What if you could rewrite the code of your personality—on command? Not just cope with anxiety, overthinking, or social exhaustion… but delete the traits holding you back and install better ones?
This episode challenges everything you’ve been told about identity. Dave dives deep into the science of personality change to reveal why your habits, moods, triggers, and even sense of self aren’t fixed—they’re fluid. And more importantly: they’re up for grabs.
Joining him is award-winning journalist from The Atlantic, Olga Khazan, author of Me, But Better, who spent years hacking her own mind—transforming high neuroticism, social avoidance, and chronic self-criticism into calm, confidence, and connection. Her personal experiment in identity rewiring became a roadmap for anyone who wants to feel different… and live differently.
You’ll uncover the hidden mechanisms behind neuroticism, reactivity, and emotional spirals—and how to override them with real-time upgrades.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why your personality is a program—and how to recode it
• What daily behaviors scientifically rewire anxiety, anger, and reactivity
• The surprising link between identity, inflammation, and your gut
• Why gratitude isn’t soft—it’s neurological jiu-jitsu
• How to know if it’s your biology or your story running the show
• Whether pills, psychedelics, or sleep do more to shift who you are
• What to do when your inner critic won’t shut up
• And how to stop being the person you never meant to become
SPONSORS
-LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/DAVE.
-Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off.
Resources:
• Olga’s New Book – Me, But Better: https://www.amazon.com/Me-But-Better-Science-Personality/dp/1668012545
• Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
• Olga's Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/olganator/?hl=en
• Olga’s Website: https://olgakhazan.com/
• 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
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!