Podcast Summary

School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Episode: Dr. De | Biohax CEO on Longevity, Burnout, Hidden Stressors, and Building Health for the Long Term
Date: January 2, 2026
Hosts: James, Jack, Josh
Guest: Dr. De (Dr. D), Biohax CEO and pioneering biohacker

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. D, CEO of Biohax, for a deep-dive discussion on why poor health is rampant in America, misconceptions in modern medicine, true pillars of longevity, dealing with burnout, hidden stressors and the business of biohacking. Dr. D shares a mix of medical insight, personal anecdotes, entrepreneurial lessons, and spiritual perspective.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Why Are So Many Americans Sick? (01:32–04:35)

Dr. D’s thesis: The rise of sickness in America is the result of “being seduced by wrong technologies,” such as GMOs, food additives, pesticides, 3D-printed foods, and environmental toxins unseen in previous generations.
Memorable analogy: “It’s not that the fish are sick. It’s the fish tank that’s dirty.” (Dr. D, 02:22)
Strong contrast is drawn between food standards in the US and Europe, where chemicals banned abroad are common in American products — but Dr. D notes even Europe only gets a “D+” compared to America’s “F-”.

2. Dr. D’s Journey: From Traditional Medicine to Biohacking (04:35–08:24)

Worked in traditional clinical research, witnessed metabolic crises (patients up to 1,000 lbs), and observed toxic hospital culture (“blind leading the blind”—doctors eating junk food while treating metabolic disease).
Personal health struggles (fatigue, focus issues) led him to functional and alternative medicine and a deeper exploration into root causes and holistic approaches.

“I was participating in meetings with the top metabolic docs in the country…watching them drink Coca Cola and eat hamburgers while discussing the metabolic future of America. I didn’t want to be anything like these guys.” (Dr. D, 06:51)

3. The Flaws of Traditional Medicine (09:02–13:20)

Chronic care’s focus is described as reactionary; it alleviates symptoms but rarely addresses root causes.
“Either they’re really blind or they’re really evil” — a sharp critique of systemic incentives.
Dr. D highlights the alarming rise in childhood conditions like autism (from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31 children since the 1970s, 10:28).

4. Root Causes: Inflammation, Hidden Toxins, and Epigenetics (13:20–18:24)

Dr. D’s major “controversial” belief: Our bodies are only equipped to deal with substances they recognize. Exposure to unknown chemicals (additives, processed foods) triggers inflammation, immune system overdrive, then autoimmunity and disease.
Strong advocacy for thinking in terms of epigenetics (how environment turns genes on/off), not fatalism based on “bad genes”.
Reveals: “There’s no gene that causes cancer.” (Dr. D, 16:32)

5. Fasting, Longevity, and the Power of Ancient Wisdom (18:24–20:07)

Fasting is one of Dr. D’s top recommendations, supported by both ancient practice and Nobel-winning science (autophagy).
“Fasting is the best thing you can do…all civilizations talk about fasting.” (Dr. D, 18:37)

6. Common Deficiencies & Hidden Stressors (20:22–25:20)

Magnesium deficiency: Underlying many health complaints (headaches, blood pressure, arrhythmias).
Hidden viral “spike proteins” (e.g., from COVID) and other toxins can cause long-term issues.
Many health complaints are dismissed or misidentified in traditional medicine.

7. Burnout, Hidden Stress, and the Importance of Sleep (25:34–30:53)

Entrepreneur culture glorifies lack of sleep, but Dr. D insists: “You’re awake and your ass is unproductive as hell…you’re confusing being busy with being productive.” (Dr. D, 25:51)
Sleep and fasting are the two “highest bang for your buck” interventions for health and performance.
Burnout is rampant even among hyper-successful people; true productivity requires cycles of intense performance and true rest.

8. Nervous System Metrics & Relaxation (28:04–34:21)

HRV (Heart Rate Variability) is critical for longevity and relaxation; a high HRV and low heart rate are key metrics.
American “wired and tired” lifestyle (overcaffeination, sleep deprivation, overuse of stimulants) radically harms HRV and long-term health.
Centenarian (100+) communities worldwide all prioritize relaxation, social connection, and daily unwinding.

