The Augmented Life

Dr. Robert Lufkin is a medical school professor, bestselling author, and former head of diagnostic imaging at UCLA and USC. But what he reveals in this conversation may shake your faith in the healthcare system he helped build.In this episode of The Augmented Life, Dr. Lufkin joins Michael Tiffany for a radical rethinking of what causes chronic disease and what it actually takes to stay healthy. From Alzheimer's to cancer, he explains why the root of nearly every major illness is metabolic dysfunction… and why no pill or surgery will ever fix it.They explore:• Why symptom management isn't healthcare• The overlooked power of lifestyle in reversing disease• How ketosis is changing Alzheimer's and mental health treatment• What happens when doctors finally treat root causes, not just labsIf you're tired of chasing symptoms—or worried about what your future looks like—this episode offers a very different path.

What if aging isn't a slow decline—but an exponential collapse?And what if the key to beating it isn't “trying harder”—but building an entirely different strategy?In this episode of The Augmented Life, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden (Founder & Chief Science Officer of Gladden Longevity) joins Michael Tiffany to challenge everything you think you know about health, performance, and what's really possible across 100+ years of life.You'll learn:• Why you should never optimize for your chronological age• The difference between linear and exponential strategies for longevity• How to decode your genetic “icebergs” before they sink your health• Why the body must be 30… while the mind becomes 300• How meditation, love, and creativity are the ultimate longevity leversDr. Gladden shares tactical insights, mind-expanding frameworks, and practical ways to start compounding your vitality today.If you want to be stronger, sharper, and more alive 20 years from now than you are today, this episode is your blueprint.

What if AI wasn't about intelligence at all—but imagination?In this episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany sits down with Helen Todd to explore what it means to center creativity, community, and well-being in a world increasingly defined by algorithms and automation.Together, they dive into:• Why Helen believes Sam Altman is wrong about the “Intelligence Age”• The case for a new era: The Imagination Age• How to reclaim your attention, intuition, and inner compass in a world designed for distraction• Why community and embodiment are our best defense against digital disconnection• The double-edged sword of AI clones, memory augmentation, and “sparring with yourself”• What it would look like to build AI tools that help us spend less time with tech—and more time being humanWhether you're a founder, a futurist, or just feeling overwhelmed by the noise, this episode is a hopeful, expansive blueprint for a different kind of future—one rooted in purpose, presence, and play.Subscribe for more mind-expanding conversations at the intersection of tech, consciousness, and human potential.

What if your burnout wasn't a mental problem, but a physiological one?Jonny Miller thinks most of us are running modern lives on outdated nervous systems.In this deeply practical and eye-opening episode of The Augmented Life, Jonny joins Michael Tiffany to explore how our nervous system shapes our perception of reality—and what it means to truly upgrade it.You'll learn:• Why HRV is a signal of energy security, not just stress.• How to tell the difference between self-improvement and self-unfoldment.• The 3 core skills of nervous system mastery—and why “calm” isn't the goal.• Why most people are stuck in a “functional freeze” without realizing it.• What tech can (and can't) do to help us regulate more effectively.• Why curiosity—not optimization—is the real engine of healing.This is a conversation for anyone who's ever hit a wall, felt dysregulated, or wondered why they can't just “think” their way to peace.Jonny doesn't just talk theory. He's trained over 1,300 students through his Nervous System Mastery course, helping founders, creatives, and high performers come back into balance—and build from a place of aliveness, not survival. Find out more at: https://www.nsmastery.com/

What if your clone could go to meetings, give speeches, and represent you in multiple cities—all at once?Iliana Oris Valiente did exactly that.In this mind-bending episode of The Augmented Life, Iliana joins Michael Tiffany to unpack what really happens when you build an AI-powered digital twin trained on your voice, your face, your personality—and send it into the world to work alongside you.But this isn't just about productivity.It's about presence, emotion, and the blurry boundary between self and simulation.You'll hear Iliana talk about:This conversation explores the strange, exciting, and very human territory we're stepping into—with digital twins, responsible AI, and what it really means to show up.

