Why Your Brain Craves Things That Make You Miserable | Luke Storey : 1571
Summary
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, host Dave Asprey interviews Luke, a former addict and author of *A Horse Named Lonesome*, who shares his journey from childhood drug use to 29 years of sobriety. They discuss the role of intentional psychedelic use, such as ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT, in healing deep-seated trauma and achieving spiritual growth. The conversation also covers the nuances of nicotine use, the importance of surrender in altered states, and how to transmute personal suffering into meaningful work.
Topics discussed
Intro: Brain damage, sobriety, and modafinil
Sponsors: Puri's Fish Oil and Zenbud
Welcome and guest introduction: Luke Story
Podcasting origins and personal health history
Roots of addiction: Trauma and the Bay Area
Relationships and the definition of sobriety
The paradox of psychedelics and recovery
Researching ayahuasca and ibogaine for healing
AA origins and Bill Wilson's spiritual experiences
Wonderland Conference and ibogaine research
Sponsor: Our Place non-toxic cookware
Sponsor: Skin care peptide cream
Choosing a shaman and setting intentions
Psychedelic insights: Resentment and ego death
5-MeO-DMT and the nature of consciousness
Navigating 'bad trips' and ego dissolution
Long-term rewards of difficult psychedelic experiences
Ketamine dosing error and lessons learned
The recipe for enlightenment and letting go
Norepinephrine balance and neurofeedback
Perception, bandwidth, and lasting character change
Quitting nicotine and caffeine cold turkey
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cognitive impact
Pharmaceutical nicotine and Alzheimer's research
State management and the definition of dependency
Book recommendation and removing judgment from tools
Finding doorways to different states of consciousness
Modafinil dosage and cognitive support
Modafinil at Wharton and smart drug history
Pioneers of biohacking: Steve Falks and others
Biohacking industry growth and analyst predictions
Physical health as secondary to spiritual purpose
The body as a vehicle for the soul
Balancing fitness focus with spiritual orientation
Mitochondria, microtubules, and reality antennas
Ketones for psychedelic ceremonies and safety
Mitochondrial function and willpower for cravings
Book title: A Horse Named Lonesome
Childhood memories and the horse metaphor
Heroin references and the 2026 fire horse
Islands, connection, and the water of disconnection
Healthy relationships and mental coherence
The MFF model: Mitochondria, Fear, Food, Friend
Isolation vs. solitude and quality of friendships
Closing remarks and call to action
Disclaimer
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