Dr. Robert Malenka: How Your Brain’s Reward Circuits Drive Your Choices

In this episode, my guest is Robert Malenka, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine who has made numerous seminal discoveries of how the brain changes (neuroplasticity) in response to learning and in response to rewarding and reinforcing experiences. We discuss the brain’s several reward systems involving dopamine and serotonin and how these motivate us to seek out specific behaviors and substances. We discuss how these reward systems are modified based on context and our memories, and how they can be hijacked toward maladaptive drug seeking in addiction. We also explore how reward systems influence social connections, oxytocin and empathy and how that applies to our understanding of autism spectrum disorders. This episode should be of interest to those interested in neuroplasticity, social bonding, addiction, autism, learning and motivation.
#HubermanLab #Science #Neuroscience
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Dr. Robert Malenka
Stanford academic profile: profiles.stanford.edu/robert-...
Publications: profiles.stanford.edu/robert-...
Current clinical trial: clinicaltrials.stanford.edu/t...
MapLight: maplightrx.com/team/robert-ma...
LinkedIn: / robert-malenka-09b3a016b
Articles
Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA: bit.ly/3PNs2ze
Oxytocin receptor is not required for social attachment in prairie voles: bit.ly/3XLguOZ
Gating of social reward by oxytocin in the ventral tegmental area: bit.ly/3rigeee
Anterior cingulate inputs to nucleus accumbens control the social transfer of pain and analgesia: bit.ly/44z3qP1
Social reward requires coordinated activity of nucleus accumbens oxytocin and serotonin: go.nature.com/44iOQvl
Selective filtering of excitatory inputs to nucleus accumbens by dopamine and serotonin: bit.ly/44UG8n1
Serotonin receptor regulation as a potential mechanism for sexually dimorphic oxytocin dysregulation in a model of Autism: bit.ly/44DS24e
5-HT modulation of a medial septal circuit tunes social memory stability: go.nature.com/3rjlXk7
Other Resources
MapLight: maplightrx.com
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): maps.org
MindMed: mindmed.co
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Robert Malenka
00:02:37 Sponsors: ROKA & Levels
00:05:21 Dopamine & Reward Circuitry
00:11:31 Reward, Arousal, Memory & Dopamine
00:17:34 Context, Cues & Dopamine Modification
00:25:38 Memory & Reward Scaling
00:30:50 Dopamine, “Addictive Liability” & Route of Administration
00:39:07 Sponsor: AG1
00:40:04 Drugs of Abuse & Brain Changes; Addiction & Individual Variability
00:50:51 Reinforcement vs. Reward, Wanting vs. Liking
00:57:50 Opioids, Psychostimulants & Dopamine
01:03:38 Sponsor: LMNT
01:04:51 Self-Doubt, Confidence & Career
01:12:40 Autism Spectrum Disorder
01:19:29 Pro-Social Interaction & Reward; Oxytocin, Serotonin & Dopamine
01:30:30 Nucleus Accumbens & Behavior Probability
01:38:28 Reward for Pro-Social Behavior
01:43:13 Social Media & “Addictive Liability”; Gambling
01:52:17 Pain, Social Behavior & Empathy
02:02:19 Empathy Circuitry, Dopamine & Serotonin
02:10:07 Autism Spectrum Disorder & Social Interactions, Empathy
02:17:23 MDMA, Serotonin & Dopamine; Addiction & Pro-Social Effects
02:28:13 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Behavior, MDMA & Pharmacology
02:37:18 Serotonin, MDMA & Psychedelics
02:40:16 Psychedelics: Research & Therapeutic Potential
02:47:57 Zero-Cost Support, KZbin Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - www.blabacphoto.com
Disclaimer: hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

[@lisa-marieL]

You don't understand the excitement I get from your Podcasts, it's so rare to have such a beautifully documented package of education for free. I'm so thankful

[@abhinav_shrinet]

That is called addiction 😅. His Podcast activates your Dopamine.

[@lisa-marieL]

​@@abhinav_shrinetexactly :D + the estrogen from pregnancy make every excitement extremely intense 😂 yesterday I cried over the book Outlive by Peter Attia

[@abhinav_shrinet]

@@lisa-marieL congrats have a healthy baby 💐 Nowadays I'm reading book Cosmos by Carl Sagan after that I'll read Outlive.

[@Ephesians-yn8ux]

You desperately need to find a husband

[@lisa-marieL]

@@Ephesians-yn8ux he's just as hyped about neuroscience as I am :D

[@jacksondnj]

“Nucleus Accumbens' comes from Latin, where 'nucleus' means 'kernel' or 'core,' and 'accumbens' means 'lying beside.' Together, they refer to a specific region in the brain that plays a crucial role in the brain's reward circuitry and motivation. Now, to celebrate the beauty of this scientific marvel, here's a short poem: In depths of mind, where desires flow, Nucleus accumbens, a force to bestow. Reward's true essence, it holds dear, A catalyst for joy, or a fleeting tear.

[@remissao13]

It's lying beside one of the important septs, or walls, of the brain!

[@daytonortiz9973]

Bro asked chatgpt for a poem about his Nucleus accumbens

[@amirnaderi8470]

Whatever nerd 🤓 😆

[@randomisedrandomness]

chat gpt detected

[@jacksondnj]

@@daytonortiz9973 ChatGPT, our secret scribe so bright, Crafts comments in the soft screen light. Yet if unmasked, hold no despair, It's AI-assistance, fair and square.

[@danielbasilioseyler1]

Please just pay attention to how careful, articulate, and precise in the language is Dr Malenka with any topic IN his expertise. He is probably one of the most influential and prominent neuroscientists of his generation, with 40 years of career at Standford, 300+ publications, and awards... Now compare that with how influencers talk, affirm, and discuss any topic... That's exactly what's wrong in today's society... Kudos to Dr. Huberman helping amplify this level of scientist for society at large.

[@natko230]

Dr Malenka, such a humble man who actually has enormous amount of knowledge but yet still hungry for more. - This is what I was thinking throughout the podcast.

[@HereForToday42]

So happy to see Dr. Huberman (who is probably the best on KZbin) interview Dr. Rob Malenka- not only is Dr. Malenka a creative and brilliant researcher and scientist, he's articulate in explaining to us "regular" folks- AND he's also got a great sense of humor, AND is one of the nicest people on the planet- I know because he and my brother were good friends back in college, and still are friends today.

[@hellstenlight9454]

In today's society we also have access to videos like these. Shaming influencers will not achieve anything

[@cruzilla6265]

Not saying Malenka doesn't deserve his reputation BUT his comment about the high addictive liability of cigarettes and the black market in tobacco was kinda weird

[@cruzilla6265]

By that standard, Louis Vuitton also has a high addictive liability..

[@RyanGetLow]

I've been sober (alcohol) for just over 6 months now, purely by my own choice, and the longer I go, the less I want to drink again. I really am enjoying the sobriety more than the wanting to drink. The abstinence truly is the reward now.

[@spikips9375]

noticed similiar effect when i did my 12 month journey. The first drink after 12 months i realised that alcohol is really not that great and i do not enjoy it the same anymore

[@lmvath211]

I love it on days I’m completely lazy or need to recharge, I don’t feel guilty. I just need a break, with out the guilt that I’m a boozing looser. Just lazy lol or my nervous system heads more nurturing than I took time to realize.

[@BrewmasterN8]

That is awesome! You must have changed the people and places you chill with and at... Good work man! It feels so good to accomplish a goal like that. Congratulations on expanding your midsingular antiriot cortex...or whatever it's called will power baby! Woohoo

[@user-lv1uw8ke9k]

You are blessed, this is A HUGE struggle for me right now… i can’t figure it out, frustrates me to no end. Covid messed me up so bad, ruined my life so I picked up this nonsense…I been in fitness my whole life, now I’m this dumbass… it’s opposite world. I hate it…

[@BrewmasterN8]

Excuse me, I have more good news I recently learned one of my friends is celebrating 36 years sober and 72 years old! It's like a double bday!💪 When time without a vise becomes your milestones of encouragement, then you get encouragement every year by your own accomplishment. Our instinct is to fall back to habits when we get frustrated with ourselves. Like a Dieter that ate a cupcake and said forget it this is too hard and ordered a full cake for good measure. That's a trap and it's so easy to do because it is a fall...no effort, but the work you are doing takes effort to resist the fall back or habit - and when that effort is hard to do you are pushing through the frustration and effort is strengthening your will power. Also, you can be someone's friend because of your strength you may be able to carry them in their time of weakness. God bless

[@jopo7996]

Finally, Andrew is mentioning dopamine on the podcast. It's about time!

[@weehooweehoo]

🤣🤣

[@chazlon5061]

nothing gets by you

[@HardxCorpsxKali]

I was wondering if he was ever going to broach the topic that he seemingly always avoids no matter what the subject matter. 😂

[@yunluma8057]

@@HardxCorpsxKali if I saw it correctly, doesn’t he already have 3 videos about dopamine?

