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In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey welcomes Mo Gawdat, bestselling author and former Chief Business Officer of Google X, to explore the science of happiness, stress, and resilience. Mo shares how understanding your brain’s algorithms can unlock joy and transform your mental and physical well-being. From decoding the four modalities of stress to hacking dopamine and serotonin for balance, this episode delivers actionable strategies for thriving in today’s fast-paced world. With a mix of personal stories, practical biohacks, and thought-provoking insights, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about happiness and resilience.
Can Happiness Really Be Engineered? Mo Gawdat Says Yes—And Here’s How.
I know what you’re thinking… ANOTHER episode on happiness? Haven’t we heard it all before? This one’s different. The code is cracked, and you’re about to learn exactly how it works.
Joining us today is Mo Gawdat, bestselling author of Unstressable and former Chief Business Officer of Google X. Mo sits down with Dave to deliver a practical, science-backed approach to hacking your mind and body for lasting joy.
Mo dives into the raw science behind happiness and stress—revealing how your brain runs on algorithms that you can actually reprogram. Discover why dopamine might be sabotaging your joy, how to decode the four types of stress, and biohacks that can flip the script on your mental and physical resilience.
He also shares the deeply personal story of how he turned unimaginable tragedy into a global mission for happiness and purpose. Mo’s insights will challenge everything you thought you knew about living a fulfilled life.
What You’ll Learn:
And don’t miss Part 2, dropping in two days! Dave and Mo explore the intersection of happiness and AI, revealing how to get them both working FOR you instead of against you.
Sponsors:
– Neurohacker | Go to https://qualialife.com/dave and use code Dave for 15% off.
-Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial.
00:00 – Intro
Cold-Open for show.
00:00 – Introduction to The Human Upgrade
Dave sets the stage for a deep dive into happiness, stress, and resilience with Mo Gawdat.
00:13 – Dave Asprey’s AI Background
Dave shares his early work in AI and how it intersects with human potential and biohacking.
00:41 – Introducing Mo Gawdat and His Work
Meet Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X, and hear about his groundbreaking books, Scary Smart and Unstressable.
01:51 – From Scary Smart to Unstressable
Mo explains the shift from tackling AI’s impact on humanity to empowering individuals to conquer stress and unlock joy.
02:40 – The Journey to Happiness
Mo recounts his personal journey, turning tragedy into a mission to help one billion people find happiness.
13:10 – Understanding Stress and Its Mechanisms
Explore the science behind stress, why it’s not a curse, and how it’s meant to help you survive.
17:26 – The Four Modalities of Stress
Mo breaks down the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of stress—and how to address each.
24:16 – Mental Stress and the Happiness Flowchart
Learn Mo’s step-by-step approach to questioning negative thoughts and regaining control of your mind.
31:34 – Sources of Stress: Trauma, Obsessions, Noise, and Nuisances
Discover how these four categories of stressors impact your life—and what to do about them.
33:27 – Understanding Modern PTSD
Mo discusses the prevalence of PTSD, why most people recover, and how post-traumatic growth can transform lives.
34:09 – The Role of Obsessions and Noise
Unpack how repetitive thoughts and small irritations can build up and derail your happiness.
36:24 – Biohacking for Resilience
Dave and Mo dive into practical biohacks, like cold plunges and gratitude practices, to build mental and physical strength.
37:58 – The Power of Gratitude
Why gratitude isn’t just a practice—it’s a mindset that can rewire your brain for joy and resilience.
40:12 – The Happiness Equation
Mo shares his famous happiness formula and explains why expectations are the key to finding joy.
54:37 – Dopamine vs. Serotonin
Explore the difference between these two key neurotransmitters and how balancing them can lead to long-term happiness.
01:03:00 – The Benefits of Cold Therapy
Cold plunges and cryotherapy: how brief exposure to discomfort can rewire your brain for resilience and happiness.
Resources:
2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025
Mo Gawdat’s Book: Scary Smart – https://a.co/d/6DukqyW
Mo Gawdat’s Book: Unstressable – https://a.co/d/hrbpY9O
Follow Mo Gawdat on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mo_gawdat/
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
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