<p>Bio by Rick Olson</p><p><br></p><p>I’m an author, TEDx speaker, Distinguished Toastmaster, award-winning humorous speaker, and Salesforce Certified Professional. </p><p>I’ve been married to the same wonderful woman for 35 years, and we’ve been through thick and thin together, literally and figuratively. My struggle with weight started early. My first diet was in 3rd grade, and by 6th grade, I was on NutriSystem at 200 pounds. That cycle of losing and regaining followed me into adulthood. About 10 years ago, everything came to a head when I landed in the ICU with a saddle embolism. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, and left the hospital weighing 360 pounds.</p><p>Since then, I have had some success with low-carb, keto, intermittent fasting, and ADF. I’d lose and get down to 280 or so, but I would end up gaining it back. I kept asking myself: I know what to do, so why can’t I do it? Everything began to shift in October 2024 when I attended a workshop called <em>The Stories We Live By</em>. It helped me see how deeply my identity was shaped by the story of “being fat.” For the first time, I approached change with curiosity instead of criticism. Istarted studying my own patterns. What worked, what didn’t. When did I have motivation, when did I lose it. Instead of following someone else’s plan, I built a system around how I’m wired. One key realisation: I thrive on external accountability. So instead of fighting that, I leaned into it and started documenting my journey publicly on my YouTube channel, @just<em>belessfat</em>. Since launching in November 2025, I’ve lost about 50 pounds. More importantly, I’ve shifted from shame and frustration to a sense of daily progress.</p><p>I still face challenges, but thanks to the lens of self-curiosity, I learn and adjust.</p><p> </p><p></p><p>Join Graeme&#39;s Patreon and get accountability and support.</p><p>www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway</p><p>Website to book a one-on-one call.</p><p>www.thefastinghighway.com.</p><p>To buy the book The Fasting Highway your local Amazon store, or any good online book seller. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Disclaimer -The views in this podcast are those of the guest and host only and should not be taken as direct medical advice. Please consult your health professional before beginning any health plan.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br></p>