The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

Dave Asprey

For more than a decade, Dave Asprey - the Father of Biohacking and creator of Bulletproof Coffee - has redefined what’s possible for the human mind and body. After more than a thousand episodes of Bulletproof Radio, he’s taking it to the next level with The Human Upgrade™ - a masterclass in biohacking, longevity, and performance optimization. Each episode explores cutting-edge science, advanced technology, and proven biohacks to help you upgrade your energy, focus, metabolism, and resilience. You’ll learn from world-class scientists, doctors, innovators, and thinkers leading breakthroughs in mitochondrial health, peptides, hormones, fasting, sleep, neuroplasticity, and more. This isn’t just self-improvement - it’s human enhancement backed by data. Every guest, every idea, every protocol you discover here moves you toward a longer, stronger, smarter life. Join The Human Upgrade™ with Dave Asprey - and learn how to live longer, think faster, and perform better.

  1. 14h ago

    15 Minutes Every Morning Kills Insulin Belly Fast

    There's a 15 minute habit you can do every morning that kills insulin belly. That's the fat packed around your organs. It drains into your liver, forces your body to make more insulin, and insulin locks your fat cells shut so nothing can get out. I know because 20 years ago I was 31, weighed 300 pounds, and my doctor told me my blood looked like sludge and I was headed for a heart attack. So I did exactly what he said. I trained six days a week, 90 minutes a day, for 18 months. My waist stayed at 46 inches. Today that waist is gone. So is my arthritis, my brain fog, and my pre-diabetes. And it didn't start with a diet or a workout. It started with light. In this video I'll show you two ways to test whether you have insulin belly (one takes 10 seconds and costs nothing), why a standard blood sugar test misses it for years, and the three levers that reversed mine. You'll Learn: What “insulin belly” is and why visceral fat poses different risks than fat under your skinWhy you can be “thin outside, fat inside”—and which measurements reveal more than BMIWhat research on red light suggests about blood sugar and mitochondrial functionWhy Dave prioritizes morning sunlight and a dark bedroom at nightDave’s three timing rules for meals and movement to support insulin sensitivityHow cold exposure, brown fat, and gut bacteria may influence metabolic healthWhat Dave learned going from a 46-inch waist to a 32-inch waist Timestamps: 00:00 - What Is Insulin Belly? 03:03 - Two Tests Beyond BMI 04:35 - Red Light, Blood Sugar & Mitochondria 06:10 - Dave’s 15-Minute Morning Routine 10:12 - Lever One: Morning Light & Dark Nights 11:20 - Lever Two: Meal & Exercise Timing 13:25 - Lever Three: Cold Exposure & Gut Health 15:19 - Blue Light: Why Timing Matters Thank you to our sponsors! -KILLSwitch | If you’re ready for the best sleep of your life, order now at https://www.switchsupplements.com/ and use code DAVE for 20% off -Visit www.myvitalc.com/davesfav to unlock Dave’s discount -Butcher Box | Go to ButcherBox.com/HUMANUPGRADE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thighs or top sirloins in every box for a year with free shipping always. -iRestore | Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code DAVE at irestore.com/DAVE Connect with Dave Asprey! Website: https://daveasprey.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveaspreyofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daveaspreyofficial/ X: https://x.com/daveasprey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/daveaspreybpr The Human Upgrade Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/TheHumanUpgradePodcast/ https://m.facebook.com/Thehumanupgrade/ Try TrueDark glasses: https://truedark.com Try Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube Try Suppgrade Labs: https://shopsuppgradelabs.com/ Dave's favorite supplements: https://www.shopsuppgradelabs.com/discount/DAVE15 Join my Substack: https://substack.daveasprey.com Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    15 Minutes Every Morning Kills Insulin Belly Fast
  2. 2d ago

    Brain-Cleaning Beds, Forever Chemicals, Peptide Freedom, Coffee for Your Heart, and More

