Happy Wednesday my friend,

My dear friend (and Executive Producer of The Need To GROW) Ocean Robbins is about to launch the 2025 Food Revolution Summit. Every year is jam-packed with some of the top speakers on nutrition in the entire world. There is no other event quite like it. Check it out HERE.

To access Deep Dive articles every Wednesday, new videos every Friday, and so much more, upgrade to the ECL Membership.

🐿️ CREATURE FEATURE 🐿️

The Lilac Breasted Roller

The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is one of the most colorful and striking birds I’ve ever seen. Found across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, its obviously known for its vibrant plumage, featuring shades of lilac, turquoise, green, and blue. Its appearance makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers alike.

It is known to be spotted perched on trees or powerlines, scanning the ground for prey. It feeds on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians, making it a skilled hunter. During the breeding season, the Lilac-breasted Roller performs special aerial displays, including dives and rolls, to attract a mate—the act that inspired its name “roller”.

The Lilac-breasted Roller is not currently endangered but benefits from conservation efforts to protect its habitats from deforestation and human encroachment. Here are 23 facts about this gorgeous bird.

🌎 INTO THE…🌎

Into the Arctic Tundra

The Arctic tundra is one of the most extreme and fascinating ecosystems on Earth. Located near the North Pole, this treeless region is defined by its permafrost—soil that remains frozen year-round—and its short summers, which barely thaw the surface. Despite its harsh conditions, the tundra is home to resilient wildlife like polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds that have adapted to survive in freezing temperatures and limited resources. Learn more about this unique biome here.

This ecosystem plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate. The tundra’s frozen soil stores massive amounts of carbon, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases. However, rising global temperatures are causing permafrost to thaw, threatening this delicate balance and releasing stored carbon into the environment. Explore how permafrost impacts global ecosystems here.

Exploring the Arctic tundra reveals nature’s incredible ability to thrive in adversity while reminding us of the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems from climate change.

Biggest docuseries of the year

Do you enjoy movies that spark inspiration and hope for a better world?

My good friend and best-selling author Ocean Robbins is about to release the brand-new 2025 Food Revolution Summit Docuseries: Healthy People, Healthy Planet — and you’re invited to watch for free.

This is urgent.

Last year alone, 41M people died from preventable chronic illnesses.

How many people do you know who are suffering right now from diseases that never needed to exist in the first place?

The good news is that eating the right foods can prevent and even reverse most of the major illnesses of our time.

In this must-watch eight-part docuseries, 45 of the world’s most trusted doctors, researchers, and health experts will reveal this year’s most critical breakthroughs in food, wellness, sustainability, and longevity.

If everyone watched this docuseries and took it to heart, we could end large-scale suffering for billions of people — and make our world a better place.

What could this mean for your life?

>> Get your ticket to watch the 2025 Food Revolution Summit Docuseries here. (It’s free!)

Food can hurt us. Food can heal us. Every bite counts.

Don’t miss this.

🍎 NUTRITION 101 🍎

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID (ALA): A powerful antioxidant naturally produced in small amounts by the body and found in foods like spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and organ meats. Known for its ability to neutralize free radicals, ALA supports cellular energy production and helps regenerate other antioxidants like vitamin C and glutathione.

Research suggests ALA may improve blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes, reduce inflammation, and support nerve health in conditions like diabetic neuropathy. It’s also studied for its potential anti-aging effects due to its role in mitochondrial function. While dietary sources provide small amounts, supplements are commonly used for therapeutic benefits.

📝 ROB’S PICKS 📝

1. The Minimalists Podcast
   Hosted by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, this podcast offers practical advice on simplifying your life, decluttering your mind, and focusing on what truly matters. It’s a great resource for living intentionally in a busy world.

2. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
   Riana and I are huge Fleetwood Mac fans. Dreams is a timeless classic from Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours album. Stevie Nicks made this song a masterpiece of 1970s rock. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering Fleetwood Mac for the first time, Dreams is a must-listen that never loses its magic.

🔎 EARTH CONSCIOUS DEEP DIVE 🔍

(Preview, full article for ECL Members)

The Microbiome Revolution: How Soil Health Impacts Human Health

Almost everything we eat—an estimated 95% of our food—relies on the thin, fragile layer of topsoil covering our planet. Yet this life-giving foundation is being rapidly degraded, especially here in the United States, and with it, the very fabric of human health is unraveling.

This isn’t just about agriculture or the environment. It’s about you. Your gut, your brain, your immunity, your energy levels—it’s all deeply connected to the soil beneath our feet.

When we started making our film The Need To GROW, we weren’t just chasing environmental solutions. We were uncovering something far more personal: how our inner microbiome is a mirror of the Earth’s. Healing the planet and healing ourselves are one and the same.

CLICK HERE to read the full Deep Dive on our Members-only blog «

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...and a healthier planet:

• • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
• • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
• • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
• • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
• • Inspiration: members-only ebooks, personal picks, and DIY ideas
• • Portion goes to support independent films, local food projects, and planting trees