The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

Latest Episodes:

Reversing Age: The Quest for Immortality with Bryan Johnson : 1115 Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Today is a long-awaited show with none other than Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and professional rejuvenation athlete on a mission to discover the next evolution of humankind. While Bryan is well known in the longevity space, I’ve been a fan of his work for years because of his neuroscience background.

Bryan started a company called Kernel, which makes devices that monitor and record brain activity. Kernel uses what I would call the most comprehensive way of looking at the human brain ever. He is the founder of OS Fund and Braintree, and he spearheads Project Blueprint, an anti-aging experiment where he’s spent multiple years and millions of dollars developing an algorithm to live longer.

In today’s wide-ranging talk, we discuss the future of optimizing our brains with AI—delving into all things biohacking and longevity while exploring complicated questions like… Can you die of loneliness? And… Are your critics making you old?

Plus, we talk testosterone—an often triggering topic, but an essential conversation. Bryan shares his perspective on why he would rather be respected by people in the 25th century than understood now. Stick around for his surprising takes on olive oil, body hair, and saunas.

(00:59) Biohacking The Brain

(05:34) Are Your Critics Making You Old?

(12:52) What Makes Bryan Tick

(20:09) The Longevity-Loneliness Connection

(28:27) Accounting For Bio Individuality in Health Protocols

(39:09) Does Having a Partner Help You Live Longer?

(47:59) Olive Oil vs. Saturated Fats

(54:39) Talking Testosterone

(01:07:52) Expanding Consciousness with Psychedelics

(01:12:06) Questions from the Live Audience

Sponsor: Try Qualia NAD+ with an extra 15% off with code Dave15.

Resources:

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: protocol.bryanjohnson.com

Kernel: kernel.com

Read: Don’t Die by Zero

Instagram: @bryanjohnson_

YouTube: Bryan Johnson

Linkedin: Bryan Johnson

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

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From Michelin Stars to Mental Clarity: The Nootropic Revolution - Dan Freed : 1114 Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Coming to you live from Austin, Texas, I can’t wait for you to meet Dan Freed—a man who’s journeyed from the hot kitchen of high-end cooking to the frontier of brain improvement. Dan’s the founder and CEO of Thesis, a company that's revolutionizing the way we think about our brain's potential, and his journey is one of resilience and innovation.

Picture this… A kid struggling with focus throughout childhood, he drops out of high school and claws his way up in the ruthless restaurant industry to become a saucier in a three-star Michelin kitchen. But the real twist comes when Dan, grappling with burnout, stumbles upon cognitive performance supplements. This discovery didn't just change his mental game, it transformed his entire life.

Fast forward through degrees from Yale and INSEAD, and you have the Dan that sits down for this interview—committed to helping others harness their brainpower to the fullest.

We get into the nitty gritty of nootropics and the supplement industry, talking about how Dan's fight with burnout and learning challenges led to the birth of Thesis Nootropics. We share tips on adapting human biology to our modern world, discuss the thorny issues of regulation and quality in the supplement industry, and explain how Thesis uses a unique combined approach of customizing nootropics and expert support for their customers.

We round it all off with a look at the remarkable, results-driven formulas that Thesis offers, and how focus is the key to unlocking our greatest potential. Dan's story is a living proof that sometimes, a couple of stumbles can lead to an incredible leap forward, thanks to some conscious action. That’s the kind of journey we all can learn something from.

(00:02:14) How Burnout & Learning Challenges Inspired Thesis Nootropics

(00:19:15) Is Using Nootropics Cheating?

(00:25:37) Tips for Adapting Human Biology to the Modern World

(00:32:33) How Thesis Is Customizing Nootropics

(00:40:59) Tips for Supporting Your Body’s Homeostasis While Taking a Stimulant

(00:46:33) Dave Rings the Alarm on Formulating With Vitamin B6

(00:50:53) Regulation & Quality Concerns in the Supplement Industry

(00:57:41) Key Ingredients in Thesis’ Clarity & Logic Formulas That Drive Real Results

(01:04:28) Unlocking Your Potential Through the Power of Focus

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: takethesis.com and use code “Asprey” for a 10% off all Thesis products.

