Where does true vitality and joy come from? What if the secret to a long, happy life lies in the harmony of body, mind, and heart?
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Dr. Rak here. On this episode of The Health Feast, Po and I are honored to welcome Bob and Fran German, a remarkable couple in their 80s who epitomize living well.
Married for over 62 years, Bob and Fran have redefined what it means to age gracefully and healthfully through their holistic approach to life. As human rights activists, martial artists, and teachers in the Buddhist tradition, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their popular YouTube channel, where they share insights on healthy aging, wellness, and personal growth.
I first learned about Bob and Fran through our mutual friends, Jill and Jeffrey Dalton, recent guests of ours on The Health Feast, and the couple behind the wildly popular Whole Food Plant-Based Cooking Show. They insisted we connect with the Germans, and now, I understand why. Their journey is a profound testament to the transformative power of a balanced lifestyle.
In today's episode, we explore Fran’s battle with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that left her dependent on medication for years until she made a pivotal shift to a whole-food, plant-based diet. Bob shares his own health scare with kidney cancer and how embracing a comprehensive lifestyle change has kept him cancer-free.
Their wisdom goes far beyond dietary choices. We delve into their adventures teaching Tai Chi and Qigong on cruise ships, their dedicated volunteer work, and their passionate fight against human trafficking.
Bob and Fran also share invaluable life strategies, from staying active and reducing stress to finding joy in serving others. Their humor, warmth, and wisdom make this conversation both enlightening and heartwarming.
Prepare to laugh and be inspired as you discover how Bob and Fran German embody the essence of true vitality and joy through harmony and connection.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak
Takeaways
The power of a plant-based lifestyle in overcoming health challenges
The impact of lifestyle changes on family and health
The importance of leading by example in promoting healthy living
Healthy aging involves regular exercise, stress reduction, and a plant-based diet.
Meditation and mindfulness help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Service to others brings meaning and fulfillment to life.
Preventing human trafficking is a crucial global issue that requires awareness and action. The impact of human trafficking on young girls and boys in Thailand and the efforts to combat it through education and support
The importance of promoting education and providing opportunities for young girls to build a better future for themselves
The significance of lifestyle choices, such as a plant-based diet, in contributing to personal health and environmental sustainability
The role of humor and positive mindset in overcoming challenges and living a fulfilling life
The value of travel experiences and the insights gained from exploring different cultures and regions
The need for awareness and action to address global issues such as human trafficking and climate change
Timestamps:
01:02 Dr. Rak Introduction to the Show
05:41 Secrets to a Long-Lasting Marriage
08:27 Fran's Health Struggles and Diagnosis
11:34 Bob's Health Scare and Recovery
14:24 Discovering the Power of Diet
17:07 Transition to a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet
19:16 Impact of Diet on Health and Longevity
22:09 Family and Cultural Food Backgrounds
30:22 Starting a YouTube Channel During COVID
32:11 Healthy Aging and Lifestyle Strategies
38:57 The Importance of Meditation and Qigong
45:23 Choosing Happiness and Serving Others
50:28 The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
57:25 Living in a Plant-Based Paradise
01:04:50 Fighting Human Trafficking
01:11:06 Global Concerns and Personal Actions
01:20:35 Creating a Personal Blue Zone
01:27:34 Final Thoughts and Farewells
Guest Bio
Bob and Fran German are an inspiring couple in their 80s, living life with extraordinary vitality and joy. They have traveled to over 75 countries, raised a wonderful family of three children and four grandchildren, and enjoyed successful careers. Their journey has been marked by their roles as human rights activists, martial artists, mediators, negotiators, students and teachers in the Buddhist tradition, public speakers, and international volunteers. They continue to serve as advisers to various non-profit organizations and businesses globally.
Bob and Fran have faced and overcome significant health challenges, transforming their lives through a commitment to holistic well-being. They strongly believe that aging does not have to mean declining health. Instead, they advocate for being proactive about health through research, alternative methods, and lifestyle changes. This approach has enabled them to stay young in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Their passion for helping others has driven them to share their knowledge and experiences, aiming to inspire and support others in leading healthier and happier lives. They emphasize the importance of living with purpose, staying active, reducing stress, and maintaining meaningful connections.
Through their website and YouTube channel, Bob and Fran continue to educate and motivate people around the world to embrace a vibrant and balanced lifestyle.
Online Platforms:
Website: Health Lifestyle With Bob and Fran
Book: 101 Ways To Be Young At Any Age!
YouTube Channel
Non profit: ACT (Abolish Child Trafficking)
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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
The Secrets to Living Young and Loving Life with Bob and Fran German