In the early part of the previous year, I was engaged in a discussion with a mate about the persistent bouts of sleeplessness that I was experiencing at that juncture – a predicament that had sporadically troubled me since my youthful days. My friend informed me that certain new habits had noticeably bettered both the quality and duration of his recent sleep. The most prominent of these strategies was the ritual of stepping out into the open air ASAP after awakening, and soaking up around 15 to 20 minutes of sunshine during the early hours. As per my understanding, this was connected with a cortisol surge prompted by ultraviolet rays and a consequent resetting of the brain’s inner sleep timeline. He informed me that he had picked up this habit, alongside a variety of other very personalised alterations to his lifestyle and wellness – through the podcast ‘Huberman Lab’, which is helmed by Stanford neuroscience academic Andrew Huberman.
Prompted by curiosity (and a lack of sleep), I decided to give it a listen. Initially, I was doubtful. There was frequent chatter about supplements and their sponsor, the remarkably expensive dietary supplement AG1, made multiple appearances alongside an ever-changing lineup of supposed health-boosting items and services – meditation platforms, chilly water immersion pools, sleep-tracking mattresses, and some sort of venison delivery service with a heavy protein focus. However, I soon found myself captivated.
My mate had characterised Huberman as “comfortingly monotonous”, which while offering a partial explanation of his charm, undersells his ability as a scientific mediator. While he is undeniably nerdy, he is never obfuscating and possesses the knack of encapsulating and elucidating intricate research areas. His persona, a combination of unconventional Californian facets: a genuinely serious former street skateboarder, a captivating wellness advocate, and a science enthusiast with connections to Silicon Valley, certainly stands out.
Huberman Lab holds a reputation as one of the most widely subscribed podcasts globally, with its most frequently listened to episodes often centring around tips and techniques to enhance both physical and mental health. Huberman refers to these tips as “protocols.” I soon found myself an ardent fan, embracing several of these protocols such as stepping outside early morning for sunlight exposure, taking magnesium to enhance sleep quality, and even practising the exhilarating, albeit slightly tormenting ritual of daily cold showers. Regardless of whether the impacts of these practices were genuine or placebo, I found Huberman’s scientific explanation behind them quite convincing.
However, the representation of Huberman, the pinnacle of optimised existence, turns out to be marred by reports of a complex and deceptive sexual life. A recent eyecatching article from New York magazine titled “Falling for Dr. Huberman” delved into explicit details of his personal relationships, revealing him to be involved with six different women concurrently, each under the belief that she was his sole partner.
Upon discovering this, my reaction was more nuanced than anticipated. Whilst there was certainly a degree of intrigue surrounding the complex nature of his relationships and the intricate plotting it must have required, the deceitful behaviour was clearly beneath him and disrespectful to all parties involved. I questioned the need for such an extensive exposé on a popular podcaster’s personal life, which seemed altogether intrusive. Notably, the writer of this article, Kerry Howley, published an insightful book last year about the deep state and the encroachment upon privacy in the American society, an irony seemingly lost in this case.
It appears that Howley’s analysis failed to highlight the critical point, specifically Huberman’s fascination with dubious supplements. This seemed to be far more noteworthy and ultimately harsher than the WhatsApp conversations among his former partners. Unfortunately, the significant length of the article didn’t quite capture why Huberman’s personal integrity or lack thereof relates to his wider professional life.
To suggest making a podcaster-neuroscientist the embodiment of everything that’s skewed with the hyper-individualist techno-capitalism culture would be absurd. Yet, despite his calm, rationalistic means, Huberman provides almost a magical guarantee that one can enhance a life – a potential vice to some – with just the right adjustments such as particular supplements and breathing exercises. The distinction between what Huberman provides and, for instance, what Gwyneth Paltrow offers with her Goop lifestyle brand is more of a stylistic contrast than a substantial one. Huberman brings to the forefront the concept of individual self-enhancement, a philosophy that’s been core to the American culture since Ben Franklin’s days of advocating temperance and restraint.
Despite the revelations, I continue to listen to the podcast. The effectiveness of something like magnesium procured as a sleep aid doesn’t falter based on whether the person recommending it is a revered savant or a notorious womaniser.
There’s a parasocial connection brewing – despite my better judgement and the delusion of my sophistication, I find myself feeling a sense of familiarity with Huberman. This reliable purveyor of helpful advice has helped improve my sleep and provided ways to cope with stress, and so, he has somewhat endeared himself to me. It’s inevitable, however, that this affection would slightly wane upon discovering his less than likable side.
Looking into 11 common remedies for insomnia raised the question – do they indeed offer solutions?
Huberman’s ethical shortcomings don’t, in my opinion, invalidate his established strategies. I still tune into his podcast, and the effectiveness of elements like magnesium as a sleep enhancer remains unchanged regardless of the character of the one endorsing it – be he a monk or a debauchee. That being said, it’s difficult to ignore the thought that striving to maximise one’s life – be it for wellbeing, productivity, diverse sexual experiences, or joy – could potentially pave the way towards egotism and away from an ideal life, whatever one’s interpretation may be.