Dr. Max Butterfield: The Dating Dilemma — Choice, Chemistry, and the Illusion of the Instant Soulmate

In a digital world saturated with questionable dating advice from self-proclaimed gurus, Dr. Max Butterfield has emerged as a powerful and refreshing voice of reason. A professor with a Ph.D. in psychology, Max never intended to become a social media star. Tasked by a literary agent to simply build a small online presence for a book deal, he accidentally tapped into a massive cultural nerve, dissecting viral relationship videos with research-backed clarity and amassing over a million followers in just a few months. His journey is a testament to the power of authentic expertise, proving that in a sea of misinformation, people are desperately searching for grounded, scientific truth to navigate the complexities of human connection. This conversation is a masterclass in the psychology of modern relationships, going far beyond surface-level tips to explore the deep undercurrents shaping how we connect today. Dr. Butterfield breaks down why the "paradox of choice" fueled by dating apps makes us treat people as disposable and how these platforms are financially incentivized to keep you single . He and Darin dive into the critical difference between initial physical attraction and the values that predict long-term happiness, the truth about "soulmates," and the foundational skills—like managing conflict, building safety through mutual disclosure, and simple kindness—that are essential for growing a healthy, lasting partnership. What You’ll Learn [04:52] The Accidental Influencer: A Quest for 100 Followers That Ignited a Movement [07:19] The Danger of Expertise: Why What You Know Can Get in the Way [09:47] The Algorithm’s Easter Gift: Discovering That Instagram Is a Dating App [10:54] The Trap of Absolute Statements: Why “All Men” or “All Women” Is Your First Mistake [12:58] The Tyranny of Choice: When Endless Options Make People Feel Disposable [14:48] The Business of Keeping You Single: How Dating Apps Are Built to Fail [17:54] The Lost Art of Patience: Looking to the Past to Build a Future [19:40] The Unseen Green Flags: The Power of Genuine Curiosity [25:47] The Saboteur in the Parking Lot: Confronting Your Unconscious Patterns in Love [28:47] The Death of the Village: Losing Community, Accountability, and Self-Regulation [32:24] The Great Deception: What We Say We Want vs. Who We Actually Choose [36:28] The Alchemy of Attraction: How Your Behavior Literally Changes Your Brain Chemistry [38:15] The Four Horsemen of Contempt: Why How You Argue Is Everything [40:07] The True Meaning of Respect: It’s Kindness, Not Fear [43:20] The Radical Act of Honesty: Letting the Universe Sort It Out [45:47] The Sacred Exchange of Mutual Disclosure: Building Unshakeable Safety [53:24] Stupid Games, Stupid Prizes: Debunking the “Rules” That Ruin Relationships [56:22] You Don’t Find a Soulmate, You Grow One [01:04:14] The Grand Misunderstanding: What Men and Women Get Wrong About Attraction [01:15:46] The Jealousy Trap: Can Men and Women Really Be Just Friends? [01:22:35] Growing Up Together: The Secret to a 23-Year Marriage That Started in College [01:27:57] The Professor’s Megaphone: Sharing Truth on a Global Stage Thank You to Our Sponsors 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/ or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Find More from Dr. Max Butterfield Instagram: @drmaxbutterfield Website: drmaxwellness.com Download his Long-Distance Relationship Survival Guide Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway “Your hormones aren’t broken — they’re responding to your environment, your thoughts, and your stress. When you reconnect to safety, balance minerals, and honor rest, the body remembers how to heal itself.”

