
SuperLife with Darin Olien
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 22, 2024 • 31min
The Truth About Social Media Algorithms: Are They Worth The Risk?
Have you ever thought about what your social media is showing you? And whether you’re in a dangerous echo chamber created by an algorithm? Social media algorithms are a growing concern. And the influence they have on our lives (and potentially our health) is profound. Algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement and in order to do that they manipulate you so that you keep scrolling. But is it all bad? And is there anything that we can do? Join me in this latest solo episode as I explore the dangers of being trapped in echo chambers that reinforce our preexisting views, the impact of cancel culture and how that affects our personal growth. And on the flip side, the positive impact social media has had on sharing powerful activist movements. In this episode, I dive into… (00:00) The true impact of social media algorithms (08:44) Unpacking the algorithm and the damage of cancel culture (20:45) Social media’s impact on body image (25:53) How echo chambers impact polarization (30:23) Engaging audiences through social media …and more! Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Vivobarefoot: Get 15% off your first order with code DARINV15 at vivobarefoot.com Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/

Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 22min
Why Practical Optimism is Better than Positivity + How to Develop It | Dr. Sue Varma
Did you know that practical optimists live up to 15% longer. Why? Because from dental health to mental health, they invest in self-care top to bottom. This is the power of practical optimism, it can literally extend your life. So if that’s not how you naturally operate…how do you train your brain to think like one? In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Dr. Sue Varma to examine the power of practical optimism and what it means to live a rich and fulfilling life. We discuss the practice of intentional living and how much it’s a muscle that needs to be trained and worked. How to overcome the temptation to blame others for the way things are, and take personal responsibility for our own happiness. And the danger of toxic positivity in actually distancing ourselves from those we want to connect with the most. Dr. Sue Varma is a board certified psychiatrist and the author of Practical Optimism, a book that equips you with evidence-based tools and techniques to help you reach your career, financial, fitness, personal, and relationship goals more quickly and sustain momentum toward your future goals. What we discuss… (00:01) - Finding ways to connect with nature in daily life (08:25) - How to use practical optimism for intentional living (18:14) - The dance of personal responsibility and finding proactive solutions (27:39) - Differences between joy and happiness (and why it matters) (36:29) - The danger of toxic positivity and transformative impact of active listening (53:41) - How material wealth effects your happiness (01:03:42) - The transformative power of rest and journaling as a therapeutic outlet (01:12:50) - Managing financial struggles and personal relationships (01:15:29) - Cultivating a rich and meaningful life through kindness and gratitude …and more! Don’t forget: You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Cymbiotika: Visit Cymbiotika.com and use your exclusive code DARIN for 15% off. Manna Vitality: Go to www.mannavitality.com and use code DARIN12 at checkout for 12% off. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Vivo Barefoot: Vivo Barefoot: Get 15% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARINV15 at www.vivobarefoot.com Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ Find more from Dr. Sue Varma: Website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/ Instagram: @doctorsuevarma Order the Book: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/

Feb 15, 2024 • 31min
The Ultimate Guide to Saunas: Are They Worth The Hype?
Saunas have been used for over 2000 years. And whether you go traditional and opt for a dry sauna or lean into the new tech of infrared - they’re a staple of Finnish culture for good reason. Some of the leading causes of mortality in the US and other first world countries are heart disease, stroke, alzheimer's and cancer. We’re told these diseases are just an inevitable part of aging. And while, yes, the older you get the more likely you are to get them - they’re not certain. Especially if you can find ways to reduce oxidative stress, which is the causing agent of aging. Join me in this latest solo episode as I explore how sauna use can increase longevity and improve your quality of life from the first use. From reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's to helping reduce stress, improve sleep, ease symptoms of depression and anxiety…the list of benefits goes on and on. In this episode, I dive into… (00:00) Sauna therapy’s cardiovascular and longevity benefits (09:42) The detoxification and stress benefits of regular sauna use (18:11) Sauna bathing for Alzheimer's and Dementia prevention (25:19) Infrared and dry sauna - which is better? …and more! Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Vivobarefoot: Get 15% off your first order with code DARINV15 at vivobarefoot.com Bite Toothpaste: Go to www.trybite.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 20% off Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ References Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review Sauna Bathing and Risk of Psychotic Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study Science of Infrared Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional: Which Is Better? Sauna Use as a Lifestyle Practice to Extend Healthspan

