Several months ago a French TV crew visited our home to interview me for a show called Les Pouvoirs Extraordinaires du Corps Humain.
Loosely translated this means The Extraordinary Power of the Human Body.
Great subject. And the interview made for a fun afternoon. But after it was over, I forgot all about it. I had never heard of the show. I guess I assumed that at some point it aired uneventfully on some obscure cable channel that nobody watches. It wasn’t until a few days ago that I received word from the producers that the show would be premiering on primetime French broadcast television this week.
Cool. Still, I had no expectations. So I was beyond surprised, as well as amazed and delighted, when my website almost blew up due to an insane amount of traffic after last night’s airing on France 2 TV (you can watch the 7+ minute segment clip above).
With a viewership I have since learned approximates 6 million, the fun and high-gloss, high-production value adventure show explores the limits of human potential through the eyes and first-hand experiences of it’s hosts — well known French physician Michel Cymes and former Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Karembeu.
It was quite an honor to be featured. I am extremely flattered to be introduced to France in such a well produced, mainstream way. Happy with how I articulated my message and perspective. Blown away by the show’s beautiful production value. And overwhelmed by the deluge of positive responses I have received on social media in response to the interview. For those that tuned and subsequently reached out to me, my sincere thanks.
So far so good.
But here is where the story takes a bit of a weird turn.
Interwoven into the segment is “opinion and commentary” provided by “expert” talking-head nutritionist Dr. Brigitte Danchin. I haven’t spoken French since 9th grade, so I don’t know exactly what she said. And I admit to knowing nothing about Dr. Danchin or her background. But from what I gather based upon the e-mails and social media messages I have received as well as an article posted on the popular French blog Vegactu, Dr. Danchin’s points — unsubstantiated by any cited scientific source or authority — go something like this (followed by my own responsive editorial spin):
Being Plant-Based Is A Full Time Occupation: Before embarking on a plant-based diet, be very afraid. Planning how, what and when to eat will consume every minute of every waking moment of your day. Maybe even invade your dreams. I don’t have to overemphasize the incorrectness of this presumption. Sure, it does involve a bit of planning. Especially when you travel. But honestly, it isn’t that big of a deal. I’ve been doing this about 8 years at this point and I honestly don’t think about it all that much. This is a scare tactic, pure and simple.
Meeting Protein Needs Becomes a Complex Equation on a Plant-Based Diet: Nonsense. For my opinion on this, please read Slaying The Protein Myth.
Plant-Based Is Ill-Advised For Pregnant Women: Simply untrue. For more information on this, check out the articles, resources and guidelines on Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine and The Vegetarian Resource Group.
Rich Is an Outlier: The idea goes something like this: OK, it seems to be working for Rich but Rich is the only one doing this. Nonsense. To be sure, the plant-based athlete is not yet the norm. But it’s hardly unheard of. There are world class athletes all across the globe kicking ass and taking names on a plant-based diet. How about Carl Lewis, one of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time? Two-time Olympic gold medalist bobsledder AND arm wrestling champion Alexei Voyevoda ? Guinness World Record Holding Strongman Patrik Baboumian, who I personally witnessed carry 1200+ pounds (550 kg) on his back for 10 meters ( CLICK HERE for the video I captured of the effort). Then there is MMA fighter Mac Danzig, and world renown ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, who won the prestigious Western States 100 mile trail race 7 years in a row. I could go on all day listing such athletes, but you get the point.
This is not about Dr. Duchin. I have nothing against her personally.
This is about what happens when you can’t control the message.
I can’t control the reaction to what I put out there — only the actions I take.
It’s the difference between traditional media — as mightily powerful as it still is — and the post-empire new media digital age. And it’s why I love blogging and podcasting so much.
My question is this: why temper my message with a biased and misinformed counterpoint opinion that counsels against exploring the lifestyle the show is concurrently celebrating through my story?
I can only assume it is out of fear. Ignorance. Or perhaps because it threatens the network’s bottom line — after all, France 2 TV is a business supported by commercial advertising revenue, some of which I have to assume derives from meat and dairy based food products.
