#398: The Dopamine Biohack | Brain Chemistry, Motivation & Testosterone Secrets Revealed With Lucas Aoun

Today, I'm joined by Lucas Aoun, from Australia, supplement formulator, and self-described human guinea pig. Lucas and I dive into his personal journey from working behind the counter at his father's pharmacy, to experimenting with early nootropic formulas, and ultimately becoming a sought-after educator in the world of biohacking.   Episode Timestamps: Podcast introduction and guest welcome ... 00:00:00 Lucas Aoun's journey into biohacking ... 00:04:13 Innovative supplement formulation and teacrine ... 00:10:00 Dopamine's role in motivation and productivity ... 00:32:09 Bioindividual supplement responses and AI in health ... 00:17:00 Alcohol alternatives and social nootropics ... 00:39:52 Optimizing exercise timing and performance ... 00:48:49 Testosterone, thyroid, and men's health fundamentals ... 00:53:01 Diet diversity: carnivore, vegan, and healthy fats ... 00:59:19 Catwaba Pure: origins, benefits, and uses ... 01:13:12   Our Amazing Sponsors: Nootropept by LVLUP - an advanced cognitive enhancement formula that combines fast-acting neuropeptides, cholinergic support, and mitochondrial-boosting compounds to sharpen mental clarity, memory, and long-term brain performance. Visit https://lvluphealth.com/ and use code NAT at checkout for 20% off.   PW1 protein powder is third-party tested for more than 200 contaminants, and Puori was the only brand that earned the Clean Label Project Transparency Certificate. That level of disclosure is rare. And refreshing. If you want protein that supports your goals — without the guesswork — go to Puori.com/NAT and use code NAT for 32% off your first subscription or 20% off anything on the site.   NEW Timeline Gummies: Urolithin A supports muscle strength and cellular energy. It's about improving how your body functions at the source. Mitopure is the only clinically proven Urolithin A, giving you six times more than you'd get from a glass of pomegranate juice. Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, it's just me, and we're doing things a little differently on the Longevity Podcast. With the intensity of the holiday season winding down, I wanted to take a step back from the usual deep-dives and high-tech hacks to focus on something fundamental—free, practical strategies to help you manage stress. Chronic stress is sneaky in how it accelerates aging, impacts your telomeres, and undoes even the most powerful interventions, but thankfully, there are simple ways we can start to turn things around.   Episode Timestamps: Welcome and episode introduction ... 00:00:00 Immune support with bioregulators ... 00:00:40 Why focus on free stress management tools ... 00:01:54 How chronic stress accelerates aging ... 00:04:32 Stress undermining longevity interventions ... 00:05:13 The importance of nervous system balance ... 00:06:50 Recognizing hidden stress and using HRV ... 00:07:45 When to seek further medical help ... 00:09:46 Recap: chronic stress shortens your healthspan ... 00:10:21 10 free strategies to manage stress ... 00:12:25 Connection and volunteering ... 00:13:15 Break the doom scrolling habit ... 00:17:37 Benefits of time in nature ... 00:20:02 Exercise for resilience ... 00:22:41 Breath work and vagus nerve support ... 00:25:33 Practicing gratitude daily ... 00:31:33 The power of sleep ... 00:34:30 Taking time for yourself ... 00:35:19   Our Amazing Sponsors: Nature's Marvels by Profound Helath - The Thymus Bioregulator helps keep immune response balanced and small human studies in older adults link it with healthier immune markers and fewer seasonal respiratory issues. The Pineal Bioregulator supports your natural melatonin/circadian rhythm—key when schedules and daylight change—so you get the kind of sleep that underpins immune resilience. Head to profound-health.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off your first order.   Fatty15: C15 is 3x more effective than omega-3 and totally vegan. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/NATNIDDAM and using code NATNIDDAM at checkout.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by Dr. James Hardt—founder of Biocybernaut and a true pioneer in the world of neurofeedback. With over four decades spent mapping how our brainwaves shape emotions, performance, and even identity, Dr. Hardt has helped reframe the conversation around unlocking human potential, making cutting-edge brain training accessible to seekers, creatives, and everyday biohackers alike. Download a FREE copy of his book "The Art of Smart Thinking" at www.biocybernaut.com/bonus   Episode Timestamps: Intro to Longevity Podcast and host ... 