Want a clearer path through the chaos of nutrition advice? We sit down with Chris McCaskill—earth scientist turned tech leader at NeXT and founder of Viva Longevity—to unpack how big data and epidemiology reveal what actually adds years of healthy life. From caddying for Jack LaLanne to building products alongside Steve Jobs, Chris traces how a scientist’s lens cuts through hype and lands on patterns that stand the test of time: mostly whole plant foods, minimal ultra-processed products, and a sharp rethink of red meat.
We dig into why some influential voices attack epidemiology, how industry-funded studies create confusion, and what the Seven Countries Study really did right—diverse cohorts, rigorous food sampling, and decades-long follow-up. Chris explains how global dietary guidelines converge because the signal in the data is strong, and he names credible researchers worth following, including Walter Willett and the Harvard team behind landmark cohorts. You’ll also hear why certain “clean” meats are functionally engineered foods: high-fat, heavily salted, and bred for the bliss point that drives overeating.
The conversation turns practical with insights on bending obesity curves, why simple advice loses to novelty online, and how to adopt plant-forward habits without dogma. We touch on sustainability, pandemics, and ethics, making the compelling case that cutting red meat is good for your body and the planet. If you’re ready to trade anecdotes for evidence and move beyond viral myths, this one gives you the tools to evaluate claims and make confident choices.
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Ed Paget is an osteopath, writer, presenter, and creator of both the Scoliosis Correction Protocol and the Back Pain Correction Protocol.
Over the last 15 years working with private clients he has developed a system of unique assessments and treatments that aim to unravel the complex web of compensations that we all have to reveal the underlying cause of illness or injury. This unique approach hasn’t gone unnoticed and Ed was recruited to work with the Canadian National Speed Skating team and was invited to the Sochi Olympics as part of team Canada’s medical contingent. He is currently a consultant to the Calgary Sport Institute and has been asked to share his Fascia stretching protocol or F.A.S.T class with both the National Alpine ski team and Biathlon team.
Over the last 10 years Ed has been building a YouTube library to help people manage their own pain or movement limitations and increase performance through exercise. He regularly adds videos so be sure to subscribe and visit regularly
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