Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance
Host: Dave Asprey
Guest: Lucas Aoun (Biohacker, host of "Boost Your Biology")
Episode: The 12 Greatest Mood Boosters on Earth : Ep. 1397
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Human Upgrade, hosted by biohacking pioneer Dave Asprey, explores the most effective mood-boosting and performance-enhancing compounds, practices, and protocols that modern science and advanced biohacking have uncovered. Joined by Lucas Aoun, a leading biohacker previously based in Australia and now in Dubai, the conversation ranges from dopamine and testosterone optimization to the experimental boundaries of peptides, nootropics, and lifestyle interventions. The tone is open, experimental, and deeply nerdy—with both host and guest sharing their lived experiences, practical advice, and philosophical perspectives on self-experimentation and human enhancement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dopamine Optimization: Sensitivity vs. Stimulation

Timestamps: [04:18] – [08:15]

Objective: Amplify dopamine receptor sensitivity instead of relying solely on stimulants (like Adderall) to avoid addiction and tolerance.
- Compounds Discussed:
  - Solbutiamine – a fat-soluble B1 vitamin crossing the BBB; can upregulate dopamine.
    - Dave: "I take it for sleep." ([05:57])
  - Microdosing amphetamines – increases dopamine receptor supersensitivity (mostly in animal studies).
    - Lucas: "It actually led to dopamine receptor super sensitivity." ([06:30])
  - Lithium orotate – regular low doses are neuroprotective, may boost resilience to stress, help with sleep and memory.
    - Dave: "Lithium orotate has been a standard part of my recommendations for longevity." ([08:27])
  - Tylenol (acetaminophen) can blunt emotional pain, though Dave warns about liver and always pairs with glutathione.

Quote:
"My ultimate goal has always been: how do I actually upregulate dopamine receptors?"
– Lucas ([04:53])

2. Emotional Self-Regulation, Suffering, and Experimentation

Timestamps: [11:35] – [14:54]

Emotional suffering has a role, but it's not always noble to avoid all tools—biohacking protocols can empower self-awareness and resilience.
Customized "stacks" for events (public speaking, first dates) are valid strategies.
Dave emphasizes avoiding numbing out—using compounds should be about learning and improvement, not escaping the lesson suffering offers.
Both hosts endorse logging experiments and subjective tracking ("the body is like a computer").
The shamanic perspective: Modern compounds vs. traditional plant medicine feel different—no innate "spirit" in synthetics, but both have lessons.

Quote:
"You suffer until you get the lesson...but if you’re about to get PTSD and overwhelmed, you might want a faster path."
– Dave ([12:48])

3. Unique and Underappreciated Dopaminergic Interventions

Timestamps: [18:05] – [20:31]

Thunbergia laurifolia (Trumpet Vine): Traditional Thai herb that can trigger dopamine release at amphetamine levels without addictive risks.
- Lucas: "This particular herb can actually release dopamine in the nucleus accumbens to the same level as amphetamines without the addictive potential." ([18:41])
Other tools: intermittent stressors (sauna), uridine, personalized nootropic stacks, experimentation protocols.

Note: Individual neurobiology matters—what works for one may not work for another. Both hosts believe in trying things in isolation for at least 2 days (Dave) to 2 weeks (Lucas).

4. Nootropics, Mood, and Sex: New Discoveries

Timestamps: [24:34] – [26:33]

Sarcosine: A glycine reuptake inhibitor, nonhabit-forming, can support neuroprotection, glutamate modulation, and (potentially) anhedonia (lack of pleasure).
- Lucas: "Helping [with] better orgasms, pretty much, yeah." ([25:19])
Other fast-acting antidepressants include saffron, experimental drugs (TAC-653/AMPA receptor modulators), cordyceps alkaloids, and ketamine analogs.

5. Testosterone, Hormone Optimization, & Misconceptions

Timestamps: [31:13] – [41:22]

Myths abound: Testosterone supplementation does not inherently reduce fertility when properly managed.
- Dave: "A low testosterone man is also going to be infertile... If your testosterone is lower than your mom’s, there’s nothing wrong with testosterone." ([32:46])
Government and media misinformation are rampant (example: playground shutdown in Australia for "raising testosterone").
FDA has reversed decades-old warnings on hormone replacement therapy—both men and women benefit when properly dosed.
Natural optimization: heavy lifting, HIIT, organ meats, boron, tongkat ali, D. Agrestis, microdosed enclomiphene.
Peptide/enhancement stacks (MK-677, etc.) discussed for edge cases and optimizing deep sleep, GH, and more.