In this solo episode, Darin pulls back the curtain on one of the most important parts of his life:  he prepares for travel. From the supplements that keep his immune system strong to hydration hacks, adaptogenic elixirs, and EMF protection, this episode is a masterclass in staying grounded and resilient on the road. Travel doesn’t have to destroy your health — it can actually elevate it. With a few intentional rituals, smart packing, and awareness, you can turn every trip into an opportunity to deepen your energy, focus, and connection to yourself. What You’ll Learn 00:00:00 – Why travel is stressful and how to transform it into an empowering, health-boosting experience 00:01:00 – Darin’s supplement protocol: Vitamin D3/K2, probiotics, zinc, vitamin C, and glutathione for immune defense 00:03:00 – The antioxidant power of glutathione and why it’s critical for long flights and radiation exposure 00:04:30 – How CBD and terpenes support stress resilience and circadian rhythm through the endocannabinoid system 00:05:20 – Why magnesium and NAD are the unsung heroes of travel recovery and energy 00:06:30 – Darin’s morning elixir recipe: cacao, guarana, ashwagandha, chaga, ginseng, and monk fruit 00:08:00 – Hydration 101: how to use a manual RO filter, mineralize your water, and ditch plastic 00:10:00 – How to build nutrient density into travel days using chlorella, spirulina, Shakeology, and Barukas 00:12:00 – Travel nutrition sovereignty: packing your own snacks, fasting, and avoiding airline food 00:14:00 – Movement anywhere: Darin’s “portable gym” using bungee cords and bodyweight routines 00:16:00 – The 3-hour morning ritual: NewCalm, Healing Codes, journaling, cacao, red light therapy, and breathwork 00:20:00 – How to avoid radiation scanners, mitigate EMFs, and use WaveGuard for energy field protection 00:22:00 – Why Darin microdoses nicotine for cognitive focus and immune modulation 00:23:00 – Breathing practices for immune strength: 3–4 rounds of 40 deep breaths, Wim Hof style 00:24:00 – How to pack fruit and salads in mason jars to stay hydrated and nourished on planes 00:26:00 – Grounding after flights: barefoot on the earth, morning sunlight, and re-aligning your circadian rhythm Thank You to Our Sponsors Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Fatty15: 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 Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway “Preparation is sovereignty. When you take responsibility for your nutrition, your hydration, and your energy before you travel, you’re no longer surviving the trip — you’re expanding through it.” Bibliography Martineau AR et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: systematic review. BMJ. 2017. Goldenberg JZ et al. Probiotics for prevention of respiratory infections. Cochrane Database. 2017. Hemilä H. Vitamin C and zinc in common cold. Nutrients. 2017. Blessing EM et al. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015. Morris HJ et al. Spirulina and chlorella as functional foods. Nutrients. 2022. Longo VD, Panda S. Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding. Cell Metabolism. 2016. Booth FW et al. Waging war on physical inactivity. J Physiol. 2017. Balmori A. Electromagnetic pollution from radiofrequency fields. Pathophysiology. 2015. Kox M et al. Voluntary activation of sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response. PNAS. 2014.

Your fascia — that connective tissue wrapping every muscle, nerve, and organ — doesn’t just hold the body together, it also holds memory, tension, and unprocessed trauma. In this episode, Jess shares how years of disconnection and burnout eventually led her to discover fascia as both a map and a doorway back to health. Through breath, movement, and intentional release, fascia can unlock stored emotions, rebalance the nervous system, and help us feel safe in our own skin again. This conversation is about reclaiming your body at its most fundamental level — and why healing the fascia is the key to healing everything else. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 – Introduction and Jess’s journey into burnout and breakdown 03:00 – Why fascia is the body’s hidden “quantum interface” and emotional storage system 07:00 – How modern life overloads our fascia through EMFs, stress, poor food, and lack of stillness 10:00 – The science proving fascia is our largest sensory organ — with 6–10x more sensory input than muscle 13:00 – How trauma embeds in tissue and why fascia holds onto blockages until emotional truth is acknowledged 16:00 – Fascia as the body’s scaffolding: why blockages cause pain in places far away from the original injury 20:00 – The parallels between fascia and ancient healing systems: meridians, energy flow, and indigenous wisdom 26:00 – Fascia as the communication superhighway for energy, emotion, and intuition 31:00 – Why treating fascia as a delicacy (not with force) leads to lasting results 33:00 – Fascia and chronic pain: the missing link in fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions 40:00 – Owning our healing: how mindset and self-responsibility unlock recovery 45:00 – Dr. Jess’s self-help fascia release methods: the 3-3-3 rhythm and pull-pulse-push techniques 50:00 – Tools, technology, and how fascia work unlocks the lymphatic, circulatory, and immune systems 59:00 – The Fascia Blueprint: why this work is set to transform the entire wellbeing industry   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Pique Tea: Go to www.piquelife.com/darin to get 20% off all products for life and a free starter kit. Connect with Jess Instagram: @thefasciamovement Website: thefasciamovement.com Self Healing Institute (launching in 2025): theselfhealinginstitute.com Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway “Your fascia is the body’s memory bank. When you learn to release it — with breath, movement, and intention — you don’t just free the body, you free the emotions and energy that were trapped inside.”

