249 ‒ How the brain works, Andrew’s fascinating backstory, improving scientific literacy, and more

[@PeterAttiaMD]

In this episode, we discuss: 0:00:08 - Exercise under blood flow restriction, lactate utilization & transient changes in the brain function in response to adrenaline and stress 0:06:43 - Role of the prefrontal cortex in governing rulesets 0:13:28 - New discoveries about the circuitry between the prefrontal cortex, insula, and amygdala, & the insights gleaned about brain function in different emotional states 0:24:37 - Comparing human vision & other senses to animals 0:39:43 - A deep dive into vision: evolutionary adaptations, facial recognition & color 0:47:06 - Sense of smell, pheromones, & why evolution developed better vision over smell 0:56:55 - The relationship between visual input & time perception 1:02:39 - Mindset effects: the effect of belief on physiology and performance 1:07:57 - Accessing higher levels of creativity with broadening rulesets and the limiting nature of stress and fear on creativity 1:16:10 - Stress and fear increase autonomic arousal, limit access to rulesets, and inhibit performance 1:18:30 - Andrew’s upbringing, early childhood, and tough adolescent years 1:24:35 - Andrew’s time in a residential treatment program and how he benefited from therapy 1:34:27 - The beginning of positive changes in Andrew’s young life 1:43:59 - Andrew’s decision to turn his life around 1:48:12 - A new passion for science and exercise helps Andrew 2:03:17 - The difference between a postdoc and a PhD 2:08:41 - Staying in touch with the love of biology and not getting pulled into ambition 2:17:30 - Andrew starts his own lab, and continues work to overcome his demons 2:23:16 - The loss of three mentors leads to deep soul searching 2:30:12 - What motivated Andrew to begin his podcast 2:35:32 - Looking to the future of Andrew’s scientific work, podcast, and more 2:43:27 - Andrew’s unique approach to communicating science and the issue of scientific illiteracy

[@MrKelso85]

When you say you “Love” causality - 500 + million would love you to hypothesise the root cause of Long Covid Dr! Thank you so much for your videos

[@lilakay]

😅😅😅😅😮huh😢😢😢😢😅😮😮😅😢😢😅😅hhhh hope gu

[@lilakay]

😅😅pppppphgggggjgpppppp 1:05:06 phlppgiphjjpp

[@dontpanic42.]

Outlive is sold out in Kinokuniya Bangkok. Flew back to Manila empty handed 😢.

[@Ankur_explores]

Thank you Dr. Peter for getting Dr. Andrew to tell about his story. This is a whole new insight into his past which is not out there!

[@hubermanlab]

Thank you for hosting me Peter. I have tremendous respect for you as a physician, public educator, family man and friend. Thank you for the opportunity to share about science and the challenges and beauty of life. A lot of the personal stuff I never anticipated sharing but I’m hoping in doing so, someone out there struggling to balance themselves will benefit. Thank you Peter; I am honored to know you and to have you as a friend.

[@yesno.3754]

Is that andrew hoopermin?

[@akashdeep-xc6nc]

Nothing work on mind no meditation ,medication these only work for some time temporary solution but the thing change my life is OBSERVATION without thoughts observe thoughts observe pain no mater physical or psychology it works magical it melt emotion i want to know about what happen in brain when we observe anything without thoughts? Andrew Sir please try this.

[@akashdeep-xc6nc]

OBSERVATION is art but when we observe fear without escape fear disapper cease pain reduce key is seeing without thoughts

[@akashdeep-xc6nc]

Like thought is fear without thought there is no fear

[@mauiswift6391]

Fantastic interview Andrew you have a terrific mind. I also want to thank you for sharing your personal struggles as you always seemed so perfect. I was relieved you weren’t, and I mean that with the utmost most respect!