What does it really mean to feel seen by an AI?In this episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany is joined by Keri Rich, VP of Product at Lucidworks, to unpack one of the thorniest challenges in AI: how to personalize experiences without making users feel stalked.Together, they explore:They also go deep on the unexpected challenges of building agentic products, tuning retrieval systems for personality, and why the real magic lies in designing systems that feel human… but not too human.If you're thinking about the future of AI, product leadership, or just want to understand where personalized tech is heading next—this one's for you.

What happens when millions of people take health into their own hands?In this episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany sits down with Shelby Newsad, biohacker, investor, and principal author of A Biohacker Future, to explore the explosive intersection of AI, gene therapy, neuromodulation, and self-experimentation.Shelby shares what inspired her to write one of the most ambitious pieces of biotech futurism to date—and why she believes biohacking is not just a fringe movement, but a full-blown social shift toward radical individual empowerment.Topics include:• The rise of the biohacker of necessity• The future of follistatin gene therapy and muscle enhancement• Ultrasonic neuromodulation and the fast-tracking of meditation mastery• How ChatGPT is changing the doctor-patient power dynamic• The role of AI therapy, context-aware LLMs, and digital self-understanding• Why optimism may actually be a sign of higher intelligenceThis episode is a deep, exploratory ride through what's possible when curiosity meets capability, and why the next wave of biotech innovation might start with you.

For this special Q&A episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany and his co-founder, Ash Kalb decided to take a break from the usual format and put themselves in the hot seat. Together they tackled some of the biggest, most pressing questions from Fulcra's audience—questions that sit at the bleeding edge of biohacking, personal optimization, and the future of human augmentation.

In this episode of The Augmented Life, host Michael J.J. Tiffany sits down with tech visionary Robert Scoble to explore the cutting edge of human augmentation. From brain-computer interfaces to AI companions, they discuss how technology is reshaping our lives and capabilities. Robert shares insights from decades in Silicon Valley and offers practical advice for navigating our AI-powered future.TIMESTAMPS:00:49 Robert's background in Silicon Valley and as Apple's "first child laborer"02:19 Early brain-computer interfaces and the difference between novelty and usefulness10:05 How to keep adapting to new technology as you age23:39 The importance of salience and tacit knowledge in AI interactions27:32 Effective prompting techniques for enhancing AI conversations32:50 How AI is transforming medical care and therapy sessions42:00 "AI-first living" and using artificial intelligence for everyday decisions47:04 Why you should record family history and recipes for future AI systems51:29 AR-guided task completion and the future of human augmentation

In an industry drowning in promotional content and paid advertising, Fitt Insider's founder, Anthony Vennare's commitment to genuine, transparent coverage of consumer health products stands out. He's a man of integrity. This episode of The Augmented Life revealed fascinating parallels between Anthony's own personal journey with his health— which included learning how to get to a place of preventative care—and the broader evolution of the wellness industry. Anthony's drive to succeed in business was supported by his training as a marine. There he learned to master the mindset of radical empowerment, which has translated seamlessly to the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, Mindstone CEO, Joshua Wohle, shared this wild insight: Out of 100 people using AI, 10 claim they're experts, 20 say they're advanced, and 50 say they're beginners. The reality? Almost everyone is still a novice. Even the "experts." Here's why this matters: We're witnessing the emergence of an unprecedented productivity divide. Those who truly master AI tools aren't just 2-3x more productive – they're looking at 5-10x gains, potentially scaling to 100x. But here's the good news: You can get ahead of this curve. Listen to the full episode to hear how.

After decades of generic health advice based on broad population studies, a new era of highly personalized insights is emerging thanks to the combination of consumer health devices, data science, and artificial intelligence. In this episode of the Augmented Life podcast, Michael Tiffany spoke with Dr. Ajay Bhargava, a scientist and Python programmer, who conducted a fascinating sleep experiment on someone who shared their data from an Oura ring, Apple Watch, and continuous glucose monitor, using the Fulcra platform tech.

