So back in March I took part in a major gathering of Paleophiles–stylishly referred to as “PaleoFX“. This was second in size and scope only to the very first Ancestral Health Society Symposium at UCLA last summer. PaleoFX, which took place mid-March in Austin, Texas, featured presentations by many of the most notable Paleo-oriented authors, practitioners, fitness experts and bloggers. The focus was more particularly dedicated to practical application (“Theory To Practice”) rather than academic theory. The audience was largely young, hip and energetic.
The organizers were Michele and Keith Norris together with Kevin Cottrell plus a litany of devoted and immensely capable and very well organized volunteers. Each presenter was assigned a personal volunteer to help with whatever might be needed. I was lucky enough to get Orleatha Smith. She was an amazing, smart, energetic and dedicated person–a Paleo expert in her own right–and she was an enormous help to me. THANK YOU, Orleatha!
There was also a second-to-none film crew there expertly capturing every talk and interview with streamlined efficiency and impeccable professionalism. It all took place in a wonderful facility at the University of Texas on multiple stages. There was also a sizable vendor area (something notably lacking at AHS) with fitness equipment, demos and “all things Paleo” over a spacious room. These people all went to great pains to generate an unforgettable experience with great food, great people and wonderful accommodations. There were also some new faces not seen at the previous AHS event that were especially noteworthy. I was especially thrilled to watch, listen to and spend time with one of my most important mentors, Dr. Ron Rosedale, as well as CJ Hunt, executive producer of the wonderful newly released documentary film called “In Search Of The Perfect Human Diet” and a (now) good and heart-felt friend. Another outstanding presenter there I was privileged to meet and get to know was Dean Dwyer, author of the new book “Make Shift Happen” and one VERY funny guy (plus a fellow Canadian–gotta love that, eh?). I also had the privilege of getting to know Paul Jaminet, author of “The Perfect Health Diet“. Paul an I actually ran into one another on the plane in Houston and our seats were located in adjacent rows. Oh what are the odds? We had a great time!
It was also wonderful to see and spend time talking with Sarah Pope from the Board of Directors of the Weston A. Price Organization. I also FINALLY got to meet one of my very favorite people in the Paleosphere, Angelo Coppola, host of easily the best-E-V-E-R Paleo podcast, “Latest In Paleo” (which everyone should listen to every week). The usual marvelous headlining suspects were also in attendance: Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, Erwan Le Corre, Chris Kresser, Lane Sebring, and newer to the Paleo scene, the ever controversial Dr. Jack Kruse, as well as the irrepressible and always lovable Jimmy Moore of “Livin’ La Vida Low Carb” and many, many others, too numerous to mention. There was also an enthusiastic and first rate science journalist from CBS news, Kim Mulvihill, MD who filmed Yours Truly and a few others for CBS News “sweeps week” to be aired later this month! (CBS HealthWatch)
The topic of my own talk was “Taming The Carb Craving Monster“, where I presented many of the most common pitfalls to successfully adopting a lower carb Paleo/Primal approach to eating. I was able to present some newer information and my talk was very well attended, with many positive comments afterwards. My talk was also filmed and is now to become available by DVD! It was a real joy presenting to this wonderful crowd. There were also a couple of panels I presented in, as well (“Nutrition and Mental Health” and “Meet the Paleo Experts“), and I was honored to be in the company of this elite group of co-panelists. Order the entire PaleoFX DVD Set!
It was more than my pleasure to lend a teeny tiny bit of assistance to someone who has given so much to not only me, but to everyone !! You rock and if i could, i’d do it again and again!