
The Superhumanize Podcast
Superhumanize and learn how to transform and transcend your human experience, and achieve the highest potential of mind, body and spirit. Our host Ariane Sommer brings you deeply insightful interviews with the global thought leaders in health, personal development, business, biohacking, science and spirituality - to inspire YOU to live your best life ever.
Ariane is a published author, vegan biohacker and wellness entrepreneur, journalist and keynote speaker.
Born in Germany and growing up in diverse places including Sierra Leone, India, Spain, the UK and the United States, Ariane has a unique global perspective on our individual struggles, as well as the challenges we face as the collective human family.
The Superhumanize Podcast was born out of Ariane’s passionate quest to create the ultimate human experience, merging the best of ancient wisdom with cutting edge scientific discoveries and advanced technologies.
Latest episodes

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 6min
Demystifying Death: Hospice Nurse Barbara Karnes on Grief, the Dying Process, and End-of-Life Truths
This episode is different. It is personal.Because for the first time, I will be sharing something I have not yet spoken about publicly.My father passed away this March. Just two days before my birthday.And in the weeks that followed, I gave myself permission to fully grieve, to feel, to remember, to process.It was a conscious act of mourning, supported by ceremony, solitude, and also by ketamine therapy, medically supervised at our clinic in Santa Monica.It helped me meet the waves of grief and let them move through me, not around me.And in that space, I kept returning to one question: Why, in our culture, is death treated as something to avoid, deny, or sanitize?Why is something so universal, so sacred, still held in so much fear?Today’s guest has devoted her entire life to shifting that.Barbara Karnes is a hospice pioneer and one of the most respected voices in end-of-life education.Her booklet Gone From My Sight, known as The Little Blue Book, has sold over 40 million copies and changed how countless families understand and approach death.In this conversation, Barbara offers profound wisdom: she offers a map, a presence, a way of holding death that allows us to also hold life more fully.This is much more than a conversation about dying. It is a conversation about what it means to live without fear, and to love more openly, even at the edge of goodbye.Episode highlights:02:45 Ariana's Personal Story of Grief and Healing05:29 Understanding the Dying Process10:40 The Role of Caregivers and Cultural Myths About Dying21:51 The Emotional and Spiritual Costs of Caregiving31:36 The Role of the Witness in the Dying Process33:04 Creating a Sacred Experience Before Death34:08 Saying Goodbye and Processing Grief42:16 The Importance of Personal Choice in End-of-Life Care44:44 Cultural Perspectives on Death and Aging52:32 Rehearsing for Death Through Life's Changes54:25 Barbara's Personal Relationship with Death56:22 Understanding Grief as Part of the Dying Process01:02:39 Barbara's Legacy and ResourcesResources mentioned:https://bkbooks.com/pages/about-barbarahttps://bkbooks.com/collections/allSOCIAL MEDIALinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarakarnesrnInstagram https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrnFacebook https://www.facebook.com/barbarakarnesrnYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVqIQdyP2OBTop8-jboRww

Jun 18, 2025 • 57min
Rewriting the Code: Dr. George Church on Synthetic Biology, Age Reversal, and the Future of Human Evolution
My guest today is someone whose work has shaped the very code of modern biology, and whose vision continues to ripple across fields as vast as genomics, synthetic biology, age reversal, and artificial intelligence.Dr. George Church is a a true pioneer, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School,a molecular engineer, chemist and serial entrepreneur as the co-founder of more than 50 biotech companies. He has helped invent many of the technologies that now define the genomic era, from CRISPR optimization to DNA data storage, and he was one of the first humans to ever publicly share his full genome and medical history.In this conversation, we explore the edge where science meets spirit.We talk about synthetic biology as a modern myth, DNA as a vessel of intelligence, and what it means to engineer life with intention. We dive into radical transparency, longevity research, AI collaboration, and the philosophical gravity of rewriting the arc of aging.This episode is not just about technology. It is about becoming.It is about asking: What does it mean to choose our evolution, consciously, ethically, and with awe.Episode highlights:00:04:30 – Sleep states and engineered serendipity: tapping creativity through unconscious rhythms00:06:30 – Synthetic biology as a modern myth: Promethean fire and the sacred aesthetic of science00:08:30 – DNA as memory, medium, and myth: encoding images in bacterial genomes00:10:00 – Is DNA a vessel of intelligence beyond biology?00:13:30 – Preserving culture in encoded DNA: who might decode it in the far future?00:16:00 – Are we alone in the universe? Dr. Church’s speculative yet grounded view00:18:30 – What should we preserve for the next million years? The humility of legacy00:21:00 – DNA as sacred text: what it teaches us about identity, ancestry, and consciousness00:24:00 – Radical transparency: the Personal Genome Project and sharing his own genome00:29:00 – Rethinking consent, privacy, and research ethics in human genomics00:32:00 – From printing press to gene sequencers: the dawn of programmable biology00:33:30 – From slowing aging to redesigning it: reprogramming human cells and organs00:36:00 – How smarter gene, cell, and organ therapies could surpass pharmaceuticals00:40:00 – Personalized vs. generic medicine: the case for affordable global health00:43:30 – Aging as a treatable condition: tackling multiple pathways at once00:46:30 – Ethical and spiritual questions at the threshold of biological reinvention00:49:00 – The risks of artificial general intelligence vs. the promise of scientific AI00:52:30 – Why narrow scientific AI (like protein design) offers real-world breakthroughs00:54:30 – Will synthetic intelligence ever hold ethical responsibility?00:55:00 – Final reflections: safety, accessibility, and helping humanity fulfill its potentialResources mentioned:WebsitesWyss Institute: https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/core-faculty/george-church/Harvard Department of Genetics: https://icgd.bwh.harvard.edu/team/george-churchBiophysics at Harvard: https://biophysics.fas.harvard.edu/people/george-m-churchChurch Lab: https://arep.med.harvard.edu/gmc/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae_vhiy2Qp-_GpV4FHll3Xxvuv1h1b7qgeRA1-Cz9jHTJrmnWlMH0GEVbBDgg_aem_-ujXtOnt6CpbGBHRC-P8BgBookRegenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselveshttps://www.amazon.com/Regenesis-Synthetic-Biology-Reinvent-Ourselves/dp/0465075703Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-church-2b86301/

May 30, 2025 • 48min
Meditation as Medicine for the Planet: Tom Cronin on Frequency & the Tech of Stillness
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast, where we explore the frontiers of human potential, consciousness, and creation.My guest today is someone whose life and work pulse with the resonance of a deep, sacred mission: Tom Cronin, keynote speaker, meditation teacher, author of The Portal, and a visionary committed to guiding humanity toward inner stillness as a path to global transformation.After a high-stakes career in finance led to a personal health crisis, Tom turned inward, and discovered something profound: that the silence within us is not empty, but alive with intelligence, possibility, and healing.Today, he works with individuals, corporations, and communities across the globe to awaken what he calls the "technology of stillness." His practice is rooted in Vedic meditation, a lineage of ancient wisdom that uses mantras to access deep inner states, echoing the oldest creation myths where frequency was the first architect of reality.We will speak today about the power of meditation not just as a wellness tool, but as a gateway to personal sovereignty and planetary coherence. We will explore how frequencies, whether ancient mantras or modern neural rhythms, can shape our world from the inside out.This conversation is a portal. You are invited to enter.Episode highlights:02:03 The Power of Stillness and Vedic Meditation06:09 Understanding Mantras and Their Impact07:19 The Influence of Frequency and Resonance11:58 The Role of Peace and Higher Frequencies17:41 Tom Cronin's Transformative Retreats20:28 Global Impact of Meditation and Peace32:42 The Intersection of Technology and Consciousness40:18 Tom Cronin's Vision for a Better World44:27 Practical Steps for Personal Transformation45:55 Conclusion and Offerings from Tom CroninThis episode is more than a conversation—it’s an invitation to step into a deeper awareness of yourself and your role in the collective evolution of humanity. Tom Cronin’s journey from high-stakes finance to sacred stillness offers a powerful reminder that peace is not passive, and stillness is not empty.Resources & MentionsTom Cronin's Official Website – https://www.tomcronin.comThe Portal (Book & Film by Tom Cronin) – https://entertheportal.comLearn about Vedic Meditation – https://www.tomcronin.com/vedic-meditationZen Academy: Coaching for Conscious Leaders – https://www.tomcronin.com/zen-academyWatch The Portal Movie – https://entertheportal.comDaniel Schmachtenberger’s Work – https://civilizationemerging.comJulia Mossbridge’s Research – https://www.transcendentresearch.orgFilm Mentioned: The Dish (2000) – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0205873Yogastha Kuru Karmani ("Established in Being, Then Perform Action") – https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8592/yogastha-kuru-karmaniFollow Ariane and the podcast at https://superhumanize.comPodcast produced by Podcast Artistry

May 20, 2025 • 50min
The Soul of Nutrition: Udo Erasmus on Essential Fats, Seed Oil Myths and Cellular Healing
Today, I am honored to welcome a true pioneer in the field of health and essential fats—Udo Erasmus.You may know Udo as the author of the groundbreaking book Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, a resource that has guided millions in understanding the critical role of fats in human health. But Udo is far more than a bestselling author. He is a biochemist, a health philosopher, and the founder of Udo’s Choice, an award-winning line of organic oils, probiotics, and enzymes, including the very ones I keep in my own fridge and recommend to others.Udo’s work spans decades of rigorous scientific research, personal transformation, and spiritual seeking. He is one of the earliest voices to advocate for Omega-3s as essential to optimal health and one of the few who has consistently spoken out about the damage done by industrial processing of oils.But what moves me most is not just the science, but the soul behind it. Udo’s personal journey, from fleeing war as a child, to facing profound suffering, to developing a spiritual framework rooted in love and service, infuses his work with a rare kind of depth and clarity.In today’s conversation, we explore the nuanced truth behind seed oils and the backlash they’ve recently received in the wellness world. We look at how misinformation spreads, why context matters, and what the science really says about high-quality, unrefined fats.We also dive into the inner path, what it means to listen to the body, to return to nature, and to let love be the guide in both healing and business.This is not just a conversation about nutrition. It is a conversation about remembering what truly nourishes us, mind, body, and soul.Episode highlights:00:03 Meet Udo Erasmus: A Pioneer in Health and Essential Fats00:43 Udo's Personal Journey and Transformation01:19 The Truth About Seed Oils and Misinformation07:56 The Role of Essential Nutrients in Health10:13 The Dangers of Industrial Oil Processing20:34 The Impact of Damaged Oils on Health25:09 The Longevity of Oils: Storage and Usage Tips26:19 Optimizing Essential Fatty Acid Intake28:16 Omega-3 Benefits for Athletes and Pregnant Women31:07 Addressing Chronic Fatigue and Long COVID with Nutrition36:41 Debunking Myths About Seed Oils44:37 The Spiritual Dimension of Nutrition47:55 Closing Thoughts and Future ConversationsWEBSITEhttps://udoerasmus.com/BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Udo-Erasmus/author/B001JS125YFACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/theudoerasmus/INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/udoerasmus/Subscribe to the podcast at https://superhumanize.com

May 15, 2025 • 54min
The Power to Self-Heal: Brandy Gillmore on Sovereignty, Belief, and the Mind-Body Revolution
Today’s guest is someone whose work resonates at the intersection of science, sovereignty, and the extraordinary healing potential of the human mind.Brandy Gillmore is a mind-body healing expert, researcher, and inspirational speaker known for her groundbreaking discoveries on self-healing. After a debilitating injury left her in chronic pain and reliant on a wheelchair and cane, Brandy embarked on a remarkable journey, ultimately using the power of her own mind to heal herself fully.Her story is not just inspirational, it is instructional.Brandy’s book, Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, is a #1 Amazon bestseller. It outlines her GIFT Mind-Body Healing™ method, helping readers activate their body’s innate ability to heal, blending neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical spirituality. Her work is changing lives and reshaping how people understand what is possible for their health.In this conversation, we explore the mechanics and the mystery of self-healing. We dive into belief, subconscious reprogramming, emotional frequency, and what it means to reclaim the authority we have been taught to give away. Brandy reminds us that healing is not just possible, it is a learnable skill.This is more than a conversation about wellness. It is a powerful remembrance of the gift we all carry: the ability to become our own cure.Episode highlights:03:00 – Brandy's accident and the years of failed treatments09:40 – Breakthrough moment: the multiple personality disorder insight14:30 – How specific emotions and patterns trigger illness19:55 – The “cake recipe” of emotional combinations25:40 – Healing through rewiring vs just positive thinking33:15 – PTSD, trauma, and why some people don’t get sick39:00 – When love, safety, and illness get unconsciously linked45:50 – The subconscious roots of self-sabotage52:10 – How fear is often wired as “protection”57:30 – Step-by-step walk through of the GIFT method1:06:00 – Brandy’s music hack for emotional re-patterning1:12:45 – Final truth: Healing is a skill we must masterResources mentioned:WEBSITE https://brandygillmore.com/BOOK https://brandygillmore.com/master-your-mind-book/FREE MASTERCLASS https://brandygillmore.com/self-healing-masterclass/PODCAST https://brandygillmore.com/podcast-episodes/Guest's social handles:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brandy.gillmoreInstagram https://www.instagram.com/brandygillmore/X https://x.com/BrandyGillmoreP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

