133. Dave Asprey: “Father Of Biohacking” On The War Happening Inside your Cells

Podcast Summary: The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka – Episode 133. Dave Asprey: “Father Of Biohacking” On The War Happening Inside Your Cells

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Host: Gary Brecka
Guest: Dave Asprey, Founder of Bulletproof and Father of Biohacking

Introduction

In Episode 133 of "The Ultimate Human" podcast, Gary Brecka welcomes Dave Asprey, renowned biohacker and longevity expert, often referred to as the "Father of Biohacking." The episode delves deep into Asprey's personal battle with mold toxicity, his journey to overcoming chronic health issues, and the broader implications of biohacking on modern health.

Dave Asprey's Personal Health Journey

Chronic Health Issues and Diagnosis

Dave Asprey shares his struggles with multiple health issues before the age of 30, including arthritis, high blood sugar, prediabetes, and a high risk of stroke and heart attack. These ailments were exacerbated by chronic inflammation caused by mold exposure.

Dave Asprey [00:00]:
“Inside your brain is total chaos. I don't know how you're standing here in front of me. It was chemically induced toxic mold brain damage...”

Gary expresses astonishment at Asprey's revelation about mold toxicity being the root cause of his health problems.

Mold Toxicity and Its Impact

Asprey explains how living in a mold-infested environment led to mitochondrial poisoning, severely affecting his energy levels, cognitive functions, and overall health.

Dave Asprey [00:48]:
“It turns out that it's all mold poisoning mitochondria.”

Understanding Mold Toxicity and Mitochondria

The Role of Mitochondria

The conversation shifts to mitochondria's pivotal role in cellular energy production and how mold toxins impinge on their functionality, leading to widespread health issues.

Dave Asprey [12:17]:
“They're like a firewall for reality. And wow, imagine what would happen if you and I picked up everything happening right now...”

Biohacking Solutions for Mold Toxicity

Asprey outlines his comprehensive approach to combating mold toxicity:

Binding Toxins: Utilizing agents like activated charcoal, zeolite, and silica clay to bind and eliminate mold toxins from the body.
Ozone Therapy: Introducing ozone to stimulate mitochondrial function and enhance detoxification pathways.
Supplementation: Emphasizing the importance of methylation through supplements like glutathione and calcium D-glucarate to aid in toxin elimination.

Dave Asprey [62:47]:
“So if you have mold, you gotta bind the toxins, you gotta get rid of the mold growing in your body. And you should do some ozone therapy and you should take the supplements that allow you to methylate. If you do those things, you're probably going to get better.”

The Broader Implications of Biohacking

Energy Allocation and the Five F’s

Asprey introduces the concept of the "Five F’s" governing biological energy allocation:

Fear: Survival instincts to avoid threats.
Food: Cravings and hunger responses.
Fertility: Reproduction and intimate connections.
Friend: Community and social interactions.
Forgiveness: Emotional resilience and compassion.

Dave Asprey [15:57]:
“Fear, Food, Fertility... and the final F word is forgiveness.”

Circadian Rhythm and Light Exposure

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the importance of circadian rhythm in regulating mitochondrial function and overall health. Asprey emphasizes controlling light exposure to maintain optimal circadian cycles, thereby enhancing mitochondrial efficiency.

Dave Asprey [85:00]:
“Circadian rhythm controls whether your mitochondria work or not.”

Practical Biohacking Strategies

Morning Rituals for Optimal Health

Asprey and Brecka discuss effective morning routines to kickstart mitochondrial function and maintain energy levels throughout the day:

Hydration and Mineralization: Starting the day with mineral-rich salt water to replenish essential electrolytes.
Danger Coffee: A specialized blend of coffee free from mold toxins, enhanced with trace minerals and therapeutic doses for improved mitochondrial health.
Intermittent Fasting: Incorporating fasting protocols to keep insulin and mTOR levels in check, promoting longevity and reduced inflammation.

Gary Brecka [38:15]:
“I always tell people to hydrate and mineralize first thing in the morning.”

Advanced Techniques: Meditation and Ozone Therapy

Asprey shares his experiences with meditation and ozone therapy, highlighting how these practices have significantly enhanced his mental clarity and mitochondrial function.

Dave Asprey [78:42]:
“Ozone is... just so good at restoring mitochondrial function.”