00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. James Hardt and neurofeedback ... 00:00:34 Alpha brain waves: effects on trauma, creativity, IQ, EQ, and longevity ... 00:00:57 Biocybernaut and personal experience ... 00:00:49 Overview of neurofeedback basics and early challenges ...00:12:14 Brainwave types explained (delta, theta, alpha, etc.) ... 00:22:12 Importance of alpha training ... 00:29:37 Neurofeedback benefits: creativity, IQ, EQ, and emotional trauma ... 00:39:34 Alpha waves, aging, and longevity ... 00:46:58 Accessible strategies to boost alpha ... 00:51:55 Subconscious mind, ego, and forgiveness work ... 00:58:02 Case studies and health breakthroughs ... 01:01:27 Future of neurofeedback: AI and accessibility ... 01:05:53 Personal transformation and closing remarks ... 01:14:22   Our Amazing Sponsors: Tro Mune by Troscriptions - Cold season doesn't have to take you out. I use Tro Mune—a nightly buccal troche with 75 mg cordycepin—to build immune resilience while I sleep. Take ½–1 before bed, and use it before you get sick or right when you feel it. Troscriptions.com, use NAT10, and get 10% off your first order.   Tranq Dart by Wizard Sciences - a multi-pathway sleep support from Wizard Sciences. It's not a knockout pill; it's a gentle nudge toward that wind-down zone. I take it about 30 minutes before bed, and it helps my body and brain sync up for sleep. Visit wizardsciences.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off. Sleep smarter, not harder. Blue Peptide Spray from Young Goose brings the message back loud and clear. With NAD+ APEX to refuel energy, methylene blue to recharge your mitochondria, and GHK-Cu to tell your skin, "Hey, start making that collagen again!" It's longevity science, not cosmetic hype. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you're an existing customer.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm sitting down with the irrepressible Siggi Clavien, renowned biotech innovator and founder of De-liver-ance, a groundbreaking formula for liver health. Siggi's story is deeply personal—motivated by the loss of loved ones to liver disease, he's made it his life's mission to demystify liver health and help others avoid the fate that touched his own family.   Visit http://loveyourliver.com/NAT code: NAT for 5% off   Episode Timestamps: Introduction and podcast themes ... 00:00:00 Eastern vs. Western liver views ... 00:07:09 Why liver health is central to longevity ... 00:09:28 Hidden toxins: everyday exposures ... 00:12:10 Emotional toxicity and liver ... 00:16:06 Imaging vs. blood tests for liver health ... 00:17:22 Fatty liver trends, risk factors, and children ... 00:20:24 Cirrhosis: new causes, gallbladder link ... 00:25:21 Diet, drugs, and detox ... 00:30:07 Supporting detox daily ... 00:33:39 Fatty liver, metabolism, and key nutrients ... 00:36:41 Liver's impact on mood, brain, hormones ... 00:44:22 Menopause, hormones, and the liver ... 00:47:43 Supplements, packaging, and hidden chemicals ... 00:56:07 Fasting, microplastics, and weight loss stress ... 00:59:29 Deliverance formula: development and benefits ... 01:08:06 Guidance for using Deliverance ... 01:24:04 Core habits: hydration, alcohol, diet soda ... 01:25:39   Our Amazing Sponsors: Blue Peptide Spray from Young Goose: brings the message back loud and clear. With NAD+ APEX to refuel energy, methylene blue to recharge your mitochondria, and GHK-Cu to tell your skin, "Hey, start making that collagen again!" It's longevity science, not cosmetic hype. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you're an existing customer.   Fatty15: C15 is 3x more effective than omega-3 and totally vegan. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/NATNIDDAM and using code NATNIDDAM at checkout.   Nature's Marvels from Profound Health: The Thymus Bioregulator helps keep immune response balanced and small human studies in older adults link it with healthier immune markers and fewer seasonal respiratory issues. The Pineal Bioregulator supports your natural melatonin/circadian rhythm—key when schedules and daylight change—so you get the kind of sleep that underpins immune resilience. Head to profound-health.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off your first order.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined once again by the incredible Dr. Bill Lawrence, a true pioneer in the field of longevity research and one of the most requested guests on this podcast. Dr. Lawrence trained directly with Professor Vladimir Khavinson—the scientist who discovered and developed bioregulator peptides—and has spent the last eight years leading some of the most exciting field research in this space.   