9. The Power of Community and Slowing Down (33:12–35:21)

European culture’s slow meals, relaxed socializing, and “chilling out” are highlighted as blue zone longevity factors.
Dr. D is intentionally bringing this spirit into both his personal life and entrepreneurial health strategy.

10. Building Biohax: Business Journey & Scaling (35:21–42:49)

After leaving clinical medicine, Dr. D founded Biohax, overcoming steep learning curves about business, systems, and operations.
Passion and obsession for patient impact fueled organic growth, with high-profile clients arriving via referrals.
“Passionate” is a label Dr. D keeps hearing; it’s integral to both his trust factor and business growth.

“All these guys are really hungry…that hunger, there’s a biological component to it, too.” (Dr. D, 41:13)

11. Data, Epigenetics, and the Next Frontier in Health (44:29–48:51)

Biohax started with basic blood panels, but now specializes in deep data collection—especially epigenetics, which Dr. D calls “the crypto of medicine.”
Launching an innovative test (a single blood drop on paper) with TrueDiagnostic, enabling supplement customization based on your epigenetic profile.

12. What Tests Should Everyone Get? (48:51–51:04)

Dr. D emphasizes the importance of measuring "rate of aging" (via epigenetic clocks), not just traditional bloodwork.
Example: With current tech, “you can see, with 92% accuracy, when someone is going to die, with a delta of plus or minus five years.” (Dr. D, 50:11)

13. Five Pillars for Longevity: Dr. D’s Prescription (51:04–54:56)

Sleep: 7.5-8 hours every night.
No Processed Foods: Absolutely zero.
Fasting: Both intermittent and prolonged fasts.
Monitor & Limit Toxin Exposure: In food, water, plastics, etc.
Optimize Micronutrients: Especially vitamin D3 and magnesium.

14. COVID, Vaccines, and Critical Thinking in Medicine (55:10–59:35)

Dr. D is skeptical of the COVID vaccine’s rapid approval and poor data transparency.
“It didn’t go through proper studies…doctors are very indoctrinated, you just do and do.” (Dr. D, 56:59)
Favors critical thinking, recognizes both the virus’s and the vaccine’s possible long-term effects.

15. The Future of Regeneration: Stem Cells (59:35–62:16)

Advocates for stem cells and exosomes as the future of medicine, especially for orthopedic injuries that previously required surgery.
Florida is now an emerging center for legal stem cell work.

16. Family, Faith, and Fulfillment (62:16–67:47)

Dr. D credits his wife as his “elixir”, enabling him to achieve his entrepreneurial goals: “Who she makes me be…she thinks I’m a badass, so I gotta live up to this thing.” (Dr. D, 63:51)
Deep Christian faith guides decisions, science interpretation, and long-term purpose.
“A lifestyle aligned with God will literally impact your DNA for the better.” (Dr. D, 65:26)
Life is a passage—focus on eternity, not just earthly rewards.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On the system:
“Either they're really blind or they're really evil.” — Dr. D, (09:02)
On medical dogma:
“There's no gene that causes cancer.” — Dr. D, (16:32)
On productivity & burnout:
“You're awake and your ass is unproductive as hell.” — Dr. D, (25:51)
On sleep and fasting:
“The bang for your buck on your health is going to be so big.” — Dr. D, (26:30)
On passion vs. sales:
“I started hearing the word passionate… and I was super excited about what I was doing.” — Dr. D, (38:33)
On faith and fulfillment:
“A lifestyle aligned with God will literally impact your DNA for the better.” — Dr. D, (65:26)
On legacy:
“I want my name to echo through eternity by allowing the health message to bring people closer to Christ…” — Dr. D, (68:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Why Americans Are So Sick — 01:32
Dr. D’s Biohacker Journey — 04:51
Issues with Healthcare System — 09:02 & 10:28
Root Causes and Epigenetics — 13:20, 16:32
Fasting & Longevity — 18:37
Most Common Deficiencies — 20:56 (Magnesium)
Burnout & Sleep — 25:51, 26:30
On HRV & Relaxation — 28:17
Value of Community & Slowing Down — 33:12
Biohax/Business Building — 35:59, 38:33, 41:13
Epigenetic Medicine & Testing — 44:29, 48:51
Dr. D’s “Five Pillars” for Longevity — 51:30
Vaccine Hesitancy & Medical Culture — 56:59
Stem Cell Therapy — 60:17
On Marriage & Family — 62:41
Role of Faith — 65:20
Legacy & Final Words — 68:05, 68:39

