103. Regeneration Begins Within: Darin Olien on Joy, Health, and Healing the Planet
The Power of Joy in a Broken World
Do you ever feel the need to go really deep with someone and throw at them life’s biggest, most thought-provoking questions? That’s how I felt when preparing my interview with Darin Olien. And let me tell you - I didn’t hold back!
In this episode, we talk about the root cause of so much of today’s chaos and how the path to healing starts by coming back to ourselves. We explore why joy is a radical form of resistance, how forgiveness frees us, and why your inner truth might just be your most powerful tool for change.
I’m super excited about this conversation because I have a feeling it will unlock so much. More than anything, this talk is healing, so wherever you are listening to this, do yourself a favor and create the spiritual space to truly receive what you’re about to hear.
“Joy and happiness are the resistance. They push back against everything that tries to steal our power.”
Who is Darin?
Darin with Zac Efron in Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Darin Olien is a certified exercise physiologist, bestselling author, wellness entrepreneur, and avid “superfood hunter.” Born prematurely in Minnesota in 1970, Darin overcame early health challenges — completing his first cleanse at 13, and later recovering from a football injury through nutrition and movement — to help spark a lifelong dedication to holistic health .
He co-formulated popular botanical wellness programs like Beachbody’s “Shakeology” and “Ultimate Reset.” He also co-founded Barùkas, championing a potent Brazilian nut from the Cerrado biome, with sustainable sourcing and reforestation efforts.
In 2017, Darin released the New York Times bestseller SuperLife, where he outlined the five life forces—nutrition, hydration, detoxification, oxygenation, and alkalization—as keys to unlocking optimal health. His 2023 follow-up, Fatal Conveniences, dives into everyday toxins hiding in common products—and offers practical swaps for better wellness.
Most notably, Darin serves as the charismatic co-host and executive producer of Netflix’s Emmy‑nominated travel‑wellness series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Across two seasons, he and Zac explore environments from Iceland to Australia, spotlighting sustainable living, indigenous knowledge, and how to forge healthier personal and planetary relationships.
As host of The Darin Olien Show and founder of the 121 Tribe health app, he continues to unpack “Fatal Conveniences™” and surface actionable insights for anyone wanting to reclaim wellbeing and reconnect with the natural world.
Needless to say, Darin is a well of both passion and information, and you, dear friend, are in for a treat. This one is honest, deep, and optimistic, and I hope it reminds you, like it did me, that there’s so much still possible for our future — and that ultimately it begins with you.
Psst…make sure to listen to the end when a very unexpected guest makes an appearance!
“The balloon pops when you remember that you belong — that you are the system.”
This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast
Key Takeaways:
Disconnection is our core crisis — from nature, from each other, and from ourselves. Healing starts by remembering who we are.
Joy is resistance — cultivating happiness and presence is not naive, it's powerful.
Inner development is climate action — slowing down, listening inward, and leading from love allows us to create more meaningful impact.
Revenge is an addiction — shifting from blame to forgiveness frees up energy to build new systems.
Optimism is a choice and a practice — the future isn't fixed; it's something we co-create in how we show up and funnel our energy today.
More From Darin:
Instagram: @DarinOlien
Website: www.SuperLife.com
Barukas Super Nuts: www.Barukas.com
Netflix Show: Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Podcast: The Darin Olien Show