Quote:
"Low testosterone is terrifying. And testosterone poisoning, you’re not going to do this with regular testosterone."
– Dave ([37:38])

6. Growth Hormone, Peptides, and Appetite

Timestamps: [42:01] – [49:08]

MK-677: A growth hormone secretagogue, not a SARM; boosts GH and IGF-1 but can cause strong hunger.
Growth hormone supplementation can (contrary to myth) rekindle endogenous production after short-term therapy.
Peptide stacks (CJC/Ipamorelin) are tools for advanced biohackers.
Appetite, body composition, and carb tolerance experiments discussed; Dave has exceptional metabolic flexibility post-years of biohacking.

7. Deep Self-Experimentation (Thyroid, TUDCA, Liver Health & Beyond)

Timestamps: [52:00] – [57:27]

Thyroid management: addressing reverse T3, T3/T4 conversion, Hashimoto's, and the impact of low-carb/carnivore diets.
SHBG elevation on certain diets can dampen free hormone availability—remedied by liver support (TUDCA) and ECGC.
TUDCA (liver supplement) considered foundational for modern humans due to chemical load—suggested daily dosing 500–1000mg.

8. The Advanced Path: Custom Protocols, Self-Responsibility, and Caution

Timestamps: [57:27] – [71:14]

Not everyone should try everything—start with thyroid and testosterone, then layer goals.
Experimentation at the biochemical edge carries risks—some experiences (e.g., serotonin antagonists, too-high thyroid, etc.) can be disastrous.
Always have a "control-Z" (undo) plan and consider having a knowledgeable friend or doctor to consult.
Most powerful single levers per hosts: brain, thyroid, adrenals, hormones.

Quote:
"It’s kind of like finding the recipe for your body and for your state. And this is advanced biohacking we’re talking about."
– Dave ([56:37])

9. Peptides & Next-Gen Compounds

Timestamps: [71:14] – [76:09]

Di-leucine: 42% more anabolic than leucine; predicted to be in protein blends by 2026.
ACE167: An oral peptide that upregulates steroidogenesis (cholesterol to pregnenolone), may boost LH sensitivity.
Least favorite peptides: GHRP-6/GHRP-2 (“not as effective”), DSIP (“doesn’t do anything” for deep sleep).
Brown algae ("Ecklonia cava") touted by both for enhancing deep sleep naturally.

10. Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Mood Stacks

Timestamps: [59:04] – [66:11]

Ketamine—fast-acting antidepressant, deeply dissociative at high dose; reveals that “you are not your body.”
- Dave: "Low dose ketamine is it increases neuroplasticity better than almost any other compound." ([61:12])
- Caution: Overdosing can empty neurotransmitter reserves and cause long anhedonia; recovers with certain amino acids.
Ketamine stacks (theoretical): cordycepin (from cordyceps), sarcosine, and glycine for NMDA/AMPA receptor synergy.
Ibogaine and more radical NMDA antagonists discussed at the experimental fringe.

11. The Dangers and Protocols for Rescue

Timestamps: [66:11] – [70:08]

Riskier experiments: 10-methoxyharmalan, serotonin antagonists—educational but potentially hazardous.
Best practice: Always have a rescue protocol and a biohacking buddy (“control-Z button”).

12. Final Recommendations & Philosophical Wrap-Up

Timestamps: [78:53] – [80:14]

Don’t overwhelm yourself by stacking too many compounds without clarity—start with blood work, focus on single levers.
It's a long game: Both Dave and Lucas have spent over a decade, or two, experimenting and refining these stacks.
Lucas’ channel: “Boost Your Biology” on YouTube for more detailed protocols and experiments.

