On September 7th, 2025 — the final day of my 210-mile section hike on the Colorado Trail — I was about three miles from the end when I stumbled and lost my balance. It happened fast. Stumbling on the trail isn't uncommon because roots and rocks are a part of the...
Ten Things I’ve Learned About My Health That I Wish I Knew in My 30s
Now that I’m 72, hindsight has made a lot of things about health much clearer. Here are ten lessons I wish I’d learned much sooner: 1. You can retrain your taste buds Our taste buds change over time, so teach them to like healthy foods. Once your taste buds...
Our Healthcare System is Sick—Holistic Healthcare is the Cure.
America's healthcare system is at a breaking point. Despite remarkable advancements in science and technology, Americans are sicker than ever. While much of the current vitriol is aimed at insurance companies and coverage, I believe the problem is more foundational:...
The Missing Pillars of Health: Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being
When we talk about health, most people think of diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep. And yes, those are essential. But there’s more to the picture, something many people often overlook and underprioritize: emotional and spiritual wellness. But why do so few...
Are We Overdoing Protein?
Protein sparks strong opinions. From fitness influencers to scientists, the message is everywhere: “You need more protein!” Experts like Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Peter Attia recommend consuming one gram of protein per pound of lean (or desired) body weight. That’s a...
The Key to Longevity You May Be Overlooking
When we think about what it takes to live a long and healthy life, the usual suspects come to mind: eating well, staying active, effectively managing stress, and getting quality sleep. While these are foundational to health and longevity, there’s another powerful, yet...
John’s Journey to Whole Foods, Plant-Based Living
I often share my story of becoming a vegetarian and later transitioning to an ethical vegan lifestyle. However, there's an important chapter I don’t often discuss—the step towards adopting a whole foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet. To take you back to the beginning, I...
John’s Tips for Maintaining Brain Health
Now that I’m in my 70s, brain health is something I’ve become increasingly more interested in. Maintaining brain health is crucial for overall health and well-being, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can support and...
The Benefits of Long-Distance Hiking
Long-distance hiking is a great passion of mine. Although I have enjoyed hiking for the majority of my adult life, I developed my passion for long-distance, ultralight after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2002. Since then, I have hiked the Appalachian and...
A Morning with John
People often ask me about my spiritual practices and morning routine. Over the years, I've crafted a routine that sets a positive, productive tone for my day, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Here's a glimpse into my mornings: Spiritual Readings I wake up...
Why You Should Play Pickleball
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and for a good reason. It appeals to people of a variety of different ages and skill levels, is easy for beginners to pick up, and is relatively inexpensive. Not to mention, it’s an absolute blast! I first began...
12 of My Favorite Plant-Based Cookbooks
I follow a whole-food, plant-based vegan diet and have eliminated both refined sugars and oils, so I stick to simple, whole foods that allow me to make healthy, simple, and delicious dishes. Here are twelve of my favorite plant-based cookbooks (in no particular...











