Could Silicon Valley Billionaires Cure Aging? With Aleks Krotoski - intelligence-squared-u-s-debates Recap

Podcast: intelligence-squared-u-s-debates

Published: 2026-02-20

Duration: 56 minutes

Guests: Alex Krotoski

Summary

The episode examines the cutting-edge efforts by Silicon Valley moguls and scientists to make death optional, exploring the biological, social, and philosophical implications of potentially curing aging.

What Happened

In a world where death may soon be optional, technologists and investors are investing billions into making immortality a reality by 2026. This episode discusses how aging is now viewed by some as a technical glitch that can be hacked, reversed, or eradicated entirely, thanks to the efforts of Silicon Valley's most influential figures.

Aleks Krotoski, an award-winning broadcaster and academic, shares insights from her book 'The Immortalists', where she profiles moguls and entrepreneurs seeking to disrupt death. She recounts encounters with radical life extensionists and transhumanists who are keen on using technology to extend life and possibly upload human consciousness to the cloud.

Silicon Valley's fascination with longevity is not new, with figures like Brian Johnson at the forefront. Johnson, who grew up in a Mormon household and later left the church, sold his company to PayPal and has since invested in achieving 'longevity escape velocity'. He uses an algorithm to manage his health, claiming to have reversed his biological age.

The episode delves into controversial methods like plasmapheresis, where old plasma is replaced with fresh plasma, akin to a 'longevity oil change'. This method, supported by research from Mike and Irina Conboy of UC Berkeley, has led to wealthy individuals paying large sums to infuse young blood into their veins.

Drugs like Metformin and Rapamycin, taken off-label for their potential anti-aging effects, are popular among longevity enthusiasts. These drugs are believed to extend the health span, focusing not just on living longer but also on maintaining good health.

The conversation also covers the concept of the singularity, where human consciousness could potentially merge with AI, leading to a single consciousness. This idea is embraced by transhumanists who are eager to augment humans with technology.

Effective altruists and long-termists are mentioned, focusing on rational and impactful ways to use resources for future generations. 'The Immortalists' by Alex Krotoski is recommended as a deep dive into these ambitious and often controversial pursuits.

Key Insights

• Silicon Valley billionaires are treating aging like a technical glitch, investing billions to achieve 'longevity escape velocity' by 2026, a term indicating the point where life expectancy increases faster than aging itself.
• Brian Johnson, a former Mormon and entrepreneur who sold his company to PayPal, claims to have reversed his biological age using an algorithm, highlighting a blend of technology and personal health management that challenges traditional aging.
• Plasmapheresis, likened to a 'longevity oil change', involves wealthy individuals replacing old plasma with young blood, a controversial anti-aging method supported by Mike and Irina Conboy's research at UC Berkeley.
• Transhumanists are intrigued by the potential singularity, a future where human consciousness might merge with AI, hinting at a profound shift in what it means to be human as technology augments our very existence.

Key Questions Answered

What is Brian Johnson's role in the longevity movement?

Brian Johnson is a notable figure in the radical longevity movement, having invested in technologies to achieve 'longevity escape velocity'. He claims to have reversed his biological age by using an algorithm to meticulously manage his health.

How are Silicon Valley billionaires using plasmapheresis?

Silicon Valley billionaires are using plasmapheresis, a process where old plasma is replaced with fresh plasma. This method, seen as a 'longevity oil change', is used in attempts to extend life and rejuvenate health.

What are Metformin and Rapamycin used for in the context of longevity?

Metformin and Rapamycin, originally used for diabetes and as an immunosuppressant, are taken off-label by longevity enthusiasts for their potential to reduce aging-related diseases and extend the health span.