    Scientists Test Vibrating Mattress To Help Clear Alzheimer's-Related Proteins From The Brain  Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland tested a vibrating mattress combined with nitroglycerin, a blood-vessel-relaxing drug, in 29 healthy adults and found that blood levels of amyloid-beta 42 increased approximately 35% following the combined treatment. Published in Nature Communications, the study also identified MRI changes suggesting altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, potentially involving the glymphatic system and mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channels. While the results suggest increased movement of brain-associated proteins into circulation, they do not establish that Alzheimer's plaques were removed or that cognition improved. Host Dave Asprey explores the potential of mechanical stimulation, nitric oxide signaling, and brain waste clearance as emerging approaches to neurodegenerative disease prevention, and why sleep and vascular health remain essential to protecting long-term cognitive performance.  Sources:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78894-y  ~~~ Yale Researchers Discover Taurine Controls A Key Inflammatory Switch Linked To Aging  Yale researchers identified a previously unrecognized role for taurine in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune signaling complex associated with chronic inflammation and biological aging. Published in Cell, the research found that activated macrophages released up to 80% of their intracellular taurine, while restoring taurine suppressed inflammatory signaling. Surprisingly, circulating taurine levels were higher in older adults than younger adults, challenging the assumption that taurine universally declines with age and highlighting the importance of intracellular nutrient regulation. Host Dave Asprey examines the connection between taurine, inflammaging, immune function, and longevity, explaining why cellular nutrient availability may matter more than blood concentrations and what this emerging mechanism means for supplementation and inflammation management.  Sources:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2026.09.061  ~~~ Blood And Plasma Donation Shown To Reduce Forever Chemicals In Human Trial  A randomized clinical trial involving 285 Australian firefighters found that regular blood and plasma donation significantly reduced circulating concentrations of certain PFAS, the persistent environmental pollutants commonly known as forever chemicals. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that plasma donation every six weeks reduced average PFOS concentrations by 2.9 ng/mL over 12 months, compared with a 1.1 ng/mL reduction from whole-blood donation every 12 weeks and virtually no change in the control group. Because PFAS bind to proteins in blood, removing plasma offers a direct method of reducing circulating chemical concentrations, although the trial did not establish long-term health benefits. Host Dave Asprey explains why this physical removal strategy deserves attention alongside conventional detoxification approaches, and how reducing exposure through drinking water, food packaging, and environmental sources remains a critical first step.  Sources:  https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.6257  ~~~ HHS Eases Restrictions On Six Popular Biohacking Peptides Including BPC-157 And MOTS-c  On October 28, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a draft enforcement-discretion policy covering six compounded peptides: BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, and TB-500. Under the interim approach, HHS says it does not intend to take enforcement action against qualifying compounders when specific manufacturing, sourcing, formulation, labeling, and adverse-event reporting conditions are satisfied, while the FDA's formal regulatory evaluation continues. The announcement represents a significant shift for compounds being investigated or promoted for tissue repair, inflammation, mitochondrial function, cognitive performance, and longevity, although none received FDA approval through this action. Host Dave Asprey discusses what the policy could mean for peptide access, pharmaceutical regulation, product purity, and medical oversight, and why better manufacturing standards must accompany expanded access to experimental therapies.  Sources:  https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-22192  https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-503a-peptide-enforcement-discretion-policy-appendix-b.pdf  https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2026/10/peptides-hhs-announces-limited-enforcement-discretion-for-compounding-of-six-peptides/  ~~~ Drinking Coffee Linked To 39% Lower Recurrence Hazard Of Atrial Fibrillation In Clinical Trial  A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA found that patients assigned to drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily experienced fewer recurring episodes of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter following electrical cardioversion than patients assigned to avoid caffeinated beverages. The six-month DECAF trial followed 200 adults and found arrhythmia recurrence in 47% of coffee drinkers compared with 64% of participants assigned to abstinence, corresponding to a 39% lower recurrence hazard in the time-to-event analysis. The findings challenge routine recommendations to avoid coffee among patients with existing atrial fibrillation, although the trial did not establish whether caffeine, coffee polyphenols, or associated behaviors produced the benefit. Host Dave Asprey explores caffeine's effects on cardiovascular function, adenosine signaling, and inflammation, explaining why individualized responses matter more than blanket dietary restrictions.  Sources:  https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.21056  This episode is designed for biohackers, longevity enthusiasts, and high-performance listeners interested in Alzheimer's prevention, brain detoxification, immune aging, environmental toxins, peptide therapies, and cardiovascular optimization. Host Dave Asprey examines emerging research on glymphatic clearance, taurine and the NLRP3 inflammasome, PFAS removal through plasma donation, changing federal peptide regulations, and coffee's surprising relationship with atrial fibrillation, translating complex science into practical considerations for protecting cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and improving long-term health.  New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.  Keywords: vibrating mattress brain detox, glymphatic system Alzheimer's, amyloid beta clearance, nitric oxide brain health, Piezo1 mechanosensitive channels, taurine inflammaging, NLRP3 inflammasome, taurine immune cells, Yale taurine study, chronic inflammation aging, PFAS forever chemicals, plasma donation PFAS removal, blood donation detox, PFOS reduction, BPC-157 peptide regulations, HHS peptide policy 2026, MOTS-c, Epitalon, KPV peptide, Semax, TB-500, FDA peptide compounding, coffee atrial fibrillation, DECAF clinical trial, caffeine heart health, cardiovascular longevity, Dave Asprey, The Human Upgrade, biohacking news 2026  Thank you to our sponsors!   - Butcher Box | Go to ButcherBox.com/HUMANUPGRADE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thighs or top sirloins in every box for a year with free shipping always  - iRestore | Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code DAVE at irestore.com/DAVE  - BrainTap | Go to http://braintap.com/dave to get $100 off the BrainTap Power Bundle.  - Kenetik | Instead of pushing your system harder, Kenetik feeds your brain the ketones it craves to fuel calm clarity and steady focus. Go to drinkkenetik.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for a discount.  Resources:    • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Get My 2026 Biohacking Trends Report: https://daveasprey.com/2026-biohacking-trends-report/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.   • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15    • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)    • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)    • Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com    • Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated   • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/  • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com    Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro  00:18 - Vibrating Mattress & Brain Clearance  01:54 - Taurine & Inflammation  03:17 - PFAS & Plasma Donation  05:26 - HHS Peptide Policy  07:32 - Coffee & Atrial Fibrillation  09:10 - Outro  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Brain-Cleaning Beds, Forever Chemicals, Peptide Freedom, Coffee for Your Heart, and More
  3. 3d ago