Actionable Takeaways

Prioritize sleep and fasting as non-negotiable health tools.
Remove processed foods and carefully monitor environmental toxin exposure.
Get tested for magnesium and key micronutrient deficiencies.
Use advanced epigenetic testing for a true picture of health and aging.
Don’t confuse busyness with productivity; cyclic rest and relaxation are essential.
Question narratives in medicine; be an active, not passive, recipient of care.
Faith, community, and a sense of deep purpose are just as vital as any supplement or metric.

For more on Dr. D and Biohax’s work, see the episode description for links.

Podcast Summary

School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Why Are So Many Americans Sick? (01:32–04:35)

Dr. D’s thesis: The rise of sickness in America is the result of “being seduced by wrong technologies,” such as GMOs, food additives, pesticides, 3D-printed foods, and environmental toxins unseen in previous generations.
Memorable analogy: “It’s not that the fish are sick. It’s the fish tank that’s dirty.” (Dr. D, 02:22)
Strong contrast is drawn between food standards in the US and Europe, where chemicals banned abroad are common in American products — but Dr. D notes even Europe only gets a “D+” compared to America’s “F-”.

2. Dr. D’s Journey: From Traditional Medicine to Biohacking (04:35–08:24)

Worked in traditional clinical research, witnessed metabolic crises (patients up to 1,000 lbs), and observed toxic hospital culture (“blind leading the blind”—doctors eating junk food while treating metabolic disease).
Personal health struggles (fatigue, focus issues) led him to functional and alternative medicine and a deeper exploration into root causes and holistic approaches.

“I was participating in meetings with the top metabolic docs in the country…watching them drink Coca Cola and eat hamburgers while discussing the metabolic future of America. I didn’t want to be anything like these guys.” (Dr. D, 06:51)

3. The Flaws of Traditional Medicine (09:02–13:20)

Chronic care’s focus is described as reactionary; it alleviates symptoms but rarely addresses root causes.
“Either they’re really blind or they’re really evil” — a sharp critique of systemic incentives.
Dr. D highlights the alarming rise in childhood conditions like autism (from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31 children since the 1970s, 10:28).

4. Root Causes: Inflammation, Hidden Toxins, and Epigenetics (13:20–18:24)

Dr. D’s major “controversial” belief: Our bodies are only equipped to deal with substances they recognize. Exposure to unknown chemicals (additives, processed foods) triggers inflammation, immune system overdrive, then autoimmunity and disease.
Strong advocacy for thinking in terms of epigenetics (how environment turns genes on/off), not fatalism based on “bad genes”.
Reveals: “There’s no gene that causes cancer.” (Dr. D, 16:32)

5. Fasting, Longevity, and the Power of Ancient Wisdom (18:24–20:07)

Fasting is one of Dr. D’s top recommendations, supported by both ancient practice and Nobel-winning science (autophagy).
“Fasting is the best thing you can do…all civilizations talk about fasting.” (Dr. D, 18:37)

6. Common Deficiencies & Hidden Stressors (20:22–25:20)

Magnesium deficiency: Underlying many health complaints (headaches, blood pressure, arrhythmias).
Hidden viral “spike proteins” (e.g., from COVID) and other toxins can cause long-term issues.
Many health complaints are dismissed or misidentified in traditional medicine.

7. Burnout, Hidden Stress, and the Importance of Sleep (25:34–30:53)

Entrepreneur culture glorifies lack of sleep, but Dr. D insists: “You’re awake and your ass is unproductive as hell…you’re confusing being busy with being productive.” (Dr. D, 25:51)
Sleep and fasting are the two “highest bang for your buck” interventions for health and performance.
Burnout is rampant even among hyper-successful people; true productivity requires cycles of intense performance and true rest.