To me, eating plants is the most natural thing imaginable. But I tend to forget that not everyone shares this view. And for many, this isn’t just a new idea, it’s anathema. And new ideas are always scary. Challenging the status quo always results in feathers ruffled. And maybe what I propose is more new to France than it is in places like the US.
I get it.
But I’m willing to ruffle those feathers because I know it works. I’ve experienced it first-hand. It changed my life and the lives of countless others I have had the good fortune to witness. And if you are willing to take the leap, it can change yours too.
I’ll leave you with this:
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information,
which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail
to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is
contempt prior to investigation.” — William Paley
Peace + Plants,
Rich
great post rich! Thanks so much. Its good to know that there are some feather stirrers out there!
There was nothing else to expect of people living in an extremely carnistic country.
Just to give you an idea of what living in France is like:
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/oct/26/french-government-banning-vegetarianism-schools
It’s sick…
Hi Rich,
at first I was so happy to see you on the french TV, but then I was so angry about the message that came out of it. I’m really sorry about that. Michel Cymes also host another TV show, he interviewed a vegan woman and basically treated the information the same way. I think your post is the best reply to this show. You should translate it to french and post it and or link it to the youtube video and the page of the show here http://www.france2.fr/emissions/les-pouvoirs-extraordinaires-du-corps-humain. Knowing I’m a vegan and triathlete, many friends came to me talking about this show today, I think the impact of such a video is really huge. If you need someone to help for translation to french, let me know I’ll be more than happy to help.
Peace.
Seb
Rich,
The production company translated your answers word for word, got some
great shots of your training and life at at home which I really
enjoyed. That would have been a good time to stop but of course they
needed a little controversy or like you said their fear took over as it
“threatens their bottom line”. The nutritionist gave the typical
objections (B12 needing to be supplemented… like that was the be all
end all, the typical myth of complete proteins and needing combine at
every meal and she made it seem way more complex or time consuming to
eat that way etc and then of course forgot to mention all the benefits
on the environment and our long term health) but really showed how
ignorant she was when she said at the end, he’s ONE example of who it
works for but there isn’t another. Loved your classy reply sir.. keep
it up!
It is about ratings. Without conflict there is no drama. Without drama, ratings decline. The French are taking a page from the US cable news network playbook. Opposite view points are not checked for veracity. That would spoil all the drama.
Thank you for a great post. And please don’t ever stop stirring them feathers!
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
Mahatma Gandhi
You’re winning.
Hi Seb – thanks for the reply. Translating my post into French is a great idea. Because so many people saw the show there I would very much like to be able to provide them with my response and post it on a well trafficked French website where it will be seen by the French audience. Any help you could provide in translating this and letting me know the best French site where I would have an opportunity to post it as an OpEd piece (something like France’s version of the Huffington Post or something) would be very appreciated
I’m a french woman who discovered vegan raw diet 2 years ago and it changed my life. And as you, I was really upset by this “machin” doctor who nows nothing about all this. Raw vegan diet and juicing is more an more discovered in France. I’m on a facebook group of more than 3700 persons (vivons cru). You are a great example for us. And don’t worry, some people is “aware” (please excuse my english). wish you and your family the best, with love and vegetables 🙂 (i’m very proud to have the same juicer as you ^^)
“…OOh, he walks among the meateaters!” My French may be off, too.
I have been following you and listening to your podcasts for about a year now. One of the main things I have learned from you is your patience and understanding for others. As you say ‘Take what you can from this, and leave the rest”. I consider myself plant based now rather than vegan because of many reasons that are my own .Peace and Plants.
Wow! Fantastic response Rich! Control your controllables and let the chips fall as they may.
I’m French ! And I was shocked when I see that video. Don’t worry some Frenchs know that doctor do information “intoxication”.
There is a french version of Huffington (http://www.huffingtonpost.fr/) not sure how to publish there tho… One of the websites you could contact is probably this one http://www.doctissimo.fr/. It’s a very large audience website about health in general. I’m sorry, I’m not a media expert but again, feel free to contact me I you think I can help you to translate and get in touch with some website.