Quote:
"Start with thyroid and testosterone, because those are low hanging fruit. And then if you have another goal, go after that one and just do the goals one at a time. That’s how biohacking really works."
– Dave ([78:54])

Notable Quotes & Moments

[04:53 / Lucas]: "My ultimate goal has always been: how do I actually upregulate dopamine receptors?"
[12:48 / Dave]: "You suffer until you get the lesson...but if you’re about to get PTSD and overwhelmed, you might want a faster path."
[18:41 / Lucas]: "This particular herb [Thunbergia Laurifolia] can actually release dopamine in the nucleus accumbens to the same level as amphetamines without the addictive potential."
[25:19 / Lucas & Dave]: "So better orgasms is what you’re saying? — Pretty much, yeah."
[37:38 / Dave]: "Low testosterone is terrifying. And testosterone poisoning, you’re not going to do this with regular testosterone."
[56:37 / Dave]: "It’s kind of like finding the recipe for your body and for your state. And this is advanced biohacking we’re talking about."
[61:12 / Dave]: "Low dose ketamine... increases neuroplasticity better than almost any other compound."
[78:54 / Dave]: "Start with thyroid and testosterone... do the goals one at a time. That’s how biohacking really works."

Timestamps for Key Segments

Dopamine sensitivity, solbutiamine, amphetamines: [04:18] – [08:15]
Lithium/Emotional blunting tools: [08:27] – [11:01]
Philosophy of experimentation & lessons: [11:35] – [14:54]
Thunbergia laurifolia (trumpet vine): [18:05] – [20:31]
Sarcosine & mood/pleasure: [24:34] – [26:33]
Testosterone, fertility, and TRT myths: [31:13] – [41:22]
GH, MK-677, peptides: [42:01] – [49:08]
Thyroid, TUDCA, SHBG, liver health: [52:00] – [57:27]
Ketamine, neuroplasticity, and risks: [59:04] – [66:11]
Caution & Rescue protocols: [66:11] – [70:08]
Peptides, di-leucine, ACE167: [71:14] – [76:09]
Final recommendations/philosophy: [78:53] – [80:14]

Final Thoughts

This conversation is a masterclass in advanced biohacking: it underscores the power of rigorous self-experimentation and personalized, data-driven approaches to mood, performance, and longevity. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into the biohacking world, the episode delivers actionable science, philosophical context, and a refreshing, candid look at the real risks and rewards of pushing the limits of human potential.

Find more from Lucas:

YouTube: Boost Your Biology

Host Contact:

daveasprey.com

(This summary skips podcast ads, generic intros/outros, and focuses on the actionable science, memorable exchanges, and the spirit of the conversation.)

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dopamine Optimization: Sensitivity vs. Stimulation

Timestamps: [04:18] – [08:15]

Objective: Amplify dopamine receptor sensitivity instead of relying solely on stimulants (like Adderall) to avoid addiction and tolerance.
- Compounds Discussed:
  - Solbutiamine – a fat-soluble B1 vitamin crossing the BBB; can upregulate dopamine.
    - Dave: "I take it for sleep." ([05:57])
  - Microdosing amphetamines – increases dopamine receptor supersensitivity (mostly in animal studies).
    - Lucas: "It actually led to dopamine receptor super sensitivity." ([06:30])
  - Lithium orotate – regular low doses are neuroprotective, may boost resilience to stress, help with sleep and memory.
    - Dave: "Lithium orotate has been a standard part of my recommendations for longevity." ([08:27])
  - Tylenol (acetaminophen) can blunt emotional pain, though Dave warns about liver and always pairs with glutathione.

Quote:
"My ultimate goal has always been: how do I actually upregulate dopamine receptors?"
– Lucas ([04:53])

2. Emotional Self-Regulation, Suffering, and Experimentation

Timestamps: [11:35] – [14:54]

Emotional suffering has a role, but it's not always noble to avoid all tools—biohacking protocols can empower self-awareness and resilience.
Customized "stacks" for events (public speaking, first dates) are valid strategies.
Dave emphasizes avoiding numbing out—using compounds should be about learning and improvement, not escaping the lesson suffering offers.
Both hosts endorse logging experiments and subjective tracking ("the body is like a computer").
The shamanic perspective: Modern compounds vs. traditional plant medicine feel different—no innate "spirit" in synthetics, but both have lessons.

Quote:
"You suffer until you get the lesson...but if you’re about to get PTSD and overwhelmed, you might want a faster path."
– Dave ([12:48])

3. Unique and Underappreciated Dopaminergic Interventions

Timestamps: [18:05] – [20:31]

Thunbergia laurifolia (Trumpet Vine): Traditional Thai herb that can trigger dopamine release at amphetamine levels without addictive risks.
- Lucas: "This particular herb can actually release dopamine in the nucleus accumbens to the same level as amphetamines without the addictive potential." ([18:41])
Other tools: intermittent stressors (sauna), uridine, personalized nootropic stacks, experimentation protocols.

