View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter In this episode, Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D., discusses the widespread impact of stress on our physical and emotional health as well as the mechanisms by which it can precipitate chronic illness, dementia, depression, and more. He also provides insight into the factors that contribute to the stress response (and our ability to handle it) such as social rank, personality, environment, and genetics. Lastly, we discuss how our behavior is altered in the face of stress and how that not only has a pervasive effect on a personal level, but also on society as a whole in how we interact with each other. We discuss: Background, interest in stress, and Robert’s time in Kenya studying baboons [2:45]; Physiology of a stress response, and why it’s ingrained in our DNA [9:45]; Individual variation in the response to stress, and how everyone has a different optimal level [19:45]; How social rank and personality differences affect our stress response [26:30]; What’s happening in the brain when faced with stressful situations? [35:00]; What makes the human brain different than all other species? [44:15]; Imprinting stress to your kids epigenetically [48:00]; The role of stress on memory and the consequences of hypercortisolemia [53:00]; The impact of subjective socioeconomic status and social media on stress levels and health [57:45]; Tips for managing stress in the modern world [1:13:15]; What Robert learned about himself studying the social behavior of baboons [1:25:30]; The multilayered factors behind every human behavior, the context of “good and bad”, and exploring the human capacity of the wild extremes of violence and altruism from moment to moment [1:30:15]; PMS: How two women with identical hormone levels can have completely different emotional experiences [1:34:45]; How much of a role do genes play in depression and other emotional states? [1:38:00]; Why is cortisol elevated under sleep deprivation? [1:46:00]; The impact of stress on cancer [1:50:30]; The impact of stress on atherosclerosis, dementia, addiction, and depression [1:57:00]; Impulsiveness, impaired judgment, and lack of empathy in times of stress [2:01:45]; What advice would Robert give his 25-year-old self? [2:08:45]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

In this episode, I interview Dr. Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Neurology & Neurosurgery at Stanford University. We discuss stress, what defines short-term versus long-term stress, and how stress can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the context. We also discuss stress mitigation and how our sense of control over stress mitigation techniques, including exercise, determine health outcomes. Dr. Sapolsky explains some of the key effects of the hormone testosterone — how it can amplify pre-existing tendencies for aggression or sexual behavior, but that it does not produce those behaviors per se. He also explains how testosterone impacts our social hierarchies, sense of confidence, and willingness to embrace challenges of different kinds. He also explains how our behaviors and perceptions shape testosterone levels. And we discuss estrogen and the powerful role it plays in brain development, health and longevity. Finally, we discuss free will, what it means to have free will, and if we have any free will, including how knowledge alone might allow us to make better decisions for ourselves and society. Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://athleticgreens.com/hubermanLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlabWaking Up: https://wakingup.com/hubermanMomentous: https://livemomentous.com/hubermanTimestamps00:00:00 Introduction: Dr. Robert Sapolsky  00:02:25 Sponsors: AG1, LMNT & Waking Up00:06:30 Stress: Short & Long-Term, Good & Bad  00:09:11 Valence & Amygdala  00:11:00 Testosterone: Common Myths vs. Actual Truths  00:15:15 Behaviors that Affect Testosterone  00:17:20 Mindsets & Contexts that Affect Testosterone  00:20:28 How Finger Length Ratios Reflect Prenatal Hormone Levels  00:22:30 Aggression: Male-Female, Female-Male, & Female-Female  00:24:05 Testosterone: The Challenge Hypothesis  00:29:20 How Dopamine Impacts Testosterone & Motivation  00:32:32 Estrogen: Improves Brain & Longevity BUT TIMING IS KEY  00:39:40 Are Testosterone & Sperm Counts in Males Really Dropping?  00:42:15 Stress Mitigation & Our Sense of Control  00:51:35 How Best to Buffer Stress  00:57:04 Power of Perception, Choice & Individual Differences  01:00:32 Context-Setting, Prefrontal Cortex & Hierarchy  01:11:20 How Dr. Sapolsky Accomplishes Deep Thinking  01:13:17 Do We Have Free Will?  01:20:50 How to Apply Knowledge & Learning  01:23:44 Robert’s New Book: “Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will”  01:28:27 Reflections, Support of Podcast, & Supporting Stress Research  Disclaimer & Disclosures

Dr Robert Sapolsky, Professor at Stanford University and world-leading researcher, discusses the shocking science of managing stress. Topics include the impact of long-term stress on the human body, neurodevelopmental consequences of stress and poverty, detraining dopamine sensitivity, misunderstood facts about hormones, belief in free will and obesity, and more.

Neuroendocrinology researcher Robert Sapolsky and Dr. Jordan B Peterson explore game theory, the success of the tit-for-tat principle, the role of dopamine in anticipation, and the objective reality of transcendent structures within our biological routines.

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky delves into the debate on free will with Sam Harris, touching on intuition, complexity, ethics, predictability, fatalism, historical views, implications for criminal justice, and the logic of reasoning. They explore abstract concepts in neural states, the impact of genetics and environment on decision-making, and the role of early-life experiences in shaping behaviors. The discussion challenges traditional views on free will and the implications for society.

Robert Sapolsky, a scientist specializing in stress and psychology, discusses the psychology behind Donald Trump, the science of stress, and the illusion of 'free will'. Other topics include baboon behavior and its political parallels, the impact of social media on politics, why poor Americans support Trump, the influence of race on jury decisions, the lack of empathy, and the genetic and environmental influences on mental health.

Neuroscientist and author Robert Sapolsky discusses the structure of the human brain, the absence of free will, and how our biology influences decision-making. They explore the impact of stress hormones, debunk misconceptions about dopamine, testosterone, and oxytocin, and reflect on the illusion of free will. The speakers also discuss the societal implications of scientific understanding and the importance of education in challenging information. They emphasize the difference between determinism and fatalism and highlight the potential for revolutionary change.

Neuroscientist Sam Harris, psychologist Robert Sapolsky, and others debate the existence of free will and its implications. Topics include learned helplessness, decision-making, and personal agency in various contexts. The discussion explores the philosophical and psychological aspects of free will, challenging traditional beliefs and examining the impact on individual behavior.

Neuroendocrinology researcher Robert Sapolsky challenges the concept of free will. They discuss neuroscience, physics, and philosophy arguments against free will. Factors like brain activity, sensory stimuli, hormones, genetics, and culture heavily influence human behavior. Glucose levels are a significant predictor of a judge's parole decision. They explore Buridan's donkey and limitations of randomness. Ancestors' environment, cultural backgrounds, and physiological differences shape present behavior. They discuss the consequences of disregarding free will, including existential concerns and potential nihilism.

Explore the concept of free will vs. predetermination through discussions on quantum reasons, religious trauma, influences on decision-making, blood glucose levels, societal impact, boundaries of free will, and the interconnectedness of culture and biology.