EP 1262
1262. The Science of Consciousness: What’s Beyond the Brain? | Mark Gober
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Mark Gober—consciousness researcher, best-selling author, and former Silicon Valley banker—to explore one of the biggest questions in science and philosophy: Is your mind really in your brain?
What if consciousness exists beyond the body? What if reality itself is shaped by something deeper than the physical world? Mark unpacks cutting-edge research on near-death experiences, psychic phenomena, and the declassified CIA experiments on remote viewing, revealing why some scientists believe consciousness is non-local—and what that means for human potential.
If you’ve ever questioned reality, wondered about life after death, or wanted to tap into expanded states of awareness, this episode will challenge your beliefs, expand your mind, and show you how to break free from the limits of a purely materialist worldview.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
You think, you feel, you are—but what if your consciousness isn’t just in your brain? What if reality itself is shaped by something beyond the physical?
In this episode, Mark Gober—author, consciousness researcher, and former Silicon Valley banker—joins Dave Asprey to challenge everything you think you know about the mind, reality, and human potential. He explores groundbreaking research on near-death experiences, psychic phenomena, and why some scientists believe consciousness may exist beyond the body.
Mark reveals how declassified CIA documents, quantum physics, and meditation practices point to a deeper, more interconnected world—one where perception creates reality. If you’ve ever questioned whether free will is an illusion, wondered about life after death, or wanted to tap into higher states of awareness, this episode will shift your perspective.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
- Is consciousness non-local?Why your brain might not be the source of your thoughts
- Near-death experiences & life after death—the science and firsthand accounts
- Psychic phenomena & remote viewing—what the CIA doesn’t want you to ignore
- Float tanks, meditation & altered states—how to access expanded awareness
- The AI consciousness debate—can machines ever become truly self-aware?
- Protecting your energy—why spiritual safeguards matter when exploring altered states
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“If consciousness is fundamental, then we are far more than just biological machines—we are interconnected, limitless beings.”
Mark Gober
00:00 – Trailer
00:50 – Intro
Dave sets the stage for a mind-expanding conversation on biohacking and consciousness.
03:11 – Meet Mark Gober
Mark’s background and how he transitioned from investment banking to consciousness exploration.
05:25 – From Banking to Awakening
The pivotal moments that led Mark to question reality and dive into spirituality.
10:16 – Float Tanks & Consciousness
How sensory deprivation tanks can alter perception and expand awareness.
12:35 – Psychic Phenomena
Exploring telepathy, remote viewing, and the limits of human perception.
19:14 – Science & Skepticism
Why mainstream science resists consciousness research—and where the evidence points.
25:51 – Personal Experiences
Mark shares firsthand encounters that shaped his understanding of consciousness.
40:51 – Spiritual Protection
The unseen risks of exploring altered states—and how to safeguard yourself.
42:58 – Parasitic Entities
A look into negative spiritual influences and how they impact human energy.
44:59 – Psychedelics & Mindset
Why intention and mental state are crucial when using psychedelics.
45:58 – Alien Abductions
Mark’s perspective on the reality of abductions and shape-shifting entities.
47:04 – Navigating Psychedelics
How to approach altered states responsibly and avoid potential dangers.
51:58 – Intuition & Inner Knowing
How to develop and trust your intuitive abilities.
58:41 – Telepathy & Remote Viewing
The science behind psychic abilities and how they’ve been tested.
59:46 – Near-Death Experiences
What NDEs reveal about consciousness and the afterlife.
01:04:54 – Consciousness Beyond the Brain
Why consciousness might not be tied to physical matter—and what that means for reality.
01:12:38 – Psychic Abilities & Ethics
The moral and ethical considerations of tapping into higher consciousness.
01:24:11 – Consciousness & Reality
How shifting your awareness can reshape your experience of the world.
01:27:58 – Final Thoughts
Dave and Mark reflect on the conversation and key takeaways.
Resources:
- A Day of Biohacking and Consciousness Event April 12th: https://daveasprey.com/biohacking-and-consciousness/
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Mark’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markgober_author/
- Mark’s Website: https://www.markgober.com/
- 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
Enjoy the show!
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