What if death isn’t inevitable but a solvable problem? This episode explores how biohacking is transforming our understanding of mortality, digital consciousness, and the limits of human performance. You’ll learn why some of today’s top thinkers are treating longevity as both a science and a spiritual movement, and how this shift influences your neuroplasticity, mitochondria, and entire approach to life and aging.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with philosopher and best-selling author Dr. Stephen Cave, Director of the Institute for Technology and Humanity at the University of Cambridge. With decades of expertise studying death, legacy, and immortality, Dr. Cave brings a rare depth of insight into how our desire to live longer intersects with supplements, nootropics, functional medicine, and the evolving philosophy of anti-aging.
Together, they unpack the four universal immortality narratives, the dangers of mind uploading, and why AI may become either humanity’s god or its undoing. You’ll discover how transhumanism, ego, and existential fear drive the quest for life extension, and why even powerful tools like ketosis, fasting, and cold therapy aren’t enough without deeper meaning. The conversation also dives into the growing trend of philosophical biohacking, how it aligns with purpose and fulfillment, and what happens when the line between science and belief begins to blur.
This episode is essential listening for anyone serious about hacking longevity, brain optimization, metabolism, and building a future where extending life beyond 180 is possible. You’ll also hear insights on Danger Coffee, RFK, sleep optimization, and why living longer may require more than physical upgrades—it may demand a complete rethinking of identity, consciousness, and the meaning of death.
You’ll Learn:
• Why all technology is a form of life extension
• How ego and boredom threaten longevity more than disease
• The real dangers of digital immortality and mind uploading
• Why procrastination could be the enemy of eternal life
• How to balance transhumanist tech with human values
• The surprising connection between cold therapy, supplements, and meaning
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing.
Resources:
• Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
• Stephen’s Website: https://www.ith.cam.ac.uk/staff/stephen-cave
• Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
• Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
• 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
Timestamps:
• 00:00 Trailer
• 01:09 Intro
• 01:39 Life Extension Challenges
• 02:05 Boredom and Mental Health
• 04:28 Immortality vs. Enlightenment
• 06:21 Death’s Role in Civilization
• 09:06 Life Stages and Aging
• 10:41 Global Immortality Narratives
• 15:50 Personal Takes on Immortality
• 20:46 Biohacking and Longevity
• 28:43 Transhumanism Today
• 31:00 Techno-Utopianism and Happiness
• 32:20 Wealth and Fulfillment
• 32:54 Purpose and Meaning
• 34:00 Legacy and Death
• 36:33 Near-Death and Mortality
• 37:52 Time and Procrastination
• 42:00 AI and Human Future
• 45:56 Ethics of Life Extension
• 50:35 Autonomy and Mortality
• 52:35 Dangerous Ideas in Longevity
• 55:53 Advice for the Young
Connect with Dave Asprey!
Website: https://daveasprey.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveaspreyofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daveaspreyofficial/
X: https://x.com/daveasprey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/daveaspreybpr
The Human Upgrade Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/TheHumanUpgradePodcast/ and https://m.facebook.com/Thehumanupgrade/
