Robert Sapolsky

Mentioned in 9 analyzed podcast episodes across 8 shows

A neuroscientist and author known for examining the biological and genetic foundations of human behavior, stress responses, and moral decision-making. His work challenges conventional notions of free will by exploring how neurobiological and environmental factors determine behavior, making him a frequent reference point in discussions about determinism, genetics, and ethics. He authored influential books including "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" and "Determined," which examine stress physiology and behavioral causation across species and humans.

Appears On

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Modern Wisdom Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST)Women Road Warriors Huberman Lab DarkHorse Podcast The Dr. Hyman Show

Episode Appearances

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard · Mar 18, 2026

Kathryn Paige Harden (behavioral geneticist)

“Neuroscientist whose deterministic philosophy is discussed as contrast to Harden's compatibilist view of accountability”

Behavioral Genetics and Polygenic Risk ScoresCriminal Justice Reform and Moral ResponsibilityGenetic Determinism vs. Agency and Free Will

View Analysis

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard · Mar 4, 2026

Sasha Hamdani (on ADHD)

“Primatologist referenced as example of expert whose hobby became primary focus, similar to Maté's trajectory”

ADHD Diagnosis and DSM-5 Criteria LimitationsGender Differences in ADHD Presentation and DiagnosisRejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

View Analysis

Modern Wisdom · Mar 2, 2026

#1066 - Dr Kathryn Paige Harden - The Genetics of Evil: Are People Born Bad?

“Referenced for deterministic framework on behavior and neurobiology; mentioned regarding free will philosophy”

Behavioral Genetics and Heritability of Antisocial BehaviorFree Will vs. Determinism in Criminal JusticeGenetic Essentialism and Retributive Justice

View Analysis

Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe · Feb 19, 2026

Why do animals cooperate?

“Author of 'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers,' examining chronic stress impacts on health across species”

Kin Selection TheoryReciprocal AltruismNatural Selection Mechanisms

View Analysis

Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST) · Feb 16, 2026

Evolution "Doesn't Need" Mutation - Blaise Agüera y Arcas

“Cited as an example of the fallacy that computational systems inherit all properties of physical systems”

Artificial Life ExperimentsSymbiogenesis TheoryEmbodied Computation

View Analysis

Women Road Warriors · Feb 10, 2026

Mind Training: The Science of Real Self-Empowerment

“Author of 'Determined'; explores the absence of free will and the precursor events that shape human behavior and choices”

Subconscious mind programming and decision-makingHypnotherapy and psychotherapy for trauma resolutionErikson's eight stages of psychosocial development

View Analysis

Huberman Lab · Feb 9, 2026

How Genes Shape Your Risk Taking & Morals | Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden

“Stanford colleague mentioned regarding free will debates and behavioral determinism”

Behavioral geneticsAdolescent brain developmentAddiction neuroscience

View Analysis

DarkHorse Podcast · Jan 11, 2026

Preventing Truth Decay: Michael Shermer on DarkHorse

“Neuroscientist; represents determinist position on free will that Shermer and Weinstein argue is philosophically incoherent”

Epistemology and how we determine truth in sciencePeer review system failures and scientific fraud enforcementInstitutional corruption and ideological capture in academia

View Analysis

The Dr. Hyman Show · Dec 15, 2025

The 5 Pillars That Will Transform Your Health In 2026

“Primatologist and stress researcher; author of 'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers' on stress physiology”

Nutrigenomics and Gene Expression Regulation Through FoodCircadian Rhythm Optimization and Sleep ArchitectureCortisol Dysregulation and Stress-Induced Metabolic Disease

View Analysis