Episode Timestamps: Welcome and introduction to Longevity Podcast ... 00:00:00 Origins and early use of bioregulator peptides in Soviet research ... 00:05:39 Organ-specific peptide mechanisms and targeting ... 00:08:28 Dr. Lawrence's collaboration with Professor Cavinson ... 00:12:17 Overview of American clinical studies and study protocols ... 00:14:13 Measuring biological age: telomeres and epigenetic markers ... 00:15:06 Key Russian studies and impact of peptides on mortality ... 00:17:00 Peptides as ultimate epigenetic switches and DNA repair ... 00:20:00 Importance of pineal and thymus peptides in protocols ... 00:22:28 Advances in peptide testing and lab beta-testing ... 00:28:05 Clinical outcomes: organ regeneration and normalized function ...00:35:54 Bioregulator peptides vs. synthetics: modulation vs. boosting ... 00:39:28 Dr. Lawrence's personal telomere and epigenetic age results ... 01:07:56 Impact of stress and meditation on telomere length ... 01:10:37 Group results: significant telomere and epigenetic age reversal ... 01:13:03 System-level organ age tracking and protocol targeting ... 01:27:14 International expansion and next steps in peptide research ... 01:37:03   Our Amazing Sponsors:   Kineon - near-infrared light helps improve circulation, oxygen delivery, and mitochondrial function, which can support focus, recovery, and even overall brain health. Visit kineon.io/NATNIDDAM and get 10% off!   BEAM Minerals - Mineral deficiency support. One shot in the morning, tastes like water, and you've just restored every essential mineral your cells are craving. Go to beamminerals.com, use code NAT20, and get 20% off your first order.   Nootropept by LVLUP - an advanced cognitive enhancement formula that combines fast-acting neuropeptides, cholinergic support, and mitochondrial-boosting compounds to sharpen mental clarity, memory, and long-term brain performance. Visit https://lvluphealth.com/ and use code NAT at checkout for 20% off.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by the incomparable Dr. Ted Achacoso—a true pioneer in shifting healthcare from "what's wrong with you" to "what's right with you." Trained across neurology, pharmacology, AI, and nutritional medicine, Dr. Achacoso brings a sharp mix of science, humor, and unfiltered honesty to our conversation. We get real about what it takes to optimize health at the cellular level, why metabolomics is the future doctors can't ignore, and how something as simple as a toxicity panel can completely change your health trajectory.   Episode Timestamps: Welcome and episode introduction ... 00:00:00 Science, laughter, and Dr. Ted's background ... 00:00:38 Early curiosity, accelerated medical pathway ... 00:07:20 Reframing healthcare: from disease to wellness ... 00:14:04 Cell danger response and importance of metabolomics ...00:16:15 Case study: toxicity panel as diagnostic game-changer ... 00:35:17 Patient motivation and behavioral change ... 00:44:20 Vitamin D: its underestimated power and role ... 00:51:12 Vitamin D paradox, genetics, and medication effects ... 01:00:34 Daily longevity habits and mindset ... 01:22:03 Longevity in one word: balance ... 01:33:05 Home Hope resources and closing ... 01:35:20   Our Amazing Sponsors:   Tro Mune by Troscriptions - Cold season doesn't have to take you out. I use Tro Mune—a nightly buccal troche with 75 mg cordycepin—to build immune resilience while I sleep. Take ½–1 before bed, and use it before you get sick or right when you feel it. Troscriptions.com, use NAT10, and get 10% off your first order.   Digestive Bitters by Just Thrive - One capsule before eating helps your body absorb more nutrients, ease digestion, and leave you feeling light instead of weighed down. Head over to Justthrivehealth.com/discount/NAT and use code NAT20 for 20% off.   Tranq Dart by Wizard Sciences - a multi-pathway sleep support from Wizard Sciences. It's not a knockout pill; it's a gentle nudge toward that wind-down zone. I take it about 30 minutes before bed, and it helps my body and brain sync up for sleep. Visit wizardsciences.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off. Sleep smarter, not harder.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by the innovative Jon Hacker, whose name couldn't be more perfect for the biohacking space. While his family hacks computers, Jon decided to hack something a bit messier—the human mind. After growing up with severe OCD and witnessing the rising tide of global anxiety, he became obsessed with one question: Why are we all stuck in fight or flight, and what can we actually do about it?   