Seb
Hey Rich,
I’ve learned from my husband, who is a well-known computer hacker who has had to deal with the media and their often sensationalized stories for his entire career, that you never know how the media is going to portray you. You just be you and stay true to you. They are missing out if they choose to mix the message up. You are amazing! Your podcast is amazing! Your book is amazing! I’ve had to live gluten-free due to celiac disease for over 10 years and I’ve never really thought about going plant-based until now, but you’ve opened our eyes (John Joseph for my husband and you for me). The media can be so powerful, just wish they used their power for good and for the truth.
Great words as usual! I really think they should have given you a copy of the script in English before they air it. Is that common practice? I was super happy to see a French documentary on you as I am a vegan and tell my mum about you and your story (we are French Canadians). She is pretty old school and calls our lifestyle “extreme” so I decided to pass on that one… Meaning that you need to get Finding Ultra translated to French to set the record straight 🙂 at least you are in control of that message 100%. I have already purchased an English copy for my brother as well by the way 🙂
I’m french and just saw that. I’m nearly vegan and I was very sad to see the result of this interview… Ok we have to take our B12, but the rest was just bullshit ! Rrrrrr. But I have to admit that this little show was far better than any other thing I could find on french TV about veganism. A bit scary, isn’t it ? 🙁
Hi Rich, I’m a long time listener and reader.
I heard about the TV show the next day when one of my colleague told me :
“Have you see the doc on health and nutrition yesterday ?”
Since I’m *the* weirdo in the office (i.e eating mostly vegetarian), I was the most likely to have watched the show.
Anyway, he was quite pleased about it.
Just something bothered him : “Do you really have to eat 1kg of Kale every day ?” 🙂
Your interview is a good base to spread the message. I’ll share it with as many people as I can. (Before that, I was limited with the language barrier).
And it’s the most vegan friendly stuff I’ve seen here on one of our major TV channel.
Merci.
ps : it was good to see and hear Julie !
Hey Cucumber,
And what was there to expect of people who have colonized the world with shit-based-diet restaurant (Mac Donalds, KFC, Taco Bell) ?
And what is there to expect of people who for years where the most obese of the planet (I know, you recently lost the N°1 position the the world charts) and whose the third of the population is overweight !
And what is there to expect of people whose agriculture rely on GMO (most of which are still strictly banned all over Europe)
I mean, who are you to talk about the French way of eating !
Yes French people eat meat (probably less than our fellow americans) but we cook it with sophistication and tradition and elegance, we don’t just throw pork ribs on a BBQ or bacon to fry in a pan or in a disgusting burger !
So please don’t summarize France with an newspaper article…. (by the way, did you ever travel abroad, in Europe? France or Italy?)
Well said. I think you hit the nail on the head. In the US we plant-based-types rail against the SAD, but in fact the US has a much more flexible diet than many European countries. As you said, French culture values their traditional meals (I’m I’ve French origin). Or when I was traveling in Spain recently I was shocked how difficult it was to avoid pieces of pork in every meal.
Hi Rich,
First of all, I wanted to say that I have been very very happy to see you on the french tv!!
About what this Doc said: it clearly reflects her lack of general (practical) knowledge on this topic. I have posted a message in french on the france2 website inviting everybody to check your response on your website, that you have been surprised by what she said.
Anyway, I am convinced that people who watched this documentary will remember you, what you achieved and continue to achieve, regardless of what she said.
This is well illustrated (both the comments and the images)
Kind regards,
Pierre
Bonsoir Rich 🙂
I’m French, sorry for my very bad english.
I used to be in bad health, I had no energy and lots of nutritional deficiency in spite of a “well balanced diet” (according to “nutritionists” ). I discovered the french web site “vivre cru” and I learned how I can live only with fruits and raw vegetables juices. In fact, there are many french peoples who change to “alimentation vivante” (raw food). I have been eating only plants since one year. And it’s a new life.
My mother is 59 years old, a very good typical french cook, at the beginning she found my diet so strange, it was hard for her to imagine a meal without meat and cheese although she doesn’t like meat ! She really used to believe meat, bread, cheese were healthy. In France, we are all brainwashed that our diet is healthy, or even the healthiest in the whole world (not as the naughty americans who are all overweight, just we french are so fit and gorgeous and “bla bla bla”), although it is absolutely not.
But she get more and more interested, she asked me a lot of questions, about vegetables, about nutriments, and how I learned so much thing about food.
