SuperLife with Darin Olien

What if stress could make you stronger, not sicker? In this expansive episode, Darin sits down with Jeff Krasno, founder of Commune, to explore how we’ve misunderstood stress, disconnection, and the root causes of modern disease. Jeff shares how he reversed his diabetes, lost 60 pounds, and found a deeper life purpose through ritual, food, breath, movement, and community. Together, they unpack what it means to live a conscious life in a profit-driven world—and why connection, storytelling, and stillness might be the most powerful forms of medicine we have left.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Jeff’s journey matters 03:20 – Jeff’s wake-up call: Reversing diabetes and losing 60 pounds 08:14 – What “Commune” really means and why it’s more than a platform 13:45 – The biology of stress and how “good stress” heals you 18:21 – Why the body needs challenge—but not chaos 24:02 – How capitalism trains us to forget ritual, nature, and presence 29:17 – Food, breath, movement, and storytelling as modern medicine 35:41 – Loneliness is the new inflammation: the social health crisis 42:03 – Raising kids in a distracted world and building community offline 47:29 – How writing “Commusings” changed Jeff’s biology 53:22 – The science of storytelling: what it does to your nervous system 58:17 – How the body listens when you live your truth 1:03:44 – The intersection of health, spirit, economy, and purpose 1:08:12 – Can capitalism and wellness co-exist? A deep dive 1:13:29 – Why Jeff believes “aging in reverse” is possible 1:17:08 – The future of community: from digital back to sacred 1:23:56 – What Jeff wants everyone to know about being human 1:27:45 – Final thoughts and closing reflections from Darin and Jeff     Don’t Forget... I just launched my brand new program Superlife Supermind. Visit my website https://superlife.com/ to learn more about how you can get rid of stress, improve sleep and overall health today.     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.     Find More From Jeff Krasno: Website: onecommune.com Podcast: Commune with Jeff Krasno Newsletter: Commusings Instagram: @jeffkrasno Book: Good Stress     Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "We don’t need to eliminate stress—we need to learn how to dance with it." – Jeff Krasno  

Discover the hidden dangers of car air fresheners—they may contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could threaten your health more than outside pollution. Learn about startling studies revealing hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde hiding behind sweet scents. Explore the impact of air fresheners on asthmatics and those with migraines. Plus, find out how to support a movement for fragrance-free rideshare options and detox your air for a healthier environment. Your lungs will thank you!

Join environmental visionary Paul Hawken, author of 'Regeneration', in a thought-provoking discussion about carbon's vital role in life rather than its villainization. He challenges us to 're-carbonize' the Earth, merging indigenous wisdom with modern science. The conversation reveals how our disconnection from nature contributes to climate crises and critiques the commodification of ecosystems. Hawken emphasizes embracing regeneration and highlights the importance of community and ecological balance for a thriving planet.

What if the sun is actually essential for your health? The discussion explores how sunlight has been wrongly characterized as dangerous while revealing its crucial role in vitamin D production. Historical practices of heliotherapy demonstrate sunlight as a form of medicine. Modern lifestyles often deprive us of natural light, leading to chronic diseases. The dangers of sunscreen and sunglasses are examined, emphasizing safe sun exposure. Gradually reconnecting with sunlight can improve health, boost mood, and support overall wellness.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, reveals the profound impact of over 300,000 environmental chemicals on our health. He emphasizes the importance of defining health beyond genetics, focusing instead on how toxins and processed foods create chronic inflammation. Dr. Bland shares promising research on reversing immune aging and highlights the significance of a nutrient-rich diet, especially incorporating foods like Himalayan buckwheat. Prepare to rethink your health approach and the power of nature!

Explore the liberating concept of radical honesty and its impact on personal and relational well-being. Discover how vulnerability can be a source of strength, fostering deeper emotional connections. Learn about the science behind truth-telling and the common fears that derail our honesty. Understand the crucial role honesty plays in intimate relationships and how it promotes growth. Plus, hear a personal story that showcases the transformative effects of embracing your truth.

What if everything we thought we knew about fat is wrong—and one molecule could change how we age, heal, and live? In this cutting-edge episode of SuperLife with Darin Olien, Darin is joined by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, former Navy scientist, and co-founder of Fatty15. Together, they unpack the discovery of C15:0, the first essential fatty acid identified in 90 years, and the tidal wave of science supporting its impact on longevity, inflammation, metabolic health, and cellular survival. From accidental dolphin data to peer-reviewed clinical trials, Dr. Steph reveals how C15 could become one of the most important health breakthroughs of our time.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – What today’s episode is all about (00:04:15) Meet Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson – Her origin story and the accidental discovery of C15 (00:07:45) What is C15 and how is it different from omega-3s and saturated fats? (00:12:02) Why the USDA once told us to avoid fats—and how that caused unintended harm (00:16:30) The Navy’s dolphin program & the surprising longevity connection (00:20:12) The essential fatty acid problem – Why C15 is needed in modern diets (00:24:45) C15 and inflammation – How this fat helps regulate immune response (00:29:40) What clinical trials are showing – Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and more (00:34:01) Why our food system lost C15 – Industrial changes to dairy and livestock (00:38:25) The mitochondria connection – How C15 supports energy and cellular repair (00:43:10) Ferroptosis and cellular death – The antioxidant role of C15 (00:47:50) What “essential” really means – Revisiting the 1930s nutrient criteria (00:52:15) Real-world use cases: pets, children, elders, and chronic illness (00:56:40) Gut microbiome and metabolic syndrome – The C15 balancing effect (01:00:55) Saturated fat confusion – Not all fats are created equal (01:05:00) The science of “good fat” – What makes C15 fundamentally different (01:09:45) Global research momentum – Who’s funding and validating the studies (01:14:05) The future of C15 in agriculture, food, and longevity medicine (01:18:45) What Dr. Steph wishes every doctor and nutritionist knew (01:22:35) Practical ways to start – How to safely integrate C15 into your life (01:28:10) Final thoughts – What happens when we redefine “essential”     Topics Covered: Discovery of C15:0 Essential fatty acids Dolphin research & human longevity Chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, liver disease Cellular death & ferroptosis Gut microbiome & metabolism Mitochondrial repair & oxidative stress Nutritional science and real-world application   Don’t Forget... I just launched my brand new program Superlife Supermind. Visit my website https://superlife.com/ to learn more about how you can get rid of stress, improve sleep and overall health today.     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order. Shakeology-All in One Nutrition: Get 15% off with code SUPERLIFE at Shakeology.com     Find More From Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: Website: fatty15.com Instagram: @fatty15 Book: The Longevity Nutrient (available now)   Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "C15 isn’t just a supplement—it’s a paradigm shift in what we define as essential nutrition." – Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson  

