SuperLife with Darin Olien

Darin Olien
  • 4.8 (1.3K)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

I'm Darin Olien, the "Superfood Hunter." If you're looking for motivation to take the next step towards a happier, healthier life then you're in the right place. On this podcast, you'll hear honest conversations with extraordinary people that educate and inspire me. We cover everything from nutrition and mental health to sustainable ways of living. We also dive into life's Fatal Conveniences™. These are the things that we're doing or consuming in our day-to-day life that may actually be harming us, or the Earth.

  1. 3d ago

    Maria Bertrand: How Rescuing a Baby Sparrow Changed My Life Forever

    When Maria Bertrand rescued a day-old sparrow during one of the darkest periods of her life, she never imagined it would lead to a worldwide documentary, a children's book, and a profound reawakening to the intelligence and healing power of animals. In this heartfelt conversation, Darin Olien sits down with filmmaker, storyteller, and animal advocate Maria Bertrand to explore the extraordinary relationship she formed with Happy—a tiny sparrow deemed "unreleasable" after a beak injury. Together they discuss grief, purpose, interspecies communication, animal consciousness, indigenous wisdom, and why reconnecting with nature may be one of the most important steps humanity can take. This conversation is a reminder that healing often arrives in the smallest, most unexpected forms. What You'll Learn How rescuing a tiny sparrow transformed Maria's life during profound grief Why purpose often emerges through serving something greater than yourself The fascinating science behind animal consciousness and sentience How humans have become disconnected from nature—and how to reconnect Why animals communicate far more than most people realize The healing power of empathy, curiosity, and deep observation Lessons indigenous cultures understood that modern society has forgotten Behind the scenes of Maria's documentary Finding Happy How storytelling can inspire compassion and meaningful change Why the smallest moments often carry life's greatest lessons Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Super Life 00:00:32 Sponsor: Supporting Healthy Aging with Tru Niagen 00:02:36 Introducing Maria Bertrand and the Story of Happy 00:04:02 Reconnecting After Years Apart 00:05:17 How Heartbreak Led to an Extraordinary Miracle 00:07:22 Maria's Childhood Connection to Nature 00:10:23 Finding Purpose Through Storytelling 00:11:38 Losing Everything During the Pandemic 00:14:06 Discovering a Day-Old Baby Sparrow 00:16:15 How Caring for Happy Pulled Maria Out of Grief 00:19:49 The Decision to Surrender Happy to Wildlife Rehabilitation 00:21:21 Learning Happy Would Be Euthanized 00:22:21 Living With Happy's Beak Injury 00:23:01 Animal Consciousness and the Legacy of René Descartes 00:25:06 The Cambridge Declaration on Animal Consciousness 00:26:15 Sponsor: Reducing Plastic Waste with Bite 00:27:57 Science Finally Begins Catching Up 00:28:58 What Makes Happy Different From Other Birds? 00:30:02 Building a Shared Language Between Human and Sparrow 00:31:30 Learning to Listen to Nature Again 00:34:00 Tuning Into Frequencies We Normally Ignore 00:35:35 Why Modern Humans Have Forgotten How to Listen 00:39:14 Every Species Deserves Our Compassion 00:41:05 Rediscovering Our Connection to the Living World 00:43:12 How Happy Changed Maria Forever 00:46:08 Messages From Around the World 00:48:11 The Language of Animal Communication 00:50:35 Scientists Studying Animal Sentience 00:52:09 What We Learn by Truly Observing Animals 00:54:03 Happy Makes a Surprise Appearance 00:55:14 Humanity's Lost Relationship With Nature 00:57:14 How Science Once Dismissed Animal Intelligence 00:58:37 Turning Happy's Story Into a Feature Documentary 01:01:06 Filming With Elephants in Thailand 01:02:48 Stories of Compassion From Around the World 01:05:37 Releasing Finding Happy Worldwide 01:07:02 A Day in the Life With Happy 01:10:04 Why Connection Is the Film's Greatest Message 01:12:30 Helping Children Preserve Their Wonder 01:14:33 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts Thank You to Our Sponsors Tru Niagen: Go to www.truniagen.com and use code DARINOLIEN20 at checkout for 20% off Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Maria Bertrand Watch the Film: findinghappythefilm.com Instagram: @inspirebydoing Follow Happy: @happythesparrow Read the Book: Finding Happy the Sparrow Find More from Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "Sometimes the smallest life you choose to care for becomes the very thing that teaches you how to live again."

