The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

296. Neuroscience Meets Psychology | Dr. Andrew Huberman

Oct 13, 2022

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist renowned for his research on brain plasticity and the visual system, delves into how anxiety links to the autonomic nervous system and the prefrontal cortex's role in decision-making. He offers practical techniques for managing anxiety and explores the neuroscience of belief, motivation, and even the psychological impacts of pornography. Huberman emphasizes the importance of small wins in fostering resilience and improving mental well-being, making neuroscience relatable and actionable.

01:40:34

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Andrew Huberman

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Quick takeaways

The insula and prefrontal cortex play crucial roles in the communication between the autonomic nervous system and the brain, with the insula acting as a hub for somatic signals and the prefrontal cortex regulating the autonomic response.

Anxiety and exploration are complex responses involving various brain areas, such as the insula, prefrontal cortex, and other regions, which interpret and modulate the autonomic arousal associated with these responses.

Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the reward system, is released during anticipation of a reward and decreases transiently upon receiving the actual reward, leading to reinforcement of neural connections associated with behavior.

The prefrontal cortex, derived from the frontal cortex and motor cortex, plays a crucial role in generating abstract patterns of action, evaluating potential future scenarios, and facilitating behavioral flexibility through the generation of alternative selves and identity transformations.

Deep dives

The Autonomic Nervous System and Conscious Control

The autonomic nervous system controls automatic bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It sends mechanical and chemical signals to the brain which interpret and integrate this information. The insula and prefrontal cortex play crucial roles in this communication, with the insula acting as a hub for somatic signals and the prefrontal cortex regulating and adjusting the autonomic response. The prefrontal cortex can generate potential abstract patterns of action, anticipate different outcomes, and calms the body through the vagus nerve.

The Science Behind 'Manifesting' and Setting Reward-Driven Rules for the Brain

02:08

Errors Are Due to State Not Trait - very cool

03:04

Anxiety, Emotions, and the Prefrontal Cortex

02:12

Insula and Prefrontal Cortex Relationship in Conscious Awareness

01:07

Intro

2min

Navigating Anxiety: The Autonomic Connection

13min

Exploring the Prefrontal Cortex and Contextual Decision-Making

2min

Regulating Emotions: The Brain's Complex Pathways

22min

Exploration, Dopamine, and Human Behavior

24min

Navigating Anxiety: From Interoception to Connection

6min

The Power of Belief and Small Wins

25min

Pornography and Its Psychological Impacts

5min

Exploring the Psychological Consequences of Affluence and Future Discussions

2min

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and Andrew Huberman discuss neurology, the way humans and animals react to specific stimuli, and how this knowledge can be utilized for personal growth.

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist, and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He runs the Huberman Lab, which has made significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function and neural plasticity. Dr. Huberman’s most recent work revolves around the influence of vision and respiration on human performance and brain states such as fear and courage. In 2017, he was chosen to receive the Cogan award, which is awarded to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision. Work from the Huberman Laboratory has been published in top journals including Nature, Science, and Cell and has been featured in TIME, BBC, Scientific American, Discover, and other top media outlets. In 2021, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab Podcast, and has since grown to over 1.5 million subscribers.

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—Links—

For Andrew Huberman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/hubermanlab?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Website https://hubermanlab.com/

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2D2CMWXMOVWx7giW1n3LIg

— Chapters —

(0:00) Coming Up

(0:57) Intro

(3:18) Where anxiety stems from

(11:57) Flipping the autonomic response