Neuroscience of Emotions & Tools for Improving Emotion Regulation| Dr. Ralph Adolphs

With Andrew Huberman, Ralph Adolphs · Sunday, August 23, 2026

This episode features Dr. Ralph Adolphs and Andrew Huberman discussing the neurobiology of emotions. They explore a functional definition of emotions, highlighting key features like priority and temporal persistence, and challenge the common conflation of emotions with conscious feelings. The conversation also covers practical tools for emotion regulation, such as deliberate cold exposure and ultrarunning, and critiques traditional views on perceiving emotions from facial expressions.

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Key takeaways

Autonomic Training, Not Just Willpower: Deliberate cold exposure, like ice baths, acts as direct training for your autonomic nervous system, not just a test of mental fortitude. This builds resilience that goes beyond conscious effort. Read more →
Ultrarunning functions as a unique form of "mind training," cultivating a distinct psychological resilience beyond mere physical endurance. Read more →

2 articles from this episode

Huberman & Adolphs: Ice Baths Train Automatic Emotion Control

Deliberate cold exposure, like ice baths, isn't just a challenge. It's direct autonomic training that rewires your stress response for automatic calm.

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Ultrarunning: How Relentless Optimism Rewires What's Possible

Extreme physical challenge isn't just about fitness. Dr. Ralph Adolphs reveals how ultrarunning builds 'relentless optimism' and rewires your sense of what's possible, a lesson for founders.