[@francescabalada109]

I’m a neuropsychologist practicing in both NY and CA (my postdoc was at Stanford in 2005). I’ve listened to every single Huberman podcast episode and every single Dr. Attia podcast episode and to have these two men together was amazing. I also have never heard Andrew’s backstory and I’m delighted to hear he’s a Hoffman graduate, as am I. Thank you for both creating such meaningful content and disseminating important information to the general public. Keep up the good work!

[@Re3iRtH]

What differentiates you from a regular psychologist?

[@zezezep]

​@@Re3iRtH that's a good question

[@backfru]

After years of `60 min podcasts and specific topics with aimless banter... I can safely say that Peter and Andrew have revolutionized the podcast experience, into a true university-level encounter. I've gained more knowledge from these 2, than anything else hands down. I have checklists plastered all over my room, of their suggestions. Thank you gentlemen.

[@patrick1580]

Love how vulnerable Andrew gets here. You guys should legitimately start a podcast together. It'd be amazing.

[@fahada1921]

I don’t throw this word lightly but these two changed my life.

[@sophiebader8966]

Dear Andrew, I am writing this note to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your honest life story with us. Your transparency and vulnerability have touched me deeply, and I feel honored to have had the chance to learn about your journey. The courage it took to reveal your personal experiences is truly commendable. It is a testament to your strength and resilience, which have undoubtedly carried you through the challenges you've faced. Your story is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope, and that growth and self-discovery can emerge from adversity. Your openness has not only been inspiring, but it has also allowed others to connect with you on a profound level. Your willingness to be genuine and candid has fostered a sense of understanding and empathy, reminding us all of the power of sharing our own stories with one another. You have touched the hearts of many, including mine, and your honesty has left an indelible impact. Your life story is a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling, offering reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. ❤

[@janicenagao7409]

Wonderful

[@sandragillman5496]

Absolutely ❤

[@jordancasey4530]

Dr. Huberman and Dr. Attia are absolute class acts, and they are inspiring generations of scholars aiming to make the world a better place and human experience a more pleasurable one.

[@patrickj8581]

I'm applying to medical school this year and I just wanted to say that the both of you, Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman, have been a huge influence on my journey. The fact that podcasts like this exist and that we can listen to what, in my opinion, are the greatest minds in science at present, is beyond words. Such an honor to listen to you both. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with the world. ✨️

[@jackiebardsley9946]

Both great communicators - I could listen to the two of them talk all day, even though it's not at all my area of expertise. I learn so much.

[@annanambiar3310]

I'm so grateful to both these fantastic science communicators - and delighted to see them chatting together

[@Appleloucious]

Dear Peter and Andrew, many thanks for all you have done, are doing and will be doing! Hear this gave me some hope and strenght! One Love! Always forward, never ever backward!! ☀️☀️☀️ 💚💛❤️ 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏼

[@lynrieagain]

Peter and Andrew, love your honesty, back stories, work, accomplishments and podcasts. Thank you both for your brain power, sharing and caring!

[@alexyonkman5452]

I can't put into words the impact that both of you have had on my life. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@kst157]

Super podcast and Andrew’s life story meant it was going to be a full listen in one session - just couldn’t stop listening! Amazing background and frank and fascinating about Andrew’s key moments, major struggles and joys - great to hear Andrew being interviewed - and thank you Peter for hosting and creating and asking the right questions in the end!

[@korakatar7921]

Andrew Huberman is a veritable fountain of knowledge . Can listen to him for hours.

[@svenbouman1526]

Andrew your backstory truly is inspiring. I have been dealing with a troublesome childhood myself, divorced parents, ‘wrong’ friends, all very alike. In the end found my passion in health sciences, and my lovely girlfriend I met. Great episode guys. Love from the Netherlands.

[@nikitaw1982]

they put him with the mother who iscolated him from the dad. mother couldn't cope, they take him away. I swear they get the dad out the picture because a bunch of pedophiles run things. Pedo's love single mothers

[@UofO08]

Spectacular interview and much respect to the humility and authenticity to Huberman

[@BartAssink]

@hubermanlab thnx for sharing your personal stories. It’s nice to be able to relate to the human behind the powerhouse that you are. All the best!!

