Ep089 – Humphrey Bodington, Co-Founder, Conka | Conka: Naturally unlocking brain potential | SATT
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Humphrey Bodington, co-founder of Conka, reveals how a rugby concussion at university sparked a five-year mission to build a scientifically validated, plant-based nootropic system that measures and enhances brain performance in real time. Unlike generic supplements, Conka’s two proprietary formulas—developed through rigorous animal testing, HPLC validation, and WADA certification—are designed not just to repair brain function after injury, but to optimize cognitive performance for elite athletes, military personnel, and high-stakes professionals like lawyers and bankers. The breakthrough came from combining obscure botanicals like Rhodiola rosea and glutathione precursors in synergistic blends, tested via a proprietary two-minute cognitive assessment (CONCQR) developed with Cambridge University. What sets Conka apart is its data-driven operating system: continuous cognitive tracking allows real-time formula customization, turning the product into a living platform for brain enhancement. Bodington argues that brain health is the ultimate lever for performance, and that plant-based neurochemistry—measurable, safe, and scalable—is the future of human optimization, not invasive tech like Neuralink. The journey was fueled by personal pain, serendipitous timing, and an unwavering belief that the problem was too big to ignore.
Conka’s two proprietary nootropic formulas are scientifically validated, WADA-certified, and designed to work synergistically for brain repair and performance enhancement.
The CONCQR cognitive test, developed with Cambridge University, measures brain function three times a week to track real-time changes and inform formula optimization.
Plant extracts like Rhodiola rosea and glutathione precursors are combined in precise, non-toxic ratios—more is not always better, and improper combinations can be harmful.
Conka’s business model is shifting from selling products to licensing its IP, with a long-term goal of enhancing one million brains globally through scalable, data-driven neurochemistry.
Cognitive performance is not static—fatigue, sleep, and stress cause constant fluctuations, making repeated testing essential for accurate measurement and improvement.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
From Concussion to Conka: A Founder’s Personal Catalyst
“I had a concussion injury, which actually came at the same time as an ACL or knee injury. And my return to play protocol was every week, week by week, this is what you're going to do for your knee. But the head was just nothing.”
The Science of Synergy: Why Most Nootropics Fail
“Sometimes when you combine these ingredients together, it works. But sometimes you add one extra ingredient and the whole thing breaks and can have a negative effect.”
Building a Product That Works: From 14 Capsules to a Liquid Formula
The team faced massive hurdles in product development, including a failed 14-capsule format and a soap-dispenser-like bottle that was mistaken for hand sanitizer. They developed a new solvent and patented extraction method to create a safe, effective liquid formula.
Proving Efficacy: The Placebo-Controlled Trial That Changed Everything
“We ran this trial several times over and couldn't see data. And it's not just about the actual function of the formula. It's the measures you put in place to track whether it's working or not.”
From Sports to Society: The Real-World Impact of Cognitive Optimization
Conka expanded beyond sports to high-pressure professions like banking and law, where decision-making precision is critical. The company now uses data from athletes and professionals to refine formulas and prove real-world performance gains.
“The most powerful driver of success isn’t just hard work—it’s solving a deeply personal, high-impact problem that compels you to persist through inevitable skepticism.”
“We ran this trial several times over and couldn't see data. And it's not just about the actual function of the formula. It's the measures you put in place to track whether it's working or not.”
“Founders die from overdose of opportunity, not starvation.”
Host
Guest
Conka
organization
Humphrey Bodington
person
Harry
person
Harlequins
organization
Newcastle University
organization
Cambridge University
organization
WADA
organization
NeuroCog
organization
Revolut
organization
LA Rams
organization
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