[@HardxCorpsxKali]

@@yunluma8057 I’ll bet you’re really fun at parties.

[@Shamala-Hairless]

I often think about Andrew Hubermans story of when he was in the hospital and all of his dopamine was suppressed by pharmaceuticals, causing him to spiral into the deepest depression he has ever experienced. Thank goodness he knew what to tell the doctors to give him to level out his hormones. Since learning this, I have taken my hormone health much more seriously. Thank you to Huberman for making so much medical science available to so many people and for sharing so much of his personal experiences with us❤

[@Bea54694]

Where did he share that story?

[@Shamala-Hairless]

@@Bea54694 It was a show from 1 year ago. It is labeled 'Dopamine, Mindset, and Drive. The title of the show is 'Controlling your dopamine for motivation focus and satisfaction.'

[@annhank128]

@@Shamala-Hairless thank you for mentioning this story. I must have missed the episode. I am going to listen!

[@Shamala-Hairless]

@@annhank128 You're welcome. It's a great episode!

[@sazennonumber]

Too bad that surgeons can't give helpful directions to their operation doctors while under anesthesia. 😂

[@n8works]

As long as Huberman is still out here fighting the good fight, I still have faith in the world. 👍

[@pablodejesusfieiro1337]

What a banger, I cannot stress enough how much I (and all of us) apreciate you Dr. Huberman.

[@Eurisko229]

💯

[@JacquelineRadcliffe]

I've been a Huberman fanatic for over a year now. He has changed my life, I was an alcohol abuser and I had no direction in my life. At 32, I've finally enrolled in a Health Science degree and I have committed to sobriety. I now thrive on 4:30 a.m. mornings, and my moods are so much more stable. Andrew Huberman is an absolute gem to society, I wish I'd found his work sooner, and I hope his content continues to reach others in such positively impactful ways. A society with better top-down control would be world changing. Thank you for everything you do, Andrew. ❤

[@MindNow]

I am currently reading Dopamine Nation, thanks to Andrew Huberman, and now this episode is released. Coincidence? Yes.. it is 😂

[@fallenIights]

Yes it is

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

O.o Also, looking down like that on a computer monitor or mobile monitor is bad for your posture, and kills productivity, too.

[@noahtah1511]

listened to the audiobook, great stuff and even a bit humorous at time!

[@TheBswan]

The Molecule of More is another good book on dopamine Huberman has recommended in the past

[@ericjtomsky]

You must’ve been really happy and had a huge dopamine release since you didn’t expect this episode to release and it correlates to what you’re currently reading! 😂

[@Kuk0san]

Andrew, I am continually amazed how down to earth and humble all of these guests are. Far from the caricature of a grumpy pedantic academic. Perhaps it is because these people are well accomplished in their field.

[@awp2910]

Exactly!!! I always reflect about that when watching theses guests talk!

[@ambition112]

0:00: 🧠 Dopamine is a major neuromodulator in the brain's reward circuitry, signaling what is reinforcing or rewarding in our environment. 13:24: 🧠 The dopamine reward circuitry in the brain is highly complex and context-dependent, modulating our responses to various stimuli. 33:04: 💊 The addictive liability of a substance is directly correlated with the amount of dopamine released and the kinetics of dopamine release. 40:59: 🧠 Drugs of abuse can cause powerful changes in the dopamine reward circuitry, leading to addiction in some individuals but not others. 59:59: 💊 Different substances impact dopamine reward circuitry differently, but opioids and psychostimulants both cause a release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. 1:09:00: ✨ The speaker's research journey led them to study social behaviors and develop behavioral models of empathy in mice. 1:23:11: 💡 The nucleus accumbens plays a role in promoting pro-social non-aggressive behaviors and inhibiting other behaviors. 1:37:42: 💻 The human brain is highly tuned for social interactions, which evolved for reproductive purposes and protection against predators. 1:51:06: 💡 The researcher discusses their interest in empathy and compassion, and how they study it through behavioral assays in mice. 2:10:26: 💡 Autism spectrum disorder involves variations in brain wiring that may result in a lack of reinforcement from social interactions, but the potential therapeutic uses of oxytocin and related neuropeptides are still being explored. 2:17:57: 🧠 MDMA, an amphetamine derivative, affects both the dopamine and serotonin systems in the brain, with a higher affinity for serotonin. It has addictive liability and pro-social effects mediated by dopamine and serotonin, respectively. 2:33:02: 🧠 The use of drugs like MDMA and psychedelics in neuroscience research and therapy shows promise but requires rigorous and ethical study. 2:47:58: 🎙 Dr. Robert Malenka discusses neuroplasticity, reward systems, social connection, and empathy on the Huberman Lab podcast. Recap by Tammy AI

[@luvdvno]

Thank you!