[@blakeadams6183]

I was telling my wife, Stephanie, how much I enjoyed your latest interview with Andrew, and mentioned his early departure from the Harvard post doc and how it landed him with Ben Barres as his post doc advisor. She said “Ben, really I met him at Cold Spring Harbor in ‘07?” Reminded me of what a small world it is. Keep putting out the great content!

[@lexitejeda6209]

That was amazing. I loved Andrew’s backstory. Thank you for talking about everything.

[@ms.iglesia8309]

This is such an amazing conversation. Reviewing my AP Psych students this week on Brain and Sensation and you have touched on so much in just a few minutes. WONDERFUL!

[@johnschaff6103]

Literally the best of the best having the most enthralling and cosmically helpful conversations I’ve heard in a very long time. My mind and emotions were fully engaged and ran the gamut.

[@Siticmon]

This morning coming home after a hospital night shift I randomly played this suggested podcast - it was not what I expected, but it was exactly what I needed. Not only hearing Andrew to whom I've listened to for a few years now give his story was incredibly endearing, but him talking about the post-doc process, the reasoning behind it, how it should all work - for me as an MD PhD student in a country where the whole system of medical based PhD is a bad parody of science (I do a 40 hour clinical work week and on top am supposed to advance my PhD in my spare time, with no actual time alloted to work on it - so that part of the wage is supplied by the university and the hospital saves money, while you slave away keeping the clinic alive and working like any other employee). It's really made me think and get a very different perspective on what I'm actually doing with my life. This one really hit me deep and hard, thank you both for what you do.

[@qingyuhu]

What an incredible interview. Peter and Andrew are both a gift to mankind.

[@lucindapacker6510]

WOW, my two favourite podcast people in one spot. You are both so intelligent, interesting and easy to listen to. The only thing that would top this is a 3 person podcast with Rich Roll, he is awesome as well. I know you guys are all very busy but a three way podcast with Attia, Huberman and Roll would blow up KZbin. Really amazing podcast, the fastest 3 hours I’ve spent in a while. Thanks so much 🙏

[@sarat2205]

Genuinely excited for this episode! So appreciate both Peter and Andrew! My family has greatly benefited from both of these dudes! Thanks for your hard work and sharing a slice of your friendship with us!

[@margaretwinson402]

I cannot thank you enough, both of you. Such sparkling intelligence, enormous effort put into your fields and incandescent spirit that enriches us all.

[@AG-hh4lt]

Great podcast, I'm an avid fan of you both and this was amazing - great questions coupled with an unexpected openness on the part of Dr Huberman. Strength through adversity and doing what you believe are strong messages...... There are not enough male role models for young men ( and women) of today that show despite a difficult childhood and ongoing life issues that one can still live a meaningful life. You are both examples of this. Thank you

[@divyanshlalwani9171]

Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia are both gifts to mankind.

[@eldawebb]

This is an amazing episode! It's great to see that your relationship helps the conversation flow to places that we hadn't had an opportunity to witness before . Thank you for sharing with us all the love you have for knowledge!

[@christinachoe]

He seems like such a nice guy with the best of intentions and I think that’s what draws people in.

[@psyfiles7351]

What a treat, and inspiration, to hear these early formative stories from one of my great heroes, thank you!

[@ericsadventuresfishing8832]

it is so very kind for both of you to give back to the general community. giving spark to the future generation that will make discoveries that may save us all. showing folks, a glimpse of how rewarding Andrews life struggle was wonderful. thank you both for your candor and love for the sciences.

[@Vargas_Shezar]

Having a speech impediment myself, the story about how Andrew Huberman decided not to work with someone who was rude to someone with a stutter, really touched me. Thank you for the great episode.

[@thelifecoachmedicalmodel6648]

wow what a beautiful interview 🤲🏻 So grateful for you both!

[@nakkiel7]

What a great interview!! Both of you are so humble with a kind heart!!