Note: Individual neurobiology matters—what works for one may not work for another. Both hosts believe in trying things in isolation for at least 2 days (Dave) to 2 weeks (Lucas).

4. Nootropics, Mood, and Sex: New Discoveries

Timestamps: [24:34] – [26:33]

Sarcosine: A glycine reuptake inhibitor, nonhabit-forming, can support neuroprotection, glutamate modulation, and (potentially) anhedonia (lack of pleasure).
- Lucas: "Helping [with] better orgasms, pretty much, yeah." ([25:19])
Other fast-acting antidepressants include saffron, experimental drugs (TAC-653/AMPA receptor modulators), cordyceps alkaloids, and ketamine analogs.

5. Testosterone, Hormone Optimization, & Misconceptions

Timestamps: [31:13] – [41:22]

Myths abound: Testosterone supplementation does not inherently reduce fertility when properly managed.
- Dave: "A low testosterone man is also going to be infertile... If your testosterone is lower than your mom’s, there’s nothing wrong with testosterone." ([32:46])
Government and media misinformation are rampant (example: playground shutdown in Australia for "raising testosterone").
FDA has reversed decades-old warnings on hormone replacement therapy—both men and women benefit when properly dosed.
Natural optimization: heavy lifting, HIIT, organ meats, boron, tongkat ali, D. Agrestis, microdosed enclomiphene.
Peptide/enhancement stacks (MK-677, etc.) discussed for edge cases and optimizing deep sleep, GH, and more.

Quote:
"Low testosterone is terrifying. And testosterone poisoning, you’re not going to do this with regular testosterone."
– Dave ([37:38])

6. Growth Hormone, Peptides, and Appetite

Timestamps: [42:01] – [49:08]

MK-677: A growth hormone secretagogue, not a SARM; boosts GH and IGF-1 but can cause strong hunger.
Growth hormone supplementation can (contrary to myth) rekindle endogenous production after short-term therapy.
Peptide stacks (CJC/Ipamorelin) are tools for advanced biohackers.
Appetite, body composition, and carb tolerance experiments discussed; Dave has exceptional metabolic flexibility post-years of biohacking.

7. Deep Self-Experimentation (Thyroid, TUDCA, Liver Health & Beyond)

Timestamps: [52:00] – [57:27]

Thyroid management: addressing reverse T3, T3/T4 conversion, Hashimoto's, and the impact of low-carb/carnivore diets.
SHBG elevation on certain diets can dampen free hormone availability—remedied by liver support (TUDCA) and ECGC.
TUDCA (liver supplement) considered foundational for modern humans due to chemical load—suggested daily dosing 500–1000mg.

8. The Advanced Path: Custom Protocols, Self-Responsibility, and Caution

Timestamps: [57:27] – [71:14]

Not everyone should try everything—start with thyroid and testosterone, then layer goals.
Experimentation at the biochemical edge carries risks—some experiences (e.g., serotonin antagonists, too-high thyroid, etc.) can be disastrous.
Always have a "control-Z" (undo) plan and consider having a knowledgeable friend or doctor to consult.
Most powerful single levers per hosts: brain, thyroid, adrenals, hormones.

Quote:
"It’s kind of like finding the recipe for your body and for your state. And this is advanced biohacking we’re talking about."
– Dave ([56:37])

9. Peptides & Next-Gen Compounds

Timestamps: [71:14] – [76:09]

Di-leucine: 42% more anabolic than leucine; predicted to be in protein blends by 2026.
ACE167: An oral peptide that upregulates steroidogenesis (cholesterol to pregnenolone), may boost LH sensitivity.
Least favorite peptides: GHRP-6/GHRP-2 (“not as effective”), DSIP (“doesn’t do anything” for deep sleep).
Brown algae ("Ecklonia cava") touted by both for enhancing deep sleep naturally.

10. Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Mood Stacks

Timestamps: [59:04] – [66:11]

Ketamine—fast-acting antidepressant, deeply dissociative at high dose; reveals that “you are not your body.”
- Dave: "Low dose ketamine is it increases neuroplasticity better than almost any other compound." ([61:12])
- Caution: Overdosing can empty neurotransmitter reserves and cause long anhedonia; recovers with certain amino acids.
Ketamine stacks (theoretical): cordycepin (from cordyceps), sarcosine, and glycine for NMDA/AMPA receptor synergy.
Ibogaine and more radical NMDA antagonists discussed at the experimental fringe.