May 5, 2025 • 53min
The Future We Were Meant For: Dr. Riane Eisler on Reimagining Democracy, Power, and Gender to Awaken a New Humanity
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, it is my profound honor to welcome back a true visionary, Dr. Riane Eisler.Dr. Eisler is a cultural historian, systems scientist, attorney, and pioneering voice for a future shaped not by domination, but by partnership, by cooperation, empathy, and care.Her groundbreaking books, including The Chalice and The Blade, The Real Wealth of Nations, and Nurturing Our Humanity, have transformed how we view our history, our societies, and the possibilities that await us if we choose a different path.In this conversation, we move fluidly through some of the most urgent and tender questions of our time:The future of democracy, the role of partnership in education and economics, the profound importance of gender equity, and how technology, if guided by the right values, might help us build a more caring world rather than entrench old systems of control.It is not only an intellectual journey.It is a call: to remember who we can be when we choose partnership over power, care over coercion, connection over conquest.Dr. Eisler’s voice is more crucial than ever in this moment of global transformation.I am deeply grateful to share this second conversation with her, and with you.Episode highlights:02:07 Dr. Eisler's Early Life and Trauma05:39 The Partnership vs. Domination System08:40 Impact of Trauma and Gender Stereotypes13:58 Educational Reform and Partnership Education23:54 Gender Equality and Political Power43:11 AI and Ethical Programming47:45 Dr. Eisler's Upcoming Book and Final ThoughtsResources:WEBSITES Riane Eislerhttps://rianeeisler.com/Center For Partnership Systemshttps://centerforpartnership.org/resources/riane-eisler/BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Riane-Eisler/author/B00DOIP1WMSOCIAL MEDIALinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rianeeislerFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CenterforPartnershipInstagram https://www.instagram.com/partnership_systems/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIcyO7M_dalSOxCsLN6CewXhttps://x.com/RianeEislerhttps://x.com/CenterforPshipP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

May 2, 2025 • 47min
The Chemistry of Trust: Dr. Paul Zak on the Brain’s Hidden Codes for Belonging and Extraordinary Experience
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, we journey into the chemistry of connection, the science of trust, and the hidden forces that shape extraordinary human experiences.My guest is Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist, best-selling author, Professor of Economics, Psychology, and Management at Claremont Graduate University, and co-founder of the pioneering company Immersion Neuroscience.Paul’s groundbreaking research has revealed how neurochemicals like oxytocin build trust, shape moral behavior, and fuel human happiness.He is a founding figure in the field of neuroeconomics and a leader in applying neuroscience to real-world domains like organizational leadership, marketing, and experience design.In this conversation, we explore how extraordinary experiences are engineered, how organizations can foster deeper human connection even across virtual spaces, and how emerging technologies like Neuroscience as a Service are transforming industries from healthcare to education to consumer engagement.We also dive into profound frontiers:How understanding trust could enhance therapies,how immersion can create lasting, life-changing experiences, and how the brain’s deepest codes can be honored rather than manipulated.If you have ever wondered how biology, belief, and belonging weave together to shape the human story, this conversation is a portal.Episode highlights:02:50 The Power of Oxytocin in Human Behavior07:26 Practical Ways to Boost Oxytocin12:17 The Role of Social Interactions in Happiness16:58 Innovations in Mental Health and Psychiatry18:52 The Future of Therapeutic Treatments22:13 Engineering Extraordinary Experiences25:07 Reflecting on Customer Experience26:22 The Science Behind Immersion29:04 Applications in Education and Mental Health32:08 The Importance of Social Connections41:59 Leveraging Technology for Creative Industries44:32 Final Thoughts and Future GoalsResources mentioned:WEBSITEShttps://pauljzak.com/ Claremont Graduate University https://www.cgu.edu/people/paul-zak/Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_J._ZakTED TALK https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin?language=enBOOKS https://pauljzak.com/books/Guest's social handles:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-zak-91123510/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pauljzakX https://x.com/pauljzakP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
Beyond Genetics: Nikolina Lauc on Glycans, Biological Age, and the Hidden Language of Your Cells
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer—and in this episode, we explore a frontier of health that’s been quietly shaping our biology all along: the world of glycans.My guest is Nikolina Lauc, co-founder and CEO of GlycanAge—a pioneering biotech company using glycan biomarkers to measure biological age and predict long-term health outcomes. Her work is helping to shift the paradigm of aging from something we passively endure to something we can actively understand—and even influence.We dive into what glycans are—these complex sugar molecules that modify proteins and silently direct processes like inflammation, immunity, and aging.Nikolina explains how they reveal a layer of biological communication most of us have never heard of… and how listening to that hidden language can help us prevent disease years before it begins.We also explore GlycanAge’s breakthrough menopause biomarker, their personalized approach to longevity, and what it means to raise awareness around women’s health in a data-driven age.If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper than genetics—If you’ve sensed there’s more to your body’s story than your DNA—This episode may open a new door for you.Episode highlights:-What glycans are and why they matter more than genes alone-How chronic inflammation predicts disease up to 10 years in advance-The science behind GlycanAge's biological age test-Why exercise and diet affect everyone differently-The coming revolution in menopause diagnostics-Metformin, biohacking, and the myth of one-size-fits-all longevity-The future of personalized health data and ethical enhancementResources mentioned:Glycan Age https://glycanage.com/Guest's social handles:Nikolina LaucLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolinalaucInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nikolinalauc/Glycan AgeInstagram https://www.instagram.com/glycanage/X https://x.com/glycanageFacebook https://www.facebook.com/glycanage/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1OeXYKa-NmKr9AtczwN4Q