[@jaredweber5824]

Initially, I didn’t intend to watch the full 3 hours. Couldn’t stop. Would love to see Huberman interview Attia next.

[@floydald]

He did a few days ago

[@judesterzed]

He has done it twice already Check out his hubermanlab podcast

[@janicenagao7409]

The brilliant scientific works of both these magnificent men took a second seat to the absolute power of the personal story/ journey. Deep healing , learning, teaching, serving possible when mission including suffering, are alignered with a Love yet beyond our comprehension. What a joy this podcast was. Would like to hear Dr. Atria's story also. Brilliant interview.

[@allstrongfitness]

This was actually about as beneficial as Andrew and Yours normal science podcasting. Hearing how even someone like Andrew started from essentially nothing, troubled upbringing, with all of his troubles, and is now impacting millions despite of it. Although you may not have “covered” anything. You definitely uncovered something that I think many viewers appreciate.

[@marcocabral4838]

Thank you both so much for all that you do. You two are by far my favorite place to come for this type of knowledge. Came across both of you on Rogan and am very thankful for it. There is so much free knowledge there that is incredibly important. I’ve been sharing you both with my wife and also my brothers. Thanks again!

[@shivsunil9984]

2:39:31 "You'll be teaching the same course Ben taught me." That line broke me. I feel really lucky to have heard this conversation

[@maheshlokhande]

Super deep, enjoyed knowing the personal side of Dr. Andrew Huberman, the challenges he'd to surmount to become who we know him as today! May he grow from strength to strength 🖖🏻

[@markmcgavin3234]

Halfway through watching this superb episode here in New Zealand. One of your respective best episodes to date. Thank you to you both for your contributions to science & health. Hope to meet you both in person one day in near future. Keep up the great work. TYFYIIS

[@papimimi5469]

You guys have amazing chemistry. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to delve into personal and scientific endeavors, especially the real price of mental health.

[@deeeksha_thakur]

You two are an absolute delight to listen to. Looking forward for your future podcasts and collaborations. Have learned a lot from both of you and your effort in bringing scientific information to general public is incredible. Keep up the good work🎉

[@TheKingdomWeigh]

Absolutely captivating conversation! I loved the information, vulnerability and openness. I’ve learned so much. ❤

[@AboodCohen]

Now this is a duo I’ve been looking forward to ❤

[@jacksonr260]

There are some amazing role models for young men today if looking in the right places. Tremendous conversation, thanks to both of you!

[@janicenagao7409]

TRUE

[@allisonfalin8854]

Always enjoy hearing both men speak. I’ve learned a ton and have used quite a bit of it in practice observing human behavior and better understanding a lot of the why behind how we are knitted together.

[@katiethenaturelover]

God bless you all. Thank you. Your discussions make life meaningful.

[@lenkafussiova1099]

Thank you for this conversation. How one life story can be a lesson to remember. Nicely crafted time from both of you. So many good stimuli you offer.

[@garyanderson5446]

Any podcast of Huberman and Attia is worth listening to not twice but three times.

[@perryball4909]

Another excellent interview. I love listening to intelligent people conversing. Amazing work guys.

[@mcat823]

I know this wasn’t the agenda for your conversation, but to hear Andrew story is priceless for many of us. And to hear his plans for the future, I’m even more excited to continue financially support him and his efforts. I would love to see more involvement around women and stem. I don’t make much money, nor did I have opportunities in education, so I’m happy to try and provide to others what I did not have, and giving me a means to do it by financing what I can to you and your projects. Thank you Andrew. it’s funny we are the about the same age and it’s wonderful to see what you’ve done with your life even with all the challenges faced. ❤ To continued personal growth and education younger generations, you will forever have my support.

[@traviscrego726]

You're amazing! I wish you all the best! I'm eager to share this with friends and family.