Arthur Breitman, the creator of Tezos, recently joined us to discuss the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and data empowerment. Drawing from his background as a research engineer at Google X and Waymo, as well as his early career in finance at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, Breitman shared his thoughts on decentralization, governance, and the role of technology in reshaping personal data ownership.

The future of healthcare is not just about better treatments but about better communication, proactive care, and leveraging data to make informed decisions. In this conversation, Dr. Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, shared his visionary insights into how AI is reshaping medicine.

In this episode of The Augmented Life, neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Toker shows us where mathematics meets the mind. Through groundbreaking work with brain organoids and large-scale brain simulations, Toker is uncovering the fundamental patterns that distinguish conscious states from unconscious ones. His research spans from studying meditation's effects on brain waves to investigating how psychedelics alter neural complexity, offering new hope for treating disorders of consciousness. Join us as Dr. Toker, known across socials as "the brain scientist" and host of The Brain Scientist podcast, shares new discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of consciousness.

Mollie Eastman was an entrepreneur who found herself chasing solutions for severe insomnia, collecting ineffective sleeping pill prescriptions from doctors in Croatia, Budapest, and Italy. Instead of accepting this as her fate, she dove deep into understanding sleep for herself. Now running Sleep is a Skill, Mollie has become a leading voice in sleep optimization. Her weekly "Sleep Obsessions" newsletter has been landing in inboxes every Monday for six years. Her sleep podcast ranks #2 in its category with nearly 200 episodes, while her database of Oura ring users provides real evidence of how sleep can improve with the right approach. In this episode of The Augmented Life, Mollie breaks down why some "good sleep" signs might actually be red flags, how your bedroom's temperature is probably higher than it should be, and why instantaneous sleep isn't the superpower you think it is. Through her work with thousands of clients, she's proven that better sleep isn't about being a "good" or "bad" sleeper - but rather understanding and working with your body's natural rhythms.

In this episode of The Augmented Life, we sat down with Katey Hassan, a pioneer in the beauty industry with over 15 years of experience at some of the most influential skincare brands in the world. At Nocturnal Skincare, Katey's focused on breakthrough delivery systems and advanced ingredients, setting her brand apart in a crowded market. Pushing boundaries has been a constant in Katey's career. She was a leading force behind Tula Skincare's probiotic approach, emphasizing the importance of the skin's microbiome well before it became a trend. In this conversation, Katey brings a biohacker-inspired mindset that's reshaping skincare. From the rise of educated consumers demanding more from brands to the role of sleep, she shows how a science-backed approach can help anyone make smarter, more effective choices for their skin.

As a performance scientist and applied physiologist, Dr. Steve Ingham has worked with Olympic champions and leading executives, blending physiological science with hands-on coaching to build strategies that sustain peak performance under pressure. His approach is rooted in taking scientific insights and making them work in real-world, high-stakes environments—whether that's on the track or in the boardroom. In this episode, Dr. Ingham dives into lessons from his career spanning three decades, from the power of structured rest to the value of staying adaptable even after reaching the top. His insights reveal how athletic principles can help anyone build resilience and sustain long-term success, making this conversation a valuable listen for anyone aiming to perform at their best. Read on for key takeaways you can apply in your own life, and be sure to watch the full episode to explore the depth of Dr. Ingham's expertise!

On this episode of The Augmented Life, Michael Tiffany is joined by Dr. Chris Mason, Professor of Genetics at Weill Cornell Medicine. By studying astronauts' responses to the extreme conditions of space, Dr. Mason uncovers insights that could transform how we monitor and understand our health. The stresses of spaceflight reveal unique biological adaptations that, when closely tracked, provide valuable information not only for future space missions but for advancing personalized medicine here on Earth too. As space research pushes the boundaries of health monitoring, we're seeing a parallel rise in wearable technology and personal data collection tools. Just as astronauts benefit from precise, real-time tracking of their health, everyday individuals are gaining the ability to monitor their own biometrics—bringing us closer to a world where personal health data can drive better decisions and improve well-being.

