Huberman Lab

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Pain & Pleasure

00:00:39 Skin, Appetitive vs Aversive Behaviors

00:02:10 Skin, Neurons & Brain

00:04:46 Brain Interpretation, Homunculus, Two-Point Discrimination Test

00:07:43 Pain & Pleasure, Subjective Interpretation

00:09:53 Sponsor: AG1

00:11:30 Tool: Pain & Expectation

00:13:08 Pain Threshold

00:14:46 Heat & Cold, Tool: Moving into Cold or Hot Environments

00:16:37 Subjective Pain, Psychosomatic, Fibromyalgia, Whole Body Pain, Acetyl-L-carnitine

00:20:54 Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Pain Management

00:23:44 Sponsors: LMNT & Eight Sleep

00:26:36 Red Heads & Pain Threshold, Endorphins

00:28:32 Improving Pain Threshold, Dopamine

00:30:00 Pleasure, Dopamine, Serotonin; Depression, Anti-depressants

00:34:12 Pleasure & Pain Balance, Dopamine, Addiction

00:36:08 Recap & Key Takeaways

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How to Grow From Doing Hard Things | Michael Easter Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

My guest is Michael Easter, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and best-selling author. We discuss how particular daily life choices undermine our level of joy, our sense of purpose, our physical and our mental health and the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly steps we can all take to vastly increase our level of motivation, gratitude and overall life satisfaction. We discuss how effortful foraging for information, undistracted reflection and physical exercise are ways to ‘invest’ and therefore grow our levels of dopamine, energy and motivation, whereas low-friction activities are specifically designed to hijack or diminish them. We also discuss dopamine reward circuitry in the context of how to build and reset one’s energy levels and create a deeper sense of purpose in work, creative pursuits and relationships.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman

Mateina: https://drinkmateina.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Michael Easter

00:02:14 Discomforts, Modern vs Ancient Life

00:07:35 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Helix Sleep

00:10:17 Modern Problems, Exercise, Trail vs Treadmill Running, Optic Flow, Hunting

00:20:01 Risk & Rewards, Intellectual vs Experiential Understanding

00:23:39 Modern Luxuries, First-World Problems, Gratitude, Tool: Volunteer

00:34:33 Rites of Passage, Tool: Challenge, Narrative & Purpose; Embracing Discomfort

00:40:43 Sponsors: AG1 & Mateina

00:43:33 Choice, 2% Study, Silence, Tools: Do Slightly Harder Things; Notice Resistance

00:54:05 Cognitive Challenges, Walking, Screens, Tool: Sitting with Boredom

01:01:53 Capturing Ideas, Attractor States, Tool: Being in Nature

01:06:50 2% Rule, Rites of Passage, Tool: Misogi Challenge

01:14:12 Phones, Sharing with Others, Social Media, Tool: Reflection vs Screen Time

01:23:23 Dopamine, Spending vs Investing, Guilt

01:29:48 Sponsor: Function

01:31:35 Relaxation, Shared Identities & Community, Music, Tool: In-Person Meeting

01:38:58 Loss of Gathering Places, Internet & Distorted Views, Hitchhiking

01:45:06 Misogi & Entry Points; Daily Schedule, Caffeine Intake

01:54:37 Optimal Circadian Schedule, Work Bouts, Exercise

01:59:12 Outdoor Adventures, Backpacking & Nutrition

02:04:57 Camping & Sleeping, Nature, Three-Day Effect

02:10:10 Sea Squirts; Misogi Adventures & Cognitive Vigor, Writing, Happiness

02:17:55 Effort & Rewards, Addiction, Dopamine, Catecholamines

02:22:36 Humans, Running & Carrying Weight, Fat Loss, Tool: How to Start Rucking

02:32:32 Physical/Cognitive Pursuits & Resistance; Creative “Magic” & Foraging

02:39:27 Motivation; Slot Machines, Loss Disguised as a Win, Speed

02:46:06 Gambling, Dopamine, Addiction

02:50:29 Tool: Avoid Frictionless Foraging; Sports Betting, Speed; Junk Food, Three V’s

02:56:22 Conveniences, Technology; Upcoming Book, Satisfaction

03:02:57 Substack Links, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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Essentials: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode my guest is Dr. Matt Walker, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and host of The Matt Walker Podcast, which focuses on the science and impact of sleep.