She watched the TV-show (I didn’t knew about it), and then she phoned me, she was excited, she said “there is a man so strong and he actually eats as you do, that’s great to show people that this diet is good”
She heard the nutritionist seems to talk nonsense but she thought it didn’t matter. Michel Cymes says only smutty-not funny-jokes in TV, he seems not serious at all. She only remember you making juice as her daughter, and becoming healthier and stronger as her daughter. And she was happy to get a famous example to explain people that there are other ways to feed, and they can be better than the traditional one. She wish she can show the interview to family, friends… For many people, seeing something in TV-show is more convincing than in real life… And yet she’s trying green smoothies with me ! 😀
I understand you feel betrayed. French TV is only disinformation, that’s why I never watch TV. All the french people with brain know that the “experts” in TV-show are as qualified as our neighbour (or less qualified). And nutritionists are all corrupted by food industry.
But I think the interview will help some people to discover plant-based diet, and to realize that it’s real, because you actually make very good results. They can no longer say plants-eater are weak 😀
Imagine you were teaching to prehistoric men, it’s normal that the message is not fully understood. But it’s the first step, on a very very long way for us.
I thank you for this 🙂
And that’s exactly why I am here.
I was not watching but just listening loosely to the show while working on my computer but the part about Rich made me stand up and change room to actually watch it! Believe me: what Dr X said was nothing compared to the “Mother of God! This guy has eliminated all fat in his body!” factor!!
The French? Who are you to make such a kind of bold statement about a country or a culture? I have to say that not all The French believe that they have the best food or restaurants. Yes I’m French (married to a US citizen and I live in California), and like many other Frenchies I’m a little bit more open minded…France has an incredible food tradition as many other countries in the world.
BTW, the best restaurant is even not in France. Have you heard about the Noma in Copenhagen? Amazing stuff. The French love to debate??? Well, yes it is probably true, but have been in Italy? In Spain? Folks in these countries also love to debate! Anyway, so many clichés…this is really sad. This story about the TV show is turning into a lot of BS about France. Plant power, yes!…BS, no !
Hello Rich, Looking from a half full glass perspective, and having lived in France for ten years, I think that to introduce the topic to a large public it is a start. There is much misinformation about veganism there, it is not in the culture even it’s against their culture. The general idea is that a plate without meat or some dairy product does not nourish you. But there is a growing amount o people looking for some healthier ways of living and eating so hopefully next time we will not hear such a partial advice from a nutritionist. Thanks for being so inspiring.
Your message is just perfect from beginning to end. For my part I practice cures fast food. 10 days in water, only water, and I’m still in better shape, stronger than before. (see the book on fasting Dr. HM Shelton). Plants and superfoods are most of my food. Orientation macrobiotics.
In France, there is an economic culture to be conservative, to cultivate fears, medical dogmas, lobbies. People, doctors often talk about things they have never experienced themselves. I like crossed destinies like yours. Good continuation Mr. Rich Roll.
French> American translation by Google
Hi Rich,
I see there you wrote ‘Planning how, what and when to eat will consume every minute of every waking moment of your day.” I am recently vegan and having fun experimenting and learning more about my body and nutrition. Could you please tell me more about timing of foods? What sort of foods are eaten at the best times to get the most out of nutrition, training and life? If you already have can you please link me to the spot where i can read more about this?
Many Thanks,
Sally – Australia 🙂
Hi Sally – the 50 page appendix to my book Finding Ultra goes into great detail on this subject – you can get it on Amazon. Alternatively you might enjoy my course on plant based nutrition on MindBodyGreen which explains much of this:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/course/the-ultimate-guide-to-plant-based-nutrition-with-rich-roll?utm_source=mbg&utm_medium=home&utm_campaign=coursenutrition
This is a good reply. But I do not think there is so much to be upset with. In France, you always hear from both sides, even though one is uneducated. People are constantly supposed to doubt and think by themselves, which has good and bad consequences.
