The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

Your hearing isn’t just about sound—it’s the key to sharper focus, deeper connections, and increased awareness. In this episode, Dave explores the cutting-edge world of hearing technology with Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey, and reveals how you can gain superhuman hearing with almost no effort.“Listening” to this episode is going to be one of the best things for your hearing. But why? Because your hearing isn’t just about detecting sounds—it’s about transforming the way you experience the world. Imagine real-time translation in 75 languages, tuning out noise pollution, and amplifying what truly matters—all while protecting your brain from cognitive decline and boosting your overall performance.Brandon shares the groundbreaking innovations that redefine what hearing devices can do. From biohacking your auditory environment to integrating AI for mood and health tracking, this conversation will change how you think about your ears, your brain, and your future.What You’ll Gain from This Episode: • Discover how superhuman hearing enhances focus and reduces mental fatigue • Learn why better hearing can slow brain aging and improve mental health • Get an inside look at AI-powered hearing technology that’s changing lives • Understand the surprising connection between hearing and peak performance • Find out how upgrading your hearing can unlock new opportunities for successSponsor: -Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order.-ARMRA | Go to https://tryarmra.com/ and use the code DAVE to get 15% off your first order. Resources: • Starkey Hearing Technologies – Explore AI-powered hearing aids and innovations: https://www.starkey.com • Starkey Blog – Stay updated on the latest in hearing health: https://www.starkey.com/blog • Starkey Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/starkeyhearing/ • Danger Coffee – Clean, mold-free coffee for sustained energy: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey’s Website – Explore biohacking tools, books, and more: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – Biohacking made simple: https://daveasprey.com/books • Dave Asprey’s Linktree – Access all Dave’s platforms: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join live podcast recordings: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs – Franchise opportunities for cutting-edge health labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs – The ultimate biohacking experience: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback for advanced cognitive enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.comTimestamps: • 00:00 Introduction to Hearing Loss • 01:23 Dave Asprey’s Personal Hearing Journey • 02:47 Guest Introduction: Brandon Sawalich • 03:45 Advancements in Hearing Technology • 06:47 The Importance of Hearing for Brain Health • 17:32 Hearing Aids as Performance Enhancers • 25:32 Future Innovations in Hearing Technology • 27:03 Detecting Lies with Technology • 27:26 The Science of Sleep Enhancement • 29:57 Innovation and Risk-Taking in Business • 32:18 Addressing EMF Concerns with Hearing Aids • 34:26 Ethical Considerations in Technology • 37:06 Empowering Users with AI and Hearing Technology • 43:38 Future of Biohacking and Hearing Superpowers • 44:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fear is quietly running your life—and it’s holding you back from the purpose and success you deserve. In this episode, we revisit Dave chatting with one of the keynote speakers for the Biohacking Conference 2025, Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of Courage Is Calling, to tackle the one thing standing between you and your potential: fear. Why should you listen? Because fear is the root cause of procrastination, self-doubt, and the endless excuses that keep you stuck. Ryan reveals why courage isn’t just about bravery—it’s about making the hard choices that align with your purpose, even when the stakes are high. Drawing on powerful examples from history and modern life, Ryan explains how fear can be transformed into a catalyst for action and why embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking true freedom. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to take control, face your fears, and create the life you’re meant to live. Why This Episode Matters: • You’ll discover how fear sneaks into your decisions—and how to stop it • Learn why courage is the ultimate skill for success and fulfillment • Get actionable advice to break through self-imposed limits • Understand the psychology of fear and how to use it as fuel • Hear real-life stories of people who overcame fear to achieve greatness Resources: 2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025 Ryan Holiday’s Website – https://ryanholiday.net Daily Stoic Website – https://dailystoic.com/ Ryan Holiday’s Book: Courage Is Calling – https://a.co/d/czEfCXC Ryan Holiday’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books 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 Sponsors -Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order. -Pendulum | Go to https://pendulumlife.com/ and use code Asprey20 for your first month of GLP-1 or any Pendulum formula. Timestamps: • 00:00 – Intro • 00:44 – Discussing Ryan Holiday’s Work • 02:37 – The Concept of Courage • 08:09 – Fear and Courage in History • 12:41 – Stoic Philosophy and Modern Applications • 21:50 – The Four Virtues and Their Interrelation • 28:39 – Challenges in Admitting Mistakes • 35:21 – Navigating Business Risks During a Pandemic • 36:44 – The Essence of Courage in Business and Life • 37:03 – Reed Hastings and the Duality of Courage • 40:06 – Moral Courage: Lessons from History • 43:35 – The Debate on Mandates and Personal