Meet 15-year-old prodigy, Daniel Bissonnette. This kid first turned my head when I saw him sitting cross-legged and meditating in his shorts on what appeared to be a giant frozen glacier in a social media post of his he tagged me in.
I looked into Daniel, and it turns out he's a pretty impressive young man.
Daniel is currently listed as one of the World’s Top 100 Most Influential Vegans, the most in-demand health/nutrition youth keynote in the world, an award-winning activist, bestselling author, developer of the “GENIUS Mode” program, and host of the weekly YouTube “Daniel Bissonnette Show.”
Daniel has delivered hundreds of presentations since the age of 9 at conferences, expos, consumer shows, community groups, food companies, schools, institutes, and non-profit organizations and continues to make headlines today.
But, it all started out when Daniel was a bullied elementary school kid who wanted to help a few friends eat healthier.
In third grade, Daniel was approached by his teacher and decided to publicly speak about his food choices. Pleasantly surprised to see how many kids began trashing their junk food and switching to healthier alternatives, Daniel was encouraged to continue spreading the message and volunteered to speak at a global rally. Little did he know that his first public talk would go viral. It became the most-viewed YouTube video for the event that took place in 500 cities around the world with over 2M attendees!
From that moment on Daniel, began to speak on stages of leading health events across Canada, the US, and Europe. By the age of 11, he became a signature speaker with the largest health show franchise in Canada and published his bestselling book Daniel’s BREAKFAST Burst. With Daniel's BREAKFAST Burst he was able to inspire more children around the world to eat a healthier breakfast than any other authority!
Daniel’s BREAKFAST Burst was such a hit that it was featured in popular magazines, radio, TV, and even purchased by Hollywood celebrities. It sure got kids and parents excited about eating their way to smarts too with over a month of carefully designed breakfast meals that deliver peak nutrition for mental performance. By 12 years old, Daniel was ranked in the World’s Top 100 Most Influential Vegans and joined the non-profit organization “Borneo Wildlife Preservation” to help raise funds and awareness to support reforestation and pygmy elephant conservation projects in Borneo. At 13, he was honored the Shining World Leadership Award for Compassion by Supreme Master Ching Hai and completed his long-anticipated “GENIUS Mode” program.
In his “GENIUS Mode – The Biology of Greatness” program and Biology Of Greatness, Daniel shares breakthrough science on a never before discussed topic—altering your DNA to become a genius. “There are ways we can go into our genetic code and rewrite it. Genius is something you CAN become because it’s a built-in mechanism and there’s an exact science to doing so!” says Daniel. He reveals his daily “hacks” you can use to increase brain power, intelligence, develop physical and mental resilience, and turn on your GENIUS expression.
During this discussion, you'll discover:
-How Daniel became an authority on nutrition at such a young age…6:30
- Parents raised him on a plant-based diet
- Suffered bullying at school because of his food choices
- Asked by the teacher to give a presentation on his diet
- Gave a presentation at a “March Against Monsanto” event that went viral on the web
- Became a well-known speaker on the topic, and wrote his first book to help people apply knowledge into action
- Book was endorsed by Eric the Trainer
- BGF interview with Udo Erasmus
- Udo's Oils
- BGF interviews with Ian Clark:
- Love of cooking and nutrition knowledge is a potent combo
-How a bee sting led to an “aha” moment for Daniel…16:00
- A teacher told Daniel that he “wasn't gifted in anything”
- Became aware that great thinkers (Einstein, Leonardo, Gandhi, etc.) were all very conscious of their diet
- Hippocrates was a proponent of fasting as a reboot for the body
- Family dinner has many unseen benefits (digestion, emotional state, etc.)