Instagram: @takethesis

Facebook: Take Thesis

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

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How Intermittent Fasting Works for Women! – Cynthia Thurlow, NP Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Cynthia Thurlow joins the show to talk about how intermittent fasting can help women change their body, metabolic system and brain function. She has tips for women at all stages: from active menstrual cycles to perimenopause to menopause.

Cynthia is a Johns Hopkins-trained nurse practitioner and functional nutritionist founded and serves as CEO of Everyday Wellness Project. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing and Functional Nutrition certifications with advanced trainings in Endocrinology and Gastroenterology. Her career in healthcare includes nearly 20 years of emergency medicine and cardiology experience. She brings a broad perspective when working with women to improve the state of their health.

“I really start from a foundational level talking to women about fasting,” Cynthia says. “It's really honoring our own unique physiology. It's leaning into that menstrual cycle. It's leaning into the lifestyle piece that so much of us forget to talk about with our patients, our sleep quality, stress management, anti-inflammatory nutrition, our exercise quality, our connection with nature, all of which are critically important.”

She also addresses diet dogma that frustratingly persists, even with established and emerging science about the benefits of intermittent fasting.

She tackles this outdated dogma (and a lot more!) in her new book, “Intermittent Fasting Transformation: The 45-Day Program for Women to Lose Stubborn Weight, Improve Hormonal Health, and Slow Aging.”

“[Intermittent fasting] restores our intrinsic rhythms, burns fat, regenerates our health right down to the cellular level, and stabilizes our hormones,” Cynthia says in her book. “In turn, we are less likely to develop obesity, diabetes, vascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders.”

At the end of this conversation, you’ll have the tools to decide if intermittent fasting is the right choice for the state of your own health.

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Beyond the Bedroom: Hacking Your Erotic Blueprint - Miss Jaiya : 1112 Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Dive into a captivating exploration of human biology and connection—erotic blueprints. Discover four primal drivers: fear, food, friends, and fertility, with a unique focus on fertility in this episode.

Miss Jaiya, a leader in somatic sexology, sheds light on the intimate realm of human relationships and pleasure. As an award-winning somatic sexologist and creator of The Erotic Blueprints® Framework, Jaiya dedicates her expertise to helping people understand their unique erotic blueprints and their impact on intimate lives. Her latest book, "Your Blueprint for Pleasure," offers invaluable insights into a revolutionary language for bedroom communication and sexual vitality.

This episode delves into the concept of erotic blueprints, Jaiya's research, and the unique paths to turn-on and blissful gratification for each individual. This conversation aims to understand people's true desires and needs in intimate relationships, free from taboos or judgment.

Highlighting that sex and intimacy are vital for well-being, just like food and breathing, this discussion includes personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability. Learn how understanding your erotic blueprint can enhance connections and satisfaction in the bedroom.

Whether seeking to enrich intimate life or deepen understanding of human biology and connection, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.

(01:34) Reconciling Spirituality & Sexuality: Jaiya’s Sexual Empowerment Journey

(12:00) Why Sex Is the New Frontier of Personal Growth & Biohacking

(15:25) Jaiya’s Wildest Energetically Erotic Experience

(21:35) Conscious Kink & Blending Psychedelics With Sexuality

(30:52) Your Pleasure Blueprint: Defining the 5 Erotic Types

(34:55) Discovering the Erotic Blueprint Through Her Own Relationship

(40:01) Addressing the Intimacy Issue in Our World & Sending Love Through the Field

(46:44) Confronting the Taboo of Pleasure

(52:11) Mastering Energetic Sexuality & Orgasms

(01:01:48) Risks in Using Psychedelics for Creation Energy

(01:06:49) The Dark Side of Spiritual Ecstatic Altered States & How To Protect Your Field

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: blueprintbreakthrough.com

Read: Your Blueprint For Pleasure by Jaiya

Instagram: @missjaiya

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

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Build A Better Brain: Strategies for Strengthening Cognitive Function – Jim Kwik : 1111 Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

I am excited to chat with a longtime friend who is a fellow expert in how to make your brain work better. Jim Kwik is an absolute wizard when it comes to maximizing your brain's potential. We go way back, over a decade, and I can vouch for his incredible expertise in the realm of cognitive enhancement. He also has just released an expanded addition to his best-selling book, Limitless, where he delves deep into topics that both he and I hold near and dear—nootropics and brain enhancement.

Jim Kwik is a widely recognized world expert in memory improvement, brain function, and accelerated learning. After a childhood brain injury left him learning-challenged, Kwik created strategies to dramatically enhance his mental performance. He has since dedicated his life to helping others unleash their true genius. In addition to being an author, he serves as ultra-informed host of the top education training podcast: Kwik Brain. His mission: No brain left behind.

From overcoming childhood adversity and turning it into a superpower, to the secrets behind better memory and accelerated learning, this episode is full of tools for enhancing cognitive function. Plus, we explore the groundbreaking concepts Jim covers in Limitless: Expanded, including the use of nootropics to elevate brain function, his favorite daily biohacking techniques and brain exercises, and how identifying your brain animal can enhance your self awareness and therefore potential.

(00:01:44) Jim Kwik’s Inspiring Brain Health Journey

(00:10:18) Top 5 Most Recommended Nootropics

(00:16:49) Supplements for Brain Health & Longevity

(00:23:32) Jim’s Biohacking Must-Haves & Daily Routine

(00:29:53) Healing the Emotional Thread & Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth

(00:36:03) Top Exercises for Your Brain

(00:47:41) C.O.D.E. – Understanding Your Brain Animal (Cognitive Type)

(00:55:57) Leveraging Self-Awareness as a Superpower

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: jimkwik.com

Read: Limitless Expanded by Jim Kwik

Podcast: Kwik Brain

Instagram: @jimkwik

YouTube: Jim Kwik

LinkedIn: Jim Kwik

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making Billions: Lessons Learned From the King of the Thrill Pill Cult – Shaahin Cheyene : 1110 Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Today’s guest is nothing short of a modern-day Willy Wonka for Generation X. He built a billion-dollar ecstasy business in the '90s and did not end up behind bars. That's a story you've got to hear. Our guest today, Shaahin Cheyene, not only dabbled in the wild world of herbal ecstasy but also managed to stay out of trouble despite being investigated by seven attorney generals. And get this, he wasn't even 18 when he pulled off these daring feats.

Shaahin's story doesn't stop there. Since those days, he's become an Amazon expert, successfully selling nootropics and a variety of other products on the platform. He's also a filmmaker and author of the book, “Billion: How I Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult.”

From Fleeing Iran at the age of five to being homeless and living out of his car, Shaahin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. It's safe to say he's one of the most interesting individuals I've had the pleasure of interviewing.

We dive into Shaahin's captivating journey, exploring his transformation from a young criminal to a thriving entrepreneur. You’ll also learn about what went into his groundbreaking herbal ecstasy formula and how he managed to get his business off the ground. Along the way, we discuss the challenges of navigating the bureaucracy of big government, the importance of seeking help when needed, and the valuable lessons Shaahin learned from building and eventually exiting his herbal ecstasy empire.

We also delve into how he managed to run a nine-figure company selling on Amazon, the mindset benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, the power of curating ideas, and how you can strategically leverage podcasts as an entrepreneur. Join us on a ride you won't want to miss.

