The Biohacker’s Guide to CIA Mind Control & Brainwashing

Dave Asprey

May 20, 2025

Episode description

You’re being programmed, and it’s more subtle and pervasive than you think. From invisible influence to psychological manipulation, this episode shows you how to recognize when your thoughts aren’t really yours. 



Host Dave Asprey uncovers the hidden science of mind control with Harvard historian Rebecca Lemov. She is a professor of the History of Science at Harvard University and one of the world’s leading experts on psychological manipulation, surveillance science, government experimentation, and Cold War brainwashing programs. Her groundbreaking research into MK Ultra, behavioral psychology, and reeducation campaigns reveals exactly how external forces hijack your thoughts, emotions, and decisions, without you knowing. 



They break down how mind control evolved from CIA-funded brain implants and LSD experiments into today’s algorithmic persuasion, trauma-based manipulation, and tech-driven influence. This episode gives you practical tools to defend your thoughts, upgrade your awareness, and reclaim your mental sovereignty. 



This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, mindfulness, longevity, mental performance, self-awareness, hacking the nervous system, emotional control, and high-performance mindset training. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How the CIA used MK Ultra, psychedelics, hypnosis, and implants to test behavior control 

• What mind control looks like in modern media, social platforms, and persuasive technology 

• How unresolved trauma and emotional blind spots leave you vulnerable to manipulation 

• The connection between neurohacking, mindset, and mental autonomy 

• How to recognize when you are running someone else’s code 

• The best psychological tools to build resilience and conscious awareness 

• How to build a “mental firewall” with meditation, breathwork, and attention training 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 



Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 



Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 



SPONSORS: 

-Quantum Upgrade | Go to 

Episode description

You’re being programmed, and it’s more subtle and pervasive than you think. From invisible influence to psychological manipulation, this episode shows you how to recognize when your thoughts aren’t really yours. 



Host Dave Asprey uncovers the hidden science of mind control with Harvard historian Rebecca Lemov. She is a professor of the History of Science at Harvard University and one of the world’s leading experts on psychological manipulation, surveillance science, government experimentation, and Cold War brainwashing programs. Her groundbreaking research into MK Ultra, behavioral psychology, and reeducation campaigns reveals exactly how external forces hijack your thoughts, emotions, and decisions, without you knowing. 



They break down how mind control evolved from CIA-funded brain implants and LSD experiments into today’s algorithmic persuasion, trauma-based manipulation, and tech-driven influence. This episode gives you practical tools to defend your thoughts, upgrade your awareness, and reclaim your mental sovereignty. 



This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, mindfulness, longevity, mental performance, self-awareness, hacking the nervous system, emotional control, and high-performance mindset training. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How the CIA used MK Ultra, psychedelics, hypnosis, and implants to test behavior control 

• What mind control looks like in modern media, social platforms, and persuasive technology 

• How unresolved trauma and emotional blind spots leave you vulnerable to manipulation 

• The connection between neurohacking, mindset, and mental autonomy 

• How to recognize when you are running someone else’s code 

• The best psychological tools to build resilience and conscious awareness 

• How to build a “mental firewall” with meditation, breathwork, and attention training 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 



Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 



Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 



SPONSORS: 

-Quantum Upgrade | Go to 

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Recognize limits of autonomy in mind and choices

Most people have far less autonomy and freedom to control their minds and choices than they think.

Uncover CIA's influence on 1950s psychedelic research

It's likely that nearly everyone conducting psychedelic research in the 1950s was funded by the CIA or one of its front organizations.

Develop one-pointedness to harness powerful focus

The meditative state of 'one-pointedness' is a neutral but incredibly powerful human capacity that can be developed by anyone, from a sniper to a healer.

Construct your own God Helmet with online plans

The 'God Helmet' is a do-it-yourself device using electromagnets to stimulate the brain, with online plans available for construction.

Explore 1960s amygdala implant experiments to understand emotional triggers

In the late 1960s, doctors experimentally implanted electrodes into a patient's amygdala, discovering they could trigger bliss, rage, or despair by stimulating different points.

Protect historical truth in digital record-keeping

The shift from physical to digital records creates an 'instability of truth,' as future history can be easily rewritten by whoever controls the online information.

Recognize emotional manipulation to regain control

Mind control is most effective not on your thoughts but on your feelings, exploiting the emotional dimensions to which you are blind.

Counteract AI manipulation by rejecting flattery

AI tools can control your mind through manipulative techniques like excessive flattery, which you can counteract by explicitly instructing the AI to stop.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius

Unlock the wisdom of longevity

© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius