Episode description

Explore the science and potential of hypnosis as Dr. David Spiegel, Stanford’s leading expert in mind-body medicine, joins Dave Asprey to reveal how hypnosis can radically enhance cognition, mental clarity, and resilience. In this episode of The Human Upgrade, you’ll learn how hypnosis influences the brain’s most vital networks, including the default mode network and executive control, to break mental barriers and amplify focus, perception, and healing. 

Discover how hypnosis, unlike traditional meditation or neurofeedback, accelerates response times, manages pain, and even helps alleviate PTSD. Dr. Spiegel shares stories of patients overcoming chronic pain and trauma through self-hypnosis, and details the mechanisms that make hypnosis a powerful tool for emotional and physical transformation. 

Dive into the fascinating brain science behind the practice, from theta brainwave induction to deep sensory modulation, and learn simple self-hypnosis techniques that can elevate mental performance, improve sleep quality, and instill lasting calm. If you’re seeking a powerful, accessible way to biohack your brain and harness the potential of your mind, this episode delivers the insights and tools you need to make hypnosis your ultimate cognitive upgrade.   

Sponsors 

Quantum Upgrade | Go to Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial. 

Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order. 

Resources: 

• Dr. David Spiegel’s Website – https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/david-spiegel 

• Reveri Hypnosis App – https://reveri.com (available on App Store and Google Play) 

• Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com 

• Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com 

• Danger Coffee Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dangercoffeeofficial/ 

• Dave Asprey’s Linktree – https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 

• Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books 

• Upgrade Collective: Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live – https://www.ourupgradecollective.com 

• 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 

Timestamps 

• 00:00 – Introduction to Hypnosis 

• 00:59 – Dave Asprey Introduces Dr. David Spiegel 

• 02:03 – Dr. Spiegel’s Journey into Hypnotherapy 

• 06:06 – The Power of Hypnosis in Medical Practice 

• 11:19 – Understanding Hypnosis and Brain Function 

• 16:14 – Hypnosis for PTSD and Trauma 

• 19:33 – Hypnosis vs. EMDR: Key Differences 

• 22:30 – Pain Management through Hypnosis 

• 31:06 – The Impact of Psychedelics on Cancer Patients 

• 33:04 – Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Neurofeedback 

• 34:05 – Neuroimaging and Brain Activity in Hypnosis 

• 35:22 – Hypnosis and Cognitive Enhancement 

• 38:53 – Hypnosis for Sleep and Stress Management 

• 42:26 – Hypnosis and the “Manchurian Candidate” Concept 

• 48:21 – Hypnosis and the Immune System 

• 53:11 – Live Hypnosis Session with Dave Asprey 

• 58:46 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

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