Use code NAT at https://zenbud.health/nat for 15% off   Episode Timestamps: Introduction to Longevity Podcast and Host ... 00:00:00 The Rise of Anxiety and Mental Health Innovation ... 00:05:19 Why Modern Society Fuels Anxiety ... 00:07:18 Impact of Chronic Stress on Health ... 00:08:51 Barriers to Managing Anxiety with Habits Alone ... 00:17:17 CBT and the Need for Better Tools ... 00:19:27 Vagus Nerve: What It Does and Why It Matters ... 00:20:37 Zenbud: Ultrasound vs. Electrical Stimulation ... 00:28:58 Zenbud Headset Experience and Simplicity ... 00:34:25 Zenbud's Role in Stress Resilience and Longevity ... 00:47:45 Purpose, Mindfulness, and the Future of Biohacking ... 00:50:55 Zenbud: Key Safety Points and Adoption Challenges ... 01:01:08 Zenbud as "An Off Switch for Stress" and Closing ... 01:02:52 Final Tips, Special Offer, and Outro ... 01:03:30   Our Amazing Sponsors: Sunlamp (BTS2) by Mitolux - When your skin makes vitamin D from UVB light, it also creates natural companion molecules that help your body use it smarter—so you're not just boosting levels, you're activating your biology the way nature intended. Visit mitolux.com/NAT10. You'll receive 10% off! NAT10 will be automatically applied at checkout.   NEW Timeline Gummies: Urolithin A supports muscle strength and cellular energy. It's about improving how your body functions at the source. Mitopure is the only clinically proven Urolithin A, giving you six times more than you'd get from a glass of pomegranate juice. Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase.   Probiotic Breakthrough by Bioptimizers - uses a stress-tested Lactobacillus plantarum strain that showed over 30× greater survival in bile and intestinal fluid vs. generic strains. Save 15% at bioptimizers.com/bionat and use code BIONAT for 15% off any order.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by the incredible Nadine Artemis, a true pioneer in natural beauty and holistic health. Nadine is well known for bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, and in this episode, she completely redefines how we look at hair care—not just as a cosmetic routine, but as a form of biological reset. She shares how everything from stress to toxins and even your shower water can disrupt the delicate ecosystem of your scalp, and how her simple, nature-inspired rituals can help restore balance.   Past episode: Episode #90: Do You Want Less Trips To The Dentist, Whiter Teeth, And Better Overall Health? Episode #103: Safe Sunscreen, Circadian Rhythm, and Do We Actually Age with Sun?   Study with Rosemary: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/ Scalp applicator   Episode Timestamps: Episode introduction and focus on hair health ... 00:00:00 Meet Nadine Artemis and "Renegade Beauty" ... 00:04:05 Hair and oral health as longevity signals ... 00:09:33 Skin/scalp microbiome and product residues ... 00:12:01\ Stress, hormones, and pandemic hair loss ... 00:14:14 Optimizing hair follicle growth and supplements ... 00:15:43 Scalp cleansing, massaging, and circulation ... 00:21:25 Filtering water and natural scalp treatments ... 00:26:08 Rosemary oil, melatonin for hair regrowth ... 00:32:15 Photobiomodulation and red light for scalp ... 00:36:30 Essential oils—antimicrobial, support for dandruff ... 00:51:09 Practical routines for dry/flaky vs. oily scalp ... 01:05:49 Navigating hormonal and age-related hair changes ... 01:07:07 Summary of effective natural hair care strategies ... 01:16:00   Our Amazing Sponsors: Kineon: near-infrared light helps improve circulation, oxygen delivery, and mitochondrial function, which can support focus, recovery, and even overall brain health. Visit kineon.io/NATNIDDAM and get 10% off!   Fatty15: C15 is 3x more effective than omega-3 and totally vegan. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/NATNIDDAM and using code NATNIDDAM at checkout.   Manukora honey - From remote forests in New Zealand, where bees collect nectar from the native Manuka tea tree. That nectar is naturally rich in antibacterial compounds like MGO, plus antioxidants and prebiotics that support immunity and gut health. Visit manukora.com/NAT to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit - you'll get an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Brad Currier, Manager of Clinical Trials at Timeline Nutrition and an expert in the world of muscle and aging research. Brad is on the cutting edge of mitochondrial science, and in this episode, he helps us unravel the mysteries of why some 80-year-olds are still crushing it in the gym while others struggle to get up the stairs. We dive into his fascinating research on mitophagy—our bodies' system for recycling dysfunctional mitochondria—and what it means for muscle health, strength, and vibrant aging.   Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase.   Episode Timestamps: Episode start … 00:00:00 What is Mitophagy? Why It Matters as We Age ... 00:04:53 Mitophagy in Athletes vs. General Population ... 00:07:15 Urolithin A and Why Most People Can't Make It ... 00:12:12 What Mitopure Does: Mitophagy and Biogenesis ... 00:24:10 Key Study: Strength Gains in Middle-Aged Adults ... 00:26:43 Dose Guidance: 500mg vs. 1g ... 00:31:39 Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Immune Health ... 00:33:07 Benefits Beyond Muscle: Skin, Immunity, Brain ... 00:35:01 Weightlifter Study: Performance in Trained Athletes ... 00:40:34 Mitopure for Recovery and User Experiences ... 00:46:41 How to Use Mitopure: Timing, Dosage, Consistency ... 00:52:54 Protein, Creatine, and Mitopure: The Basics Stack ... 00:53:41 Recovery, Cycling, and How Soon Benefits Appear ... 00:58:44 Debunking Myths: Pomegranate, Antioxidant, Athletes Only ... 01:10:26 Mitopure vs. Generic Urolithin A: Safety Concerns ... 01:13:39   Our Amazing Sponsors: Tranq Dart by Wizard Sciences - a multi-pathway sleep support from Wizard Sciences. It's not a knockout pill; it's a gentle nudge toward that wind-down zone. I take it about 30 minutes before bed, and it helps my body and brain sync up for sleep. Visit wizardsciences.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off. Sleep smarter, not harder.   Tro Mune by Troscriptions - Cold season doesn't have to take you out. I use Tro Mune—a nightly buccal troche with 75 mg cordycepin—to build immune resilience while I sleep. Take ½–1 before bed, and use it before you get sick or right when you feel it. Troscriptions.com, use NAT10, and get 10% off your first order.   Thymus & Pineal BioRegulators - The Thymus Bioregulator helps keep immune response balanced and small human studies in older adults link it with healthier immune markers and fewer seasonal respiratory issues. The Pineal Bioregulator supports your natural melatonin/circadian rhythm—key when schedules and daylight change—so you get the kind of sleep that underpins immune resilience. Head to profound-health.com and use code LONGEVITY15 for 15% off your first order.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Elena Gross, a neuroscientist with an inspiring story and a relentless drive to solve the mysteries behind chronic migraines and brain health. Dr. Gross's personal journey—enduring twenty days of migraine each month and navigating countless failed treatments—led her from crawling through the pain to founding Brain Ritual, a company reimagining brain fuel for longevity.   Episode Timestamps: Intro and offers ... 00:00:00 Elena Gross's journey from chronic migraines to neuroscience ... 00:46 Distinguishing migraines from headaches ... 08:13 Energy deficit in the brain and ketones as a solution ... 15:05 Mechanisms and benefits of ketones for brain health ... 23:03 Micronutrients and mitochondrial support ... 28:20 Perfume, toxins, and migraine triggers ... 32:30 Hormonal, dietary, and oxidative stress factors in migraines ... 34:33 Exogenous ketones: Types, safety, and application ... 44:43 Brain Ritual supplement overview ... 47:04 Expanding beyond migraines: Mitochondria and neuropsychiatric health ... 57:31 Four pillars for mastering migraines ... 67:00 Actionable starting step for listeners ... 71:58 How to access Brain Ritual and community ... 73:10   Our Amazing Sponsors: Regenerive - Most cheap Ashwagandha is bulked up with stems and leaves to inflate the "actives." Those parts can bring compounds you don't actually want in your body. A root-only extract containing four newly identified bioactives, the ASHX4 Complex. Visit regenerive.co and use code NAT25 for 25% off.   StemRegen - A plant-based supplement protocol designed to enhance stem cell function. support your recovery, flexibility, and long-term vitality. Visit stemregen.co/NAT15 and use code: NAT15 for 15% off your order.   Blue Peptide Spray from Young Goose - brings the message back loud and clear. With NAD+ APEX to refuel energy, methylene blue to recharge your mitochondria, and GHK-Cu to tell your skin, "Hey, start making that collagen again!" It's longevity science, not cosmetic hype. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you're an existing customer.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group