Q&A: Is Going Barefoot Better for You?

We’re outnumbered, folks! The estimated number of insects to humans is 200 million to one. This is a battle we will most definitely lose. Yet, we try in vain. In this hive of insect activity, repellents can help you steer clear of nasty stings and bites. But is our reliance on bug sprays harming our health? Mosquitos are a pest! Every year, a third of us will cover ourselves with almost five pounds of bug repellent to keep those blood-thirsty bugs at bay. Okay, so there is a good reason to do so. After all, there are many mosquito and tick-transmitted diseases to ward off: West Nile virus, malaria, and Lyme Disease, to name a couple. So, I’m not here to tell you that protecting yourself from bites isn’t important. But, if the repellent you’re using can fend off mosquitoes, maybe what it’s doing to you isn’t so great either. In this Fatal Conveniences™, I break down the most common toxic chemicals lurking in insect repellents, such as DEET (N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), the granddaddy of them all. I also explain how these repellents affect children and the simple things you can do today to keep insects away without sacrificing your health. Bugs, insects, insects, Insecta, or insectum—whatever you call our hexapod invertebrates, these creepy critters are vital for our ecosystems. So, finding non-harmful, preventative alternatives is crucial for the survival of not only us as a species but also this incredible planet that we live on. Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon.   Resources: National Pesticide Information Center – Permethrin Fact Sheet National Pesticide Information Center – DEET Fact Sheet Made Safe.org – Chemicals of Concern in Insect Repellent Duke University DEET Study Picaridin VS DEET: Which Is The Best Insect Repellent? EPA Permethrin Fact Sheet Cancer Incidence among Pesticide Applicators Exposed to Permethrin in the Agricultural Health Study Plant-Based Insect Repellents: a review of their efficacy, development, and testing What You Want To Know About Insect Repellent and Chemical Safety EPA Information on DEET Study on possible neurological and behavior modification and toxicity regarding DEET. gov – Pesticides and Cancer Health Hazards of Mosquito Repellents and Safe Alternatives EWG’s Guide to Better Insect Repellents Natural News Article: Insect repellent DEET is toxic to brain cells Colmen’s Botanicals  – Colmenrepellents.com Citrepel – Citrapel.co.uk REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent   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/    Use code OLIEN20 for a Viome discount Candiani Denim: https://www.candianidenim.com/

Did you know North American families toss out up to $1,800 worth of food each year? It’s time we learn how to cook our meals in a more sustainable way – our planet and our bodies will thank us. That’s why in this episode of the Darin Olien Show, I dive into sustainable cooking, food waste, and plant-based living with guest Carleigh Bodrug.    Carleigh gives us a startling look at the financial and environmental impacts of food waste, shares creative tips on how to use every scrap from your chopping board, from stale bread to broccoli stems, how to eat more nutrient-dense foods on a budget, and gives us solutions for crafting easy, healthy, plant-based meal ideas that are perfect for our busy lifestyles.   With more than 10 million followers between her social channels, Carleigh Bodrug of PlantYou is a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self taught plant-based content creator, famous for her simple take on low waste and vegan recipes. She has been featured in the Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America, Business Insider and KTLA news for her “scrappy cooking” and viral vegan creations. Along with producing weekly cooking videos and recipes, Carleigh also runs a digital meal planner all with the goal of helping people eat more plants in an easy and approachable way.   What I discuss: (05:44 - 06:31) The Impact of Food Waste  (10:32 - 11:39) Reducing Food Waste With Bread (18:12 - 20:20) Gardening and Frozen Food Importance (24:09 - 25:21) Meal Planning for Health and Savings (30:34 - 32:51) The Beauty of Plant-Based Cuisine (36:36 - 38:22) Empowering Through Healthy Eating (43:04 - 44:22) Veganism and Food Ethics (46:50 - 47:32) Excitement Over Second Book Success (54:11 - 55:03) Food Waste and Clean Water Injustice (57:54 - 59:31) Creative Cooking With Plant-Based Foods   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 Vivo Barefoot: Get 20% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARIN20 at https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ Find more from Carleigh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantyou/  Scrappy Cookbook: https://scrappycookbook.com/  Website/Recipes: https://plantyou.com/   

