What's new with me

Exciting news, I've been asked to work for the T. Colin Campbell Foundation as the rebuttal guy.

Colin read my rebuttal to the now infamous recent critique of the China Study. He was so impressed, particularly with my understanding of the etiology of cancer, that he asked to meet me in person. So I did, twice.

Colin was thrilled to meet me. I was rather astonished how impressed he was with what I wrote, considering that I don't have any background in science. I was a music major in college and grad school. To put things into perspective, he actually sent what I wrote to the director of Forks Over Knives (the upcoming documentary about him and Caldwell Esselstyn) to explain the science behind the book. He said my understanding was 'perfect' and that I explained the subject better than he could. This guy has been active in the field for 5 decades and has been involved in making highest level health policy decisions in the US.

For someone as accomplished as he is, he's a really down-to-earth guy. He's extremely healthy for someone in his 70s, he runs about 10k every day apparently. He wasn't just born with good genes either, he became really sick through dioxin poisoning (bleeding migraines/nasal polyps/chloracne) and was able to heal himself through a plant-based diet and water fasting. One of his colleagues on the other hand did not survive. He's extremely active these days, is finishing writing his 2nd book, and has 5 grandchildren. To my own eyes, he is a living example of the global benefits of plant-based nutrition and healthy living.

He encouraged me to study the basics of science if I want to become a good science writer (I've started writing a book and he thought all my ideas were good). At this point however I'm happy studying natural hygiene, and don't plan on becoming a researcher or going to med school. My friend Chris lent me his pre-med textbooks so I can learn what I need to know on my own, at least for now.

I also met Caldwell Esselstyn at a talk he & Colin did. They are both really sharp guys, educated at top ivy league schools. It's reassuring to know that they never worry about their omega 3 intake, and they've been eating über low fat diets for some time. Ess is actually older than Colin, and again extremely healthy. He's one of the best speakers I've ever seen.

I met the members of the foundation at the talk also, and a number of other vegans/plant-based eaters in attendence. They all seemed extremely healthy. I really have no idea where this 'sickly vegan' stereotype comes from, I haven't met any of these people yet.

Right now I'm taking the foundation's online course on plant-based nutrition for free so I can get up to speed on everything. The first project is to come up with a comprehensive FAQ for the foundation (including more obscure questions, "what about carnosine?" etc.).

I guess this is a case study in doing what you love and doors opening for you. I've only been living this way for almost 2 years now, back then I was the furthest thing from being happy, healthy, and doing what I loved. It's just so surreal that I can be writing all this now.

I want to thank DR and Freelee for creating this awesome community. Also a special thanks to Prad for sparking my interest in debating. And of course the other members of the 'fellowship': veganmama18, Robert, Chris, Courtney. Oh yeah and my good friend Acey for helping make this possible.

Otherwise I'm doing great, I have so much energy I don't know what to do with it. I'm perfectly content right now living in a cold climate. My spartan fitness routine of cardio (mostly running) and calisthenics (50 pushups a day + lots of squats) is giving me great results. I've got a number of projects that are keeping me busy right now but I'll be doing more teaching in the new year.

I have to say that if it weren't for changing my diet none of this would be possible. There's no question eating and living this way has greatly enhanced my thinking and creative skills, in addition to virtually every other aspect of my life. I scoffed at the idea that raw food would make any difference before I tried it. This way of living is for real. People can reverse heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer just by eating a whole foods plant-based diet. The time for this lifestyle has come. It is truly an honor to be on this journey with you my friends. Peace out.