SuperLife with Darin Olien

In this wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation, Darin sits down with Dr. Richard J. Brown to unpack some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of modern medicine, aesthetics, ethics, lifestyle, and personal responsibility. From GLP-1 medications and obesity treatment to body dysmorphia, medical ethics, AI in healthcare, and the urgent need to integrate lifestyle medicine into traditional care, this episode explores what it truly means to help people heal — not just shrink symptoms. Dr. Brown shares candid insights from the front lines of plastic surgery, preventative medicine, and fatherhood, offering a rare look at how discipline, community, and generational health can reshape both individuals and the healthcare system itself. What You'll Learn The real role of GLP-1 medications in obesity treatment Why lifestyle change determines long-term success after weight loss drugs The ethical dangers of cosmetic medicine driven by profit and aesthetics How body dysmorphia is being amplified by social media culture Why some patients should be turned away from surgery The importance of mental health screening in aesthetic medicine How AI is reshaping medical research and clinical decision-making The risks of unverified online medical advice Why doctors receive almost no training in nutrition and exercise The disconnect between lifestyle medicine and the healthcare system How preventative medicine could radically reduce chronic disease The role of discipline, habit-building, and accountability in health Why community is one of the most powerful drivers of lasting change How generational health starts with parents modeling behavior Why personal responsibility is the foundation of true sovereignty Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife and the mission of sovereignty 00:00:32 – Sponsor: TheraSage and frequency-based healing technologies 00:02:15 – Welcoming Dr. Richard J. Brown 00:02:55 – GLP-1 medications, obesity, and long-term use 00:03:31 – Why some people regain weight after stopping GLP-1s 00:04:20 – Lifestyle change as the differentiating factor 00:05:16 – Ethical concerns around GLP-1 misuse 00:06:02 – Body dysmorphia vs medical necessity 00:06:57 – GLP-1s as central nervous system drugs 00:07:37 – Compounding pharmacies and prescription risks 00:08:43 – Aesthetic pressure and social media distortion 00:09:31 – Ethics in plastic surgery and patient selection 00:10:05 – Saying no: turning patients away 00:11:19 – Weight loss, identity, and fear of letting go 00:12:20 – The need for qualified, ethical providers 00:13:13 – Exit strategies and long-term planning 00:14:22 – AI, ChatGPT, and medical misinformation 00:15:04 – How physicians are using AI responsibly 00:16:13 – Risks of self-diagnosis without medical context 00:17:17 – Empowered patients and the "Google MD" era 00:18:43 – Lifestyle medicine vs allopathic medicine 00:23:07 – Why lifestyle still isn't embraced by healthcare 00:24:21 – Doctors as educators, not just specialists 00:25:32 – The absence of nutrition training in medical school 00:27:17 – Redesigning medical education from the ground up 00:28:21 – Teaching exercise, VO₂ max, and resistance training 00:29:19 – How misinformation spreads through bad science 00:30:37 – Authority, algorithms, and ethical responsibility 00:32:12 – Debunking viral health claims 00:36:57 – Preventative medicine and generational health 00:38:26 – Parenting, discipline, and modeling health 00:39:35 – The 75 Hard program and mental resilience 00:42:15 – Planning, time management, and habit stacking 00:43:51 – Personal excellence as rebellion 00:45:25 – Health as agency and probability 00:47:22 – Community as the missing link 00:50:21 – A personal story on health consequences 00:52:03 – Accountability groups and shared momentum 00:54:12 – The future of plastic surgery and wellness integration 00:56:10 – Persistence, setbacks, and commitment 00:57:16 – Closing reflections and gratitude Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order. Find More From Dr. Ricky: Instagram: @drrichardjbrown Website: drrichardjbrown.com YouTube: Dr. Ricky's YouTube Book: The Real Beauty Bible Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway True medicine doesn't just change bodies — it changes behavior, belief systems, and the trajectory of future generations.