In this episode, Darin exposes the toxic truth behind the billion-dollar anti-aging skincare industry. From mercury to PFOAs (the same chemical used in Teflon), many “miracle creams” and skin-lightening products marketed as beauty solutions are actually silently poisoning us. Darin breaks down the science, the loopholes in FDA regulation, and the real dangers of what’s being absorbed through our skin — from hormone disruption to cancer and even risks to children. More importantly, he offers solutions: how to identify red flags, choose safe alternatives, and reclaim sovereignty over what you put on your body. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife and the mission to live free from fatal conveniences 00:32 – The cookware sponsor shoutout and why toxic exposure starts in the kitchen 03:08 – Fatal Convenience focus: anti-aging skincare products and hidden toxins 04:39 – Why what you put on your skin is like ingesting it — the reality of transdermal absorption 05:40 – Mercury in cosmetics: how it destroys biology and hides under confusing chemical names 08:18 – PFOAs (Teflon chemicals) in skincare and why they’re linked to cancer and hormone disruption 10:28 – The dangers extend beyond users — off-gassing mercury can affect families and children 11:29 – Even the FDA admits toxicity, yet products still end up on shelves 12:25 – Supplement sponsor shoutout: Manna Vitality for cellular renewal 14:20 – Mercury exposure risks for pregnant and nursing mothers, and infants 15:19 – Signs of mercury poisoning: irritability, tremors, depression, numbness 16:24 – Conflicts of interest and failures at FDA, EPA, USDA — why regulation isn’t protecting you 17:26 – How to protect yourself: avoid “anti-aging” and “skin-lightening” labels, and do due diligence 18:20 – Brands exposed for cutting corners and why demand must shift 18:55 – Choosing botanical, organic, chemical-free products as the true path to health 19:26 – Final reminder: don’t buy into marketing that preys on insecurity — sovereignty starts with awareness Thank You to Our Sponsors 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/ or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway “If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin. Mercury, PFOAs, and toxic chemicals in anti-aging creams are poisoning us — but when we choose botanical, organic, and safe alternatives, we reclaim our health and our sovereignty.”