  2. 4d ago

    Escaping Comfort: Why Risking Rejection is the Key to a Super Life

    Nearly three out of five people say no one truly knows them. Almost half describe their relationships as meaningless, and most people feel disconnected from the work they spend the majority of their lives doing. Darin believes this isn't just a mental health crisis, it's a symptom of a deeper "matrix" that keeps us living someone else's version of life. In this powerful solo episode, Darin explores why comfort has become one of the greatest barriers to transformation. He explains how fear disguises itself as familiarity, why the voice holding you back often sounds exactly like your own thoughts, and how giving yourself permission to pursue your authentic vision is the first step toward reclaiming your life. Through personal stories, practical mindset shifts, and a call to courageous action, Darin reveals why escaping the matrix isn't about fighting the outside world—it's about overcoming the internal programming that's kept you playing small. This episode is the first installment of a deeper multi-part conversation, with additional principles available in the full extended version live now on my Patreon: https://patreon.com/DarinOlien  What You'll Learn Why comfort may be the greatest obstacle to living your purpose Darin's definition of the "matrix" and how it operates through your own thoughts Why fear often disguises itself as comfort and familiarity How to recognize when you've outsourced your power The importance of giving yourself permission instead of waiting for approval Why your vision must be bigger than your fear How Darin overcame self-doubt to ask a celebrity to join his documentary series Why meaningful change begins with choosing possibility over limitation How to identify the internal stories keeping you stuck Why building a SuperLife requires consistently choosing discomfort over complacency Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:32 – Sponsor: Alkemis 00:03:23 – The loneliness epidemic and the modern matrix 00:04:20 – What the "matrix" really is 00:05:23 – Why you can't think your way out of it 00:06:04 – Comfort: fear's greatest disguise 00:06:37 – The internal voice keeping you stuck 00:07:05 – Darin's story of overcoming fear to ask a celebrity for help 00:09:09 – Why courage creates unexpected opportunities 00:10:19 – The matrix doesn't need to trap you—it only needs to keep you comfortable 00:11:24 – What people actually need to break free 00:11:53 – Give yourself permission 00:12:25 – Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:14:20 – Stop outsourcing your power 00:15:20 – Build a vision powerful enough to break inertia 00:16:03 – Darin's vision: creating a world that works 00:17:15 – Reclaim your power and choose your own path 00:17:33 – What comes next in Part Two on Patreon 00:18:23 – Continue the journey on Patreon Thank You to Our Sponsors Alkemis: Go to https://alkemispaint.com/ and use code DARIN10 for 10% off your order. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order. Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "The greatest prison isn't built with walls—it's built with comfort. Every time you choose familiarity over possibility, fear over vision, or permission from others over trust in yourself, you reinforce the life you say you want to escape. Freedom begins the moment you stop waiting, reclaim your power, and take the first uncomfortable step toward the life you know you're meant to live."     Bibliography/Sources: Loneliness & Connection Data Gallup. (n.d.). State of the global workplace report [Data on loneliness]. Reach Out Recovery. (n.d.). Statistics on loneliness and how to cope. https://reachoutrecovery.com/ Science of People. (n.d.). Loneliness statistics: How many people are lonely?. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/loneliness-statistics/ Workplace Engagement & Economic Impact Archie App. (n.d.). The $8.8 trillion cost of employee disengagement. https://archieapp.co/ Gallup. (2024). State of the global workplace report. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Gallup / AOL. (n.d.). U.S. employee engagement drops to 11-year low. https://www.aol.com/ HR Cloud. (n.d.). Employee engagement statistics. https://www.hrcloud.com/

  3. Jul 31

    Rebecca Bassam: Brain Mapping, ADHD, Trauma & The Hidden Electrical Signals Controlling Your Mind

    What if the biggest breakthroughs in mental health have nothing to do with chemicals—and everything to do with electricity? In this fascinating conversation, Darin sits down with psychophysiology and brain mapping specialist Rebecca Bassam to explore the electrical nature of the human brain. After surviving multiple traumatic brain injuries herself, Rebecca dedicated her life to understanding how brainwave patterns influence everything from ADHD and anxiety to depression, PTSD, focus, emotional regulation, and peak performance. Together they discuss why traditional mental health often overlooks the brain itself, how brain mapping identifies dysfunctional patterns, why social media instantly pushes us into fight-or-flight, and the promising future of personalized neurotechnology using microcurrent, neurofeedback, biofeedback, light therapy, and frequency-based interventions. If you've ever wondered whether your brain can truly heal, this episode offers an entirely new perspective on what's possible. What You'll Learn Why mental health should begin with measuring the brain How brain mapping identifies patterns behind ADHD, anxiety, and depression The surprising electrical nature of brain function Why traumatic brain injuries often go undiagnosed for years How microcurrent therapy differs from electroshock therapy What brainwave frequencies reveal about focus, stress, and emotional regulation How chronic stress physically changes the brain Why scrolling social media activates your fight-or-flight response How breathing, neurofeedback, and light therapy can retrain the nervous system Why the brain remains capable of healing throughout life Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:35 – Introduction to Rebecca Bassam 00:02:53 – From traumatic brain injuries to brain mapping 00:06:06 – What psychophysiology actually measures 00:08:49 – Rebecca's own brain injury journey 00:11:57 – ADHD as a measurable brain pattern—not a character flaw 00:15:03 – Why your brain can be fast and slow simultaneously 00:18:54 – What brainwaves reveal about focus, anxiety, and stress 00:19:57 – Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:21:54 – How head injuries change the brain 00:27:17 – Why the brain is fundamentally electrical 00:29:48 – Electroshock vs. modern microcurrent therapy 00:34:15 – Recovering from depression after traumatic brain injury 00:36:35 – Stress, physiology, and why your brain gets hijacked 00:38:21 – Hope for healing through brain mapping 00:40:49 – Can difficult life experiences physically reshape your brain? 00:44:28 – Breaking unhealthy neurological patterns 00:46:30 – Microcurrent, magnetic therapy, and red light therapy 00:48:11 – What social media is doing to your brain in real time 00:55:18 – Breathwork as an instant nervous system reset 01:00:14 – Practical ways to optimize your brain every day 01:05:48 – The future of personalized brain health 01:09:32 – Final thoughts and hope for healing     Thank You to Our Sponsors Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order.       Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Rebecca Bassham Website: edgeneurofitness.com Instagram:: @becthebraincoach   Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-698abc9b-7598-832b-a15d-46344c28abef-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-698abc9b-7598-832b-a15d-46344c28abef-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-368" data-turn="assistant"> Key Takeaway "Your brain is not fixed. It's constantly adapting to every injury, experience, emotion, and habit. Once you understand the electrical patterns driving your thoughts and behaviors, you can begin retraining your brain toward greater health, resilience, focus, and freedom."*

  4. Jul 30

    A World That Works: Why Every Problem Is an Invitation to Create the Solution

    What if the biggest problems in your life weren't obstacles... but invitations? In this deeply personal solo episode, Darin shares the philosophy behind SuperLife and explains why he believes every challenge contains the seed of a solution. From discovering toxic products in the nutrition industry to helping bring clean water to hundreds of thousands of children, Darin reveals how shifting from complaint to contribution has shaped every major chapter of his life. He also shares practical principles for cultivating optimism, surrounding yourself with solution-oriented people, taking radical responsibility, and building a life fueled by possibility instead of fear. If you've been overwhelmed by the state of the world, this episode is a reminder that the future belongs to those willing to create it. What You'll Learn Why every problem contains the opportunity for a solution How SuperLife became a movement centered around "a world that works" The mindset shift from complaining to creating Why optimism is a practice, not blind positivity How Darin built a career by solving problems instead of criticizing them The importance of surrounding yourself with solution-oriented people Why taking 100% responsibility changes everything How vision creates momentum and attracts new possibilities Why stillness and action are equally essential for growth Practical daily habits for creating your own SuperLife Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:35 – Sponsor: Alkemis 00:03:27 – Why I believe in a world that works 00:04:50 – Choosing solutions over fear 00:06:23 – Every challenge is an opportunity 00:07:10 – How frustration built my career 00:08:02 – The birth of my superfood journey 00:09:16 – Why SuperLife became a movement 00:10:17 – Stop complaining and start creating 00:11:11 – Sponsor: Shakeology 00:12:58 – Clean water changed my perspective forever 00:14:25 – Your patterns are not your identity 00:15:24 – Why personal responsibility creates freedom 00:16:26 – The power of surrounding yourself with innovators 00:17:49 – Creating a field that attracts solutions 00:19:10 – Stop focusing on what's broken 00:20:30 – How the universe responds to action 00:21:28 – Building a movement around possibility 00:22:11 – Why problems should make you hopeful 00:23:16 – Curiosity unlocks new possibilities 00:24:39 – My daily practices for staying optimistic 00:26:21 – Stillness, courage, and taking action anyway 00:28:02 – Vision creates the path forward 00:29:01 – A call to help create a world that works Thank You to Our Sponsors: Alkemis: Go to https://alkemispaint.com/ and use code DARIN10 for 10% off your order. Shakeology: Get 15% off with code DARINO1BODI at Shakeology.com. Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "The world doesn't change because we become better at pointing out what's broken—it changes because ordinary people decide to become extraordinary problem solvers. Every challenge is an invitation, every obstacle contains a solution, and every one of us has the ability to help create a world that works."   5 Building Blocks: The SuperLife Vision This episode touches five pillars that could each become their own future episode. Treating them as a recurring framework gives the show a spine, andgives you a running "vision doc" you can build on episode by episode.   1. Optimism as a Discipline, Not a Disposition The core reframe: optimism isn't naivety, it's where you choose to point your energy. Future episode: the difference between denial and constructive optimism. 2. The Individual Work — Awareness, Freedom, Connection You flagged this yourself as "more on that another time." This is likely your richest solo-episode territory: what it actually means to learn from pain, become more aware, more free, more connected to your contribution. Could be a 3–4 partarc on its own. 3. The People You Cultivate Your stated "greatest asset." A strong recurring segment could be short profiles — 2–3 minutes each — of specific people in your orbit and the solutions they're building. Turns an abstract claim ("I'm surrounded by great people") into proof, episode after episode. 4. Possibility Thinking / "What Else Is Possible?" The engine of the whole philosophy. Future episode: a practical walkthrough of how you actually run this question against a real problem, step by step, so listeners can use it themselves. 5. Daily Practices Your list of eleven. This is a natural standalone episode ("The 11 Things I Do Every Day to Stay Optimistic"), each one expanded with a real story, rather than compressed into one segment of a broader episode.

