1255. Hacking Oxytocin, How to Use Rapamycin, Level Up Your Cold Plunge, Curing Asperger’s & More! AMA #1 with Dave Asprey

• 00:00– Intro 

Exploring the unique cognitive abilities of autistic individuals and their potential in advanced spiritual practices. 

• 00:37– Welcome to the Human Upgrade AMA 

Dave introduces the AMA format and invites listeners to submit future questions through The Upgrade Collective. 

• 01:13– Cold Plunges and Alpha Lipoic Acid for Health 

How alpha lipoic acid works in the body, its benefits for detoxification, and how it pairs with cold therapy. 

• 03:11– Hot and Cold Therapy for Optimal Health 

Why rapid temperature changes stimulate growth hormone and heat shock proteins, and how to upgrade your sauna and cold plunge routine. 

• 07:29– Understanding Thyroid Health and Treatment 

Breaking down thyroid function, the role of T3 and T4, and the best ways to support thyroid health without a prescription. 

• 09:09– The Importance of Selenium 

How selenium levels vary by region, why both too much and too little can be dangerous, and how to supplement safely. 

• 14:41– Stem Cells vs. Exosomes 

Which regenerative treatments actually work, why U.S. stem cell regulations limit effectiveness, and where to go for high-quality therapies. 

• 16:27– Rapamycin for Longevity 

Dave’s take on rapamycin, its role as a senolytic, why he stopped using it, and alternative ways to clear out aging cells. 

• 18:07– Asperger’s Syndrome and Neuroinflammation 

How mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neuroinflammation, and why boosting brain energy can help with cognitive function. 

• 28:53– Understanding Asperger’s and Self-Awareness 

How neurodivergent brains develop differently, and the process of recognizing and adapting to those differences. 

• 29:24– The Challenge of Offering Help 

Why people on the spectrum may resist change, and how to approach conversations about biohacking their neurobiology. 

• 30:06– The Importance of Reconnection Work 

How reconnecting the mind and body through neurofeedback and somatic therapy can improve social interaction and emotional intelligence. 

• 31:34– Personal Development Journey 

Dave shares his own experience with self-improvement, pattern recognition, and learning how to “run human emulation mode.” 

• 34:42– The Role of Emotions in Biohacking 

How emotions influence biohacking success, and why understanding your nervous system’s response is key to upgrading your biology. 

• 35:55– Dealing with Flashbacks and Trauma 

Why unexpected emotional reactions happen, and how to use meditation, forgiveness, and breathing techniques to reset your nervous system. 

• 45:46– The Power of Oxytocin 

How oxytocin influences trust, connection, and happiness, and the best ways to naturally increase it in daily life. 

• 49:48– The Truth About Kale and Oxalates 

Why kale isn’t the superfood it’s made out to be, how oxalates harm your mitochondria, and what to eat instead. 

• 54:25– Teaching Kids to Regulate Their Nervous System 

Practical tools for helping children build emotional resilience and improve focus using breathing exercises and biofeedback. 

Resources:  

• Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
• Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
• 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025
• Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
• Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
• Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
• 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