From crippling illness and psychiatric meds to discovering the hidden world of parasites, Joshua Macin has lived through a transformation few could imagine. After years of panic attacks, depression, and a desperate search through Western medicine and plant medicines, Joshua uncovered the link between toxicity, parasites, and chronic illness — and turned his suffering into a mission to help others reclaim sovereignty over their health. In this episode, Joshua and Darin dive into the misunderstood role of parasites, the terrain theory of health, and the warrior’s path of detox. They also explore protocols, from castor oil to coffee enemas, that can help clear the body and reset the nervous system, along with the deeper spiritual journey that comes when the body is no longer hijacked by hidden invaders.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ● 00:00:00 – Catching up with Joshua: the difference since his first appearance ● 00:01:27 – Joshua’s origin story: four years of illness, panic attacks, and depression ● 00:02:14 – Discovering detox, parasites, and how toxins create an acidic terrain ● 00:02:54 – Resurrecting himself through years of cleansing and repair ● 00:05:23 – The environment principle: why garbage breeds parasites ● 00:07:34 – First parasite cleanses and the shocking worms that came out ● 00:10:04 – Trauma, heavy metals, and acidic environments that invite low vibration ● 00:12:29 – Spiritual bootcamp in the Amazon and learning to love himself ● 00:13:16 – The first worm released and how it changed everything ● 00:14:46 – Recognizing parasite-driven hunger vs. true hunger ● 00:16:28 – How parasites manipulate thoughts and hijack behavior ● 00:19:14 – Different types of parasites: from microscopic to massive worms ● 00:22:00 – Sushi, pork, and restaurant food as breeding grounds for parasites ● 00:29:18 – Ultra-processed foods as “nitric oxide for parasites” ● 00:32:34 – Acidifying your life through negative thoughts and trauma ● 00:35:03 – Darin’s own coffee enema experience with Joshua’s protocols ● 00:39:33 – The shift in energy after clearing the gut and what sovereignty feels like ● 00:43:08 – Why detox pathways must be open before parasite cleanses ● 00:44:22 – Castor oil as a monthly “reset” for everyone ● 00:46:05 – Essential oils, suppositories, and advanced parasite protocols ● 00:47:00 – Chlorine dioxide (CDS) as a controversial but powerful oxidative therapy ● 00:52:07 – Dr. Hulda Clark’s work on parasites and cancer ● 00:55:37 – Sovereignty, stewardship of the body, and listening to your soul ● 01:01:23 – From torment to transformation: Joshua’s life now     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout.     Connect with Joshua Macin Instagram: @Joshuamacin Website: thedetoxdudes.com     Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Podcast: Superlife     Key Takeaway “Parasites thrive in toxic, acidic environments — but when you cleanse, repair, and reclaim sovereignty, you open a clear channel to vitality, authenticity, and your true connection to life.”

In this solo episode, Darin introduces the brand-new SuperLife Patreon — a community built to help you live with more clarity, energy, and purpose. Join SuperLife Patreon Today! For the price of a latte, you can join as a founding member and gain access to tools, live calls, micro-habits, book clubs, curated health hacks, exclusive discounts, and an inspiring community designed to help you break out of the matrix of distraction and step fully into your potential.     What You’ll Learn [00:00] – Why Darin launched the SuperLife Patreon and what it offers [01:10] – The “latte test”: why $7.49/month is your gateway to tools and community [02:13] – Breaking free from algorithms and building a safe, supportive space [03:38] – The Roots tier: foundation of health, purpose, and clarity [05:27] – What you’ll get: sneak peeks, early releases, behind-the-scenes content [05:45] – Live Zooms, expert knowledge, and in-person pop-ups [06:31] – Micro-habit coaching, health hacks, and practical daily support [07:02] – Launching the SuperLife Book Club and sharing transformative insights [10:07] – New ingredient-scan technology to spot Fatal Conveniences instantly [11:16] – Partnering with top coaches and masterclasses for deeper growth [12:27] – The bigger vision: retreats, docu-series, and global community [13:19] – Why community and accountability are key to lasting transformation [16:08] – Becoming a founding member for only $7.49/month     Become a Founding Member of SuperLife Patreon! Elevate your health and wellness journey by becoming a founding member of the newly launched SuperLife Patreon for exclusive content and community access. Join us right now to lock in your founding member status and help us continue making the podcast you love at https://www.patreon.com/c/DarinOlien .     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway “SuperLife Patreon is about breaking free from distraction, building clarity, and committing to a community that supports real change — one micro-habit, one choice, one day at a time.”

