Kristin Hubbs

Written by Kristin Hubbs

Published: 17 Oct 2024

50-facts-about-bryan-johnson
Source: Rollingstone.com

Who is Bryan Johnson, and why is he on a quest for immortality? Bryan Johnson, a 46-year-old tech entrepreneur, is best known for founding Braintree and selling it to PayPal for $800 million. Despite his financial success, Johnson faced severe depression and health issues, which led him to embark on an ambitious anti-aging journey. Spending $2 million annually, he follows a strict regimen of diet, exercise, and medical interventions to reduce his biological age. His program, Project Blueprint, includes taking 111 supplements daily, rigorous workouts, and advanced therapies. Johnson's ultimate goal is to make death optional, driven by a deep philosophical stance on the value of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur, overcame personal struggles and achieved financial success. His dedication to anti-aging includes a rigorous health transformation and a $2 million annual anti-aging program.
  • Johnson's algorithm-governed life and unique practices reflect his dedication to immortality. He believes in making death optional and views life as worth fighting for.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Bryan Johnson's journey to becoming a tech entrepreneur and anti-aging enthusiast began in a small Mormon community in Utah. His upbringing on a farm with horses and crops shaped his early years.

  1. Born in a small Mormon community in Utah.
  2. Grew up on a farm with horses, helping with the harvest of alfalfa and corn.
  3. Has four siblings who also helped with farm chores.

Education and Early Career

Before diving into the tech world, Johnson's path included a Mormon mission and higher education.

  1. Served his Mormon mission in Ecuador.
  2. Attended Brigham Young University.
  3. Pursued business school at the University of Chicago.

Founding Braintree and Financial Success

Johnson's major breakthrough came with the founding of Braintree, a payment-processing company that later acquired Venmo.

  1. Founded Braintree in 2007.
  2. Braintree acquired Venmo five years later.
  3. Sold Braintree and Venmo to PayPal in 2013 for roughly $800 million.
  4. Walked away with more than $300 million from the sale.

Personal Struggles and Health Issues

Despite his financial success, Johnson faced significant personal challenges, including depression and health problems.

  1. Fell into a deep depression in 2004, lasting 10 years.
  2. Overwhelmed by building his company while raising three young children.
  3. Experienced severe depression, obesity, and a general feeling of malaise.

Health Transformation

After selling Braintree and getting a divorce, Johnson began a significant health transformation.

  1. Lost 60 pounds in a year.
  2. Changed his lifestyle significantly.
  3. Now wakes up at 5 a.m., eats all his food by 11 a.m., and goes to sleep at 8:30 p.m.

Anti-Aging Program: Project Blueprint

Johnson's quest for immortality involves a strict regimen known as Project Blueprint.

  1. Spends $2 million a year on his anti-aging program.
  2. Takes 111 supplements daily, including zinc, turmeric, and lithium.
  3. Follows a caloric restriction diet, consuming 1,977 calories within a 6-8 hour window.
  4. Eats a "Green Giant" smoothie, a "super veggie" salad, and a third meal of about 500 calories.

Exercise and Fitness Routine

Johnson's exercise routine is rigorous and designed to maintain peak physical fitness.

  1. Works out for 45 to 60 minutes, seven days a week.
  2. Performs 30 exercises each time.
  3. Plays basketball and tennis, and does trail running.
  4. Maintains a calorie deficit while exercising.

Sleep and Recovery Practices

Proper sleep and recovery are crucial components of Johnson's anti-aging strategy.

  1. Goes to bed at 8:30 p.m. every night.
  2. Uses blue light-blocking glasses, a temp-controlled mattress, and blackout curtains.
  3. Monitors sleep quality with an Oura Ring and an EightSleep Mattress.

Medical Interventions and Therapies

Johnson employs various medical interventions to support his anti-aging goals.

  1. Received blood-plasma donations from younger people, including his teenage son.
  2. Funds gene therapy and stem cell therapy for his 71-year-old father.
  3. Uses red light therapy to promote collagen growth and reduce wrinkles.
  4. Receives regular platelet-rich-fibrin treatments for hair growth.

Skincare and Hair Care Regimen

Johnson's skincare and hair care routines are extensive and meticulously planned.

  1. Applies seven different creams every day.
  2. Receives weekly acid peels.
  3. Avoids the sun and has received fat injections into his face.
  4. Uses a custom hair formulation to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth.

Fitness Tests and Biological Age

Johnson's fitness tests and biological age measurements indicate the effectiveness of his anti-aging program.

  1. Fitness tests show physical fitness comparable to an 18-year-old.
  2. VO2 Max is in the top 1.5% of 18-year-olds.
  3. Biological age is significantly lower than his chronological age.
  4. Believes his anti-aging program has reversed his biological age, giving him the heart of a 37-year-old and the lung capacity of an 18-year-old.

Algorithm-Governed Life

Johnson's life is governed by an algorithm that ensures every decision involving his body is data-driven.

  1. Measures all 70+ organs through hundreds of tests.
  2. 30 doctors study the literature and test it on him.
  3. Uses an algorithm to run his body and make data-driven decisions.

Unique Practices and Philosophical Stance

Johnson's unique practices and philosophical stance on mortality reflect his dedication to his anti-aging journey.

  1. Has a pre-driving mantra: "Driving is the most dangerous thing we do."
  2. Drives extremely slowly in an electric Audi.
  3. Brain tests indicate his brain age is 30.5.
  4. Uses a laser face-shield for collagen growth and wrinkle reduction.
  5. Measures nighttime erections as a biological age marker for sexual function and cardiovascular fitness.
  6. Performs special exercises to increase grip strength.
  7. Describes himself as an explorer rather than a biohacker.
  8. Believes in making death optional and views life as worth fighting for.

Bryan Johnson's Quest for Immortality

Bryan Johnson's journey to defy aging is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in a small Mormon community to founding Braintree and selling it for a fortune, Johnson's life has been a rollercoaster. His strict regimen, including a vegan diet, 111 daily supplements, rigorous exercise, and cutting-edge medical interventions, showcases his dedication. Spending $2 million annually on Project Blueprint, he aims to reverse his biological age and make death optional. His methods, like red light therapy, gene therapy, and extensive fitness tests, highlight his innovative approach. Johnson's story isn't just about living longer; it's about pushing human potential. His commitment to data-driven decisions and a meticulously planned lifestyle offers a glimpse into the future of health and wellness. Bryan Johnson's quest for immortality is a testament to human determination and the relentless pursuit of a better, longer life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about Bryan Johnson?
Bryan Johnson isn't your everyday entrepreneur. He's a visionary who founded Braintree, a company PayPal acquired for a whopping $800 million. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. He's also behind Kernel, a startup diving deep into the human brain to enhance cognitive abilities. His ventures reflect a blend of bold ambition and a keen eye for future tech.
How did Bryan Johnson make his fortune?
His journey to wealth kicked off with Braintree, a payment processing platform. By offering sleek, user-friendly solutions for online businesses, Braintree caught PayPal's eye, leading to an acquisition that padded Johnson's bank account significantly. This move was just the start of his financial success story.
Is Bryan Johnson involved in any futuristic projects?
Absolutely, and Kernel stands out among them. This company isn't just about understanding the brain; it's about unlocking its potential. Through cutting-edge technology, Kernel aims to enhance how we think, remember, and learn. It's like something out of a sci-fi novel, but for Johnson, it's the future he's working to create.
What drives Bryan Johnson to invest in such ambitious projects?
For Johnson, it's not just about the money; it's about impact. He's driven by a desire to solve humanity's most complex puzzles, whether that's through improving our cognitive functions or making online payments smoother. His investments are a reflection of his belief in using technology to push human capabilities to their limits.
Has Bryan Johnson contributed to any social causes?
Yes, and his contributions are as innovative as his business ventures. Through his philanthropic efforts, Johnson focuses on supporting education and environmental sustainability. He believes in using his resources to tackle global challenges, making the world a better place not just for today, but for future generations.
What can aspiring entrepreneurs learn from Bryan Johnson?
Johnson's story is a masterclass in thinking big and not being afraid to pursue seemingly outlandish ideas. His success underscores the importance of innovation, resilience, and looking beyond conventional boundaries. For budding entrepreneurs, he's a living example that with the right mix of vision and determination, anything is possible.
Where can I find more information about Bryan Johnson's projects?
Dive into the websites of Braintree and Kernel for starters. They offer a wealth of information on Johnson's ventures. Additionally, keeping an eye on tech news platforms can provide updates on his latest endeavors and insights into the future he's helping to shape.

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