EP 1291
1291. Why Most Supplements Are a WASTE of Money (And What Actually Works)
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey sits down with MTE founder Jeff Boyd to expose the truth about the supplement industry and why most products are built to fail. They break down how “clean label” lies, poor bioavailability, and overhyped ingredients are draining your wallet and doing nothing for your biology. You’ll learn how to build a smarter supplement stack that actually works—with nootropics, adaptogens, and nutrient timing that supports mitochondria, resilience, and high performance. This episode blends biohacking, functional medicine, and self-quantification to help you upgrade your energy, brain, and daily routine without relying on caffeine or sugar.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Most supplements don’t work, and this episode reveals why. You’ll learn how to stop wasting money on “expensive pee,” how to spot marketing lies on labels, and which ingredients actually move the needle for energy, focus, and longevity.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Jeff Boyd, founder of MTE and a leader in the new wave of performance supplements. With a background in data-driven wellness and a decade of experience optimizing human performance without caffeine or sugar, Jeff breaks down the science of nootropics, adaptogens, and smart nutrient stacking. His work focuses on self-quantification, nervous system regulation, and sustainable energy for founders, athletes, and high performers.
Together, they explore why 85% of supplements are designed to fail, how to activate mitochondria for real results, and what it means to biohack your biology smarter, not harder. This isn’t just about supplements. It’s about reclaiming your energy, upgrading your brain, and aligning your stack with how your body actually works. You’ll also hear how fasting, sleep optimization, and even subtle neurohacking protocols support long-term resilience and better decision-making.
You’ll Learn:
- The real reason most supplements don’t absorb and how to fix it
- How to build a caffeine-free stack that fuels energy, mood, and clarity
- The latest in adaptogens, nootropics, and functional medicine
- How to align your supplement timing with circadian biology and ketosis
- Why “clean labels” often mean nothing
- How emotional regulation and neurotransmitters shape performance
- Tools for self-quantification and supplement personalization
This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, longevity, smarter supplementation, mitochondrial health, sleep optimization, emotional resilience, and conscious human performance.
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 questions no one else dares and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing.
“I was just tired of taking supplements that didn’t do anything. I didn’t want to feel ‘normal’—I wanted to feel exceptional.”
Jeff Boyd
- 00:00 Trailer
A preview of what you’ll learn about supplements, stress, and smarter performance.
- 01:13 Saffron Benefits
Why this ancient spice is emerging as a powerful mood and focus enhancer.
- 02:26 Medicinal Herbs
Breaking down the real science behind herbs that actually work.
- 04:12 Supplement Formulation
How the supplement industry tricks you—and how to build something better.
- 13:16 Theanine & GABA
Exploring how these calming compounds improve focus, sleep, and stress regulation.
- 20:06 Adaptogens & Performance
How adaptogens help your body adapt to physical and mental stress.
- 23:23 Stress & Muscle Growth
The link between stress response, recovery, and building real strength.
- 24:03 Parenting & Energy
Strategies for avoiding burnout and staying high-performing as a parent.
- 27:47 Nervous System for Kids
Teaching emotional regulation to your kids using simple tools.
- 35:15 Sleep for Families
Why sleep matters most for children—and how parents can reclaim it too.
- 36:41 Wrap-Up & Offers
Final takeaways and how to access a special offer from MTE.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- MTE website – www.getmte.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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