In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey dives deep into the world of underground dopamine hacks with Australia’s top biohacker, Lucas Aoun. Together, they unpack the cutting-edge science behind Russian compounds like Bromantane and ITPP—powerful tools for enhancing motivation, neuroplasticity, and energy without the crash. You’ll learn how elite performers are stacking nootropics, amino acids, and targeted supplements to build unstoppable drive, optimize mitochondria, and reclaim hormonal balance. Lucas reveals how dopamine connects to testosterone, libido, and confidence—and why most “calming” supplements might be killing your ambition. Whether you’re interested in brain optimization, functional medicine, or hacking your metabolism, this episode gives you the tools to boost motivation, enhance cognitive control, and enter superhuman states of performance.
Ready to learn about the secret compounds, molecules, nootropics, and stacks that Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know about? This episode is packed with the exact dopamine-boosting compounds, stacks, and biohacking protocols that top performers are using to supercharge human performance, brain optimization, and long-term resilience.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Lucas Aoun, Australia’s leading biohacker and founder of Ergogenic Health. Known for his fearless, data-driven experimentation, Lucas specializes in nootropics, dopamine modulation, mitochondria, and functional medicine. He’s spent over a decade testing underground nootropics, hormone-based strategies, and metabolic stacks to achieve elite-level brain and body performance.
Together, they explore Russian-developed compounds like Bromantane and ITPP, revealing how these rare substances impact dopamine regulation, neuroplasticity, and mental drive. You’ll learn how to upregulate tyrosine hydroxylase (your brain’s dopamine switch), build a personalized dopamine stack to boost confidence and focus, and avoid the misleading supplements that quietly kill your ambition.
They also break down the relationship between dopamine and testosterone, and why optimizing both is essential for masculine identity, libido, and high-agency living. The episode dives into DHT science, prolactin suppression, GABA balance, and how to design your own dopamine protocol using proven brain optimization techniques and biohacking supplements.
Other key topics include why ashwagandha may harm motivation, how cold therapy can influence neurotransmitters, and how to enhance sleep with strategic nootropics and amino acids. You’ll also hear about fasting, ketosis, sleep optimization, cabergoline, ciproheptadine, and why your metabolism and mitochondrial health are core to sustainable motivation.
You’ll Learn:
This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, brain optimization, hormone hacking, functional medicine, emotional resilience, and building a state of unstoppable energy. Whether you’re into ketosis, carnivore, or simply looking for the most effective dopamine boosters to feel like your most powerful self, this episode delivers.
Extended Keywords:
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0:00 – Trailer
Highlights from the episode, including dopamine insights, hormonal hacks, and supplement strategies.
0:49 – Intro
Dave welcomes Lucas Aoun and sets the stage for a deep dive into neurohormonal optimization.
1:35 – Dopamine Hacking & Bromantane
Exploring how to modulate dopamine safely and effectively using compounds like Bromantane.
4:25 – Modafinil, Adamantane, and More
A comparison of smart drugs and exotic compounds for focus, motivation, and cognition.
9:11 – Risks and Balancing Neurotransmitters
The dangers of overstimulating dopamine and the importance of GABA for neurological balance.
11:11 – Masculinity, DHT, and Hormones
How DHT and testosterone influence male performance, mood, and confidence.
14:12 – Natural Aphrodisiacs and Dopamine Stacks
Lucas shares libido-boosting herbal stacks that double as motivation and performance enhancers.
17:26 – Ashwagandha, Cortisol, and Stress
The nuanced effects of ashwagandha and how to manage cortisol for optimal stress resilience.
21:09 – Supplements for Sleep and Neurochemistry
Sleep stacks, histamine, and the delicate neurochemical balance for restorative rest.
39:10 – Oxalates, Collagen, and Mitochondrial Health
Discussion on oxalate toxicity, collagen bioavailability, and mitochondrial optimization.
47:39 – Biohacking for Women & Hormone Balance
Targeted protocols for thyroid, perimenopause, and female neurohormonal support.
51:26 – Supplements to Avoid
Personal experiences with ineffective or counterproductive compounds, including ashwagandha and reishi.
54:45 – Mitochondrial Supplements & Endurance
PQQ, CoQ10, and ITPP for energy, longevity, and enhanced physical output.
1:02:43 – Closing & Where to Find Lucas
Final thoughts and where to follow Lucas Aoun and his work online.
Resources:
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