Greetings, superfriends!
Today, we have a huge treat for you – though it’s a paleo-friendly treat. Over the next two months, we will be doing a 3 (or maybe 4) part series on paleolithic nutrition and the paleo diet. Though we’ll be spreading these episodes apart to provide a little variety in between, we’ll nonetheless be interviewing the 3 or 4 of TOP experts on the paleo diet, each approaching it from a different angle.

This week, we start with the biggest name in Paleo, and in my mind, the guy who popularized it and made it into a movement: Robb Wolf. He’s a former research biochemist. He’s the NYT bestselling author of The Paleo Solution. He is a student of Loren Cordain, the originator of the Paleo diet. He runs one of the top ranking podcasts on iTunes. He is co-owner of one of the most influential CrossFit boxes in the world, one of the top 30 gyms in America. He serves on the board of numerous health-related companies… Oh, and on top of all of this, he’s a former California State powerlifting champion, and a recovering vegetarian. His incredible story is matched only by the massive influence he’s had on millions of lives!

So, let me fill you in on the episode a bit. First off, like many episodes, we really get into the weeds and geek out a lot. But, you guys are smart! You can handle a little sciencey stuff.

You’ll probably be able to tell that I’m a huge fan of this particular guest’s work, and so I tried to squeeze in as much good stuff as possible – and managed to get a lot of great great stuff in. You’ll immediately see that he has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things health, nutrition, metabolism, fitness, strength, and more… I also have to say that my guest was incredibly generous with his time, and so it’s a nice long episode that goes into a ton of different subjects. We go way beyond just paleo nutrition, and I know you’re going to LOVE this episode. If you do, as always, make sure to tell me what your favorite part was on twitter – our handle is @gosuperhuman.

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In this episode with Robb Wolf, we discuss:

• Robb Wolf’s journey to become one of the biggest names in the Paleo and CrossFit movements
• What exactly is the “Paleo diet” and what are the broader implications on our lives?
• How “Paleo” is supported by archeology, biology, and anthropology
• Do different populations have different responses to things like rice or starch?
• Misconceptions about the life spans and quality of life of our paleolithic ancestors
• “Grandmother theory,” and why human life spans are different from other animals
• What’s the big deal with gluten and other anti-nutrients in things like quinoa, millet, or beans?
• What carbs are recommended in the paleo diet, and why?
• How should you approach the paleo diet, and how can you test it out?
• The 80/20 rule (or Pareto’s Principle) and how it applied to paleo
• Thoughts on modern, selectively-bred fruit – should we be eating it?
• Adaptability, trial and error, and how to modify the template to your own needs
• Do humans need to eat carbohydrates? Should they? If so, why?
• What has Robb learned in the 6 years since his book was published?
• Detailed thoughts on specific foods like hummus and kombucha (my favorites)
• How do we asses whether or not a specific food is working for us?
• The hormones that give our body a sensation of satiety, and how they work
• Organic vs. non-organic. What's the straight dope, and why does it matter or not matter?
• Grass-fed meat: how important is it, and why?
• Misconceptions on the “high protein” aspect of paleo
• What's the big deal with Omega-3 and Omega-6's, and what should you beware of?
• Which supplements does Robb Wolf believe everybody should be taking?
• Thoughts on Vitamin D, why it's so important, and how it relates to sun exposure
• Eating local, sustainability, and how it all fits together
• Should you be eating dairy? Is it part of the paleo diet?
• Are artificial sweeteners bad for you? If so, which ones?
• A look into how Robb Wolf works in his clinical practice with top-tier athletes and performers
• Some insights on how Robb is raising his 2 daughters
• Debunking the myths that fat and protein cause cancer
• Thoughts on cholesterol, and what you should tell your doctor to test for
• Robb's opinions on having a “cheat day”
• What is Robb's opinion on health insurance?
• Robb's #1 piece of homework that you should do this week
• What Robb is working on now

Resources Mentioned in This Episode on the Paleo Diet:

• Robb Wolf’s incredible book, The Paleo Solution
• Robb Wolf’s website and podcast about the Paleo diet (and much  more)
• Art De Vany, an early influencer of Robb’s
• CrossFit.com
• Robb’s best-known gym, NorCal Strength and Conditioning
• Future guest Dr. Loren Cordain and his blog, The Paleo Diet (highly recommended)
• Rhonda Patrick’s podcast, FoundMyFitness
• Richard Lee’s book, The !King San: Men, Women and Work in a Foraging Society
• Weston A. Price’s book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration
• The Slow Carb Diet advocated by Tim Ferriss in The Four Hour Body
• Chris Kresser, a friend and influencer of Robb’s
• Adam Richman's ice cream challenge on Man vs. Food
• The Savory Institute and Alan Savory's TED Talk
• Fish Oil Supplements
• Michael Eades' book, Protein Power
• Our episode with Nick Littlehales on sleep

Favorite Quotes from Robb Wolf: