#2195 - Andrew Huberman

At a Glance

• The effectiveness of McGill’s Big Three - “Like half of the people or more saying the McGill Big Three helped me so much, stabilize my back… He basically is giving behavioral tools to stabilize and strengthen the spine and deal with back pain.” The conversation discusses the potential benefits of specific exercises like McGill’s Big Three in addressing chronic pain.

• The conflict between Physios - “And I asked someone, why is this field of exercise physiology so brutal? And it turns out it’s because it’s very hard to get a lot of clients. And the moment that somebody comes out with knowledge that’s very useful for a lot of people, they’re potentially taking away their livelihood.” The conversation highlights the competitive nature and potential conflict within the field of exercise physiology.

• The importance of self-care - “Like there is no replacement for self-care. There’s just no pill, no potion, no injection, no nothing. There are things that can help, but there’s nothing that can replace behaviors.” The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of lifestyle and behavior changes in addressing chronic pain.

• A holistic approach to pain management - “He [Sean Mackey] talks about the biopsychosocial model of pain. And he’s very open-minded. Meds work in some cases. So does your emotional or cognitive interpretation of the pain. What does it mean? So do things like meditation.” The conversation highlights the importance of considering multiple factors and approaches when addressing chronic pain, rather than relying solely on medication.

• The value of open-minded discussions - “There are very few places in the world where you can have a real discussion about real things from all the angles and know that the person sitting across from you is being truly open-minded about it.” The conversation emphasizes the importance of open and honest discussions in addressing complex issues like chronic pain.

What to Do

• Strengthen your body through self-care and exercise, rather than relying on medication or surgery. - The speaker mentions that Stu McGill’s big three movements helped many people stabilize their back and deal with pain, highlighting the importance of behavioral tools to prevent and manage health issues.

• Be open-minded and holistic in addressing health concerns, incorporating various factors such as emotional interpretation, meditation, and strengthening systems. - Sean Mackey’s approach is mentioned as a good example of this, emphasizing the need to consider multiple aspects when treating pain and other health issues.

• Prioritize self-care and behavioral tools over relying on medication or quick fixes. - The speaker emphasizes that no pill or potion can replace the importance of self-care and strengthening one’s body through exercise and healthy habits.

What to Get

• Back Mechanic by Stuart McGill - Amazon - A textbook on low back function and rehabilitation

• Protocols, an Operating Manual for the Human Body by Andrew Huberman - Amazon

• Chocolate Scent - Amazon - To track scents on the ground, specifically mentioned in the context of an experiment comparing human tracking abilities to bloodhounds.

• Swimming Pool Chemical - Amazon - Used to test human ability to detect subtle differences in smell, mentioned in the context of an experiment involving adding a drop of the chemical to a swimming pool.

• Skunk Spray - Amazon - Mentioned as an example of a strong smell that humans can detect at a dilution that is outrageously small, used in the context of discussing human olfactory abilities.

• McGill Big Three Movements - Stabilizing and strengthening the spine

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around the idea of being true to oneself and the importance of authenticity in various aspects of life. The speakers discuss how engaging in healthy behaviors, such as physical fitness, can enhance one’s credibility and respect in the eyes of others. They also touch upon the concept of self-reflection and the need to examine one’s beliefs and ideas, rather than simply seeking validation or victory in discussions. The episode delves into the value of genuine conversations and friendships, emphasizing the significance of understanding why people think the way they do and being open to different perspectives.

The speakers also explore the creative process and the role of stillness in generating ideas. They discuss the practice of keeping the body still while allowing the mind to be active, drawing parallels to rapid eye movement sleep and the emergence of new configurations of thought. Additionally, they reflect on the dangers of fame and the temptation to cater to external expectations, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself amidst public scrutiny. The episode touches on the impact of voluntary adversity in building resilience and comfort with discomfort, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of self-awareness and authenticity.

Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, engage in meaningful conversations, and prioritize personal growth through self-reflection and challenging experiences. It underscores the value of authenticity, curiosity, and genuine connections in navigating life’s complexities and staying grounded in one’s identity.