Featuring Zenbud Co-Founder Jon Hacker on the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam
Summary
In a recent episode of the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam, Zenbud co-founder Jon Hacker shared his personal journey through debilitating anxiety. His search for a solution didn't just lead to recovery—it led to the creation of a science-backed, ultrasound-based approach to vagus nerve stimulation.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional mental health tools aren't enough, this conversation explores why that happens and how wearable technology can help retrain your nervous system for long-term resilience.
The Anxiety Epidemic: Why "Just Relaxing" Doesn't Work
Anxiety has become one of the most widespread health challenges of our time. Driven by chronic stress, constant digital stimulation, and nervous system overload, many of us are stuck in a state of hyper-arousal.
While tools like therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes are incredibly valuable, they often fail to address the underlying biology of the stress response.
Jon’s experience with persistent anxiety sparked a deep dive into nervous system regulation. He realized that to truly feel calm, we need to move beyond coping strategies and find solutions that directly balance the autonomic nervous system:
- The Sympathetic Nervous System: Your "Fight or Flight" response.
- The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Your "Rest and Digest" state.
This exploration into biological balance is what ultimately led to the founding of Zenbud.
What Makes Zenbud Different?
The market is seeing an influx of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices, but most rely on electrical shocks (tVNS) to stimulate the nerve. Zenbud takes a radically different approach by using ultrasound technology.
Why does this matter?
- Non-Shock & Comfortable: No tingling or stinging sensations.
- Gentle Engagement: Designed to target the vagus nerve without irritation.
- Daily Consistency: Because it is comfortable, it is easier to build a consistent habit of nervous system support.
By making regulation accessible and pain-free, Zenbud allows you to support your nervous system outside of a clinical environment—right from your couch or desk.
Key Insights from the Podcast
The Biology of Stress
Chronic stress keeps the body locked in a fight-or-flight state. Over time, this leads to elevated cortisol, reduced emotional regulation, a weakened immune response, and long-term health consequences. You cannot simply "think" your way out of a biological stress response.
Why Habits Alone Aren’t Enough
Mindfulness practices, breathwork, and nutrition are powerful, but they don't always reset the nervous system’s baseline—especially if you are already in a state of chronic burnout. Addressing stress at the biological level creates a foundation that makes those other habits more effective.
How Ultrasound Vagus Stimulation Supports Calm
By engaging the vagus nerve through ultrasound, Zenbud supports parasympathetic activation. This helps the body physically shift toward calm, resilience, and emotional stability, offering durable change rather than just temporary relief.
Practical Takeaways
If you are looking to biohack your anxiety, Jon and Nathalie suggest the following:
- Start with the Nervous System: Address the biological root of stress first.
- Aim for Cumulative Impact: Use biology-based tools consistently, not just when you are having a panic attack.
- Stack Your Habits: Pair technology like Zenbud with supportive habits like quality sleep, breathwork, and healthy routines for the best results.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Want to dive deeper into the science of ultrasound and anxiety relief? Listen to the full conversation on the Longevity Podcast.