[@youcannotfailatbeingyourse9547]

Thank you 👍

[@MW-fi7we]

Dude I see you everywhere 😂

[@elainehopper998]

Thank you for this breakdown!!

[@willow1698]

Thans for the emojis too

[@hicksa1]

I'm blown away at the fact he said he's in his late 70's! He looks amazing!

[@TribeOfCooks]

Thank you for all you do Dr. Huberman!!

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

:3 Also, looking down like that on a computer monitor or mobile monitor is bad for your posture, and kills productivity, too.

[@Kangassero]

Few months back I posted a comment about wanting to quit an addiction, not alcohol, something else. I did it, from one day to another. It was not easy, mood swings were insane. But I did it. I read lot of books, any books, mainly of stoic philosophy and I kept going. That helped me to go through. I found my path.

[@denasharpe2393]

Congratulations on your difficult and hard won success ❤

[@Monkaii]

I'm very grateful for the effort you put into scripting, recording and delivering consistent, valuable information across all of your episodes. Myself and many others have benefited from implementing the tools mentioned so I'd like to thank you for your efforts, Andrew

[@hubermanlab]

You're most welcome! Thank you for your interest in science!

[@AnthonyManzio]

​@@hubermanlab Coffee gives dementia in the long run.

[@bruler7264]

Just started reading Atomic habits and now a podcast on behavioural science drops. Perfect timing

[@thestephanieo815]

What do you think so far? I wasn’t impressed tbh. I feel like it stated the obvious but Mr. James Clear collected good money now

[@misslayer3340]

Not quite... It's definitely a neuroscience and neurobiology fovused podcast. Some psychology and behavioral too, if there is concrete science behind it (which isn't always the case for the latter 2) obviously they're all related fields but they're not the same. Dr Huberman is a neurobiologist and he's been doing the podcast for a few years now. It's literally the best thing on KZbin, or pretty much anywhere❤

[@tomatoeggs48]

A full episode on the topic of autism would be very welcome by the entire community!

[@Kwildcat13]

It defiantly would as long as the crazies don’t come on and say autism is vaccine based it’s DNA ..

[@misslayer3340]

Ha! i feel ya,..but something tells me those particular kinds of people wouldn't want to hang out here... I dont think they care too much for evidence-based science lol

[@meganschall]

As a nutrition coach and personal trainer (and someone who has been on a long health journey with chronic fatigue), I've had a lot of formal education around health and wellness, and I can honestly say I've learned more practical, applicable information and tools to improve well-being from this podcast than probably everything else combined. And not only have I learned a ton, but I've actually implemented the strategies - both for myself and with clients - and they work. I'm so grateful for this amazing (free!) resource, and I genuinely look forward to the podcast each week. (If only there was a way to get continuing education credits...😉)

[@Googs5]

What things have you learned from the podcast that you now do in your life?

[@meganschall]

@@Googs5 Sunlight exposure, sauna/cold exposure, nutrition/supplement protocols, exercise protocols, stress reduction tools, caffeine consumption/timing, strategies for focus and learning...there are probably more I'm not thinking of at the moment :) I've also successfully avoided jet lag when traveling overseas (6 times in the past 18 months) using the strategies in the jet lag episode!

[@mommybreakdown]

One of the most beneficial reasons for understanding dopamine is the release of shame ❤

[@TheBroSplit]

Is this right how so?

[@mommybreakdown]

@@TheBroSplit Hi! In the sense that many people who are addicted feel shame for their behavior. They beat themselves up because they go back to what is hurting them time and time again. By understanding how dopamine works, it releases the shame and gives a physical cause to their behavior. Then they can hack their brains by shifting dopamine to other healthy habits.

[@llkoolbean4935]

Very profound statement

[@vignesh4214]

@@infiniteshoeblack That's very insightful. Thank you.

[@quannguyendinh335]

I haven't watched it yet but according to the basic theory I learned in reinforcement learning, it definitely has something to do with our brain attaching a reward dopamine (sometimes other neurochemicals) to all our actions. Thank you Dr. Huberman, humanity will later remember you as the first person to popularize applied neuroscience to millions of people around the world

[@eloraibyunivers]

Thanks for all you do professor!

