Are Psychedelics the Key to Living Forever? (ft. Bryan Johnson)
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg Podcast Recap
Published:
Guests: Bryan Johnson
What Happened
Bryan Johnson recently experimented with 5-MeO-DMT, a substance 5 to 10 times more powerful than DMT, known as the most potent psychedelic available. This experience involved rapid onset effects, leading to a state of raw consciousness and intelligence. Unlike DMT, 5-MeO-DMT does not produce significant visual changes but profoundly impacts the default mode network, which constructs the self and ego.
Johnson's exploration of psychedelics was part of his broader longevity project, which initially focused on exercise, nutrition, and other health interventions like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and rapamycin. Preclinical evidence from mice studies on psilocybin prompted him to include psychedelics in his research. He conducted the world's most quantified experiment on psilocybin, administering three doses of 25 milligrams each, which suggested potential benefits as a longevity therapy by reducing inflammation and resetting metabolism in the brain.
After using psilocybin, Johnson observed significant improvements in his blood glucose levels and changes to his microbiome. His brain mapping showed a dramatic restoration of youthful brain patterns. Psychedelics, while not widely recognized in the longevity community, may offer therapeutic benefits such as neuroplasticity and trauma resolution.
Johnson emphasized the necessity of using psychedelics in a controlled and supervised environment due to potential risks like permanent psychosis. His 5-MeO-DMT experience left him feeling more childlike and aware, with a renewed sense of humor and excitement. He believes these substances can help maintain a youthful disposition as people age.
Beyond psychedelics, Johnson is interested in future longevity therapies like mitochondrial rejuvenation and augmentation. He is working on using induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) to simulate drug effects and exploring cellular reprogramming through Yamanaka factors. However, precise dosing is crucial to avoid the risk of cancerous cell transformations.
Johnson has also invested in New Limit, a company focusing on computationally solving factor discovery for cellular reprogramming. He is exploring therapies like Fox 3 plasma-based treatments, which could dramatically change human longevity. Mesenchymal stem cells with Foxyl 3 delivery have shown over 50% tissue rejuvenation, indicating promising avenues for extending lifespan.
Key Insights
- Bryan Johnson's experiment with 5-MeO-DMT showed significant impact on the default mode network, leading to a state of pure consciousness without substantial visual changes. This psychedelic is considered 5 to 10 times more powerful than DMT and challenges the user's ego.
- Johnson's longevity project, initially focused on traditional health interventions, expanded to include psychedelics after finding preclinical evidence of psilocybin's benefits. Psilocybin was shown to reduce inflammation, reset metabolism, and improve biological markers in Johnson's quantified experiments.
- The integration of psychedelics in longevity research is not mainstream but has shown potential in neuroplasticity and trauma resolution. Johnson's experiences suggest these substances can rejuvenate psychological states, contributing to a youthful mindset.
- Future longevity therapies are being explored by Johnson, including mitochondrial rejuvenation and cellular reprogramming. Investments in companies like New Limit aim to advance cellular reprogramming techniques, though precise dosing remains crucial to avoid adverse effects like carcinogenesis.
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