In this heartfelt conversation, Darin sits down with Juergen Horn — model turned facilitator, healer, and creator of Mindful Movement. Juergen’s journey took him from a small German village and a decade-long modeling career in New York to a complete reorientation toward breathwork, fascia release, and trauma integration after losing his father. Together, Darin and Juergen explore the hidden wisdom of the body, the importance of stillness, and why real healing requires facing our deepest wounds.     What You’ll Learn [00:00] Welcome to SuperLife and setting the intention for deeper healing. [01:59] Reconnecting with Juergen and the life changes since you last spoke. [03:27] Modeling years and the question underneath success… why am I in this body. [05:13] Small village beginnings, industrial mechanic work, and early roots. [05:35] Working in nuclear plants and learning to respect the body’s design. [06:21] The unexpected doorway into modeling and the wake-up moments that followed. [06:39] New York success and how early validation fed the ego before it emptied out. [07:20] Realizing external approval can’t fill internal disconnection. [09:03] Losing his father and the pivot from appearances to inner purpose. [10:32] Running from pain until the body forces you to stop and listen. [10:52] Reprogramming breath patterns that keep you stuck in fight-or-flight. [11:49] Showing up daily and creating a felt sense of safety for clients. [13:47] The medicine of stillness and learning to hear the body over the mind’s noise. [15:46] The “perfect breath” idea and using rhythm to reset the nervous system. [17:18] Morning and evening breath practices that set up calm and better sleep. [20:03] Stacked challenges and the moment rage becomes a teacher instead of a prison. [21:09] Choosing a different energy in hard conversations and what shifted. [22:22] Daily conscious practice vs autopilot… why intention changes outcomes. [23:20] What Juergen sees most in clients… unsafe beginnings and suppressed emotion. [30:25] Childhood patterns behind adult burnout and the self-image trap. [32:18] Integration over inspiration… bringing retreat insights back to real life. [33:11] Transmuting inherited rage into strength and creative fuel. [36:19] Leaning into pain as initiation and a path to coherence. [39:41] Fascia and the endocannabinoid system as libraries of stored experience. [42:29] Practical tools… stress reset, jaw release, decompression techniques. [43:59] Habit stacking… tiny daily reps that rewire body and brain. [46:23] Vision for retreats, memberships, and collective healing containers. [48:18] Returning to safety in the body, aligned relationships, and a life you enjoy.     Thank You to Our Sponsors Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Fatty15: 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 Juergen Horn: Instagram: @jules_horn Website: mindfulmovemend.com     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway “True healing begins when we stop running from our pain. Through breath, stillness, and facing the ‘monsters’ we’ve suppressed, we transform rage into strength, fear into freedom, and disconnection into love.”  

Stress isn’t just something to “manage” — it’s a signal, a teacher, and often, an invitation to look deeper at our health, our choices, and our lives. In this solo episode, Darin reframes stress not as an enemy, but as a dashboard light pointing toward misalignments in our nervous system, environment, relationships, and purpose. Drawing on science, practical tools, and personal insight, Darin reveals how layered stress silently drains our vitality — and how to transform it into an ally for growth, healing, and deeper contentment. Whether it’s hidden trauma, toxic environments, unresolved conflict, or the modern distractions constantly pulling at our attention, Darin lays out a roadmap to stop the leaks and reclaim the energy already within you. This episode is a powerful reminder: stress isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning of awareness, safety, and a super life.     What You’ll Learn in This Episode [00:00] Introduction to the Super Life podcast [03:27] Why stress might not be your enemy [04:17] Stress as an ally: the signals it gives us about misalignment [04:32] The dashboard light metaphor: how stress reveals hidden issues [05:28] The illusion of “no choice” and the infinite possibilities always available [06:12] Global stress statistics and why most people underestimate their stress load [07:23] Hidden stress revealed through heart rate variability and physiology [08:23] Layered stress: how sleep, exercise, and poor choices compound each other [09:25] Safety vs. calm — why your nervous system craves safety first [10:15] Trauma and the unconscious mind: how old wounds drive our stress response [11:54] Inner narratives and negative self-talk as hidden stress multipliers [12:22] The