Fear is quietly running your life—and it’s holding you back from the purpose and success you deserve. In this episode, we revisit Dave chatting with one of the keynote speakers for the Biohacking Conference 2025, Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of Courage Is Calling, to tackle the one thing standing between you and your potential: fear.
Why should you listen? Because fear is the root cause of procrastination, self-doubt, and the endless excuses that keep you stuck. Ryan reveals why courage isn’t just about bravery—it’s about making the hard choices that align with your purpose, even when the stakes are high.
Drawing on powerful examples from history and modern life, Ryan explains how fear can be transformed into a catalyst for action and why embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking true freedom. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to take control, face your fears, and create the life you’re meant to live.
Why This Episode Matters:
• You’ll discover how fear sneaks into your decisions—and how to stop it
• Learn why courage is the ultimate skill for success and fulfillment
• Get actionable advice to break through self-imposed limits
• Understand the psychology of fear and how to use it as fuel
• Hear real-life stories of people who overcame fear to achieve greatness
Resources:
2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025
Ryan Holiday’s Website – https://ryanholiday.net
Daily Stoic Website – https://dailystoic.com/
Ryan Holiday’s Book: Courage Is Calling – https://a.co/d/czEfCXC
Ryan Holiday’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday
Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com
Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com
Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books
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
Sponsors
-Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order.
-Pendulum | Go to https://pendulumlife.com/ and use code Asprey20 for your first month of GLP-1 or any Pendulum formula.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Intro
• 00:44 – Discussing Ryan Holiday’s Work
• 02:37 – The Concept of Courage
• 08:09 – Fear and Courage in History
• 12:41 – Stoic Philosophy and Modern Applications
• 21:50 – The Four Virtues and Their Interrelation
• 28:39 – Challenges in Admitting Mistakes
• 35:21 – Navigating Business Risks During a Pandemic
• 36:44 – The Essence of Courage in Business and Life
• 37:03 – Reed Hastings and the Duality of Courage
• 40:06 – Moral Courage: Lessons from History
• 43:35 – The Debate on Mandates and Personal Freedom
• 45:22 – Balancing Public Health and Individual Rights
• 58:29 – The Role of Responsibility in Society
• 01:09:01 – The Importance of Intellectual Courage
• 01:12:04 – Reaching Audiences in a Noisy World
• 01:13:27 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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