Solo Episode - Nicotine Masterclass (pt. 1)

Dave Asprey

14 oct 2025

Episode description

Nicotine isn’t just addictive—it might be one of the most misunderstood nootropics in modern medicine. In this masterclass, you’ll learn how controlled, low-dose nicotine may enhance brain performance, boost neuroplasticity, improve mitochondrial function, and potentially extend lifespan. Host Dave Asprey breaks down the surprising science behind this controversial compound, separating fact from fear—and exposing the real risks that nobody talks about. 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

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



You’ll discover how nicotine affects neurotransmitters, why it may help with ADHD and focus, and how it compares to other cognitive enhancers like caffeine, nootropics, and even smart drugs. Dave explores how nicotine can be used to hack metabolism, enhance sleep optimization, and support fasting or ketosis protocols—if used properly. 



He also reveals the forms of nicotine that are safest (spoiler: it’s not vapes or cigarettes), how nicotine works at the receptor level, and what the science says about long-term health effects. This episode blends functional medicine, brain optimization, and biohacking into one powerful, myth-busting breakdown. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How nicotine affects mitochondria, neurotransmitters, and dopamine signaling 

• Why nicotine may boost neuroplasticity, memory, and attention span 

• How low-dose nicotine compares to caffeine, modafinil, and other nootropics 

• The safest delivery forms (and the ones to avoid) 

• Whether nicotine supports or hinders longevity and cognitive resilience 

• How it can be stacked with supplements, fasting, or ketosis 

• What functional medicine says about chronic use, addiction, and withdrawal 



This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, human performance, and longevity, and for those who want to understand how functional biology and mitochondrial science are redefining recovery, energy, and aging. 



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 brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 



New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real

Episode description

Nicotine isn’t just addictive—it might be one of the most misunderstood nootropics in modern medicine. In this masterclass, you’ll learn how controlled, low-dose nicotine may enhance brain performance, boost neuroplasticity, improve mitochondrial function, and potentially extend lifespan. Host Dave Asprey breaks down the surprising science behind this controversial compound, separating fact from fear—and exposing the real risks that nobody talks about. 



Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

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



You’ll discover how nicotine affects neurotransmitters, why it may help with ADHD and focus, and how it compares to other cognitive enhancers like caffeine, nootropics, and even smart drugs. Dave explores how nicotine can be used to hack metabolism, enhance sleep optimization, and support fasting or ketosis protocols—if used properly. 



He also reveals the forms of nicotine that are safest (spoiler: it’s not vapes or cigarettes), how nicotine works at the receptor level, and what the science says about long-term health effects. This episode blends functional medicine, brain optimization, and biohacking into one powerful, myth-busting breakdown. 



You’ll Learn: 

• How nicotine affects mitochondria, neurotransmitters, and dopamine signaling 

• Why nicotine may boost neuroplasticity, memory, and attention span 

• How low-dose nicotine compares to caffeine, modafinil, and other nootropics 

• The safest delivery forms (and the ones to avoid) 

• Whether nicotine supports or hinders longevity and cognitive resilience 

• How it can be stacked with supplements, fasting, or ketosis 

• What functional medicine says about chronic use, addiction, and withdrawal 



This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, human performance, and longevity, and for those who want to understand how functional biology and mitochondrial science are redefining recovery, energy, and aging. 



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 brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 



New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize nicotine patch biohack for cost-effective dosage

You can save money by buying a 21mg nicotine patch and cutting it into three 7mg pieces for a slow, steady release.

Avoid nicotine to prevent fueling tumor growth

Nicotine can stimulate angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), which is beneficial unless you have cancer, as it could fuel tumor growth.

Microdose nicotine to potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease

Microdosing pharmaceutical nicotine may be a great way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, based on research dating back to 1986.

Master the chew and park technique for effective nicotine gum use

To use nicotine gum effectively, chew it a few times and then "park" it in your lip for a steady dose without nausea.

Choose Lucy Gum for a cleaner nicotine option

Lucy Gum is recommended as one of the only nicotine gums that doesn't contain undesirable sweeteners.

Prioritize nicotine for optimal brain longevity

For optimal brain longevity, nicotine is considered to be as important as caffeine and ketosis.

Understand why pharmaceutical nicotine is less addictive than cigarettes

Pharmaceutical nicotine is less addictive than cigarettes because it lacks the MAO inhibitors found in tobacco smoke that amplify dopamine.

Utilize low-dose nicotine to reduce inflammation

Low-dose nicotine acts like a brake pedal on inflammation by lowering the primary inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha.

DESCARGA LA APLICACIÓN

Descubre la sabiduría de la longevidad

DESCARGA LA APLICACIÓN

Descubre la sabiduría de la longevidad

DESCARGA LA APLICACIÓN

Descubre la sabiduría de la longevidad