New Normal Project

I am an Intensive Care doctor. And today I feel scared. This coronavirus pandemic is serious. It is the biggest healthcare emergency I have ever witnessed. We aren’t overwhelmed yet in my country, Australia, but what I have read and heard in the last fortnight from around the world has made me realise we are in the midst of a global catastrophe. In this episode I talk about social distancing and why it is our New Normal. And why we need to do this social distancing extremely well, or we will lose many more people to this novel coronavirus. This podcast is not to scare you. It’s to seek your help in doing the right thing with social distancing which, if done well, should take away a lot of the fear many of us have. In my city, Melbourne, and my country, Australia, people have not been taking things seriously. They are out and about as if life goes on. They are in the pubs, cafes, restaurants, beaches, gyms and shopping centres. And that’s not what they should be doing. I hope I can convince you that what my international colleagues are reporting, from places like China, Italy, UK and USA, is something we have never encountered in our careers. There are not enough ICU beds and not enough ventilators so doctors are having to choose who they use these ventilators on. Many healthcare workers are catching the virus. Many are staying away from their families so they don’t pass it on. And many are tired, and no longer thinking straight from the arduous work they are doing, putting their mental health, and the whole healthcare system, at risk. I want to give you hope and confidence. And by explaining how social distancing is effective in minimising your risk, your families risk and other people’s risk, I hope you will be able to do your social distancing extremely thoroughly. I also want to give you hope and confidence that our modern technology can keep us connected. And I want to give you hope and confidence that we healthcare workers will do the very best we can, as many around the world are already doing, and for which I am hugely grateful. Whilst I am at work trying to save lives, you can be a life-saver too. If you do your very best job at the task of staying at home, you will be playing a huge role.
 I am a little scared but there is hope. Please do the very best social distancing you can do.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Dr Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

This entire episode is devoted to a single scientific paper. A recently published scientific article from a high impact factor journal which I think is so important everyone should at least know about it if they haven’t read it. It’s entitled “Milk and Health” and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the 13th February 2020 edition. The authors are Walter Willett and David Ludwig from Harvard University in Boston. You can read it yourself if you click here (you’ll need to be or become a subscriber to the Journal) or you can listen to this episode in which I summarise the main points made by the authors. This narrative review article summarises the science on the following topics related to the consumption of cow’s milk and other dairy products: Introduction (including current recommended intakes) Composition of dairy products Growth and development Bone health and fracture risk Body weight and obesity Blood pressure, lipids, and cardiovascular disease Diabetes Cancer Allergies and intolerance Total mortality Organic and grass-fed production Environmental effects Conclusions (including a summary of current evidence) If you are confused about all the various things you read and hear about cow’s milk, whether you consume it or not, I hope you will enjoy listening to my summary of this well-written and very important medical paper.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Dr Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live a life of optimal health, fitness and wellness, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as general information for you to consider, and then to learn more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Scientific article discussed Details: “Milk and Health” by Walter C. Willett & David S. Ludwig. Published in New England Journal of Medicine on February 13th 2020 in volume 382 issue 7 on pages 644 – 654. Formal citation: Willett WC, Ludwig DS. Milk and Health. N Engl J Med. 2020; 382(7):644–654. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1903547 PubMed link Journal website link   Links to people and other resources (in order of mentioning) Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health Dr Walter Willett Book “Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy” (by Walter Willett) Dr David Ludwig   Links related to New Normal Project podcast resources New Normal Project podcast episode: A focus on some sleep science - The New Normal in Action - January 2020 (NNP #69) New Normal Project podcast episode: Helping your brain to think and work smarter with Phil Dobson (NNP #70) New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

This episode of the New Normal Project is all about the brain and keeping your brain healthy. It features Phil Dobson who is the creator of BrainWorkshops, the mission of which is to help people get more from their brains. Phil used to be a musician. But when he badly broke his ankle over a decade ago, his career and life radically changed. He trained as a clinical hypnotherapist, set up a practice in London, and rapidly recognised that many of the people he saw knew very little about how their brain functions; and how they could work on improving and maintaining their brain health. He saw many people struggling with sleep, who were significantly stressed, and who seemed to have their brains working against them rather than with them. Phil began to work with businesses, teaching groups of people how to manage stress and to improve their sleep, and as he learnt more about neuroscience and about cognitive and behavioural psychology, he turned this into BrainWorkshops, where he now provides online material, a book, and physical workshops, all loaded with applicable techniques designed to provide people with a scientific approach to optimising mental performance in the modern workplace. Phil works with businesses all over the world, and when I heard him speak eloquently at a medical conference last March, I asked him to come on the podcast. In the episode we cover: Phil’s transition from a musician to a brain coach His recently published “The Brain Book” and what's in it The 5 key components to maintaining your brain fitness 3 ways you can master the stress your brain is under The beneficial effect of exercise for your brain The importance of sleep and preventing sleep deprivation His number 1 tip for helping you get more sleep The value of challenging your brain with novelty & learning Understanding circadian rhythms to be more productive His recommended steps to working smarter Dealing with the distractions of modern life How digital technology may influence your ability to master your own reactions The difference between mindfulness and focused meditation How Phil practices meditation and mindfulness in his life The value of mental rehearsal and why elite sports performers use it What Phil does on a daily basis to help his own brain Please enjoy listening to Phil Dobson.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live a life of optimal health, fitness and wellness, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as general information for you to consider, and then to learn more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   --------------------   Links related to Phil Dobson Phil Dobson Brain Workshops website Phil Dobson on LinkedIn Phil Dobson on Twitter Phil Dobson on Instragram Phil Dobson on Facebook   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) Book “The Brain Book: How to Think and Work Smarter” (by Phil Dobson) Progressive relaxation technique Book “Sleep Revolution” (by Ariana Huffington) Book “Thrive” (by Ariana Huffington) Book “Sapiens” (by Yuval Noah Harari) Book “The Brain That Changes Itself” (by Norman Doidge) Brain Workshops Online Courses Mastering Intensive Care podcast   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast - Episode 65 with Andy Ramage New Normal Project podcast - Episode 66 with Dr Neal Barnard New Normal Project podcast - Episode 67 with Dr John Orchard New Normal Project podcast - Episode 68 with Dr Alan Desmond New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

This episode is designed to encourage you to take actions to improve your health, fitness and wellness by making changes to your lifestyle, so you can become more fit for life, and thereby move towards your new normal. I tell you about: One recently published scientific paper on sleep I think is worth knowing about Four other recently published scientific papers on sleep you might find worth reading Some books I’ve been reading and recommend for you Some podcasts I’ve been listening to and recommend for you How I went with the 4 challenges I made in the last New Normal in Action episode I invite you to listen to the scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories on this show so you might make choices in leading your life to help you live vibrantly, happily, purposefully, for a long time, disease-free, and above all with a low risk of ever being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, the place in the hospital I work. Perhaps you might consider a 28 day challenge (or even a 7 day one) yourself. Small steps are important. Incremental change, particularly around habits, can be very beneficial for your health and happiness.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Dr Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live a life of optimal health, fitness and wellness, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as general information for you to consider, and then to learn more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links to people and other resources (in order of mentioning) Doctors For Nutrition seminar “The Heart of The Matter” featuring Dr Kim Williams Dr Kim Williams Movie “The Game Changers” Movie “Eating You Alive” Movie “What The Health” Scientific paper on sleep duration healthy diet scores and meal patterns J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Jan 15; 16(1):9-18. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.8112. EpiHealth study Scientific paper on sleep duration and hand guns Sleep Health. 2020 Jan 13. pii: S2352-7218(19)30259-1. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2019.11.008. Scientific paper on sleep health and depression Compr Psychiatry. 2019 Dec 5; 97:152151. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.152151. Scientific paper on childhood obesity and sleep timing behaviour J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Jan 15; 16(1):129-136. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.8080. Scientific paper on "Sleep Is Essential" J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Jan 15; 16(1):1-2. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.8156. Book “Born To Run” (by Christopher McDougall) Book “Let’s Do This” (by Andy Ramage) Book “Feel Better in 5” (by Rangan Chaterjee) Feel Better Live More Podcast Rich Roll Podcast Rich Roll Podcast with Rangan Chaterjee Feel Better Live More podcast with Rich Roll Rich Roll Podcast with Chadd Wright Rich Roll Podcast with Kelly McGonigal Rich Roll Podcast with Neal Barnard Plant Proof podcast with Sean Ryan Plant-Strong podcast Book “How Not To Diet” (by Michael Greger) Book “Blue Zones” (by Dan Buettner) Phil Dobson   Links related to New Normal Project podcast resources New Normal Project podcast (NNP #2) with Rich Roll & Julie Piatt New Normal Project podcast (NNP #43) with Kim Williams New Normal Project podcast (NNP #45) with Neal Barnard New Normal Project podcast (NNP #46) with Andy Ramage New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

In this episode of the New Normal Project podcast we replay a previous episode which featured Dr Alan Desmond (broadcast originally as episode 51). Dr Alan Desmond is a gastroenterologist from the UK and is an expert on the gut, the microbiome, gut health, gut disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer, and optimal nutrition. Originally from County Cork, Ireland, Alan completed medical and specialty training in Cork, Dublin and Oxford and is now a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Devon in the South-West of England. With Stephen and David Flynn, of The Happy Pear, he created the Happy Gut course, a 6 week online course designed to help people eat well for their gut health. You can find Alan on Instagram at @dr.alandesmond. Alan and I recorded this conversation in February 2019 when he was in Australia to speak at the Doctors For Nutrition conference. In it we covered Alan’s path to becoming a doctor; the microbiome, what it is and the effect of pre and probiotics; diseases such as bowel cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease; his 5 tips for improving your gut health; the importance of increasing fibre and decreasing processed food intake; how antibiotics can affect our guts; how eating a wholefood plant-based diet is likely to reduce colon cancer risk more than having screening tests; the beneficial role of a whole food plant-based diet in inflammatory bowel disease; and the 3 dietary questions he asks his patients. Please enjoy this replay episode with Alan Desmond.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to read more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   --------------------   Links related to Alan Desmond Dr Alan Desmond Dr Alan Desmond’s clinic website Dr Alan Desmond on Instagram: @dr.alandesmond   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) Happy Pear Doctors For Nutrition Doctors For Nutrition Conference Cancer Research UK Prof Fergus Shanahan Prof Eamonn Quigley Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Gastroenterological Society of Australia British Society of Gastroenterology American Gut Project NHS Eat Well Guide EAT Lancet Blue Zones Food Guidelines Happy Gut course Happy Gut Guide Dr Denis Burkitt Article “Evolving role of diet in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease” in Gut journal Rich Roll Nathan Pritikin Dr Dean Ornish Dr Caldwell Esselstyn   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast (NNP #22) with The Happy Pear New Normal Project podcast (NNP #51) with Alan Desmond New Normal Project podcast (NNP #64) with Jeff Lester New Normal Project podcast (NNP #65) with Andy Ramage New Normal Project podcast (NNP #66) with Neal Barnard New Normal Project podcast (NNP #67) with John Orchard New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

This is a replay of a previous episode (number 53) which featured Dr John Orchard speaking on the health effects of exercise. John is a sport and exercise medicine physician who combines work in professional sport (he is Chief Medical Officer for Cricket Australia), research (he has over 250 scientific journal publications), a speaker (at conferences all around the world) and a clinical sports medicine practice. John studied medicine in Melbourne, did some of his training at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and now lives and works in Sydney. John and I started out as medical students together many years ago, have remained firm friends, and I have enjoyed watching him become one of the most respected doctors and researchers in sport and exercise medicine in Australia. As John talks about in this episode the benefit/risk ratio of exercise on health may be better than many of the drugs used in medicine. And whilst that doesn’t mean we should give up taking these medications, it’s important we understand just what exercise can do for our bodies, minds and souls. I can’t think of anyone better to guide you through the scientific evidence on exercise than John. We recorded this conversation in early 2019. In it, John also covered the amount of exercise you need to derive health benefits; how exercise can prevent many well-known diseases, and can also be used in treatment too; the risks of both over and under-exercise for your musculoskeletal system; and some perspectives for those of us who wish to healthfully participate in endurance exercise. Please enjoy listening to this replay episode with Dr John Orchard.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to look up more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links related to John Orchard Dr John Orchard website John Orchard on Twitter: @DrJohnOrchard John Orchard on LinkedIn Selected publications from John Orchard Further publications from John Orchard Sport and exercise medicine in Australia Cricket Australia   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast (NNP #53) with John Orchard New Normal Project podcast (NNP #65) with Andy Ramage (Replay) New Normal Project podcast (NNP #66) with Neal Barnard (Replay) New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

In this episode we replay a previous episode which featured Neal Barnard speaking on how to start plant-based eating and which health benefits you might expect. That episode was number 45. Dr Neal Barnard is a physician, a clinical researcher, and an author from Washington DC. Since 1985, through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which he founded, Neal has been conducting valuable scientific studies, providing health-improving clinical care, writing excellent books for the public, and leading important public health advocacy initiatives, all based around the plant-based diet, and the many health benefits it leads to. In the introduction I say a few words about the bushfire crisis Australia is in the midst of. Large parts of our country have been afflicted by ferocious bush fires, which have been burning for weeks and have taken a huge toll on our landscape and the humans and animals that live in these areas. It’s devastating to try and understand the loss of homes, land, businesses, animals and people. The human, environmental and economic cost is immense. Whilst the fires keep burning, dealing with climate change has become a pressing issue, especially as so many of us have been disheartened by most of the world’s political leaders and their relative inaction. Our own actions can make a difference and one of the things we can all do is to reduce or eliminate animal product consumption, particularly red meat and dairy. Becoming more plant-based may therefore be one of the best things you can do to help arrest global warming. And in this podcast Neal Barnard helps you understand why and how you can kick start your plant-based diet journey today. Neal has been highly acclaimed by many of the large colleges and societies that promote nutrition and lifestyle medicine. He is a true pioneer in the field of plant-based nutrition, so I it’s well worth listening to this replayed interview where Neal talks about his background and how he became interested in nutrition, what are the first steps in starting a plant-based diet, information about its effects on diseases like hardening of the arteries, dementia, diabetes, cancer and mental illness, thoughts on eliminating cheese, fish and chocolate, and the advocacy work he has been doing. Please enjoy listening to this replay episode with Neal Barnard.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to look up more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Neal Barnard Dr Neal Barnard on Twitter @DrNealBarnard Dr Neal Barnard on Facebook Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine website Barnard Medical Centre website Book “Vegan Starter Kit” (by Neal Barnard) Book “The Cheese Trap” (by Neal Barnard) Neal Barnard’s other books PCRM Online 21 Day Vegan Kickstart Program   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) New Normal Project podcast (NNP #45) with Neal Barnard Rich Roll Podcast (episode 242) with Neal Barnard Rich Roll Podcast (episode 296) with Neal Barnard Study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues on plant-based nutrition for diabetes Study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues on plant-based nutrition in the workplace Second study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues on plant-based nutrition in the workplace Dr Dean Ornish Doctors For Nutrition   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