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
Radhi Devlukia-Shetty: Food Tips You Haven’t Heard Before + Understanding Ayurveda
Ayurveda has been around for over 3,000 years. It’s a deeply rooted, traditional system of Indian medicine that’s still a favored form of healthcare in large parts of the Eastern world. It incorporates every single thing that you possibly need to know about how to create the most balanced, optimal, wonderful body, mind and spirit. And literally means longevity (Ayur) and knowledge (Veda). In Western medicine we’re constantly focused on a disease and a cure. Finding something ‘bad’ and making it go away. But what if our way of life and healthcare was focused on balance, nourishment, and the joy of feeling ‘well’? In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Radhi Devlukia-Shetty, a plant based cook and ayurvedic student. Together we discuss the medicinal power of spices, such as nutmeg for restful sleep. The impact of daily practices like breathwork, meditation, and abhyanga (self-body massage). And personalized routines that embrace your unique nature for vitality and balance, including understanding your dosha. Radhi Devlukia-Shetty is a plant based cook and recipe developer, mission-driven entrepreneur, well-being enthusiast, and a trained dietitian, nutritionist and ayurvedic student. Through her love of food she’s on a mission to bring more joy into your life, more spice into your kitchen and more vitality into your body. What we discuss… (00:00) - Ayurveda and how to love of food can transform your health and relationship with yourself (08:58) - Essential daily practices for health and well-being - transformative meditation, nourishment, reducing inflammation, digestive health (19:29) - Exploring Ayurveda and the joys of plant-based eating (23:41) - How to approach individualized healing through an Ayurvedic lens (28:15) - How understanding your dosha can optimize your health - through insights into temperament, dietary, and physical needs (42:58) - Watching out for nightshades in your diet - and what to do with them to lessen their effects (57:48) - Finding balance and moderation in a world so desperate for us to be in pursuit of excess …and more! Don’t forget: You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Manna Vitality: Go to www.mannavitality.com and use code DARIN12 at checkout for 12% off. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Viva Barefoot: Vivo Barefoot: Get 15% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARINV15 at www.vivobarefoot.com Cymbiotika: Visit Cymbiotika.com and use your exclusive code DARIN for 15% off. Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ Find more from Radhi: Website: https://radhidevlukia.com/ Instagram: @radhidevlukia YouTube: @radhidevlu Pre-Order the Book: https://www.joyfullbook.com/

Feb 8, 2024 • 23min
EMF Blockers and Blue Light Protection: Are They Worth The Hype?
It now seems impossible to hide ourselves away from electromagnetic fields. We can’t see them, we can't touch them, and most of us can't feel them…even though about 17% of the population has electrosensitivity. But even if we don’t feel them, there’s still a biological effect - and the same goes for blue light. From an increase to free radicals and opening up the blood brain barrier, to melatonin suppression and massive sleep disruption. Join me in this latest solo episode as I explore the overlooked dangers lurking in our everyday conveniences. I discuss the adverse health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and how they contribute to stress, the increase of free radicals, and the risk of cancer. The impact of artificial blue light exposure on our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, emphasizing the potential health consequences of constant interaction with screens and artificial lighting. And how we can align our daily habits with natural light cycles. In this episode, I dive into… (00:04) - How to protect yourself against the dangers of EMFs (what products are out there?) (15:16) - The truth about blue light and blue blocking glasses (21:58) - How to avoid harmful products in our hyper connected, digital world …and more! Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Cymbiotika: Go to https://cymbiotika.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 28min
Foundational Strategies for Detoxification & Being The CEO Of Your Own Health | Chervin Jafarieh
Chervin Jafarieh discusses the importance of detoxification due to dehydration. They explore the role of breath in detoxification and the impact of rituals on health. They also share personal experiences of cutting out alcohol and the power of sleep for detoxification. Chervin is a seeker of truth and knowledge, integrating various areas of study. They highlight the significance of self-care and supporting others. They discuss the dangers of relinquishing identity, embracing complexity, and cultivating intuition. Other topics include foot health, the impact of sleep, passion for spring water, and encounters with influential figures in health and spirituality.

Feb 1, 2024 • 31min
Revealing The Truth On Quick Fix Diets: Are They Worth The Risk?
Did you know…95% of people who try quick fix diets regain the weight they initially lost. And while we want to think we’d be part of the 5% that keep it off. The odds are truly stacked against us. Join me in this latest solo episode as I explore why it’s so important to reveal the true long-term damage that quick fad diets can do. In a world that craves instant gratification these temporary solutions but can lead to serious negative health consequences and a relentless cycle of weight regain. I break down the misconceptions and risks associated with extreme dieting and carb restriction, as our bodies need a balanced intake of macronutrients. How you damage your metabolism by reducing your resting metabolic rate (RMR) which impacts how many calories you burn. And ultimately, how psychologically damaging fad diets are, leaving you in a place where you feel stuck in a hopeless cycle with your health. In this episode, I dive into… (00:01) - The real health pitfalls of quick fix diets (08:24) - How quick diets can actually make you gain weight long-term (15:47) - The harsh truth of how fad diets damage your hormones, metabolism, and long term health goals (19:53) - The real consequences of quick fix diets on female hormones (30:03) - Why avoiding harmful products on social media is essential to keeping yourself safe Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Bite Toothpaste: Go to www.trybite.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 20% off Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/

Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 23min
How To Grow Superfood Sprouts On Your Kitchen Counter | Doug Evans
Picture this…baby vegetables, 300% more nutritious than their grown up versions, grown in your kitchen, in a matter of days. You in? Some of the most powerful choices you make come from moments of despair, and this week’s guest is no different. In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Doug Evans, a natural food industry pioneer on a mission to make it as easy as possible for everyone to grow their own superfood sprouts. Together we unravel how a sprout-rich diet can elevate your health, combat disease, and prove to be an accessible solution in food deserts. The connection between your gut health and the joy that comes from nurturing it with the right foods—specifically, sprouts, and how we can tackle the ethical quandaries of modern food practices. Doug Evans is the co-founder of The Sprouting Company and the best selling author of “The Sprout Book”, a bible on the power of sprouts and their efficacy as a super food. His mission is to help you optimize your health even with the most limited resources. What we discuss… (03:00) The origin story of Doug’s devotion to sprouts (18:05) The true power of sprouts - for your waist and your wallet (27:02) The painful reality of US Food Deserts and the epidemic of unhealthy eating (34:58) Everything you need to know about broccoli from sprout to adult vegetable (58:58) Feeding your gut what it needs and how it transforms the foods you crave (01:04:28) Discovering the joy of sprout gardening, affordably, in your own home (01:08:40) How to create a flourishing countertop garden even with limited resources Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon Thank you to our sponsors: Barùkas: Go to www.barukas.com and use code DARINPOD10 for a 10% discount. Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ Find more from Doug Evans: Website: https://www.thesproutingcompany.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougevans/ Book: https://amzn.to/47JCq0d

Jan 25, 2024 • 29min
Cold Exposure and Light Therapy: Are They Worth The Hype?
If I told you that two super simple things were linked to more energy, better skin, and fat loss, what would you say? Not only that, but they’re shown to help reduce depression, anxiety, your risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Cold exposure and light therapy have been a hot topic for biohacking influencers and medical professionals alike. So, in this latest solo episode, I explore whether these two are really worth the hype. Could cold exposure and red light therapy be the secret ingredients to increased energy, fat loss, and life extension? Or are they just another flash in the pan of health hacks that are all talk and no substance? In this episode, I dive into… (00:01) Exploring the hype around cold and light exposure (04:28) The metabolic benefits of cold exposure, at what temperature, and for how long (12:16) How cold water exposure impacts neurotransmitters for psychological and physiological health (26:11) The benefits of red and near-infrared light for skin health, energy, mood, and disease prevention Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon. Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find more from Darin: Website: https://darinolien.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://darinolien.com/down-to-earth/ Resources: Therafrost Cold Exposure: https://therasage.com/collections/therafrost Therasage Light Therapy: https://therasage.com/collections/thera-tri-lite-red-light-therapy Huberman Lab Cold Exposure: https://bit.ly/3S7Bo8J Boosting Metabolic Health: Ivanova and Blondin 2021 Cardiovascular Adaptations: Li, Alshaer, and Fernie 2009 Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction: Bouzigon et al. 2016 Enhancing Mental Well-being: Néma et al. 2023 Cancer Therapy: Yang et al., 2020 Skin Health: Li et al., 2021 Neurological and Psychological Conditions Salehpour et al., 2018 Sports Injury Recovery: Hu et al., 2019 Safety in Skin Treatments: Wang, Austin & Jagdeo, 2022

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 27min
Break Free From The Opinions Of Others & Live A Life Of Purpose | Dr Michael Gervais
Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist and author, discusses breaking free from the opinions of others, the role of trials and adversity in a purposeful life, pursuing self-mastery, finding your purpose, and overcoming personal fears.