Who is Darin Olien? Meet the author and Zac Efron's pal who features in Netflix's Down to Earth
The latest docu-series from Netflix sees Zac Efron trotting around the globe seeking healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices.
From Costa Rica to Iceland to Peru, all corners of the earth are scoured on his search, satisfying the wanderlust of many housebound viewers.
But Efron didn't journey alone, as he is also joined by co-presenter Darin Olien.
The author and wellness guru is well-versed in the concepts behind healthy living, so makes a natural companion for Efron.
If you're curious to find out more, we've compiled this handy list to help you get to know Netflix's latest sensation.
Who is Darin Olien?
Minnesota-born Olien was in fact the catalyst for the series, and served as an executive producer over its 10 episodes.
A post shared by Darin Olien (@_darinolien) on Jul 12, 2020 at 9:19pm PDT
Efron describes his friend as a "guru of healthy living and superfoods," whereas Olien's own website lists him as a "widely recognized exotic superfoods hunter, supplement formulator" and author.
Others have described him as the “Indiana Jones of superfoods,” due to his habit of scouring the globe for exotic edibles.
As is demonstrated by his Instagram, Olien is also very much a dog person. His faithful companion Chaga rarely seems to leave his side.
A post shared by Darin Olien (@_darinolien) on Feb 12, 2020 at 6:37pm PST
Last but not least, Olien is also a well-known vegan - although he has pointed out that he doesn't expect this of everyone, and thinks that people should only eat what works for them.
What does he do?
Olien is a long-established businessman, and originally formulated Shakeology - one of America's biggest superfood shakes. He also co-created BeachBody’s plant-based Ultimate Reset 21-day detox programme.
In 2017 he compiled his expertise into his own guide for maintaining a healthy lifestyle: SuperLife: The 5 Forces That Will Make you Healthy, Fit, and Eternally Awesome.
He has also created a health app - Tribed - and works as an adviser for P5 Energy, who research renewable energy systems.
Olien also spends a lot of his time doing exactly what he does in Down to Earth - travelling around the world seeking under-utilised superfoods and medicinal cures.
A post shared by Darin Olien (@_darinolien) on Apr 17, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT
On a trip to the Cerrado region of Brazil, Olien realised the potential of the Barùkas nut - a superfood well-known to indigenous tribes but less so to the wider world.
He now markets and distributes the nut, which he claims contains specific micronutrients, across the US.
How does he know Zac Efron?
Efron allegedly reached out to Olien after hearing him speak on a podcast.
The pair clearly get along well, with Olien referring to Efron as his "little bro" in a recent Instagram post.
Is he married?
Olien was previously married to Eliza Coupe, the American actress and comedian known for her roles in Happy Endings and Scrubs.
The pair were wed in 2014, but filed for divorce in 2018, with no children together.