  5. Jul 24

    Leon Aryah Lewis: Why You Can't Run From Your Shadow Self—Unlocking the Hidden Power of Your Soul

    What if the answers you've been searching for have been inside you all along? In this deeply personal conversation, Darin sits down with his longtime friend Leon Aryah Lewis—a mystic, seer, attorney, and author of Inside Out: A Soul's Journey. For the first time publicly, Leon shares the remarkable spiritual experiences that shaped his life, from communicating with spirit guides as a child and overcoming severe dyslexia to performing thousands of soul readings and embracing the path of mysticism. Leon also reveals the extraordinary story of how a manuscript he wrote 30 years ago miraculously survived the Palisades Fire, only to resurface at exactly the right moment. Together, Darin and Leon explore soul purpose, shadow work, intuition, divine timing, reincarnation, the teachings of Jesus, and why true healing begins when we trust ourselves instead of searching outside for answers. What You'll Learn How Leon first began communicating with his spirit guides as a child Why his 30-year-old manuscript resurfaced after surviving the Palisades Fire How Leon transformed severe dyslexia into one of his greatest strengths What a soul reading is and how Leon has performed thousands of them Why mysticism is about direct connection with the Divine—not religion The role of intuition, meditation, and trust in personal transformation Why shadow work is essential for true healing What Leon believes about reincarnation and soul purpose The powerful lesson he says Jesus taught him through meditation Why everything you've been searching for may already exist within you Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:32 – Sponsor: Fatty15 00:04:13 – Introducing Leon Aryah Lewis 00:06:20 – A manuscript that survived the Palisades Fire 00:08:33 – Why the book resurfaced after 30 years 00:10:25 – Leon's spiritual awakening begins 00:12:02 – The first encounter with a spirit guide 00:15:30 – Childhood messages and discovering his purpose 00:17:24 – Overcoming severe dyslexia 00:21:39 – Getting out of your own way 00:22:08 – Sponsor: Shakeology 00:23:27 – Does every soul arrive with a life plan? 00:24:29 – How Leon discovered soul readings 00:34:20 – What mysticism really means 00:37:24 – Does your soul already know everything? 00:41:12 – Trusting your soul's journey 00:45:26 – Divine timing and why the book appeared now 00:48:11 – Leon's meditation involving Jesus 00:53:28 – Why embracing your shadow leads to healing 00:57:02 – Connecting with spirit guides 00:58:59 – Mysticism beyond organized religion 01:01:30 – Leon's mission for humanity 01:11:10 – Final reflections and trusting the journey 01:13:27 – Closing thoughts Thank You to Our Sponsors: Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Shakeology: Get 15% off with code DARINO1BODI at Shakeology.com. Join the SuperLife Community: Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Leon Aryah Lewis: Website: soulsessionswithleon.com Instagram: @soulsessionswithleon Buy His New Book: Inside Out: A Journey of the Soul Find More From Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "Everything you've spent your life searching for already exists within you. Your soul carries the wisdom, your challenges reveal your path, your shadow is your greatest teacher, and your spiritual journey begins the moment you stop looking outside yourself for answers and learn to trust the quiet voice that's been guiding you all along."

  6. Jul 23

    15 Weirdest Health Habits Backed by Real Science

    What if some of the most powerful ways to improve your health didn't require expensive gadgets, complicated routines, or the latest supplement trend? In this rapid-fire solo episode, Darin shares 15 unusual, science-backed habits that can dramatically improve longevity, mobility, brain function, nervous system regulation, digestion, and overall vitality. From dead hangs and deep squats to humming, sunlight, boredom, and chewing your food more thoroughly, each practice is grounded in published research, not internet biohacking hype. These are simple, practical habits you can start today that may have an outsized impact on your health over time. If you're looking for evidence-based ways to optimize your body without spending a fortune, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. What You'll Learn Why grip strength may be one of the strongest predictors of longevity How deep squats improve mobility and joint health The surprising connection between balance and lifespan Why humming boosts nitric oxide production The science behind mouth taping and nasal breathing How cold water can instantly calm your nervous system Why boredom fuels creativity and brain function The health benefits of intentional silence How awe can reduce inflammation Why soil microbes strengthen your immune system The importance of chewing for nutrient absorption Why sunlight is one of the most powerful daily health tools Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:32 – Sponsor: Tru Niagen 00:02:35 – 15 science-backed health habits you probably aren't doing 00:04:18 – #1 Grip strength and longevity 00:06:40 – #2 The deep squat rest 00:08:16 – #3 Single-leg balance 00:09:36 – #4 Why humming boosts nitric oxide 00:11:01 – #5 Mouth taping and nasal breathing 00:12:41 – #6 Cold water face immersion 00:14:05 – #7 Ice on the back of your neck 00:14:59 – Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:16:55 – #8 Getting bored on purpose 00:18:34 – #9 Scheduling daily silence 00:20:01 – #10 Chasing awe instead of scrolling 00:21:20 – #11 Why getting your hands dirty boosts immunity 00:23:00 – #12 Chewing your food more thoroughly 00:24:20 – #13 Squatting while using the bathroom 00:25:41 – #14 Get sunlight before your phone 00:26:59 – #15 Sunlight on your skin 00:28:28 – The complete 15-step daily protocol 00:29:05 – Start with one habit today 00:29:26 – Final thoughts and closing message Thank You to Our Sponsors Tru Niagen: Boost NAD+ levels for cellular health and longevity. Get 20% off with code DARINOLIEN20 at truniagen.com. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN for 20% off your order. Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "Better health doesn't always come from doing more—it often comes from returning to the simple things humans have done for thousands of years. Move your body naturally. Breathe through your nose. Spend time in silence. Get into the sun. Touch the earth. Challenge your balance. Strengthen your grip. These aren't expensive biohacks—they're timeless biological signals that remind your body how to thrive. Small daily actions, repeated consistently, can create extraordinary long-term health." Bibliography/Sources Physical Function & Biomechanics Araujo, C. G., et al. (2022). Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals. British Journal of Sports Medicine https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.1066913/full Deep squat / ankle dorsiflexion as clinical mobility assessment. (n.d.). PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7276781/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12358486/ Leong, D. P., et al. (2015). Prognostic value of grip strength: Findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet, 386(9990), 266–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)62000-6 Sikirov, D. (2003). Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: Results and implications for human health. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 48(7), 1201–1205. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024180319005 Respiratory & Nervous System Effects of cold stimulation on cardiac-vagal activation in healthy participants: A randomized controlled trial. (n.d.). PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6334714/ Systematic review of mouth taping for sleep-disordered breathing. (2024). PLOS One. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0323643 Trigeminocardiac / mammalian dive reflex response to cold facial immersion. (2023). PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10295257/ Weitzberg, E., & Lundberg, J. O. N. (2002). Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166(2), 144–145. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12119224/ Brain, Silence & Emotion Bartoli, E., et al. (2024). Default mode network electrical stimulation effects on creativity. Brain, 147(10), 3409+. Bernardi, L., Porta, C., & Sleight, P. (2006). Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory changes induced by different types of music in musicians and non-musicians: The importance of silence. Heart, 92, 445–452. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16199412/ Mann, S., & Cadman, R. (2014). Does being bored make us more creative? Creativity Research Journal, 26(2), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073 Münzel, T., et al. (2024). Noise causes cardiovascular disease: It's time to act. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11876066/ Stellar, J. E., John-Henderson, N., Anderson, C. L., Gordon, A. M., McNeil, G. D., & Keltner, D. (2015). Positive affect and markers of inflammation: Discrete positive emotions predict lower levels of inflammatory cytokines. Emotion, 15(2), 129–133. Immune, Digestion & Environmental Light Cassady, B. A., Hollis, J. H., Fulford, A. D., Considine, R. V., & Mattes, R. D. (2009). Mastication of almonds: Effects of lipid bioaccessibility, appetite, and hormone response. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(3), 794–800. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19144727/ Liu, D., Fernandez, B. O., Hamilton, A., et al. (2014). Isolated UVA irradiation of human skin generates dermal nitric oxide and lowers blood pressure independent of vitamin D. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(7), 1839–1846. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24445737/ Morning light exposure and circadian phase-shifting / dim-light melatonin onset. (n.d.). PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10594521/ Rook, G. A. W., et al. (2023). The old friends hypothesis: Evolution, immunoregulation and essential microbial inputs. Frontiers in Allergy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10524266/ Strachan, D. P. (1989). Hay fever, hygiene, and household size. BMJ, 299(6710), 1259–1260. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.299.6710.1259

  7. Jul 17

    Sarah Brandow: The Microbiome Revolution—Why Your Gut Controls Your Hormones, Cravings & Long-Term Health

