Dr. Karl Deisseroth: Understanding & Healing the Mind

In the inaugural episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, host Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Karl Deisseroth, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Stanford, about the intersection of psychiatry and neurology, the challenges in treating mental illness, and the role of channelrhodopsins in understanding and potentially treating psychiatric disorders. They discuss the limitations of current psychiatric treatments, the potential for quantitative tests for mental illnesses, and the importance of understanding brain circuits. Deisseroth shares insights into his career path, the development of optogenetics and clarity, and the potential of psychedelic medicine. The conversation also explores Deisseroth's daily routines for managing a demanding career and family life, and his optimistic outlook on the future of psychiatry.