    How to Get Really Good at Anything: The 3 Ingredients of Mastery | Roman Tsunder

    Get Roman Tsunder's book and learn more at https://pttow.com/  How to Master Any Skill, the Science of Peak Performance, Obsession, Deep Focus, Finding Your Purpose, Overcoming Failure, and Achieving Success Without Burnou  Host Dave Asprey sits down with Roman Tsunder, entrepreneur, founder of PTTOW!, and author of Plan to Take On the World, to explore the three ingredients of mastery, peak performance, obsession, deep focus, flow states, overcoming fear, and achieving success without sacrificing your health. Drawing on decades of experience bringing together influential entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and world-class performers, Roman reveals what separates people who become exceptional at their craft from those who struggle to reach their potential.  Roman introduces his OHF framework: Obsession, Hours, and Focus, explaining why these three ingredients consistently appear among people who achieve extraordinary results. Through examples including legendary surfer Kelly Slater, music producer Steve Aoki, and other high performers, he examines the difference between healthy obsession and compulsive ambition, why sustained practice matters, and what he calls "blackout focus." Dave challenges whether relentless dedication is always necessary and explores how some exceptionally successful people achieve mastery through curiosity, enjoyment, and flow rather than constant struggle.  The discussion turns to finding your purpose and developing a genuine passion for what you do. Roman explains why purpose may be easier to recognize through feelings of energy, excitement, and expansion than through intellectual analysis alone. He introduces practical approaches for identifying meaningful work, including revisiting childhood interests, recognizing recurring patterns of curiosity, and exploring what he calls a "shadow career." Dave and Roman discuss how reducing energy-draining responsibilities and spending more time on activities that naturally engage your attention can support both performance and fulfillment.  Finally, they examine failure, rejection, resilience, and the psychology of achievement. Roman recounts receiving 73 rejection letters from 72 Wall Street firms before pursuing a different entrepreneurial path. He explains how rejection can create unexpected opportunities and why the ability to recover from setbacks is essential to long-term success. Dave explores the connection between childhood adversity and ambition, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how to distinguish productive challenges from destructive patterns of overwork.  You'll Learn:  How Roman's Obsession, Hours, and Focus framework explains the habits behind exceptional performance and mastery Why healthy obsession differs from compulsive grinding, and how to pursue ambitious goals without sacrificing your health How deep focus, sustained practice, and flow states contribute to developing expertise in almost any field Why chronic stress and fight-or-flight activation can undermine performance, recovery, and long-term well-being How breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation may help manage fear and improve performance under pressure How to identify your purpose through personal interests, energizing activities, childhood experiences, and unexplored career ambitions Why failure, rejection, vulnerability, and resilience play important roles in personal growth, leadership, and long-term achievement  Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.  New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.  Keywords: Roman Tsunder, Dave Asprey, PTTOW, Plan to Take On the World, mastery, skill mastery, peak performance, obsession, healthy obsession, deep focus, blackout focus, deliberate practice, high achievement, success habits, flow state, finding purpose, personal growth, motivation, discipline, burnout, chronic stress, fight or flight, nervous system regulation, breathwork, meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Joe Dispenza, fear, resilience, overcoming failure, rejection, childhood trauma, leadership, entrepreneurship, productivity, mental performance, biohacking, longevity  Resources:  • Get Roman Tsunder's book and learn more at https://pttow.com/  • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.  • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube  • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)  • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)  Thank you to our sponsors!       - Beyond Biohacking 2027 | Register with code DAVE for a discount https://beyondconference.com   - iRestore | Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code DAVE at irestore.com/DAVE   - Caldera+Lab | If you're looking for one simple product that actually makes a difference, that's The Great, visit CalderaLab.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for 20% off your first order.   - Fatty15 | Go to fatty15.com/DAVE to get an additional 15% off their 90-day Starter Kit.  Timestamps:   00:00 - Trailer  01:02 - Intro  03:00 - The OHF Framework  10:07 - Talent, Genetics & Luck  15:30 - Grinding vs. Flow  20:00 - Fear as Fuel  24:57 - Breathwork & Healing  30:00 - Health & Corporate Awakening  36:00 - Lies Successful People Tell  43:00 - Finding Your Purpose  52:40 - Failure & Rejection  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    How to Get Really Good at Anything: The 3 Ingredients of Mastery | Roman Tsunder
  4. 5d ago

