James Wilks is a producer, as well as narrator and chief instigator of The Game Changers, already the bestselling documentary of all time on iTunes.He got his nickname “Lightning” during his career as a mixed martial artist (which, as far as I can tell, means that he can kill me in at least a dozen ways using just a box of toothpicks and a birthday candle), the highlight of which was winning season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2009.As good a fighter as he was, the sport had taken its toll on his body. He had enough cracked bones that his doctors told him that continuing to fight would probably lead to paralysis.Following his retirement from MMA in 2012, James spent several years learning how to rehabilitate himself. That's when he discovered that diet can play a significant role in healing and human performance.James then became a combatives instructor, teaching military personnel how to survive and prevail in hand to hand combat.And also in 2012, he began working on what turned into The Game Changers: a film that would blow away the illusion that manliness and stellar athletic performance required a meat-heavy diet.I met James and his co-producer Joseph Pace in 2014, when the film was “almost done” (I got to watch a 10-minute promo trailer at an Engine 2 event). They didn't want to do any podcast or other interviews, citing a desire to fly under the radar and not tip off “the opposition” that a vegan-friendly sports movie was on the way.I didn't get it, frankly. I thought they were being unnecessarily paranoid (and I wanted my scoop, dammit ;).Years past, and every so often I'd see another iteration of the film, and every year it wasn't quite ready. Every year another cinema big-shot would join the team: Louie Psihoyos, director of the Oscar-winning The Cove; James Cameron, director of Titanic and Avatar and The Terminator; and more and more big-time athletes were being converted to the plant-based lifestyle.I kind of thought that this might turn into the Greatest Movie Never Made.[Here's the video of our conversation]But as it turns out, James and his team had the foresight and understanding and patience to slog away until they made a good enough movie. Not just good enough for the converted like me, but good enough to move the needle on society as a whole.They needed impeccable science and a damn good story, well told.And the film has done just that.Take a look at the Google search trend for the term “plant-based” from 2004 to the present in the United States:That huge spike at the far right is the “Game Changers Effect” – essentially an instant doubling of what was already an increasingly ravenous interest.Globally, the effect is even stronger. Check out New Zealand:While I understood that this movie is a big deal, I wasn't particularly interested in the online debates over the science. After working on Proteinaholic with Garth Davis, MD, and Whole, with T. Colin Campbell, PhD, I had discovered that I'm not really into debating.I'd rather just assume that a whole food, plant-based diet is the gold standard, and just coach and guide and empower people to get as close to it as they desired.And I certainly had no wish to pay attention to the “haters” – the paleo and carnivore marketers who either don't understand science or find the science so inconvenient to their businesses that they have no choice but to ignore or discredit it.And then came the Joe Rogan podcast with Chris Kresser.My plant-based friends were outraged over the episode, a 3-hour “debunking” of The Game Changers by Kresser,

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

Is time linear, or cyclical?According to analog watches, time goes around in circles.According to calendars and planners and most of Western culture, time moves ever forward.And few of us take seriously the cycles of nature when we contemplate time and how we move through it.Brian Tourville has been thinking about time, and how our disconnection from the rhythms and cycles of the natural world contribute to our alienation from it.

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Is time linear, or cyclical?

According to analog watches, time goes around in circles.

According to calendars and planners and most of Western culture, time moves ever forward.

And few of us take seriously the cycles of nature when we contemplate time and how we move through it.

Brian Tourville has been thinking about time, and how our disconnection from the rhythms and cycles of the natural world contribute to our alienation from it.

Brian and I met in 2012, at a Permaculture Design Course in Western Massachusetts. We were on the same “team” tasked with creating a sustainability plan for a farm property, and we kicked ass thanks to his impressive mapping, photoshopping, and designing skills.

We sort of lost touch, until I found an email address and reached out to him last year. Only to discover that he now lives about a mile and half away from me. So we've reconnected over our love of gardening, nature, and nature-based philosophy.

Brian joined me in Sun Studio (the Plant Yourself Podcast shed) to talk about his notions of “nature time,” and how we can reconnect with our own nature by orienting ourselves to the natural cycles all around us.

He also shared a calendar that he's designed, called “The Space of a Year,” which is now for sale online at http://thespaceofayear.artspan.com.

If your holiday gift giving includes nature lovers and those with a cosmological bent, check it out. The Artspan site offers a lot of options, but this is what I recommend:

* Choose the 35″ x 23″ or the 24″ x 23″ size

* Choose the “Prints” tab (not “Original”)

* Paper prints – no glass, no frame, no mat, choose Premium Archival Matte paper

Since we spend some time referring to the calendar, I recommend checking out the YouTube version of this podcast, which you can watch below.

Also, here's a PDF showing the full calendar and details, along with links to purchase and join the conversation on social media.

Brian's fairly shy of the limelight (as you'll notice if you click the “About the artist” link on ArtSpan and find “Just some guy”), so I'm delighted that he agreed to visit Sun Studio and do the video thing with me!

Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.

Links

A Space of a Year Calendar

PDF of the calendar with detailed images

A Space of a Year on Instagram and Facebook and Twitter

Support the Podcast

This podcast is not underwritten by advertising, so I can experience complete editorial autonomy without worrying about pissing off the person paying the bills. Instead, I pay the bills, with your help. It's free for those who can't afford to pay, and supported by those who can. You can contribute to the growth and improvement of the podcast by . Click the “Support on Patreon” or “Donate” buttons on the right to help out.

Announcements

Two spots available for personal 1-on-1 health coaching from me. Find out more here.

The Howie/Josh New Orleans retreat may be calling your name.

Ready to embark on your Big Change journey?

Are you tired of knowing what to do,

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

Wendy Wood, PhD, knows more about the science of habit formation - and habit breaking - than just about anyone.While popular writers share their opinions about habits, Wood does the research. More than 30 years worth, as a research psychologist first at Duke University and now at the University of Southern California.Wood has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, and the paper trail of her research demonstrates a curious and creative and extremely tenacious approach to uncovering the mysteries of human behavior - particularly those human behaviors that are a mystery to the humans engaging in them.

Click to subscribe to the Mindset Mastery Memo.

Support the show

Wendy Wood, PhD, knows more about the science of habit formation – and habit breaking – than just about anyone.

While popular writers share their opinions about habits, Wood does the research. More than 30 years worth, as a research psychologist first at Duke University and now at the University of Southern California.

Wood has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, and the paper trail of her research demonstrates a curious and creative and extremely tenacious approach to uncovering the mysteries of human behavior – particularly those human behaviors that are a mystery to the humans engaging in them.

Drawing on the insights of behavioral economics and modern neuroscience, Wood posits that habits are maintained by the “automatic” system of the brain, the one outside conscious control. And therefore trying to change habits through conscious means is a fool's errand, destined to fail (and to make us feel like failures).

Instead of applying conscious willpower to powerfully persistent patterns (yea, alliteration) of behavior, Wood's research demonstrates the effectiveness of changing environmental cues to trigger new and different responses.

I think there's more to habit than this – working with the Missing Chins and many others who have forged themselves into different people through intention and repetition, I have a profound respect for the judicious use of free will and identity and choice in becoming the most authentic versions of ourselves.

That is to say, given the option to completely shift my environment to never trigger, say, a chocolate craving again, I'd rather become the sort of person who can say “no” to chocolate even when it's being waved in my face.

There's value in that kind of self-discipline, completely separate from the eating (or not) of chocolate.

And – I think Dr Wood's approach is incredibly helpful, and completely necessary. I don't know anyone who completely eliminated a bad habit without reducing the environmental cues for its performance. And thinking that we can “just say no” is a demoralizing and fundamentally flawed stance.

So I invite you to listen to our conversation with an eye on your own “bad” habits, looking for ways to make simple and profound environmental tweaks to increase the friction that you must overcome in order to perform it.

Oh, and there's a video as well:

Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.

Links

Good Habits, Bad Habits – by Wendy Wood, PhD

GoodHabitsBadHabits.com

Thinking, Fast and Slow – by Daniel Kahneman, PhD

Your Money or Your Life, by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

Support the Podcast

This podcast is not underwritten by advertising, so I can experience complete editorial autonomy without worrying about pissing off the person paying the bills. Instead, I pay the bills, with your help. It's free for those who can't afford to pay, and supported by those who can. You can contribute to the growth and improvement of the podcast by . Click the “Support on Patreon” or “Donate” buttons on the right to help out.

Announcements

NOLA, Baby! The Josh/Howie retreat heads to the Crescent City, the Birthplace of Jazz, WHODAT-town, New Orleans!

Find out more and join us at Sick2Fit.com/nola.

Ready to embark on your Big Change journey?

Are you tired of knowing what to do, and still not doing it consistently? The WellStart Health Big Change Program,

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

Ron Tibbs is a wellness coach, plant-based advocate, and all-around great guy.He's part of the core team at WellStart Health, where he coaches, guides, and cheerleads clients to make significant positive changes in their lives.Ron is perfectly situated to do this, because he's created his own massive changes in the face of very strong opposing forces.

Click to subscribe to the Mindset Mastery Memo.

Support the show

Ron Tibbs is a wellness coach, plant-based advocate, and all-around great guy.

He's part of the core team at WellStart Health, where he coaches, guides, and cheerleads clients to make significant positive changes in their lives.

Ron is perfectly situated to do this, because he's created his own massive changes in the face of very strong opposing forces.

Ron grew up in a blue color Ohio town, and was raised by a mostly single mom. He acted on his desire to get out of there by joining the military shortly after graduating from high school (and neglecting to tell his mother!).

Ron served in the Marines, and later became a police officer; two professions that inculcate a particular set of beliefs, values, and behaviors into its members. In Ron's case, these ethics served him, until they didn't.

After his military discharge, Ron developed hemachromatosis, a toxic and dangerous buildup of iron in the body, which damaged his liver, leading to fibrosis and NASH (non alcoholic steatohepatitis). Essentially, his liver was dying, and taking him with it.

Ron was obese, depressed, dependent on mood-altering chemicals, and lost in a world where the next mission wasn't clear and present. The stresses of his life were leading him to make worse and worse decisions, and his health problems suggested that he didn't have a lot of leeway in that respect.