Have you ever considered that your quest for eternal youth could be silently sabotaging your health? My latest solo episode peels back the glossy labels of skincare and anti-aging products to reveal the 'Fatal Conveniences' hidden within. I unmask the startling truth about hazardous chemicals like mercury and PFOAs that are infiltrating our bodies through our largest organ - our skin. Join me as I illuminate the path to becoming a conscious consumer, urging you to support brands that hold our wellbeing in high regard and challenging you to rethink the potions and lotions that promise the fountain of youth.   The conversation doesn't stop at skincare; it's a rallying cry for mindfulness in our daily routine. Tune in as I dissect the everyday choices that could be undermining our health and share how even the most minor shifts in our buying habits can yield monumental gains for our well-being and the planet.  Together, we're fostering a community dedicated to sidestepping these hidden dangers and championing products that are kind to both our bodies and the environment.   Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon.   LINKS & RESOURCES: FDA article on Mercury The Mercury Product Database Anti-aging Products Linked To Breast Cancer Cosmetic Safety Report – Downloadable PDF on PFOA’s  Get The Facts – Finding Safer Products Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products Public Health Statement for Mercury      Thank you to our sponsors: 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/    Use code OLIEN20 for a Viome discount Candiani Denim: https://www.candianidenim.com/

You may feel that you get more oxygen when you breathe in through your mouth, but the science shows, it’s just not true.    In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Patrick McKeown from Oxygen Advantage, to discuss the fascinating connections between nose breathing, facial aesthetics, and overall health. We begin by discussing how choosing a good-looking face is related to proper breathing and delve into the problems associated with mouth breathing. Our conversation goes over the high-level functions of the nose and the importance of conscious deep breathing, including when and why to do it.   We introduce the concept of hyperoxygenation and the BOLT (body oxygen level test) and explore various ways to improve oxygen saturation. We also discuss the consequences of not breathing properly and what you might be missing out on.   Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of proper breathing techniques and their impact on various aspects of our lives, from physical health and appearance to mental well-being and success. Patrick McKeown grew up with debilitating asthma. In 1998, he found an article in an Irish newspaper about the Buteyko breathing method. He tried the exercise to unblock his nose and was struck by how well it worked. Since then, he has become a leading expert on breathing and an advocate for its health benefits.   What we discuss… 4:00 Choosing a good looking face due to breathing 9:00 The problem of mouth breathing  13:06 High level functions of the nose  25:30 Conscious deep breathing- when and why to do it 32:40 Hyperoxygenation and the BOLT (body oxygen level test)  37:37 Ways to improve oxygen saturation  47:55 What you’re missing by not breathing properly  57:47 How we got to a place of high toxins, but we still give in 1:07:10 Our education system is flawed 1:10:30 Patrick’s biggest vision 1:14:10 Where to find more from Oxygen Advantage    …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: Bite Toothpaste: Go to www.trybite.com and use code DARIN 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. 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 Patrick McKeown: Website: https://oxygenadvantage.com/  Instagram: @oxygenadvantage  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Oxyathlete Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theoxygenadvantage

Have you jumped on the barefoot shoe trend yet? For those who have and for those who haven’t, there are some important things you need to know about the world of modern day shoes vs. going barefoot and both’s impact on our health. From ancient civilizations to modern-day trends - the shoes we put on our feet are drastically different.  That’s why in this bonus episode of the Darin Olien show, I’ll peel back the layers, exploring the science behind barefoot shoes, their potential benefits, and their effect on our overall well-being. We’ll also dive into why foot health is more important than you think, the big issues with modern-day shoes, and the best solutions for going barefoot.  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: 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/    Use code OLIEN20 for a Viome discount   Candiani Denim: https://www.candianidenim.com/    References:  Goel, S. (2024). The Shoes You Wear Everyday Are Destroying Your Feet — Read This To Restore Your Foot  Health. Retrieved from Medium. Gray, A. (2017). A strong base: the importance of foot health. Retrieved from The Pharmaceutical Journal Rodríguez-Sanz, D., Barbeito-Fernández, D., Losa-Iglesias, M. E., Saleta-Canosa, J. L., López-López, D., Tovaruela Carrión, N., & Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R.. (2018). Foot health and quality of life among university students:  cross-sectional study. Sao Paulo Medical Journal, 136(2), 123–128.  Stolt, M., Suhonen, R., Puukka, P., Viitanen, M., Voutilainen, P., & Leino-Kilpi, H. (2012). Foot health and self-care  activities of older people in home care. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(21-22), 3082- 3095.  Tweney, D. (2000). Your Shoes Are Killing Your Feet. Retrieved from Wired    