    The Truth About Vitamins, Supplements & Prescription Drugs | Phil Cowley

    Triquetra Discount: Use code Dave20 at Triquetrahealth.com/dave  Multivitamin Mistakes, MTHFR Genetics, B Vitamins, Creatine & Prescription Drug Risks  Host Dave Asprey sits down with Phil Cowley, a pharmacist, founder of Cache Valley Pharmacy, and creator of Phil's My Pharmacist, to explore multivitamins, prescription medications, supplement effectiveness, MTHFR genetics, methylated B vitamins, creatine, and the hidden problems within modern healthcare.  After opening his pharmacy in Logan, Utah, in 2001, Phil spent two decades serving patients and dispensing millions of prescriptions. By 2021, declining insurance reimbursements threatened his business despite increasing prescription volume. He turned to social media to share practical, affordable health advice, eventually building an audience of more than six million followers. Now, he explains what his experience behind the pharmacy counter taught him about medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, supplement quality, and why conventional healthcare often overlooks individual biology.  The conversation examines common multivitamin mistakes, including the use of synthetic folic acid and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Phil explains why certain nutrient forms may be less suitable for some individuals, how excessive B6 intake can cause peripheral neuropathy, and why buying more supplements doesn't necessarily improve health. They explore MTHFR genetic variants, methylation, and folate metabolism, including potential implications for cognitive function, inflammation, blood pressure, fertility, and neurological development.  Phil also reveals why creatine is his favorite supplement, discussing its potential benefits for brain health and muscle performance. He and Dave examine creatine dosing, hydration, electrolytes, absorption, and why creatine supplementation can influence kidney-related blood test results.  The discussion turns to Big Pharma, prescription drug pricing, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Phil shares how insurance reimbursement practices threatened his independent pharmacy despite increasing prescription volume. They also explore compounding pharmacies, customized hormone formulations, injectable vitamins, GLP-1 medications, and the challenges of providing personalized treatment within the conventional healthcare system.  Finally, Dave and Phil examine personalized medicine, genetic testing, medication interactions, and nutritional deficiencies, including the relationship between statins and CoQ10. They discuss why individual biology should guide supplement choices and how addressing underlying metabolic processes may offer a more comprehensive approach to long-term health.  This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in multivitamins, methylated B vitamins, MTHFR genetics, creatine, prescription drugs, supplement effectiveness, personalized nutrition, metabolic health, and longevity.  You'll Learn:  Why common multivitamins contain different forms of B vitamins, and how folic acid, folinic acid, L-methylfolate, and P5P differ How MTHFR genetic variants influence folate metabolism and why individual responses to supplements can vary What Phil recommends considering when using creatine for brain health, muscle performance, hydration, and kidney-related blood testing How pharmacy benefit managers, insurance reimbursement, and drug pricing affect independent pharmacies and patient care Why compounding pharmacies create customized medications, including hormone formulations, injectable vitamins, and certain GLP-1 treatments How personalized supplementation, nutrient testing, medication interactions, and genetics may help inform more individualized healthcare decisions  Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.  New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.   Keywords: Phil Cowley, Phil's My Pharmacist, Dave Asprey, multivitamins, supplement mistakes, synthetic vitamins, methylated B vitamins, folic acid, methylfolate, MTHFR, methylation, vitamin B6, P5P, vitamin B12, folate metabolism, creatine, creatine dosage, brain health, kidney function, prescription drugs, drug interactions, pharmacy benefit managers, PBMs, Big Pharma, compounding pharmacy, GLP-1 medications, statins, CoQ10, personalized supplements, pharmacogenetics, longevity  Resources:  • Triquetra | Use code Dave20 at Triquetrahealth.com/dave for a discount  • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.  • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube  • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)  • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)  Thank you to our sponsors!       - Butcher Box | Go to ButcherBox.com/HUMANUPGRADE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thigh  - ZenBud | Dave’s Nervous System Biohack. Visit zenbud.health and use code DAVE15 at checkout for a discount.  - Timeline | Visit timeline.com/dave and get up to 20% off when you subscribe and save.  - Calroy | Learn more about Selentra HP and get your exclusive discount at calroy.com/dave  Timestamps:   00:00 - Trailer  00:40 - Intro  01:45 - Drugs Stolen From Nature  06:05 - Listening to Patients  09:33 - Pharmacy Business & PBMs  14:10 - Compounding Pharmacy Explained  20:42 - Why Creatine Is Amazing  28:23 - MTHFR & Methylation  46:44 - Lab Tracking & Longevity  50:58 - Science Bullies & Urine Therapy  59:19 - Future of Pharmacy  01:03:01 - TriQuetra Health & Closing   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Truth About Vitamins, Supplements & Prescription Drugs | Phil Cowley
  5. Nov 1