Amy Kelly, co-founder & CEO of Miri AI and a former therapist is augmenting personalized care through AI. Miri AI is developing tools that enhance, rather than replace, the expertise of wellness professionals, coaches, and brands. Their goal is to help experts deliver support around the clock, expanding their reach and opening new revenue streams. In this conversation, we explore: 1. How Miri AI combines advanced AI technology with coaching knowledge 2. Unexpected ways AI has augmented wellness and coaching services 3. The critical role of trust in AI-powered wellness solutions If you're a wellness expert, brand leader, or interested in personalized care, this episode is packed with practical insights into how AI is transforming the wellness industry.

Dan Thomson, founder of Sensay, is focused on creating technology that keeps people connected and preserves their knowledge for the future. His platform allows users to create AI-powered digital replicas, helping them stay productive and safeguard their insights. In this episode, Dan breaks down what it takes to build a successful AI company, including the challenges of leading a global, fully remote team and using blockchain to secure digital identity. He also shares how Sensay balances automation with maintaining a personal connection. Beyond AI, we dive into Dan's experience with building a nomadic company culture, his thoughts on AI's interaction with human behavior, and how unconventional fundraising helped shape Sensay's trajectory.

Families are juggling more responsibilities than ever. We've seen technology support many areas of our lives, but family management is still mostly done the old-fashioned way which often leaves us feeling like there's never enough time in the day. In this episode, Ellie Windle, Founder and CEO of Persist, talks about how AI might reshape family life. Ellie's career in ad tech, including roles as a GM at MediaMath and VP of Client Success at White Ops (now HUMAN), sharpened her skills in using data and technology to solve complex problems. This combined with being a mother herself gives Ellie a unique vantage point on applying tech to the age-old challenges of family management.

Instead of our usual guest interview, we're dedicating another episode to answering the questions that you have been sending our way. It's an opportunity for us to dive deeper into topics that you, our listeners, are most curious about. We'll be exploring a range of subjects related to personal data and artificial intelligence. The brilliant team at Fulcra will be sharing their thoughts on everything from the latest AI breakthroughs to the potential of personalization in our daily lives. We'll also be discussing and questioning some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to enter the future. We hope this episode will be a great listen and perhaps spark even more questions as we continue to explore the intersection of technology and personal growth.

Amit Pradhan, a seasoned startup founder, investor, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in deep tech joined us this week on Augmented Life. As the Founder & CEO at Rainfall, Executive Chairman of Zero Labs, and co-founder & President of the Silicon Valley Blockchain Society (SVBS), Amit is dedicated to creating and investing in frontier technologies that positively impact the lives of people around the world, regardless of their economic status or access. In this episode, Amit dives into his mission to empower individuals through privacy-focused AI and ensure that users benefit from their digital existence. His unique perspective on the intersection of AI, blockchain, and other technologies offers insights into how we can unlock the power of these tools while prioritizing privacy, self-sovereignty, and equitable value distribution. This episode will challenge the way you think about the future of our digital lives.

Cassie Kozyrkov, Google's first-ever Chief Decision Scientist, joins us on The Augmented Life to share her insights on decision-making, data, and AI. During her tenure at Google, Cassie trained over 20,000 Googlers on data-driven decision-making and advised leadership on building data-driven organizations. Now the CEO of a stealth AI startup, she brings an abundance of wisdom from her 20+ year career spanning data science, consulting, and academia. With a unique blend of expertise in statistics, economics, and psychology, Cassie offers a multidisciplinary perspective on how we can improve our decision-making processes. In this episode, Cassie explores the complex relationship between human cognition, data, and technology. She challenges us to rethink our assumptions about decision-making and provides practical strategies for leveraging tools and self-awareness to make better choices. Throughout the conversation, Cassie emphasizes the importance of cognitive realism, personal data collection, and embracing the potential of AI while maintaining a critical perspective on its limitations. Her insights offer a roadmap for navigating an increasingly data-driven world and making more informed, intentional decisions in our personal and professional lives. Key topics include: - [7:02] Recognizing and Compensating for our Cognitive Limitations - [26:44] Bridging the Gaps in our Memory and Cognition - [27:58] Digitizing Personal Data for a Future of Powerful AI tools - [3:02] The Importance of Defining Terms and Operationalizing Concepts - [38:02] Balancing Intuition and Data in Decision-Making

