effects. LSD: For as much cultural hype it once had, there’s very little evidence for its practical use. Of course, like other substances, anecdotal claims can vary in extremis. Respect the law, but never forget that the law is malleable and your vote matters.

[@mirkomarkovic3438]

Ok

[@Sigil777]

Drinking in any amount I feel is automatically never good for the brain and body, however, with marijuana I wonder if there is some way to measure the benefits and cons of pot depending on the strain and the amount the person is taking and how often, weekly or monthly, to go over that threshold to make it non-beneficial anymore if that makes sense.

[@quartzparchmentshears8368]

I think the view of many in society that alcohol is not a drug, and therefore socially acceptable, is not helped with titles such as this video. It really should be Alcohol & Other Drug Use. Otherwise it's like saying "oranges and fruit".

[@matrixmatico695]

I love drinking but can't....Well I can and I do but not like I used to .And i wonder if its because I took Ozempic .And I heard it takes away the cravings in some people

[@leepd1]

Drugs..? Just say how much.. its all down to the individual to understand the negative aspects, and that requires an honest conversation with yourself.. i write and record in my home studio, and after dinner at night will have a smoke and proceed to enjoy myself, but.. im lucky, in that ive no interest in abusing it all day and night, cos i just don't want to spend my entire day shit faced.. for those that don't have the same capacity, then you have to be careful and face reality.. i do it to enhance the moment.. if you do it to get away from problems in your life, then you will need to re-evaluate..

[@JWD1992]

I picture someone who didn't know who these guys were thinking the thumbnail is like a "before and after drugs" comparison.

[@Emlizardo]

I didn't catch the part about creativity.

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

We think we are more creative when we’re stoned, because we are more easily impressed when we’re stoned

[@Ghoopty]

Well, my take on that is - I’m a musician, and have found that (in the past) musical ideas came to me more easily when I was stoned. A good analogy is my songwriting wi-fi had better reception (or something). Nowadays it’s run its course with me, like squeezing a sponge that is completely dry. So I generally leave it alone.

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

@@Ghoopty I understand that. When I think back, my old Lsd days had few boundaries ..lol

[@Goldenspiderducck]

Hey, how does one get into these “therapeutic trials”? Asking for a friend…

[@mauricekirya]

hahahahah

[@Croot_Music]

If you ever want to quit doing drugs/drinking, just go to party/bar sober and observe how people act when they're fucked up lol

[@sandrothesandro]

He’s pretty eager to talk about drugs unprompted.

[@TR-yi8up]

Ed Muskie used ibogaine and it brought down his campaign in ‘72

[@Matthew-zw9su]

Good stuff, thanks.

[@erikw4643]

As a part of a clinical trial? Hmmm... Naughty Huberman

[@TimothyBarrymusic]

Absolute sobriety at all times…both physical and emotional. Try Al-anon for a true inner journey…

[@weldroid]

Obviously… there was very little RR in this clip..

[@TonyJuanPailos]

Dude, I thought Rick Rubin was on shrooms like constantly. How can you be like that without having ever tried psychedelics, is he born with like an anthena to the ether or something?

[@jono1386]

meditation can have the same effect if you do it seriously. and rick is doing it since his childhood

[@StevenCharlesJazz]

Agree, his reflective nature, and serious meditation practice, can certainly put one in a similar zone as psychedelics. In my own life, psychedelics transformed my entire consciousness, as if there was my life "pre-18yrs of age", & a true rebirth, in that 17-18yrs old period, of experiences with LSD primarily. Since my usage was on a pretty conscious level, not simply as a party drug, once I felt I was in "that place", similar to how we perceive Rick to be, I just stopped tripping, as I saw it like an alarm clock, so that once awake, I no longer needed it to keep on ringing. However, I'm quite glad I didn't do them in the kind of clinical setting Andrew speaks of, having a therapist "guiding" you, can be a blessing or a curse, as they're going to have an idea of how it should go, and I don't see that as the best way for us to "find ourselves". I don't know if I would've benefitted as much, in so clinical a setting. I did most of my tripping, while attending so many incredible concerts ('69/'70), usually on my own, to better completely absorb the music, and allow my own thoughts to flow unobstructed. I also believe those experiences led me to become the lifelong musician I am to this day. I tell folks, I learned to play via "osmosis", absorbing the music during all those concerts...