In this solo episode, Darin dives into one of the most universal modern experiences: the feeling that time is accelerating. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, and lived experience, he breaks down why time doesn't actually speed up, but our experience of it radically changes. From the impact of digital distraction and divided attention to the way novelty, memory, aging, and even COVID reshaped our internal sense of time, this episode offers both clarity and agency. Darin shows how reclaiming attention, breaking monotony, and creating richer experiences can give us the feeling of having our time back. What You'll Learn Why time measured by a clock is different from time experienced by the brain How attention, memory, and emotion construct subjective time Why boredom feels slow while flow states feel fast How novelty creates richer memories and longer-feeling lives The role of routine and monotony in time compression How digital technology fragments attention and erases memory Why social media scrolling makes time disappear without satisfaction How COVID disrupted temporal landmarks and distorted time perception Why time feels faster as we age The neuroscience behind memory density and perceived duration Whether time itself is an illusion or a constructed experience Practical ways to slow down your experience of time How breaking routine restores a sense of fullness and presence Why life is measured in experiences, not seconds Chapters 00:00:03 – Welcome to SuperLife and the exploration of time 00:00:32 – Sponsor: TheraSage and frequency-based healing 00:02:16 – Why time feels like it's speeding up 00:03:07 – Measured time vs experienced time 00:03:39 – Subjective time and how the brain constructs duration 00:04:38 – Boredom, flow, and why time feels slow or fast 00:05:20 – Memory density and time compression 00:05:42 – Clock models vs attention and memory models 00:06:13 – Novelty, travel, and rich experiences 00:06:34 – Routine, repetition, and unremarkable days 00:07:21 – Divided attention and disappearing moments 00:07:56 – The digital shift and fragmented attention post-2000 00:08:30 – Micro-stimulation and wasted time 00:09:12 – Why scrolling doesn't equal flow 00:09:46 – Social acceleration and modern life 00:10:25 – COVID as a global experiment in time perception 00:10:55 – Loss of temporal landmarks during lockdown 00:11:57 – Sponsor: Caldera Lab and clean skincare 00:13:39 – Research on monotony and time compression 00:14:40 – Aging, fewer neural events, and faster time 00:15:30 – Childhood vs adulthood time perception 00:16:22 – Is time real or constructed? 00:16:57 – Physics, relativity, and subjective experience 00:17:56 – How to slow down your experience of time 00:18:12 – Novelty, adventure, and memory creation 00:19:00 – Sustained attention vs multitasking 00:19:37 – Breaking monotony in daily life 00:20:06 – Reducing digital distraction 00:20:25 – Enjoying life as a scientific practice 00:20:49 – Time as memory, not seconds 00:21:08 – Gaining agency over your experience of life 00:21:29 – Creating a richer year through experience 00:22:10 – Curiosity, adventure, and Darin's fascination with time 00:23:27 – Closing thoughts and call to action Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Caldera Lab: Experience the clinically proven benefits of Caldera Lab's clean skincare regimen and enjoy 20% off your order by visiting calderalab.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 Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway Time isn't speeding up — your brain is compressing it. When you change how you pay attention and what you experience, you change how long your life feels. Bibliography & Research Sources Droit-Volet, S., Gil, S., Martinelli, N., Andant, N., Clinchamps, M., Parreira, L., ... & Dutheil, F. (2020). Time paradox in COVID-19 lockdown: A web-based study. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2185. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.577735 Lugtmeijer, S., Geerligs, L., & Cam-CAN. (2025). Temporal dedifferentiation of neural states with age during naturalistic viewing. Communications Biology, 8, Article 123. (This is the "2025 brain study" on older adults having fewer distinct neural states). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08792-4 Ma, Q., & Wiener, M. (2024). Memorability shapes perceived time (and vice versa). Nature Human Behaviour, 8, 1–13. (The study showing memorable images dilate time). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01863-2 Matthews, W. J., & Meck, W. H. (2016). Temporal cognition: Connecting subjective time to perception, attention, and memory. Psychological Bulletin, 142(8), 865–907. (The core review often attributed to leading field researchers linking time to attention/memory). https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000045 Ogden, R. S. (2020). The passage of time during the UK Covid-19 lockdown. PLOS ONE, 15(7), e0235871. (The longitudinal study showing 80%+ reported time distortion). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235871 Rosa, H. (2013). Social acceleration: A new theory of modernity. Columbia University Press. (The sociological framework on "social acceleration"). https://cup.columbia.edu/book/social-acceleration/9780231148344 Wearden, J. H. (2016). The psychology of time perception. Palgrave Macmillan. (Comprehensive overview by the author mentioned in your notes). https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40883-9 Winkler, I., et al. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time perception. Scientific Reports. (Likely reference for "Scientific Reports" findings on content-dependent timing).

In this raw, wide-ranging conversation, Darin sits down with Frank Zummo, award-winning drummer for Sum 41, founding member of Street Drum Corps, and current touring drummer for Electric Callboy, to explore what it really takes to sustain creativity, health, and purpose inside the extreme demands of the music industry. From high-pressure fill-in moments and massive tours to mental health, fatherhood, fear, discipline, and recovery, this episode is a masterclass in resilience. Frank opens up about grief, identity, panic, persistence, and how true success comes from staying available when opportunity shows up. What You'll Learn What it takes to master an entire arena-level set in less than 24 hours The mental and physical demands of high-performance touring How Frank manages recovery, inflammation, and stress on the road Why breathwork, cold exposure, and routine are non-negotiable Hidden health risks of pyrotechnics, heavy metals, and touring environments How discipline becomes freedom when it's built into daily systems Navigating panic, uncertainty, and career transitions at the top level Turning fear into a tool instead of something to suppress The difference between rational and irrational fear How availability creates probability in life and career Lessons from loss, grief, and complicated parent relationships Why creativity can't be replicated by machines or algorithms Staying present as a parent while living an unconventional life Why persistence beats talent over the long run How the music industry, and wellness culture, is changing Chapters 00:00:03 – Welcome to SuperLife and the mission of sovereignty 00:00:32 – Sponsor: TheraSage and natural healing technologies 00:02:10 – Introducing Frank Zummo 00:02:40 – Life as a professional touring drummer 00:02:56 – Learning a full Electric Callboy set in under a day 00:03:21 – Creativity, technology, and focus 00:04:07 – Frank's respect for Darin's work and health advocacy 00:06:01 – XPT, breathwork, and lifestyle changes 00:07:05 – Heavy metals, pyrotechnics, and detox protocols 00:08:27 – Sauna, ice baths, and recovery on tour 00:10:49 – Down-regulating after high-adrenaline performances 00:12:10 – Warming up smarter, not harder 00:12:53 – Nutrition, protein shakes, and avoiding tour junk food 00:13:52 – Discipline, planning, and long-term consistency 00:15:10 – Frank's relationship with his father and grief 00:16:35 – Learning from trauma instead of repeating it 00:18:30 – Workshops, kids, and mental health conversations 00:19:51 – Writing the book and creative freedom 00:22:25 – Filling in for Tommy Lee and career-defining moments 00:24:07 – Presence, gratitude, and holding onto the good 00:27:13 – Fear, uncertainty, and career transitions 00:28:16 – Breathwork for anxiety and panic 00:29:18 – Staying open when plans collapse 00:30:34 – Electric Callboy and a new chapter 00:31:36 – Family, touring, and being present as a father 00:32:47 – Rethinking fear and emotional programming 00:35:08 – Rational vs irrational fear 00:36:32 – Availability, probability, and opportunity 00:37:29 – Tunnel vision, persistence, and staying the course 00:39:35 – Doing whatever it takes early on 00:41:40 – Building Street Drum Corps from the ground up 00:43:11 – Walking away from success for mental health 00:46:03 – Health, discipline, and longevity in music 00:50:18 – Passion, authenticity, and staying true 00:52:06 – Social media, bullying, and kids today 00:55:00 – Parenting, education, and real-world learning 00:57:06 – Travel, family, and perspective 01:00:14 – Small changes, fatal conveniences, and starting slow 01:01:26 – Closing reflections on persistence and purpose Thank You to Our Sponsors: Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order. Caldera Lab: Experience the clinically proven benefits of Caldera Lab's clean skincare regimen and enjoy 20% off your order by visiting calderalab.com/darin and using code DARIN at checkout. 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 Connect with Frank Zummo: Instagram: @frankzummo Spotify: @frankzummo Watch Street Drum Corps live! Book: Unbreakable Rhythm Key Takeaway When you stay disciplined, present, and available, life has a way of meeting you with opportunities you could never plan.

Explore how your environment shapes behavior more than willpower ever could. Discover the neuroscience behind automatic habits and learn why modern distractions hijack our reward systems. Understand how stress amplifies cravings and impulsive decisions. Darin shares practical tips for redesigning spaces to support healthy choices and reduce visual triggers. Learn the impact of engineered foods and digital notifications on our cravings, and find out how to create a supportive environment that encourages lasting change.

Hagen Thiers, an entrepreneur and biohacker who founded WaveGuard, shares his inspiring journey from struggle to success, emphasizing the importance of understanding the body's signals. He reveals how extreme dieting led to metabolic suppression and chronic gut inflammation, making weight loss elusive. Hagen discusses the transformative power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in reducing inflammation and improving metabolism. Listeners learn that patience, protein intake, and a holistic approach are vital for sustainable health and true transformation.

