Neurohacking & Neurogenesis Part 2

This is the second half to our interview with Daniel Schmachtenberger, the Co-Founder of Qualia. If you haven’t already, listen to the first half, in which Daniel defines neurohacking and explains the first steps. 

What is Neurogenesis?

Neurogenesis is the natural process of the formation of new neurons, which can be induced through various technologies and techniques to treat disease or increase brain function in health individuals. This process results in an increase of gray matter density and processing capacity of the brain, and it slows down the brain’s aging process. Neurogenesis is very useful for treating disease like Alzheimer’s, and for people who suffered brain injury or psychological trauma. It is also useful for healthy people who want to increase their brain’s capacity.

One of the most effective known technique of kickstarting the process of Neurogenesis is learning new sets of motor skills, but it can also be done through supplements, meditation, or other methods.

Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy

Continuing into other areas of neurohacking, we get into the discussion of the therapeutic uses of psychedelics. Different psychedelics produce different effects. That makes some better used for treating addiction and others for trauma, but in general, they all increase neuroplasticity. The increased neuroplasticity of the brain on psychedelics along with the proper guidance allow us to recontextualize past experiences and reframe our outlook on life.

Neurohacking: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technology

We discuss what parts of ancient neurohacking techniques could be useful to adopt in the modern world. Daniel mentions rites of passage ceremonies, which can be helpful for making sense of major life transitions.

To wrap things up, Daniel emphasizes studying the human brain as a complex system. He zooms out to the importance of understanding and remodeling our socio-economical structure with that in mind. He explains that the current economic incentives that our societies are built or are misaligned with human and environmental well-being.

Daniel’s project Qualia has developed Qualia, a smart drug stack designed to upgrade human capacity by increasing overall mental performance, mood, and general wellbeing.

In This Episode of Future Thinkers Podcast:

• What is neurogenesis
• Kick-starting neurogenesis by developing new motor skills
• Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy
• Synaptogenesis
• Integrating ancient wisdom
• The distinction between comfort and happiness
• Buddhist Monks and neural feedback
• The Big Picture of neurohacking
• How do we rebuild our environments for well-being?