In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode my guest is Dr. Robert Sapolsky, PhD, a professor of biology, neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University.
We discuss different types of stress and how our perception of stress as harmful or beneficial largely depends on context. He also explains how testosterone amplifies pre-existing behaviors and tendencies, and he highlights the crucial role of estrogen in supporting brain and body health. We also discuss daily cognitive practices for stress mitigation and how modern life, influenced by social media and complex social hierarchies, shapes our responses to stress.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Robert Sapolsky
00:00:23 Positive & Negative Stress; Excitement, Amygdala
00:02:47 Testosterone & Brain, Aggression, Hierarchy
00:06:27 Sponsors: Function & LMNT
00:09:18 Testosterone, Motivation, Challenge & Confidence
00:13:52 Dopamine, Testosterone & Motivation
00:16:20 Estrogen, Brain & Health, Replacement Therapies
00:18:12 Stress Mitigation
00:22:09 Sponsors: AG1 & David
00:24:59 Cognitive Practices for Stress Mitigation, Individual Variability, Consistency
00:27:18 Stress, Perception & Individual Differences
00:29:39 Context, Stress & Brain
00:32:47 Social Media, Context, Multiple Hierarchies
00:35:57 Acknowledgments
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time Perception & Entrainment by Dopamine, Serotonin & Hormones
In this episode, I discuss how our brain and body track time and the role that neurochemicals, in particular dopamine and serotonin, but also hormones such as melatonin, allow us to orient ourselves in time.…
Dr. Duncan French: How to Exercise for Strength Gains & Hormone Optimization
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Duncan French, Ph.D., the Vice President of Performance at the UFC Performance Institute and a world-class performance specialist. We discuss specific resistance (weight) training regimens for increasing testosterone…
Using Your Nervous System to Enhance Your Immune System
This episode teaches you a lot about the immune system, immune-brain interactions and offers 12 potential tools for enhancing immune system function. I discuss how our immune system works and science-supported tools we can use…
Dr. Samer Hattar: Timing Your Light, Food, & Exercise for Optimal Sleep, Energy & Mood
In this episode, I host Dr. Samer Hattar, Chief of the Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms at the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Hattar is a world-renowned expert on how viewing light at…
Nutrients For Brain Health & Performance
This episode I describe science-supported nutrients for brain and performance (cognition) and for nervous system health generally. I describe 10 tools for this purpose, including specific amounts and sources for Omega-3 fatty acids which make…
Effects of Fasting & Time Restricted Eating on Fat Loss & Health
This episode I discuss the science and practice of fasting also called time-restricted feeding. I review the data on how limiting food intake to specific portions of every 24-hour cycle (or fasting longer) impacts weight…
Dr. Craig Heller: Using Temperature To Optimize Performance, Brain & Body Health
This episode I am joined by Dr. Craig Heller, Professor of Biology at Stanford University and world expert on the science of temperature regulation. We discuss how the body and brain maintain temperature under different…
Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction
This episode serves as a sort of “Dopamine Masterclass”. I discuss the immensely powerful chemical that we all make in our brain and body: dopamine. I describe what it does and the neural circuits involved.…
Dr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
This episode I discuss medical research on psychedelic compounds with Dr. Matthew Johnson, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. We discuss the biology and medical clinical-trial uses of psilocybin,…
ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus
In this episode, I discuss ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): what it is, the common myths, and the biology and psychology of ADHD. I discuss both behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for ADHD, and brain-machine interface tools.…