The Science of Love, Desire & Attachment | Huberman Lab Essentials

Episode Moments

The Science of Love, Desire & Attachment | Huberman Lab Essentials

huberman
February 12, 2026
18 Moments

🎯 All Moments (18)

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The Seesaw Analogy of Arousal

Andrew Huberman uses a simple seesaw analogy to explain how the autonomic nervous system regulates states of alertness and calmness.

autonomic nervous system knowledge
5:03
Duration: 0:41

The Science of Autonomic Coordination

Defines the biological essence of love and attachment as the coordination of autonomic nervous systems between two people.

psychology knowledge
18:18
Duration: 0:25

The Impact of Tribulus Terrestris on Hormones and Desire

An overview of research on Tribulus Terrestris, highlighting its ability to increase bioavailable testosterone and its varying effects on libido depending on dosage and population.

tribulus terrestris knowledge
32:24
Duration: 2:45

The Science of Secure Attachment

Andrew Huberman explains the 'strange situation task' and defines the secure attachment style, where children feel confident in their caregiver's responsiveness.

attachment styles knowledge
0:24
Duration: 2:13

Mastering Healthy Interdependence

Actionable advice on balancing the benefits of a partner's presence with the ability to self-soothe and regulate your own nervous system.

healthy relationships advice
7:26
Duration: 1:05

The Three Neural Circuits of Human Connection

An explanation of the three specific neural systems that collaborate to create what we experience as desire, love, and attachment.

relationships knowledge
9:28
Duration: 0:33

Maca Root: Dosage and Effects on Sexual Desire

A breakdown of how Maca root influences libido, including the recommended dosage, timing, and the fact that it works independently of testosterone and estrogen levels.

maca root advice
29:22
Duration: 1:04

The Dopamine and Libido Misconception

Andrew Huberman explains why simply increasing dopamine doesn't necessarily increase libido, detailing the necessary balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems for physical arousal.

libido and dopamine knowledge
26:37
Duration: 1:25

How Partner Praise Protects Your Relationship

Explains a psychological study showing how 'self-expansion' narratives and praise from a partner can neurologically decrease the perceived attractiveness of outside individuals.

relationships knowledge
22:13
Duration: 2:18

Why 'Love Yourself First' is Not Science-Based

Huberman challenges popular relationship advice, noting that common tropes about self-love are often not grounded in empirical studies.

relationships controversy
18:40
Duration: 0:21

How Tongkat Ali Increases Free Testosterone

Andrew Huberman discusses the mechanism of Tongkat Ali (Longjack), focusing on its ability to increase free testosterone by lowering sex hormone binding globulin.

tongkat ali advice
30:47
Duration: 1:37

How Childhood Shapes Adult Love

Learn how childhood attachment styles predict adult romantic partnerships and how these templates can be changed through self-awareness.

romantic relationships knowledge
3:34
Duration: 0:38

Dopamine: The Molecule of Pursuit, Not Reward

Andrew Huberman clarifies a common misconception about dopamine, explaining that its primary role is driving motivation, craving, and pursuit rather than just providing a reward.

dopamine knowledge
8:53
Duration: 0:23

Why Kids Mimic Their Parents' Stress

A fascinating historical study from WWII reveals how a parent's physiological response to danger directly dictates their child's long-term stress levels.

parenting and stress story
6:25
Duration: 1:01

Why Contempt is the 'Sulfuric Acid' of Relationships

A deep dive into why contempt is so destructive, acting as the antithesis of empathy and a primary driver of divorce.

contempt knowledge
13:41
Duration: 1:01

The Science of the 36 Questions That Lead to Love

Huberman discusses the famous '36 Questions' study and the physiological synchronization that occurs when two people share deep narratives.

falling in love knowledge
15:14
Duration: 2:31

The Crucial Role of Estrogen in Libido

Andrew Huberman debunks the common myth that estrogen blunts sex drive, explaining that it is a necessary part of the 'coordinated dance' for libido in both men and women.

biology knowledge
25:06
Duration: 1:18

The Four Horsemen of Relationship Failure

Based on the work of the Gottmans, Huberman outlines the four behavioral patterns that most accurately predict the end of a relationship.

relationship health advice
12:22
Duration: 1:33