Freedom • 45:22 – Balancing Public Health and Individual Rights • 58:29 – The Role of Responsibility in Society • 01:09:01 – The Importance of Intellectual Courage • 01:12:04 – Reaching Audiences in a Noisy World • 01:13:27 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we are bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes with James Altucher. Dave sits down with James, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and master experimenter, to uncover why the 10,000-hour rule might just be holding you back. Instead of grinding your way to expertise, James reveals his 10,000 Experiment Rule—a game-changing approach to mastering any skill faster than you thought possible. From comedy stages to boardrooms, James has redefined success through relentless experimentation and bold pivots. In this electrifying conversation, he exposes the toxic allure of “failure porn” and why glorifying failure might be sabotaging your growth. You’ll learn why skipping the line isn’t just possible—it’s essential for thriving in a world obsessed with rigid rules. This episode dives deep into the power of curiosity, the art of experimentation, and the strategies James uses to crush the myth of conventional wisdom. Whether you’re stuck in a career rut, looking to start something new, or just want to optimize your life, James delivers unfiltered insights to help you rewrite the rules. What You’ll Learn: • Why the 10,000-hour rule is outdated—and what actually works • How “failure porn” is dragging you down (and how to escape it) • The 10,000 Experiment Rule that accelerates skill mastery • Bold strategies to break through limits and skip the line in any industry • Why curiosity is the ultimate superpower for growth and success • Practical steps to monetize your passion and build a life you love Resources: 2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025 James Altucher’s Website – https://www.jamesaltucher.com The James Altucher Show Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-james-altucher-show/id794030859 Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books 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 Sponsors -Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount. -Viome | Go to https://viome.com/dave to save $110 on the Full Body Intelligence Test. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Human Upgrade Podcast 00:38 Meet James Altucher: Entrepreneur and Author 01:02 The Comedy Journey: From Advice to Stage 02:06 The Controversial New York Article 03:42 Facing Backlash and Public Reaction 10:46 The 10,000 Experiment Rule 15:44 Skipping the Line: Challenging Conventional Wisdom 23:35 The Importance of Loving What You Do 31:30 A Chance Encounter with Howard Schultz 32:11 The Plus Minus Equals Technique 33:26 Applying Techniques to Chess Mastery 34:43 The Importance of Curiosity 36:30 Experimenting with Comedy 38:44 The Concept of Failure Porn 40:39 The Hero’s Journey in Business 44:42 Living an Experimental Life 47:10 Frame Control in High-Stakes Situations 53:43 Advice for Parents and Kids 55:29 Conclusion and Book Promotion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you use hate to make the world a better place? Daryl Davis, a world-class jazz musician, didn’t just confront hate—he dismantled it. By sitting down with over 200 Ku Klux Klan members, he inspired them to leave their robes behind. But this isn’t just a story about racism or redemption; it’s a story about the incredible power of human connection and the lessons it holds for all of us. In this special episode, Dave explores how Daryl turned impossible conversations into transformative breakthroughs. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts, emotional intelligence, and fearless curiosity that can break down barriers of all kinds—whether they’re rooted in bias, fear, or misunderstanding. Daryl’s approach to erasing hate is so unique, so impactful, that it may just change how you view conflict, compassion, and even your own health. What You’ll Learn: • How Daryl’s global upbringing shaped his fearless approach to conflict • Why eliminating hate starts with understanding, not opposition • The neuroscience of compassion and how it rewires your brain • How forgiveness can transform your health and happiness • A step-by-step framework for tackling impossible conversations Resources: 2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025 Daryl Davis's Book: Klan-destine Relationships (Go read it for free at your local library instead of buying on Amazon :)) Daryl Davis's Website – https://www.daryldavis.com Daryl Davis on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/realdaryldavis/ Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books 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 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. Timestamps: • 00:00 A Shocking Parade Experience • 00:38 Meeting the KKK: First Impressions • 01:06 Introducing Daryl Davis • 03:46 Daryl’s Unique Upbringing • 09:52 Confronting Racism: A Lifelong Quest • 14:16 The Power of Travel and Perspective • 18:25 A High School Encounter with Nazis • 21:12 Confronting the Klan Leader • 30:57 Changing Minds: A Personal Approach • 36:30 The Illusion of Latent Genes • 42:08 Collecting Klan Robes: A Symbolic Victory • 46:17 Facing the Klan: Staying Grounded • 48:27 Challenging Beliefs: Confronting Hate • 49:15 The Journey to Writing ‘Clandestine’ • 50:26 Introducing ‘The Klan Whisperer’ • 51:35 Reflections on Racism and History • 57:29 The Power of Forgiveness • 59:28 Freedom of Speech and Its Limits • 01:02:21 Personal Stories of Racism • 01:13:16 Cultural Understanding and Misunderstandings • 01:25:16 The Impact of Music on Memory • 01:29:02 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.