In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey sits down with Josh Felber and Jay Campbell, cofounders of BioLongevity Labs, for a deep dive into peptides, mitochondrial function, and the emerging compounds shaping the next era of biohacking and longevity. They break peptides down in simple terms as amino acid signaling molecules, then explore real-world application including peptide pens versus vials, pharmacokinetics and PK curves, growth hormone–supporting peptides like Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, and CJC, and why convenience drives compliance. The conversation covers mitochondrial-focused compounds such as SS31 now known as elamipretide and MOTS-c, a long-acting folistatin-based peptide aimed at myostatin regulation and muscle retention, and Klotho as a longevity-associated protein tied to endothelial function, kidney health, and cognitive performance, while emphasizing intelligent experimentation, dose awareness, and smarter-not-harder strategies for improving human performance.
Peptides can change how you heal, lean out, build muscle, and age, but only if you stop taking influencer advice and start thinking like a scientist.
-Get a discount from BIOLONGEVITY LABS by using code ‘Dave’ at: https://biolongevitylabs.com/
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Josh Felber and Jay Campbell for a deep, practical conversation on what peptides actually are, how they work in the body, and how to use them without doing something dumb. Josh Felber and Jay Campbell are both cofounders of BioLongevity Labs and longtime leaders in the peptide and performance space. Josh is also the host of the Making Bank podcast and a serial entrepreneur in health. Jay has spent more than a decade researching and teaching advanced peptide protocols and performance strategies.
They break peptides down in plain English as chains of amino acids that act like signaling molecules, then get into what matters in the real world: delivery methods, dosing, and why pharmacokinetics and timing decide whether something works. You’ll hear why peptide pens feel like a huge upgrade over vials and syringes, why Dave wants patches and microneedle tech next, and how convenience can make the difference between consistency and quitting.
Dave and the guys also go deep on mitochondria and longevity. They talk about SS31, now called elamipretide, and why it focuses on mitochondrial membranes and cardiolipin. They cover MOTS-c as a “turbocharger” peptide that people often feel fast, especially if they feel metabolically sluggish. They get into growth hormone peptides like Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, and CJC, plus why MK-677 sounds convenient but can come with tradeoffs like appetite and other downstream effects.
Then the conversation turns into what’s new. Jay shares what he claims is a new long-acting folistatin-style compound called FLGR 242, designed to stay active for weeks. He frames it as a potential solution for GLP users who worry about losing muscle. They also talk about Klotho, what it does in aging, why it is hard to stabilize, and why Jay believes small dosing matters because of kidney risk at higher levels. Dave ties Klotho back to endothelial function and kidney protection, and they swap stories about what people report noticing.
You’ll Learn:
Keywords: peptides, biohacking, Dave Asprey, Jay Campbell, Josh Felber, BioLongevity Labs, mitochondrial peptides, elamipretide SS31, MOTS-c, growth hormone peptides, Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, MK-677, folistatin, myostatin inhibitor, FLGR 242, Clotho peptide, longevity science, anti-aging, human performance, muscle growth, fat loss, GLP-1 muscle preservation, pharmacokinetics, peptide dosing, nootropics, functional medicine, metabolism, endothelial function, kidney protection
Resources:
0:00 – Trailer
A rapid-fire preview of the biggest claims in the episode, including next-generation muscle peptides, mitochondrial upgrades, and longevity compounds.
1:22 – Introduction to Peptides
Peptides explained in plain English as amino acid signaling molecules and why they have become central to modern biohacking.
7:52 – Peptide Delivery Systems & Pens
Why peptide pens are replacing traditional reconstitution and syringes, how dosing becomes easier, and why convenience improves consistency.
14:22 – Safety & Regulation of Peptides
Risk profiles, overdosing mistakes, research chemical status, and how regulation affects access and physician guidance.
19:22 – SS-31 & Mitochondrial Health
Elamipretide formerly SS-31, cardiolipin repair, mitochondrial membranes, and why mitochondrial function drives energy and longevity.
26:22 – Blending Peptides & Cross-Linking
Whether mixing peptides reduces efficacy, what cross-linking actually means, and how storage impacts stability over time.
38:22 – Growth Hormone Peptides
Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC, MK-677, and how to stimulate growth hormone intelligently without long-term suppression.
44:22 – FLGR-242: The New Myostatin Inhibitor
A long-acting folistatin-based peptide, myostatin regulation, muscle retention during GLP use, and bold performance claims.
54:22 – Melanin & Consciousness
Melanin as more than pigment, its potential role in brain energy and light biology, and the capacitor analogy for cellular charge.
57:22 – Clotho: The Longevity Peptide
Clotho as an age-declining protein linked to endothelial function, kidney protection, cognitive performance, and cautious dosing.
59:25 – Regulatory Landscape & Future of Peptides
The evolving FDA environment, compounding battles, and why this may be a golden window for peptide experimentation.
Thank you to our sponsors!
“Follow” or “subscribe” to The Human Upgrade™ with Dave Asprey on your favorite podcast platform.
Go to Apple Podcasts at daveasprey.com/apple and leave a (hopefully) 5-star rating and a creative review.
Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form!
Follow @thehumanupgradepodcast on Instagram and Facebook.
Learn directly from Dave Asprey alongside others in a membership group: ourupgradecollective.com.

Smarter Not Harder: The Biohacker’s Guide to Getting the Body and Mind You Want is about helping you to become the best version of yourself by embracing laziness while increasing your energy and optimizing your biology.
Receive weekly biohacking tips and tech by becoming a Dave Asprey insider.