Hacking Dopamine Naturally: Pain, Focus, and Performance : 1320

You hold the door open. You say yes when you mean no. You put others first—always. It feels like the right thing to do… but is it costing you more than you realize? In this episode, Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D.—Columbia professor, psychologist, and author of Rise Above—joins Dave Asprey to expose the psychology of victim vs. empowerment mindsets. He reveals how toxic altruism, external validation, and emotional fragility keep people stuck—and how you can reclaim your confidence, set boundaries, and create a life of true growth. Dr. Kaufman, one of the world’s most cited scientists, shares cutting-edge research on self-actualization, resilience, and the hidden mental loops that shape your success. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt, drained from over-giving, or afraid to take up space, this conversation will help you break free. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • Victim vs. empowerment mindset—the key shift that changes everything • The psychological traps of toxic altruism—and why over-giving holds you back • How people-pleasing rewires your brain—and how to break the cycle • The science of self-actualization—how to unlock your full potential without guilt • Why modern culture and social media reward emotional fragility—and how to rise above it • The neuroscience behind confidence, resilience, and making better choices for YOUR growth If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or drained from always being “nice”, this episode will show you how to step into your power, rewrite your mental programming, and take control of your future. SPONSORS -Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial. -Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order. Resources: • A Day of Biohacking and Consciousness Event: https://daveasprey.com/biohacking-and-consciousness/ • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Scott’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman/?hl=en • Scott's New Book – Rise Above:https://scottbarrykaufman.com/books/rise-above/ • 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 • 00:44 Intro • 02:02 Rise Above – Scott’s New Book • 03:13 Triggers and Mind Control • 05:12 Victimhood and Self-Actualization • 12:01 Curiosity Over Fear • 16:32 The Power of Discernment • 26:32 Emotional Resilience Today • 31:12 The Fragility of Younger Generations • 37:33 Social Pressures and Identity • 39:47 Social Media and Self-Determination • 40:35 Community and Belonging • 42:42 Activating Happiness and Growth • 44:43 Gratitude and Daily Practices • 51:48 Healthy Selfishness vs. Altruism • 58:56 Codependency and Vulnerable Narcissism • 01:04:57 The Dark Triad and Personality Types • 01:09:14 Final Thoughts and Book Recs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Maalis 1h 14min

What do vibrations and the psychedelic experience have in common? MDMA therapy is revolutionizing mental health treatment, helping people overcome PTSD, anxiety, and emotional trauma with unprecedented success. But what if you could tap into those same powerful benefits—without taking a single drug? It turns out your brain responds to more than just chemistry. Vibration, frequency, and rhythm have been shaping human consciousness for millennia—from ancient chanting rituals to modern neuroscience breakthroughs. Could the right vibrations unlock the same neuroplasticity and healing pathways as psychedelics? In this episode, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Dave Rabin, a neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and psychedelic researcher, to explore how vibrations can rewire your brain, enhance neuroplasticity, and even mimic the effects of MDMA therapy. Dr. Rabin’s work led to the creation of Apollo Neuro, a wearable device that taps into your nervous system’s natural ability to regulate stress, boost focus, and accelerate recovery—without pharmaceuticals. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • How specific vibrations trigger deep relaxation and neuroplasticity • Why MDMA therapy works—and how vibration-based tech can simulate it • The surprising science behind music, frequency, and altered states • How Apollo Neuro enhances sleep, focus, and emotional resilience • The overlooked role of heart rate variability in longevity and health • Why stress is the biggest obstacle to healing—and how to override it **Apollo Neuro | To get an Apollo wearable, go to https://apolloneuro.com/Dave and save 15%** Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Apollo Neuro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apolloneuro/?hl=en • Apollo Neuro Website: https://apolloneuro.com/Dave • 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 00:40 Intro 01:18 Exploring Vibration in Biohacking 02:29 Introduction of Dr. Dave Rabin 02:53 Understanding Vibration and Its Impact 04:47 The Apollo Neuro Device 08:44 Using Apollo for Different States 11:41 Apollo in Psychedelic Therapy 24:32 Clinical Trials and Studies on Apollo 29:32 Heart Rate Variability and Biohacking 33:02 Revolutionizing Sleep with Apollo 34:40 Apollo’s Long-Term Effects and Dependency 37:16 Apollo’s Impact on ADHD and Psychiatric Disorders 45:22 The Importance of Human Connection and Simple Solutions 49:56 Longevity, Healthspan, and Future Innovations 57:23 Final Thoughts and Discount Offer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Maalis 58min

Your Brain is Lying to You—Here’s How to Take Back Control Every day, your brain is running subconscious scripts—hidden mental loops that shape your decisions, habits, and even your self-worth. But what if those loops are sabotaging you? In this episode, Bizzie Gold, mind architect and creator of The Break Method, joins Dave Asprey to expose the self-deception patterns controlling your thoughts—and how to reprogram your brain for true transformation. Bizzie’s method isn’t just another self-help philosophy. It’s science-backed, no BS, and engineered for results. From subconscious conditioning to emotional addiction cycles, you’ll learn the exact framework for breaking free from limiting beliefs and upgrading your mind. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • The hidden mental loops sabotaging your success (and how to break them) • The science of self-deception—why your brain lies to you daily • How early childhood experiences hardwire your thoughts and emotions • The brain’s rejection vs. abandonment patterns—which one rules you • How to use E.L.I. questions to disrupt negative thinking instantly • The AI-powered brain upgrade that could change self-improvement forever If you’ve ever felt stuck in repetitive thought patterns, bad habits, or emotional cycles, this episode will give you the blueprint to take back control of your mind. Listen now—because your brain won’t fix itself. SPONSORS -Omni-Biotic | Visit omnibioticlife.com/dave and use code DAVE20 for 20% off. -Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order. Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Bizzie Gold’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizziegold/ • Bizzie Gold's Website: https://bizziegold.com/ • 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 • 00:28 – Intro • 01:39 – Understanding self-deception and its impact • 05:41 – The role of childhood trauma in shaping perception • 14:20 – Brain pattern spectrum and human behavior • 22:26 – Spiritual perspectives on DNA and past lives • 34:45 – Sharing knowledge from the ether • 34:54 – A surprising encounter with a professor • 35:43 – Healing and accessing intuition • 36:39 – The power of intuition in practice • 38:15 – Spiritual technology and Big Pharma • 39:54 – The role of self-trust in intuition • 40:49 – Understanding instinct vs. intuition • 42:17 – The E.L.I. framework for intuition • 45:50 – Hacking the brain’s language system • 57:04 – Parenting for emotional resilience • 01:06:13 – AI and emotional hacking • 01:11:01 – Conclusion and final thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Maalis 1h 9min

Is the Way You Speak Limiting How You Think?For years, scientists debated how language shapes the brain, but new research reveals it goes far beyond communication. Some languages lack numbers, grammar, or even complex sentences—yet their speakers navigate reality in ways that defy expectations.In this mind-bending episode, linguist Daniel Everett, known for challenging Noam Chomsky’s theories, shares how his time with the Pirahã people reshaped our understanding of language, cognition, and even consciousness.If language rewires thought, what happens when AI starts using it? Can a machine truly think? And what if whales, with their massive brains, have a language of their own?What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • The hidden power of language—why learning a new one literally reshapes your brain • The Piraha people’s mind-blowing approach to communication and what it reveals about human thought • Can AI truly “think” in language, or is it just an advanced mimic? • How your environment affects memory, navigation, and cognitive function • The psychedelic connection to language evolution—could altered states have unlocked speech? SPONSORS• Puori | Visit https://puori.com/dave and use code DAVE for 20% off.• BON CHARGE | Go to https://boncharge.com and use code DAVE for 15% off.Resources:• Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/• Dan Everett’s Website: https://daneverettbooks.com/• 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.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Maalis 1h 11min