Do you blindly assume that big brand companies have your back when it comes to testing the safety of their products? You shouldn't. Your health depends on it.    In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Leah Segedie from Mamavation, as we take a skeptical look at major companies, even those marketing themselves as clean and organic. We answer questions about whether they are truly prioritizing consumer well-being. Leah argues that profit motive often takes precedence over proper safety testing and responsible practices. We discuss greenwashing and deceptive "natural" claims that are misleading marketing tactics to prey on consumer trust. We go over the fact that companies need to be more transparent and held accountable for creating safe products, putting people before profits. Overall, we urge listeners to think critically, dig deeper when evaluating "organic" claims, and use their purchasing power to support companies that are honest and responsible. We advocate for consumers to take charge of their health by demanding better from brands  Leah Segedie helps women make safer consumer choices for their families. She’s a consumer watchdog, author, activist, community organizer, & strategist. Leah founded award-winning consumer activist website Mamavation.com and the leading eco-friendly influencer conference,  ShiftCon Social Media Conference. She also wrote Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!) to democratize scientific findings and help families make safer & greener product choices.     What we discuss… Leah’s start in safer choices due to family  You can’t assume products are safe Some manufacturers are just naive  Surprising places you’ll find toxic materials  The only way to change is for the entire industry to come together Sperm health is down 50% in virility because of phthalates Creating a better world  The most toxic bathroom item Led in Stanley cups What Leah’s most concerned about    …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. Vivo Barefoot: Get 15% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARINV15 at www.vivobarefoot.com 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/   Find more from Leah Segedie: Website: https://www.mamavation.com/  Book: https://www.mamavation.com/green-enough  Instagram: @mamavation  

Today I am giving you all of the information you need to know about the powerful supplement, Shilajit.    I answer questions like, “Does Shilajit live up to its reputation?”, “What does science say about it?”, and “What are the benefits of supplementing with Shilajit?” I separate fact from fiction in this bonus episode, so whether you’re a seasoned health pro or someone just curious about health trends, you’ll have evidence-based facts forming your decisions.    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: 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/    Use code OLIEN20 for a Viome discount   Candiani Denim: https://www.candianidenim.com/    Studies:  Cognitive disorders associated with aging, and cognitive stimulation - (Source).  Helps block the build up of tau protein (Source).  Supports Bone mineral density, specifically in postmenopausal women by reducing bone loss, oxidative stress and inflammation (Source).  Increased total testosterone, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared with placebo (Source).  Increased sperm counts and more than 12% had increased sperm motility (Source).  Decreases in cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the shilajit group compared to the placebo group. (Source).  Reduced liver damage associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Source).