[@lievesaillart8642]

Fascinating dialogue. I am going to watch it again. I am from Belgium, my mother tongue is Dutch. I speak French and English too, but luckily I can pause the video now and then. Thank you both very much, I learned a lot here. I wish you both all the best. 🐞Lieve 🐞

[@oklu_]

It's so impressive and endearing to see a master of a field so humbly and carefully articulate what he knows and struggle to find the right words.

[@williamdusablon1690]

"It was formerly called nucleus accumbens septi due to its close relation to the base of septum pellucidum." Hope this helps

[@SousaFMP]

This is one of the best episodes. Super interesting topics, plus you can feel the fascination of both Dr. Andrew Huberman Dr. Robert Malenka about the topic, which many of us feel as well, making it feel more personal. Definitely activates my reward circuitry

[@TheCorrectUsername1]

Favorite episode yet!!!!!!!! I am a registered behavior technician and provide ABA therapy. I consistently work with the reward system. Big fan of neuroplasticity.

[@neoshank2011]

Thank you so much for your work. What an amazing time to be alive where we can get such high quality information from around the world.

[@denasharpe2393]

It is In deed wonderful!! I am past last 60s but same essentiall generation and still.learning!!❤

[@piyalidasgupta4185]

I am so thankful to my son for introducing me to Huberman podcasts and grateful to the later for showering me with his abundant knowledge

[@TheMercuriusPost]

Thank you so much Dr. Malenka and Huberman… As always, this is gold for the soul!!!

[@chrispasson1940]

i like that Gold for the Soul

[@billsnyder1067]

I do appreciate your willingness, and your guest, to take the time to provide the public with information about what is happening at the razor’s edge of research and thinking. Thank you.

[@user-ol1hb9kh8p]

I'm so grateful to you Professor, You are an example as a human being with committment and ethic, furter as a scientist for using sience as it should be used and spreaded. Understanding pleasure, sociability and our boundaries is incredibly underrated in our society and so few ones seem to has truly altruistic intention like you. My warmest thanks and wishes, Andrew. please never stop and Thanks for your spreading science and ethic

[@christinemistretta2065]

I am so grateful to you. You have put yourself out there for free. There isn't many people, let alone Doctor's that would do this. I've been watching anything and everything you put online. I know you have no idea who I am, but THANK YOU. You help me every day of my life. I've been on that roller coaster my whole life too. I am looking to find a Psychedelic therapist. MDMA, yes I've taken drugs a very long time ago. I'm 45 now and I "want" to start dealing with childhood trauma. I know exactly where and what started the trauma. I just don't know how to go about finding the right dr. for me. I know you probably don't have time, but if you do, can you link a website? Again, thank you for being you. All love

[@AntHenson]

By far one of the best so far. Dr Malenka is a perfect interview guest

[@ranaal-khaled1549]

Amazing! Simply amazing! I never thought such complex topics can be delivered in a podcast, from the best of the best, amd be fun to watch/listen to! Kudos to Andrew Huberman and his amazing guests..

[@brunoosti1]

Thank you Dr. Huberman for making this kind of content available! I, and many, would probably never have the opportunity of exploring such topics in this non complex and informative manner. So inspiring! I

[@alondradiaz8284]

It is truly captivating to witness an introduction of a behavioral perspective in this podcast! As a psychology undergraduate, it's infrequent that I listen to a conversation in behavior-analytic terms that offers a unique experience to listeners other than my studies. Thank you for always offering multiple perspectives.

[@adrianagiraldo9315]

I want Dr Malenka in my ear so I can learn all his wisdom🧠💪🏽💜

[@pgpenalosa]

What a great way to start the morning! Thank you Dr. Huberman.

[@ubil727]

Thank you Dr Huberman and team for doing amazing work! I started listening to your podcast a couple of months ago and you have already impacted my life in so many meaningful ways!

[@IslandFireDragon]

So grateful for the information and wisdom you share!! You’ve helped shed light and an easy to understand way to navigate so many different relevant topics in my life…the intro video that got me hooked was the episode on Grief…You helped so much in my processing of having to say goodbye last May to my beloved pit mix , Pele. She was my best friend, snuggle puppy, fearless loyal protector and unconditional lover for 13 magical years. This loss followed up the sudden death of my boyfriend the year before Michael who was caught in the mess of counterfeit opiates which turned out to be fentanyl…Thank you for helping me understand so much about these and many other important topics, and how our bodies actually work so we can all maximize this human experience!! 🙏🏻🌈❤️

[@mrmvianna]

I truly appreciate your podcasts. Being a neuroscientist and enthusiast of making science accessible to anyone - especially considering most of our funding comes from public agencies - I am an even bigger admirer of your efforts to make the content interesting to a wide range of people's profiles. I was delighted to see Dr Malenka! I usually listen to your podcasts on another platform but re-watched on youtube to see as well this time. I used to read all his papers from the late 80s and 90s when I started my grad education and he was such an inspiration! As I gradually moved to study other topics, didn't follow his research. Also, of course, in the early internet days, we could not give names a face, less get a taste of their character. Glad to see your interaction and how joyful and nice he is, in addition to his beautiful and relevant career. Made me nostalgic about all the excitement and fun of graduate days and my supervisor. Thank you!

[@oklu_]

56:16 "Creating a liking of sobriety more than a wanting of the alcohol." That's beautiful and so insightful.

[@aprilhassell1747]

Aa or na meetings

[@TheMemeRepository]

I've only watched a little bit so far (I'm being a bad boy & skipping around), but I just wanted to say that I'm appreciating the level of nuance & respectfulness towards the subject of autism. It is a very deeply complex condition, and I think it's important to acknowledge that during any discussion where it is mentioned.

[@ReligionAndMaterialismDebunked]

:3 Also, looking down like that on a computer monitor or mobile monitor is bad for your posture, and kills productivity, too.

[@gbowman9429]

Yes! I also am grateful & appreciative for bringing some light on autism as well.

[@SloppyPowerFart5000]

Im autistic asd-1, the only thing that annoys me is the feeling of walking on eggshells when using the different terminology. Its a bit ridiculous to be honest. Its that ego driven identity drama seeping in to the field of science that I find disconcerting.

[@nvb455]

⁠@@SloppyPowerFart5000i agree, the having to tiptoe around and constantly disclaim everything is actually getting annoying. Im not neurotypical myself and even I feel like I have to overthink everything to be as respectful and correct as possible. Exhausting

[@karenmcrobb3105]

Yet another truly outstanding guest to the podcast. Thank you so much!

[@Lucasvoz]

What a truly wonderful conversation. I feel that you two enjoy each other's company a lot and it translates into a very warm, but also very informative and insightful episode. And I must add that Robert gives the best and most nuanced overview of the new psychedelic boom that I've heard to date. I really think we have to be very cautious and selective with administering these compounds, while they hold extreme positive potential as well (speaking from personal experience). Thank you for doing what you were made to do, Andrew.

[@yvonnezhao9286]

Thanks Prof Andrew, I like more and more by those doctors you have invited in talks, can’t thank you enough for those professional talks about eyes and dopamine, which helps a lot on our day to day basis working and living in very healthy way by science. Thanks again.

[@Shibamtarafdar]

This guy has changed my life so much. He deserves more attention on this platform for what he provides.

[@chadpace36912]

You've taught me so much and are doing a great service to us all. Thank you.

[@Scienceandfriedrice]

The best podcast in the world right now

[@novemberrain620]

Excellent interview Dr. Huberman. I appreciate your work as well as the amazing guests you interview. I actually listen to the entire podcast because you make the human brain more understandable for laypeople. I share your podcasts with my LI connections.

[@jmoney4695]

Another amazing podcast. If I could recommend breaking the video into KZbin chapters, that give an overview of the dicussion at that time. It makes it much easier to return to the podcast and find information that was particularly valuable. Love your work as always.

[@ladyfish20]

Dr Huberman you changed my life. Thank you!

[@adrianagiraldo9315]

Bringing the heat one more time.🧠🙌🏽💜. Let’s make Mondays rewarding… HuberMondays🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@ahmedsabry3909]

Thank you for all you do Dr. Huberman and thanks for your guest.

[@visionboardmusicvision4the513]

This Is one of them episodes to run back several times for sure 💯💯💯💯💯

[@AdamDModeen]

Thank you! I'm taking both behavioral neuroscience and psychology of learning summer classes right now, and I needed this to clarify it all.

[@marlinspike]

Thank you for asking how Dr Malenka gained his confidence from a shy student. This process is just as inspiring as the science.

[@ant5856]

I'm still confused about dopamine's role as a neuromodulator. Is it to say that dopamines effect on the postsynaptic neuron changes the sensitivity of that neuron's response to other neurotransmitters like glutamate or GABA? Or is it that dopamine can be either inhibitory or excitatory just depending on the context? Thank you for your contributions to science.

