Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur known for his relentless pursuit of reversing aging, embarked on a highly unusual and publicly documented experiment: a five-hour livestreamed journey induced by psilocybin mushrooms.
The event wasn’t a solitary endeavor. A DJ set by Grimes provided the soundtrack, while fellow Silicon Valley leaders dialed in to observe and converse with Johnson as his perception of reality shifted and dissolved.
This wasn’t a spontaneous decision. Johnson had previously experimented with psilocybin earlier in the month, describing the initial experience as a return to childlike wonder, a reawakening of senses, and overwhelmingly positive.
The mushrooms contained 28mg of psilocybin, a compound that transforms into psilocin within the body, directly impacting serotonin receptors in the brain and triggering profound psychedelic effects.
Interestingly, recent scientific research from Baylor College of Medicine and Emory University suggests psilocybin may hold potential for extending lifespan, even when administered later in life, at both a cellular and organismal level.
Throughout the livestream, Johnson’s business partner, Kate Tolo, remained by his side, monitoring his well-being as he navigated the altered state of consciousness.
Johnson’s quest for longevity is far from conventional. He previously underwent a “total plasma exchange,” replacing his blood plasma with albumin, aiming to eliminate perceived toxins. A prior attempt to rejuvenate himself through a blood transfusion with his teenage son proved ineffective.
He’s become a prominent figure in the burgeoning “anti-aging” movement, adhering to a rigorous regimen dictated by a team of medical professionals. This includes intense daily exercise, a strict vegan diet, and a staggering intake of over 100 supplements.
The legality of Johnson’s experiment is complex. While limited use of psilocybin is permitted in some US states, it remains prohibited in California, where he resides. The location of the livestream and the source of the mushrooms remain undisclosed.
One observer, Naval, a co-founder of AngelList and an investor in Johnson’s ventures, jokingly remarked, “Bryan is a one-man FDA,” expressing hope that Johnson’s explorations would yield “cheat codes” for extending human life.