8. Nervous System Metrics & Relaxation (28:04–34:21)

HRV (Heart Rate Variability) is critical for longevity and relaxation; a high HRV and low heart rate are key metrics.
American “wired and tired” lifestyle (overcaffeination, sleep deprivation, overuse of stimulants) radically harms HRV and long-term health.
Centenarian (100+) communities worldwide all prioritize relaxation, social connection, and daily unwinding.

9. The Power of Community and Slowing Down (33:12–35:21)

European culture’s slow meals, relaxed socializing, and “chilling out” are highlighted as blue zone longevity factors.
Dr. D is intentionally bringing this spirit into both his personal life and entrepreneurial health strategy.

10. Building Biohax: Business Journey & Scaling (35:21–42:49)

After leaving clinical medicine, Dr. D founded Biohax, overcoming steep learning curves about business, systems, and operations.
Passion and obsession for patient impact fueled organic growth, with high-profile clients arriving via referrals.
“Passionate” is a label Dr. D keeps hearing; it’s integral to both his trust factor and business growth.

“All these guys are really hungry…that hunger, there’s a biological component to it, too.” (Dr. D, 41:13)

11. Data, Epigenetics, and the Next Frontier in Health (44:29–48:51)

Biohax started with basic blood panels, but now specializes in deep data collection—especially epigenetics, which Dr. D calls “the crypto of medicine.”
Launching an innovative test (a single blood drop on paper) with TrueDiagnostic, enabling supplement customization based on your epigenetic profile.

12. What Tests Should Everyone Get? (48:51–51:04)

Dr. D emphasizes the importance of measuring "rate of aging" (via epigenetic clocks), not just traditional bloodwork.
Example: With current tech, “you can see, with 92% accuracy, when someone is going to die, with a delta of plus or minus five years.” (Dr. D, 50:11)

13. Five Pillars for Longevity: Dr. D’s Prescription (51:04–54:56)

Sleep: 7.5-8 hours every night.
No Processed Foods: Absolutely zero.
Fasting: Both intermittent and prolonged fasts.
Monitor & Limit Toxin Exposure: In food, water, plastics, etc.
Optimize Micronutrients: Especially vitamin D3 and magnesium.

14. COVID, Vaccines, and Critical Thinking in Medicine (55:10–59:35)

Dr. D is skeptical of the COVID vaccine’s rapid approval and poor data transparency.
“It didn’t go through proper studies…doctors are very indoctrinated, you just do and do.” (Dr. D, 56:59)
Favors critical thinking, recognizes both the virus’s and the vaccine’s possible long-term effects.

15. The Future of Regeneration: Stem Cells (59:35–62:16)

Advocates for stem cells and exosomes as the future of medicine, especially for orthopedic injuries that previously required surgery.
Florida is now an emerging center for legal stem cell work.

16. Family, Faith, and Fulfillment (62:16–67:47)

Dr. D credits his wife as his “elixir”, enabling him to achieve his entrepreneurial goals: “Who she makes me be…she thinks I’m a badass, so I gotta live up to this thing.” (Dr. D, 63:51)
Deep Christian faith guides decisions, science interpretation, and long-term purpose.
“A lifestyle aligned with God will literally impact your DNA for the better.” (Dr. D, 65:26)
Life is a passage—focus on eternity, not just earthly rewards.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On the system:
“Either they're really blind or they're really evil.” — Dr. D, (09:02)
On medical dogma:
“There's no gene that causes cancer.” — Dr. D, (16:32)
On productivity & burnout:
“You're awake and your ass is unproductive as hell.” — Dr. D, (25:51)
On sleep and fasting:
“The bang for your buck on your health is going to be so big.” — Dr. D, (26:30)
On passion vs. sales:
“I started hearing the word passionate… and I was super excited about what I was doing.” — Dr. D, (38:33)
On faith and fulfillment:
“A lifestyle aligned with God will literally impact your DNA for the better.” — Dr. D, (65:26)
On legacy:
“I want my name to echo through eternity by allowing the health message to bring people closer to Christ…” — Dr. D, (68:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Why Americans Are So Sick — 01:32
Dr. D’s Biohacker Journey — 04:51
Issues with Healthcare System — 09:02 & 10:28
Root Causes and Epigenetics — 13:20, 16:32
Fasting & Longevity — 18:37
Most Common Deficiencies — 20:56 (Magnesium)
Burnout & Sleep — 25:51, 26:30
On HRV & Relaxation — 28:17
Value of Community & Slowing Down — 33:12
Biohax/Business Building — 35:59, 38:33, 41:13
Epigenetic Medicine & Testing — 44:29, 48:51
Dr. D’s “Five Pillars” for Longevity — 51:30
Vaccine Hesitancy & Medical Culture — 56:59
Stem Cell Therapy — 60:17
On Marriage & Family — 62:41
Role of Faith — 65:20
Legacy & Final Words — 68:05, 68:39

Actionable Takeaways

Prioritize sleep and fasting as non-negotiable health tools.
Remove processed foods and carefully monitor environmental toxin exposure.
Get tested for magnesium and key micronutrient deficiencies.
Use advanced epigenetic testing for a true picture of health and aging.
Don’t confuse busyness with productivity; cyclic rest and relaxation are essential.
Question narratives in medicine; be an active, not passive, recipient of care.
Faith, community, and a sense of deep purpose are just as vital as any supplement or metric.

For more on Dr. D and Biohax’s work, see the episode description for links.

Dr. De | Biohax CEO on Longevity, Burnout, Hidden Stressors, and Building Health for the Long Term

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Summary

Podcast Summary

School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Why Are So Many Americans Sick? (01:32–04:35)

2. Dr. D’s Journey: From Traditional Medicine to Biohacking (04:35–08:24)

3. The Flaws of Traditional Medicine (09:02–13:20)

4. Root Causes: Inflammation, Hidden Toxins, and Epigenetics (13:20–18:24)

5. Fasting, Longevity, and the Power of Ancient Wisdom (18:24–20:07)

6. Common Deficiencies & Hidden Stressors (20:22–25:20)

7. Burnout, Hidden Stress, and the Importance of Sleep (25:34–30:53)

8. Nervous System Metrics & Relaxation (28:04–34:21)

9. The Power of Community and Slowing Down (33:12–35:21)

10. Building Biohax: Business Journey & Scaling (35:21–42:49)

11. Data, Epigenetics, and the Next Frontier in Health (44:29–48:51)

12. What Tests Should Everyone Get? (48:51–51:04)

13. Five Pillars for Longevity: Dr. D’s Prescription (51:04–54:56)

14. COVID, Vaccines, and Critical Thinking in Medicine (55:10–59:35)

15. The Future of Regeneration: Stem Cells (59:35–62:16)

16. Family, Faith, and Fulfillment (62:16–67:47)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Key Segments

Actionable Takeaways

Summary

Podcast Summary

School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Episode Overview

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Why Are So Many Americans Sick? (01:32–04:35)

2. Dr. D’s Journey: From Traditional Medicine to Biohacking (04:35–08:24)

3. The Flaws of Traditional Medicine (09:02–13:20)

4. Root Causes: Inflammation, Hidden Toxins, and Epigenetics (13:20–18:24)

5. Fasting, Longevity, and the Power of Ancient Wisdom (18:24–20:07)

6. Common Deficiencies & Hidden Stressors (20:22–25:20)

7. Burnout, Hidden Stress, and the Importance of Sleep (25:34–30:53)

8. Nervous System Metrics & Relaxation (28:04–34:21)

9. The Power of Community and Slowing Down (33:12–35:21)

10. Building Biohax: Business Journey & Scaling (35:21–42:49)

11. Data, Epigenetics, and the Next Frontier in Health (44:29–48:51)

12. What Tests Should Everyone Get? (48:51–51:04)

13. Five Pillars for Longevity: Dr. D’s Prescription (51:04–54:56)

14. COVID, Vaccines, and Critical Thinking in Medicine (55:10–59:35)

15. The Future of Regeneration: Stem Cells (59:35–62:16)

16. Family, Faith, and Fulfillment (62:16–67:47)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Key Segments

Actionable Takeaways