[@lescorlett4133]

I smoked weed way before I joined a band.

[@lukesinclair5668]

Dj Vlad would even say: "This guy talks too much"

[@scottswygert7165]

Go Kentucky!

[@UncleMontysPython]

Yeah, I've done every drug known to man... "as part of a therapeutic trial".

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Don't lie Andrew you know you took mdma at EDC and was dancing to Tiesto

[@chascopley]

huberman talks a lot huh

[@UncleJoeHikes]

I find Andrew's feelings on alcohol hard to jibe with his ideas about hallucinogens and a bit disappointing. I realize the negative effects of alcohol are well documented and easily plotted but the effects of drugs on the brain are not easily plotted and understood as yet, like much of the brain; particularly in the realm of the intangibles.

[@flipjupiter1]

Ive never been a drinker, but I have drank. Just never liked it. Never drank beers, but I did enjoy tequila and whiskey at concerts and night clubs. Have not drank in several years. Now weed, I loved blazing. Happiest times of my life. I quit smoking about 6 or 7 years ago and have been miserable since. I was happier, more tolerant of this shithole society, enjoyed everything more including women and friends and family. Point of my story. Everyone is different. What works for you? Enjoy in moderation and being sober is fun too. Although, not as much. Does Rick ever smile in interviews? Good luck all you shitty drivers.

[@dizmix]

How about hair products?? You use any of those??

[@brax26]

Rick Rubin......living the dream. Can't play an instrument, write a chart or sing on key. Doesn't actually make artists do things over and over until it's better. Let's them decide when they're done and oftentimes just sits on the couch and listens nodding his head and then leaves the room. Red Hot chili peppers, system of a Down have both said this. I was totally tricked into thinking he was a genius and then I read his book and realized that he actually isn't producing anything. He's not coming up with any music. He's not coming up with any sounds. He just has a cool studio where people feel free to create. He's not actually part of the creative process. He doesn't create anything. He just waxes philosophically

[@alexandersargeaunt2643]

Anthony Kleidis said that “Under the Bridge” would have stayed hidden away in a notebook had it not been for Rick Rubin. Artists are not good at separating themselves from their art, and seeing the forest through the trees. Rick has a magical gift to help artists focus and produce their best work. And the proof is in the pudding.

[@TheNudeBrewer]

But that's LITERALLY what his job/ job title is. He's not a "creator." He's a "PRODUCER." If you don't understand the overwhelming genius of Rick Rubin, if his body of work doesn't speak for itself, then you're a special kind of denialist troll.

[@hypnotechno]

well spotted

[@shornz82]

If you think about it, he is a genius. He has stated that he just simply "knows what he likes" "knows whats good and what makes him nod his head and tap his foot" and this guy made an amazing career out of that. Pretty crazy.

[@brax26]

@@shornz82 And that's exactly what an A&R guy is. This guy has achieved legendary status as a producer when he absolutely doesn't produce anything. That annoys the shit out of me but that's my problem 😂

[@MCSA210]

Is this an interview or a sales pitch for drgs ?

[@djangog2770]

The Beatles!

