In this solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the most persistent myths in nutrition: that plant proteins are incomplete or inferior. Drawing from decades of peer-reviewed research and his own 17-year plant-based journey, he breaks down how plants contain all essential amino acids, how digestibility differs from bioavailability, and why variety — not animal flesh — is the key to optimal health and longevity.
This is part one of a two-part deep dive into protein, performance, and ethics — separating science from marketing and helping you understand where real nourishment begins.
What You'll Learn
00:00:00 - Intro and Sponsor: Fatty15
00:04:13 - Welcome to the Super Life Podcast
00:04:26 - Plant-Based Living and the Protein Question
00:06:24 - Protein Basics: Amino Acids in Plants
00:07:20 - Dr. Christopher Gardner and the Diversity of Plant Protein
00:09:52 - Protein Quality, Digestibility, and Flesh
00:11:12 - Heart Health: Stanford Twin Trial Results
00:12:02 - Saturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, and Heart Disease
00:13:01 - Stanford Swap Meat Trial: Plant-Based Alternatives vs. Red Meat
00:14:14 - Sponsor: Our Place Cookware
00:17:01 - Longevity and Mortality Data
00:17:49 - Performance and Strength: Protein Requirements
00:20:47 - Easily Hitting Plant Protein Requirements
00:21:43 - Debunking the Carnivore Diet
00:23:02 - Closing Thoughts and Personal Point of View
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
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Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.
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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 Darin Olien:
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Website: darinolien.com
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Instagram: @darinolien
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Book: Fatal Conveniences
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Platform & Products: superlife.com
Key Takeaway
"Living food creates life. Every amino acid, every cell, every act of nourishment begins with plants — not because of belief, but because that's where all protein begins."
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