Ep. 41 - DIY Gene Engineering with Josiah Zayner
In this installment of the Future Grind podcast host Ryan O’Shea speaks with Dr. Josiah Zayner, the former NASA scientist who in 2017 became the first known human to attempt to modify themselves using CRISPR gene editing technology. Josiah's controversial company, The ODIN, provides educational courses and sells DIY gene editing kits for everything from bacteria to frogs, and soon plans to offer kits for the DIY modification of human cells.
They discuss his experiments in human augmentation, bodily autonomy, the healthcare industry, and so much more.
In addition to his work with The ODIN, Josiah hosts the Biohack The Planet conference. Past speakers include Dr. Aubrey de Grey of the SENS Research Foundation, Hamilton Morris of the VICE series Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia, magician and biohacker Anastasia Synn, and many more.
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Show Notes
Credentials & media portrayal [2:23]
Josiah’s education & path to NASA [6:06]
Why Josiah left NASA [9:27]
The ODIN [11:02]
Explaining the name “The ODIN” [12:40]
ODIN customer projects [13:43]
Josiah’s microbiome transplant & CRISPR experiment [14:36]
Reasons & results (or lack thereof) [17:00]
Allegations of practicing medicine [25:05]
Barriers to exercising bodily autonomy [32:48]
Biohack the Planet [40:56]
Talk to look forward to [44:34]
What’s next for The ODIN [48:58]
Mentioned
Rich Lee
Gut Hack video
The Atlantic article
Other genetic modifications
- Tristan Roberts’ experimental HIV treatment
- Aaron Traywick’s experimental herpes treatment
- Justin Atkin’s experimental lactose Intolerance treatment
California investigation & Josiah’s interview video
Women on Waves
Former Biohack the Planet speakers -
- Amal Graafstra
- Zoltan Istvan
- Alex Pearlman
Some 2019 speakers
- Jessica Polka of ASAPbio
- David Hewlett, Stargate
- Zach Weissmueller, Reason
- Dr. Rob Carlson, Bioeconomy Capital
- Michael Solana, Founders Fund (Peter Thiel)
- Misti Norris, Petra & the Beast
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