The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

Join Dr. Steven Gundry, a leading heart surgeon and author of The Plant Paradox, as he explores the powerful connection between our gut microbiome and mental health. Discover how gut bacteria can influence your thoughts and cravings, potentially hijacking your brain. Dr. Gundry reveals shocking insights about the effects of antibiotics, glyphosate, and processed foods on gut health. He discusses how specific microbes can lead to addiction and obesity, and offers strategies for rebuilding your gut ecosystem through better dietary choices.

Carolina Reis Oliveira, a longevity researcher and stem cell biologist with a PhD in immunology, joins the conversation to challenge the long-held belief that hair loss is purely genetic. She explains how senescent, or 'zombie' cells, contribute to hair thinning and reveals groundbreaking research on the OS-01 peptide, which can increase hair density by 40% in just six months. The discussion covers the impact of stress, hormones, and the scalp microbiome on hair health, promising innovative solutions for reversing hair loss and regrowing hair.

Olga Khazan, an award-winning journalist from The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better,' shares her insights on transforming personality traits. She discusses how to recode your identity, emphasizing that traits like anxiety and neuroticism are not fixed. The conversation covers the surprising connection between gut health and emotional states, the neurobiology of gratitude, and effective strategies for overcoming inner critics. Olga’s personal journey serves as a guide for anyone desiring meaningful change and resilience at any age.

Dr. Patrick Porter, founder of BrainTap, is an innovative mind behind a platform that enhances brain function through light, sound, and guided visualization. He discusses how to revitalize underpowered brains and access psychedelic-like states safely. Discover the power of gamma brainwaves and how they can boost cognitive performance by 19% in just six weeks. Porter shares transformative stories and insights on breaking energy depletion cycles, improving sleep, and the role of mindset in health, offering practical tools for mental enhancement without substances.

Jennifer Cohen, a bestselling author, TED speaker, and resilience expert, shares insightful perspectives on parenting for today's youth. She discusses how overprotection and technology are hindering Gen Z's ability to handle real-world challenges. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience failure, explaining how participation trophies and constant praise can undermine resilience. She offers practical strategies to raise adaptable kids and highlights the benefits of embracing discomfort for personal growth.

Hannah Kleinfeld, a microbiome innovation leader, dives into the often-ignored complexities of gut health. She reveals why most probiotics fail to reach your intestines and how dysbiosis can affect your brain and mood. Kleinfeld discusses the impact of GLP-1 drugs on gut bacteria and offers the 'AB 10' protocol to restore gut health after antibiotic use. With insights on the gut-brain-heart connection, she emphasizes that your gut may be influencing many of your health decisions.

Veterinary epidemiologist and longevity researcher Stephanie Venn-Watson uncovers the recent discovery of essential fatty acid C15, crucial for health and aging. She explains how this nutrient, found in long-lived U.S. Navy dolphins, is absent from modern diets and may contribute to accelerated aging. Venn-Watson discusses C15's benefits for cellular stability, mental health, and its potential to outperform major longevity drugs. Discover the surprising foods containing this essential fat and why it matters for everyone, especially pregnant women.

Dr. Drew Ramsey, a Columbia University psychiatrist and pioneer in nutritional neuroscience, joins the conversation to uncover how modern life affects mental health. He discusses the links between brain inflammation, anxiety, and unhealthy lifestyles. Discover how movement, like dancing, can boost brain function and the crucial role of nutrition in emotional well-being. Explore the hidden impacts of technology on relationships and the need for personalized mental fitness approaches. Plus, the kale debate reveals there's no one-size-fits-all solution!

Mark Gober, a thought-provoking author and consciousness researcher, delves into the idea that our consciousness may extend beyond the confines of the brain. He discusses near-death experiences and psychic phenomena, revealing insights from declassified CIA documents. Gober challenges traditional views on free will and explores how practices like meditation and sensory deprivation can enhance awareness. He also touches on the debate about AI consciousness, urging listeners to rethink their understanding of reality and the nature of existence.

Scott Barry Kaufman, a renowned psychologist and author of 'Rise Above,' discusses the hidden costs of people-pleasing and the psychology of empowerment. He explains how toxic altruism and external validation can hinder personal growth. The conversation covers the crucial shift from a victim to an empowerment mindset, and how emotional resilience can combat societal pressures. Kaufman shares insights on self-actualization and the neuroscience behind confidence, highlighting the importance of boundaries for reclaiming one's power.