In this episode we replay a previous episode which featured Andy Ramage and which was broadcast originally as episode 46. Andy is an author, a performance coach, an entrepreneur, a keynote speaker (including having done a TEDx talk), and a co-founder of the One Year No Beer movement. He is an ex-professional footballer, an ex-oil broker, has studied mindfulness and neurolinguistic programming, and has a MSc in positive psychology and coaching psychology. Andy’s latest book “Let’s Do This: How to use motivational psychology to change your habits and change your life” came out 4 days ago. It’s a motivation playbook for any type of personal change, from losing 10kg to stepping up in your career to running a half-marathon. It’s full of positivity, and explains the different types of motivation and the tools you need both to make a change and to make it last. This interview was recorded in early 2018. It covers Andy’s story of living in a work culture where alcohol was prominent, how he realised this had become a problem, what he did about it, the social pressures he suffered from as he tried not drinking, the initial failures he had in going alcohol-free, the immense benefits an extended alcohol-free period gave him, how mindfulness and plant-based eating have also helped him, and what he is now doing to inspire others to try and take an alcohol-free challenge. This is not a conversation to necessarily make you give up alcohol completely. This is not a conversation focused on people who might be considered alcoholics. This is a conversation for people who Andy describes as middle-lane drinkers who may not even identify as a serious or unhealthy alcohol consumer. This is also a conversation to raise your awareness of the relationship you might have developed with alcohol without labelling or stigmatising you. At a time of the year people are usually making New Year’s resolutions, this might just be the kicker you need to try an alcohol-free challenge, especially as Andy well describes the social pressures we all face as we choose behaviours that make us stand out from the culture around us. Andy understands how to invite people to change their behaviour without ever telling them they are a bad person for what they are currently doing. It’s not negative, it’s all about the positive. I invite you to listen to this replay episode with Andy Ramage.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor, this is not medical advice as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your specific health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider and then to look up more about so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Andy Ramage Andy Ramage website Andy Ramage on Instagram: @andyramageofficial Andy Ramage on LinkedIn Andy Ramage on Facebook Email Andy Ramage One Year No Beer website One Year No Beer on Instagram: @oneyearnobeer One Year No Beer on Twitter: @oynbuk One Year No Beer on Facebook One Year No Beer podcast Book “The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge” (by Andy Ramage & Ruari Fairbairns) Book “Let’s Do This” (by Andy Ramage)   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) New Normal Project podcast (NNP #46) with Andy Ramage Rich Roll Podcast (episode 444) with Andy Ramage Rich Roll Podcast Our Plantpower World retreat Rich Roll Julie Piatt Alcoholics Anonymous 5 AM Miracle podcast Jeff Sanders Hal Elrod Book “The Miracle Morning” (by Hal Elrod) No Meat Athlete Matt Frazier Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Headspace Calm Loving kindness meditation Professional Footballer’s Association New Normal Project podcast (NNP #64) with Jeff Lester   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

In this episode you’ll hear an inspiring story of transformation through a lifestyle based on a healthy plant, body and mind focus. Jeffrey Lester, originally from Atlanta in the USA, transformed himself from a people-pleasing, academic achievement-focused and obese young adult to a mature, wise, kind and purpose-focused man living a lifestyle of service, exploration and fulfillment, which he does by traveling the world teaching yoga and meditation retreats. I hope you will be intrigued by Jeff’s story as he describes his traumatic childhood, which due to an unhealthy relationship with food, led him to become significantly overweight, weighing close to 130kg. As he buried himself in high school and university studies, aiming to achieve academically, Jeff realised he was very unhappy with his life situation. He had begun to be more physically active, which then led to him eating more healthy food and becoming passionate about running group fitness classes. When one day a friend told him “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” he started ruminating on what he really should do with his life. When he then had to make an important decision about his mother’s life a spiritual awakening began. Without spoiling the story, Jeff is now touring and exploring the world, leading yoga and meditation retreats, and seems abundantly happy doing what he describes as his life mission. My wife Claire and I became friends with Jeff at a retreat hosted by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt a couple of years ago. When Jeff told us he was coming to Melbourne earlier this year, he stayed with us and led a cacao ceremony at the yoga studio we attend, a very profound spiritual event for both of us. We also took the opportunity to record this long form conversation for the show. As we approach Christmas and the New Year, when many of us reflect on our purpose, our direction and our goals, this podcast should really plant some seeds for how you might be able to be more healthy, fit and fulfilled. Please enjoy hearing the story of Jeff Lester’s powerful journey of self-discovery.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to look up more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Jeff Lester Jeff Lester website Jeff Lester on Instagram Jeff Lester on Facebook Jeff Lester at Happy Jack Yoga   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) Rich Roll Julie Piatt Happy Jack Yoga Rich Roll podcast   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

This episode is designed to encourage you to take actions to improve your health by living a more plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, thereby moving towards your new normal. I tell you about: Three recently published scientific papers worth knowing about (one on napping, one on physical activity, and one on dietary protein intake) Some videos, podcasts and books I’ve valued lately What's been recently happening in one of my healthy lifestyle pillars - sleep Four new challenges I’ve made after hearing some of the recent guests on the show I invite you to listen to the scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories on this show so you might make choices in leading your life to help you live vibrantly, happily, purposefully, for a long time, disease-free, and above all with a low risk of ever being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, the place in the hospital where I work. Perhaps you might consider a 28 day challenge (or even a 7 day one) yourself. Small steps are important. Incremental change, particularly around habits, can be very beneficial for your health and happiness.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Dr Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious. Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to look up more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.   ------------------------------------   Links to people and other resources (in order of mentioning) Scientific paper on napping and heart disease Heart. 2019 Dec; 105(23):1793-1798. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-314999 Scientific paper on leisure-time physical activity and life expectancy J Intern Med. 2019 Oct 11. doi: 10.1111/joim.12987 Scientific paper on protein and kidney function Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2019 Jun 7. pii: gfz115. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfz115 Video of Joe Rogan Experience podcast with James Wilks & Chris Kresser The Game Changers Joe Rogan James Wilks Chris Kresser Rich Roll Podcast with Julie Piatt Rich Roll Julie Piatt Rich Roll podcast with Ryland Engelhart Ryland Engelhart Cafe Gratitude Gracias Madre Feel Better Live More podcast with Andy Ramage Dr Rangan Chaterjee Andy Ramage Joe Rogan Experience podcast with Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell Book “The Blue Zones of Happiness” (by Dan Buettner) Dan Buettner Book "How Not to Diet" (by Michael Greger) Dr Michael Greger Book "How Not to Die" (by Michael Greger) New Normal Project podcast (NNP #60) with Dr Gemma Newman Dr Gemma Newman New Normal Project podcast (NNP #61) with Dr Jackie Busse Dr Jackie Busse New Normal Project podcast (NNP #62) with Dr Michael Greger New Normal Project podcast (NNP #48) with Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Dr Caldwell Esselstyn   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

Dr Michael Greger is featured on this episode of the New Normal Project. Yes, the good doctor from NutritionFacts.org, the book How Not To Die and his latest book How Not to Diet, which was released today. When I was at medical school we learnt all about diseases, syndromes, drugs and procedures. There was very little education about nutrition. I don’t remember being told the sickest patients in our hospital mostly have the conditions which are heavily influenced by the lifestyles they lead. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and cancer. And noone ever mentioned these could be treatable or at least halted in their progression using simple lifestyle interventions. So when I came across a doctor like Dr Michael Greger who, after witnessing his grandmother’s health transformation through nutrition, decided to read every research study on nutrition in the English language and made it his life mission to help people with clear and understandable messages about the health benefits of nutrition, I became pretty interested in his work. Michael is a physician, bestselling author, and internationally recognised speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, he is licensed as a general practitioner specialising in clinical nutrition. He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and the Tufts University School of Medicine. He has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, the National Institutes of Health; has appeared on shows such as The Colbert Report and The Dr. Oz Show; and was invited as an expert witness in defense of Oprah Winfrey at the infamous "meat defamation" trial. In 2017 he was honoured with the ACLM Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award and became a diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Both his previous books, How Not to Die and the The How Not to Die Cookbook, became instant New York Times Best Sellers. His other great resource is the website NutritionFacts.org, a strictly non-commercial, science-based public service, provided by Michael, providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. Dr Greger and I met up at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare conference in Oakland this recent September. Our conversation covered: His grandmother’s transformation from end-stage heart disease with a plant-based diet Nathan Pritikin and how he discovered and used plant-based eating Why Michael didn’t adopt a plant-based diet until Dean Ornish’s Lifestyle Heart Trial The tremendous nutritional ignorance of the medical profession How NutritionFacts.org began and developed The assistance he received from a philanthropist to turn a DVD series into a website The rigorous work of synthesising the evidence for a NutritionFacts video Some of the resources people should consider when starting a plant-based diet Why both anecdote and the evidence are important for dietary change The healthy and less healthy ways that people can lose weight What is in his new book How Not To Diet The title and subject of the book that will follow How Michael evolves his diet over time Enjoy the knowledgeable, charismatic, and mission-focused Dr Michael Greger.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to help you to become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious through a plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused way of living. I hope to inspire and empower you with scientific evidence, helpful information and real-life stories, based on eating mostly plant foods, being physically active, particularly in nature, sleeping well, being mindful and refining both the connections in your life and your purpose.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Michael Greger Dr Michael Greger Dr Michael Greger on Wikipedia NutritionFacts.org Dr Michael Greger on Instagram (@nutrition_facts_org) Dr Michel Greger on Twitter Dr Michael Greger on Facebook Book “How Not to Die” (by Michael Greger) Book “The How Not to Die Cookbook” (by Michael Greger) Book “How Not to Diet” (by Michael Greger) Dr Michael Greger’s Evidence-Based Eating Guide Dr Michael Greger’s Medical Nutrition Blog Dr Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen List Dr Michael Greger’s Dining by Traffic Light System Podcast "Nutrition Facts with Dr Michael Greger" NutritionFacts on YouTube   Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) American College of Lifestyle Medicine International Plant-based Nutrition Healthcare Conference Nathan Pritikin Book “Pritikin: The Man Who Healed America's Heart” (by Tom Monte) Dr Dean Ornish Publication 1 from Dr Ornish’s Lifestyle Heart Trial Publication 2 from Dr Ornish’s Lifestyle Heart Trial Introductory videos on Nutrition Facts Movie “The Game Changers” Movie “Forks Over Knives” Book “The China Study” (by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell) The BROAD study US News and World Report on Best Diets Doctors For Nutrition New Normal Project podcast - Episode 60 with Gemma Newman Dr Gemma Newman New Normal Project podcast - Episode 61 with Jackie Busse Dr Jackie Busse   Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

Are you aware adult health is influenced by what we eat as adults AND as children?   Whilst it might seem difficult to believe the food we eat early in life can influence the diseases we develop and how long we live, most of us do understand that childhood nutrition is at least a little bit important. And that foods like cow’s milk, soft drinks and sugar-laden processed foods might not be the best things we can feed our children. So if you are a parent, a grandparent, a budding parent, or even a child, you’d do very well to listen to American pediatrician, Dr Jackie Busse on this episode of the New Normal Project podcast. Jackie is a board certified pediatrician with expertise in plant-based nutrition for kids and families. She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, before training in pediatrics at Rush University in Chicago. Shortly after moving to California in 2011, she was introduced to "The China Study" and it changed her life and practice. She has been living and teaching a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle ever since.   As a founding member of the pediatric working group of the Plantrician Project Jackie was the lead author and editor of the Pediatric Quick Start Guide, published in 2018, and spoke at the International Plant Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference in 2019.  As an expert lecturer for the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, she recently rebuilt the pediatric and family lecture modules for the Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate program offered through eCornell. In addition to her full-time general pediatrics practice in Santa Cruz, CA, Jackie teaches an ongoing whole-food, plant-based nutrition series for adults as well as the nutrition component of a lifestyle medicine series for kids. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most importantly, Jackie is a mother to two thriving plant-eaters, now 3 and 5 years old. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, insights and personal experience with the plant-based lifestyle. Jackie has read widely on plant-based nutrition and is a world-renowned pediatric expert on the topic. In this conversation she speaks about: Growing up with a dairy farming grand-father Jackie’s own transition to a plant-based diet after her husband read “The China Study” Her progression to advising a plant-based diet in her pediatric medical practice A couple of excellent patient examples The importance of understanding that healthy kids make healthy adults How primary disease prevention can begin in childhood and even in pregnancy How 80% of adult chronic diseases come about from lifestyle factors That almost all 10 year old children eating a standard American diet have fatty streaks in their heart’s arteries The knowledge that our chances of cancer as an adult are affected by our childhood lifestyle Some wise thoughts about how we should think about genetics Childhood development of taste preferences Bringing up her own children as plant-based The differences between plant-based and animal-based diets on childhood health and disease The dangers of cow’s milk and other dairy-containing products How long women should consider breast-feeding for Which plant-based milk best approximates breast milk The difference between juices and smoothies Some practical recommendations for dealing with parties, sleep-overs and peer pressure Advice for those wanting a gluten-free plant-based lifestyle What breakfast, lunch and dinner looks like for an average day of her family Which supplements you might consider for your children Jackie knows what she is talking about. Her children have been plant-based their whole lives and her whole family is vibrant and thriving. On this podcast there is so much information about how best we can feed our children that it is truly a must listen. Please enjoy my exchange with Dr Jackie Busse.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to help you to become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious through a plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused way of living. I hope to inspire and empower you with scientific evidence, helpful information and real-life stories, based on eating mostly plant foods, being physically active, particularly in nature, sleeping well, being mindful and refining both the connections in your life and your purpose.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Jackie Busse Dr Jackie Busse Dr Jackie Busse’s website Dr Jackie Busse on Instagram @plantbasedpediatrician Dr Jackie Busse on LinkedIn Dr Jackie Busse on Facebook     Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) The China Study Book “The China Study” (by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell) The Plantrician Project Book "The Pediatric Plant-Based Nutrition Quick Start Guide" American College of Lifestyle Medicine American Academy of Pediatrics eCornell Plant-based Nutrition Certificate International Plant-based Nutrition Healthcare Conference Book “Disease-Proof Your Child” (by Joel Fuhrman) Dr Joel Fuhrman Book “Dr. Attwood’s Low-fat Prescription for Kids” (by Charles Attwood) Dr Charles Attwood Dr Dean Ornish American Academy of Pediatrics policy on Breastfeeding World Health Organization recommendations on Breastfeeding “Cowspiracy” movie Dr Michael Greger NutritionFacts.org Book “How Not to Die” (by Michael Greger) Book “How Not to Diet” (by Michael Greger) New Normal Project podcast - Episode 60 with Gemma Newman Dr Gemma Newman     Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke Burke Sound & Media

This episode features Dr Gemma Newman, a knowledgeable, caring and helpful UK General Practitioner, who practices lifestyle medicine based around a whole-food plant-based diet and the core belief that the body can naturally heal itself if it’s given the right conditions. Gemma is the sort of doctor we could all do with visiting no matter how healthy we feel. We can no doubt all improve our lifestyles, particularly with the growing evidence to support the ability of a plant-based lifestyle to prevent, reverse, or at least halt the progression of chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and cancer. And from my perspective as an Intensive Care doctor, the less chronic disease due to a healthier lifestyle, the the less likely you are to ever meet someone like me by becoming a patient in the ICU. Gemma, the Plant Power Doctor, can be found through her website, on Instagram (@plantpowerdoctor), on Twitter (@drgemgem) and on Facebook. She has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant based nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and in her practice has come to understand that body, mind and soul are not separate, and that it is only in addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection that we can truly heal, from the inside out. She has worked in medicine for 15 years and is the Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 11 years. She studied at the University of Wales College of Medicine and has worked in many specialities as a doctor. Gemma had also gained additional qualifications in gynaecology, family planning and integrative medicine. She is passionate about the study of psychology and meditation, and is also a qualified Jikiden Reiki practitioner having studied this as well as Western style Reiki for the purposes of pain relief. Gemma is an advisory board member of Plant Based Health Professionals UK and has contributed content on the topic of Diabetes for the Winchester University Plant Based Nutrition Course. As a broadcaster and writer she has been featured on ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky News Sunrise. She has spoken on many podcasts including The Rich Roll Podcast and the Deliciously Ella podcast, and is regularly invited to teach other doctors and the general public via training programmes, podcasts and conferences about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. Ultimately she hopes her passionate for healing of mind, body and planet become contagious! This episode is full of information, inspiration, helpful advice and even a couple of powerful patient-related stories. In it Gemma discusses many topics including: How the plant-based lifestyle has changed her life, her family’s lives and her professional life Why she became a General Practitioner Her view that the body has a natural ability to heal itself How her husband inspired her to adopt a plant-based diet The very first patient she suggested try a plant-based diet Understanding the difference between a patient and a doctor’s agenda in a health consultation Some thoughts on seeking good lifestyle advice from your doctor Some of the good online sources of lifestyle information Working through the dietary confusion that seems to be everywhere Her view that a whole food plant-based diet is the best all-round diet Dealing with the varying quality and amount of evidence How we all respond well to engaging stories Another great story of a patient reversing a range of medical disorders and stopping his medications How putting on your “GLOVES” (an acronym for Gratitude, Love, Organic, Veggies, Exercise and Sleep) will help improve your health The benefit of journalling as a tool for gratitude Her own preference for transcendental meditation How she talks to patients about love The health value of eating organic vegetables and fruit How she individualises advice about exercise The benefits of blue light glasses and turning off our screens in the evening Her philosophy on the use of medications as a practicing doctor How antibiotics can affect our microbiome How alcohol might affect the microbiome by “sterilising" our gut How Gemma lives a regular week in her life Her admission that she knows she could do better with her sleep Gemma has a growing and well-deserved public profile, particularly because of her heavily science-based plant-based nutrition and healthy lifestyle advocacy. I loved talking with her. Please enjoy listening to Dr Gemma Newman.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   --------------------   About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to help you to become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious through a plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused way of living. I hope to inspire and empower you with scientific evidence, helpful information and real-life stories, based on eating mostly plant foods, being physically active, particularly in nature, sleeping well, being mindful and refining both the connections in your life and your purpose.   ------------------------------------   Links related to Dr Gemma Newman Dr Gemma Newman’s website Gemma Newman on Instagram Gemma Newman on Twitter Gemma Newman on Facebook     Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning) Lifestyle medicine Plant-based Health Professionals UK Plant-based nutrition course (with University of Winchester) Gemma Newman on the Rich Roll Podcast Rich Roll Retreat with Rich Roll & Julie Piatt Gordon the Gopher The Broom Cupboard Book “Finding Ultra” (by Rich Roll) Scott Jurek Book “Eat & Run” (by Scott Jurek) Brendan Brazier Books by Brendan Brazier Plant-based nutrition Desmond Tutu British Society of Lifestyle Medicine American College of Lifestyle Medicine Dr David Katz True Health Initiative Lyon Diet Heart Study PREDIMED study The Paddison Program Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Dr Dean Ornish Dr Esselstyn’s research study Dr Ornish's research study Dr Kevin Hall Dr Kevin Hall’s research study Diet and prostate cancer study Transcendental meditation Study of organic food and cancer Environmental Working Group Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen Four Minute Nitric Oxide Workout New Normal Project podcast - Episode 53 with John Orchard 10,000 step initiative Study on fruit and vegetable intake Buddha bowl Intensive care medicine 
Australian list of plant-based practitioners International list of plant-based practitioners Mastering Intensive Care podcast Mastering Intensive Care podcast - Episode 49 with Hugh Montgomery Dr Jackie Busse     Links related to New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Audio Producer Chris Burke

In this episode New Normal Project podcast host, Dr Andrew Davies, encourages you to take action. In an aim to inspire and empower you to live a more plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, and to move towards your new normal, Andrew discusses what's been happening recently for him. Andrew talks about: How he's been going with some of the recent guest-inspired challenges he took on What’s been recently happening for him personally in one of the healthy lifestyle pillars - mindfulness Two recently published scientific papers he thinks are worth knowing about What he's been reading and listening to in the form of books and podcasts The information and stories you hear on this podcast should inspire you to make choices in the way you lead your life so you can live vibrantly, happily, purposefully, for a long time, disease-free, and above all with a low risk of ever being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, the place Andrew works. Hopefully you'll hear something that will help you make a better choice about the way you live your life. And perhaps you might take on a challenge yourself for the next 28 days. Or even 7 days. Small steps are important. Incremental change, particularly around habits, might be the most beneficial thing you ever do for your health.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew   ------------------------------------ About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people and other resources (in order of mentioning) New Normal Project podcast (Episode 57) - New Normal in Action (Oct 2019) One Year No Beer New Normal Project podcast (Episode 46) with Andy Ramage Dr John Orchard New Normal Project podcast (Episode 53) with John Orchard Natalie and Stuart McIntosh New Normal Project podcast (Episode 52) with Natalie & Stuart McIntosh Ashley Jubinville New Normal Project podcast (Episode 54) with Ashley Jubinville PlantProof podcast Adam Guthrie New Normal Project podcast (Episode 58) with Adam Guthrie Headspace (Meditation app) Calm (Meditation app) Scientific paper on soft drinks - JAMA Intern Med. 2019 Sep 3. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2478 Article in The Age on running 50 minutes a week Scientific paper on running - Br J Sports Med. 2019 Nov 4. pii: bjsports-2018-100493. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100493 WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity Audio Book: “The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World” (by Robert Garland) Professor Robert Garland Book “Two Hours: The Quest to Run the Impossible Marathon” (by Ed Caesar) Ed Caesar Video of Eliud Kipchoge running 1:59:40 marathon Geoffrey Mutai Rich Roll Podcast with Dean Karnazes Finding Mastery Podcast with Mick Fanning Howie Games Podcast with Scott McLaughlin The Game Changers   Links related to New Normal Project podcast resources New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

On this episode my inspiring guest is Adam Guthrie, whose health and vitality was amazingly transformed when he found out about and then adopted a whole food plant-based diet after having a heart attack at age 39. Adam started his career as a chef but his vocation drifted into real estate where he was overeating junk food and became overweight and depressed. And despite thinking that his vegetarian diet was healthy, Adam had a heart attack at age 39. In this podcast, Adam tells you what it felt like to have a heart attack, the medical treatment he received and his cardiologist’s advice that he would need life long heart medications. Adam now wishes his doctor had given him the option of transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet as, having done so, he is now amazingly fit and healthy; so much so that he no longer needs the medication, surfs most days, and has even completed an ironman triathlon. His current lifestyle includes a diet full of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, a daily meditation practice and abstinence from alcohol. And he now hopes to help people to live this way, through classes, courses, events, retreats and the I Feel Good magazine. Adam can be found through his website, on Instagram (@adamguthrie) and if you are in Australia you might be interested to join him at one of the events on his current Australian tour (adamguthrie.com/events). Adam has a truly inspiring health transformation story and is powerfully influencing people through his gentle and humble manner. After listening to this episode I think you'll find it hard not to take at least something Adam says away with you. In the episode you’ll hear: How Adam’s unhappiness in his work led to poor eating, obesity and depression The story of his heart attack whilst surfing in the ocean How he didn’t like the idea of taking medications for the rest of his life How he then found online that several doctors were reversing heart disease with food The benefits he found from adopting a wholefood plant-based diet The 2 questions he asks before he eats a food item Some of the foods he thinks are more processed than you might think The ease of eating whole food plant-based, even when traveling The simple step of switching to a plant-based version of your regular meals Some tips for starting off in whole food plant-based food preparation The classes, courses and events he is running The importance of support and time in dietary transition The book that helped him start his body, mind and spiritual journey as a 21 year old Why he stopped drinking alcohol How this led him to embrace spirituality and meditation Some advice for people wanting to take their first steps Please enjoy listening to Adam Guthrie.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Adam Guthrie Adam Guthrie on Instagram @adamguthrie I Feel Good Magazine and online programs I Feel Good Magazine on Instagram @ifeelgoodmagazine I Feel Good on Facebook Adam Guthrie’s events Link to a free 12 month subscription The China Study Dr Joel Fuhrman Dr John McDougall Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Dr Dean Ornish Dr Michael Klaper Plant-Based Nutrition eCornell Certificate Program Book “Fit for Life” (by Harvey & Marilyn Diamond) I Feel Good Magazine Rich Roll Podcast episode with Kevin Smith Book “You can heal your life” (by Louise Hay) Plant Proof podcast with Adam Guthrie Better Than Yesterday podcast with Adam Guthrie SpudFit podcast with Adam Guthrie Corinne Nijjer podcast with Adam Guthrie Mastering Intensive Care podcast Episode 48 of Mastering Intensive Care podcast with Laura Rock Episode 57 of New Normal Project podcast - The New Normal in Action (10/Oct/2019) New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

In this episode New Normal Project podcast host, Dr Andrew Davies, tries something new. In an aim to inspire and empower you to live a more plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, and to consolidate his own new normal, Andrew discusses what's been happening recently for him. Andrew talks about: How he's been going with 2 of the recent guest-inspired challenges he took on What's been recently happening for him personally in one of the healthy lifestyle pillars - physical activity 2 recently published scientific papers he found valuable to know about What he's been reading, listening to and watching in the form of books, podcasts and videos The information and stories you hear on this podcast should inspire you to make choices in the way you lead your life so you can live vibrantly, happily, purposefully, for a long time, disease-free, and above all with a low risk of ever being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, the place Andrew works. Hopefully you'll hear something that will help you make a better choice about the way you live your life. And perhaps you might take on a challenge yourself for the next 28 or even 7 days. Small steps are important. Incremental change, particularly around habits, might be the most beneficial thing you ever do for your health.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew   ------------------------------------ About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: One Year No Beer The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge book Dr John Orchard Melbourne marathon Scientific paper on physical activity - BMJ. 2019 Aug 21;366:l4570. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l4570 Scientific paper on dietary trends - JAMA. 2019 Sep 24;322(12):1178-1187. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.13771 Book “Factfulness” (by Hans Rosling) Hans Rosling Rich Roll Podcast with Ryan Holiday Finding Mastery Podcast with David Sinclair Tim Ferris Show Podcast with David Allen Getting Things Done website Documentary Film “The Game Changers” Louis Psihoyos James Wilks Arnold Schwarzenegger Scott Jurek Morgan Mitchell Patrik Baboumian Rip Esselstyn Dean Ornish Scott Stoll Caldwell Esselstyn Kim Williams New Normal Project podcast Episode 43 of New Normal Project podcast with Kim Williams Episode 46 of New Normal Project podcast with Andy Ramage Episode 48 of New Normal Project podcast with Caldwell Esselstyn Episode 49 of New Normal Project podcast with Scott Stoll Episode 50 of New Normal Project podcast Episode 53 of New Normal Project podcast with John Orchard New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

This week’s guest is triathlete and Ultraman Brad Dalrymple. With most of the recent episodes focused on how plant-based eating can improve health and fight disease, it’s time to change tack and discuss what else a plant-based diet can do - in terms of improving and sustaining athletic performance. Exercise is vital to our health. It helps us to move our bodies and to enjoy nature. Exercise also allows us to participate in sport, thereby utilising the healthy competitive urge we have as humans so we can go further, go faster or be stronger. If that’s what we want. For me, when I hear of someone who exercises harder, longer and faster than I do, I take notice. And when they do this on a plant-based diet, and they perform amazingly, recovering better than the average athlete, they are worth taking significant notice of. A bit over a decade ago, Brad Dalrymple was a regular Australian man, working as an environmental engineer, and playing a few ball sports in his mid-late 20s. When his father had a double knee replacement, Brad wondered whether the lateral knee movement involved in ball sports was all that good for his future. So he took up the sport of triathlon, a multi-sport event combining swimming, cycling and running. Previously, Brad had given up dairy to help with stomach pains and when he later discovered that a growing number of plant-based athletes around the world were excelling in their sporting disciplines, he decided to try eating a strict plant-based diet himself. As he talks about on this podcast, Brad found this was hugely beneficial to his performances, and indeed his recovery. So much so, he decided to take on the Ultraman event, a gruelling 3 day multi-sport event of swimming 10km, cycling 421km and running 84km. One of the predominant reasons Brad took on the Ultraman was to influence those around him who didn’t seem to like him telling them they should adopt a plant-based diet. Instead he decided to show them just what he could do by completing this taxing event totally fuelled by plants. Brad has much to inspire us all with. In it you’ll also hear him talk about: His background in work, life and sport How triathletes are rarely experts in all of the individual sports The fear he felt in his first triathlon His attraction to the social aspect of triathlon training The benefits from having a coach The resources he used in adopting a plant-based diet How dietary changes may work better than buying the latest triathlon equipment His race nutrition His weekly training and his daily nutrition His recent juice fast and some thoughts about exercise consuming less food Some thoughts on sleep His job in protecting our oceans from pollution Just how badly this pollution, particularly plastic, is damaging our marine environment His own Ocean Protect podcast And some parting advice about giving things a go You can find Brad on Instagram (@braddalrymple) and you can listen to his Ocean Protect podcast here. Please enjoy listening to Brad Dalrymple.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Brad Dalrymple on Instagram (@braddalrymple) Ultraman Australia Mooloolaba triathlon Book “Fit for Life” (by Harvey & Marilyn Diamond) Book “Thrive” (by Brendan Brazier) Book “Finding Ultra” (by Rich Roll) Rich Roll Podcast Book “The Plant Power Way” (by Rich Roll & Julie Piatt) Ocean Protect Ocean Protect podcast Bali Hope Swimrun Forks Over Knives app Documentary “Forks Over Knives” Documentary “What The Health” Plant Powered Mothers podcast Mastering Intensive Care podcast Plant Fit Summit New Normal Project podcast Episode 2 of New Normal Project podcast with Rich Roll & Julie Piatt Episode 55 of New Normal Project podcast with Aggie & Kasia of Plant Powered Mothers New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

This week on the podcast you’ll meet Aggie and Kasia, the Plant Powered Mothers. Come and join us as I ask them about their transitions to a plant-based lifestyle and the advocacy they do through the Plant Powered Mothers podcast. You can find them at www.plantpoweredmothers.com. After a decent gap between episodes here is a conversation with 2 first cousins focused on “helping other mums to make informed decisions about the food they eat and the food they feed their families”. Aggie is an intensive care nurse who struggles because the Intensive Care treatment model does not teach patients how to reverse or prevent chronic disease. Once Aggie discovered the many benefits of a wholefood plant-based diet she completed the certificate in Plant Based Nutrition through eCornell University to help educate and guide others to make the connection between food and disease. As a wife and mother of three, Aggie tells a great story of her family’s transition to a plant-based lifestyle. Kasia has a background in writing and is also a wife and mother of three. Her passion for plant-based nutrition began after her husband treated his high blood pressure very successfully with dietary change. After Kasia’s mother died at 44 from a stroke she worried about having inherited bad genes but has since learnt how effectively an entirely plant-based diet heals the human body and prevents disease. By cutting out all animal products from her families diet, they have all been far healthier. These women are doing a great job telling their stories and inspiring mums to improve what they are eating and serving to their families. And you don’t have to be a mother to listen to this one. Whatever your role in life, in this podcast you’ll hear some great ways of thinking about the plant-based lifestyle. Aggie and Kasia keep it simple, tell stories, bounce off each other for inspiration and, best of all, are building community around a plant-powered lifestyle, something that can help us all. In this episode Kasia and Aggie talk about: Each of their plant-based diet transition experiences The powerful effects their family members have observed The general boost in the energy of their families The benefit of having each other in their transition to a plant-based diet How they now handle eating with family and friends The best ways to deal with kid’s birthday parties and snacks Their advocacy through the Plant Powered Mothers podcast and social media Some of their favourite plant-based meals And many other things You can find Kasia and Aggie at https://plantpoweredmothers.com/ Please also follow them on Instagram and on Facebook. You can also join their Facebook group here. After the interview, you'll hear about an exciting, informative and free online summit that is coming up from August 31st to September 8th 2019. It is a series of 29 full-length interviews with many well-known advocates for plant-based eating. Listen to this podcast to hear more or simply go to https://plantfitsummit.com/ Please enjoy listening to Kasia and Aggie, the Plant Powered Mothers.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned Plant Powered Mothers website Plant Powered Mothers on Facebook Plant Powered Mothers Tribe on Facebook Plant Powered Mothers on Instagram: @plantpoweredmothers Documentary “Vegucated” Book “Forks Over Knives - The Cook Book” Plant-Based Nutrition eCornell Certificate Program Episode 54 of New Normal Project podcast with Ashley Jubinville Plant Fit Summit Episode 45 of New Normal Project podcast with Neal Barnard Episode 51 of New Normal Project podcast with Alan Desmond New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies: daviesandrewr@icloud.com Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

