Bryan Johnson's quest for immortality: why the haters fuel the fire

Millionaire biohacker Bryan Johnson embraces criticism while pursuing his vision of eternal life.

Told by Claire Lawson · 30 August 2026

Bryan Johnson, the self-proclaimed biohacker and millionaire, is on a quest for immortality, and he knows the world is watching — and laughing. As he navigates criticism, he and his Australian partner, Kate Tolo, are diving into the complexities of women's health in their bizarre journey toward eternal life.

At 49 years old, Johnson claims to feel younger than ever, much to Tolo's amusement. "He annoyingly feels younger than me!" she says, highlighting the couple’s quirky relationship dynamic. Tolo, who hails from Mackay, has embraced Johnson’s biohacking mission, aiming to become "the world's most measured woman" through an obsessive collection of health data — 14 million data points on her menstrual cycle, to be precise.

But what is biohacking? It’s an extreme approach to anti-aging and longevity that raises eyebrows among medical professionals. Critics are quick to remind us that while the idea of living forever is intriguing, the practices behind it often lack robust scientific backing. Johnson’s claims — from blood plasma swaps with his son to the recent controversy over his supposed cloning — have sparked skepticism within the medical community.

Experts warn that the rigid lifestyle championed by biohackers like Johnson can alienate social connections essential for well-being. Johnson, however, brushes off the naysayers, accepting that there’s a substantial portion of the world that wants him to fail. "We are ridiculous people. We are absurd," he acknowledges, embracing the chaos of their journey.

While Johnson's antics may seem eccentric, they have opened conversations about health, longevity, and the often-ignored nuances of women's health. Tolo’s commitment to measuring every aspect of her body reflects a growing interest in understanding female health through data — an area she describes as lacking in the medical literature.

Yet, as they embark on their ambitious project, the question remains: are they genuinely trying to help others, or are they cashing in on society's fear of aging? Johnson asserts their intentions are pure, but the overlap between wellness and commercial interests continues to raise eyebrows. As they push boundaries, it’s clear that their journey is as much about engaging the public as it is about personal discovery.

At the heart of it all, Johnson and Tolo are just two people who want to play in a world where death is often seen as an inevitable end. They are artists at heart, using their unique approach to challenge conventional norms about life and health. Is this a revolutionary step forward, or just a spectacle for the masses?