Hey Rich, I’ve been watching the show and was thrilled to see such a positive report about veganism on French tv. I really couldn’t beleive it. Of course I had the same objection you have. What the nutritionist said was completly untrue, and some of the assumption of the report were as well such as : “it takes 1 kg of kale to get as much protein than in (I don’t remember what)”. Well I don’t think kale is your only source for protein…
I understand that it must be irritating to see that kind of comments in the show. But for myself I’m not sure it is so bad. In France most people are convinced that being vegetarian is bad for your health (this is just beginning to change very slowly). So veganism is unknown from most and seen as dangerous. In my opinion the show is a very important first step. People will not all receive it the same way, but they can’t deny that it is possible to be very healthy and vegan. Maybe by some paradox, these comments even make the show beleivable for a broad French audience, who isn’t convinced you can live without meat (let alone eggs and dairy). I’m not sure that something turning completly the back to such a rooted beleive would have been well received (apart from the already convinced). So maybe, Dr Dutchin was a necessary evil.
For what it’s worth, I was able to speak about the fact I’m almost vegan with my spouse who always supported my vegetarianism but when I spoke about being vegan last year always said “You’re not going to be vegan ! This is madness”. I’ve decided to try vegan life at home without communicating about it first. After the show, he asked me what I thought about the report and I said that I hated Dr Dutchin and why. Then it was he who went to look for your website and told me “Wow he’s saying exactly what you told me !”. Then he asked what I thought about veganism, and I told I was vegan at home, which he hadn’t really noticed because I’m the cooking one.
So congratulations for your show. It’s true you can’t control the message on tv, but maybe French tv with all its flows, decided what a regular French audience can really hear. From an informed point of view it was certainly for the worst, but from a sociological point of view, well, I’m not sure it wasn’t for the best.
Hello, I am French and I saw the program. What brought me to your blog is that Dr. Danchin also mentioned that you HAVE TO take B12 vitamin supplements (as to emphasize the dangers of a plant diet). Found this a little weird. I personnaly take a tea spoon of pollen every morning. So I checked on the internet and yes ! Pollen naturally full of B12. A votre santé !
She made two points:
1. The French value their food.
2. They love to debate.
Obviously it’s a generalization, but then again, so is all cultural criticism.
If you read some of the French vegan websites they agree heartily with point #1 but also say it’s getting better.
Point two is proven by this conversation 😉
You’re saying there’s all this “sad” “BS” but really you only disagree with one small point, and your objection is unconvincing.
I agree with your points about the US’s eating habits –and so would most people on this site.
But when accused of living in a carnistic society is your argument really that at least you cook your meat with style? That’s not exactly going to win you many points.
Because you have French origin or you travelled to France twice you know a country or a culture? Generalizations feed the myths and the cliches…health, diet, lifestyle…very personal stuff…I wish folks would share their own journey rather than making bold statements because they found articles on a vegan website or in the newspaper…I appreciate Rich Roll as an athlete and individual because he does not try to convince an audience to follow specific rules…he is sharing his journey and some valuable insight that we can eventually apply to our own plant-based journey…I discovered many interesting folks thanks to his podcast…this is much more inspiring than reading a bunch of cliches.
I lived in Paris for a long time, my friend, so I’m afraid it’s you who is jumping to conclusions and seeing the glass half empty. I wish you would read Helene’s initial comment a little more charitably. The generalizations she made were harmless, and you ultimately agreed with one of them (ie. that lively debate, such as this, is a cornerstone of French culture).
Her other point, that the French value their food culture, which is inarguably animal-protein oriented, may be a cliche — but let’s be honest, many cliches contain more than a kernel of truth. And though she obviously touched a nerve with you, you haven’t made one logical point that has refuted her original statement.
Are you trying to say that the French culture don’t value their cuisine? That the cliche is false? Than by all means, say so, and back it up. But simply bloviating about what you wish people would and wouldn’t comment on does little to persuade anyone or further the conversation, let alone our understanding of your point of view.
Personally, I think you are being a little sensitive to a legitimate critique of where French eating habits are currently at. I hope you will take these comments in the spirit they’re written in.
Is this response a joke?
If you’re trying to take America to task for GMOs and Taco Bell, hey, we’re all with you.
But your comments about the alleged sophistication of covering dead animals with sauce as some kind of marker of cultural superiority is just laughable.
