The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest, is a real-life rocket scientist. Ozan Varol definitely brings the goods in this conversation. You’ll learn how to think big, flirt with uncertainty, not be afraid to fail, and launch your success.In his new book, “Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life,” Ozan explains how to develop critical thinking skills so you can tackle seemingly impossible things. As an astrophysicist, Ozan was part of the operations team for the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers project, where he built stuff that went to the Red Planet and wrote code that snapped photos of the Martian surface. Then he pivoted to become a lawyer, then changed direction again to become an award-winning law professor, author, and public speaker.The whole time, he kept on thinking like a rocket scientist. Here’s Ozan’s perspective on a few of the things we talked about:Figure Things Out: “In the real world, problems are not handed to you on a silver platter. You have to find the problem and then you have to reframe it. Define it. Figure out ways of looking at it from different angles so you can illuminate other answers that you may have initially missed, but you don't learn any of that in school.” Pivot & Problem-solving: “If you're listening to this and the pandemic has disrupted the way that you conduct your business, ask yourself, how do I solve the problems that the world needs solving right now, as opposed to the problems that I want it to solve, as opposed to the problems that I expected to solve? How can I use my skills, resources, product services in a way that I haven't used them before to address the problems that now exist in the world?Think Long Term: “Step No. 1 is just realizing that if you are able to look toward the long term, and stop chasing short-term outcomes, the results tend to be much better at a both personal institutional level.”Know Your Blind Spots: “Sometimes blind spots come because I am too close to the problem to think differently. And this happens quite a bit. You're so immersed in the weeds of what you’re talking about or what you’re thinking about. And it’s hard for you to step back and see other paths.”Find Your Curiosity: “Whenever I follow my natural curiosity, regardless of where it may be lead, that works out well for me. But when I start chasing outcomes, that completely robs the joy away from the process. Whenever I can turn process into play, work becomes play, play is work. There's really no distinguishing between the two, and I'm just following my curiosity, regardless of where it might lead. That's right where the magic happens.” Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.SPECIAL EVENT! Join the Virtual Biohacking Conference Oct. 10, 2020. You'll get "Expert Biohacking Tips and Tools For When the Fit Hits the Shan!" This interactive one-day conference is full of keynote speakers, panels, interviews, breakout sessions, unique networking opportunities and speaker meetups, a community workshop and even prizes. Get your ticket and all the details at biohackingconference.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Sep 202056min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest, Chloe Weber, L.Ac, MSOM, is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who’s also co-founder and CEO of Radical Roots Herbs. She’s on a mission to expand the reach of Chinese herbology and bring ancient healing into the modern world. You’ll learn a lot in this episode, I know I did! Chloe has taken what has been known to work over thousands of years of Chinese Medicine practice and adapted traditional formulas to conditions people are experiencing today.“In Chinese medicine, instead of having a one-to-one correlation between a symptom and a cure, we're looking at the dynamic interplay of the body,” Chloe says. “So, we look at the body as a microcosm of the macrocosm. Everything that we see in nature, we use to describe the actions in what's going on in the body.”“The same as with herbs,” she continues. “We’re really looking at the whole plant and how it’s inter-playing with the body. And then, instead of just doing one herb, we’re using different herbs together to create a formula so that we cannot only address the branch, which are the symptoms, but we can address the root, so we can really get to the underlying health issues.”Chloe developed an interest in public health and medicine after being diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis as a teen. Her background in Ecology and Evolutionary biology in college led her to understand how diseases evolve and the deep connection between humans and our environment. She was drawn to Chinese medicine as a way to address public health issues.She earned a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and also studied at Heilongjiang University Hospital in Harbin, China. Chloe co-founded a non-profit, sliding-scale, walk-in Chinese herb clinic in Denver, eventually transitioning into private practice. There, she developed a deep interest in functional medicine and co-founded Radical Roots. Her work with patients has had striking commonalities. “One thing that's interesting and that I love about Chinese medicine because, as a clinician and as a human, I've seen a lot that the gut is really the foundation of health,” Chloe says. “It's the school of thought that basically says that digestion is the root of all illness and the root of all health and vitality.”She’s also leaned on Chinese herbs to address her son’s health, while extensively studying integrative neurology. Now 6, Remy was diagnosed at age two-and-a-half with a one-in-20-million genetic disorder called STXBP1. “You definitely know you're in a shitshow if your child has a one in 20 million genetic disorder named after the gene that's mutated,” Chloe says. “We've had to go really outside of the box when it comes to treating him.”Herb use in Chinese Medicine is an ancient and diverse way of healing. Enjoy this interesting episode!And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/SPECIAL OFFER FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS! Visit https://www.radicalrootsherbs.com/ and use code “DAVE20” to save 20% off your Radical Roots order.***SPECIAL EVENT! Join the Virtual Biohacking Conference Oct. 10, 2020. You'll get "Expert Biohacking Tips and Tools For When the Fit Hits the Shan!" This interactive one-day conference is full of keynote speakers, panels, interviews, breakout sessions, unique networking opportunities and speaker meetups, a community workshop and even prizes. Get your ticket and all the details at biohackingconference.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Sep 202055min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest is Jim Mellon, a British entrepreneur, investor, author and global philanthropist.We talk about the financial investments that are leading to real-time breakthroughs in human longevity, as well as developments in cellular agriculture that can feed a planet—without harming any animals.Where I think Jim is pulling a bit of a Ninja move is that he sees the goal of having old people who have brains that work and have bodies that work and have a ton of energy and a ton of wisdom. And that's the world where I'd like to live in. That's how we lift our society up. That's how we stop making the same cyclical mistakes that each generation has to figure out. So, I'm excited by that vision! “We are talking about disruption,” Jim says. “We're talking about execution. We're talking about future areas of opportunity. I would say that none of us know where it's going to end up in 10 years, but we do know that it's going to be radically different. Curiosity is a major component of success. You have to keep on seeking out and not discounting things just because they seem a bit radical.”Jim’s known for his ability to recognize emerging trends that turn into new industries or major shifts in markets. This includes the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, new science and technologies, and now the field of aging research and longevity. He’s working with biotech and life sciences companies that are looking at the mechanisms of aging. Currently underway are an FDA-approved migraine solution; a ketone ester; organ regeneration; and new drug applications.There are five things that kill 70% of the 140,000 people that die every day on the planet (excluding COVID-19): stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's, obesity, and respiratory disease. “Those diseases, which are diseases of aging, are being addressed,” Jim says.The research and product and clinical trials are moving at warp speed with the help of AI. So many people still believe that it’s not possible to influence the aging process, Jim says, but there’s incredible potential in this industry.There’s also great potential in cellular agriculture to help solve how we’ll feed the billions of people on our planet. “There's a very high level of purity and all sorts of environmental positives to it,” Jim says, “but it's sort of at a very early stage.”Listen on to learn more about the developments in longevity and sustainable food solutions that are changing our world right now.Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/SPECIAL EVENT! Join the Virtual Biohacking Conference Oct. 10, 2020. You'll get "Expert Biohacking Tips and Tools For When the Fit Hits the Shan!" This interactive one-day conference is full of keynote speakers, panels, interviews, breakout sessions, unique networking opportunities and speaker meetups, a community workshop and even prizes. Get your ticket and all the details at biohackingconference.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Sep 20201h 6min

Cool Facts are back, baby!Thanks to everyone who let us know they wanted to keep getting quick hits of new human and world science! We’ve taken the Cool Facts out of the Bulletproof Radio podcast episodes and curated them into a short burst just for you. This fun compilation will publish one Friday a month.Here’s the current lineup for episode #2:Scientist take a look at EMF exposure in kids’ brains.Legos take hundred of years to break apart in the ocean.Kids' learning difficulties indicate poor connectivity between hubs within the brain.New squid brain mapping shows complex vision and motor systems. Who knew?Immune cells in your brain chew up memories.*SPECIAL OFFER FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS* Go to https://biohacking.comosystems.com and get 10% off using the code ASPREY. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Aug 202012min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, Paul Saladino, M.D., returns to the show to talk about his current findings about eating all carnivore. He’s author of the book, “THE CARNIVORE CODE: Unlocking the Secrets to Optimal Health by Returning to Our Ancestral Diet.” He recently published an updated version to include all the latest science he discovered.We go way nerdy into the science on this, with Dr. Paul providing studies and information that you probably haven’t heard of in this depth anywhere else. He’s done the hard research work and is a great explainer. You’ll come away from this episode with a bunch of new knowledge.We get into linoleic acid–what it is and what it does in the body. Did you know that too much linoleic acid gives your fat cells a signal to stick around? “Processed vegetable oils, which create evolutionarily inconsistent levels of linoleic acid in the human body, are an absolute metabolic nightmare for humans,” Dr. Paul says.We highlight the benefits of organ meats: “Eat nose to tail with organ meats, with well-raised red meat and organs, and you will thrive.”We talk about plants: “Plants hate us and if we ignore the fact that plants exist on a toxicity spectrum and make plant toxins, which are defended chemicals, we are abandoning a whole bunch of people who could get really well by eliminating the most toxic plants from their diet.”And we home in on the benefits of honey and the surprising way it’s complementing a carnivore way of eating.Dr. Paul began experimenting on himself several years ago. He used to suffer from severe eczema. When he went full carnivore, his skin and his own autoimmune symptoms resolved and he had more energy, slept better and put on more muscle mass.Currently, he’s a certified functional medicine physician practicing in Austin, Texas, He’s board certified as a Physician Nutrition Specialist and also in psychiatry. Listen on to learn even more about how carnivore-style eating can reverse autoimmune issues, decrease chronic inflammation and even improve mental health issues,Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/*SPECIAL OFFER FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS* Use code DAVE10 to get 10% off your first order at Heart and Soil Supplements. https://heartandsoilsupplements.