[@jayachandranthampi4807]

Interesting to hear on Eye mask....these Psychedelic & similar things, take us to our Unconscious side. So one must avoid feeding sense given data or information as it can get directly impressed there. So in meditation, they say, one must learn to be non reactive to senses before entering meditative states. Senses can make Conscious mind to be "Ego driven" & this can be dangerous as it will not accept the realities in Unconscious level. This lead to conflict & lose control of life. Its addiction. So there must be extreme discipline & training before moving into Unconscious level. Thats where the "body less" things "Live" , or the shape shifters come alive when we are in there. They catch our Ego / Identity / Form to get educed out. The animals there dont know logic & they thus are extremely powerful. Dopamine driven, they can drain us. Dopamine without cortical strength (Training) is pure Mind - dark, powerful, expansive & addiction is result. Thats why one calls god from a deficient state, will receive deficiency only. Gods are driven by intensity of core feeling than our cortical logic. Thats our involuntary system. Desire must be based on deservability & so one must first make oneself deservable & then desire - Pay Attention. That is, spend energy (training) to Act so one can be Inactive....Inactive Act or Active Inaction. Yes, Eye mask cuts away senses ....

[@glennhunter1430]

Name me one band that made it big that didn’t indulge in drugs and alcohol at least early on. The alternative is the Osmond brothers.

[@Yestherewego]

@@glennhunter1430 You never heard of the straight edge punks?

[@robertfanoele]

Frank Zappa

[@hueycc]

Rush

[@jamiehovis7722]

Most bands write their best music sober (nirvana , Red Hot Chili Peppers, zeppelin, strokes) and fall apart with their creativity dead if they indulge in drugs.

[@raoulduke3770]

@@hueyccRush smoked a lot of weed

[@RDX1981]

Thats Great question. I dont believe drugs helps you creativity at least not for me , just an lame excuse to get high , Destroy your life and the people around you suffer ...

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

That MDMA experience of someone contemplating a plant for 6 hours has probably never happened. Have you ever tried molly yourself Mr Huberman?

[@vishalpanchal911]

18-MC

[@Jussme74]

Umm Rick’s alcohol abuse was substituted with chips, donuts and soft drinks

[@ImYourOverlord]

Forget MDMA. Really, forget all pharmaceuticals. Eat mushrooms. Ingest THC.

[@m.hughes2521]

As an old roadhouse musician, I must say weed won't kill you but when I drink, I can't hear my amp for shit.

[@MegaLochgelly]

Basically don't do anything he talks about.

[@ysius]

So this übermann asks a question but is the only one talking after it lol

[@hypnotechno]

he does seem to like the sound of his own voice.

[@IreneTimmy]

Ask the black Crowes how they feel about this quack,charleton Rubin 😮😢

[@alexmidthun7336]

The doctor gives rubin his stuff Xanax oxycodone and Adderall

[@thomasmilet2879]

That must be the biggest reason I don't like Rubin's productions. Plus the records don't sound like it's been produced by the same person...

[@Yestherewego]

@@thomasmilet2879 producers don't necessarily have a sound.

[@jamiehovis7722]

There’s definitely an identifiable sound. He uses a lot of compression and it sounds lively rather than clean or murky .

[@crowonawirehome]

Both these guys seem kind of uptight.

[@gosselinluke]

I thought alcohol was a drug?

[@thenumber1kidd811]

Mdma goes perfectly with music, dancing and good vibes. Never wanted a therapist near me. Lots of deep talks with friends and openness with strangers, etc. Of course, also done it in sketchy environments, but I'm here to tell the tales. That being said, i have little interest in doing any drugs nowadays, maybe as I've done a lot. Not into drinking anymore particularly, i like some edibles and mushrooms still intrigue me 🎉🩵💖💚🙏🏼

[@zipperpillow]

Quitters.

[@AnaYañez-w1c]

😮

[@Frebarros]

In the end this guy will be sponsored by not the big tabacco or bir alcohol. it will be for big mushrooms

[@williamhubel4643]

This is just like two normal guys talking about drugs they’ll never enjoy

[@basscase78]

What a strange interview

[@RoyGreen-ee1bq]

yawn.......smoke a bowl and listen to Lee Scratch Perry....these dudes are so holier than thou...

[@patrickrobinson6765]

Great conversation. NOT.

[@worldlanguages-secondlangu5663]

what a waste if time talking about this topic with him. He looked so no interested.

[@jasperchance3382]

This is the most boring video I've ever seen.

[@prezdentraygun8790]

Alcohol is fkn lame.