My guest is Dr. David DeSteno, PhD, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University. We discuss science, God and religion, including what science can and can’t reveal about the existence of God and where religious faith and science do and do not align. We also discuss why questions about life’s origins, miracles and the afterlife have persisted across time. Dr. DeSteno explains how religious rituals cause meaningful improvements in mental and physical health and how prayer and gratitude can markedly reduce stress, increase honesty and compassion and buffer against loneliness and despair. Finally, we explore what distinguishes religions and mission-based communities from cults, and we discuss the role that communities such as 12-step and Burning Man play in modern life.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00) David DeSteno
(02:10) Science & Belief in God, Does God Exist?
(07:06) Universe Origins & Scientific Questions; Religion & Life/Health Benefits
(15:16) Sponsors: Our Place & LMNT
(18:23) Russell’s Teapot, Overbelief, Faith; Religio-prospecting, Traditional Practices
(26:49) Mediation & Compassion, Prayer & Stress Relief, Tools: Meditation, Prayer
(34:40) Superstition, Prayers & Rituals; Mourning Rituals, Eulogies, Shiva, Connection
(43:58) Grieving & Different Religious Traditions
(47:15) Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep
(50:12) God vs Religion?; Prayer, Community, Religious Rituals & Ideals
(56:17) Psychedelics, Ego Death, Right vs Left-Handed Roots
(01:01:24) Good & Evil; Lies & Cheating; Gratitude & Prayer
(01:11:03) Loneliness, Community & Religion, Relationship with God & 3AM Friend
(01:16:25) Sponsor: Function
(01:18:12) Feeling God; Intelligent Design, Evolution, Eye; Awe
(01:25:21) Overwhelm & Spiritual Experiences, Awe Despite Understanding
(01:31:01) Fear of Death, Afterlife, Tool: Contemplating Death
(01:37:11) Time Perception, Connectedness, Traditional Practices
(01:42:53) Addiction; 12-Step Programs & Surrender to a Higher Power
(01:49:02) New Religions, Burning Man, Modern Spiritual Experiences, Cults
(01:58:06) Cults vs Religions, Religious Interpretation & Reorientation
(02:03:56) AI, Technology, Religion & Intelligence; Religious Branding
(02:11:05) Religion Figures & Flaws, Direct Experience of God
(02:15:13) Finding a Belief System, Embracing Religious Practices, Tool: Sampling Religions
(02:21:40) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Science & Health Benefits of Belief in God & Religion | Dr. David DeSteno
中文 Tiếng Việt My guest is Dr. David DeSteno, PhD, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University. We discuss science, God and religion, including what science can and can’t reveal about the existence of God…
Essentials: Timing Light for Better Sleep, Energy & Mood | Dr. Samer Hattar
中文 Tiếng Việt In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Samer Hattar, PhD, the Chief of the Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms at the National Institute of Mental Health. We discuss…
Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca
My guest is Dr. Sergiu Pașca, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. We discuss the biology and genetics of autism, why autism diagnoses are increasing and recent progress in using stem…
Essentials: Controlling Your Dopamine for Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction
中文 Tiếng Việt In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how dopamine regulates motivation and provide science-based tools to help improve focus, discipline and overall drive. I explore how particular activities affect dopamine levels…
How to Rewire Your Brain & Learn Faster | Dr. Michael Kilgard
中文 Tiếng Việt In this episode, my guest is Dr. Michael Kilgard, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas and a leading expert on neuroplasticity and learning across the lifespan.…
Essentials: Increase Strength & Endurance with Cooling Protocols | Dr. Craig Heller
中文 Tiếng Việt In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Craig Heller, PhD, a professor of biology at Stanford University and a world expert on the science of temperature regulation. We discuss…
How to Control Your Cortisol & Overcome Burnout
中文 Tiếng Việt In this episode, I explain cortisol and science-based protocols for properly setting your cortisol rhythm, which can significantly increase your daytime energy, focus, mood, and stress resilience, while also improving your sleep…
Essentials: ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
中文 Tiếng Việt In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore the biology and psychology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and discuss both prescription and non-prescription treatment options. I discuss the neural circuits involved in attention…
Male vs. Female Brain Differences & How They Arise From Genes & Hormones | Dr. Nirao Shah
中文 Tiếng Việt My guest is Dr. Nirao Shah, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences and neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. We discuss how the brains of males and females differ…
Essentials: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Dr. Matthew Johnson
中文 Tiếng Việt In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Matthew Johnson, PhD, a senior researcher for the Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment at Sheppard Pratt’s Institute for Advanced…