    I Tried EVERY Controversial Focus Drug

    I've tried every controversial focus drug I could get my hands on. Modafinil, LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, ketamine, MDMA, amphetamine, ephedrine, the racetams, and a shelf of Russian compounds most people have never heard of. I've spent 20 years and millions of dollars testing this on my own brain, and here's what I found: some of them work, most don't do what you've been told, and none of them are free. But the one I'd crown above all of them is legal, costs almost nothing, and you can buy it this afternoon. You've just been lied to about it for 60 years by the people who made a fortune doing it. In this video I'll show you what each compound actually does inside your brain, what it takes from you on the other side, and the four rules I follow so the best one doesn't turn into the worst one. You'll Learn: Why modafinil is considered the closest thing to a "Limitless pill" and how it affects sleepHow LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine affect the brain differently from focus drugsWhy Adderall and amphetamines can make you hyper-focused on the wrong thingsHow racetams became the original nootropics for cognitive enhancementWhat Russian scientists developed for cosmonauts and soldiers, including bromantane, Semax, and SelankWhy pharmaceutical nicotine ranks among the most controversial focus enhancersHow nicotine affects acetylcholine, attention, memory, and potentially brain agingWhy nicotine and smoking have very different health risksHow delivery speed influences addiction risk, from cigarettes to patches and lozengesDave's four rules for reducing nicotine risks and who should avoid itWhat Dave learned from spending $2.5 million experimenting with cognitive enhancement Timestamps: 00:00 - Trailer 01:07 - Modafinil: The Limitless Pill 03:45 - Psychedelics vs. Focus Drugs 05:31 - Microdosing & The Placebo Effect 07:43 - Cocaine & Drug Tolerance 08:33 - Amphetamines & Adderall 17:09 - Racetams: The Original Nootropics 21:12 - Russian Smart Drugs 29:17 - Nicotine for Focus & Cognition 33:53 - Nicotine Risks & Safety Rules Thank you to our sponsors! -Kenetik | Instead of pushing your system harder, Kenetik feeds your brain the ketones it craves to fuel calm clarity and steady focus. Go to drinkkenetik.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for a discount. -ZenBud | Dave’s Nervous System Biohack. Visit zenbud.health and use code DAVE15 at checkout for a discount. -Simplify | This episode is sponsored by Simplify. You’ve built your nest egg. Now see how XV can help you put it to work. Visit Simplify.us/NestEgg to learn more. -Butcher Box | Go to ButcherBox.com/HUMANUPGRADE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thigh Connect with Dave Asprey! Website: https://daveasprey.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveaspreyofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daveaspreyofficial/ X: https://x.com/daveasprey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/daveaspreybpr The Human Upgrade Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/TheHumanUpgradePodcast/ https://m.facebook.com/Thehumanupgrade/ Try TrueDark glasses: https://truedark.com Try Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube Try Suppgrade Labs: https://shopsuppgradelabs.com/ Dave's favorite supplements: https://www.shopsuppgradelabs.com/discount/DAVE15 Join my Substack: https://substack.daveasprey.com Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    I Tried EVERY Controversial Focus Drug
  6. Oct 30

    Placebo Pills, Cannabis, Wall Squats for Blood Pressure, Birdwatching, and the Porn brain