- Got stung by a bee, and began asking the difference between a “worker” and a “queen” bee
- Every larva in the hive is genetically a queen bee
- They're fed “bee bread” (pollen and honey)
- The bee bread “turns off” the queen gene
- What queen bee doesn't eat is more important than what she does eat
-Biohacks and routines in Daniel's life…24:20
- After wakeup:
- Schwinn Airdyne bike
- Vibram shoes
- Meditation and gratitude
- Cold shower (hot/cold contrast) activate the alpha brain waves
- Box breathing
- Alpha brain waves
- Comparable to the Schumann Resonance
- Archers mastered archery in the alpha brain wave state
- Book: The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
- Meditators create same frequency on both sides of the brain simultaneously while meditating
- Three types of genius: analytical, emotional, creative
- Schools teach neurons and the brain to fight each other
-Breath protocols and foods to remain in the parasympathetic state…37:30
- Wim Hof
- Tummo breathwork (Innerfire breathwork app)
- Lead up to cold thermogenesis with Wim Hof, then box breathing to get back into parasympathetic state in the cold
- Benefits of cold thermogenesis: Boosted immune system, Boosted alpha brain waves
- Morozko Forge (use code BENFORGE for $150 off the retail price for any Forge)
- BGF podcast with Darin Olien
- Moringa extract
- Combine with red light therapy (use code BEN for a gift at checkout)
-The value of keeping tabs on your poop…47:05
- When trying new superfoods, meditate; stay in touch with your body
- Poop is very indicative of the health of the microbiome
- Magnesium citrate (use code BEN10 to get 40% off of selected packages)
- Concentrated organic blueberry powder (Daniel recommends combining with cardamom)
- Effect of Blueberry Ingestion on Natural Killer Cell Counts, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation Prior to and After 2.5 H of Running
- Cardamom benefits and recipes
- The toilet that analyzes your poop
- Bristol stool chart
- Kefir is a powerful probiotic
- Premier Research Labs pink sea salt
- Sardines will provide less exposure to mercury than other seafood
-Little known facts about iodine…54:00
- Ian Clark's iodine activation product (use code BEN for a 15% discount)
- Apply iodine to the arm to test iodine levels (fast absorption = low iodine levels)
- Iodine antagonists: fluoride, bromine, chlorine
- Bread previously contained iodine
- Iodine deficiency contributes to breast cancer
- Body disposes of iodine antagonists with consumption of iodine
- Urinary iodine concentration follows the circadian rhythm
-The remainder of Daniel's routine…1:00:35
- Essential oil diffuser
- Music for productivity (epic movie soundtracks)
- Your subconscious mind records everything
- Sprints during working breaks
- Popular music lyrics become angrier and sadder over time
- Avatar Airbender Soundtrack
-How to alter your genius via epigenetics…1:06:00
- Seasons matter when it comes to diet
- Cold thermogenesis
- Near-infrared light therapy (use code BEN for the JOOVV to get free gift at checkout)
- Clearlight near-infrared sauna (use code BENGREENFIELD for $500 OFF regular prices and a free gift)
- Detox is more important than nutrition
- My interview with Matt Maruca
- Matt Maruca's company RA Optics (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
-And much more!
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this episode:
- Daniel's Genius Mode Program
- Daniel's Genius Activation Program
- video of Daniel at a March Against Monsanto event
– Podcasts, Articles, and Studies:
- With Udo Erasmus about vegetable oil
- With Ian Clark
- With Darin Olien about baruka nuts
- With Matt Maruca of RA Optics
- About gratitude with Owen Griffith
- With Jack Kruse about cold thermogenesis
- About Meditation
- About Box breathing
- Effect of Blueberry Ingestion on Natural Killer Cell Counts, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation Prior to and After 2.5 H of Running
- Cardamom benefits and recipes
- Iodine deficiency contributes to breast cancer
- Urinary iodine concentration follows the circadian rhythm
- Popular music lyrics have become angrier and sadder over time
– Books:
- Daniel's new book The Biology Of Greatness (25% discount automatically applied)
- His first book Daniel's Breakfast Burst
- The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
– Gear:
- Schwinn Airdyne bike
- Vibram shoes
- Morozko Forge (use code BENFORGE for $150 off the retail price for any Forge)
- JOOVV for red light therapy (use code BEN for a gift at checkout)
- Essential oil diffuser
- Clearlight sauna (use code BENGREENFIELD for $500 OFF regular prices and a free gift)
- RA Optics blue light blocking glasses (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
– Food and Supplements:
- Udo's Oils
- Moringa extract
- Magnesium citrate (use code BEN10 to get 40% off of selected packages)
- Concentrated organic blueberry powder
- Cardamom
- Kefir
- Pink sea salt by Premier Research Labs
- Iodine activation product (use code BEN for a 15% discount)
- Sardines
- Ian Clark's Activation Products (use code BEN for a 15% discount)
- Ancestral Supplements Thyroid Extract
– Other resources:
- The Schumann Resonance
- Wim Hof's Tummo breathwork
- The Wim Hof Method Inner Fire breathwork app
- My video on cold showers
- Bristol stool chart
- The toilet that analyzes your poop
Episode sponsors:
–Kion Colostrum: Nature’s “first food” that supports immunity, GI function, athletic recovery, and more. BGF listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code BEN10.
–Organifi Glow: A plant-based beverage that helps support the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from sun exposure and toxins. Receive a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code BENG20.
–Magnesium Breakthrough: Magnesium Breakthrough is the most effective magnesium supplement I’ve ever tried. Say goodbye to having to buy 7 different bottles of magnesium to get the complete dose. Save up to 40% off select packages when you use discount code BEN10.
–Comrad Socks: Seriously comfortable compression socks designed to support your every move. Receive 20% off your Comrad purchase when you use discount code BEN20.
96 Responses
Thank you! This was fantastic interview and I hope you have Daniel on again. Wonderful interview and learned alot.
Absolutely loved this podcast, as a fellow cold water enthusiast from Toronto I was really excited to hear Daniel go through the benefits that I have experienced for years.
Most people talk about the physical benefit of the cold but for me it’s all for the mental side of things and you provided the scientific reasoning behind that which is fantastic.
Thanks Ben and Daniel for the amazing podcast!
And shout out to Daniel to the Avatar the last Airbender reference as that is my absolute favorite show….if I can ask one question not related to health it would be what type of bending would you choose Daniel?
Brilliant podcast, Ben and Daniel…very interesting and informative.
Daniel – will look up your new book shortly. I am certainly looking forward to session #2. Your knowledge and ability to discuss rather complex subjects at so young an age and so eloquently, is amazing.
A question for both Ben and Daniel – if you were restricted to taking 3 dietary supplements daily only and performing 3 daily activities primarily targeted at increasing longevity/maintaining super health, what would the be?
Thankyou.
What a fun interview!! Seriously this kid is amazing. Such a positive vibe plus as good of information as Ben gets from any of the top guys who have been at this for decades. Actually I might say that the perspective he brings is maybe even better!! Wow!! I’m still smiling and the podcast ended 5 minutes ago. Should you bring him back?? Yes please please please please.
Thank you so much your comment made my day!
Good one – more with Daniel!!
????????
I can’t find these iodine drops any where. Help please. I did the test and with 30min it completely soaked in. My health has not been great lately.
It should be linked in the description It is called perfect iodine from activation products
https://tracking.activationproducts.com/89SGBDTG/… (code BEN will save you 15%)
Please bring Daniel back!!!!
YES!!!
Really enjoyed this! You MUST have him back!
YES!!!;!
I’m re-listening to this now! Daniel- what an inspiration for someone of your age. You have a great strategy towards bio-hacking, the same as mine- do what works for you, adjust constantly, discard the rest- love it!
Thank you!!! I’m happy you enjoyed the interview!
Excellent podcast. How do you consume the cardamom in regards to the combination with blueberries, and roughly in what ratios? Do you recommend green, black, or both types of cardamom? Thank you both for the knowledge.
I personally use green cardamom and as long as you consume it within the same day you will have the synergistic benefits, because personally I don’t like the flavor of cardamom in my blueberry smoothie!
I listen to podcasts while I watch the sunrise and this one made me smile for the rest of the day. THOROUGHLY ENJOYED this interview and definitely vote for a Round 2.
The clarification above on cardamom-blueberry mixing is greatly appreciated! I wasn’t so sure how my blueberry smoothie would taste with the new addition. Haha
???? thank you!
Yes, please have Daniel back. Love his energy and information. Zest for Life is Daniel!!! Thank you.
I’m happy you enjoyed the podcast
Would love to hear more from Daniel! Super interesting and definitely more to flesh out!
Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed the podcast!
It got better and better towards the end. Definently would love to listen another episode with him.
And yeah the Last Airbender rocks!
I agree I enjoy the podcast even more towards the end, and absolutely Avatar The last Airbender is the best TV show of all time!
Loved the podcast. Just adding support to have Daniel back for a second shot :) He has a good talent for communicating the research in a really exciting and compelling way!
Thank you so much! I’m happy you enjoyed the podcast, Did you order the book? If not you want to learn more just click my name
Daniel, you’re an inspiration to us all and I can’t wait to have my 15 year old listen in. I sincerely hope you get invited to Part 2. You briefly mentioned in the podcast about daily reading, but to clarify about how much do you read and when does it fit your schedule the best? Are weekends any different ? Do you have any additional protocols such as taking Notes in addition to consuming your daily dose of ink ! ? Thanks dude, take care and keep it up !
I don’t have any particular reading schedule some days I will just read and learn others I won’t read at all and it depends on the type of book sometimes I will find a really interesting book and just finish it in one day. But I tried to keep my consumed to produce ratio equal
Very interesting podcast. Yes, I would love to hear more. Question for Daniel: how do you get an iodine test done? I know you mentioned rubbing iodine on the skin. Where can I get that, or is bloodwork a better test?
Thanks, and hope to hear more from you again
I am slightly hypothyroid
I would recommend doing the iodine test where you put a drop on your skin and you see how fast it gets absorbed as that is a free and it is a fast test! Your skin should fully absorb the iodine within a week anything faster means you’re deficient, however it is not as accurate as a lab test.
I have a Biology and Biochemistry background and it is very hard to listen to people discuss health benefits of items and other recommendations based on “they did this study”. Who is they? What study? It’d be nice if you included references or other sources for your studies that you decide to cite. Thanks!
I’ll keep it in mind for next time, I hope you enjoyed the interview. also if you would like to verify the studies you can always do a quick search on PubMed or other credible sites.
Daniel, in the interview you mentioned that your current iodine protocol (since I’m sure neither one of us use iodized salt) is one teaspoon at 9 a.m. and one teaspoon at 9 p.m. That seems like a tremendous amount of iodine. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have a problem with it BUT, if I have too much iodine at once, it feels like my mouth is burning. So, my question is how long is your iodine protocol and did the amounts I mentioned sound accurate?
And yes, Ben, you have to have this young man back.
This protocol is for Ian Clark’s iodine since it is a special revolutionary iodine, and unlike most iodines on the market it doesn’t need to be put in alcohol or other solubles, and since most of the population is deficient in iodine taking one teaspoon in the morning and in the evening for 2 weeks is a great idea. And to answer your question on how long the protocol is it is 2 weeks.
Definitely think it would be worth having him back on. Super sharp young man. Also, would be interested to find out his recipe or how to make home made kefir that was discussed during the podcast.
Thank you for the comment maybe I can get it to it next podcast!
Bring Daniel back… He is one to follow! Thanks good talk!
Yes!!!
Nice talk …lad is a lot older for is years on earth…well done …
Thank you!
Thanks for bringing Daniel to your podcast. I really enjoyed your conversation. Please, come back again,
YES!!!
Please have Daniel again! Make him a regular!!! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the perspective of a younger person. His knowledge and enthusiasm was tremendously refreshing. No one else is interviewing young people and treating them as an equal as you were able to. KUDOS to Ben for being able to interview a younger person so effectively.
Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed it!
Please please have Daniel back – I was doing a hike in Colorado listening and I was taken aback on how mature and “genius” he was with life and health. As a 54 year female old trying to figure out what the heck aging does to your body and mind and watching all the young people with the face in the phone syndrome – this was refreshing to say the least. :-)
Thank you I’m happy you enjoyed it!
Please have him again! Buying his book now! Loved this!
Awesome, thank you for the support!
LOVE this interview! Definitely one of my top favorite podcasts! Enjoyed it immensely!
What a great synergy you both have!
Adopt Daniel for a day and turn it into a reality show :) Yes please to Daniel part 2!!!
You guys ROCK!!!????????????????
????
Ben,
it’s okay to admit that somewhere in your bio hacking lab you have a cloning machine.
Daniel,
You blew my mind on this show, you should start your own podcast. it would be really interesting to hear your Genius brain pick other’s brains…
Awesome I’m happy you enjoyed the podcast! I will definitely think about starting my own podcast. If you want to learn more you should definitely get my book! Simply click on my name to learn more…
Awesome interview Daniel, bought the book and coaching for my kids.
Thanks Ben for inviting him on your podcast. Really important to inspire the younger generations.
Looking forward to part 2!
Hi, Thank you so much for your support! There seems to be a bug in my website could you please email me at [email protected]
Awesome fixed it
Inspirational. I listen to podcasts and read cutting edge authors every day and I still learnt a few new things and why/ how they work from Daniel to add to my daily routine.
Bring on Daniel part 2 please Ben
Awesome!!! Thank you so much
Thank you Daniel. This was amazing in so many ways
. I recognized the music Bizet’s Carmen Toredor Song. I’m not a great opera fan, but music get you up and moving.
Yes, I like 1960’s music and classical music in my local public radio station.
I’m a retired librarian. I did a virtual half marathon-walking on May 30, 2020.
No problem I’m happy you enjoyed
Great interview Daniel! I will look forward to part 2! What product of Ian’s do you use for iodine. The link just takes you to his store. Thanks!
The product is called Perfect iodine!
Wow, this was an amazing interview!
Daniel since you talked so much about iodine, can I ask you about my use case where I’ve been diagnosed with sub-clinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s? I’ve heard in my case I’m not supposed to take iodine. Do you have recommendations/comments for this situation?
Thanks so much
I don’t know all the details and I’m not an expert on hypothyroidism however from my research the most common cause for hypothyroidism is an iodine deficiency! Iodine is an essential nutrient and since most of us are deficient in it it leads to a lot of diseases! I would recommend doing an iodine test to see if your deficient.
Thank you! I will definitely have my 12 and 14-year-old stepson’s listen to this podcast and going to your site as well Daniel. Do you recommend black or green cardamom pods to purchase? I’m still listening to the podcast right now. Lol
Ben, it would definitely be great to have him back on after his new book is published!
Thank you so much! I recommend using green cardamom pods, Your kids are going to love the podcast and the book!!! Thank you for your support!
Hi everyone it is Daniel Bissonnette, Thank you so much for your support and to everyone who purchased my book and for all your comments! I’m reading and replying to every single one,
You’re the best Daniel. Gives me hope about our future generations with leading like you. Stay the path!!
Thank you
Thank you for the amazing interview! Please have Daniel back on. I can’t wait to hear more information.
What are your thoughts on Iodine? My thyroid has been removed due to cancer, do you think my body will absorb the Iodine the way other people with a thyroid would?
I have a lot of information to look at and study.
Thank you so much, one of the functions of the thyroid is converting iodine into iodide since you don’t have your thyroid I would recommend supplementing with iodine and iodide so that you can get both compounds.
There is an issue with the books order form. It is with the expiration date function of the credit card. Thx
Thank you, Just fixed it!
This kid is awesome!!! Bring him back for round 2.
Yes!!!
Ben Love this kid
Round 2
Thank you!!!
This guy is great! Get him back. Where can I find more of his content? Im wondering if he has insights on ayurvedic medicine.
Thank you You can find more of my content here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC594iKyUj_IrFhDcv9NFY0g
You can also pre-order my book here:
http://www.thebiologyofgreatness.com/ben
Hi Daniel, Great stuff!!! I am trying to order your books but there is an error message on the credit card expiration date function. I tried to work around it but cant get anywhere? Thx, Eben
Thank you I just fixed it! Just click my name to order
Daniel, I appreciate how you connect in depth knowledge with naturalistic observation. I would like very much for you to be a regular guest of Ben’s in the coming years.
Thank you, so much
This was amazing!!! I love listening to really smart young people. I already pre-ordered his book. You definitely need to have him on again.
Thank you for your support!!!
Great Interview, sending my appreciation and gratitude to both of you from Germany. Your podcast is being enjoyed here, too. Best regards and have a great weekend. Luke
Awesome
You should have at least 2 more interview with Daniel! Great work both of you ????
Absolutely!
You absolutely have to have Daniel back. He is a remarkable young man. The enthusiasm he projects is contagious.
Thank you so much!
This app I use for increase alpha brain waves flameinmind.com !
Cool I will check it out
This was excellent. I really enjoyed both of you and your discussion. Please have him on again. On a similar note, I got into somavedic products because of Ben and Luke Story’s podcast. Wow are they amazing. I would be curious to hear if Daniel uses one and also more from you on what you notice over time.
I’m happy you enjoyed the interview