The Future of Paleo with Robb Wolf
This week on Barbell Shrugged, we catch up with best-selling author of The Paleo Solution, Robb Wolf.
Just like anyone, we first learned of the Paleo diet and lifestyle from the research of Dr. Loren Cordain, and of course, through Robb’s work. But the diet stuff was only half of it. We were actually way more informed and inspired by Robb’s podcast in those early years.
At the time, around 2012, it seemed like the only way to reach people was to travel around the world speaking and teaching. I still hope to do way more of that, sooner rather than later, but the truth is that Barbell Shrugged has already been all around the world 174 times now. That’s the power of modern podcasting, and it’s something anyone can do!
At least that’s what we told ourselves at the time (it turned out to be true).
Together with The Joe Rogan Experience, Robb’s efforts in new media made our show possible. It’s very true. For that alone we will always be thankful. Without these guys we’d all be a little more chubby, inflamed, and mostly unaware of the educational might of podcasts.
Yes, Robb helped write the book on Paleo, so to speak. Through his writing, podcasting, and continuous speaking gigs like PaleoFX, he has helped to educate and inform a new generation of athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals.
That’s extraordinary, but there’s limited value in education alone. As the great psychologist Carl Jung said, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
It’s not enough to know. If it were, far more people would be living healthier, stronger, more fulfilling lives. What’s more, for Robb it’s not enough to write books and talk about the problem from neon keynote stages. He’s done his part to educate, and he doesn’t plan on stopping of course. You have to keep pushing the message out. You have to keep talking about it. But you also have to do something, right? You have to show people there’s a better way to train and fuel their bodies. With that they can take action, change their lives, and serve as a neon-bright example to others.
What more could you want?
The Powerful Robb Wolf together with our other podcasting mentor, Joe Rogan.
A great example of action and effect is what Robb has accomplished with the Reno, Nevada Police force. The problem was serious and obvious – Many serving officers were chronically stressed, inflamed, malnourished and sleep deprived. Overall, about 19-22% of screened police officers were deemed to be at risk for developing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Bottom line: Cops and service people were dying prematurely from health related disease, and according to Robb’s data, a whole lot more were on right behind them. That’s just not ok.
A very simple strategy was implemented. Following the initial risk assessment, at risk officers have participated in a Paleo lifestyle that includes low-carb meals, proper strength training and conditioning, as well as sleep and stress modulation. You can imagine the results.
To date, this program has changed a lot of lives and has saved more than $22 million in healthcare costs. With any luck, this program and these service people will serve as a lasting example to departments and special populations all around the globe.
Robb’s book is a must read. This stuff works, folks.
The next big challenge Robb is taking on is raising awareness around food sustainability and desertification.
No, this is another level beyond what you eat, when and why. You also have to carefully consider the effect that food production has on the environment. You should be very concerned when agriculture or any other factor disturb local eco-systems, like when herbivores are allowed to overgraze and smash a landscape due to the absence of apex predators and conscious farmers.
You likely know all about the health benefits of pasture-raised beef. It couldn’t be any better for you. But you also have to think way beyond what goes in your mouth. You also have to consider your community, your lands, the entirety of the whole eco-system.
The consequences of this lack of awareness threaten our food supply, entire habitats, and the health and well-being of future generations. Robb, sounds like we’re going to have to dig into that during round two!
Cheers,
Chris
11 Responses to “The Future of Paleo with Robb Wolf”
Just curious if there is anymore published information on the study that Robb did with the police officers? I am a career firefighter and in the last few years embraced both crossfit and a paleoish lifestyle. I love what it has done for me. I would enjoy reading about his study and seeing the data regarding the outcomes. One of the things I still struggle with is sleep as most firefighters do. Would be interested to see how that was addressed.
Thanks !!! Great episode
Me too!
You can read up here.
http://robbwolf.com/2012/04/16/paleo-diet-risk-assessment/
Christy! We will have more info on the program soon. We have been working to make this streamlined and replaceable from location to location. Instead of folks trying to figure out how to get funding, plan implementation and track metrics on their own, we will have all of that dialed in.
Spotted Brian Mckenzie hanging out in the background. Looking forward to that podcast. Rob was cool too.
Love love love that y’all talked about Allan Savory! So excited to see his message spreading so wide and far these days. For anyone interested in Allan’s work, here is the link to his TED talk on how to fight desertification and reverse climate change using large ruminants: http://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_green_the_world_s_deserts_and_reverse_climate_change?language=en
Hey guys,
What kind of milk was it that Mike mentioned? Milk has always been a great trainer tool for me.
Thanks
Goat milk. He talks about it pretty often. He incorporate it when he putting on weight. I think it is easier on his digestion…
-corey
Correct.
[…] last point on all of this is one that Robb Wolf made in the Barbell Shrugged podcast he appeared on last week. If your goal is just to be healthy, why shouldn’t you try […]
Hi,
AWESOME content, once again!
Where can I find the calculations Diana Rogers did around the costs of REAL food vs. junk/fast food?