The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special Asprey Archive episode from 2023, we talk to Shaahin Cheyene.

Today’s guest is nothing short of a modern-day Willy Wonka for Generation X. He built a billion-dollar ecstasy business in the '90s and did not end up behind bars. That's a story you've got to hear. Shaahin Cheyene, not only dabbled in the wild world of herbal ecstasy but also managed to stay out of trouble despite being investigated by seven attorney generals. And get this, he wasn't even 18 when he pulled off these daring feats.

Shaahin's story doesn't stop there. Since those days, he's become an Amazon expert, successfully selling nootropics and a variety of other products on the platform. He's also a filmmaker and author of the book, “Billion: How I Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult.” 

From Fleeing Iran at the age of five to being homeless and living out of his car, Shaahin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. It's safe to say he's one of the most interesting individuals I've had the pleasure of interviewing. 

We dive into Shaahin's captivating journey, exploring his transformation from a young criminal to a thriving entrepreneur. You’ll also learn about what went into his groundbreaking herbal ecstasy formula and how he managed to get his business off the ground. Along the way, we discuss the challenges of navigating the bureaucracy of big government, the importance of seeking help when needed, and the valuable lessons Shaahin learned from building and eventually exiting his herbal ecstasy empire. 

We also delve into how he managed to run a nine-figure company selling on Amazon, the mindset benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, the power of curating ideas, and how you can strategically leverage podcasts as an entrepreneur. Join us on a ride you won't want to miss.

(01:47) How Shaahin Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult

(07:36) Formulating Herbal Ecstasy & Building a Million-Dollar Business

(16:34) Navigating the Bureaucracy of Big Government

(28:04) Pro Tip for Entrepreneurs: Why It’s Important To Ask for Help

(32:09) What Cheyene Learned From Building & Exiting His Business

(37:29) What To Do When You Make Your First Million

(39:21) Scaling a 9-Figure Company Selling on Amazon

(45:05) Lessons From Martial Arts & Our Bets on Musk vs Zuckerberg

(54:03) The Tactical Advantage of Podcasting & Being a Curator of Ideas

(01:03:30) Media Training 101

Sponsors

LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/dave.

Leela Quantum | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off. 

Resources

Website: shaahincheyenne.com

PodcastCola: podcastcola.com

Instagram: @shaahincheyene

Podcast: Business Story of the Week

LinkedIn: Shaahin Cheyene

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In this episode of The Human Upgrade, vision expert Claudia Muehlenweg and strength coach Dave Mark Bell join Dave Asprey to explore the intersection of natural vision improvement and physical performance. Claudia shares her expertise in the Bates Method and techniques like palming, which help restore clarity and reduce eye strain. Dave Mark Bell highlights how physical training and focus can enhance not only strength but also vision, showing the deep connection between the body and mind. 

Check out the Full Episodes here: 

Claudia Muehlenweg: https://youtu.be/SpO6k9Ofh2E

Dave Mark Bell: https://youtu.be/GV2KnL0wW9M

Sponsors: 

• Puori | Visit https://puori.com/dave and use code DAVE for 20% storewide. 
• Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order. 

Resources: 

• Naturally Clear Vision | Claudia Muehlenweg: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticVisionCoach 
• Dave Mark Bell’s Instagram: @marksmellybell 
• Dave's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey     
• Dave Asprey’s Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books     
• Want to join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live? Join Our Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com/    
• Danger Coffee by Dave Asprey: https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/  
• Supplements by Dave Asprey: https://shopsuppgradelabs.com/  
• Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com/ 

 

Timestamps and Highlights: 

• 00:00:01 — Introduction by Dave Asprey 
• 00:01:02 — Claudia Muehlenweg’s Introduction 
• 00:03:30 — Palming and Its Benefits 
• 00:06:15 — The Role of Eye Movement in Vision Health 
• 00:09:25 — Dave Mark Bell’s Approach to Physical Training and Vision 
• 00:12:45 — Sunlight and Vision 
• 00:18:35 — Vision Improvement Techniques for Daily Life 
• 00:22:50 — Vision and Fitness Synergy with Dave Mark Bell 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dr. Manoj Doss, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, explores the fascinating intersection of psychedelics, memory, and cognitive enhancement. Drawing from his extensive research, Dr. Doss dives into how psychoactive substances like THC, ketamine, and psychedelics can alter memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval. He challenges the conventional understanding of memory by revealing how these substances might disrupt traditional memory processes while potentially opening new pathways for learning and cognition. 

You'll discover how different drugs impact your brain's ability to encode and recall information, the surprising effects of psychedelics on semantic and episodic memory, and the role of the hippocampus in shaping our personal narratives. Dr. Doss also delves into the potential benefits and risks of cognitive enhancers like nicotine and modafinil, offering insights into their effects on memory and brain function. 

Dr. Doss provides a nuanced perspective on the malleability of memory, the ethical implications of memory manipulation, and the complex relationship between trauma, memory, and psychedelics. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the cutting-edge science of memory, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and the quest to enhance cognitive performance. 

Timestamps: 

• 00:00:01 — Opening 
• 00:01:39 — Introduction to Dr. Manoj Doss 
• 00:03:20 — The Impact of Psychedelics on Memory 
• 00:05:50 — The Predictive Processing Framework and Mind Models 
• 00:13:22 — Alcohol and Retrograde Facilitation: Enhancing Memory Post-Study 
• 00:19:00 — Differences Between Episodic and Semantic Memory 
• 00:22:57 — The Role of the Hippocampus in Memory Formation 
• 00:32:35 — Exercise, BDNF, and Memory Enhancement 
• 00:42:29 — The Complex Relationship Between Psychedelics and Neurogenesis 
• 00:52:16 — The Fallibility of Memory and False Memory Formation 
• 01:09:04 — The Influence of Nicotine, Modafinil, and Other Cognitive Enhancers 
• 01:30:34 — Closing Remarks 

Sponsors: 

• ARMRA | Go to TryARMRA.com and use the code DAVE to get 15% off your first order. 
• Leela Quantum | Head to LeelaQ.com/Dave for 10% off. 

Resources: 

• Follow Dr. Manoj Doss on Twitter 
• Dave's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 
• Follow Dave on Instagram: @Dave.Asprey 
• Dave Asprey’s Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books 
• Want to join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live? Join Our Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com/ 
• Danger Coffee by Dave Asprey: https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/ 
• Supplements by Dave Asprey: https://shopsuppgradelabs.com/ 
• Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com/ 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember the days when we believed in one-size-fits-all diets? Well, thankfully those days are behind us. Today's episode is all about the crucial shift towards personalized nutrition.

Our guests, Matt Gallant and Wade Lightheart from BiOptimizers, are no strangers to the show. They're also the authors of The Ultimate Nutrition Bible, a monumental resource that unlocks the secrets of crafting a diet tailored precisely to your genetics, goals, and lifestyle. 

We delve into the art and science of creating your perfect nutrition plan, exploring the intricate web of genetics, gut health, and lifestyle, and how they all intertwine to shape your dietary needs. Imagine a diet designed exclusively for you, based on your unique genetic makeup and aspirations. It's a paradigm shift for sure; we're here to guide you through it using the latest scientific studies and findings from our personal experiences with biohacking.

In this episode, we uncover the importance of aligning your diet with your lifestyle, debate the calories-in vs. calories-out method of losing weight, and share practical insights for how to measure your progress from The Ultimate Nutrition Bible. Plus, we dispel the myth that excessive cardio is the fastest way to lose body fat, and explore the pivotal role of hormones and metabolism for sustainable, safe weight loss.

(00:21) Introducing the Ultimate Nutrition Bible: There’s No Evil Foods

(10:54) Why Raw Food & Ketogenic Diets Are Not for Everybody

(19:30) The Consequences of a Performance Diet & Starvation Survival Mechanisms

(33:32) Exploring the Calories-In, Calories-Out Method for Weight Loss

(41:05) Understanding Metabolic Adaptation: Why Excessive Cardio Prevents Fat Loss

(46:08) How High Quality Sleep Can Aid Weight Loss

(51:33) The Simplest Secret for Tracking Your Progress

(56:32) Breaking Down Calories vs. Macros in the Ketogenic Diet

(01:00:53) Identifying Hormone Issues Based on Weight Distribution

(01:05:22) Taking Risks to Achieve Optimal Results

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books 

The Ultimate Nutrition Bible: ultimatenutritionsystem.com/dave

Website: bioptimizers.com

Instagram: @bioptimizers

YouTube: BiOptimizers

Blog: bioptimizers.com/blog

Podcast: Awesome Health Podcast

The Human Upgrade is produced by Crate Media.

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Nir Eyal comes on Bulletproof Radio today to discuss life hacking with apps, making addictive products, being addicted to technology and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. The M.I.T. Technology Review dubbed Nir, "The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology." Nir founded two tech companies since 2003 and has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. He is the author of the bestselling book, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products, which won the "Marketing Book of the Year" award from 800 CEO Read. In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, Nir's writing frequently appears in TechCrunch, Inc, The Harvard Business Review, and Psychology Today. Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jackie Warner comes on Bulletproof Radio today to discuss her workout regiment, why protein is so important, the best sources of nutrient dense calories, and when it's a good idea to be vegetarian. Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anthony Meindl comes on Bulletproof Radio today to discuss overcoming personal fears, what it's like coaching actors, handling problems creatively, and why failure should always be an option. Anthony Meindl is an award-winning writer/director/producer, creativity expert, inspirational speaker, and artistic director of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop (AMAW) with studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, Vancouver, and Sydney. AMAW was honored by Backstage four years in a row and named the Best Acting Studio in Los Angeles (Best Scene Study and Best Cold Read). Meindl is known for teaching the new generation of Hollywood stars led by Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley (Divergent). He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Backstage. He is the author of the best-selling creativity book At Left Brain Turn Right, and his new book Alphabet Soup For Grown-Ups is available now. Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Amy Shah comes on Bulletproof Radio today to discuss pros and cons about western medicine, prevention through nutrition, symptoms of toxic mold exposure, vegan vs. low carb diets and intermittent fasting benefits. Dr. Amy Shah is a double board certified MD with medical training From Columbia University Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconness/Harvard Medical School, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Before medical school, she graduated magna cum laude from the famed school of Nutrition at Cornell University. She has a large private practice and since 2013- online. She is releasing her first online health coaching program in October 2015 Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Izabella Wentz returns to Bulletproof Radio today to discuss Hashimoto's thyroiditis, symptoms of low thyroid function, supplements you should avoid, and an interesting fact about tobacco. Izabella Wentz is a passionate, innovative and solution focused clinical pharmacist. She has had a passion for health care from a very early age. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2009, Dr. Wentz was surprised at the lack of knowledge about lifestyle interventions for Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune conditions. She decided to take on lifestyle interventions as a personal mission in an effort to help herself and others with Hashimoto's. After two years of researching Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism, she decided to combine emerging knowledge with her quality improvement expertise to run rapid tests of change on herself that led her to discover the root cause of her condition. Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dana and Brent come on Bulletproof Radio today to share their personal experience with Lyme disease and toxic mold exposure, as well as their suggestions on how you can cope with chronic illness. Dana Walsh, featured in the Lyme Documentary UNDER OUR SKIN, and Brent Martin are founders of Lyme Less Live More, identified a giant gap while recovering from Lyme: What to do in-between doctor visits? Each with a personal Lyme story and both having been down a long road with chronic illness (10 plus years), they recall that time when they felt they were left in the abyss. They realized to reverse an illness, it would take daily care and attention. Now, with the help of their expert faculty Dana and Brent teach a multi-facetted approach to recovering health that includes self-care, healthy mindset, and conscious awareness. Enjoy the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.