Apr 30, 2025 • 41min
Love, Algorithms, and Avatars: How Technology is Redefining Human Connection with Dr. Liesel Sharabi
"If you spend all your time looking for the perfect person, you’ll struggle. A healthier mindset is to find someone you enjoy — and then work to build the relationship you want."Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer—and in this episode, we’re stepping into one of the most intimate intersections of modern life: where love meets technology.My guest today is Dr. Liesel Sharabi, a leading researcher at Arizona State University and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab. Her work dives deep into how digital tools—from dating apps to virtual reality—are reshaping not only how we meet, but how we connect, how we build intimacy, and how we sustain relationships in a rapidly changing world.We explore the future of romantic connection—How algorithms and AI companions are influencing attraction.What happens when first dates take place in virtual reality.And how the seemingly infinite choices on dating apps can sometimes leave us lonelier than before.We also touch on the deeper threads:The psychological impact of swipe culture,The ethical tensions of love in a commodified system,And whether technology is bringing us closer—or quietly rewriting what it means to relate.If you’ve ever wondered how digital culture is shaping the soul of human connection…This conversation is for you.Episode highlights:Virtual reality as a new frontier for first dates and intimacyHow AI companions are changing emotional connectionThe psychological impact of dating app cultureDating app burnout and how to avoid itThe ethics and data privacy concerns of AI-driven romanceCross-cultural perceptions of digital datingThe difference in satisfaction between online and offline-initiated marriagesFuture applications of VR in coaching, touch, and relationship buildingHow younger generations are shaping the norms of modern connectionResources mentioned:Liesel's website https://www.lieselsharabi.com/Dating In the Digital Age https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dating-in-the-digital-ageGuest's social handles:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesel-sharabiX https://x.com/lieselsharabi

Apr 30, 2025 • 58min
Beyond Cholesterol: Dr. Ronald Krauss on Lipids, Inflammation, and the Hidden Codes of Heart Health
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, we’re not just talking about heart health…We’re decoding it.My guest is Dr. Ronald Krauss, one of the most influential voices in cardiovascular research today. A professor of medicine at UCSF and a pioneer in lipidology, Dr. Krauss has reshaped how we understand cholesterol, inflammation, and the subtle particles that move through our blood and, often, determine our fate.In this conversation, we go far beyond the standard cholesterol panel.We explore the deeper nuances like the size and density of LDL particles, the overlooked power of ApoB and Lp(a), and how refined carbohydrates, not saturated fats, may play a much larger role in cardiovascular risk than we've been led to believe.We also enter emerging frontiers:How the gut microbiome shapes the heart, how our genes can guide more precise therapies, and how personalized nutrition may become one of the most powerful tools for prevention in the years to come.This episode is not just for the curious, it’s for those who sense there’s more to the story of heart disease than numbers on a lab report.It’s for those who believe science can be both evidence-based and visionary.And for those of us who know the body carries not just risk, but memory, intelligence, and code.Episode highlights:Why small, dense LDL particles are more dangerous than large onesThe role of ApoB and Lp(a) as underused but powerful heart health indicatorsHow metabolic syndrome and inflammation interconnect with lipid disordersThe surprising truth about saturated fat vs. refined carbsThe promise (and limitations) of personalized nutrition and genomicsHow physical activity and gut health shape lipid metabolismNew frontiers in the fight against dementia linked to cardiovascular functionResources mentioned:Dr. Krauss' Wikipedia page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Krauss_(medical_researcher)Dr. Krauss' professional profiles:https://profiles.ucsf.edu/ronald.krausshttps://amecenter.ucsf.edu/people/ronald-krauss-md