We explore the importance of sleep and how its nightly structure, including REM and non-REM stages, helps rejuvenate the mind and body. We also discuss how caffeine, alcohol, cannabis and melatonin supplements affect your ability to fall asleep and overall sleep quality. Additionally, Matt highlights the benefits of naps and shares a variety of unconventional tips to promote healthier, more restorative sleep.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Matt Walker, Sleep

00:00:25 Rapid Eye Movement (REM) & Non-REM Sleep, Paralysis

00:02:05 Sleep Cycles, Nighttime Sleep Structure, Hormones

00:07:08 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:08:54 Nighttime Waking Up, Fragmented Sleep

00:11:05 Sunlight Exposure & Sleep

00:12:28 Caffeine & Sleep Effects, Tool: Timing Caffeine

00:15:27 Alcohol & Sleep Effects

00:18:08 Cannabis; THC, Alcohol, REM Sleep & Dreams

00:20:24 Sponsor: ROKA

00:22:12 Melatonin, Supplementation?, Dose

00:28:18 Prescription Sleep Aids, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Sleep

00:30:36 Naps, Benefits, Insomnia, Tool: Nap Length

00:34:07 Sponsor: AG1

00:35:44 Sleep Tips, Tools: “Do Nothing”; Winddown Routine; Worry Journal; Clocks

00:39:56 Acknowledgments

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Improving Science & Restoring Trust in Public Health | Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Professor Emeritus of Health Policy at Stanford University. We discuss which scientific questions ought to be the priority for NIH, how to incentivize bold, innovative science especially from younger labs, how to solve the replication crisis and restore trust and transparency in science and public health, including acknowledging prior failures by the NIH. We discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the data and sociological factors that motivated lockdowns, masking and vaccine mandates. Dr. Bhattacharya shares his views on how to resolve the vaccine–autism debate and how best to find the causes and cures for autism and chronic diseases. The topics we cover impact everyone: male, female, young and old and, given that NIH is the premier research and public health organization in the world, extend to Americans and non-Americans alike.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Levels: ⁠https://levels.link/huberman⁠

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Jay Bhattacharya

00:06:56 National Institutes of Health (NIH), Mission

00:09:12 Funding, Basic vs. Applied Research

00:18:22 Sponsors: David & Eight Sleep

00:21:20 Indirect Costs (IDC), Policies & Distribution

00:30:43 Taxpayer Funding, Journal Access, Public Transparency

00:38:14 Taxpayer Funding, Patents; Drug Costs in the USA vs Other Countries

00:48:50 Reducing Medication Prices; R&D, Improving Health

01:00:01 Sponsors: AG1 & Levels

01:02:55 Lowering IDC?, Endowments, Monetary Distribution, Scientific Groupthink

01:12:29 Grant Review Process, Innovation

01:21:43 R01s, Tenure, Early Career Scientists & Novel Ideas

01:31:46 Sociology of Grant Evaluation, Careerism in Science, Failures

01:39:08 “Sick Care” System, Health Needs

01:44:01 Sponsor: LMNT

01:45:33 Incentives in Science, H-Index, Replication Crisis

01:58:54 Scientists, Data Fraud, Changing Careers

02:03:59 NIH & Changing Incentive Structure, Replication, Pro-Social Behavior

02:15:26 Scientific Discovery, Careers & Changing Times, Journals & Publications

02:19:56 NIH Grants & Appeals, Under-represented Populations, DEI

02:28:58 Inductive vs Deductive Science; DEI & Grants; Young Scientists & NIH Funding

02:39:38 Grant Funding, Identity & Race; Shift in NIH Priorities

02:51:23 Public Trust & Science, COVID Pandemic, Lockdowns, Masks

03:04:41 Pandemic Mandates & Economic Inequality; Fear; Public Health & Free Speech