Your house should be your safe space. But what if it’s the source of your symptoms? In this solo episode of Super Life, Darin Olien uncovers the hidden poisons lurking inside your home—from cookware and furniture to cleaning products and carpets. Darin breaks down the scientific research behind common toxins like PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde, and flame retardants, and shows you how these “fatal conveniences” may be silently disrupting your hormones, damaging your gut, and weakening your immune system. You’ll walk away from this episode with practical, easy-to-implement solutions that will help you detox your environment and build a home that supports vitality, longevity, and true wellness.   1. Formaldehyde in Your Home: The Silent Threat Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant found in engineered wood products, cabinetry, moldings, countertops, and furniture. It is classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization and has been linked to respiratory issues, asthma, and even leukemia (Zhang et al., 2020). How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure:  Opt for solid wood furniture instead of pressed wood.  Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes.  Keep your home well-ventilated with HEPA air purifiers.    2. The Hidden Dangers of PFAS (Forever Chemicals) PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof clothing, and even drinking water. Studies show these chemicals accumulate in the body and are linked to cancer, hormonal imbalances, immune system suppression, and reproductive toxicity (DeWitt et al., 2019). How to Reduce PFAS Exposure:  Switch to cast iron or stainless steel cookware.  Avoid stain-resistant treatments on carpets and furniture.  Use water filters certified to remove PFAS.    3. Plastics: More Than Just an Environmental Issue Plastics release harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system, leading to infertility, metabolic disorders, and even neurological issues (Talsness et al., 2009).  How to Reduce Plastic Exposure:  Use glass or stainless steel containers.  Avoid microwaving food in plastic.  Choose BPA-free household products.    4. Carpets: A Reservoir of Toxins and Allergens Carpets harbor SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, and pesticides, making them a major source of indoor air pollution and allergens. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable (Cao et al., 2017). How to Reduce Carpet-Related Risks:  Choose natural fiber rugs like wool or cotton.  Regularly clean with a HEPA vacuum.  Use non-toxic carpet cleaners.    5. Fragrances: The Airborne Toxins in Your Home Synthetic fragrances found in air fresheners, candles, cleaning products, and perfumes contain phthalates and VOCs that are linked to respiratory issues, migraines, and hormone disruption (Steinemann, 2018).  How to Detox Your Home’s Air:  Use essential oil diffusers instead of synthetic air fresheners.  Choose fragrance-free cleaning products.  Improve indoor air quality with houseplants like peace lilies and spider plants.    SuperLife Home Detox: Steps to Create a Healthy Living Space Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products – Avoid harsh chemicals; opt for vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.  Improve Ventilation – Open windows daily and use HEPA air filters.  Filter Your Water – Invest in a high-quality water filtration system to remove PFAS, chlorine, and heavy metals.  Avoid Toxic Furniture and Decor – Choose organic bedding, non-toxic paint, and untreated wood furniture.  Ditch the Plastics – Use glass, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives for food storage and cookware.  Go Green with Personal Care Products – Check labels for parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.   Conclusion The reality is, our homes can be filled with hidden toxins that impact our health in ways we don’t even realize. But the good news? We have the power to change that. By making small, intentional choices—like choosing cleaner products, improving ventilation, and ditching harmful plastics—you can create a SuperLife-approved home that truly supports your well-being. Have you taken steps to detox your home? Share your experience with us on social media @DarinOlien, and let’s keep this conversation going! Stay tuned for more episodes to help you live a SuperLife.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – Welcome to Super Life and the surprising truth about toxic homes (00:03:08) Is Your House Poisoning You? – An eye-opening look at invisible toxins in your space (00:04:38) Formaldehyde in Your Furniture – Linked to asthma, leukemia, and chronic inflammation (00:06:10) Mold in Modern Homes – Why most homes are mold traps (and how to test for it) (00:07:22) How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure – Go solid wood, support local artisans, avoid pressboard (00:09:32) VOCs, Paints & Finishes – What to avoid and how to seal furniture safely (00:10:52) PFAS in Everyday Items – “Forever chemicals” in cookware, fabrics, and drinking water (00:12:11) The Real Risks of PFAS – Cancer, hormone imbalance, immune suppression & more (00:13:12) What to Buy Instead – Titanium pans, stainless steel, and safe fabrics (00:15:23) Plastics & Food – Why your cutting boards, containers, and Tupperware are a problem (00:16:40) Don’t Microwave Plastic – BPA, phthalates, and how they affect fertility & metabolism (00:17:38) The Truth About Carpets – Reservoirs for allergens, VOCs, pesticides & flame retardants (00:18:56) Safe Alternatives for Carpets – Organic fibers, plant-based dyes, and HEPA-filter vacuums (00:19:25) The Hidden Dangers of Fragrance – How perfumes and air fresheners disrupt your hormones (00:20:58) Detox Your Air – The best plants, diffusers, and DIY solutions for clean indoor air (00:22:02) Reclaiming Your Environment – Easy changes that make a huge difference (00:23:06) Natural Laundry Hacks – Vinegar, borax, and lemon: cheap and powerful (00:24:00) Final Thoughts – You have the power to detox your home and change your life Key Resources Mentioned: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Find More from Darin: Instagram: @darinolien Website: darinolien.com Book: Fatal Conveniences   Key Takeaway: "You can’t build health on a toxic foundation. Start with your home—it’s the easiest place to take back control."     Bibliography: Cao, Z. et al. (2017). Carpet: Accomplice in Children's Exposure to Toxic SVOCs Indoors.  DeWitt, J. et al. (2019). Potential Health Effects of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  Steinemann, A. (2018). Exposures and Effects from Fragranced Consumer Products.  Zhang, W. et al. (2020). Exposure to Formaldehyde in the Indoor Environment and Its Impact on Health.  Talsness, C. et al. (2009). Endocrine Disruptors from Plastics and Health Risks. 

Jennifer Cohen, a renowned TEDx speaker and bestselling author, discusses raising emotionally resilient children amidst today's challenges. She critiques 'coddle culture,' explaining how it may hinder kids' coping skills. Cohen emphasizes the importance of allowing boredom for creativity and instills the idea that emotions shouldn't dictate actions. She shares personal stories of overcoming adversity and addresses the loneliness epidemic driven by digital connections. Her insights encourage fostering independence and genuine relationships for a stronger future generation.

Are oxalates friend or foe? Discover the surprising science behind these compounds found in spinach and beets. While they can contribute to kidney stones for some, for most people, they aren't a health threat. Learn how your body processes oxalates and the role of diet in minimizing risks. The discussion also touches on balancing meat consumption for kidney health and how mental wellness tech can enhance your overall well-being. Uncover the truth about oxalates and make informed dietary choices!