Great idea Richard. Good thing I speak 4 languages I guess so I managed to post my French comment on the website (I am a Swiss German speaking Swiss). I think even though this piece wasn’t great it will lead to a bigger fan base and more people who have never heard of the plant powered diet to hear about it. Many will come here and check out Rich. I am sure of it!
Hi Rich
I ve seen this documentary and discover you at the same time ! Then i bought your book … And i assure you That you should hâve not understand whatever They said !
I m a multi ironman and your book gave me Nice hope to make ultraman !
Keep going on with your vegan way of eating and sport !
For my part i totally accept your way of eating …. Myself used to eat lots of végétables as most of french people do and i hope That i Will Keep the freedom to eat some salmon or eggs bécause i simply lové it …
I hope to hâve the great opportunity to meet you as you are an inspiring Man and your book touch me and remind me lots of feelings while i was doing my ironmen !
Keep going on !
Hi Rich,
I discovered you and your story watching this program on France 2, and my wife and I were obviously – once again – so frustrated listening to that nutritionist’s comments, apparently ignorant of the subject (strange for a physician) or just following ideas and thoughts of big lobbies of the meat/dairy industry.
It is really amazing to hear her warning about an unbalanced protein diet, in 2013/2014.
At the same time I am not very surprised of this coming from a french documentary. I am french myself and veganism – even vegetarianism – is still something weird and globally not accepted for a majority of french people. Can you believe in schools the administration highly recommends to have meat in every meal? Few schools brave this introducing a meatless monday though, but it is very rare.
I have the chance to live in Italy where the Mediterranean diet makes it easier to be vegan and to be understood by non-veg.
I am currently reading Finding Ultra, a gift from my lovely wife ;} We have been vegan for 2+ years now after being vegetarians and we could never go back.
Peace.
fabien
Hum, I am french – carrement vosgien! – and the association of “french” and “open-minded” is almost a nonsense when it comes to the cuisine subject, I am sorry.
French has an incredible food “tradition”, sadly highly related to animal destruction.
Hi Rich,
The global message was positive and open the minds of many French people, as me, to vegan views. Take care!
Jerome
I was very surprised by this episode I have to say! They made it sound like you where following some crazy unsustainable and even risky/unhealthy diet… that’s how I am perceived here in Croatia as well (I speak French since I grew up in the French part of Canada). I believe that it will take some more time until this part of the world acknowledges the true powers of vibrant plant-based nutrition 😉
As a European, Swedish in particular, I can only say that southern european countries are not very progressive. The food culture in countries such as France, Spain and Italy is a legacy that shall not be questioned. I think that this will improve over time simply because every generation is getting more and more liberal and open-minded. I guess it’s this globalisation we all heard about. 😉
Don’t take it too personal Rich. It’s a cultural thing.
“after all, France 2 TV is a business supported by commercial advertising revenue”
That’s the problem: France 2 is a *public service* channel, funded by taxes that any citizen who owns any kind of screen has to pay.
Encore je suis d’accord avec vous c’est pour cela je ne regarde plus la télé et j’ecoute plus les avis anglosaxons plus souvent.
I live in Toulouse-franco américain and wouldn’t have seen the show if it weren’t for me strolling through your website. The French are fatalistic so had to add their twist(( and after recently completing the wfpb certificate at Cornell and finally really understanding B12-Id love to recommend the course to Dr Danchin who is obviously missing some info! There are a lot of distance runners here in France that are Vegan and doing well!! Plant power run on!!
Dear Rich, You can control a lot about how your message gets across at least in French speaking countries by getting your books translated into French!!! Please do, I live in France and there is absolutely no way I have found to introduce you to my friends who need to know the kind of information you give!
I saw your book is also in German, but Germany is already much more open to veganism and alternative health. French should be next on the list and then other languages too. I think this is really important for the world. I know France is not so open-minded when it comes to their animal based cuisine, but they can and they will if the info about plant based eating starts to be available for them too. There are many sick and unfit people living here too.
The funny thing is it does take time to plan any healthy diet. Before I was vegan, I spent lots of time meal-planning in order to be healthy and according to seasons, freezing meals in advance. It’s no different being vegan – just a different way of cooking – much easier in fact because I don’t have to deal with fat, blood, bones… everything is quicker and easier once the planning is done.