About this episode
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: 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 Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences 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."