role of community and your social field in stress and resilience [13:53] Relationships, honesty, and how your circle shapes your energy [14:55] Why boundaries around media and politics are vital for mental clarity [17:42] Finding micro-purpose when life feels overwhelming [18:52] Environmental layers of stress — light, air, and clutter [19:15] The existential layer: stress from living without service or purpose [20:12] Stress as a risk amplifier — how it undermines healing and health [20:55] The deeper truth of safety, connection, and higher power [23:00] Practical tools: breathing, grounding, nature, and conscious choices [24:01] Trauma reframed: not a problem, but a protector at the time [25:25] Lessons from Peter Levine and wild animals: releasing trauma physically [26:04] Questions to ask trauma: “What are you protecting me from?” [26:56] Stress as a multiplier of aging, disease, and poor outcomes [29:20] Why stress isn’t a single cause — it’s layered and chronic [30:18] Anti-stress strategies: circadian rhythm, nature, and gratitude [31:49] Energy leaks to avoid: clutter, poor food, scrolling, bad boundaries [32:22] What matters most: service, contribution, and alignment [33:28] Final toolkit: breathwork, movement, nature, sleep, and gratitude [34:38] The deeper invitation: step into sovereignty and live your SuperLife     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/  or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your order. Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order.     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Check out my podcast with Dr. Amy Abbington     Key Takeaway “Stress is not the enemy. It’s a dashboard light — a teacher showing you where you’re out of alignment. When you reframe stress, you reclaim your energy and create space for healing, safety, and the joy of living a super life.”     Bibliography (selected, peer-reviewed) Sources: Gallup Global Emotions (2024); Gallup U.S. polling (2024); APA Stress in America (2023); Natarajan et al., Lancet Digital Health (2020); Orini et al., UK Biobank (2023); Martinez et al. (2022); Leiden University (2025). Cohen S, Tyrrell DA, Smith AP. Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. N Engl J Med.1991;325(9):606–612. New England Journal of Medicine Cohen S, et al. Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2012;109(16):5995–5999. PNAS Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress. Lancet. 1995;346(8984):1194–1196. The Lancet Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Hostile marital interactions, proinflammatory cytokine production, and wound healing.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(12):1377–1384. JAMA Network Tawakol A, et al. Relation between resting amygdalar activity and cardiovascular events. Lancet.2017;389(10071):834–845. The Lancet Epel ES, et al. Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.2004;101(49):17312–17315. PNAS McEwen BS, Stellar E. Stress and the individual: mechanisms leading to disease. Arch Intern Med.1993;153(18):2093–2101. PubMed McEwen BS, Wingfield JC. Allostasis and allostatic load. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998;840:33–44. PubMed Felitti VJ, et al. Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many leading causes of death in adults (ACE Study). Am J Prev Med. 1998;14(4):245–258. AJP Mon Online Edmondson D, et al. PTSD and cardiovascular disease. Ann Behav Med. 2017;51(3):316–327. PMC Afari N, et al. Psychological trauma and functional somatic syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Psychosom Med. 2014;76(1):2–11. PMC Goyal M, et al. Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(3):357–368. PMC Qiu Q, et al. Forest therapy: effects on blood pressure and salivary cortisol—a meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;20(1):458. PMC Laukkanen T, et al. Sauna bathing and reduced fatal CVD and all-cause mortality. JAMA Intern Med.2015;175(4):542–548. JAMA Network Zureigat H, et al. Physical activity lowers CVD risk by reducing stress-related neural activity. J Am Coll Cardiol.2024;83(16):1532–1546. PMC Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Med.2010;7(7):e1000316. PMC Chen Y-R, Hung K-W. EMDR for PTSD: meta-analysis of RCTs. PLoS One. 2014;9(8):e103676. PLOS Hoppen TH, et al. Network/pairwise meta-analysis of PTSD psychotherapies—TF-CBT highest efficacy overall.Psychol Med. 2023;53(14):6360–6374. PubMed van der Kolk BA, et al. Yoga as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD: RCT. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014;75(6):e559–e565. PubMed Kelly U, et al. Trauma-center trauma-sensitive yoga vs CPT in women veterans: RCT. JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(11):e2342214. JAMA Network Bentley TGK, et al. Breathing practices for stress and anxiety reduction: components that matter. Behav Sci (Basel). 2023;13(9):756. 

