Bryan Johnson Livestreams Psychedelic Mushroom Journey for Science

Bryan Johnson, a 48-year-old entrepreneur and self-proclaimed longevity influencer, recently livestreamed a five-and-a-half-hour psychedelic mushroom trip, a venture he dubbed “Bryan Johnson Takes Magic Mushrooms.” This event aimed to explore the potential benefits of psychedelics in extending human life. Johnson consumed a near-heroic dose of 5.24 milligrams of mushrooms, framing the experience as a scientific experiment intended to advance his life mission: to “arrest aging” by 2039.

Johnson’s livestream attracted thousands of viewers across platforms such as X, YouTube, and Instagram. Sitting on a white loveseat beside his 29-year-old business partner and spiritual guide, Kate Tolo, he articulated his feelings of youthful vitality. “My body feels so nimble and supple and loose,” he stated during the session.

Throughout the livestream, Johnson presented a mix of personal anecdotes and scientific claims about longevity. He emphasized his rigorous daily regimen, which costs approximately $2 million annually. This routine includes a combination of light therapy, various supplements, and a unique diet he refers to as “nutty pudding.” His belief is that psychedelics, particularly magic mushrooms, could play a significant role in enhancing neuroplasticity and potentially extending human lifespan.

To maintain viewer engagement, Johnson displayed a slide highlighting his impressive health metrics, noting that his muscle strength ranks in the 98th percentile among men. He also mentioned that his bone mineral density is in the 99th percentile, and his blood pressure is lower than 90% of 18-year-olds. These statistics served to bolster his credibility as both a health enthusiast and an innovator in the longevity space.

As the livestream progressed, Johnson prepared for the mushroom consumption while engaging in various self-measurements. Tolo assisted in taking his body temperature with a thermal gun, marking the beginning of what Johnson heralded as the “most quantified psychedelic experiment in history.” He documented his reactions through multiple biomarkers, including saliva tests and brain activity measurements using a device developed by his company, Kernel.

The atmosphere was punctuated by comments from viewers, ranging from humorous to insightful, as they interacted with the unfolding spectacle. Johnson’s connection with Tolo was evident; they shared moments of laughter and silence, enhancing the personal nature of the experience.

Before consuming the mushrooms, Johnson set a clear intention for his journey. He remarked on the importance of being present in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. He articulated a vision where “existence itself is the highest virtue,” emphasizing that material wealth or power should not overshadow the human experience.

During the livestream, Johnson’s son, Talmage Johnson, joined via video link, providing a familial perspective on the event. Talmage expressed a nonchalant attitude towards his father’s psychedelic exploration, reflecting a sense of familiarity with the unconventional approach to life that Johnson embodies.

As the effects of the mushrooms began to take hold, Johnson shared his emotional reactions. He described feeling an increased sense of love and compassion, echoing sentiments often expressed by individuals in altered states of consciousness. His playful interactions, including moments with a slinky, underscored the transformative nature of his experience.

The livestream offered a glimpse into a world where technology and personal health intersect in unique ways. Johnson’s method of sharing his journey aligns with a broader trend among tech elites experimenting with psychedelics as a tool for personal and scientific discovery. During the session, notable figures, including Marc Benioff and Grimes, joined in to discuss the implications of stem cell research and the intersection of technology and longevity.

In a poignant moment towards the end of the livestream, Johnson and Talmage reflected on their shared experiences, emphasizing the human connection that transcends the unconventional nature of the event. Johnson’s father expressed his affection for Johnson’s psychedelic persona, highlighting the familial bonds strengthened through such experiences.

As the stream concluded, Talmage encapsulated the essence of the journey, stating, “When people see this, they’ll see he’s just like one of us. He’s human.” Johnson’s experiment not only showcased a personal exploration of psychedelics but also served as a broader commentary on the intersection of technology, health, and the human experience in the 21st century.