Dave Asprey Interviews Zenbud Co-Founder Jon Hacker on The Human Upgrade
Summary
In a recent episode of The Human Upgrade, the "Father of Biohacking" Dave Asprey sat down with Jon Hacker, co-founder of Zenbud. Together, they discuss a breakthrough approach to nervous system regulation: focused ultrasound.
Jon explains how this non-invasive technology stimulates the vagus nerve to help you shift out of chronic stress faster, improve heart rate variability (HRV), and build long-term emotional resilience.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters
Most of us are living under constant, hidden stress. We get stuck in a sympathetic "fight or flight" state that drains our focus, ruins our sleep quality, and throws off our emotional equilibrium.
Instead of just treating symptoms, this conversation explores how training the nervous system directly helps you regain control over your biological stress response. It’s not just about relaxing; it’s about optimizing your overall well-being and performance.
What Makes Focused Ultrasound Different?
Traditional devices for vagus nerve stimulation often use electrical shocks. As Dave and Jon discuss, these can be imprecise and uncomfortable.
Focused ultrasound is different. It reaches deeper with precision, targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve through the ear. Zenbud translates this clinical technique into a practical wearable.
- No Shocks: A comfortable experience without the sting of electricity.
- Precision: Directly engages the nerve for controlled physiological shifts.
- Fast Acting: Users can influence their nervous system state in just minutes.
This allows you to move from tension toward a "rest-and-digest" mode without discomfort.
Key Highlights from the Conversation
- Stress is Physiological: Modern life keeps us in sympathetic dominance, regardless of how "chill" we try to be. You have to address the biology.
- The Vagus Nerve is Central to Recovery: Activating this nerve is the key to better HRV, emotional regulation, and recovery from stress.
- Short Sessions Shift Your State: Many people notice a tangible impact within just three to five minutes of stimulation.
- Daily Use Builds Resilience: Just like lifting weights builds muscle, repeated stimulation strengthens "vagal tone" over time, improving your baseline balance.
Practical Takeaways
If you want to upgrade your brain and body, consider these points from the episode:
- Living in chronic stress undermines both health and performance.
- Tools that directly engage the nervous system support faster state shifts than willpower alone.
- Simple, daily use of ultrasound stimulation contributes to durable improvements in resilience.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Ready to learn more about the future of brain training? Listen to the full interview with Dave Asprey and Jon Hacker.