[@worldscalephotography]

OMG A new episode and it's 2:50 hours and it's 10:40PM in Australia and I already saw the sunset and my body expects sleep :(

[@goldkeyguidancetarot]

Goodness this conversation was so wholesome. I'm struggling with motivation on finishing my paper, and this was wonderful and inspiring! Thank you to you both for all that you do.

[@mags7848]

Having listened to one third of the podcast, I am feeling immensely thankful for the choice of the topic: powerful and important. As I continue to listen to this episode, I hope for the enthusiasm of both doctors to decrease a little, though, so that they can finish posing their questions and giving their answers without interruption (46:52). 🤞😅

[@roseh1132]

Respect to Dr Malenka for focusing on the ethical aspects of testing on 🐁. I love scientific research AND animals🩷.

[@titania177]

A fascinating discussion, thank you. Have there been any studies of dopamine levels in introverts, or others who often feel very happy alone, when they are on their own, as a contrast to dopamine levels during social interactions? An episode on the spectrum of introversion/ extraversion would be great.

[@HereForToday42]

great question

[@janicehussock7735]

Yes. I hope Hubermam or team sees it.

[@kircherjoseph]

Hands down, Mr. Huberman, in my humble opinion, you have the most useful and interesting podcasts out there.

[@chocolatecookies1664]

Loved this, would be interested to hear about how the reward center is affected in relation to people with ADHD. As in they have hyper fixations and then lose interest after a short period of time. Never sticking to one interest/subject matter.

[@chrispasson1940]

i need to hear this too

[@oklu_]

2:24:49 I love how Dr. Malenka apologizes to the listeners here, and also love the way Dr. Huberman responds to it 😂😂

[@derrickkuhn9962]

So excited for this one, and here is origin of the term (wiki) nucleus accumbens (NAc or NAcc; also known as the accumbens nucleus, or formerly as the nucleus accumbens septi, Latin for "nucleus adjacent to the septum") is a region in the basal forebrain rostral to the preoptic area of the hypothalamus.

[@cng2009]

Excellent, thought provoking, exciting! The understanding of serotonin and it's impacts, and how to better manage ourselves with habits, practices and supplements will be hugely positive for humanity! The link between serotonin and ASD is intriguing and could yield huge gains in understanding and working with this condition

[@ZIDANz]

I've noticed a distinct contrast when listening to Andrew Huberman and his unique approach to explaining scientific concepts. As an ordinary Egyptian individual without a science background, I find his explanations exceptionally comprehensible, even for complex subjects. On the other hand, I struggled to maintain my focus while listening to Robert Malenka. In fact, I couldn't stay engaged for more than 10 minutes before I eventually had to close the episode and search for an alternative one on the same topic. Huberman's ability to make intricate scientific ideas accessible is truly remarkable

[@navinagokhool19]

Thank you for this connection.

[@nbelt1212]

I love every podcast you do, but I especially enjoyed this one! The conversation, both of you being so complimentary of one another, and just the flow of information! Loved it! Thank you for what you do!

[@denasharpe2393]

Yes thanks very much..both of you

[@nikto573]

Dr Hubberman! Thank you very much for all your content. I make notes from every single episode you launch; just in case the internet gets deleted. Long life to Hubberman Lab podcast !!

[@misslayer3340]

It's Huberman... I mean it's right there, on the screen...directly in front of you lol

[@nikto573]

@@misslayer3340 yeah you are right in front of the screen also you troll

[@LesleyPeach]

I am keen to hear more details of the work Dr Malenka has done. As a degree level biochemist I feel that I would benefit more from the fully detailed scientific terms, results and conclusions. I may not be the only one who wants more detail. Thankyou for your work. I now watch as many of your podcasts as I can as they are fascinating and so much more informative than television programmes.

[@user-lv1uw8ke9k]

THIS IS 1 of my favorite episodes… this guy is adorable. So pleasant, & I like watching him think of words ( watching his brain work) he made Huberman smile & say cute things during. Was really insightful, thorough & interesting. Thank you🌝

[@mosesmukuna]

Great, as always .One of the best podcast.

[@kimbarnes-wt7wi]

Thank you for these interviews and sharing your wisdom!

[@williammoreno8248]

Thank you so much for your great content. From one skater bro to another, your podcast helps stay aware of topics I can't get to be a part of anymore.

[@jorgeromera3861]

Fascinating conversation, wonderfully articulated. Easy to follow even for someone who is just a student of English. A pleasure.