11. The Dangers and Protocols for Rescue

Timestamps: [66:11] – [70:08]

Riskier experiments: 10-methoxyharmalan, serotonin antagonists—educational but potentially hazardous.
Best practice: Always have a rescue protocol and a biohacking buddy (“control-Z button”).

12. Final Recommendations & Philosophical Wrap-Up

Timestamps: [78:53] – [80:14]

Don’t overwhelm yourself by stacking too many compounds without clarity—start with blood work, focus on single levers.
It's a long game: Both Dave and Lucas have spent over a decade, or two, experimenting and refining these stacks.
Lucas’ channel: “Boost Your Biology” on YouTube for more detailed protocols and experiments.

Notable Quotes & Moments

[04:53 / Lucas]: "My ultimate goal has always been: how do I actually upregulate dopamine receptors?"
[12:48 / Dave]: "You suffer until you get the lesson...but if you’re about to get PTSD and overwhelmed, you might want a faster path."
[18:41 / Lucas]: "This particular herb [Thunbergia Laurifolia] can actually release dopamine in the nucleus accumbens to the same level as amphetamines without the addictive potential."
[25:19 / Lucas & Dave]: "So better orgasms is what you’re saying? — Pretty much, yeah."
[37:38 / Dave]: "Low testosterone is terrifying. And testosterone poisoning, you’re not going to do this with regular testosterone."
[56:37 / Dave]: "It’s kind of like finding the recipe for your body and for your state. And this is advanced biohacking we’re talking about."
[61:12 / Dave]: "Low dose ketamine... increases neuroplasticity better than almost any other compound."
[78:54 / Dave]: "Start with thyroid and testosterone... do the goals one at a time. That’s how biohacking really works."

Timestamps for Key Segments

Dopamine sensitivity, solbutiamine, amphetamines: [04:18] – [08:15]
Lithium/Emotional blunting tools: [08:27] – [11:01]
Philosophy of experimentation & lessons: [11:35] – [14:54]
Thunbergia laurifolia (trumpet vine): [18:05] – [20:31]
Sarcosine & mood/pleasure: [24:34] – [26:33]
Testosterone, fertility, and TRT myths: [31:13] – [41:22]
GH, MK-677, peptides: [42:01] – [49:08]
Thyroid, TUDCA, SHBG, liver health: [52:00] – [57:27]
Ketamine, neuroplasticity, and risks: [59:04] – [66:11]
Caution & Rescue protocols: [66:11] – [70:08]
Peptides, di-leucine, ACE167: [71:14] – [76:09]
Final recommendations/philosophy: [78:53] – [80:14]

Final Thoughts

Find more from Lucas:

YouTube: Boost Your Biology

Host Contact:

daveasprey.com

(This summary skips podcast ads, generic intros/outros, and focuses on the actionable science, memorable exchanges, and the spirit of the conversation.)

The 12 Greatest Mood Boosters on Earth : 1397

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dopamine Optimization: Sensitivity vs. Stimulation

2. Emotional Self-Regulation, Suffering, and Experimentation

3. Unique and Underappreciated Dopaminergic Interventions

4. Nootropics, Mood, and Sex: New Discoveries

5. Testosterone, Hormone Optimization, & Misconceptions

6. Growth Hormone, Peptides, and Appetite

7. Deep Self-Experimentation (Thyroid, TUDCA, Liver Health & Beyond)

8. The Advanced Path: Custom Protocols, Self-Responsibility, and Caution

9. Peptides & Next-Gen Compounds

10. Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Mood Stacks

11. The Dangers and Protocols for Rescue

12. Final Recommendations & Philosophical Wrap-Up

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dopamine Optimization: Sensitivity vs. Stimulation

2. Emotional Self-Regulation, Suffering, and Experimentation

3. Unique and Underappreciated Dopaminergic Interventions

4. Nootropics, Mood, and Sex: New Discoveries

5. Testosterone, Hormone Optimization, & Misconceptions

6. Growth Hormone, Peptides, and Appetite

7. Deep Self-Experimentation (Thyroid, TUDCA, Liver Health & Beyond)

8. The Advanced Path: Custom Protocols, Self-Responsibility, and Caution

9. Peptides & Next-Gen Compounds

10. Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Mood Stacks

11. The Dangers and Protocols for Rescue

12. Final Recommendations & Philosophical Wrap-Up

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts