The Network State Podcast #31 - The Don't Die Network State | Bryan Johnson
Jan 15, 2026
Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur and longevity investor behind the Blueprint project, dives into transformative ideas around health and longevity. He discusses the transition to large-effect gene therapies and the potential of visual changes in health to inspire belief in therapies. The pair explore regulatory challenges, self-experimentation ethics, and innovations like wearable brain monitoring for everyday tracking. They envision a future where intensive diagnostics and gene therapies converge to create a 'Don't Die Network State' aimed at enhancing human life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trajectory From Skepticism To Credibility
- Bryan Johnson describes Blueprint's trajectory from ridicule to global credibility and high-level engagement.
- Visual proof and mainstream coverage (e.g., a Netflix documentary) drove rapid acceptance of his longevity work.
Seeing Is Believing In Longevity
- People trust visible changes (face, hair) far more than biomarker charts when judging longevity.
- Aesthetics often serve as the entry point to convincing the public that therapies work.
From FDA Slowdown To Wonder Drugs
- We may be leaving the "FDA era" of tiny safe effects and re-entering an era of large-effect wonder drugs.
- GLP-1 drugs show how clearly visible benefits can shift public attention and adoption.