Feeling exhausted despite your best efforts? Explore why chronic fatigue is on the rise, even among healthy individuals. Discover how mitochondria do more than produce energy and their sensitivity to stress and environment. Learn the significance of circadian rhythms and how morning light can recharge your system. Uncover the impact of emotional stress and how breathwork and social connections can enhance vitality. Plus, gain practical tips for nutrition, sleep, and daily habits to restore your energy and align with your body's natural rhythms.

Gregory Schwartz, a political ecologist and author known as the 'Planet Doctor', dives deep into ecological awareness and spiritual awakening. He discusses how early athletic identity shaped his journey and the importance of 'ground-truthing' through travel. Gregory highlights the interconnectedness of food systems and soil health, while advocating for community-scale solutions to environmental challenges. He emphasizes the need for rest amid a culture of hyper-productivity and shares insights on cultivating spiritual practices. His message is one of optimism, calling for innovative local actions to heal our planet.

In this solo New Year episode, Darin Olien strips everything back to what actually works. Not hacks. Not trends. The fundamentals. Discipline, food, movement, stillness, sleep, hydration, and real human connection. Darin explains why sovereignty is built through small daily practices — and how mastering the basics is what creates freedom, resilience, joy, and a truly SuperLife. What You'll Learn 00:00 – 02:00 Welcome to SuperLife + why this episode is about foundations, not quick fixes 02:00 – 03:21 Why New Year change fails — and how discipline actually creates freedom 03:21 – 04:21 Discipline reframed: not restriction, but the container for sovereignty 04:21 – 05:29 How to build momentum with one high-leverage habit (and why simplicity wins) 05:29 – 06:15 Sleep as a keystone habit — routines, consistency, and nervous system repair 06:15 – 07:39 Food basics: eating close to the source and why Mediterranean-style works long-term 07:39 – 09:13 Practical nutrition without overwhelm — fiber, diversity, and simple planning 09:13 – 10:54 Movement as medicine — why walking and consistency beat intensity 10:54 – 12:00 Strength, mood, brain health, and why there's no substitute for exercise 12:00 – 14:04 Sponsor break: non-toxic cookware and eliminating hidden daily toxins 14:04 – 16:36 Silence and stillness — the missing vital force in modern life 16:36 – 17:22 Sleep as repair: mitochondria, recovery, and why stimulation without repair fails 17:22 – 18:14 Hydration fundamentals — mood, cognition, digestion, and mineral balance 18:14 – 19:43 Water rituals, warmth, electrolytes, and daily hydration structure 19:43 – 21:23 Heart-centered living — healing, relationships, and real human connection 21:23 – 22:55 Why meaningful relationships are the lifeblood of happiness 22:55 – 24:28 Escaping algorithmic dopamine and replacing fatal conveniences 24:28 – 25:32 Media fasting, boundaries, and protecting your inner life 25:32 – 26:46 Why the basics are the most powerful tools you have 26:46 – 27:56 Final message: pick one habit, build sovereignty, and create your SuperLife Thank You to Our Sponsors Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Go to their website at fromourplace.com/darin and get 35% off sitewide in their largest sale of the year. 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 Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway The basics aren't boring — they're the most powerful tools you have. Discipline creates freedom. Simple food fuels performance. Movement, sleep, stillness, hydration, and real connection build resilience. Pick one habit, commit to it, and build the life you actually want.

Cameron Waters, a researcher and filmmaker, delves into an alternative view of Jesus' cleansing of the temple, focusing on his reaction to animal slaughter. Musician Redfoo shares how he transformed his approach to work by viewing play as essential to creativity, which sparked his DJ career. Energy healer Charlie Goldsmith recounts his early experience of sensing magnetic energy in his hands that led to unexpected healing moments, profoundly altering his life's path. Together, they spark thought-provoking discussions about awareness and transformation.

Darin Olien uncovers the surprising biology of energy, emphasizing that mitochondria are more than just energy producers—they're information processors. He connects emotional wellbeing and purpose to how our bodies convert food and stress into vitality. Discover how chronic stress and poor sleep lead to energy resistance, and learn practical daily habits to enhance mitochondrial function. From the significance of exercise to the effects of whole foods, this engaging discussion reveals the hidden links between lifestyle choices and our energy levels.