Nearly 6,000 people filled Radio City Music Hall for a book event. Not a musician, not a comedian, a neuroscientist. Andrew Huberman’s new book“Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body”brought out a crowd that treats sleep schedules and sunlight exposure like a sold-out concert, and honestly, the numbers back it up. Almost 16 million followers across YouTube and Instagram, 3 million weekly podcast listeners, a Reddit community of 55,000“sungazers,”and searches for his name up 2,100% in five years.
His followers don’t just listen. They adopt protocols: delaying caffeine 90 minutes after waking, getting morning sunlight, high-intensity workouts, and some even experiment with nicotine for cognition. The wellness culture around him has grown into a full-blown economy of podcasts, merchandise, a paid membership, sponsorships, and live events. Even a 2024 exposé about his personal life didn’t shrink the fanbase. Huberman told Men’s Health he’s made relationship mistakes and wasn’t upfront about his imperfections, and he says his audience actually grew after the scandal.
So the question isn’t really whether Huberman is big. It’s whether wellness advice and the person delivering it can ever be fully separated. His fans say yes. His critics say that’s the whole problem.
What protocol have you actually tried, and did it stick? Sound off in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.