EP 1271
1271. Web3 & the Future of Genetics: AI, Blockchain & Data Ownership with Nillion
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with cybersecurity pioneer Michael Tiffany and biohacker-technologist Vishakh to explore a revolutionary idea: your DNA and health data don’t belong to you—but they could.
They reveal how next-gen tech like Nillion, Fulcra.ai, and Monadic DNA are building a world where your most sensitive data stays encrypted, private, and profitable—without ever being exposed.
Together, they dive into the explosive intersection of genomics, blockchain, AI, and privacy, exposing the hidden systems that control your data—and how to take it back.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Your DNA, health data, and digital identity are encrypted, monetized, and weaponized against you.
But what if there was a way to take it back… and hack the system?
In this mind-expanding episode, Dave sits down with two elite hacker-founders—Michael Tiffany, CEO of Fulcra.ai, and Vishakh, founder of Monadic DNA—to explore a radical shift in the way we store, protect, and use our most personal data.
Together, they break down the Web3 tech stack powering this revolution. Enter Nillion, a distributed, privacy-preserving compute network that allows you to share and analyze your encrypted data… without ever giving it away.
From genomic privacy to AI sovereignty, this episode exposes the hidden architecture of control—and how to escape it. You’ll learn how cutting-edge blockchain and cryptography are rewriting the rules of ownership, consent, and even identity itself.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why your DNA is already in government databases—and how long they keep it
- How Nillionenables secure computation on private data
- What it means to build a “cybernetic operating system” for your body
- Why Fulcra.aiis building the orchestration layer of human optimization
- How Monadic DNAhelps you profit from your genetics—without giving them away
- Why owning your data is the next frontier of biohacking
- The surprising connection between decentralization, health freedom, and consciousness
- How to join the movement toward true data sovereignty
If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving away too much to big tech, big pharma, or just the internet itself—this conversation will change how you see your data… and your body.
**Join the Fulca sleep study today! Visit https://fulcra.ai/sleep to sign up**
**Get a 30% discount on Fulca with code “DAVE”!
SPONSORS
-IGNITON | Go to https://www.biohackingconference.com/ and get your tickets while there are still great discounts available. Learn more at https://igniton.com/.
-Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount.
“When you lift people up, they become harder to compromise. Powerful people are literally unruly—as in, hard to rule. And you might think that leads to chaos, but it doesn’t.”
Michael Tiffany
- 00:00 – Trailer
A fast-paced preview of what this mind-expanding episode explores.
- 02:01 – Intro
Dave sets the stage for a conversation that blends tech, privacy, and biology.
- 02:26 – Data Privacy & AI: The Big Shift
How Web3 and AI are transforming data control and personal agency.
- 03:21 – Meet Michael Tiffany
Michael Tiffany’s journey from hacker to cybersecurity innovator.
- 04:41 – Cybernetic Operating Systems
What it means to control your life through a personalized operating system.
- 05:13 – Wearables & Personal Augmentation
Exploring how wearables can enhance human awareness and performance.
- 08:21 – Meet Vishakh: DNA Privacy Mission
Vishakh shares his mission to return DNA ownership to the individual.
- 09:25 – Why Genetic Data Needs Protection
The alarming truth about how your genetic data is stored and used.
- 11:30 – New Tech: Encryption & Privacy Tools
New breakthroughs in privacy tech that keep your data fully encrypted.
- 16:13 – How Multi-Party Compute Works
Explaining how encrypted, collaborative computation is finally possible.
- 41:58 – Emergence: Behavior & Systems
How human behavior mirrors distributed systems and emergent intelligence.
- 49:11 – Meditation & Mental Reprogramming
The role of meditation in disrupting negative cognitive patterns.
- 50:20 – Distributed Computing & Biology
What biology and decentralized tech have in common—and why it matters.
- 56:15 – Environment Shapes Potential
How environments—from mold to stress—shape our health and potential.
- 57:57 – Empowering Individuals at Scale
Why giving people control over their data makes societies stronger.
- 01:00:31 – Biohacking Meets Inner Awareness
Using feedback tech and ancient tools to deepen internal awareness.
- 01:04:01 – The Dark Side of DIY Mind Hacks
Why unstructured self-experimentation can sometimes backfire.
- 01:06:09 – Future of Biohacking & Community
What’s next for biohacking when community and privacy converge.
- 01:12:28 – Integrating Genetic & Life Data
Bringing together genetics, wearables, and environmental data for real insight.
- 01:20:39 – Why We Started Biohacking
The personal health battles that inspired these founders to act.
- 01:25:01 – Favorite Current Biohacks
A rapid-fire look at the guests’ favorite current self-optimization tools.
- 01:31:41 – Final Thoughts & Resources
How to get involved, learn more, and explore the tools discussed.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Fulcra Dynamics Website – https://www.fulcradynamics.com/
- MonadicDNA Website: https://monadicdna.com/
- 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025
- 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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