Episode

How Your Brain Works & Changes
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1:04:44
Published: Mon Jan 04 2021
Description

Today’s episode provides an introduction to how the nervous system works to create sensations, perceptions, emotions, thoughts and behaviors, as well as how we can change our nervous system—a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. The information sets the stage for all Huberman Lab podcast episodes that follow by covering neurons, synapses, brain chemicals and the rhythms that control our ability to focus, learn and sleep… and more. Thank you for your interest in science. We'll see you next week! For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:25) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:07:57) What is the Nervous System (00:7:25) Deja Vu (00:08:09) How War, Guns & Soap Shaped Our Understanding of the Brain (00:10:47) Jennifer Aniston Neurons (00:11:58) Sensations (00:13:30) Magnetic Sensing & Mating (00:14:51) Perceptions & The Spotlight of Attention (00:16:33) Multi-Tasking Is Real (00:17:45) Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Control of Behavior (00:18:38) Focusing the Mind (00:21:47) Antidepressants (00:25:01) Thoughts & Thought Control (00:25:56) Actions (00:30:40) How We Control Our Impulses (00:33:44) Neuroplasticity: The Holy Grail of Neuroscience (00:38:34) The Portal to Neuroplasticity (00:43:53) Accelerating Learning in Sleep (00:47:29) The Pillar of Plasticity (00:52:22) Leveraging Ultradian Cycles & Self Experimentation (00:57:17) Summary (00:58:03) Zero-Cost Support, Feedback, Reviews Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer

Chapters
This podcast discusses the history and components of the nervous system, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their own neural makeup and its significance in fields like engineering, warfare, religion, and philosophy.
00:00 - 01:39 (01:39)
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Neuroscience
Summary

This podcast discusses the history and components of the nervous system, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their own neural makeup and its significance in fields like engineering, warfare, religion, and philosophy.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
This episode discusses the gut microbiome and its intricate connections to various biological systems, including the nervous system, immune system, and brain.
01:39 - 07:20 (05:40)
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gut microbiome
Summary

This episode discusses the gut microbiome and its intricate connections to various biological systems, including the nervous system, immune system, and brain. The episode also emphasizes the benefits of using single ingredient supplements for a systematic and cost-effective approach to building a supplementation protocol.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
This podcast explains the continuous loop of communication between the brain, spinal cord, and body and how two scientists discovered that the human body is made up of trillions of nerve cells called neurons.
07:20 - 15:56 (08:36)
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Nervous System
Summary

This podcast explains the continuous loop of communication between the brain, spinal cord, and body and how two scientists discovered that the human body is made up of trillions of nerve cells called neurons. It also discusses a study that revealed a neuron becoming electrically active only when the person viewed a picture of Jennifer Aniston.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
The podcast discusses how certain animals are able to navigate and how it is important to understand this in order to improve the human nervous system through various methods such as chemical supplements or focus techniques.
15:56 - 22:19 (06:22)
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Nervous System
Summary

The podcast discusses how certain animals are able to navigate and how it is important to understand this in order to improve the human nervous system through various methods such as chemical supplements or focus techniques.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
This podcast explores the different brain circuits and chemicals that are active during various states of motivation, from focused to lazy or even manic, and how they can affect our moods and behaviors.
22:19 - 29:16 (06:57)
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Motivation
Summary

This podcast explores the different brain circuits and chemicals that are active during various states of motivation, from focused to lazy or even manic, and how they can affect our moods and behaviors.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Deliberate movement engages the forebrain and recruits neuromodulators that signal to your nervous system that something is different, leading to changes in the brain and body.
29:16 - 36:58 (07:42)
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Brain Science
Summary

Deliberate movement engages the forebrain and recruits neuromodulators that signal to your nervous system that something is different, leading to changes in the brain and body. This feature of the nervous system allows for the ability to intentionally change and improve oneself.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Understanding neuroplasticity is crucial for altering behavior and thinking patterns.
36:58 - 44:51 (07:53)
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Neuroplasticity
Summary

Understanding neuroplasticity is crucial for altering behavior and thinking patterns. Senses and emotions can be mapped in the brain so that it becomes easier to experience and feel that thing.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
A bell or tone played during sleep can trigger our nervous system to remember what we learned during the day, leading to better retention rates.
44:51 - 59:30 (14:38)
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Sleep Learning
Summary

A bell or tone played during sleep can trigger our nervous system to remember what we learned during the day, leading to better retention rates. Mastering the transition between wakefulness and sleep and vice versa is crucial for engaging neuroplasticity and enhancing learning.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab
This podcast discusses how to take control of the autonomic nervous system, which can improve sleep, access creativity and promote neuroplasticity.
59:30 - 1:04:38 (05:08)
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Autonomic Nervous System
Summary

This podcast discusses how to take control of the autonomic nervous system, which can improve sleep, access creativity and promote neuroplasticity. The discussion is based on published studies and provides specific tools to help listeners get the most out of their nervous system.

Episode
How Your Brain Works & Changes
Podcast
Huberman Lab