Supplements and Binders

Detailed discussion on the use of specific supplements and binders to detoxify the body from mold toxins:

Activated Charcoal: For broad-spectrum toxin binding.
Zeolite and Bentonite Clay: Targeted binders to alleviate specific mold toxins.
Glutathione and Calcium D-Glucarate: Essential for methylation and detox pathways.

Mold Toxicity in the Modern Environment

Environmental Exposure and Testing

Asprey emphasizes the prevalence of mold in modern living environments, especially in areas with poor building maintenance like schools and workplaces. He advocates for regular mold testing using reliable methods such as dust tests and mycotoxin evaluations.

Dave Asprey [61:00]:
“If you have mold, you gotta bind the toxins, you gotta get rid of the mold growing in your body. And you should do some ozone therapy and you should take the supplements that allow you to methylate.”

Impact on Hormones and Weight

Asprey discusses how mold toxins like Zearalenone disrupt hormonal balance, leading to issues like obesity and hormonal imbalances, debunking the simplistic "calories in, calories out" model of weight management.

Dave Asprey [65:45]:
“Calories in calories out is nonsense. And it's mold.”

The Intersection of Biohacking and Spirituality

Achieving Peace and Resilience

The conversation delves into the spiritual aspects of biohacking, where Asprey connects mitochondrial health with emotional states like peace and resilience. He underscores the importance of meditation and controlled light exposure in achieving a balanced state of mind.

Dave Asprey [93:31]:
“The first one is empathy... and that's a lot of the work at 40 years in is developing compassion for those who you feel have harmed you.”

Community and Purpose

Asprey highlights the role of community and a sense of purpose in extending longevity and improving quality of life, drawing parallels with the Blue Zones studies.

Conclusion: Becoming the Ultimate Human

In wrapping up, both Brecka and Asprey reflect on what it means to be the "Ultimate Human." Asprey emphasizes the importance of controlling one's internal state through biohacking techniques, fostering empathy, compassion, and resilience to navigate life's challenges effectively.

Dave Asprey [94:10]:
“It's about consciousness and longevity. You will always end up with these two as your primary goals...”

Gary extends an invitation to listeners to join the VIP community for exclusive content and direct interaction with guests like Asprey.

Notable Quotes

Dave Asprey [00:48]:
“It turns out that it's all mold poisoning mitochondria.”
Dave Asprey [15:57]:
“Fear, Food, Fertility... and the final F word is forgiveness.”
Dave Asprey [62:47]:
“If you have mold, you gotta bind the toxins, you gotta get rid of the mold growing in your body...”
Dave Asprey [85:00]:
“Circadian rhythm controls whether your mitochondria work or not.”
Dave Asprey [65:45]:
“Calories in calories out is nonsense. And it's mold.”
Dave Asprey [93:31]:
“The first one is empathy... and that's a lot of the work at 40 years in is developing compassion for those who you feel have harmed you.”
Dave Asprey [94:10]:
“It's about consciousness and longevity. You will always end up with these two as your primary goals...”

Key Takeaways

Mold Toxicity: A significant but often overlooked factor affecting mitochondrial function and overall health.
Biohacking Strategies: Incorporating toxin binders, ozone therapy, optimal supplementation, and controlled light exposure can dramatically enhance health and longevity.
Circadian Rhythm: Maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm through proper light management is crucial for mitochondrial efficiency and metabolic health.
Spiritual and Community Aspects: Emotional resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of community play vital roles in achieving optimal health and becoming the "Ultimate Human."
Practical Applications: Simple daily routines, such as mineral-rich hydration and toxin-free coffee, can have profound impacts on well-being.

Resources Mentioned

Danger Coffee: Asprey's mold-free coffee brand.
Website: dangercoffee.com
Discount Code: Use code Gary for a special offer.
Mold Testing:
Website: thedusttest.com
Mycotoxin Testing: mymycolab.com
Supplements:
- Activated Charcoal
- Zeolite
- Calcium D-Glucarate
- Glutathione
Biohacking Devices:
- TrueDark Glasses
  Website: truedark.com

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Ultimate Human" offers a comprehensive exploration of how environmental factors like mold toxicity can profoundly impact our cellular health and overall well-being. Through Dave Asprey's personal experiences and expert insights, listeners gain valuable knowledge on biohacking techniques that can lead to a happier, healthier, and longer life.

For those interested in delving deeper into these topics, Gary Brecka encourages joining the VIP Ultimate Human community for exclusive access to advanced discussions and personalized coaching.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any new health regimen or biohacking practices.