EP 1304

1304. The Biohacking Tool That Will Change the World (Mitochondrial Transfusions)

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey dives into what may be the most advanced longevity technology of our time: mitochondrial transfusion. Joined by tech entrepreneur and Mitrix founder Tom Benson, Dave explores how restoring your own youthful mitochondria could radically extend healthspan, reverse biological aging, and transform human performance. They unpack the science behind mitochondrial bioreactors, stem cell-derived energy repair, and why mitochondria may function as AI-like processors that regulate everything from metabolism to brain optimization. You’ll learn how mitochondrial hacking could unlock new frontiers in functional medicine, neuroplasticity, and disease prevention—and why this cellular upgrade may soon rival stem cells, nootropics, and NAD+ as the future of biohacking. 

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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...

This may be the most cutting-edge life extension technology you’ll hear about for decades. You’ll discover how mitochondrial transfusion, rejuvenation, and repair could reverse biological aging, supercharge your metabolism, and radically extend healthspan—all by upgrading the cellular energy systems that power every function in your body. 

 

Host Dave Asprey sits down with inventor and tech entrepreneur Tom Benson, founder of Mitrix. After launching three successful Silicon Valley companies, Benson shifted focus to one of the most promising frontiers in science: mitochondrial bioreactors designed to regrow your own autologous mitochondria. This isn’t theory—it’s a near-future anti-aging technology poised to transform functional medicine, personalized medicine, and the global conversation around aging reversal. 

 

They explore how mitochondrial DNA mismatches affect aging, why mitochondria act like cellular AI cores, and how dysfunction in these ancient organelles contributes to neurodegenerative disease, metabolic decline, and cognitive disorders. You’ll learn how restoring mitochondria could enhance everything from stem cell therapy and nootropics to ketosis, fasting, cold therapy, and even sleep optimization. 

 

You’ll Learn: 

  • Why mitochondria may be the real control centers of human biology
  • How mitochondrial transfusion could revolutionize longevity and functional medicine
  • The connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and Parkinson’s, autism, and ALS
  • Why brain optimization and neuroplasticity depend on cellular energy
  • How stem cell-derived mitochondria compare to nootropics and NAD
  • What happens when mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA are mismatched
  • Why early aging might start with your egg cells’ mitochondrial computing
  • How mitochondrial health influences metabolism, ketosis, and fat storage
  • Why stress, toxins, and pharmaceuticals like statins wreck mitochondrial function
  • What it takes to scale mitochondrial bioreactors for widespread human use
  • How mitochondrial hacking could improve immune function, sleep, and resilience
  • Why the future of biohacking might begin with testing and upgrading your mitochondria

 

This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about biohacking longevity, functional aging, mitochondrial testing, and next-gen human optimization. 

 

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 the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors!  

ARMRA | Go to https://tryarmra.com/ and use the code DAVE to get 15% off your first order.  

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“We’re not trying to create superhuman mitochondria—we’re just trying to pump as many 20-year-old versions of yours back into you as possible.”

Tom Benson

  • 00:00 Trailer 

A powerful opening teaser highlighting the promise of mitochondria for human performance and longevity. 

  • 01:42 Intro 

Dave sets the stage for a deep dive into mitochondrial science and why it matters more than ever. 

  • 04:33 Mitochondrial DNA & Performance 

Exploring how mitochondrial DNA directly affects energy, resilience, and cellular optimization. 

  • 08:49 Challenges in Mitochondrial Therapy 

A look at the scientific roadblocks and unknowns surrounding mitochondrial enhancement. 

  • 13:31 Future Applications 

How cutting-edge research could unlock treatments for aging, disease, and performance enhancement. 

  • 19:07 Mitochondria & Longevity 

Linking mitochondrial function to lifespan extension and age-related decline. 

  • 20:19 Traditional Medicine 

Ancient approaches and Eastern perspectives on supporting mitochondrial health. 

  • 28:50 Space Exploration 

Why mitochondria are a central concern in space travel and human survival beyond Earth. 

  • 29:35 Human Fragility 

Reflections on how mitochondrial weakness reveals the limits of human biology. 

  • 30:19 Aging Revisited 

A deeper look into how mitochondrial dysfunction drives visible and invisible aging. 

  • 32:52 Experimental Research 

Emerging studies and unconventional trials pushing the boundaries of mitochondrial science. 

  • 36:04 Ethics & Risks 

What happens when we start editing energy systems at the core of human life? 

  • 41:24 Mental Health Links 

Connecting mitochondrial function to depression, anxiety, and brain energy. 

  • 46:28 Treatment Breakthroughs 

Promising therapies and tools already showing results in mitochondrial restoration. 

  • 51:01 Personal Longevity Hacks 

Dave shares his own daily practices and protocols to support mitochondrial power. 

  • 54:30 Wrap-Up & Contact 

Final thoughts and resources for diving deeper into the mitochondrial upgrade.  

 

Resources:  

Enjoy the show!

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