[@makennazur]

2:57:10 this pointing to the noun/verb digesting of information has been so true for me as a listener. Both of you translate the systems, the processes of things in a way where I see the movement of it. Thank you for your relationship ❤

[@PascalBachmann]

I appreciated his insights on the importance of staying true to your passion and not being driven purely by ambition.

[@felicisimomalinao1981]

Brain and body scientists combined - excellent combination and fascinating conversation.

[@rise4329]

Thank you both Docs, for opening up and disclosing some H&P of your personal life!!! It's poignant, grounding, and inspirational! 👍

[@hamsandwich9807]

Peter's genuine laugh at Andrew's 'Wasn't consulted at the design phase' is very wholesome

[@SamuraiiiJack]

Emotional episode, thank you both, i always learn something about life with you. Cheers from France

[@shannonsampson3267]

Thank you for giving us so much of your time. This was awesome.

[@michellemcleod8286]

I enjoy listening to you both independently but really enjoyed and was inspired by Andrew story and how a growth mind set got him to where he is!

[@reishin4900]

So amazingly intersting cuz' both of you cover a wide range of highly specific, deeply explained concepts in some of the most crucial aspect concerning our lives. Thank you so much for all of your effort in the widespreading of this knowledge so valuable to understand ourself and this world. Greetings from Italy

[@lasereyesss]

These two guys together, insane! The pod on Andrews channel, big applause! Amazing work

[@mylor1066]

Excellent podcast. Hubes is a legend. Great questions and listening Peter!

[@antoniariboni8537]

Easter Sunday morning and this popped up on my feed. This will be my treat for the day😊

[@baltimore52394]

This was a lot of emotional content, and it really means a lot to hear. I suspect there are far more people in and out of science who have dealt with very bumpy emotional and career roads. I can’t understate the importance of these stories.

[@cherylmcduff5388]

Wow!! Love his podcasts but this is very special. Appreciate his honesty

[@chrism9037]

These two are absolutely fantastic

[@cherylnathanodette]

Another wonderfully presented episode by both. Fascinating, informative and always worth listening to.

[@funygameur]

02:59:56 - 03:02:00 *Why you should watch Andrew Huberman* _Andrew explains why and how he teaches biology on KZbin. Why and how it's beneficial to people and that technical fields should be talked about to the public more in that way."_

[@primrosed2338]

The different evolutionary visual adaptations of different animals are fascinating!

[@dianed4190]

Andrew, it might be semantics, but I think the word you're looking for is joy.

[@primrosed2338]

Passion would be a good descriptive as well.

[@dianed4190]

@@primrosed2338 Perhaps, though passion is usually accompanied by ambition. Joy is pure, its own reward.

[@LaNoireDetruit]

I am not sure it is. Or maybe it is - but the ambition is directed towards the thing itself. It's more internally directed than externally if that makes sense.

[@DKFX1]

At the 1 hour 3 minute mark Peter asks a really good question about the possibility of harnessing the power of dreams. I especially found it fascinating how hubermans thoughts on the altered time perception during dreams could be applied in that regard. Say for example you could have a dreamlike experience which had the perceptive feel of lasting 24 hours, but in reality only lasted 10 minutes, then if you could utilize knowledge gathered during that dream state you could effectively be learning at a much higher rate and outperform regular learning, if course of you could retain the knowledge gained during the dream state.

[@sibntw]

best start to my monday morning 🎉 thankyou both

[@VeryMiley]

For sure

[@greggm206]

love it! so illuminating to understand Andrew's path. great interview!

[@GrowlingBearMedia]

In this podcast: A Little bit of neurology and physiology. And the entire life story of Andrew 😅

[@margaretsheehy9852]

I sure enjoyed this interview. Thank you, both.

[@AzguardMK]

So deep, amazing, refreshing. Tnx for doing this, I learn from you both, and hope to do so for years to come...

[@bethjames3895]

Wow. This one is special. Really personal and brave. Thank you.

[@rainsweeps]

Good review Thanks for exploring, expanding and stretching the limits.

[@katem6976]

“We talked about 0 of these [topics]…” I love it! Such a great one! Thank you!

[@successbootcamp]

This is fantastic. Thanks for the upload and great question. Are you having a great day?

[@foswa6335]

Love listening to Andrew!

[@aromamit]

One of the best conversations on the internet!!

[@Dedicated_.1]

This is a masterclass - both these guys strike me as slightly obsessed with their fields (which I suppose you have to be to get to their level). Interesting.

[@Dedicated_.1]

@Ayo love your name I have a friend with the same name. To answer you, a masterclass in a few things: 1) the conversational skill in terms of the clarity and conciseness of the explanations from Huberman, coupled with the curiosity and ease of understanding displayed by Attia. 2) In a more technical sense it was a masterclass on how more niche areas of the brain function with many interesting case studies to boot.

[@primrosed2338]

I'm scared they are engaging in some confirmation bias because their circle of podcasters is so obvious. It makes me somewhat cautious. I wish they would expand to other experts.

[@jellybeanvinkler4878]

​@@primrosed2338 like who? It may help to request specific people.

[@camarocrypto]

Very honest dr. Andrew, thanks for sharing.

[@philforrence]

Love Huberman so much!

[@lalailm]

1:41:00 man, I LOVE how peter always finds a way to mention Ayrton Senna’s name in any conversation he has 😂😂😂😂

[@alexanderboldizar7919]

I really enjoyed this--my two favourite podcasters in conversation! There was always a large gap between first and second, however, because Peter trusts the intelligence of his audience far more than Andrew. I always knew Andrew was "dumbing down" his podcast in order to expand his communication reach, but it was really refreshing to hear him talk in Peter's style, more like a scientist than he does on his own podcast.

[@kjakman]

Very heartwarming and inspiring - truth rocks!

[@libelulaj]

amazing storytelling- and amazing story to tell

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

I LOVED this podcast! Thank you. ❤ Shirley

[@LaNoireDetruit]

2:33:47 - WOW. This is so obvious once you hear it but so *powerful* !

[@jeremiash5180]

At the end you discuss the impact of your public work, So I'd Like to give my thanks to both of you. Feels stupid to tell this, since I've yet to reach my final goal. When Peter first appeared in JRE I worked in security. I had already been influenced by Jordan Peterson, and I had started to read again. Peter sparked my interest in biology, and I started "High school" (systems bit different in Finland). In two years I graduated with laudatur/exemia grades (pretty good). I got accepted to study biochemistry in university, but I'm still aiming to study medicine. Here it's really hard to get accepted there, but I think that this year I will make it. When Andrew appeared it the scene my motivation was wavering, and he managed to blow that spark into glowing again. If I make it to the finish line (midterm one) or not, nevertheless, this has been a great journey. It's amazing how my capability to understand these conversations has grown over the years. I know either of you personally still I've come to consider you two and few others in the sphere as my mentors. Thank you!

[@theresahope9759]

Ever since I discovered dr Attia's podcast (through dr Huberman's), I find fascinating how much his facial features ressemble those of an Egyptian Pharaoh!

[@ToddBoehly0147]

Hello 👋 how are you doing today? I hope 🤞 this year brings happiness, peace and love all over the world 🌎 I’m originally from Canada 🇨🇦 grow up in Fort Worth Texas, currently living in Key West Florida. Where are you from if i may ask?

[@6789uiop]

Andrew gives deserved props to Peter. I give props and thanks to both. I stopped RBF many years ago. High cholesterol made me concerned that blood vessel endothelial lining may be screaming for repair. I think that idea may have been from something Dr Dayspring said a decade ago. No studies- but I didn't want statins and stopping RBF was free and zero risk.

[@21972012145525]

Rbf?

[@robertdickie7769]

RBF?? Please stop using acronyms that others don't know the meaning of. Not clever, frustrating. Makes you look a T.W.A.T.

[@MsTangoXray]

I am highly amused to see Peter wearing Andrew's signature outfit.