Mitochondria, consciousness and performance

In the late 1990s, a strange carbon molecule quietly delivered the single longest lifespan extension ever recorded in mammals. The rats lived about 90% longer, and almost no one was paying attention. This episode breaks down what that molecule is, why it works, and how it may upgrade mitochondria, sleep, and human performance when used correctly. 

Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

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

Host Dave Asprey sits down with Chris Burres, founder and chief scientist of MyVitalC and the original long-term manufacturer of carbon 60. Chris has produced this Nobel Prize–winning molecule since the early 1990s, supplying research institutions around the world years before it ever entered the biohacking space. He explains how carbon 60 behaves differently from traditional antioxidants, why stability and concentration used to be major problems, and how modern manufacturing finally made real-world use possible. Chris is also a published author, longevity summit host, patent holder, and longtime science communicator who brings rare clarity and humor to complex biology. 

Dave and Chris explore how carbon 60 interacts with mitochondria, oxidative stress, metabolism, and electrical signaling in the body, and where it fits alongside ketosis, nootropics, supplements, and functional medicine strategies. They also unpack why improving mitochondrial function often shows up first as better energy and sleep optimization, and how that foundation supports longevity, brain optimization, and Smarter Not Harder performance. Along the way, Dave shares his own early experience with C60, how he uses it today, and why it now shows up even in his Danger Coffee stack. 

You’ll Learn: 

• Why carbon 60 produced the longest longevity result ever recorded in mammal studies 

• How mitochondrial efficiency shapes energy, sleep, and human performance 

• What makes C60 a selective antioxidant instead of a blunt one 

• Why purity, concentration, and stability determine whether a supplement works 

• How carbon 60 fits into biohacking stacks built around ketosis and metabolism 

• What users report first, from focus and resilience to deeper sleep 

• Why mitochondrial health underpins long-term anti-aging strategies 

• How to think about supplements through a Smarter Not Harder lens 

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. 

Affiliates: 

• Vibrant Blue Oils | Grab a full-size bottle for over 50% off at https://vibrantblueoils.com/dave. 
• ECHO Water | Go to http://echowater.com/dave and use code DAVE10 for 10% off your ECHO Flask. 

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: carbon 60 podcast, C60 longevity science, biohacking mitochondria, mitochondrial optimization podcast, anti-aging supplements science, human performance longevity, selective antioxidant mitochondria, sleep optimization biohacking, brain optimization supplements, nootropics longevity stack, ketosis metabolism longevity, functional medicine mitochondria, oxidative stress longevity, carbon 60 supplement science, MyVitalC podcast, Chris Burres interview, Dave Asprey biohacking, Danger Coffee stack, Smarter Not Harder longevity, Nobel Prize molecule longevity, mitochondrial health podcast 

Resources:   

• Get a 30% discount on your next purchase of ESS60 at: https://www.myvitalc.com/pages/humanupgradeod?ref=humanupgrade 

• Get My 2026 Biohacking Trends Report: https://daveasprey.com/2026-biohacking-trends-report/ 

• Join My Low-Oxalate 30-Day Challenge: https://daveasprey.com/2026-low-ox-reset/ 

• 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  

• Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com   

• Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com   

Timestamps: 

0:00 – Introduction & C60 Discovery 

4:04 – The Molecule & Nobel Prize 

8:27 – Quantum Properties & Superconductivity 

11:16 – Rat Longevity Study Results 

14:33 – Selective Antioxidant Properties 

15:51 – User Experience & Timeline 

18:15 – Biological Age Testing 

21:33 – Why Oil & Product Development 

23:32 – Mechanism of Action 

28:13 – Biohacker Discovery Story 

30:03 – FDA & Supplement Regulation 

33:50 – Migraines & Clinical Observations 

37:53 – Athletic Performance 

40:43 – Stacking & Contraindications 

45:57 – Skincare Product 

50:43 – Who Benefits Most 

1:00:37 – Mitochondria & Consciousness 

1:02:03 – Where to Buy & Closing 

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