03:13:39 Masks, Harms, Public Health Messaging, Uniformity, Groupthink, Vaccines

03:22:48 Academic Ostracism, Public Health Messaging & Opposition

03:30:26 Culture of American Science, Discourse & Disagreement

03:36:03 Vaccines, COVID Vaccines, Benefits & Harms

03:47:05 Vaccine Mandates, Money, Public Health Messaging, Civil Liberties

03:54:52 COVID Vaccines, Long-Term Effects; Long COVID, Vaccine Injury, Flu Shots

04:06:47 Do Vaccines Cause Autism?; What Explains Rise in Autism

04:18:33 Autism & NIH; MAHA & Restructuring NIH?

04:25:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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Essentials: Improving Health With Stronger Brain-Body Connection Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss interoception, the brain’s ability to sense and interpret signals from the body, which shapes our sense of self and underlies vital functions like focus, sleep, healing and emotions.

I explain how the body communicates different types of information to the brain, influencing processes like digestion, heart rate and immune function.

I also describe practical tools such as breathwork to regulate alertness, strategies to support gut health and reduce sugar cravings, and awareness practices to enhance interoception. By understanding and applying these tools, you can strengthen the brain-body connection to improve mood, overall health and performance.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch or listen to the full-length episode at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Sense of Self, Interoception

00:01:25 Brain & Body Communication, Vagus Nerve, Mechanical & Chemical Information

00:04:43 Lungs & Diaphragm, Tool: Breathwork for Alert or Calm

00:09:47 Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep

00:13:14 Brain & Gut Communication, Tool: Reduce Sugar Cravings

00:18:27 Brain, Gut Chemistry, Inflammation & Gut Microbiome, Tool: Fermented Foods

00:22:20 Sponsor: LMNT

00:23:52 Vomiting, Brain; Tool: Reduce Nausea

00:28:52 Fever, Brain Chemistry, Tool: Cooling Body

00:33:20 Vagus Nerve, Emotions, Mood, Tool: Heart Awareness

00:39:29 Recap & Key Takeaways

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Healing From Grief & Loss | Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona and a world expert on the science of grief and loss. We discuss what happens in the brain and body when we grieve, the role of dopamine and yearning in the grieving process, the health risks of getting stuck at particular stages of grief and how to move through loss while also deeply honoring the person, animal or thing that is no longer with us. Dr. O’Connor explains that grief involves cycling back and forth between protest and despair (often guilt and anger too) and explains science-supported ways to move through that process in the healthiest possible way. Everyone experiences grief and loss at some point. Dr. O’Connor provides valuable knowledge and tools to help you navigate grief under any circumstance.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

Wealthfront**: https://wealthfront.com/huberman

BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

**This experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients of Wealthfront, and there is no guarantee that all clients will have similar experiences. Cash Account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) on cash deposits as of December 27,‬ 2024, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to partner banks where they earn the variable‭ APY. Promo terms and FDIC coverage conditions apply. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Mary-Frances O’Connor

00:02:22 Grief vs Grieving; Love & Bonding, Gone Yet Everlasting

00:07:42 Sponsors: Wealthfront & BetterHelp

00:10:29 Sudden vs Slow Death, Attachment, Reframing Relationship

00:14:52 Religion, Integrating the New Relationship

00:20:46 Yearning, Dopamine, Brain, Addiction

00:27:58 Culture & Grief Literacy; Protest, Despair & Hope, New Relationships

00:40:09 Sponsors: AG1 & Helix Sleep

00:43:21 Protest, Despair & Transmutation; Changing Attachment Hierarchy

00:52:04 Bereavement Support, Medical Risk

01:05:27 Culture, Alcohol & Death; Dying of a Broken Heart, Medical Risk

01:13:40 Sponsor: Function

01:15:28 Navigating Grief, Emotions & Body, Tool: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