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Aug 20201h 10min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest Randy Jackson is a successful tv producer and author, spent 12 years as a judge on the music competition series “American Idol” and now is a wellness entrepreneur. “I had to completely change my lifestyle, all of my habits, and really dedicate and commit to myself that I want to be the change I seek in my world first,” Randy says.He has an amazing life journey to share–one that many who are struggling with health issues can relate to. “I went through every diet known to man,” Randy says. “I was diagnosed, unfortunately, with Type 2 diabetes because I was living a very horrible, sedentary lifestyle. I just wasn't motivated to work out. I just buried myself into my work. As we know, it's a bit behavioral, isn't it? Psychologically, because it's what you think and maybe I was depressed, and eating comes from an emotional standpoint. Eat because I'm sad. Eat because I'm happy. Eat because I'm depressed. Eat because I have no time. Every emotion you can imagine, you reach for something.”He’s also an accomplished musician, record producer, and music industry executive, whose credits include more than a thousand gold and platinum albums. Throughout Randy’s career managing artists, writers and other producers, he’s always guided people to “keep things simple.” We’re going to do that in this episode so you can take away some success and wellness tips.“The truth is you have to really get it habitual in your body, in your mind, in your soul,” Randy says. “The soul of eating is real.”Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Aug 202052min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest is one of the leading experts treating people who have medical problems related to mold exposure.Over the past 25 years, Neil Nathan, M.D., has become a researcher, complex medical problem-solver and healer—especially of mold toxicity. He treats patients who become too toxic and sensitive, and don’t tolerate usual medical treatments.“It's currently thought that there are 10 million people in this country who have some degree of mold toxicity,” Dr. Nathan says. “So, we're not talking about a rare condition that no one would have any connection to whatsoever. It's common. And it comes from moldy buildings, which are ubiquitous in this country.”“Mold symptoms are all over the place,” he says, “because mold toxicity affects inflammation in the body. And every area of the body can be inflamed by mold toxicity.”There’s a basic biology to all mold dysfunction, explains Dr. Nathan. “Mold toxin enters the cells and begins to interfere with certain types of metabolism. That type of interference affects all parts of the body, including the brain and brain chemistry.”Dr. Nathan has been practicing medicine for close to 50 years. He’s board certified in Family Practice and Pain Management and currently has a medical practice in Northern California. He has been working to bring an awareness that mold toxicity is a major contributing factor for patients with chronic illness.In our conversation, we talk about mold’s effect on people, what doctors are getting wrong, and promising new treatments.“Mold toxicity is something we can diagnose, and we can treat,” Dr. Nathan says. “So if you have yourself, a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, and they're suffering with a host of conditions and their doctors are scratching their heads and they don't know what they can do about it—the implication being it's in your head, but it's not—tell them about mold toxicity, because it is common and it's curable.”Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/* FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS* The free Toxic Mold Summit airs online Aug. 17-23, 2020. Register at https://toxicmoldproject.com. You’ll hear several dozen experts talk about all things related to mold in the body, brain and environment. You can also join in the free encore weekend Aug. 28-29.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Aug 20201h 10min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest shares her compelling story of attempting to solve the riddle of her own and her family’s complex health challenges. She, her husband and her children were all tired, cranky and sick with various illnesses and she didn’t know why. Dr. Margaret Christensen also didn’t know it at the time, but severe toxic mold exposure was the root cause of her family’s physical and mental health issues. She became all too familiar with chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, autoimmune, hormonal, neurological, and psychiatric consequences of unrecognized Biotoxin illness. There have been devastating, long-lasting effects on her family.The experience also took her in another medical career direction—from an obstetrician-gynecologist to a doctor specializing in Functional Medicine. She now researches and treats hormone disruption and neurodegenerative diseases caused by toxic mold.Mold exposure is a multifactorial challenge, Dr. Christensen says. “The way I approach it is I'm not just dealing at the physiologic level, the physical level, of course, using binders and to pull things out and upregulating detox mechanisms with things like glutathione. I do a whole lot of work in the limbic system, because oftentimes, people who've had toxic mold exposure, it's not one exposure.”“It's multiple and accumulated over time,” she continues, “and with a lot of antibiotics, a lot of other stressors, etc. Particularly if you've had ACES or adverse childhood events or major traumas in your life.”Dr. Christensen has been a board-certified ob/gyn for 23 years. She currently runs The Carpathia Collaborative, a large multi-disciplinary, Functional Medicine Practice based in Dallas. Her clinical focus areas are mold toxicity, nutritional biochemistry and environmental toxicology. Enjoy the show! And get more resources at https://blog.daveasprey.com/category/podcasts/* FOR BULLETPROOF RADIO LISTENERS* The free Toxic Mold Summit airs online Aug. 17-23, 2020. Register at https://toxicmoldproject.com. You’ll hear several dozen experts talk about all things related to mold in the body, brain and environment. You can also join in the free encore weekend Aug. 28-29.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Aug 202053min