# Andrew Huberman: A Closer Look at the Disappointment and Discourse
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Chapter 1: The Rise and Fall of a Public Figure
Andrew Huberman's recent scrutiny has left many of his followers disheartened. The detailed report from New York Magazine regarding his interactions with women has sparked disappointment among those who once idolized him, although some fans remain in denial about the implications.
Known widely as a prominent Stanford University professor, Huberman has built a substantial following through his podcast, "Huberman Lab," where he simplifies complex health concepts for the general audience. It's common for viewers, even those who have only listened to a few episodes, to encounter numerous videos titled “I Tried Huberman's Health Routine for a Month” on YouTube. These videos often explore the merits of cold showers, sun exposure, rigorous exercise, and more.
For those new to his top-charting podcast, Huberman is known for his reassuring and confident delivery. He excels at making intricate biological topics accessible, alleviating the confusion that often leaves listeners wondering about the best health practices—like whether to consume coffee or try intermittent fasting. Instead, he presents straightforward, practical advice that engages health enthusiasts eager to improve their well-being.
This unique blend of charisma and expertise fosters a sense of trust in Huberman, mirroring the findings of Milgram’s social psychology experiment, where participants followed orders from an authoritative figure in a lab coat due to perceived legitimacy. Similarly, trust in Huberman's insights feels almost instinctive.
The Disheartening Revelations
The article by Kerry Howley in New York Magazine uncovers troubling facets of Huberman's personality and behavior. To paraphrase the observations of writer Elise Loehnen, Huberman had been managing relationships with multiple women, all under the impression they were in exclusive relationships with him, leading to situations of unprotected intimacy and attempts at parenthood through IVF.
While the details are shocking, the most troubling takeaway may be the realization that his views toward women have impacted his professional choices. Notably, only 13 of the guests on his podcast are women—representing a mere 8% of his total guest list, which is predominantly male. This reinforces a concerning trend of sidelining women, particularly coming from someone in academia who has demonstrated a respectful demeanor toward the few women he has featured.
Dealing with Disappointment
The narrative reveals a struggle for many to reconcile their admiration for Huberman with the disheartening news about his personal life. Cognitive dissonance—a psychological phenomenon where contradictory beliefs cause mental stress—has become a coping mechanism for some.
Many individuals, grappling with this cognitive dissonance, resort to various defense mechanisms: blaming the NY Magazine writer, criticizing the women who shared their experiences, or downplaying the evidence with superficial justifications like, "he has interviewed women before."
As Loehnen aptly summarizes in her newsletter, "One Thing We Need to Learn," there are several paths one might take in light of this information:
- "I cannot support someone who treats women poorly. I'm out."
- "This is disappointing, but I find value in his information; I’ll manage my conflicting feelings."
- "This feels irrelevant to me."
Ultimately, it’s essential to confront your feelings without disparaging the women involved. Reflecting on your need to defend either yourself or Huberman at the expense of others can be a valuable exercise.