01:23:57 Grief Stages; Permission & Coping, Judgment & Guilt; Lessons from Grief

01:35:44 Grieving Suicide, Rumination, Tool: Shifting Environment

01:47:24 Belief Systems, Religion & Grief

01:54:17 Afterlife, Contemplating Death

01:58:35 Tools: Contemplating Death; Life Celebration, Terror Management, Empathy

02:07:46 Mental Oscillation, Dual Model of Bereavement

02:14:00 Avoidance; Remembering a Loved One, Resilience; Getting Worse & Seeking Professional Help

02:22:15 Time Perception & End of Life, Motivation & Energy

02:30:01 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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Essentials: Machines, Creativity & Love | Dr. Lex Fridman May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode my guest is Lex Fridman, PhD, a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an expert in robotics and host of the Lex Fridman Podcast.

We discuss the development of artificial intelligence through machine learning, deep learning and self-supervised techniques. We also examine the growing significance of interactions between humans and robots, including their potential for companionship and emotional connection. This episode explores how AI is shifting from a technical tool into something that could reshape human relationships, emotions and society.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

Maui Nui: https://mauinui.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Lex Fridman; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Deep Learning

00:02:23 Supervised vs Self-Supervised Learning, Self-Play Mechanism

00:09:06 Tesla Autopilot, Autonomous Driving, Robot & Human Interaction

00:14:26 Sponsors: AG1 & Maui Nui

00:17:47 Human & Robot Relationship, Loneliness, Time

00:22:38 Authenticity, Robot Companion, Emotions

00:27:55 Robot & Human Relationship, Manipulation, Rights

00:32:12 Sponsors: Function & David

00:35:14 Dogs, Homer, Companion, Cancer, Death

00:40:04 Dogs, Costello, Decline, Joy, Loss

00:47:31 Closing

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Behaviors That Alter Your Genes to Improve Your Health & Performance | Dr. Melissa Ilardo May 26, 2025

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Melissa Ilardo, Ph.D., professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Utah. We discuss the interplay between genes and behaviors, including how certain behaviors can improve resilience by changing gene and organ function, as well as natural selection events happening in humans today.

We also discuss the immune system–related reasons people find the smells of potential mates attractive—or not.

We explore how physical and psychological traits are passed from one generation to the next, and the specific behaviors that can influence gene expression to improve health and performance.

Melissa explains her lab’s pioneering research on breath-hold training and how activation of the dive reflex through breath holding can significantly improve oxygen availability by changing spleen size and function.

We also delve into the medical uses and ethics of gene editing to cure disease in both babies and adults.

For those interested in genes and inheritance, human performance, immune system function, and natural selection, this episode illustrates the remarkable interplay between human nature and nurture.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman

Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman

Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Melissa Ilardo

00:02:35 Nature vs Nurture, Gene Expression, Eye Color

00:07:06 Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep

00:10:24 Epigenetics, Trauma, Mutations; Hybrid Vigor, Mate Attraction

00:15:47 Globalization; Homo Sapiens, Mating & Evolution; Mutations

00:25:28 Sea Nomads, Bajau & Moken Groups; Free Diving, Dangers & Gasp Reflex

00:32:52 Cultural Traditions, Free Diving & Families; Fishing

00:35:36 Mammalian Dive Reflex, Oxygen, Spleen, Cold Water & Face; Exercise

00:42:43 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT

00:46:00 Free Diving, Spleen, Thyroid Hormone, Performance Enhancement

00:52:00 Dive Reflex, Immune System; Swimming & Health; Coastal Regions & Genetics

00:55:17 Female Free Divers, Haenyeo, Cold Water, Age, Protein

01:03:20 Human Evolution & Diet, Lactase, Fat

01:05:07 Korean Female Free Divers & Adaptations, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy

01:10:13 Miscarriages & Genetic Selection; Bajau, External Appearance, Mate Selection

01:17:15 Sponsor: Function

01:19:03 Free Diving, Underwater Vision; Super-Performers & Genetics

01:25:01 Cognitive Performance, Autism, Creativity; Genetic Determinism & Mindset

01:36:30 Genetics & Ethics, CRISPR, Embryo Genetic Screening

01:44:36 Admixture, Genetics; Are Humans a Single Species?

