My Son Answers Your Questions About Life and Health

Growing up is challenging enough, but when your father is Bryan Johnson, health guru and entrepreneur, life can get even more interesting. Thomas Johnson opens up about his journey of self-discovery, navigating relationships, and the health protocols that shape his life.

Reflections on the Past

Thomas Johnson watched himself in his father’s documentary Don’t Die and felt both uncomfortable and motivated. He admits, “I saw myself how I acted, how I behaved, how I talked, and it feels like I’ve improved so much since then.” That moment on film became a catalyst for reflection about personal growth and the concept of an arc. Rather than dismiss earlier versions of ourselves with shame, Thomas suggests embracing them as integral steps in a lifelong journey of self-love.

“I love myself in that moment, I also love myself now, and I’ll love my future self.”

Growing Up with Bryan Johnson

Growing up with a father like Bryan Johnson meant that playfulness often took priority over strict rules. Thomas recalls wrestling matches in the living room, impromptu treasure hunts on weekend trips, and lighthearted games designed to foster creativity. “He was never too serious… we’d always have little games, he’d always wrestle with us,” Thomas explains. This hands-off, L-fair approach created a safe environment for exploration and trust. As Bryan built his reputation in entrepreneurship and health, he modeled resilience, curiosity, and the importance of family bonds. For Thomas and his siblings, their father’s playful parenting style laid a foundation for independent thinking and lifelong learning.

Embracing the Blueprint Protocol

At just 19, Thomas follows his father’s Blueprint protocol with surprising dedication. The regimen prioritizes diet, sleep, and exercise—elements that, his father often says, deliver about 90% of health benefits [verify]. “I’ve been following it for about three years now, and I do the basics of diet, sleep, and exercise,” Thomas shares. Because he hasn’t yet accumulated the aging damage his father aims to reverse, Thomas focuses on optimization rather than restoration. He was never compelled to join; instead, witnessing improvements in energy levels, mental clarity, and blood-work results convinced him to maintain the protocol long-term. Thomas also monitors basic blood biomarkers and occasionally compares results with his father’s world-class data to see where he stands in his health journey.

From Unhealthy to Healthy: Diet and Lifestyle

Transitioning from junk food to balanced meals posed real challenges for Thomas. He describes an adjustment period when highs from sugar spikes gave way to a more constant baseline of well-being. “When you’re transitioning… it is difficult because you have an adjustment period,” he notes, pointing out that once your body stabilizes, cravings diminish. He recalls late-night pizza binges and sugar crashes replaced by steady energy throughout the day. “The thought of binge eating now is painful to me because I know how I feel when I do it,” he admits. Through mindful diet choices, morning rituals, and consistent exercise, Thomas found that sustainable healthy habits can transform both physical performance and mental resilience.

Family, Faith, and Community

Thomas’s departure from the Mormon Church mirrors his father’s earlier exit, reshaping his community and family dynamics. Reflecting on his childhood, he explains, “When my parents divorced when I was eight… I stayed in the church not by my own choice.” Over years of trust and conversation, Bryan guided him to question inherited beliefs. Eventually, “there’s a point where it hit me that it may not be true,” Thomas recalls. Today, many of his former friends are on missions, and extended family remains in the church, creating unspoken tension at reunions. “There’s definitely some level of anxiety,” he confides. Yet open dialogue and empathy help bridge gaps, highlighting the importance of honest communication in any relationship.

Future Aspirations and Career

As a gap-year intern at Blueprint, Thomas blends professional growth with family collaboration. After his first year at the University of Chicago, he chose unpredictability over a predictable academic path. Reflecting on recent life changes—leaving the Mormon Church, relocating to LA, studying in Chicago, and living in Malaysia—he says, “It’s incredibly difficult to know what my life is going to be like… things are only happening faster now.” Instead of fixing goals on specific outcomes, he focuses on developing adaptable decision-making systems. By combining his father’s strategic thinking with insights from co-founder Kate and others at Blueprint, Thomas is crafting a versatile toolkit for future success in health, entrepreneurship, or any field he explores.

Wisdom for Peers

When asked what he’d tell another 19-year-old, Thomas is candid: “I feel the exact same way.” Facing rapid technological change and social uncertainty, he finds one constant worth betting on—health. He recommends taking small, consistent steps, whether that means trying a new diet, improving sleep hygiene, or joining a workout group. “Surround yourself with friends and an environment that will promote healthy habits,” he advises. Strong relationships with mentors, family, and peers can reinforce positive routines and fuel motivation. In blending attention to diet, exercise, mental health, and honest relationship-building, Thomas believes young adults can navigate complexity with resilience and open-hearted curiosity.

Bold Takeaway • Prioritize your health and build strong relationships with a supportive community.

What aspect of diet, sleep, or fitness are you ready to explore or change today?