    What if the key to balancing hormones, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and even lowering breast cancer risk isn't another supplement—but the trillions of microbes already living inside you? In this fascinating conversation, Darin sits down with clinical nutritionist and PhD researcher Sara Brandow to unpack the rapidly emerging science of the gut microbiome and its profound influence on women's health. From estrogen metabolism and PCOS to the dangers of restrictive diets, social media misinformation, and the hierarchy of scientific evidence, Sara explains why diversity, not dietary perfection—is the true foundation of long-term wellness. Together they explore why the carnivore diet may starve beneficial gut bacteria, how fear surrounding lectins and detoxes has led many people astray, the importance of feeding your microbiome with fiber-rich whole foods, and why meaningful health transformation happens gradually, not through quick fixes. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode offers a science-backed roadmap toward building a healthier, more resilient inner ecosystem. What You'll Learn What the estrobolome is and why it regulates estrogen metabolism How gut bacteria influence PCOS, hormone balance, and breast cancer risk Why microbiome diversity matters more than dietary perfection The hidden dangers of restrictive diets and the carnivore trend The truth about lectins and why they've been misunderstood Why prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics all play unique roles How beneficial gut bacteria influence cravings and behavior The hierarchy of scientific evidence, and how to recognize trustworthy nutrition research Why parasite cleanses and extreme detoxes can backfire How to rebuild your microbiome one food at a time Why eating 30 different plants each week supports gut resilience How small dietary changes create lasting health improvements Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:34 – Sponsor: Bite Toothpaste 00:02:48 – Introducing Sara Brandow 00:03:26 – Why the microbiome may be the missing link in women's health 00:04:13 – Research, curiosity, and communicating science 00:08:22 – Why Sara returned to pursue a PhD 00:10:12 – The gut-estrogen axis explained 00:11:39 – Understanding the estrobolome and estrogen metabolism 00:14:20 – Why perfection is hurting your microbiome 00:15:27 – The carnivore diet and starving beneficial gut bacteria 00:16:18 – The truth about lectins and fear-based nutrition 00:17:17 – Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:19:15 – Prebiotics, postbiotics, and the power of butyrate 00:21:13 – How to separate real science from internet misinformation 00:23:24 – The hierarchy of scientific evidence 00:26:03 – Why bro science often ignores the strongest research 00:29:20 – How restrictive diets "nuke" the microbiome 00:32:27 – Parasite cleanses, detoxes, and rebuilding gut health 00:37:02 – Why food quality and diversity matter most 00:40:12 – How gut bacteria influence cravings and behavior 00:43:28 – The stealth approach to rebuilding your microbiome 00:46:20 – Practical strategies for increasing plant diversity 00:48:30 – Estrogen recycling, beta-glucuronidase, and hormonal balance 00:50:29 – Science communication in the age of algorithms 00:53:23 – Blood testing vs. microbiome testing 00:55:20 – Plant-based nutrition, misconceptions, and thriving long term 00:59:20 – The blood type diet myth 01:02:15 – Early life, antibiotics, and building a resilient microbiome     Thank You to Our Sponsors Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order.     Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Sarah Brandow Website: sarahbrandow.com Instagram: @sarahbrandow Test Your Microbiome: masteryourmicrobiome.com     Find More from Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness     Key Takeaway *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-698abc9b-7598-832b-a15d-46344c28abef-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-698abc9b-7598-832b-a15d-46344c28abef-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-342" data-turn="assistant"> "The future of nutrition isn't about finding the perfect diet—it's about building the healthiest internal ecosystem possible. Every whole plant food you eat, every diverse ingredient you introduce, and every evidence-based choice you make helps cultivate a stronger, more resilient microbiome. When you stop chasing restrictive trends and begin supporting the trillions of organisms working on your behalf, you create the conditions for better hormones, stronger immunity, improved digestion, and lasting health from the inside out."

  8. Jul 16

    Stop Managing Your Life: The 5 Silent Diseases Keeping You Stuck

    What if the biggest threats to your health aren't diseases in the traditional sense—but invisible patterns of disconnection that quietly shape every aspect of your life? In this thought-provoking solo episode, Darin explores what he calls the Five Silent Diseases: numbness, disconnection, distraction, comparison, and forgetting who you truly are. Drawing on research surrounding loneliness, chronic disease, ultra-processed foods, nutrient depletion, social media, and nervous system health, he reveals how modern systems have become remarkably efficient at keeping us busy, distracted, and disconnected from ourselves. More importantly, Darin offers a roadmap back—through real food, meaningful relationships, intentional stillness, honest self-reflection, and daily practices that reconnect us to purpose. This isn't about adding more information to your life. It's about remembering what you've always known and finally acting on it. You weren't born to simply manage your life—you were born to truly live it. What You'll Learn Why loneliness has become one of today's greatest public health challenges The connection between ultra-processed food and chronic disease How nutrient-depleted soils affect the quality of our food Why social media is reshaping our nervous systems The Five Silent Diseases that keep us disconnected from ourselves How boredom can unlock creativity and emotional clarity Why real human connection is more important than digital connection The difference between information and true self-awareness Practical breathing and mindfulness techniques to reconnect with yourself Why asking better questions changes your life How one real meal and one real conversation can transform your week Why your purpose begins with slowing down enough to hear yourself again Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:33 – Sponsor: Fatty15 00:04:13 – A startling truth about loneliness 00:05:18 – Why we're more connected—and more isolated—than ever 00:05:49 – We're managing life instead of living it 00:06:25 – Ultra-processed food and the chronic disease epidemic 00:07:20 – Nutrient-depleted soil and declining food quality 00:08:04 – Social media, anxiety, and the next generation 00:08:50 – The systems keeping us disconnected 00:09:34 – Introducing the Five Silent Diseases 00:09:56 – Silent Disease #1: Numbness 00:10:25 – Silent Disease #2: Disconnection 00:10:56 – Silent Disease #3: Distraction 00:11:27 – Silent Disease #4: Comparison 00:11:58 – Silent Disease #5: Forgetting who you are 00:12:33 – Responsibility creates power 00:12:53 – Sponsor: Shakeology 00:14:44 – A guided breathing and mindfulness practice 00:15:25 – The one truth you've been avoiding 00:15:46 – "What do you know that you're pretending not to know?" 00:16:09 – Quieting the noise to hear yourself 00:16:49 – Four practical actions to transform your life 00:16:57 – Eat one real, whole-food meal today 00:17:16 – Have one meaningful conversation this week 00:17:39 – Disconnect from your phone and embrace boredom 00:18:03 – Write down the truth you've been avoiding 00:18:23 – Take one step toward the life you actually want 00:18:56 – Why your dreams deserve your attention 00:19:29 – Presence over productivity 00:19:38 – Busy isn't the same as living 00:20:01 – One real meal. One real conversation. One honest life. 00:20:20 – Stop managing your life and start living it 00:20:33 – Final thoughts and closing message     Thank You to Our Sponsors Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Shakeology: Get 15% off with code DARINO1BODI at Shakeology.com.     Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences New Show: Roadmap to Happiness      Key Takeaway "The greatest threat to your health isn't simply what you eat or how much you exercise—it's how disconnected you've become from yourself. Modern life constantly pulls your attention outward, leaving little room to notice what your body, your heart, and your intuition have been trying to tell you all along. Healing begins when you slow down enough to listen. One real meal. One meaningful conversation. One moment of stillness. One honest decision. Those small acts don't just change your day—they change the trajectory of your life."     Bibliography/Sources: Loneliness and Health Risk Associated Press. (2025, January). Surgeon general on loneliness epidemic and his own struggles. WBUR . https://www.wbur.org/npr/1198909477/surgeon-general-loneliness-epidemic-vivek-murthy Office of the Surgeon General. (2023). Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Social connection . https://www.hhs.gov/surgeon-general/priorities/connection/index.html Ultra-Processed Food and Chronic Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August). How much ultra-processed food are people eating in the United States? (NCHS Data Brief No. 536) . https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db536.htm CNN. (2025, August). More than half of the calories US kids and adults consume are from ultraprocessed foods . https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/21/health/ultraprocessed-foods-diet/index.html National Public Radio. (2025, August). Ultra-processed food consumption is down a bit, but still more than 50% of U.S. diet . https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/08/21/nx-s1-5083656/ultraprocessed-food-us-diet-cdc-children Chronic Disease Prevalence Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Trends in multiple chronic conditions among US adults, by life stage, 2013–2023. Preventing Chronic Disease . https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/24_0130.htm Soil and Nutrient Decline in Food An alarming decline in the nutritional quality of foods: The biggest challenge for future generations' health. (2022). PubMed Central . https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8801175/ Kresser, C. (n.d.). Nutrient-depleted soil: What it means for our food . https://chriskresser.com/depletion-of-soil-and-what-can-be-done/ Screen Time, Social Media, and Mental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Associations between screen time use and health outcomes among US teenagers. Preventing Chronic Disease . https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/24_0047.htm SingleCare. (2026). Social media and mental health statistics 2026 . https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/social-media-and-mental-health-statistics/

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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
1,257 Ratings

About

I'm Darin Olien, the "Superfood Hunter." If you're looking for motivation to take the next step towards a happier, healthier life then you're in the right place. On this podcast, you'll hear honest conversations with extraordinary people that educate and inspire me. We cover everything from nutrition and mental health to sustainable ways of living. We also dive into life's Fatal Conveniences™. These are the things that we're doing or consuming in our day-to-day life that may actually be harming us, or the Earth.

Information

  • Creator
    Darin Olien
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (c) The Darin Olien Show
  • Show Website
    SuperLife with Darin Olien

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