01:49:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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Essentials: Maximize Productivity, Physical & Mental Health With Daily Tools May 22, 2025

Show notes

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I provide a science-based daily protocol designed to enhance performance, mood and overall health by strategically timing simple yet powerful tools and behaviors.

I explain how to increase energy and alertness in the morning, optimize your workspace and work sessions for maximum focus, and structure your day for sustained productivity. I also discuss the roles of fasting, meal and caffeine timing, and key nutrients, as well as how to leverage exercise to sharpen alertness and cognitive performance. Additionally, I describe evening practices and supplements that help you fall asleep quickly and promote quality sleep.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch the full-length episode at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Office Hours, Example Daily Protocol

00:01:48 Morning, Tools: Temperature Minimum, Walk, Sunlight & Cortisol

00:05:30 Hydration, Electrolytes, Tool: Delay Caffeine

00:07:39 Sponsor: Eight Sleep

00:09:45 Morning Focus, Fasting

00:10:34 Tools: Optimize Workspace, Screen Position, Work Bouts

00:13:45 Tool: Timing Work Bouts, Temperature Minimum

00:16:02 Exercise, Strength & Hypertrophy, Endurance Training, Tool: 80/20 Workouts

00:19:01 Sponsor: AG1

00:20:48 Afternoon, Meal Timing, Carbs, Omega-3s, Tool: Afternoon Walks & Light

00:25:33 Dinner, Sleep Transition, Carbs, Serotonin

00:28:44 Sponsor: LMNT

00:30:16 Accelerate Sleep, Tool: Reduce Temperature & Hot Baths

00:32:06 Sleep Supplements, Magnesium, Apigenin, Theanine; Waking at Night

00:35:06 Example Daily Routine, Work Blocks

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The Science & Art of Comedy & Creativity | Tom Segura May 19, 2025

Show notes

My guest is Tom Segura, renowned comedian, writer, actor and director. We discuss the “how-to” of comedy writing and storytelling, and what the science of humor and the creative process reveal about human emotion and memory. We explore why surprise and the act of "saying the unspoken truth" activate the brain’s reward circuits, as well as the subconscious mechanisms that shape our sense of what is funny. The episode also examines the bi-directional influence between comedy and cultural standards. It will interest anyone curious about the science of humor, the art of performance and emotional contagion.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

Thank you to our sponsors

Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman

Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman

David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman

Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/huberman

Timestamps

00:00:00 Tom Segura

00:01:45 Family, Sports, Running

00:09:35 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Helix Sleep

00:12:37 Ideas, Running, Sleep & Brain, Tools: Exercise for Energy; Phone Outside Room

00:20:16 Capturing Ideas, Cannabis, Storytelling, Experimentation

00:27:28 Ideas & Set List, Performance

00:31:52 Wife, Jokes, Reframing Content; Cancel Culture, Audience Reaction

00:40:56 Jokes, Self & Amusement; Evolution & New Material

00:48:26 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein

00:51:24 Surprise, Hidden Thoughts; Acting

00:59:02 Voice Impersonation, Kids, Strength Training, Activities

01:05:40 Repeating Jokes; State Changes, Crowds & Energy

01:13:11 Silly Mindset; Audience, Emotional Contagion; Humor & Subconscious Mind

01:27:44 Sponsor: Function

01:29:32 Crowd Work, Comedy Clubs; Original Comedy

01:38:13 Comedy & Social Context; Dark Comedy

01:47:51 Drugs, Overdose, Comedian Deaths, Mental Health; Cynicism, Hope

01:54:21 Audience, Twin Comics; Vulnerability; Stand-Up & Performance

02:01:49 Comedy & Passion, Complaints; Childhood Struggle, Insecurities, Therapy

02:10:53 “Bad Thoughts” Show, Upcoming Projects

02:14:44 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter