The Dark History of Mind Control

You’re being programmed, and it’s more subtle and pervasive than you think. From invisible influence to psychological manipulation, this episode shows you how to recognize when your thoughts aren’t really yours. 

Host Dave Asprey uncovers the hidden science of mind control with Harvard historian Rebecca Lemov. She is a professor of the History of Science at Harvard University and one of the world’s leading experts on psychological manipulation, surveillance science, government experimentation, and Cold War brainwashing programs. Her groundbreaking research into MK Ultra, behavioral psychology, and reeducation campaigns reveals exactly how external forces hijack your thoughts, emotions, and decisions, without you knowing. 

They break down how mind control evolved from CIA-funded brain implants and LSD experiments into today’s algorithmic persuasion, trauma-based manipulation, and tech-driven influence. This episode gives you practical tools to defend your thoughts, upgrade your awareness, and reclaim your mental sovereignty. 

This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, mindfulness, longevity, mental performance, self-awareness, hacking the nervous system, emotional control, and high-performance mindset training. 

You’ll Learn: 

• How the CIA used MK Ultra, psychedelics, hypnosis, and implants to test behavior control 

• What mind control looks like in modern media, social platforms, and persuasive technology 

• How unresolved trauma and emotional blind spots leave you vulnerable to manipulation 

• The connection between neurohacking, mindset, and mental autonomy 

• How to recognize when you are running someone else’s code 

• The best psychological tools to build resilience and conscious awareness 

• How to build a “mental firewall” with meditation, breathwork, and attention training 

Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 

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 is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 

Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 

SPONSORS: 

-Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial. 

-Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order. 

-OneSkin | Get 15% off your first purchase at https://oneskin.co/ASPREY with code ASPREY. 

Resources:  

• Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ 

• Rebecca’s New Book – The Instability of Truth: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324075264 

• Rebecca's Website: https://rebeccalemov.com/

• Rebecca’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalemov/?hl=en 

• 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025 

• Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com 

• Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com 

• Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 

• Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com 

• Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com 

• Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com 

• 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com 

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Trailer 

• 01:01 Intro 

• 01:49 Mind Control at Harvard 

• 02:54 Hypnosis and Mental Programming 

• 04:48 Morning Routines and Meditation 

• 06:02 AI Companions and Digital Influence 

• 11:17 MK Ultra and Government Experiments 

• 20:25 Archives and the War on Truth 

• 24:49 Marketing and Manipulation 

• 27:22 Chilling CIA Mind Control Stories 

• 33:59 Meditation and God Encounters 

• 34:40 Biohacking Origins 

• 35:15 Building Mental Resilience 

• 36:11 Compassion as Control 

• 37:54 Escaping Modern Programming 

• 39:57 Free Will vs. Influence 

• 46:03 Therapy and Suggestion 

• 49:25 SEER Training and Torture Simulation 

• 01:03:27 One-Pointed Focus 

• 01:06:46 Final Reflections 

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