For decades, we’ve been told that our DNA is a fixed blueprint—an unchangeable code that dictates our health and lifespan. But what if that’s only half the story? Sharon Hausman-Cohen, a physician, researcher, and genomics expert at IntellxxDNA, joins Dave to reveal the cutting-edge science of genetic optimization—how understanding your DNA can unlock longer life, better brain function, and even protection from chronic disease. Forget the old-school genetic reports that left you with useless percentages. The new frontier of precision genomics goes beyond risk factors to actionable insights, showing you exactly how to turn on your body’s most powerful longevity genes and turn off the pathways driving inflammation, cognitive decline, and disease. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why genetics alone don’t determine your future—and how to use epigenetics to control your health • The truth about MTHFR, APOE4, and other “bad” genes—are they actually harming you? • How genetic reports can predict and eliminate brain fog, fatigue, and pain • The hidden genetic reasons behind ADHD, depression, and anxiety—and how to fix them • Why some people age faster—and the one longevity gene that determines your biological age • Cutting-edge breakthroughs in DNA-based biohacking—is it possible to edit your genes for peak performance? This is the future of personalized medicine. By understanding your own genetic blueprint, you can stop guessing and start making the precise changes that will optimize your energy, brainpower, and lifespan! ** Visit IntellxxDNA at https://intellxxdna.com/asprey/ When you go to the website to find a clinician please select “human upgrade/longevity” as the type of consult to get specialized biohacking clinicians! ** SPONSORS -Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order. -Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off. Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • IntellxxDNA Website: https://intellxxdna.com/asprey/ • 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 – Intro • 02:00 – The Role of Genetics in Longevity • 03:37 – Gene Variants & Cognitive Health • 05:58 – Epigenetics vs. Genetics • 08:21 – Genomics & Pain Management • 09:26 – Breakthroughs in Genetic Research • 12:33 – The Future of Genomic Medicine • 14:27 – How to Use Genomic Reports • 38:25 – Mitochondria & Longevity • 42:40 – BH4 & Mental Health • 43:42 – Folinic Acid & Brain Function • 44:37 – Genomics & Autism • 46:06 – Personalized Medicine • 56:00 – APOE4 & Alzheimer’s Risk • 59:44 – Genetics & Heart Health • 01:04:54 – The Future of Precision Medicine • 01:20:23 – Conclusion & Next Steps See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Maalis 1h 18min

For years, we’ve been told that willpower and repetition are the keys to forming habits. But the truth is, habits don’t stick because of repetition—they stick because of emotion! In this all-time classic episode, Dave brings together two of the world’s top habit experts—BJ Fogg, PhD, and James Clear—to break down the real science of behavior change. BJ, the Stanford researcher behind Tiny Habits, explains why motivation, ability, and the right prompts are the real drivers of habits. Meanwhile, Atomic Habits author James Clear reveals how small decisions compound over time to shape your entire life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why willpower and repetition don’t work—and what actually makes habits stick • The tiny changes that create massive, lasting results • How emotions play a bigger role in habit formation than you think • The hidden power of stacking small habits for exponential growth • How to automate your decisions to free up brainpower for bigger goals SPONSORS -STEMREGEN | Head to https://www.stemregen.co/dave for 20% off your first order. -LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/DAVE. Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • BJ Fogg’s Website – https://www.bjfogg.com/ • James Clear’s Website: https://jamesclear.com/ • 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 – Intro • 00:39 – Understanding habits • 01:10 – Layering habits with James Clear • 01:49 – BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits method • 03:03 – The science of habit formation • 05:49 – Practical habit-building tips • 09:57 – Emotions vs. repetition in habits • 18:02 – Ability & context in habits • 21:19 – Genes, dopamine & behavior • 26:20 – Final thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Maalis 27min