In our conversation, we explore all this, as well as the journey of transformation that has led Ron to his current calling, where he can again serve as a warrior on the front lines of society's troubles. This time, as a guide back to life.

Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.

You can watch the full conversation, complete with bloopers, outtakes, and my misguided ramblings on 1980s football games I can't remember, on YouTube:

Links

Ron's story on Forks Over Knives

WellStart Health

WellStart Health Coach Training

Ron's interview with Jason Cohen of Big Change: The Film

Support the Podcast

This podcast is not underwritten by advertising, so I can experience complete editorial autonomy without worrying about pissing off the person paying the bills. Instead, I pay the bills, with your help. It's free for those who can't afford to pay, and supported by those who can. You can contribute to the growth and improvement of the podcast by . Click the “Support on Patreon” or “Donate” buttons on the right to help out.

Announcements

New Orleans Retreat

The Josh/Howie retreat comes to NOLA, the Big Easy, the Crescent City, the Birthplace of Jazz, the City that Care Forgot, Paris of the South.

If you've been pussyfooting around healthy lifestyle changes, this is the weekend that breaks the stalemate.

We're about half-full. Don't delay if you're interested. Read about it and apply here.

Make 2020 Your Best Year Ever

Thinking about treating yourself to a great year? Here's a (self-serving) suggestion: hire a health coach. Check out my Laser Coaching program – one full year, unlimited 15-minute sessions, recordings, “feet to the fire” accountability – and be amazed at the low low price.

Ask your questions or share your feedback

Comment on the show notes for this episode (below)

Connect with me

Subscribe, rate, and review

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

Melanie Joy, PhD is a social psychologist, vegan activist, political strategist vs all the oppressive "archys" out there, organizational consultant, and relationship coach. She joins the podcast to talk about her book Beyond Beliefs - essentially a merging of the political and relational.How can we advocate for human health, environmental sanity, and ethical treatment of animals without wrecking our relationships with family members, friends, partners, and coworkers?

Click to subscribe to the Mindset Mastery Memo.

Support the show

Melanie Joy, PhD is a social psychologist, vegan activist, political strategist vs all the oppressive “archys” out there, organizational consultant, and relationship coach. She joins the podcast to talk about her book Beyond Beliefs – essentially a merging of the political and relational.

How can we advocate for human health, environmental sanity, and ethical treatment of animals without wrecking our relationships with family members, friends, partners, and coworkers?

Do we have to surround ourselves only with vegans to have a good time? (Spoiler: see “in-fighting” to figure out that answer to that one.)

When our veganism leads to relational conflict, Joy asserts, it's not because of the veganism. It's actually a lack of relational literacy, a much more fundamental and global issue. And when we gain and practice relational literacy, the specifics of our conflicts can become fuel for growth and depth in those relationships, rather than ticking bombs that could go off at any moment.

In our conversation, she offers perspective, hope, and tools and strategies for sustainable vegan advocacy and living.

Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.

Links

Beyond Carnism website

Beyond Beliefs

Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of Oppression for Social Transformation

Why We Love Dogs, Wear Cows, and Eat Pigs: An Introduction to Carnism

Support the Podcast

This podcast is not underwritten by advertising, so I can experience complete editorial autonomy without worrying about pissing off the person paying the bills. Instead, I pay the bills, with your help. It's free for those who can't afford to pay, and supported by those who can. You can contribute to the growth and improvement of the podcast by . Click the “Support on Patreon” or “Donate” buttons on the right to help out.

Announcements

Health retreat in New Orleans first weekend in March 2020! Read all about it.

One slot still open for a year of one-on-one health coaching with me. See if it's right for you.

Ready to embark on your Big Change journey?

Are you tired of knowing what to do, and still not doing it consistently? The WellStart Health Big Change Program, led by Josh LaJaunie and myself, will help you take the steps to finally live according to your knowledge and values.

Go to WellStartHealth.com/program to learn more, and to get notified about the next program.

Ask your questions or share your feedback

Comment on the show notes for this episode (below)

Connect with me

Subscribe, rate, and review in iTunes

Join the Plant Yourself Facebook Page

Music

The Plant Yourself Podcast theme music, “Dance of Peace (Sabali Don),” is generously provided by Will Ridenour, a kora player from North Carolina who has trained with top Senegalese musicians.

It can be found on his first CD, titled Will Ridenour.

You can learn about Will, listen to more tracks, and buy music on his website, WillRidenour.com.

Gratitudes

Thanks to Plant Yourself podcast patrons – Kim Harrison – Lynn McLellan ...

Thoughts on the episode? Let us know.

Brittany Sade is a vegan entrepreneur and health coach. Her company, Prosperiteez Clothing, devotes part of its profits to combatting food insecurity in impoverished communities.Brittany wasn't always a paragon of healthy living. Thanks to meat three times a day, along with a serious cheese addiction, she suffered from skin problems, arterial blockages, and overweight.It took the suffering and death of close family members to wake her to the realization that life didn't have to be an inexorable descent into disability and disease and painful premature death.

Click to subscribe to the Mindset Mastery Memo.

Support the show