(01:47) How Shaahin Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult

(07:36) Formulating Herbal Ecstasy & Building a Million-Dollar Business

(16:34) Navigating the Bureaucracy of Big Government

(28:04) Pro Tip for Entrepreneurs: Why It’s Important To Ask for Help

(32:09) What Cheyene Learned From Building & Exiting His Business

(37:29) What To Do When You Make Your First Million

(39:21) Scaling a 9-Figure Company Selling on Amazon

(45:05) Lessons From Martial Arts & Our Bets on Musk vs Zuckerberg

(54:03) The Tactical Advantage of Podcasting & Being a Curator of Ideas

(01:03:30) Media Training 101

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: shaahincheyenne.com

PodcastCola: podcastcola.com

Instagram: @shaahincheyene

Podcast: Business Story of the Week

LinkedIn: Shaahin Cheyene

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hack Your Love Life: Hormones & Happiness – John Gray : 1109 Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

I’ve been eagerly looking forward to this conversation with a dear friend and a true luminary in the realm of relationships and personal development, John Gray. for quite some time. You probably recognize his name as the author of the famous book, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.

But what's especially exciting is how John has evolved his insights to address the changing dynamics between men and women in the modern world, as he highlighted in his 2020 book, Beyond Mars and Venus: Relationship Skills for Today's Complex World.

Now, why is this episode a must-listen? Well, John isn't just a relationship expert; he's also a seasoned biohacker who understands the profound impact of our environment – including relationships – on our hormones, happiness, and dopamine levels. In essence, he's been biohacking before it even had a name. With decades of wisdom, he offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of male-female relationships in today's world.

Delve into the fundamental differences between men and women, the importance of appreciation in relationships, what truly motivates men, and practical tips on boosting testosterone and managing emotions. We also explore how men and women process feelings differently, the art of setting boundaries, and the language of love as the language of hormones.

Get ready for a masterclass in understanding the dynamics of modern relationships and how to create lasting happiness.

(00:59) Understanding Fundamental Differences Between Men & Women

(04:38) Do Men Exist To Make Women Happy?

(06:32) Exploring What Drives & Motivates Men

(11:09) How To Boost Testosterone & Navigate Emotions

(19:14) Why Men Disconnect When Talking About Feelings

(30:22) How Men Can Help Women Come Back Into Balance

(39:17) Setting Boundaries & Working on Your Relationship

(49:41) Advice for Women for How To Talk About Their Feelings With Their Partner

(01:02:22) Why the Language of Love Is the Language of Hormones

(01:05:48) What Women Need in a Relationship

(01:13:07) The Defense Against Attacks on Your Reputation

(01:17:49) Techniques for Processing Emotions

(01:25:32) Thoughts on Estrogen Receptor Degraders

(01:31:48) What Masturbation Does to Men vs. Women

(01:37:42) Advice for Couples Not Having Sex

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: marsvenus.com

Read: Beyond Venus and Mars by John Gray

Instagram: @johngraymarsvenus_official

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marsvenus

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating the Quantum Field: Healing & Connection – Lynne McTaggart : 1108 Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode delves deeper into the captivating world of quantum field therapy and the power of intention, featuring the renowned Lynne McTaggart. Lynne, known for her books "The Power of Eight," and “The Field” offers groundbreaking insights into the profound impact of group intention.

The discussion unravels the significance of the number 8, explores the mechanics behind Lynne's intention experiments, and examines the profound effects of healing and connection on our being. The conversation extends to the transformative power of expanding connection beyond the individual, the latest scientific developments supporting Lynne's theories, and the exciting potential of new technologies in quantum healing.

The episode covers the role of intention in healing polarized communities and intriguing phenomena, such as The Simpsons' seemingly magical foresight.

Get ready for a thought-provoking journey with Lynne McTaggart that promises to expand horizons, challenge beliefs, and inspire exploration into the uncharted territories of consciousness and intention.

(03:01) What Is Quantum Field Therapy?

(06:47) The Power of Eight

(16:23) Inside the Power of Eight Experiments

(19:40) How Healing & Connection Bring About States of Oneness

(30:12) What Happens When You Expand the Group Beyond Eight

(34:29) Evolving Our Understanding With the Latest Science

(41:30) How New Modalities Support Lynne’s Findings

(49:21) Lynne’s Measurement of Success: Stories of Real World Impact

(56:44) Joining a Power of Eight Group or Intention Experiment

(01:01:45) Healing Polarized Communities Using Altruistic Intention

(01:09:14) What Technologies Can Push Boundaries Further?