The Augmented Life did things a bit differently this week. Instead of hosting a single guest, Michael is joined by Ash, Diana, and Amna to talk through some of the questions that have been flooding in from listeners. The overwhelming curiosity and engagement from the audience have inspired the team to dedicate an entire episode to addressing these burning questions head-on. In this episode, we delve into the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of personal data and artificial intelligence. From the shifting policies of tech giants to the transformative potential of personalized data analysis, the conversation explores the intricate balance between harnessing the power of our digital footprints and maintaining control over our privacy in an increasingly connected world. Through expert insights and thought-provoking discussions from our team, the episode illuminates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we navigate this uncharted territory and strive to live better, more empowered lives in the age of AI.

Jan Roessner, Co-Founder and CEO of One Earth Rising, joins The Augmented Life to share his journey from German military officer to tech entrepreneur and investor. With a background spanning helicopter and reconnaissance drone piloting in Afghanistan, digital marketing, building licensed video games for partners like PETA, and now Web3, Jan offers a genuinely diverse perspective on navigating the complex challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and society. In this episode, Jan dives deep into the transformative potential of emerging technologies like Web3 and AI to address critical issues such as data ownership, information integrity, and the spread of misinformation. He shares his passion for longevity and biohacking, discusses the importance of engaging with AI on a daily basis to stay ahead of the curve, and provides practical tips for integrating AI tools into your personal workflow to boost productivity and creativity. Join us for an insightful conversation on harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies to create a more transparent, trustworthy, and empowered digital future. Here are the highlights: [06:40] Biohacking favorites: Oura ring and fasting [19:11] Misinformation in the military and social media [21:33] AI and blockchain for information validation [26:58] Engaging with AI daily [32:46] Generative AI making tech accessible [37:00] Advice for learning new technologies [42:43] Experience with Claude and ChatGPT [45:37] Using DALL·E 2 for style-matched images [49:18] AI democratizing creativity

As a former NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain, Scott Kelly is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of human performance. With a remarkable career spanning multiple space missions, including a year-long stint on the International Space Station, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing our understanding of human health and resilience in extreme conditions. Now, as a pioneering figure in the realm of personalized medicine and self-tracking, Scott is applying the lessons he learned in space to help others optimize their well-being here on Earth. In this captivating interview, Scott shares his insights on the transformative power of personal data and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. From his own experiences with continuous glucose monitoring to his vision for a future of AI-augmented healthcare, he paints a compelling picture of how these tools can help us unlock our full potential and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Key topics: - [04:22] Scott's experience during his year-long mission on the ISS - [07:09] The effects of microgravity and space radiation on the human body - [14:08] The importance of mental health in astronaut selection and support - [23:32] Adapting to life on Earth after extended space missions - [26:14] The role of personal data and AI in optimizing health and performance - [33:07] Solving problems through AI and technology - [37:20] The future of space tourism and commercial spaceflight - [41:00] Capturing and leveraging personal data for future insights - [48:05] Scott's experience with the Overview Effect and its impact on his perspective

Julia Angwin has built her career on the frontlines of the battle for data privacy. As an award-winning investigative journalist, she's exposed the hidden costs of our digital lives - from Facebook's privacy breaches to the algorithms that perpetuate racial bias in criminal sentencing. Now, as founder of Proof News, she's reimagining journalism itself as a tool for reclaiming agency in an era of surveillance capitalism. In this eye-opening conversation, Julia shares insights from her journey to empower individuals and hold the powerful accountable. She delves into the perils and promise of AI, the evolving role of journalists in the age of algorithms, and the critical importance of end-to-end encryption. Whether you're concerned about the erosion of privacy or eager to harness your data for good, you won't want to miss Julia's thought-provoking perspective.