Jambo, I'm Julia.

I've always been fascinated by the intersection of technology, health, and human potential. There's something compelling about people who push boundaries—whether that's an individual running their first marathon or mankind landing on the moon. It therefore wasn't a surprise that Netflix surfaced this as the #1 documentary for me.

For those unfamiliar, "Don't Die" follows Brian Johnson, the founder of Braintree who, after selling his company, redirected his resources toward radical life extension. He's essentially turned himself into a human laboratory, meticulously tracking biomarkers, consuming precise combinations of supplements, and putting himself through experimental procedures—all in pursuit of slowing (or even reversing) the ageing process.

why i followed netflix’s recommendation

I know that I must have been living under a rock, but I hadn't actually heard of Bryan Johnson until a few months ago (it was during an interview with a mental health startup). Since then, his name has come up a few more times in conversations with other people, and he started piquing my interest. I was therefore primed and ready when this appeared in my feed.

why i found it compelling

While I don't have any plans to adopt a 100-step supplement regimen or measure my glucose levels every few minutes, aspects of Johnson's journey struck a chord with me.

The documentary didn't just focus on his biological experiments—it also explored the social cost of his lifestyle. He's someone who has optimised every variable in his day, but that level of discipline makes relationships difficult. He openly admits to struggling with loneliness, particularly when it comes to dating, and it seems as if his best friend is his son. It reinforced something I already know but have to keep reminding myself of: that health isn't just about food, exercise, and sleep—it's also about human connection.

It made me think about the balance between ambition and enjoyment. Johnson is determined to push the boundaries of longevity, but watching him made me wonder—what's the point of extending life if you're sacrificing some of the things that make it meaningful? I tend to be quite structured with my own habits and goals (sometimes to a fault), but seeing his extreme approach was a reminder that optimisation shouldn't come at the cost of spontaneity or relationships.

what i've taken away

🧪 Extreme experimentation

• The gap between cutting-edge research and mainstream accessibility is vast. What begins as a billionaire’s experiment may eventually trickle down to benefit the average person, but the path isn't straight or guaranteed.
• Self-experimentation lacks scientific rigour but can still drive curiosity and interest in important fields. Johnson changes too many variables simultaneously to draw clear conclusions, yet his approach still generates valuable conversations.
• Marketing healthy behaviours, while potentially profit-motivated, might still be a net positive in a world that constantly normalises the marketing of unhealthy choices. At the very least, it’s generating conversation and debate.

🤝 Relationships and longevity

• Longevity without purpose may be an empty pursuit. The documentary subtly questions whether adding years to life matters if those years lack connection and meaning.
• Extreme health optimisation can create isolation when it prevents normal social rituals and interactions. Johnson's struggles finding compatible partners highlight how longevity practices can paradoxically diminish quality of life.
• Social connection is important. Research already shows that strong social connections contribute to a longer, healthier life. Take action and find others with shared values. By the documentary's end, Johnson begins building connections with like-minded individuals as he realises the importance of this.

other interesting bits

• Mortality gives life urgency and value. Johnson's quest raises the philosophical question of whether death's inevitability is what makes life precious in the first place. Memento Mori.
• This article on the importance of connections talks about the growing evidence around social connection, prosociality, spirituality, optimism, and work playing an important role in improving the well-being of people and communities.
• Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.