(01:16:15) How Did The Simpsons Magically Predict the Future?

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: lynnemctaggart.com

Read: The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart

YouTube: Lynne McTaggart

Instagram: @lynnemctaggartofficial

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Falling Down & Getting Up: Exploring the Path to Resilience – Mark Nepo : 1107 Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

How about we have a conversation with one of the most spiritually influential living people on earth? Yes, you heard that right!

Today's guest was bestowed with this honor by Watkins MindBodySpirit, and if that's not impressive enough, AgeNation awarded him a Life Achievement Award. Today, we have the incredible privilege of sitting down with a true luminary in the world of spirituality, health, and resilience. His name is Mark Nepo, and he's not just an authority on spiritual matters and poetry; he's a living testament to the power of the human spirit.

Mark is no stranger to adversity; he's a cancer survivor who has weathered life's storms and authored dozens of books, including The Book of Awakening and Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity. In essence, he's a true badass in resilience, and we're here to delve into the fusion of science, health, and spirituality with a master of all these realms.

Mark's new book, Falling Down and Getting Up: Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength, is a profound exploration of how we can navigate life's challenges with acceptance and resilience.

Throughout our conversation, we'll touch on the transformative impact of Mark's battle with cancer, the wisdom he's gleaned from our elders, the profound insights from indigenous healing traditions, and the incredible power of building resilience through pain. So, fasten your seatbelts, dear listeners, because this is a conversation that promises to touch your soul and leave you with valuable nuggets of wisdom for your own journey.

(02:11) The Spiritual Impact of Overcoming Cancer in His Early 30s

(10:05) How Our Beliefs Influence Our Reality

(21:14) Navigating the Choice Between Love & Fear

(27:11) The Invaluable Impact of Our Teachers & Healers

(37:14) How To Face Failure & Build Resilience

(47:44) Navigating the Deeper Teachers of Fear, Pain & Grief

(01:01:36) Unlock Your Inner Wisdom

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Website: marknepo.com

Read: Falling Down and Getting Up by Mark Nepo

Instagram: @mark_nepo

YouTube: Mark Nepo

Facebook: @MarkNepo

Oprah’s Review: oprah.com

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Human 2.0: The Cyborg Revolution Is Here – Kevin Warwick : 1106 Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Today, we delve deep into the world of cybernetics and the potential cyberpunk future with a true pioneer and a living legend in the field, Kevin Warwick. As an Emeritus professor at Coventry and Reading Universities, Kevin is celebrated as the world's first cyborg, earning him the moniker: Captain Cyborg.

In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of Kevin Warwick, who became a cyborg over 25 years ago by implanting a chip in his arm, the size of a coin, enabling him to interact with the digital world in ways that were once unimaginable. But this isn't just about becoming a cyborg; it's about the potential, the risks, and the opportunities at the intersection of AI, robotics, and biomedical engineering. In doing so, we discuss the fascinating implications of merging humans with technology and how it can reshape our understanding of reality.

Kevin's fearless exploration into the world of cybernetics is truly pioneering. He has been willing to take risks to expand our knowledge and possibilities as humans. Join us as we explore the profound implications of merging biology with technology, opening up new realms of human potential and perception, and what our future could hold as technology and research continues to progress.

(00:01:43) The Realities of Pioneering Human Enhancement

(00:10:05) Kevin’s Implantation Experiment & Research

(00:18:10) Expanding Our Biological “Software”

(00:24:39) How Far Is Too Far? Risk Tolerance for the Sake of Science

(00:32:47) Exploring Human Enhancement Possibilities

(00:39:21) Kevin’s Take on Longevity From His Brain Cell Research

(00:43:13) Biohacking as an Entry Level Point Into Cyborgs

(00:52:41) The Future of Cyborgs, Humans & Artificial Intelligence

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books

Podcast: Futures Podcast

Read: I, Cyborg by Kevin Warwick