In this inspiring conversation, Darin sits down with Maya Raichoora, one of the UK’s leading experts in mental fitness, visualization, and high performance. From battling ulcerative colitis as a teenager to becoming Nike’s first-ever mental fitness trainer, Maya’s journey is proof that visualization isn’t just a concept, it’s a trainable skill that can transform health, resilience, and performance. Together, they dive into Maya’s five visualization techniques, the neuroscience behind them, and how anyone can reprogram their brain to unlock their highest potential.     What You’ll Learn 00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife and sponsor intro: Fatty15 and the science of C15 04:13 – Introducing Maya Raichoora: Nike’s first mental fitness trainer and founder of Remap Mental Fitness 04:56 – Maya’s story: battling ulcerative colitis at 15 and discovering visualization as a lifeline 06:38 – Why mental fitness is more than mindset — it’s a skill you can train daily 09:04 – Learning to create space between stimulus and response in everyday life 11:27 – Maya on insecurity, high achievement, and the pain of chronic illness 15:17 – The hospital moment that sparked Maya’s first visualization practice 16:49 – Why visualization works: rewiring the brain through imagery and repetition 18:15 – Life happens twice: how imagination shapes reality 22:19 – Building new “roads” in the brain: the neuroscience of visualization 25:55 – Common limiting beliefs and why responsibility matters 27:20 – Darin shares his own trauma, back pain, and rediscovering imprints 30:44 – Using visualization to transform trauma into growth 35:16 – Maya’s five visualization techniques explained: outcome, process, creative, negative, explorative 38:17 – Lemon exercise: why the brain can’t distinguish between real and imagined 41:23 – Negative visualization: Michael Phelps and the power of rehearsing worst-case scenarios 43:01 – Explorative visualization: how Einstein, Tesla, and Disney used imagination to innovate 46:42 – The role of mirror neurons: why what you watch and who you’re around rewires your brain 50:01 – Visualization vs manifestation: key differences and overlaps 55:17 – Why outcome visualization alone isn’t enough — and how to balance techniques 59:34 – Case study: helping a client quit smoking through negative visualization 01:01:03 – Maya’s personal favorite visualizations and creating her “avatar” self-image 01:04:04 – Why you’ll never outperform your self-image — and how to reshape it 01:07:29 – Healing through basics: whole foods, environment, boundaries, and mindset 01:12:00 – Final reflections: mental fitness as a daily practice of awareness and intention     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.     Find More from Maya Raichoora: Instagram: @maya.raichoora Website: Remap Mental Fitness Book: Visualize: Think, Feel, Perform Like the Top 1%     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway “Visualization isn’t magic — it’s mental fitness. You’re already an expert at visualizing, but if you learn to direct it, you can literally rewire your brain, reshape your self-image, and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.”  

