Conscious Bacteria? The Secret New Science of Cellular Intelligence | Zach Bush : 1275
29 April 2025

Conscious Bacteria? The Secret New Science of Cellular Intelligence | Zach Bush : 1275

The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

About

What if mitochondria weren’t just energy engines — but conscious beings guiding your survival and evolution? 

In this episode, Dave Asprey sits down with Zach Bush, MD, to uncover a radical new science of cellular intelligence. Together, they reveal how your mitochondria, microbiome, and genetic memory do far more than support survival—they actively shape consciousness, drive healing, and accelerate human evolution. 

You’ll discover why chronic disease, fatigue, brain fog, and emotional trauma often trace back to lost cellular communication—and how restoring that network can unlock radical resilience, deeper energy, and true longevity. 

Through the lens of soil health, vibrational biology, light frequencies, and ancient microbial wisdom, Zach Bush shows why the future of biohacking demands reconnection to the deeper intelligence already alive inside you. 


What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How mitochondria act as conscious messengers—not just energy factories—and why that changes everything about health and aging 

• Why rebuilding gut microbiome intelligence strengthens immune function, brain health, and emotional resilience 

• How disrupted cellular communication fuels chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, and premature aging 

• How emotional trauma imprints onto genetic expression and triggers mitochondrial collapse 

• Why viruses and bacteria serve as evolutionary partners—not enemies—and how they upgrade your biology 

• How “cellular safety” activates healing, regeneration, and peak human performance 

• How carbon cycles, soil health, and light frequencies repair DNA and extend human lifespan 

• Simple daily practices that rebuild cellular coherence, boost energy, and reconnect you to your innate intelligence 


This conversation will rewire how you think about health, disease, and human potential—giving you the tools to upgrade your biology at the deepest level. 


**Check out Zach's exclusive offer for The Human Upgrade listeners at https://intelligenceofnature.com/ and use code ‘DAVE10” for a discount!** 


SPONSORS 

- ARMRA | Go to https://tryarmra.com/ and use the code DAVE to get 15% off your first order.  

- Apollo Neuro | To get an Apollo wearable, go to https://apolloneuro.com/Dave and save 15%. 


Resources:  

Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ 

Zach’s Website –  https://zachbushmd.com/ 

Zach’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zachbushmd/?hl=en 

2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025 

Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com 

Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com 

Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 

Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com 

Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com 

Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com 

40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com 


Timestamps: 

• 00:00 Trailer 

• 00:52 Intro: Microbiome and Human Connection 

• 03:07 Microbiome’s Role in Nutrition and Health 

• 05:48 Chemical Farming’s Impact on Soil and Health 

• 09:23 Mitochondria and Cellular Communication 

• 26:00 Viruses, Exosomes, and Evolution 

• 34:36 The Observer Effect and Reality 

• 40:08 Tech vs. Nature in Healing 

• 41:04 Light, Mitochondria, and Cellular Energy 

• 42:01 Choosing Tech or Natural Regeneration 

• 43:44 The Miracle of Life and Human Potential 

• 45:05 Healing Generational Trauma 

• 47:38 Shamanic States and Connection 

• 01:05:48 Sacred Geometry and Group Healing 

• 01:12:48 Rational vs. Mystical Perspectives 

• 01:14:52 Finding Common Ground 

• 01:15:10 Inside the Supplement Room 

• 01:15:47 Emerging Tech in Biohacking 

• 01:15:58 Non-Tech Health Upgrades 

• 01:16:11 Stem Cell Concerns and Cautions 

• 01:17:31 Nature Deficit and Health Impacts 

• 01:19:09 Curiosity and Personal Growth 

• 01:20:56 Generational Shifts and Gender 

• 01:24:20 Strengthening Relationships Through Differences 

• 01:28:31 Storytelling’s Power Over Data 

• 01:38:24 Longevity and Embracing Elderhood 

• 01:44:47 Final Thoughts and Future Visions 

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