In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey sits down with Catharine Arnston, PhD, founder of ENERGYbits and a leading voice in algae research and functional medicine. Entering her 70th year with the energy, skin, and cognition of someone decades younger, Catharine is living proof of what happens when you care for your mitochondria. Together they unpack why mitochondrial decline accelerates after age 30, how superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione protect against cellular aging, and why spirulina and chlorella are uniquely powerful for energy, detox, and resilience. You’ll hear practical strategies for using algae to optimize brain performance, metabolism, and longevity—plus insights on diet, hormones, and the hidden biological “programming” that makes aging optional. Built for listeners who care about biohacking, hacking human performance, and functional medicine, this conversation connects mitochondria with real-world energy, resilience, and lifespan upgrades.
Your mitochondria are the power plants of your cells, and when they break down, you lose energy, brain sharpness, and resilience against aging. In this episode, you’ll learn how to hack your mitochondria to supercharge human performance, prevent decline, and extend longevity with tools that are natural, effective, and backed by decades of research.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Catharine Arnston, founder of ENERGYbits, recent PhD graduate, and one of the world’s top experts on algae and functional medicine. Entering her 70th year without medications, with the cognition to finish a doctorate, and the health markers of someone decades younger, Catharine is living proof of how mitochondria and nutrition shape aging, brain optimization, and resilience.
Together they break down why mitochondria fail after age 30, how algae works as a master supplement to restore superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, and what happens when you give your cells the nutrients they’re wired to need. They uncover how mitochondria connect to energy, inflammation, metabolism, and cellular resilience. This is a masterclass in hacking energy and longevity, built for people who want to upgrade every system of the body and mind.
You’ll learn:
This is essential listening for fans of biohacking, hacking human performance, functional medicine, and longevity who want actionable tools from Host Dave Asprey and a guest who embodies what it means to age with energy, clarity, and vitality.
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 brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (audio-only), and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Keywords: Catharine Arnston, mitochondria, biohacking, algae supplements, spirulina, chlorella, superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione, metabolism, longevity, human performance, brain optimization, functional medicine, supplements, neuroplasticity, nootropics, ketosis, fasting, cold therapy, sleep optimization, carnivore, Danger Coffee, Smarter Not Harder, Dave Asprey, Human Upgrade podcast
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0:00 — Trailer
Preview of the episode’s focus on mitochondria, energy, and longevity.
1:18 — Intro
Dave welcomes Catharine Arnston and sets up her unique story of turning 70 with youthful health.
3:03 — Longevity & Algae
Catharine explains her health practices, daily algae use, and approach to graceful aging.
8:48 — Mitochondria & ATP
Discussion of what mitochondria do, why ATP matters, and how energy drives human performance.
13:08 — Free Radicals & SOD
How superoxide dismutase (SOD) and antioxidants defend against free radical damage.
13:18 — Aging After 30
Why humans are “programmed” to decline after 30 and how to counteract evolutionary biology.
17:18 — Men vs Women in Aging
How hormone shifts and mitochondrial stress affect men and women differently.
24:18 — Mitochondrial Breakdown
A deep dive into the electron transport chain, mitochondrial fragmentation, and cell swelling.
30:03 — Algae for Mitochondria
Why spirulina and chlorella are unique for supporting mitochondria and cellular repair.
37:18 — SOD, Glutathione & Manganese
The synergy of SOD, glutathione, and manganese in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
45:18 — Algae Dosing Tips
Practical guidance on how much spirulina and chlorella to take, and how to use them for adults, kids, and even pets.
51:18 — Processing & Quality
Why algae processing methods matter, what makes Energy Bits different, and how to identify quality supplements.
58:18 — Carnivore vs Plants
Exploring the carnivore diet, plant toxins, and how algae fits into modern nutrition strategies.
1:00:48 — Takeaways
Catharine’s closing message on aging well, Dave’s summary, and a celebratory wrap-up.
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