Dr. Robert Sapolsky: Science of Stress, Testosterone & Free Will

In this episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurosurgery at Stanford University, about stress, testosterone, estrogen, and free will. They discuss the benefits and drawbacks of short-term and long-term stress, the role of testosterone in aggression and sexual behavior, and the effects of estrogen on cognition and cardiovascular health. Sapolsky challenges common misconceptions about these hormones and emphasizes the importance of context and individual differences. They also explore the impact of endocrine disruptors and the role of the prefrontal cortex in interpreting experiences and mitigating stress. Finally, Sapolsky shares his perspective on free will, arguing that our choices are determined by a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors, and discusses his forthcoming book, "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will."