In this first-ever AMA episode, Dave tackles your biggest biohacking questions—straight from The Upgrade Collective! From optimizing brain power to pushing the limits of cold therapy, this episode is packed with cutting-edge hacks to supercharge your body and mind. If you’d like to have your questions answered on the next AMA, click the link below for details on The Upgrade Collective membership, and get all sorts of extra biohacking add-ons for your life! In today’s episode: What if you could amplify oxytocin—the “love hormone”—to build stronger relationships and lower stress? Or upgrade your cold plunge routine for max benefits in less time? Dave reveals the science behind these powerful biohacks, plus his take on rapamycin for longevity, the right way to supplement for thyroid health (without a prescription), and even how he personally overcame Asperger’s traits through neuroplasticity and mitochondrial upgrades. There’s even some great advice for all the parents out there! What You’ll Learn: • How to naturally boost oxytocin for better relationships and emotional health • The fastest way to upgrade your cold plunge for heat shock benefits • Is rapamycin really a longevity miracle? Dave’s personal take • How mitochondria impact brain power, mood, and aging—and how to fix them today! • The shocking reason some people can’t process reality correctly (and how to retrain your brain) • The real truth about stem cells, exosomes, and V-cells for regeneration • The hidden dangers of selenium, thyroid supplements, and over-fasting SPONSORS -Puori | Visit https://puori.com/dave and use code DAVE for 20% storewide. -Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount. Resources: • Upgrade Collective Membership: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • 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 • 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 – Intro • 00:37 – Welcome to the Human Upgrade AMA • 01:13 – Cold Plunges and Alpha Lipoic Acid for Health • 03:11 – Hot and Cold Therapy for Optimal Health • 07:29 – Understanding Thyroid Health and Treatment • 09:09 – The Importance of Selenium • 14:41 – Stem Cells vs. Exosomes • 16:27 – Rapamycin for Longevity • 18:07 – Asperger’s Syndrome and Neuroinflammation • 28:53 – Understanding Asperger’s and Self-Awareness • 29:24 – The Challenge of Offering Help • 30:06 – The Importance of Reconnection Work • 31:34 – Personal Development Journey • 34:42 – The Role of Emotions in Biohacking • 35:55 – Dealing with Flashbacks and Trauma • 45:46 – The Power of Oxytocin • 49:48 – The Truth About Kale and Oxalates • 54:25 – Teaching Kids to Regulate Their Nervous System See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Helmi 55min

Can You Mimic Fasting—Without Actually Fasting? Chris Rhodes, a biochemist and longevity researcher, joins Dave to reveal a groundbreaking fasting mimetic that could revolutionize how we approach aging, metabolism, and health. Fasting is one of the most powerful tools for longevity, but what if you could achieve the same benefits without hunger, energy crashes, or social sacrifices? Scientists have identified key compounds that mimic fasting at the cellular level—offering a way to extend lifespan, boost metabolism, and enhance cognitive function without giving up food. Enter Mimio, a blend of four key molecules naturally produced during fasting, is engineered to deliver the life-extending benefits of fasting—without starvation. For decades, fasting has been the gold standard for longevity, but over-fasting can wreck hormones, metabolism, and muscle mass. So, what if you could get the benefits of a 36-hour fast without the downsides? Chris breaks down the science behind fasting, autophagy, and the game-changing compounds that trick your body into entering a fasted state—even while eating. What You’ll Learn: • The optimal fasting window for maximizing lifespan (Hint: It’s not 16 hours) • The four fasting metabolites that extend life by 96% • How Mimio mimics fasting benefits—without giving up food • The real reason over-fasting destroys your metabolism and hormones • Why traditional longevity drugs (Metformin, Rapamycin) fall short • Can you build muscle and burn fat at the same time? The science of mTOR & AMPK • Why Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know about this breakthrough *** Get 20% off Mimio at mimiohealth.sjv.io/3J9abX with code: DAVE *** Sponsors:Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial.Our Place | Head to https://fromourplace.com/ and use the code DAVE for 10% off your order.Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Mimio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimiohealth/ • Mimio Website: https://mimiohealth.com/ • 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 – Intro • 00:58 – Fasting & Longevity • 01:88 – Optimal Fasting Length • 03:39 – Alternate Day Fasting: Pros & Cons • 05:50 – Key Fasting Compounds • 07:34 – Spermidine & Longevity Molecules • 11:41 – FDA Roadblocks on Natural Compounds • 15:37 – AI, Big Data & Longevity Research • 31:19 – Mimio’s Impact on Testosterone & Aging • 35:16 – Longevity & Death Philosophy • 36:48 – Biohacking Origins • 37:03 – Metabolism & Cognitive Function • 38:35 – Unexpected Effects of Fasting • 40:43 – Fasting & Circadian Rhythms • 43:09 – Mimio Science & Benefits • 45:14 – Mimio in a Daily Routine • 55:05 – Men vs. Women: Fasting Differences • 01:02:23 – Future of Nutrition & Biohacking • 01:07:21 – Conclusion & Discount Code See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Helmi 1h 6min