In a striking blend of technology, wellness, and unconventional medical treatments, I found myself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Biohacking Conference, orchestrated by the influential figure Dave Asprey. This gathering took place in late May at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas, attracting a diverse crowd of tech enthusiasts, wellness influencers, psychonauts, and scientists, all united with a singular purpose: to defy the aging process and improve their health through a range of often unorthodox methods.

Throughout the three-day event, I underwent a myriad of biohacking experiences that pushed the boundaries of conventional health practices. I was subjected to a pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber, designed to enhance oxygen absorption and promote recovery. My experience continued with a session under flickering gamma-wave lights, intended to stimulate brain activity. I even had my electromagnetic field manipulated, and took an IV drip of a green liquid that resembled radioactive substances, highlighting the experimental nature of the treatments on offer. Additionally, I tried a cryotherapy session, which left me feeling rejuvenated, alongside a rather uncomfortable stint in a one-man sauna.

Nutrition played a significant role in the conference as well. I consumed more beef in succession than I ever had before, generously sprinkling it with unrefined salt sourced from the Kalahari Desert. At one point, a health scan revealed that my liver appeared as youthful as that of a newborn baby, a claim I was assured was favorable. In a light-hearted exchange, I even caused a woman’s jaw to drop when I nonchalantly mentioned I had once taken antibiotics, a topic often viewed with disdain within the holistic community.

The conference served as a hub for advocates of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. This movement prioritizes alternative medicine and personal freedom in health decisions, often pushing back against established medical practices such as vaccinations. Asprey himself emphasized the community's desire to take charge of their health without the constraints typically imposed by traditional medical protocols. He enthusiastically stated, “We’re tired of people saying we need permission,” reflecting a widespread sentiment among the attendees.

According to Asprey, biohackers are positioned at the forefront of the MAHA initiative, advocating for health solutions that bypass the need for pharmaceutical interventions. “We take supplements that do the same thing,” he continued, highlighting the alternative approaches many in the community adopt. “We figure out we don’t need that drug because we got sunshine,” he said, noting how individuals often seek out natural solutions instead.

Furthermore, Asprey maintained that the biohacking community transcends partisan divisions. “Most biohackers are pretty much apolitical,” he noted. The focus is on achieving a state of vibrant health and personal empowerment, elements he believes are universal and not bound by political ideology.