How might you make your next meal even just slightly more healthy? Could you organize your kitchen to make it easier to eat well? Can you maximize the amazing benefits of phytonutrients in your food?   I hope you’ll be thinking about these questions after listening to this episode of the New Normal Project show with Ashley Jubinville. Ashley is The Kitchen Coach, helping families find successful strategies in their transition to a healthier, whole food diet while juggling the daily stresses in their world. An effervescent, determined Canadian, Ashley has a no-nonsense, cut-through-the-noise-and-confusion approach that has been an absolute game-changer for thousands of families. With 18 years of research, practice, engineering and passion, Ashley has discovered a formula of success that has her working with clients across the globe. Her unique approach with food, recipes, and her quirky engineering mind, can help get you organised, on-track, and loving the kitchen again. She has done what many doctors told her was impossible with her own personal health challenges since childhood and now helps others prevent the trial, error, time, and frustration in figuring out how to navigate the world of food sensitivities, kitchen organisation and how to get more whole foods into your world. Ashley’s work is her passion, and you can find her sharing her wealth of knowledge through her online programs, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, public speaking, and writing her new book! In this episode Ashley speaks about: Spending time with her Dad in their Canadian vegetable garden Learning from her Mum’s cooking and preserving of food The privilege of fresh food in Australia Her health decline as an engineer in her early 20s How she was diagnosed with coeliac disease What she did when she realized this was an auto-immune condition How quickly her back pain disappeared when gluten was excluded The value of noticing strong aversions and cravings to specific foods The label she now uses for chemically affected foods How much her sense of taste improved when she gave up dairy The importance of phytonutrients in our diet The common misunderstanding about protein and meat How her job as a household cook for a family turned into a business Some of the strategies she uses when she coaches families How quickly children can change their diets Her audacious vision for The Kitchen Coach How 90% of chronic disease is lifestyle-related and preventable Her approach of taking people slowly and only as far as they want to go Some examples of the families she has helped significantly And some advice for my daughter's picky eating You can find Ashley at http://thekitchencoach.com. Please also follow her on Instagram, on Facebook or on Youtube. Ashley has a gift for New Normal Project podcast listeners. It's a free download of her “Cook With Me LIVE” Recipe Series 1 eBook, containing 27 delicious recipes that will help either those in love with, or those just dabbling in plant powered foods! Please go directly to this link: Cook With Me LIVE Recipe Series 1 eBook After the interview, I tell you about a recently published scientific paper on the value of healthy plant foods, I update you on some of my recent challenges, and I let you know the challenge I’ll be making based on the discussion in this episode. Please enjoy listening to Ashley Jubinville.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------  Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned The Kitchen Coach website Ashley Jubinville on Instagram Ashley Jubinville on Facebook Ashley Jubinville on Youtube Cook With Me LIVE Recipe Series 1 eBook (Ashley’s gift to you) The Whole Connection Scientific article in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Book “Eat, Drink and Be Healthy” (Walter Willett, with P.J. Skerrett) Nurses’ Health Study Health Professionals Follow Up Study Episode 2 of New Normal Project podcast with Rich Roll & Julie Piatt Episode 46 of New Normal Project podcast with Andy Ramage Episode 53 of New Normal Project podcast with John Orchard Episode 444 of the Rich Roll Podcast with Andy Ramage New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter: www.newnormalproject.com.au

How much daily exercise is required to have health benefits? Which diseases can be prevented and even treated with exercise? How can you exercise to prevent an overuse injury?   These are just three of the important questions you’ll hear the answers to in this Masterclass on the effects of exercise on your health. My guest on the podcast this week is Sport and Exercise Medicine Doctor, John Orchard, who has a combination career in professional sport and sports administration, clinical sports medicine practice and research. John and I studied Medicine together at the University of Melbourne, and John now works in Sydney where amongst other appointments he is Adjunct Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Sydney. John is well respected as one of the leading sport and exercise physicians in Australia, and indeed internationally. His main area of clinical specialisation is muscle and tendon injuries of the lower limb and his general research stream is sports injury epidemiology and prevention. John works as the Chief Medical Officer for Cricket Australia and also has 20 years of experience working in various professional football codes in Australia. In this episode John answered an array of questions on many aspects of the health effects of exercise activity. Whether you have been trying to exercise more, whether you don’t know how much and which type of activity is best, or whether you are already an endurance athlete wondering whether there are any downsides, this episode should be very valuable. John is a long-time friend of mine so he gave me some time to talk about topics like: What sport and exercise medicine actually is How exercise may have a better benefit/risk profile than many drugs The amount of exercise we all need to derive health benefits Increasing beyond moderate exercise improves performance but not health Which diseases can be prevented and even treated with exercise How a simple step counter is as effective as the expensive ones The dangers of both over and under exercise for our musculoskeletal system How much chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases the risk of cardiovascular disease Which pursuits lead to most musculoskeletal injuries How overuse injuries are mostly due to increases in exercise load His view on how inactivity has led to more hip and knee replacements Some thoughts on the benefits of sit/stand desks The cardiac arrhythmia that endurance athletes are prone to The conditions under which endurance exercise seems less risky When a sport and exercise medicine doctor is useful After the interview, I talk about a recent ultra-marathon I completed, how I went with the challenge I made last episode, and the challenge I’ll make for the next 28 days. Please enjoy listening to John Orchard. Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned John Orchard’s website John Orchard on Twitter: @DrJohnOrchard  John Orchard on LinkedIn Sport and exercise medicine in Australia School of Public Health, Sydney University h-index Cricket World Cup Cricket Australia American Journal of Sports Medicine British Journal of Sports Medicine Selected publications from John Orchard Further publications from John Orchard PubMed Great Ocean Road Running Festival Coeliac disease Dr Malcolm Mackay Dr Paul Froomes Episode 52 of New Normal Project podcast with Natalie and Stuart McIntosh New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

This episode’s guests are Natalie and Stuart McIntosh. Stuart and Natalie (also known as Jai Ma), created the documentary “Serving Love”, an excellent movie sharing the stories of people who have experienced the profound health benefits of following a high raw plant based lifestyle, including overcoming cancer, illness and depression, whilst also developing new loving and healthy relationships with people, nature and life itself. The movie also features interviews with Dr Michael Klaper, Dr Malcolm Mackay, philanthropist Philip Wollen, ultramarathoners Janette Murray-Wakelin and Alan Murray, and Yoko from Shoko Iku, as well as Natalie and Stuart. After watching the documentary, I simply had to interview them for the podcast. I was warmly welcomed to their beautiful farm in Beaconsfield, Victoria, where apart from our conversation I was able to see the diverse array of organic fruit and vegetables they grow there. Given the movie is mostly about raw wholefood plant-based eating, you will likely expect that to be the predominant topic. Yet early in this podcast Natalie courageously tells us the story of her depression and how she suffered with it, her attempted suicide, her feeling that this was actually a call to God for help and her subsequent journey from depression to wellness. Natalie and Stuart then go on to speak about: The empowering shift Natalie noticed after seeking help and spiritual guidance How her depression recurred despite this What Stuart noticed about how the antidepressants were affecting Natalie The efforts they took to help Natalie discontinue her antidepressants once her mental health came under control Natalie’s subsequent call to nature and to eating fresh real food How this progressed to both Stuart and Natalie deciding not to eat animal foods Some of the people who have guided them both spiritually Their realization many of us live unconsciously through our psychological minds The difficulties with believing we are in control of what is happening The benefits of letting go and simply being aware to become more fulfilled The benefits of seeing life as a Guru itself How the right spiritual teacher is someone you resonate with How they came to make their documentary Serving Love Some advice about eating more raw food as part of a wholefood plant-based diet Listening to the podcast may be confronting for you. If you feel you need help, please contact your national 24-hour crisis counseling service. Australian listeners can go to www.lifeline.org.au or www.beyondblue.org.au. After the interview, I tell you how I have been going with some of the recent challenges I've mentioned on the show, and I also discuss a couple of scientific papers you might value hearing about or even reading yourself, particularly if you have or know someone with depression. Please enjoy listening to Natalie and Stuart; two of the most kind, caring and loving beings I’ve ever met. Live well, feel well, do well. Andrew Davies   -------------------- About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing about healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. I hope you’ll glean insights to help you make choices about your habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Raw Food For Life website “Serving Love” documentary “Serving Love” documentary trailer Raw Food For Life on Facebook Raw Food For Life on Instagram Dr Michael Klaper Dr Malcolm Mackay Philip Wollen Janette Murray-Wakelin and Alan Murray Blog post about Natalie’s journey from depression to wellness Lifeline Beyond Blue MJB seminars Louise Hay Fully Raw Kristina Mooji Rupert Spira Russell Brand video Jim Carrey video 1 Jim Carrey video 2 Jim Carrey video 3 Alan Watts Dr Joe Dispenza Raw – the Documentary Yoko from Shoko Iku Shoko Iku Doctors For Nutrition Earth Choice Doctors For Nutrition newsletter Blog post about Natalie’s mother Kaye Dowel’s cancer journey Adam Guthrie I Feel Good Magazine Episode 38 of New Normal Project podcast with Michael Klaper Episode 46 of New Normal Project podcast with Andy Ramage Episode 51 of New Normal Project podcast with Alan Desmond Scientific paper in Lancet on efficacy and acceptability of antidepressant medications (click on the free full text link on this page to read the full paper) Blog post commentary about this scientific paper Scientific paper in Annals of Family Medicine on discontinuation of antidepressant medications (click on the free full text link on this page to read the full paper) New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

What are the 5 top evidence-based tips to maintain your gut health? And which 3 questions should your doctor be asking you about your diet? Dr Alan Desmond, a plant-based gastroenterologist from the UK, is fascinated with the diet that is most likely to improve the gut health of his patients, especially those with gastrointestinal problems like inflammatory bowel disease. And having reviewed the medical literature he has come to learn that the more plant foods and the more whole foods we eat the better our gut health will be, whether we have a gastroenterological problem or not. So now not only does he eat a wholefood plant-based diet but he also recommends this to his patients and asks them 3 simple questions to help them improve their diets. You will hear these questions in this episode of the New Normal Project podcast. Alan is originally from County Cork, Ireland and having completed his medical and specialty training in Cork, Dublin and Oxford is now a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Devon in the South-West of England, where he lives with his wife and children. Alan has gained substantial experience in diagnosing and treating patients with all sorts of digestive problems; including coeliac disease, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. He eats a varied, wholefood plant-based diet, enjoys his cooking and is active on Instagram (@devongutdoctor) where he posts photos of wholefood plant-based meals backed up by scientific evidence. In this podcast, Alan also talks about: How his journey to become a doctor started as an ill newborn How he became hooked by the specialty of gastroenterology The degree that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of colon cancer His long-standing interest in the microbiome (and what that is) The diversity of plant foods increasing the diversity of the microbiome What is harmful about overconsumption of processed foods What a course of unnecessary antibiotics does to the gut The difference between prebiotics and probiotics The amount of nuts and legumes recently recommended by the EAT-Lancet commission The Happy Gut course he developed with the Happy Pear The benefits a plant-based diet has in inflammatory bowel disease How some populations have very little of the diseases he treats And the groundswell of plant-based eating he is observing Alan recently spoke at the Nutrition in Healthcare Conference held in Melbourne. Thank you to Doctors For Nutrition for inviting him to the meeting so I could interview him. His talk about inflammatory bowel disease and his participation in the conference were hugely valuable. I hope you learn a lot from listening to Dr Alan Desmond.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Dr Alan Desmond Dr Alan Desmond’s clinic website Alan Desmond instagram: @devongutdoctor DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019 Doctors For Nutrition Happy Pear Happy Pear courses Happy Gut course - Use discount code POD20 for a 20% discount Happy Gut Guide - Free download PlantProof podcast PlantProof podcast episode with Alan Desmond American Gut Project NHS Eat Well Guide Article – Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems Dr Denis Burkitt Article in Gut Journal – Evolving role of diet in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease Rich Roll Dr Dean Ornish Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Episode 2 of New Normal Project podcast with Rich Roll Episode 22 of New Normal Project podcast with The Happy Pear Episode 38 of New Normal Project podcast with Michael Klaper Episode 43 of New Normal Project podcast with Kim Williams Episode 45 of New Normal Project podcast with Neal Barnard Episode 48 of New Normal Project podcast with Caldwell Esselstyn Episode 49 of New Normal Project podcast with Scott Stoll Episode 50 of New Normal Project Doctors For Nutrition newsletter New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

Episode 50 of the podcast is here! And it’s the 2nd birthday of the podcast too. That’s two years and many hours of enjoyable podcasting to acknowledge, especially given the value our inspiring guests have provided. After a busy first year followed by 12 months of far fewer episodes, I thought it was time to clarify what the true purpose of the podcast is and to realign its direction. My wife, Claire, and I started the New Normal Project with the aim to produce a podcast on the topic of a healthy lifestyle. We made our lifestyle transformation based on 6 healthy pillars: (1) eating more plants, (2) getting more sleep, (3) practicing mindfulness, (4) being more active, (5) building healthy relationships with people and things, and (6) better understanding our authentic purpose. We continue to aim for the most healthy, fulfilling and conscious life we can live. 50 episodes later the podcast is still going and, despite Claire deciding not to work on the podcast for the time being, I remain passionate to listen, read and think about what I call a plant-based, body-moving, mind-focused lifestyle. As a Doctor I wish to demonstrate the healthiest lifestyle I can, to keep learning from guests on the podcast, and to gently educate and guide you as a listener to find out what works best for you. I’m also a Doctor working in the Intensive Care Unit, which can be an unpleasant, uncomfortable and intimidating environment for those critically unwell people who are our patients. Intensive Care is a focal point for people with chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, dementia, asthma, emphysema, chronic liver disease, mental illness and obesity. We now have evidence that many of these diseases are modifiable with healthier lifestyle choices. This means the same lifestyle that gives you the highest chance of staying alive longer and disease-free is the very same lifestyle that in my view can stop you from being admitted to the ICU. As an ICU doctor this is my genuine desire and is how I wish to help you with the podcast. I’d like to bring more scientific information to the show using the experience I’ve gained from conducting a number of research studies in the ICU. But I also understand that scientific information can be insufficient on its own to change medical practice and people’s lifestyles, so a mix of story-telling and information is the way the New Normal Project podcast can help to transform or enhance your lives. Whilst I think more about how I can bring more scientific evidence, how I can combine this with telling you of my own lifestyle change experience, and how I can challenge us all to try new lifestyle habits together as a community, I’ll continue to bring you guests who are experts on one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, people who have made lifestyle changes successfully or simply people who inspire by the way they lead their lives. That is what makes this really a Project of living a New Normal and which hopefully inspires and empowers you to live a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for reading and listening. I am very grateful for your support of the podcast.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------   Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Episode 1 of New Normal Project podcast Mastering Intensive Care podcast Randomised controlled trials Observational study Case series research TED talks Dr Scott Stoll Episode 49 of New Normal Project podcast with Scott Stoll New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

What’s the best way to speak when helping people understand the benefits of a plant-based diet?   This week’s New Normal Project podcast guest, Dr Scott Stoll, has been thinking about this question for a long time. After representing the USA in the Olympic bobsled, Scott completed his medical specialist training in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, and then around 15 years ago found he did not have the answers to all of his patient’s health woes. He read widely and came to recognize that a plant-based diet, especially whole-foods plant-based nutrition, had an excellent scientific basis for improving human health. As his family, including his children, transitioned to this diet, he realized that his patients would likely benefit from this too. What has followed is a radical transformation of both his medical practice and his family. His wife and 6 children, like Scott himself, are vibrantly healthy and thrive on this way of living. Since then Dr Stoll has become a leading light of the plant-based nutrition movement, being a co-founder of the Plantrician Project, an organization aiming to educate doctors and other healthcare practitioners about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. The Plantrician Project runs the annual International Plant Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference, which is simply amazing for it’s quality of speakers and information. Dr Stoll has spent a lot of time thinking about ways to influence both patients and healthcare practitioners, especially with regards to changing behavior, and therefore has many valuable insights to share in this episode. In this conversation we also covered: What it feels like to be riding in an Olympic bodsled The importance of exercise and sleep in supplementing a healthy diet The story of the patient who prompted Scott’s plant-based transformation The upsurge in elite athletes becoming plant-based The immersion retreats he leads Dr Stoll appeared at the excellent Nutrition in Healthcare Conference, run by Doctors For Nutrition, in Melbourne just last week. Thank you to Doctors For Nutrition for bringing him to Australia so that I could interview him. I hope you enjoy and learn as you listen to Dr Scott Stoll.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Dr Scott Stoll Doctors For Nutrition DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019 The Plantrician Project International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference Article about Scott Stoll in the 1994 Olympic Bobsled Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Dr Dean Ornish Book “The China Study” (T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell) Book “Eat To Live” (Joel Fuhrman)  Whole Foods Market Dr Stoll’s Total Health Immersion Dr Neal Barnard Dr Alan Desmond Dr Renae Thomas Loma Linda, California Blue Zones Dr Luke Wilson Dr Heleen Roex Dr Juliette Roex Emma Strutt Joel Craddock Shamiz Kachwalla Documentary “Code Blue” trailer Documentary “Diet Fiction” trailer Dr Malcolm Mackay Jenny Cameron Peter Johnston Simon Hill PlantProof podcast Doctors For Nutrition newsletter Episode 38 of New Normal Project podcast with Michael Klaper Episode 43 of New Normal Project podcast with Kim Williams Episode 45 of New Normal Project podcast with Neal Barnard Episode 48 of New Normal Project podcast with Caldwell Esselstyn Book “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” (Caldwell Esselstyn) Jeff Lester Cacao Ceremony led by Jeff Lester Body Flow Yoga Sophie LeFevre Episode 16 of New Normal Project podcast with Sophie LeFevre Adam Guthrie ifeelgood magazine Interview of Andrew Davies in ifeelgood magazine New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter Photograph by Noah Hannibal

Is heart disease from clogged arteries a food-borne disease? Can eating the right foods really reverse heart disease? Which foods have a powerful antioxidant effect in your blood vessels?   Dr Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr is a superhero in our family. And this American surgeon who turned his career on a head to become a provider, researcher, advocate and international expert of a wholefoods, plant-based nutrition to prevent and reverse heart disease, is this week’s special guest. Dr Esselstyn grew up on a beef farm, won a Gold medal at the Olympics with the United States rowing crew as a university student and began his medical life as a surgeon. He then had an important mid-career epiphany, realizing that cutting out the cancer of an individual person was less valuable than understanding why some populations had extremely low rates of both cancer and heart disease. When he learned these healthier populations ate a predominance of plant-based wholefoods he began eating that way himself. He then took a group of patients with very severe heart disease and taught them to eat a wholefoods plant-based diet without oils as part of a formal research study. These patients had dramatic reversal of their heart disease symptoms, lived longer than they were expected to, and a powerful nutritional intervention for heart disease was launched. Caldwell then published this research, wrote the book “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” and has since devoted his life to directly helping hundreds of patients with heart disease, and to indirectly influencing thousands of patients (and doctors like me) to adopt the same way of eating. One of those people is Claire’s aunt, Dulcie, who after adopting the diet in “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” had a near overnight cessation of the frequent chest pain her blocked heart arteries was causing. This inspired Claire and I to adopt a plant-based diet which we haven’t looked back from. Many of you may have heard Dr Esselstyn on a different podcast or in a documentary. You may have read his book too. The reason I think you should listen to this is that you’ll hear very specifically: What happens inside your blood vessels when you eliminate animal-based foods About the 2 distinct mechanisms for this heart disease reversal How much effort he personally makes for each of his patients What foods should be both eliminated and freely consumed We also covered aspects such as: How important nitric oxide is to the lining of your blood vessels How your doctor is unlikely to be aware of this information Why oils should not be consumed Why he isn’t keen on green smoothies The importance of green leafy vegetables as antioxidants What other disorders respond to the wholefoods plant-based diet Why he chose not to do a randomized study I really hope you learn from listening to Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Dr Caldwell Esselstyn Episode 22 of New Normal Project podcast with The Happy Pear:   “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” Book Episode 44 of New Normal Project podcast with Dulcie Corbett: Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute Dr Esselstyn's initial study (published in 1995)  Dr Esselstyn's subsequent study (published in 2014)  Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity American Heart Association diet John Snow and the Broad Street Pump William Morton and Ether Ignaz Semmelweis Louis Pasteur Joseph Lister Karl Landsteiner Frederick Banting Charles Best Alexander Fleming Howard Florey Barry Marshall Robin Warren Ann & Jane Esselstyn Rip Esselstyn DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019 Doctors For Nutrition website Dr Neal Barnard Dr Scott Stoll Dr Alan Desmond DFN Wellington event DFN Auckland event New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

What has Claire been up to lately? And what is her New Year’s resolution?   In this episode, Claire is back on the show! Early in 2018, my wife and co-host Claire Davies announced she was taking a break from the podcast. This is only a temporary appearance and you should enjoy the opportunity of hearing what Claire has been doing over the past year and just what her ongoing passion is. Claire is an amazing human being. After working as a nurse for over 2 decades, the last decade as a working Mum, she took some time off to help get the New Normal Project off the ground. Her calm, measured and wise way of being brought a valuable voice and philosophy to this podcast, something that many of you have fed back to us. But after a year of speaking on the podcast about the plant-based lifestyle we adopted, and how much healthier and happier we both feel for living this way, Claire realised this was neither her true purpose nor the best use of her skills and experience. It shocked me when she said she no longer wanted to work on the podcast, at least for the time being, but having seen the growth and fulfilment she has enjoyed over the last year, I now see why she made that decision. Claire has begun a career in clinical pastoral care. As you’ll hear in this podcast this is all about providing a deep listening presence to those unfortunate people who are patients in our hospital system. And from what I've heard Claire does, and will continue to do, a great job at this. Listen in as Claire speaks about: What this new vocation is all about The educational course she has been participating in How she has been helping hospitalised patients How this relates to her own faith-based journey Why she’s no longer co-hosting the podcast The New Year’s resolution Claire has chosen The New Year’s resolution I have chosen And some advice from Claire about identifying the purpose behind your exercise regime Enjoy listening to my beautiful wife, Claire. Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ------------------------------------ Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Claire Davies on Twitter: @CLDavies22 Clinical Pastoral Education Rich Roll Oprah Winfrey Andy Ramage Episode 46 of New Normal Project podcast with Andy Ramage One Year No Beer challenge Doctors For Nutrition website DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019 Dr Neal Barnard Dr Scott Stoll New Normal Project podcast New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Facebook New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66 Andrew Davies on Facebook Subscribe to the New Normal Project newsletter

Have you ever considered an alcohol-free challenge? Are you worried you might be drinking too much? Do you need help with your drinking?   If any of these questions resonate with you, this podcast is one you may learn something from. Andy Ramage, a passionate ex-professional footballer who is now an equally passionate oil broker in London, UK, is this week’s guest. In 2015 Andy co-founded the global lifestyle phenomenon OneYearNoBeer.com, a 28, 90 or a 365-day alcohol-free challenge to help transform people's relationship with alcohol. His first best-selling book The 28-day Alcohol-free Challenge, co-authored with his colleague Ruari Fairbairns, was released in December 2017. Andy is one of the world’s leading behavioural change & performance coaches. He works with CEOs, business professionals, athletes, entrepreneurs, actors and influencers to transform their relationship with alcohol to improve their health, their careers and their day to day lives. Andy is working towards a Masters degree in positive psychology and coaching psychology, is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a mindfulness based awareness coach, a much sought-after speaker, and with Ruari, he has a popular podcast called the One Year No Beer podcast. In this episode, Andy tells his story of how he ended up in a work culture where alcohol was prominent, how he realised this had become a problem and what he did about it, his initial failures going alcohol-free mainly because of the social pressure he felt, how an extended alcohol-free period ended up being successful, and what he is now doing to inspire others to take and benefit from an alcohol-free challenge. In the conversation, Andy also speaks on: How he didn’t ever identify with being an alcoholic The failed alcohol-free attempts which made him stronger His realisation that apart from Alcoholics Anonymous there was not much to help people with their drinking behaviour Using non-alcoholic beer to help him What the One Year No Beer movement and community is all about His 28 day Alcohol-Free Challenge book What happens after most people try an alcohol-free challenge The benefits of getting up early without a hangover How to deal with partners with drinking behaviours His change to plant-based eating and how that has helped him How mindfulness has helped him, especially Loving Kindness meditation He hopes to write more books, do more speaking, write blogs and lead courses His passion for football and how that led to a professional football career How much better a footballer he might have been with his present lifestyle The disconnect between what professional footballers drink and what the supporters think they drink The need for more public figures being known to be alcohol free This is not a conversation to necessarily make you give up alcohol completely. This is not a conversation focused on people who might be considered alcoholics. This is a conversation for people who drink even small amounts of alcohol. This is a conversation to raise your awareness of the relationship you might have developed with alcohol without labelling or stigmatising you. At a time of the year people are often making New Year’s resolutions, this might just be the kicker to try an alcohol-free challenge, especially as Andy well describes the social pressures we all face as we choose behaviours that make us different to the culture all around us. Andy understands how to invite people to change their behaviour without ever telling them they are a bad person for what they are currently doing. It’s not negative, it’s all about the positive. If you have been thinking about reducing your drinking, I hope this will be helpful.   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies     PS. Claire is taking a break from hosting the show so I invite you to stick with me on a search to improve your health and happiness. My father’s recent death with cancer has reinvigorated my passion to help as many people as possible to live the healthiest lives possible to give us the best chance of a longer and disease-free life. The podcast will continue to focus on the pillars of a healthy lifestyle such as eating more plants, becoming more mindful, moving our bodies more, improving our sleep, developing healthier connections and refining our sense of purpose. I’d really appreciate your help in supporting the show by posting on social media, rating or reviewing the show, or simply by telling one person you think would enjoy listening. And please subscribe to our newsletter at www.newnormalproject.com.au   ------------------------------------   Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Andy Ramage webpage: https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/author/andyramage/ Andy Ramage on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyoynb Andy Ramage on Instagram: @andyramagemv Andy Ramage on Twitter: @AndyRamageAF Andy Ramage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyramage/?originalSubdomain=au Andy Ramage email address: andy@oneyearnobeer.com One Year No Beer webpage: https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/takethechallenge One Year No Beer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Oneyearnobeer/ One Year No Beer on Instagram: @oneyearnobeer One Year No Beer on Twitter: @oynbuk One Year No Beer podcast: https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/podcasts/ The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge book: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/andy-ramage/the-28-day-alcohol-free-challenge/9781509857258 Our Plantpower World retreat: https://www.ourplantpowerworld.com/ Rich Roll: https://www.richroll.com/ Rich Roll podcast: https://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ 5 AM Miracle podcast: https://www.jeffsanders.com/the-5-am-miracle-podcast/ Hal Elrod: https://halelrod.com/ No Meat Athlete: https://www.nomeatathlete.com/ Matt Frazier: https://www.webmd.com/matt-frazier Professional Footballer’s Association: https://www.thepfa.com/ Episode 45 of New Normal Project podcast with Neal Barnard: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-45-neal-barnard-how-to-start-plant-based-eating-and-which-health-benefits-you-might-expect Doctors For Nutrition website: https://www.doctorsfornutrition.org/ DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019: https://events.humanitix.com.au/nihc2019 New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/ New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/ New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

After an 8 month break, the New Normal Project podcast is back, aiming to inspire and empower you to live a more healthy, fulfilling and conscious life. Claire is taking a further break from the show so I invite you to stick with me, Andrew, on a search to improve your health and happiness, and indeed mine. My father’s recent death with cancer has reinvigorated my passion to help as many people as possible to live the healthiest lives possible to give us the best chance of a longer and disease-free life. The podcast focuses on the pillars of a healthy lifestyle such as eating more plants, becoming more mindful, moving our bodies more, improving our sleep, developing healthier connections and refining our sense of purpose. This interview is with Dr Neal Barnard, a physician, clinical researcher, author, and an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington DC, USA. In 1985, Neal established the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) to promote preventive medicine, conduct clinical research, and advocate for higher ethical standards in research. The PCRM also provides direct medical care through its subsidiary, the Barnard Medical Center, in Washington, where patients with diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions can be treated, and/or participate in clinical research studies, aiming to improve the prevention and treatment of these health problems. In this episode, you’ll hear Neal speak about: His forthcoming trip to Australia His early career in psychiatry His upbringing on a farm with a medical father How nutrition isn’t owned by any single medical specialty How much of his work is really behavioural change The aim of his new book the Vegan Starter Kit The first steps in starting a plant-based diet Plant-based eating being less torturous than other popular diets His perspective on oils in a plant-based diet How hardening of the arteries can lead to back pain How poor diet plays a part in the development of dementia The rapid effects of a plant-based diet in diabetics How patients are now starting to educate their doctors His thoughts on eliminating cheese, fish and chocolate Which cancers are most responsive to plant-based eating The carcinogenic effects of grilling meat How plant-based eating night influence mental illness Why he set up the PCRM The Barnard Medical Centre helping people with dietary changes The respect he and his colleagues have for their patients Some of the advocacy initiatives he has led His thoughts on the other pillars of healthy lifestyle The online Kick Start program from the PCRM Neal has been inspiring, supporting and helping people with scientific articles, books and conference presentations about plant-based nutrition for over 3 decades. I see him as one of the pre-eminent international plant-based doctors, which is why I really hope you enjoy this interview. Following the interview you’ll hear how Neal will be coming to Australia for the Nutrition in Healthcare Conference, run by Doctors For Nutrition, from February 15-17, 2019 in Melbourne. Lucy Stegley, co-founder of Doctors For Nutrition joins me on the podcast to speak about this new organization, it’s vision, and who and what is on the program for this excellent conference. Whether you are a doctor, another healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in hearing from experts in nutrition, including Dr Barnard, please check out www.doctorsfornutrition.org to find out more. New Normal Project e-list subscribers have exclusive access to a 10% discount on conference tickets. If you haven't signed up to our e-newsletter as yet, you can do so here: www.newnormalproject.com.au   Live well, feel well, do well.   Andrew Davies   ----------------- Links to people, organisations & other resources mentioned: Dr Neal Barnard on Twitter: @DrNealBarnard Dr Neal Barnard on Facebook: @NealBarnardMD Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine website: https://www.pcrm.org/ Vegan Starter Kit book: https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/vegan-starter-kit-neal-barnard-md-provides-fast-track-health The Cheese Trap book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cheese-Trap-Breaking-Surprising-Addiction/dp/1455594687 Neal Barnard’s other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Neal-D.-Barnard/e/B001ILHHG0 Neal Barnard on the Rich Roll podcast (episode 242): https://www.richroll.com/podcast/neal-barnard/ Neal Barnard on the Rich Roll podcast (episode 296): https://www.richroll.com/podcast/neal-barnard-2/ Barnard Medical Centre website: https://www.pcrm.org/barnard-medical-center Study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues of plant-based nutrition for diabetes: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339401 Study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues of plant-based nutrition in the workplace: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23695207 Second study publication by Dr Barnard and colleagues of plant-based nutrition in the workplace: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24524383 Dr Dean Ornish website: https://www.ornish.com/ PCRM Online 21 Day Vegan Kickstart Program: https://kickstart.pcrm.org/en Raw Events Australia website: www.raweventsaustralia.com/ Doctors For Nutrition website: https://www.doctorsfornutrition.org/ Dr Heleen Roex website: http://www.wholeplantshealth.com.au/ DFN Nutrition in Healthcare Conference 2019: https://events.humanitix.com.au/nihc2019 Dr Scott Stoll website: https://drscottstoll.com/ Plantrician Project: https://plantricianproject.org/ Dr Alan Desmond: https://www.plantbaseddoctors.org/alan-desmond Dr Renae Thomas website: https://www.livefull.com.au/about-us Code Blue documentary: http://www.codebluedoc.com/#the-film-1 Diet Fiction documentary: https://www.dietfictionmovie.com/ Young At Heart – Brisbane Nutrition Symposium with Dr Kim Williams: https://events.humanitix.com.au/brisbanesymposium New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/ New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/ New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Andrew Davies: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

How would it feel to need to sit down in the middle of the road because the pain in your chest was so bad? You couldn’t even wait until you got to the other side. And what if your cardiologist said “I’ve done all the stents I can, the blood vessels in your heart are falling apart and there is nothing wrong with sitting down”? Dulcie Corbett didn’t like to hear this. She was too dynamic to be crippled by heart disease. She had gone trekking in the Himalayas on the day she retired from work at aged 60. She wasn’t even sure she had heart disease. All she knew is that to relieve the terrible pain in her chest she needed to sit down and hug herself. And she needed to do it often. So when her GP recommended the book “How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” by Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, at first she read it and thought it all sounded too hard. But when the pain continued unabated, she read it again. And she realised that Dr Esselstyn was simply asking her to make a choice. A choice between living with the crippling of heart disease or trying a healthier diet that might help her feel better. What was there to lose? Based on how bad she felt she simply had to try the diet. The rest is history. Dulcie, who is Claire's aunt, adopted the whole food plant-based diet with the added “extras” of no oil (“not a drop”), no nuts and no avocados, and she has never looked back. The no oil bit was an initial stumbling block and giving up cheese was hard, but her blood cholesterol fell dramatically and the chest pains went away. She literally felt fantastic in a week. Dulcie doesn’t do much sitting around these days. And the 13 tablets she was taking before the dietary change have dropped to 4, one of which (aspirin) she is on for life. This is a terrific story about the powerful effects of whole foods plant-based nutrition, how it can reverse heart disease and the realities of eating this way. Dulcie tells us how and why this all happened, how it felt before and after, the practicalities of how she did this, how she needs 3 monthly blood tests to keep on track, how she has very occasional sinning days (where she eats fish) for relief of the strictness, how she deals with eating out at restaurants and functions, how she entertains at home and best of all how she got back on her bike 2 months ago to ride 12km to prove she could still do it. Dulcie is a small lady with a big story. She has an immeasurable zest for life and she was the main reason Claire and Andrew adopted a plant-based diet. Dulcie has also influenced her daughter and her grand-daughters which is surely the ultimate gift of a family elder – inspiring your descendents to make the healthiest choices they can based on your own living example of improved health and happiness. Thank you Dulcie for joining us on the podcast and for championing this way of life. You are our hero and we love you. Claire & Andrew   -----------------   Links to people, organisations and other resources mentioned in this episode: Book - How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr Caldwell Esselstyn: http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/books/prevent-reverse/about-the-book/ Book - How Not To Die by Dr Michael Greger: https://nutritionfacts.org/book/ Book - The China Study by Dr Colin Campbell: https://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/ Book - Finding Ultra by Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/finding-ultra/ New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/ New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/ New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj Email Claire & Andrew Davies: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

If you had heart disease, wouldn't you prefer advice from a cardiologist who is trying to make themselves heart attack proof? Dr Kim Williams is a vegan cardiologist. Yes you read it right. He adopted a plant-based diet 15 years ago when his cholesterol level was found to be higher than it should have been and he'd recently seen a patient's heart scan improve remarkably with a plant-based diet. He now understands that a whole foods plant-based diet should give him a longer life and should also give his patients the opportunity to reverse their heart disease, one of the greatest killers on this earth. Hence he eats, advises and advocates plant-based nutrition. After graduating from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago, Kim became board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and cardiovascular computed tomography. He has worked at the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and since 2013 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where he is Professor and Head of the Cardiology Department. He was President of the American College of Cardiology from 2015-2016 and has also been President of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Previously an elite tennis player himself, Kim is now combining his passions of tennis and plant-based nutrition advocacy with a visit to Melbourne this January. Whilst primarily here to watch the professional tennis players at the Australian Open he is also speaking at the "Young at Heart" Nutrition in Healthcare Symposium run by Lucy Stegley of Raw Events Australia on January 23rd 2018 at RMIT University in Melbourne. If you live in or close to Melbourne you won't want to miss what he has to say. As a doctor whose career combines patient care, scientific reasoning, diagnostic testing and health advocacy he has lots to tell us all about the patient stories and the evidence to support his stance that a diet devoid of animal products is the best for our heart health. He was very kind to give us an opportunity for a chat here on the New Normal Project podcast. We covered several important topics from what he eats, what patients with heart disease should eat, to what pro tennis players eat. And lots in between. Live well, feel well, do well! Claire & Andrew   -----------------   Links to people, organisations and other resources mentioned in this episode:   Dr Kim Williams at Rush University Medical Center: https://doctors.rush.edu/details/1728/kim-williams-sr-cardiovascular_disease-chicago-oak_park   Dr Kim Williams on Twitter: @cardio10s   Australian Open tennis tournament: https://ausopen.com   Blog post by Dr Williams on "Vegan diet, healthy heart": https://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Prevention/46860   American College of Cardiology: http://www.acc.org   Dr Caldwell Esselstyn: http://www.dresselstyn.com    Dr Dean Ornish: https://www.ornish.com   Portfolio diet (David Jenkins): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portfolio_diet   American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines on high blood pressure: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29133356   Meta-analysis by Dr Neil Barnard’s team: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24566947   Adventist health studies: https://publichealth.llu.edu/adventist-health-studies   Dr John McDougall: https://www.drmcdougall.com/   Dr Joel Fuhrman: https://www.drfuhrman.com/learn/the-nutritarian-diet   Book - The Spectrum by Dr Dean Ornish: http://deanornish.com/books/   Mediterranean diet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_diet   PREDIMED study: http://www.predimed.es/   Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/   Tennis Australia: https://www.tennis.com.au/   Rod Lever Arena: https://www.rodlaverarena.com.au/   Professional tennis players mentioned: Donald Young, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Venus Williams   Raw Events Australia: http://www.raweventsaustralia.com/   Raw Events “Young at Heart” Nutrition in Healthcare Symposium: http://www.raweventsaustralia.com/calendar/   Raw Events Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nutrition-in-healthcare-melbourne-symposium-dr-kim-williams-usa-more-tickets-41260790134   New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/   New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/   New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/   New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject   New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj   Email Claire & Andrew Davies: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com   Photo credit: Noah Hannibal

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Best of New Normal Project in 2017! It's hard to believe that this time 12 months ago New Normal Project did not even exist and the podcast was but a twinkle in our eye. And now here we are at episode 42, with a compilation of some of the best bits from guests we've interviewed this last year. It hasn't been easy to chose which ones to include, but this combination has resulted in a collection of experts and powerful stories that touched us and (hopefully) touched you too. The process of listening again to these episodes reminded us why we chose to interview these guests. Every single one of them was a joy and we are so grateful to them for giving up their time and allowing us to share themselves with you. And thank you to each and every person who has taken the time to listen to our podcast, share it and connect with us. We started New Normal Project with the aim to share with the world those people who inspire us to be better. Even if you've listened to these guests before this episode is full of pure gold, the wisest, the most touching, the most powerful parts that in combination make for what we believe to be great listening. If you haven't heard them before consider going back and having another listen to these amazing guests and if you are new to the podcast here is just a glimpse of what New Normal Project is all about. In this episode we bring you excerpts from: - Craig Hassed (Episode 25) - Paul Spano (Episode 10) - Fit With Georgie (Episode 21) - Tom Hubbard (Episode 24) - Justin Caffrey (Episodes 34 & 35) - Michael Klaper (Episode 38)   Lots of love Claire & Andrew Davies   -----------------   Resources from people, organisations and things mentioned in this episode: NNP Episode 25 with Craig Hassed: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-25-craig-hassed-the-science-and-reasons-why-a-mindul-life-will-lead-to-a-better-life   NNP Episode 10 with Paul Spano: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-10-paul-spano-a-real-life-story-about-the-power-of-plants   NNP Episode 21 with Fit With Georgie: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-21-fit-with-georgie-how-yoga-and-instagram-set-her-on-the-path-to-becoming-an-inspiration-to-thousands   NNP Episode 24 with Tom Hubbard: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-24-tom-hubbard-an-evidence-based-doctor-in-ireland-who-feels-a-moral-responsibility-to-help-his-patients-through-plant-based-nutrition   NNP Episode 34 with Justin Caffrey: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-34-justin-caffrey-a-recovering-capitalist-part-1-0   NNP Episode 35 with Justin Caffrey: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-35-justin-caffrey-a-recovering-capitalist-part-2   NNP Episode 38 with Michael Klaper: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-38-michael-klaper-plant-based-eating-to-reverse-disease-for-healthier-living-and-for-our-environment   New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/   New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/   New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/   New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject   New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj   Email Claire & Andrew: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

Welcome to 2018! It's hard to believe that this time 12 months ago New Normal Project did not even exist and the podcast was but a twinkle in our eye. And now here we are at episode 41, with a compilation of some of the best bits from guests we've interviewed this last year. It hasn't been easy to chose which ones to include, but this combination has resulted in a collection of experts and powerful stories that touched us and (hopefully) touched you too. The process of listening again to these episodes reminded us why we chose to interview these guests. Every single one of them was a joy and we are so grateful to them for giving up their time and allowing us to share themselves with you. And thank you to each and every person who has taken the time to listen to our podcast, share it and connect with us. We started New Normal Project with the aim to share with the world those people who inspire us to be better. Even if you've listened to these guests before this episode is full of pure gold, the wisest, the most touching, the most powerful parts that in combination make for what we believe to be great listening. If you haven't heard them before consider going back and having another listen to these amazing guests and if you are new to the podcast here is just a glimpse of what New Normal Project is all about. In this episode we bring you excerpts from: - The Happy Pear (Episode 22) - Emily Hazell (Episode 36) - Andrew Taylor (Episode 8) - Kate Davies (Episode 20) - Colin Hudon (Episode 27)   Lots of love Claire & Andrew Davies   -----------------   Resources from people, organisations and things mentioned in this episode: NNP Episode 22 with the Happy Pear: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-22-the-happy-pear-inspiring-a-health-food-revolution-in-ireland-and-beyond   NNP Episode 36 with Emily Hazell: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-36-emily-hazell-making-us-happy-by-activating-serotonin-release-with-food   NNP Episode 8 with Andrew Taylor: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-8-andrew-taylor-tackling-food-addiction-with-potatoes   NNP Episode 20 with Kate Davies: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-20-kate-davies-trying-plant-based-after-a-difficult-period-in-life   NNP Episode 27 with Colin Hudon: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-27-colin-hudon-anything-coffee-can-do-for-you-tea-can-do-better   Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/   New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/   New Normal Project podcast: http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/   New Normal Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newnormalproject/   New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject   New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj   Email Claire & Andrew: info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

What a year it has been for New Normal Project! Claire and Andrew Davies created New Normal Project to inspire others to adopt healthier and happier lives after a four year period where they made changes focused on improved health, vitality, relationships and sense of purpose. The podcast is where they have conversations on key pillar topics like eating more fruit and vegetables, becoming more mindful, moving our bodies more, improving our sleep and developing healthier connections with ideas, things, activities and people. New Normal Project also started running events in Australia to build community around these hugely important yet straightforward ideas. "Living The Plantpower Way" featuring Rich Roll and Julie Piatt was their first event held in Sydney and Melbourne in March 2017. Rich and Julie were also the first people they interviewed on the podcast. As a tribute to their key role in developing and launching New Normal Project, it seemed fitting to replay that interview to mark the end of an exciting and incredibly productive year. If you missed it first time around or even if you didn’t, it’s well worth a listen. Rich Roll is one of the rare individuals who can marry inspiration with experience and knowledge and turn it into positive action. Action that catalyzes sustainable, life-altering change. He is a #1 best-selling author, world renowned ultra-endurance athlete, popular podcast host and wellness pioneer. Rich has a powerful yet grounded, highly authentic style. Julie Piatt aka "SriMati" is a true spiritual wellness warrior, an author, a podcast host, a plant based chef, a motivational speaker, meditation guide, yoga teacher, and singer-songwriter. At the core of all of Julie’s offerings is an opportunity for an expansion of our perspectives; a gain of cosmic view so that we all may realize our divine blueprint or life purpose. In this interview Rich and Julie: Introduce themselves in more detail Tell their own stories of becoming plant-based Tell their perspectives on how “the plantpower way” is more than just food Talk about how people can make their first steps in to eating plant-based Discuss dealing with criticism from family and friends Give their thoughts on making changes with our spouses and children Talk about how we can inspire people to do more exercise Give tips on the importance of sleep and improving our habits Describe how meditation and spirituality play a part in their lives Discuss the benefits of connecting with people in a non-judgmental way And answer the question about whether they would like to be doing something different in their lives This is a powerful and inspiring conversation that should make you want to change at least one thing in your life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ Divine Throughline podcast: http://www.srimati.com/podcast/ Julie Piatt on Twitter and Instagram: @srimati Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/ Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ Rich Roll on Twitter and Instagram: @richroll Book "Finding Ultra" by Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/finding-ultra/ Book "The Plantpower Way by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt: https://www.richroll.com/the-plantpower-way/ Book "This Cheese Is Nuts" by Julie Piatt: https://www.richroll.com/this-cheese-is-nuts/ To buy all 3 books in Australia go to https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/shop Our Plantpower World retreats: https://www.ourplantpowerworld.com/ Headspace meditation app: https://www.headspace.com/ Rich Roll Podcast episode 142 with Andy Puddicombe: http://www.richroll.com/podcast/andy-puddicombe/ Jai Release Meditation Program: https://www.richroll.com/shop/downloads/jai-release-meditation-program/ Music by SriMati: http://www.srimati.com/music-1/ New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj New Normal Project on Facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast

If you missed out on attending the recent New Normal at Serotonin event you can listen in and feel like you were there. Claire and Andrew from the New Normal Project had a great night with a wonderful bunch of people and recorded the audio of their presentation as a live podcast with an audience. This was a night to celebrate the end of the New Normal Project's first year as an organisation that aims to inspire others to lead healthier and happier lives. Over the last few years Claire and Andrew have made some basic lifestyle changes that have helped them enormously and they enjoy sharing these ideas to inspire people who are curious for themselves. This event merged plant-based eating, mindfulness, optimising sleep (by scheduling the event in the early evening) and connection to community at a fabulous plant-based eatery called Serotonin. They also merged their prime methods of inspiring others by combining an event with a podcast. So after a delicious-tasting, visually-brilliant and plant-based meal, they got out the microphones and recorded the podcast. After introductions, Claire and Andrew both told a story about why they have made these changes, what they are; and then offered the opportunity for the guests to have their say. The questions inspired thoughts about helping to understand sleeping patterns better, having a morning routine, preparing basic meals in a plant-based home and understanding whether plant-based eating can sustain all individuals. Dr John Tickell, a locally-based and highly respected medical doctor, international speaker, bestselling author and television personality, grabbed the microphone and spoke about his views on helping people to lead healthier lives, especially when many of our western population do not. This is a thought-provoking, educational and entertaining conversation which hopefully will inspire you to make at least a small change to advance you to a healthier and happier you.

Whether you are thinking of improving your health by simply eating more vegetables or you are already eating and advocating a whole foods plant-based diet, there is much to gain from this interview with Dr Michael Klaper. Dr Klaper is a leading general (family) practitioner, an internationally recognized educator, and a highly sought-after speaker on diet and health. For over 40 years he has helped thousands of people around the world to reclaim their health and to improve their well-being. He is the author of several books (including Vegan Nutrition: Pure and Simple and Pregnancy, Children, and the Vegan Diet) as well as numerous DVDs and Videos on Demand and a series of “Healthy YOU Webinars”. Dr Klaper graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 1972. He served his medical internship at Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia, Canada and undertook additional training in surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics and obstetrics at the University of California Hospitals in San Francisco. As his medical career progressed, he began to realize that many of the diseases his patients brought to his office - clogged arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, adult onset (sugar) diabetes, and even some forms of arthritis and asthma - were made worse, or actually caused, by the high-fat, overly processed Standard American Diet (SAD). Which is not that different to the Standard Australian Diet! Dr Klaper studied the link between diet and disease, eventually leading him to implement nutritionally based therapies in his practice with dramatic results. Many of his patients lost weight, had more energy and had lower blood pressure and cholesterol values. More importantly, many of their chronic diseases improved or resolved completely, often allowing his patients to reduce or discontinue their medication entirely. He practiced in Maui, Hawaii from 1995-2006, then Whangarei, New Zealand from 2006-2009 before relocating to Santa Rosa, California where he is a medical consultant at the TrueNorth Health Center, a nutritionally-based medical clinic specializing in therapeutic fasting and health improvement through a whole-food, plant-based diet. Whilst most of us may not have had the privilege of meeting Dr Klaper in person, you may know him through the films "Diet for a New America", "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" and "What The Health". Just like Claire and Andrew of the New Normal Project, Dr Klaper believes in plant-based nutrition, optimal sleep, frequent physical activity, and meaningful connections to work and other people. In this conversation Dr Klaper talks about:  His practice at TrueNorth with plant-based nutrition and water fasting Some real-life patient examples of plant-based nutrition in action How some cancers seem to respond to fasting followed by plant-based nutrition How he began eating a plant-based diet himself Some of the difficulties people face as they change to a plant-based diet and some tips to help them His approach to eating out with family and friends The risks of eating too much restaurant food (salt, sugar and oil) His approach to eating chocolate The benefits of exercise The poisonous effects of drinking alcohol How New Zealand and Australia are catching up to California as plant-based communities How the environment and the planet need us to give up eating animal products The benefits of even small steps in the direction of a whole foods plant-based diet His enjoyment of and the importance of live events to advocate for better health His excitement at the steady progression of plant-based eating over recent times Some of the highlights of the Australian and New Zealand tour he just finished   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Michael Klaper website: https://doctorklaper.com/ Michael Klaper on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelklapermd/ TrueNorth Health Center: http://www.healthpromoting.com/ Movie “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret”: http://www.cowspiracy.com/ Movie “What The Health”: http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com/ Documentary “Serving Love” http://www.rawfoodforlife.org/ Plant Powered Brisbane: https://www.plantpurepods.com/podsdirect/brisbane-australia-group/ Raw Events Australia: http://www.raweventsaustralia.com/ Serotonin Eatery: www.serotonindealer.com New Normal Project website: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project shop: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/shop New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project twitter: @newnormalproj New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject"

How are you feeling about the lead up to Christmas time? At this time of celebration and “year end catch ups”, there can seem so much to wade through. Things like multiple social functions, family Christmas dinners, gift buying, suboptimal food offerings at work parties and simply fitting everything in. This period of the year can be stressful. Especially if you eat a whole foods plant-based diet or are drifting that way. Claire and Andrew’s new normal life is a fairly recent change. Only in the last few years have they adopted health-focused choices like a whole foods plant-based diet, regular meditation, a better approach to sleep and frequent exercise. And it hasn’t always been easy. In this episode they discuss their approach to the coming festive season, including (1) what they intend to eat at the family occasions, (2) how they will deal with the frequent celebrations, (3) their gift buying plans in this highly commercialised period, (4) managing the overall stress of a busy schedule, and (5) maintaining their exercise, sleep and meditation routines. They give some tips to optimally “get through” the Christmas lead up period, which hopefully you’ll find value from at least one of. It can be a difficult period but, with a mindful approach, you can maximize the enjoyment and family togetherness that this time of the year can bring.   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Pier to Pub swim: http://www.lornesurfclub.com.au/Content/piertopub Pier to Perignon swim: http://www.portseasurf.com.au/Events/Pier-to-Perignon/P2P-2018 New Normal at Serotonin event: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-normal-at-serotonin-a-three-course-plant-based-dinner-event-tickets-39645606075 New Normal Project events: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/events New Normal Project: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project twitter: @newnormalproj New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast

Emily Hazell deals in happiness. And who doesn’t want to be happy? Emily is the owner and self-described Head Serotonin Dealer at her café, Serotonin Eatery, located in Burnley in Melbourne. Not so long along she was diagnosed with clinical depression and advised to take anti-depressants. Curious about alternatives, she learnt about the naturally occurring nutrients in food that cause the release of the powerful neurotransmitters responsible for mood, such as dopamine and serotonin. Fast forward a few years and she now runs an establishment which truly serves food that makes you feel good. Not food that starts off good and ends with guilt. You know what I’m talking about - fat, sugar and salt. The food at Serotonin is designed to nurture and sustain us. It gives us a hug from the inside. No guilt. No remorse. In an environment that’s bright and uplifting. With swings. Swings in the cafe. We talk today with Emily about how she came to manifest her dreams of creating a gift to the world. A movement to nourish, inspire and inform about how to unlock the happiness in all of us. It started with a café and in the spirit of a true altruistic entrepreneur has morphed into an education program (Emily runs regular lectures for girls aged around 15), charitable donations (via events such as plant-based degustations), a soon to be launched Serotonin Airbnb experience across Australia and even a book due for release in late 2018. We loved talking to Emily. Her work ethic, openness and passion is contagious and we hope she helps inspire you on ways to become happier and healthier. ---------- Join us on Thursday November 30th 2017 at Serotonin Eatery for an evening with amazing plant-based food in an environment designed especially to make you feel good. Be part of a podcast as Andrew and Claire from the New Normal Project record a live podcast talking about the core pillars of their new normal followed by a Q & A with the audience. ---------- Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Emily Hazell: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emily-hazell-arundel-1602a37b Serotonin Eatery: www.serotonindealer.com Serotonin on Instagram: @serotonindealer Serotonin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serotonindealer/ New Normal at Serotonin event: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-normal-at-serotonin-a-three-course-plant-based-dinner-event-tickets-39645606075 Serotonin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin Tryptophan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryptophan Dr Michael Klaper: https://doctorklaper.com/ Impala and Peacock teas: http://www.impalaandpeacock.com.au/ Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/ 1 Giant Mind: http://www.1giantmind.org/ Andrew Taylor: www.spudfit.com Tyler Tolman: https://www.tylertolman.com/ Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/ Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ New Normal Project: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project events: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/events New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast New Normal Project podcast with Andrew Taylor http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-8-andrew-taylor-tackling-food-addiction-with-potatoes New Normal Project podcast with Paul Spano http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-10-paul-spano-a-real-life-story-about-the-power-of-plants New Normal Project podcast with Dr John Tickell http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-14-john-tickell-laughter-sex-fish-and-vegetables New Normal Project podcast with Sophie Le Fevre http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-16-sophie-le-fevre-gaining-focus-and-relaxation-from-yoga New Normal Project podcast with Fit With Georgie http://newnormalproject.libsyn.com/episode-21-fit-with-georgie-how-yoga-and-instagram-set-her-on-the-path-to-becoming-an-inspiration-to-thousands Send us an email with a question you’d like us to answer using info@livingtheplantpowerway.com

Justin Caffrey is an Irish business and family man in his early 40's who from a tough and humble childhood experienced tremendous success after he left his university course prematurely. He worked hard in the finance industry becoming a serial entrepreneur and self-described ‘unconscious capitalist’. This gave him tremendous professional and financial success but when his son Joshua died he found both his business and personal life close to collapse. In this special 2 part episode Justin tells us his life story with themes around depression, suicide, psychiatric support, medication, meditation and alcohol excess. Gratefully the overriding moral of the story is one of accepting life's challenges to transform oneself to a life that's in alignment with core consciouness-founded values. It’s an epic tale and one that may trigger strong responses as you listen. But stay with it and you'll hear how Justin has come out on the other side. He's now an advocate for living a life of authenticity, with clarity, with a focus on meditation and with a greater awareness of the decisions we make about how we work and how we connect with those around us. Listen to Justin's tale and ask yourself, are you ready for what life might throw at you? Do you need help? Did you find this troubling? Please go to www.lifeline.org.au   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy Headspace meditation app: www.headspace.com Insight Timer meditation app: www.insighttimer.com Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/ Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ Ballyvolane House: www.ballyvolanehouse.ie Our Plantpower World retreats: www.ourplantpowerworld.com Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ Book “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/finding-ultra/ To purchase Finding Ultra in Australia: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/shop Justin Caffrey's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meditate_not_medicate/ Raw Events Australia: http://www.raweventsaustralia.com/ Dr Michael Klaper: http://doctorklaper.com/about/ Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/raw-events-australia-12655817901 New Normal Project: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project events: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/events New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast

Justin Caffrey is an Irish business and family man in his early 40's who from a tough and humble childhood experienced tremendous success after he left his university course prematurely. He worked hard in the finance industry becoming a serial entrepreneur and self-described ‘unconscious capitalist’. This gave him tremendous professional and financial success but when his son Joshua died he found both his business and personal life close to collapse. In this special 2 part episode Justin tells us his life story with themes around depression, suicide, psychiatric support, medication, meditation and alcohol excess. Gratefully the overriding moral of the story is one of accepting life's challenges to transform oneself to a life that's in alignment with core consciouness-founded values. It’s an epic tale and one that may trigger strong responses as you listen. But stay with it and you'll hear how Justin has come out on the other side. He's now an advocate for living a life of authenticity, with clarity, with a focus on meditation and with a greater awareness of the decisions we make about how we work and how we connect with those around us. Listen to Justin's tale and ask yourself, are you ready for what life might throw at you? Do you need help? Did you find this troubling? Please go to www.lifeline.org.au   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/ Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ Ballyvolane House: www.ballyvolanehouse.ie Our Plantpower World retreats: www.ourplantpowerworld.com Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ Book “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/finding-ultra/ To purchase Finding Ultra in Australia: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/shop Raw Events Australia: http://www.raweventsaustralia.com/ Dr Michael Klaper: http://doctorklaper.com/about/ Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/raw-events-australia-12655817901 New Normal Project: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Project events: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/events New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast Justin Caffrey's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meditate_not_medicate/ Photo credit: Leia Marasovich on Instagram @leia_vita

Why and how did Claire start eating a plant-based diet? And how did that lead to the New Normal Project?   In this episode, the tables are turned and New Normal Project co-host Claire Davies is interviewed about her story. Claire was featured in a Question and Answer session, hosted by yoga teacher Atika Fraval, at the Body Flow Yoga studio in Windsor in Melbourne. So instead of interviewing a guest herself, this week Claire answers questions from Atika and the live audience at the studio on her journey to plant-based eating, the resources she and co-host Andrew have used to guide and support them, and much more. If you are intrigued as to what might lead an otherwise healthy middle-aged woman and her husband to change their eating habits from a standard meat-laden Australian diet to a healthy plant-based diet, then you will enjoy this podcast. Claire tells several stories about her and her families journey, detailing some resources you will no doubt benefit from checking out, and discussing other topics such as: How the New Normal Project came to be Some of her favourite New Normal Project podcast interviewees (and their stories) The difference between vegetarianism and veganism Her thoughts on oils in the diet How her approach to clothes shopping has changed What exactly she and her family eat in a day How she dealt with plant-based eating and her children Whether freezing food is OK Whether the nutrition in blended smoothies is preserved Her relationship with alcohol Drinking coffee Using soy products   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Body Flow Yoga: http://www.bodyflowyoga.com/ Dr Caldwell Esselstyn: http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/ Rich Roll: http://www.richroll.com/ Rich Roll podcast: http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ Rich Roll podcast with Andy Puddicombe: http://www.richroll.com/podcast/andy-puddicombe/ Julie Piatt: http://www.srimati.com/ Dr Craig Hassed: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/general-practice/staff-students/hassed.html The Happy Pear: https://thehappypear.ie/ EPIC study: http://www.epic-oxford.org/ The China study: http://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/ Dr T. Colin Campbell: http://nutritionstudies.org/about/board/dr-t-colin-campbell/ Dr Dean Ornish: http://deanornish.com/ Book “Blue Zones” by Dan Buettner: https://bluezones.com/#section-1 Matcha Mylkbar: http://www.matchamylkbar.com/ Dr Kim Williams: http://www.pcrm.org/health/heart/patients/kim-williams-md Andrew Taylor (Spudfit): https://www.spudfit.com/ What the Health movie: http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com/ Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/ Book “How Not To Die” by Dr Michael Greger: https://nutritionfacts.org/book/ One Year No Beer: https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/ New Normal Project: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/ New Normal Sunday event: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/events New Normal Project instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project facebook: "newnormalproject" New Normal Project podcast: https://www.newnormalproject.com.au/podcast Other episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 2 - Rich Roll and Julie Piatt Episode 4 – What The Health movie panel (Melbourne) Episode 8 – Andrew Taylor Episode 10 – Paul Spano Episode 12 – Ash Nayate Episode 15 – What The Health movie panel (Canberra) Episode 19 – What The Health movie panel (Perth) Episode 20 – Kate Davies Episode 22 – Happy Pear Episode 23 – Julie Piatt Episode 25 – Craig Hassed Episode 29 – What The Health movie panel (Brisbane)

Do you finish off your day with an evening routine? Do you wind yourself down to help you sleep? Do you struggle getting off your screen before bed?   In contrast to the frequently discussed topic of a morning routine, few people seem as focused on what they do in the evening to wind down and successfully finish off their day. In this episode, Claire and Andrew Davies discuss why they think an evening routine is important, and tell you exactly how they spend the last few hours of the day. As an early riser Claire feels exhausted in the evening and starts preparing for bed as early as dinner time. Andrew, on the other hand, admits his struggles with getting to bed in the evenings, and describes how he is trying to improve his routine. Screen time (or device use) is the modern problem making it much harder for adults and children alike to get themselves to bed at both a reasonable time and in a sleep-ready state. Claire and Andrew tell you how their family is dealing with this issue. Meditation, before or in bed, especially focused on grateful thoughts, is a practice they also discuss. Hopefully you will hear some suggestions for what you might add to your evening routine, from a real life couple finding their way gradually towards a New Normal.   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Rich Roll Rich Roll podcast Julie Piatt Will Ferrel video on Device-Free Dinner Raw Events Australia Dr Michael Klaper Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017 New Normal Project New Normal Sunday event New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Facebook

Are you trying to improve your health and wellbeing or are you trying to live a more conscious life? Making change that will improve your health and wellbeing is vital to a longer and higher quality life. And that's exactly what Claire and Andrew from New Normal Project are hoping to inspire you to do with the New Normal Project podcast. But in this episode you will hear Mel Nahas describe how living a more conscious life, which focuses on benefits to your self, your community AND the planet is an even more admirable endeavour. As consciousness encompasses health and wellbeing too. Mel, who was brought up in Australia and now lives in California, is the creator of Conscious City Guide, a powerful online platform for conscious events. Events which vary from single yoga and meditation sessions right up to multiple day retreats. In all parts of the world and for many different types of participants. And all of them focusing on expanding consciousness. Amongst other activities, Mel also produces the Our Plantpower World retreats, hosted by Rich Roll and Julia Piatt. The most recent retreat was held in Ireland in July and the next will be held in Italy in May 2018. Claire and Andrew were at the Ireland retreat and they snuck in an interview with Mel. In this episode you'll get to hear their conversation, during which Mel talks about her work on running these retreats, her own story of seeking a more conscious life, how she came to create Conscious City Guide and where it's heading next, her simple advice on how you can start developing your own consciousness, and a few really interesting stories about her own life journey. Mel is a wonderful and loving human being. She is a dedicated and hard-working event organiser with a deeply caring personality for those around her. She is doing great work to inspire people to live more consciously, and the world is a better place for her being. Listen in to Mel's insightful, thought-provoking and mind-blowing reflections.   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Conscious City Guide The Bharani effect Mel Nahas on Instagram: @nahaste Rich Roll Julie Piatt Our Plantpower World retreat Raw Events Australia Dr Michael Klaper Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017 New Normal Project New Normal Sunday event New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject New Normal Project on Facebook   Photo credit: Maclay Heriot (Instagram @maclayheriot)

Do you have a morning routine? What do you do when you first wake up? And do you go to bed early enough?   In this episode, Claire and Andrew Davies of the New Normal Project talk about the benefits they have experienced by having a morning routine. The early hours of the morning are quiet, with few distractions, and are often a time of great creativity and productivity - especially when others in the house are asleep. Claire takes us through her perfect morning, and what she spends time doing before the "rest of the day" begins. Meditation and some important tasks are her focus. She really feels like a morning person and goes to bed early to make this work for her. Andrew talks about how he has had periods over the last few years with a good morning routine which include running, meditation, purpose activities, and journaling. However, when he becomes busy he goes to bed later than he should and the morning routine becomes harder. This episode is full of good discussion about morning routines and you will gain value whether you are a morning person, a night owl and whether you already have a morning routine or not. Striving to build a better morning routine is clearly a vital component of the New Normal.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Book "The Miracle Morning" (by Hal Elrod) Headspace Rich Roll New Normal Sunday event Raw Events Australia Dr Michael Klaper Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017 New Normal Project website New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject Photo credit: Leia Marasovich (Instagram @leia_vita)

What would an elevator pitch for why we should eat predominantly plant-based foods sound like? This is one of the probing questions asked to a health and fitness panel that was held at the conclusion of a premiere screening of the What The Health movie documentary in Queensland. This week's podcast is the audio of this fantastic panel discussion which was held in Brisbane this last May. Lucy Stegley of Raw Events Australia, in conjunction with Animal Liberation Queensland, ran and hosted the documentary screening and panel discussion. Claire & Andrew Davies are delighted to share this on the New Normal Project podcast, following three other similar panels in episodes 4, 15 and 19. The panel members, introduced in more detail by Lucy on the episode, are Amanda Benham, Dasha Soldatov, Billy Simmonds, Crissi Carvalho, and moderator Tammy Fry Kelly. The other questions posed to the panel lead to discussions on whether plant-based businesses should also sponsor health advisory organisations, whether soy products are bad for us, whether a very low blood cholesterol should prompt efforts to increase the cholesterol, whether plant-based processed foods are OK, the mental health effects of a plant-based diet, and advice for raising plant-based eating children. A special bonus of the panel discussion is an interview with the film maker, Keeghan Kuhn, which comes at the end of the episode. It is great to hear what Keeghan and his co-director, Kip Anderson, are up to following there 2 brilliant movies, Cowspiracy and What The Health. On the podcast, Claire and Andrew also discuss an up-coming series of events in 5 cities in Australia & New Zealand during November 2017. The "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium tour, is headlined by plant-based physician Dr Michael Klaper, and hosted by Raw Events Australia.   Resources from people and things mentioned in this episode: Movie "What The Health" Raw Events Australia Amanda Benham Dasha Soldatov Billy Simmonds Crissi Carvalho Tammy Fry Kelly Keeghan Kuhn Dr Michael Klaper Dr Michael Klaper "Nutrition In Healthcare" Symposium Aus/NZ tour 2017

Exercise can conjure up many images but really it just means to move. And to move is to be human. Just think about how we’ve evolved and it makes sense that our bodies have large groups of muscles to assist with movement and bones that need to bear weight to stay healthy. We also have a system that stores energy (as glycogen and fat) for when we need to use our muscles in a hurry such as when running from a sabre tooth tiger (it’s always a sabre tooth tiger!). Our bodies haven’t adapted to this new life that started a mere 250 years ago with the industrial revolution that now sees us moving far less as we drive everywhere, sitting at desks for long periods and using effort saving devices such as dish washers and washing machines. Our jobs have changed too. Work that includes manual labour and being on our feet are generally viewed as being less desirable and many of us have careers that exercise the brain rather than the body. And perhaps in evolutionary terms, seeking rest is innate, to prepare for the busy times in the day when we once were searching for food and firewood, building shelter and running from danger. But it can be easy to slip into a pattern of ease and indeed try to minimise exertion that paradoxically can result in harming our health rather than improving it. So where does this leave us in the modern age when it comes to exercise? This week podcast hosts Claire and Andrew Davies discuss some of the many different kinds of movement and outline their own relationships with exercise. They approach this topic from very different angles - Andrew growing up with a heart condition that prevented him from participating in the sports he loved and Claire looking for any excuse to avoid exercise! Topics covered include goal setting, group vs individual training, high intensity vs more calming styles and the effects of exercise on overall quality of life.     Resources mentioned in this episode: Couch to 5km app Book "Born to Run" (by Christopher McDougall) Rich Roll   Photo credit to Nathan T Dunn on Instagram @nathantdunn

Colin Hudon is a doctor of Chinese medicine and Tea Master. His introduction to Chinese medicine began when traditional Western methods failed to heal a debilitating rash that covered his body. A mere 24 hours after receiving acupuncture and beginning a treatment of herbs the rash had all but disappeared prompting more questions than answers as Colin decided to become a student of the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine. A long time friend of Rich Roll (episode 2) and Julie Piatt (episodes 2 & 23), Colin has accompanied them on all 3 of their Our Plantpower World retreats offering a morning tea ceremony featuring the teas from old growth tea forests and trees up to 500 years old. These teas are a far cry from the tea most of us are accustomed to that are from tea plantations that are perpetually harvested using chemicals and modern farming techniques. Colin's describes his tea as "living tea" and this inspired his company of the same name selling such teas from China and Taiwan plus hand made tea pots and bowls, known as tea ware. The practice of drinking high quality tea is highly ceremonial and designed as an opportunity to connect more deeply with one's self, with others and with nature. This conversation showcases the deep wisdom that belies Colin's biological age. Together with hosts Andrew and Claire Davies (a doctor and nurse) he discusses the differences between the Eastern approach to maintaining good health and the Western medical treatments focused on ill health or disease, and contemplates the benefits of incorporating both. Colin is writing a book about his own philosophy on achieving good health and he describes "5 healths" which include sleeping and eating seasonally, mindful eating based on a whole foods, plant based diet, individual based movement practices, meditation and drinking tea.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Living Tea Global Tea Hut Book “The Way of Tea” by Aaron Fisher (aka Wude) Book “The Sleep Revolution” (by Ariana Huffington) Vipassana meditation retreats Sun Simiao (Ancient Chinese physician)

Following on from last week's episode featuring Melbourne doctor and expert in the science of mindfulness, Dr Craig Hassed, this week Andrew and Claire Davies delve deeper into the practice of meditation. They briefly discuss the profound and lasting impact that meditation has had on them, as well as those around them and introduce 3 examples of guided meditations. The first example is Dr Craig Hassed from his CD “Mindfulness for Life- Techniques and Application”. It is available for $24.99, along with other resources written by Dr Hassed at https://www.exislepublishing.com.au/CD-Mindfulness-For-Life-Techniques-and-Applications.html Next is a resource used by podcast co-host Claire, the free app “Insight Timer” that features thousands of meditations from many different teachers from all over the world. She plays an excerpt called “Morning Meditation with Music” by Jonathan Lehmann. For more information download the app on your mobile device or visit https://insighttimer.com The last meditation is from Andrew’s favourite app “Headspace”. Hundreds of meditations are available on this app, all featuring the voice of Headspace co-founder, Andy Puddicombe. The Headspace website also has a wealth of information that is clearly presented using fun graphics and design. There is content covering the science of meditation as well as meditations for situations such as anxiety, sleep, performance and even SOS mediations ‘in case of sudden meltdowns’. Headspace is available to try for free for 10 days by either downloading the app or going to https://www.headspace.com. Headspace is USD $96/year or USD $12.99/month. Meditation is a core foundation to the New Normal life described by Andrew and Claire and they are passionate in their commitment to inspire others to live with better health, connection and sense of purpose. Why not try any of these meditations as a 30 day challenge for 10 minutes a day? Photo credit Leia Marasovich @leia_vita

Medical Doctor Craig Hassed does not own a mobile phone. Never has. Craig is an Associate Professor in General Practice and is Australia’s leading expert in the science and practice of mindfulness. He has written 13 books related to mindfulness (see below), featured in the documentary ‘The Connection’ and regularly presents locally and internationally. Craig also introduced meditation into the medical curriculum at Monash University as an examinable subject. He changed the lives of the New Normal Project's Claire and Andrew Davies after he first appeared on their radar nearly 5 years ago. Craig was a teenager, dealing with the impending stress of a swimming race a few weeks away, when he was struck by a thought. ‘What if I just stopping thinking about this event in the future that’s causing me so much angst, and just be here. In this moment?’ This moment of profound insight provided Craig with his first experience of how being in the present, rather than the past or future, can immensely improve the experience of living. Of being human. And it kicked off a career in demonstrating to others just how mindfulness can improve the quality of their lives; something that will no doubt be a lasting legacy to thousands of people, including us here at the new Normal Project. In this interview we hear more about Craig’s own path to discovering mindfulness plus stories of others who have benefited from starting a regular meditation practice. Whilst most of us think of meditation as being a single practice once or twice a day, Craig describes how the informal practice of being in the moment enhances the overall quality of our lives rather than constantly worrying about the sabre tooth tiger in our minds. He gives advice about technology and how to ensure that we remain its master rather than the other way around. There are many ways to connect with Dr Craig Hassed. His books are listed below and we recommend “Mindfulness for Life” and “The Essence of Health” as our favourites. He also runs a free on-line course via a collaboration between Monash University and Future Learn called “Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance” (see below) Other resources mentioned in this episode: Craig Hassed’s website Monash University Mindfulness Smiling Mind (meditation app) Headspace (meditation app) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Jon Kabat-Zinn Future Learn Mindfulness Course Documentary "The Connection" Book "The Whole Health Life" (by Shannon Harvey) Books Craig Hassed has authored: - “New Frontiers in Medicine” (Volumes 1 and 2) - “Know Thyself” - “The Essence of Health” - “General Practice: the integrative approach” (with Kerryn Phelps) - “Mindfulness for Life” (with Stephen McKenzie) - “Mindful Learning” (with Richard Chambers) - "Playing the genetic hand life dealt you" - "The Mindful Home" (with Deirdre Hassed) - “Mindful Medical Practitioners” (with Patricia Dobkin) - “Illuminating Wisdom” (with Deirdre Hassed) - “The Freedom Trap”

Dr Tom Hubbard is a plant-based GP on a mission, not to change the world, but to do what is right. It is impossible for him to ignore the evidence and unread what he has read, when it comes to the health benefits of eating a plant-based diet. Claire and Andrew Davies met Tom on the Plantpower Ireland retreat, held by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt in July 2017. Like them, he'd signed up to attend the 7 day retreat and it quickly became evident that he would be a fascinating podcast guest. Tom is humble, engaging and thoroughly committed to presenting his patients with all of the options for treatment, including the benefits of eating a plant-based diet. In fact, he quotes a study that says even adding just one extra serve of fruit or vegetables per day can reduce cancer risk. His approach is one that’s about planting seeds for change rather than preaching or telling his patients what he thinks they should do. One of the best things about being able to interview people for this podcast, is hearing about the trigger that precipitated change in their lives. For Tom it was health, not his own but that of his mother, that lead him to become aware of the benefits of eating more plants. Also included in this conversation are stories of real patients and the transformations that Tom has witnessed and which have provided him with immense satisfaction and joy. The simple fact is that most members of the medical community are unaware of the profound benefits that eating a plant-based diet can have in preventing and reversing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Dr Tom Hubbard gives us hope that things are changing and that as consumers of the health care system, we will soon be given all the facts and options, not just the ones that may be denying us the best health we can achieve.   Resources mentioned in this podcast episode Dr Tom Hubbard on Facebook Rich Roll Julie Piatt The Happy Pear Book "The China Study" (by T. Colin Campbell) Forks over Knives Michael Greger EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition)

Julie Piatt is a rule breaker. And in her latest book “This Cheese Is Nuts!” she clearly demonstrates that dairy is absolutely not required to make creamy, tangy, delicious versions of all the cheese classics familiar to us all. Especially for those of us who simply love cheese and feel like we will miss out if we choose a path to a healthier life without animal products, as well as for those of us who might have allergies to or intolerance of dairy. In this conversation, Claire and Andrew talk to Julie, also known as SriMati, about why she wrote this book and how she approached the creative process of developing these recipes. Julie has an artistic spirit and ability that she applies to all she does, including her previous book which she wrote with husband Rich Roll, “The Plantpower Way”, her two original music albums which she created with her sons Tyler and Trapper Piatt, her podcast “Divine Throughline” and her previous life as a fashion and interior designer. In addition to the profound health benefits of eating a plant-based diet, Julie feels strongly that dairy is not the way we should produce cheese - for both the cows and the environment. For this reason she thinks "Cheese 2.0" is the way of the future, and simply created in our kitchens with simple techniques using different varieties of mostly nuts and some other plant-based foods. And as you'll hear in this episode, her new book is full of recipes for tasty and wholesome cheeses. Claire and Andrew interviewed Julie at the Our Plantpower World retreat held in Ireland where both Julie and Rich ran a week-long event focused on plant-based eating, yoga, meditation, spirituality and exercise. If you are interested in attending their 2018 retreat in Italy go to https://www.ourplantpowerworld.com. If you are interested in Julie, her books, or her podcast, go to www.srimati.com. Finally, if you live in Australia you can purchase a copy of "This Cheese Is Nuts" at www.newnormalproject.com.au/shop.

If you don't know David & Stephen Flynn of The Happy Pear then get to it. These 37 year old Irish twins started a health revolution that began when they opened a fruit and vege shop in their hometown of Greystones that has lead to an empire including 3 cafes, 2 best selling cookbooks and 20 food items that sell in supermarkets throughout Ireland and the UK. They also have had huge success with their YouTube channel showing hundreds of 5 minute recipes that centre around the simple message to 'eat more vege'. But they are so much more than that. They have a generosity of spirit that has them sharing porridge and tea with all who jump with them in the Irish Sea daily at dawn and in fact have free porridge on the menu at all of their cafes. Their energy and enthusiasm for life is off the charts and in this interview Andrew and Claire hear how it all began and the core message that they want to share with the world. We were lucky enough to spend a day with Dave and Steve, that began of course with a dip in the Irish Sea, followed by breakfast and then a tour of Pearville, the factory and studio near their home base in Greystones, 45 minutes south of Dublin. The lads, are true leaders in the movement of plant based living and present a welcome mat of inclusivity for anyone no matter where they might be on the journey. Find them here: The Happy Pear website The Happy Pear on YouTube The Happy Pear on Instagram: @thehappypear   Books: - The Happy Pear. Healthy, easy, delicious food to change your life. By David and Stephen Flynn - The World of the Happy Pear. Simple, exciting, delicious food for a happier, healthier you. By Stephen and David Flynn