In this solo episode, Darin shares everything he’s learned over nearly a decade of caring for his beloved German Shepherds, Chugga and Ella. From water quality to food choices, stress management, natural therapies, and even stem cells, Darin reveals the daily practices and integrative care strategies that keep his dogs thriving. With inspiration from Forever Dog authors Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker, this episode is packed with actionable steps and powerful reminders about what it means to be a true steward for our animal companions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode [00:00] Welcome and introduction – why this episode is dedicated to dogs and animal care [00:40] The bond with Chugga and Ella and why stewardship matters [01:16] Inspiration from The Forever Dog and leading longevity experts [01:38] Clean water: why filtration is critical for pets and how Darin prepares it [03:01] How much water your dog really needs and the danger of dehydration [03:38] A scary heatstroke story with Ella and the importance of paying attention [04:11] Daily care tips: washing bowls, using stainless steel, and avoiding bacteria buildup [04:43] Electrolytes, minerals, and using natural supplementation for dogs’ hydration [05:35] Food choices: balancing plant-based with raw diets using Bramble and Viva Raw [07:01] The Dog Aging Project: why feeding once a day may extend longevity [08:12] Transitioning from kibble to raw: microbiome, gut diversity, and safety tips [09:47] Adding veggies, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and berries for diversity and antioxidants [11:40] The importance of walks, exercise, and letting dogs sniff for cognitive health [12:27] Training, discipline, and running with Chugga on the mountain bike [13:32] How dogs mirror our stress and why managing your own health impacts theirs [14:01] Working with the endocannabinoid system, CBD, and reducing nervous tension [15:03] Natural therapies: PEMF mats, AmpCoil, red light, and energy balancing [16:08] Conventional vs naturopathic care—when to use both for acute and long-term health [17:00] Chugga’s autoimmune challenges and the integrative approach to healing [18:20] Modalities used: stem cells, acupuncture, microbiome testing, ozone baths, and more [20:34] How pets reflect back our stress and why healing ourselves heals them too [22:07] Building a holistic health protocol: food, supplements, exercise, trauma release [23:05] Why meal timing and fasting windows can boost detox and longevity in dogs [25:11] Daily practices: washing bowls, diversifying food, hydration, and routines [26:29] The role of the endocannabinoid system in pets and humans alike [27:27] Alternative therapies: psychic readings, EFT, remote healing, and staying open [28:10] Back to basics: food, water, exercise, sleep, and trauma release for pets and people [28:41] Final reflections: stewardship, love, and why pets are free beings bonded to us Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences Key Takeaway “Our dogs are barometers for our own well-being. When we reduce toxins, diversify food, manage stress, and honor them as family, they not only thrive longer — they remind us how to live better ourselves.” Bibliography / Sources Water & nutrition guidance WSAVA Global Nutrition—pet food selection & toolkit; Merck Veterinary Manual—typical daily water needs. WSAVA+1MSD Veterinary Manual Feeding frequency Bray EE et al. “Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs” (Dog Aging Project, GeroScience 2022). PMCPubMedDog Aging Project Activity & cognition Dog Aging Project analyses on physical activity and cognitive health in older dogs (GeroScience 2022). ResearchGate Raw diets: microbiome & safety Sandri M. et al., BMC Vet Res 2016; Schmidt M. et al., PLOS ONE 2018; Xu J. et al., 2021; Davies RH. et al., 2019 (review on raw diets & pathogens). BioMed CentralPLOSPMC+1 Plant-based diets for dogs Knight A. et al., PLOS ONE 2022. PMC Microbiome testing (clinical tool) Texas A&M GI Lab—Dysbiosis Index overview. AVMA Owner–dog connection, stress & oxytocin Roth L. et al., Scientific Reports 2019 (stress synchrony); Wilson C. et al., PLOS ONE 2022 (dogs smell human stress); Nagasawa M. et al., Science 2015 (oxytocin gaze loop). NaturePMCPubMed Stem cells for canine OA Harman R. et al., Front Vet Sci 2016 (RCT, allogeneic ADSCs); Cuervo B. et al., Int J Mol Sci 2014 (randomized); VetEvidence 2022 (knowledge summary). FrontiersPMCVeterinary Evidence Acupuncture / gold bead studies & reviews Baker-Meuten A. et al., 2020 (prospective OA); Teixeira LR. et al., JAVMA 2016; Jaeger GT. et al., Vet Rec 2006. PMCAVMA JournalsPubMed Photobiomodulation (red light) AVMA Journals RCT in canine hip OA (2022). DVM 360 PEMF Randomized post-op pain/IVDD trial (NC State coverage); Front Vet Sci 2021 (targeted PEMF). NC State NewsFrontiers Chiropractic / manipulation Randomized Boxer puppy study (spondylosis); systematic review of manipulative therapies; AVMA policy context. PMC+1AVMA Ozone & IV Vitamin C Veterinary ozone therapy reviews (limited evidence); Merck Vet Manual—dogs synthesize vitamin C (routine IV-C not standard).