Did you know that a healthy anti-inflammatory diet can benefit various organs throughout your body? From your heart and lungs to your brain, the right nutrition can slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.   In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with the author of How Not To Die and How Not To Age, Michael Greger. We discuss this nation’s major inflammation and age related disease issues and how they come from an ultra processed food diet. We go over how to boost our body’s natural cellular recycling process with simple lifestyle changes.    In our discussion, we emphasize the importance of evidence based research and how companies and consumers should make some modern day lifestyle changes. With simple changes, we could drastically reduce age related diseases. Our conversation dives into misconceptions with aging as well as the healing power of natural foods.    Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. His science-based nonprofit, NutritionFacts.org, offers a free online portal hosting more than 2,000 videos and articles on myriad health topics. Dr. Greger is a sought-after lecturer and has presented at the Conference on World Affairs and the World Bank, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in Oprah Winfrey’s defense in the infamous “meat defamation” trial. A graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Greger is also an acclaimed author. How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook, How Not to Diet, and How Not to Age became instant New York Times Best Sellers. More than a million copies of How Not to Die have been sold. All proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.   What we discuss…   (02:14) How not to age  (5:45) Slowing aging has health benefits across the board (9:00) Modern day changes that can help (11:34) Diet increases longevity based on blue zone studies  (14:15) The perspective we should have  (20:00) The changes needed are very basic - something is better than nothing (22:00) The best kept secret in medicine  (26:00) How to boost the aging pathways (35:47) The power of natural foods vs medicine  (43:00) Misconceptions about aging  (47:00) Demand evidence!  (52:00) Three things to get rid of (55:10) Beneficial supplements    …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: Bite: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order. Vivo Barefoot: Get 15% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARINV15 at www.vivobarefoot.com Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Fatty15: You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. 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 Michael Greger: Website: https://nutritionfacts.org/ Instagram: @nutrition_facts_org  How Not To Age:  https://nutritionfacts.org/book/how-not-to-age/  How Not To Die: https://nutritionfacts.org/book/how-not-to-die/   

Today I am answering all of your questions about olive oil and how to increase testosterone naturally - for both men and women.    I dive into best practices for olives, olive oil, and bottling. I tell you how to know what to buy and what to look for when consuming olive oil. A favorite free resource is consumerlabs.com when looking for safe products. You’ll learn the major benefits olive oil has, and even how best to consume it. I discuss organization certifications to look for when buying EVOO. I also dive into how to raise testosterone naturally, and why you shouldn’t go for HRT first. There is a lot we can do to benefit our hormones before considering injecting them straight into the body.    Don’t forget… You can order now by heading to https://darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon.   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/    Use code OLIEN20 for a Viome discount Candiani Denim: https://www.candianidenim.com/     Resources: Beachbody Ultimate Reset Clinical Study

Understanding how our daily moves impact the environment - that's where the real power lies. From the products we bring into our lives to how we choose to get around, every single choice we make has a direct effect on our planet.   Dialing in to make more conscious decisions, whether that's cutting way back on waste, conserving precious energy, or actively supporting eco-revolutionaries making positive waves - that's how we each unleash our power to contribute to environmental health in a major way.   In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Graham Hill as he shares insights and expertise on environmental sustainability. From his experiences founding Treehugger to his current role as CEO of LifeEdited, Graham offers valuable lessons on how we can make a meaningful impact through simple yet impactful actions toward a greener and more sustainable future.   The big issues can feel heavy, no doubt about it. But we can flip the script by first mastering the controllables right where we're planted - upgrading our habits and routines at home base.   Graham is an entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable living and conscious consumerism. He founded Treehugger, a platform teaching simple ways to care for the environment. As CEO of LifeEdited, he designs space-efficient buildings, products, and lifestyles that use fewer resources. Graham's ventures range from an early web browser to a ceramic take on the iconic New York coffee cup. His TED talks on weekday vegetarianism and prioritizing "less stuff, more happiness" showcase his mission to inspire positive change.   What we discuss…   (02:02) What inspired Graham to build Treehugger (06:43) Polarization: Why it’s a big challenge and how to overcome it (08:47) The most powerful choice you can make for yourself and the environment (18:15) The biggest mistake people make trying to live sustainably  (25:02) Why carbon measuring is critical in environmental sustainability (32:42) Investing in environmental sustainability (35:23) Activities that you can do to participate in carbon offsetting (40:48) How to reduce organic waste to save money and the environment (52:17) Electric vehicles innovations and the chemistry involved in carbonization (01:02:16) Sustainability growth and ways to get involved at home and work (01:09:10) What Graham is excited about and innovating in sustainability (01:12:47) Awareness vs. action in climate change (01:15:19) Graham’s advice on compounding and long-term thinking   …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 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 Graham: Website: https://www.treehugger.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrgrahamhill/?hl=en TED talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_why_i_m_a_weekday_vegetarian?language=en https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JjV84vqddI