[@discopotato675]

As someone recently in sobriety, and fascinated by the subject of neuroplasticity and dopamine, this is the exact topic (and the EXACT PERSON to do it) I've been waiting for. Not sure how I missed it 2 weeks ago

[@danielle7729]

When I first started my recovery, I was obsessed with learning about these things as well. I found a Huberman about two or three years into it and it was amazing! I still watch everything I can, and also read the books that he suggests. It’s a very helpful tool, if nothing else just to get your mind off of where you’ve been and to prove that there is a way out of it. Congratulations on getting sober.

[@discopotato675]

@@danielle7729 nice! What are you currently reading? I finally got to Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation.

[@VitD11]

The end was heart warming. Thank you for another great episode

[@gbowman9429]

I only dropped in for the Nucleus accumbens definition, the etymology, and the origin of this particular word/name. Just kidding, I'm here because I can learn a lot. I am grateful for you and all you do to bring us great knowledge.

[@PaulaHeartland]

Such good info on mechanisms of the chemicals discussed and the rigour studying them. Love Dr. Melinka's delivery. MDMA for me was pleasant also, (30 years ago) but the intense social bonding aspect didn’t carry over after a few months. I wasn’t drawn to experience more, and yet I do know people who became addicted. Still do know of someone. I appreciate the caution expressed at the end. We don't know when a particular substance will tap a particular craving and vulnerable need.

[@JonathanGonzalez-to5hd]

This videos keep them coming almost a month sober 🙏♥️

[@barbaralenox7092]

This was a really good one (and I've watched MANY Andrew Huberman podcasts). Dr. Malenka is very interesting and down-to-earth guy. I enjoyed listening to him. Andrew Huberman has provided us with so much good information. Sending a big THANK YOU.

[@savssavs8559]

than u so much for this opportunity to listen to it completely free

[@gmurop]

Hi Andrew, at some point in the video you or Dr. Malenka mentioned the “tools” that neuroscientist use to measure and defect the different kind of molecules in the brain, I’m paraphrasing but I thought that it would be nice that you make a podcast explaining in plain language for regular people what those tools are and how they work. For me it’s very impressive that we can have this level of understanding about the molecules that live in our brains and how they interact with each other. Thank you for doing this!

[@rachelreyes4128]

Absolutely love waking up to this.Thank you for all you do! I also like donuts 🍩😊

[@giannagiovanello7763]

I’m watching/listening to this interview and just felt that I needed to share my own experience with cravings and reactions to substances. I’ve been addicted to alcohol, drugs and nicotine and the strongest response I get is from seeing the drug meth. I have not used meth in like 17 years, alcohol as well, and if I see pictures of meth or if I smell anhydrous ammonia I immediately salivate and start to get anxious. Every time it happens I am shocked at my response. I should say that I work in addiction counseling so I do sometimes still come across pics while watching videos

[@sandrawilson4647]

THANK YOU for your Dr Malenka for your statements about the Leary "thing"!!!❤

[@MsSurigirl]

Absolutely brilliant episode.

[@Imperol]

Thank you for the lessons This gives one insights they didn't know existed and why it happens

[@thinkagain4074]

You promote your sponsors so seriously that I forget to skip it😂

[@alexzarey2579]

Thanks for educating us docs ❤❤❤

[@syedmustafaquadri2489]

Very informative and important episode. I would love it if you go into more detail on specific addictions.

[@sarasoueidan]

Can you make an episode about hot weather and adjusting the body to high temperature? I think the hotter summer gets every year, the more we need to find ways to help our bodies tolerate and adjust to the heat. Also an episode about allergies would be fantastic! Thank you for the invaluable and life-changing information you share ❤

[@carolinaandrade4114]

They mentioned it in the episode with Dr. Søberg (cold/heat). Definitely a good subject!!!

[@benceszelenyi2037]

Hey Andrew! Awesome episode! I was always fascinated by the brain's plasticity and addiction. This episode is like a fairy tale dream of a psychologist who is into neuroscience such as myself. Lots of support from Hungary! Bence Szelényi

[@Knowledge_is_Power911]

Another really high quality pod as always. Thx sir hats off for both of you

[@BallietBran]

Love your work Andrew!!!

[@chuilopez]

Growing up with a father with an addiction who was very destructive to our family, I always told myself from a young age that I would NEVER touch cocaine because I didn't want to risk becoming addicted even from a one-time use. I pray for all who are suffering from addiction to find the strength to get help 🙏🏽