The Human Upgrade™ Podcast Interviews
In the late 1990s, a strange carbon molecule quietly delivered the single longest lifespan extension ever recorded in mammals. The rats lived about 90% longer, and almost no one was paying attention. This episode breaks down what that molecule is, why it works, and how it may upgrade mitochondria, sleep, and human performance when used correctly.


Host Dave Asprey sits down with Chris Burres, founder and chief scientist of MyVitalC and the original long-term manufacturer of ESS60. Chris has produced this Nobel Prize–winning molecule since the early 1990s, supplying research institutions around the world years before it ever entered the biohacking space. He explains how ESS60 behaves differently from traditional antioxidants, why stability and concentration used to be major problems, and how modern manufacturing finally made real-world use possible. Chris is also a published author, longevity summit host, patent holder, and longtime science communicator who brings rare clarity and humor to complex biology.


Dave and Chris explore how ESS60 interacts with mitochondria, oxidative stress, metabolism, and electrical signaling in the body, and where it fits alongside ketosis, nootropics, supplements, and functional medicine strategies. They also unpack why improving mitochondrial function often shows up first as better energy and sleep optimization, and how that foundation supports longevity, brain optimization, and Smarter Not Harder performance. Along the way, Dave shares his own early experience with ESS60, how he uses it today, and why it now shows up even in his Danger Coffee stack.


You’ll Learn:
• Why ESS60 produced the longest longevity result ever recorded in mammal studies
• How mitochondrial efficiency shapes energy, sleep, and human performance
• What makes ESS60 a selective antioxidant instead of a blunt one
• Why purity, concentration, and stability determine whether a supplement works
• How ESS60 fits into biohacking stacks built around ketosis and metabolism
• What users report first, from focus and resilience to deeper sleep
• Why mitochondrial health underpins long-term anti-aging strategies
• How to think about supplements through a Smarter Not Harder lens


Affiliates:
-Visit us at https://www.myvitalc.com/pages/humanupgrade


Resources:
• Get a 30% discount on your next purchase of ESS60 at: https://www.myvitalc.com/pages/humanupgrade



Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction & ESS60 Discovery
4:04 – The Molecule & Nobel Prize
8:27 – Quantum Properties & Superconductivity
11:16 – Rat Longevity Study Results
14:33 – Selective Antioxidant Properties
15:51 – User Experience & Timeline
18:15 – Biological Age Testing
21:33 – Why Oil & Product Development
23:32 – Mechanism of Action
28:13 – Biohacker Discovery Story
30:03 – FDA & Supplement Regulation
33:50 – Migraines & Clinical Observations
37:53 – Athletic Performance
40:43 – Stacking & Contraindications
45:57 – Skincare Product
50:43 – Who Benefits Most
1:00:37 – Mitochondria & Consciousness
1:02:03 – Where to Buy & Closing