    Placebos Improved IBS Symptoms Even When Patients Knew the Pills Were Inactive In a randomized trial of 80 adults with irritable bowel syndrome, participants who knowingly took placebo pills reported greater symptom improvement than those receiving no treatment. After three weeks, 59% of the placebo group reported adequate relief compared with 35% of controls. A larger follow-up study also found that openly prescribed placebos improved reported IBS symptoms more than a no-pill control. Host Dave Asprey explores how conditioning, expectations, and the ritual of taking a treatment may influence symptoms without deception. He explains why these findings do not mean symptoms are imaginary or that positive thinking can cure disease, but raise questions about how the brain, treatment context, and learned physiological responses shape the experience of illness. Sources: PLOS ONE: Placebos Without Deception—A Randomized Controlled Trial in Irritable Bowel SyndromePain: Open-Label Placebo vs. Double-Blind Placebo for Irritable Bowel SyndromeHarvard Health: A Placebo Can Work Even When You Know It’s a Placebo Once-Weekly Wall Squats Preserved Some Blood-Pressure Benefits After More Frequent Training A randomized trial involving 100 adults found that isometric wall-squat training reduced blood pressure, with some benefits maintained after participants cut back to one or two sessions per week. The important detail is that participants first completed four weeks of training three times weekly. Those who subsequently reduced to one weekly session finished the eight-week study with systolic blood pressure approximately 6.6 mmHg below baseline, while those continuing three weekly sessions experienced the largest improvement. Host Dave Asprey explores how sustained muscle contractions may influence vascular resistance and autonomic regulation, and why the minimum dose needed to maintain a benefit can differ from the dose needed to build it. He explains why this study does not show that beginners get the same results from one weekly session or that wall squats replace medication. Sources: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine: Isometric Exercise Training and Blood Pressure ControlFull Study: Exploring the Dose-Response to Training Frequency Expert Birdwatchers Showed Brain Differences Linked to Attention and Perception A study comparing 29 expert birdwatchers with 29 beginners found differences in brain structure and activity associated with bird-identification expertise. Experts showed lower mean diffusivity in regions involved in attention and perception, an MRI finding researchers interpreted as more compact tissue organization. Some differences were also present in older experts, raising questions about how sustained learning may relate to cognitive aging. Host Dave Asprey examines why birdwatching involves more than spending time outdoors: identifying unfamiliar species requires attention, visual discrimination, memory, and continued learning. He explains why these findings are interesting without proving that birdwatching prevents dementia or slows cognitive decline, since researchers cannot determine whether the hobby caused the differences or whether preexisting characteristics helped people become experts. Sources: The Journal of Neuroscience: The Tuned Cortex—Expertise-Related Structural and Functional Remodeling Across the Adult LifespanSociety for Neuroscience: Skills From Being a Birder May Change—and Benefit—Your BrainBBC Future: Birdwatching Rewires the Brain and Slows Cognitive Decline Early THC Exposure Changed Serotonin Signaling in Mice Through an mTOR-Related Pathway A mouse study found that chronic THC exposure beginning early in life altered signaling through serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and increased sensitivity to a subsequently administered serotonergic drug. THC alone did not significantly disrupt the study’s baseline sensorimotor-gating measure, but previously exposed mice showed a greater disruption after the additional drug challenge. Giving rapamycin during THC exposure prevented several signaling changes and the heightened behavioral response, implicating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Host Dave Asprey explores how cannabinoid exposure may influence other neurotransmitter systems and why the timing of exposure matters when interpreting the experiment. He emphasizes that this was a mechanistic animal study, not proof that all cannabis use causes psychosis or that rapamycin can prevent cannabis-related psychiatric effects in humans. Sources: PubMed: Chronic Cannabis Promotes Pro-Hallucinogenic Signaling of 5-HT2A Receptors Through the Akt/mTOR PathwayNeuropsychopharmacology: Full Study Pornography Consumption Was Linked to Brain Differences, but Cause and Effect Remain Unclear A brain-imaging study of 64 healthy men found that greater reported pornography consumption was associated with lower gray-matter volume in part of the right caudate, lower activation in the left putamen during a sexual-image task, and lower functional connectivity between the right caudate and a prefrontal region involved in cognitive control. Host Dave Asprey examines what these findings may suggest about reward processing, repeated exposure, and habituation while distinguishing those possibilities from claims the study did not establish. Researchers did not directly measure dopamine depletion, demonstrate brain damage, or show that pornography caused the observed differences. Because participants were assessed at one point in time, preexisting brain characteristics could also help explain differences in consumption. The study raises questions about behavior and brain biology without resolving which came first. Sources: JAMA Psychiatry: Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Associated With Pornography Consumption—The Brain on PornNational Center on Sexual Exploitation: Research Spotlight—The Brain on Porn This episode is designed for biohackers, longevity enthusiasts, people interested in cognitive performance and cardiovascular health, and anyone trying to separate provocative brain research from proven cause and effect. Host Dave Asprey examines why placebos may improve symptoms without deception, how reduced-frequency wall-squat training can preserve some blood-pressure benefits, what expert birdwatchers reveal about learning and the aging brain, how early THC exposure altered serotonin signaling in mice, and what pornography brain-imaging research can actually establish. The larger lesson is evidence: distinguish symptom relief from disease treatment, maintenance from improvement, brain differences from brain damage, and a compelling animal mechanism from a proven human intervention. Keywords: open label placebo, placebo without deception, placebo effect, placebo IBS study, irritable bowel syndrome, mind body connection, conditioning and symptoms, wall squats blood pressure, wall sit exercise, isometric exercise training, minimum effective exercise dose, systolic blood pressure, vascular resistance, autonomic regulation, birdwatching brain health, birding cognitive aging, cognitive longevity, neuroplasticity, attention and memory, skill learning brain, THC brain research, cannabis serotonin signaling, cannabis psychosis research, 5-HT2A receptors, Akt mTOR pathway, rapamycin research, pornography brain study, pornography reward circuitry, caudate nucleus, brain imaging research, correlation versus causation, Dave Asprey, The Human Upgrade, biohacking research roundup Thank you to our sponsors!   Simplify | This episode is sponsored by Simplify. You’ve built your nest egg. Now see how XV can help you put it to work. Visit Simplify.us/NestEgg to learn more.Neuronic | Go to www.neuronic.online Code DAVE for $100 offPuori | Use my code DAVE at P-U-O-R-I dot com slash D-A-V-E for 32% off Puori Fish Oil when you start a subscription. That’s puori.com slash DAVE, and use code DAVE at checkout.iRestore | Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code DAVE at irestore.com/DAVE Resources:    • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Get My 2026 Biohacking Trends Report: https://daveasprey.com/2026-biohacking-trends-report/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.   • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15    • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)    • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)    • Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com    • Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated   • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/  • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Placebo Pills, Cannabis, Wall Squats for Blood Pressure, Birdwatching, and the Porn brain
  7. Oct 29

    The No-Brainer Solution To Stop Overeating

    Use Dave10 at calocurb.com to get a discount  How Hops Extract Suppresses Hunger, Reduces Cravings, Supports Weight Loss, and Makes Intermittent Fasting Easier Host Dave Asprey sits down with Sarah Kennedy, CEO of Calocurb, to explore the surprising science of hunger suppression, natural GLP-1 activation, intermittent fasting, weight loss, visceral fat reduction, and a patented hops extract that may help people eat less without relying on willpower.  The conversation centers on Amarasate, a natural compound derived from New Zealand hops, the same plant used to make beer. Originally investigated through a multimillion-dollar research program, this bitter plant extract activates specialized receptors in the digestive tract that stimulate the body's natural appetite-regulating hormones. Sarah explains how this discovery led to Calocurb, a supplement designed to reduce hunger, control cravings, and make fasting and calorie restriction easier.  Dave and Sarah break down the biology of GLP-1, CCK, PYY, ghrelin, and leptin, exploring how these hormones influence hunger, fullness, food cravings, and metabolic health. Unlike injectable GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, Amarasate works through bitter taste receptors in the gut to stimulate the body's own satiety signaling. They examine why the timing and location of these signals matter, how quickly the extract begins working, and what distinguishes this approach from conventional appetite suppressants.  Sarah shares findings from four human clinical trials, including research reporting an average 18% reduction in calorie intake following consumption of the hops extract. They discuss how activating gut receptors can influence eating behavior, why some people struggle with persistent hunger despite consuming enough calories, and how manipulating the body's natural fullness signals could change approaches to weight management.  The discussion also examines a six-month randomized, placebo-controlled study involving approximately 150 participants, which reported an average 5.5% reduction in body weight, with estimated fat loss and no detected average muscle loss. Sarah describes findings suggesting approximately 3.5 times greater visceral fat reduction compared with placebo, raising questions about whether targeted appetite regulation could support healthier body composition. Dave and Sarah explore why preserving lean muscle while reducing abdominal fat is especially important for metabolic health, healthy aging, and longevity.  They also explore how hops extract may make intermittent fasting and extended fasting easier by reducing hunger and food cravings. Dave discusses the practical challenges of fasting, while Sarah explains how bitter receptor activation can help people manage appetite without constantly fighting the urge to eat. They examine the potential applications for time-restricted eating, longer fasting windows, calorie control, and sustainable weight management.  Finally, Dave and Sarah challenge conventional assumptions about willpower, hunger, and obesity, exploring why overeating is not simply a failure of discipline. They discuss the relationship between gut-brain signaling, metabolic hormones, food intake, and the emerging science of naturally regulating appetite, including how plant-derived compounds could complement nutrition, exercise, and other metabolic health strategies.  This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in natural appetite suppression, hops extract, intermittent fasting, GLP-1, hunger hormones, weight loss, visceral fat, muscle preservation, metabolic health, gut-brain signaling, and science-backed strategies for controlling cravings and eating less.  You'll Learn:  How a patented compound extracted from hops activates bitter receptors in the gut to stimulate GLP-1, CCK, and PYY, the hormones involved in hunger and fullness Why clinical research found that hops extract reduced calorie intake by approximately 18%, and what that means for appetite control and overeating How a six-month clinical trial reported 5.5% body-weight loss, reduced visceral fat, and no detected average muscle loss Why hunger, cravings, and overeating involve complex hormonal signaling rather than simply a lack of willpower How natural appetite regulation may make intermittent fasting, extended fasting, and calorie restriction easier to maintain How hops-derived compounds differ from injectable GLP-1 medications, and what the research suggests about their potential role in weight management  Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.  New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.  Keywords: Sarah Kennedy, Sarah Kennedy Calocurb, Dave Asprey, The Human Upgrade, Calocurb, Amarasate, hops extract, hops weight loss, hops appetite suppressant, natural appetite suppressant, natural hunger suppressant, stop overeating, reduce hunger, control cravings, food cravings, hunger control, weight loss, fat loss, visceral fat reduction, belly fat, muscle preservation, lean muscle mass, GLP-1, natural GLP-1, GLP-1 activation, GLP-1 alternatives, Ozempic, Wegovy, CCK, cholecystokinin, PYY, peptide YY, ghrelin, leptin, hunger hormones, satiety hormones, bitter taste receptors, gut-brain axis, gut-brain signaling, intermittent fasting, fasting without hunger, extended fasting, time-restricted eating, fasting made simple, calorie restriction, calorie intake reduction, metabolic health, obesity, weight management, body composition, fat loss without muscle loss, biohacking, longevity, natural weight loss supplements  Resources:  • Calocurb | Use Dave10 at calocurb.com to get a discount  • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.  • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube  • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)  • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)    Thank you to our sponsors!       - Simplify | This episode is sponsored by Simplify. You’ve built your nest egg. Now see how XV can help you put it to work. Visit Simplify.us/NestEgg to learn more.  - ZenBud | Dave’s Nervous System Biohack. Visit zenbud.health and use code DAVE15 at checkout for a discount.  - Mars Men | For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com.  - Neuronic | Go to www.neuronic.online Code DAVE for $100 off  Timestamps:   00:00 - Trailer  01:32 - Intro  03:06 - Discovering Hops Extract  07:58 - Finding the Right Hop  10:15 - Clinical Trial Results  15:34 - No Rebound Weight Gain  19:47 - Personal Story & Fasting  23:05 - Women's Fasting Study  29:32 - Willpower & Hunger  38:42 - Combining With GLP-1s  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The No-Brainer Solution To Stop Overeating
  8. Oct 27

    The Easiest Treatment That Made Me 15 Years Younger

    Explore House of Evolution: https://daveasprey.com/house-of-evolution/  Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Tim Cook, a physician and longevity medicine expert who previously served as personal physician to two Governors General of Canada, to explore experimental gene therapy, biological age reversal, stem cell re-education, immune rejuvenation, muscle growth, and the emerging science of extending human lifespan.  Recorded in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, the conversation explores three advanced longevity treatments Dave and Tim are working with through House of Evolution, their venture focused on expanding access to experimental therapies. They discuss how these technologies work, the early results they're observing, and why some treatments are currently available outside the United States.  Dave reveals that after undergoing a two-day stem cell re-education treatment, blood testing approximately two months later indicated his immune system was 15.2 years younger. Tim explains how the procedure uses signaling molecules from umbilical cord blood stem cells to influence a patient's own immune cells before returning them to the body. They explore the potential implications for chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and age-related immune dysfunction.  The discussion turns to follistatin gene therapy, an experimental treatment designed to increase a protein involved in muscle growth and maintenance. Dave and Tim share preliminary results, including a reported average nine-year reduction in biological-age measurements, increased lean muscle mass, and reductions in body fat. They examine why preserving muscle and reducing visceral fat may be critical for longevity, particularly as anabolic resistance and sarcopenia become more common with age.  They also explore klotho gene therapy, which targets a longevity-associated protein involved in kidney function, cognitive health, and aging. Tim describes early observations of substantially increased klotho levels following treatment, while Dave explains why this protein has become a major focus of his longevity research. The conversation also examines plasmid-based gene delivery, how it differs from directly editing human DNA, and the unanswered questions surrounding long-term safety and effectiveness.  Dave and Tim challenge conventional thinking about healthspan, lifespan, and longevity escape velocity, discussing whether emerging treatments could eventually help people maintain youthful physical and cognitive function for decades longer. They examine how advanced biomarker testing and predictive models are being used to track biological aging and estimate changes in life expectancy.  Finally, they look ahead to stem cell banking, genetic reprogramming, and regenerative medicine, including the possibility of rejuvenating a person's own cells and growing replacement tissues. They also address the high costs, limited availability, and regulatory challenges surrounding these technologies, emphasizing that many of the results discussed remain preliminary rather than clinically established evidence of age reversal.  This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in biological age reversal, gene therapy, follistatin, klotho, stem cell re-education, immune rejuvenation, autoimmune disease, muscle growth, visceral fat, regenerative medicine, longevity escape velocity, and the future of anti-aging medicine.  You'll Learn:  How Dave's two-day stem cell re-education treatment was followed by a reported 15.2-year reduction in his measured immune age, and how the procedure works Why follistatin gene therapy is being investigated for muscle growth, sarcopenia, body composition, and biological aging How experimental plasmid-based gene therapies increase protein production without intentionally editing the human genome What early klotho gene therapy results suggest about protein levels, cognitive performance, kidney health, and longevity Why immune system aging, chronic inflammation, and visceral fat may contribute to age-related disease and physical decline How stem cell banking, cellular reprogramming, and regenerative medicine could shape the future of longevity treatments  Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.  New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.  Keywords: Dr. Tim Cook, Tim Cook longevity doctor, Dave Asprey, The Human Upgrade, House of Evolution, anti-aging treatments, reverse aging, biological age reversal, biological age testing, immune age, immune system rejuvenation, stem cell re-education, stem cell therapy, umbilical cord blood stem cells, immune cell reprogramming, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, inflammaging, gene therapy, follistatin gene therapy, follistatin, klotho gene therapy, klotho protein, minicircle gene therapy, plasmid DNA, MiniCircle, muscle growth, muscle loss, sarcopenia, anabolic resistance, lean muscle mass, body fat reduction, visceral fat, regenerative medicine, stem cell banking, genetic reprogramming, longevity medicine, longevity escape velocity, lifespan extension, healthspan, biological aging, experimental longevity treatments, biohacking, human longevity  Resources:  • The House of Evolution is A members-only longevity community combining gene expression therapy, stem cell therapy, and small-group experiences in destinations around the world. Apply here https://daveasprey.com/house-of-evolution/  • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/  • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.  • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/davetube  • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)  • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)   Thank you to our sponsors!       - Butcher Box | Go to ButcherBox.com/HUMANUPGRADE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thigh  - Simplify | This episode is sponsored by Simplify. You’ve built your nest egg. Now see how XV can help you put it to work. Visit Simplify.us/NestEgg to learn more.  - OneSkin | For a limited time try the new OS-01 FACE RICH CREAM with 15% off at oneskin.co/DAVE.  - MOD | Visit https://mod.com/ for a consultation and get 10% off your first order plus free shipping with promo code DAVE.  Timestamps:   00:00 — Trailer  00:59 — Follistatin Gene Therapy  05:25 — How Plasmids Work  09:30 — Longevity Escape Velocity  16:30 — Follistatin Results & Data  21:30 — Klotho: The Cognitive Protein  24:30 — House of Evolution  30:30 — Stem Cell Re-Education  39:00 — Stem Cell Banking  41:30 — The Future of Longevity  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Easiest Treatment That Made Me 15 Years Younger
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About

For more than a decade, Dave Asprey - the Father of Biohacking and creator of Bulletproof Coffee - has redefined what’s possible for the human mind and body. After more than a thousand episodes of Bulletproof Radio, he’s taking it to the next level with The Human Upgrade™ - a masterclass in biohacking, longevity, and performance optimization. Each episode explores cutting-edge science, advanced technology, and proven biohacks to help you upgrade your energy, focus, metabolism, and resilience. You’ll learn from world-class scientists, doctors, innovators, and thinkers leading breakthroughs in mitochondrial health, peptides, hormones, fasting, sleep, neuroplasticity, and more. This isn’t just self-improvement - it’s human enhancement backed by data. Every guest, every idea, every protocol you discover here moves you toward a longer, stronger, smarter life. Join The Human Upgrade™ with Dave Asprey - and learn how to live longer, think faster, and perform better.

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