Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth – Episode 2660: Dr. Autumn Smith
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews
Guest: Dr. Autumn Smith, Founder of Paleo Valley
Introduction and Dr. Autumn Smith’s Journey (00:00 – 03:14)
The episode kicks off with the introduction of Dr. Autumn Smith, the founder of Paleo Valley. Dr. Smith shares her personal journey from battling chronic digestive and mental health issues to discovering the transformative power of diet. Growing up in Montana, Dr. Smith faced unresolved digestive problems from the age of ten, which eventually led to mental health struggles, including an eating disorder and substance abuse during her teen years.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (01:31):
"When I changed my diet, it was probably... learning to stabilize my blood sugar too. I think that was a huge piece for me."
Her breakthrough came in the early 2000s when she eliminated processed foods, gluten, and dairy from her diet, resulting in the complete resolution of her digestive issues within 30 days. This profound improvement inspired her to delve deeper into the relationship between food and health, leading to the founding of Paleo Valley after touring with pop star J.Lo.
Transition from Fitness Trainer to Holistic Health Advocate (03:14 – 05:17)
Dr. Smith discusses her transition from working as a fitness trainer for Tracy Anderson to pursuing holistic health studies. Dissatisfied with traditional fitness and nutritional advice, she strategically chose holistic programs at Hawthorne University and the American College of Healthcare Sciences to gain a deeper understanding of nutrition and its impact on health.
Notable Quote:
Justin Andrews (03:14):
"So you were a trainer and then did you go back to school? Is that what you did?"
Dr. Autumn Smith (03:37):
"I chose it very strategically because I knew what had worked for me and not worked for me."
Her academic pursuits reinforced her belief that calories are not just numbers but components that affect the body differently, leading her to advocate for whole foods over processed alternatives.
Dietary Changes and Their Impact on Gut and Mental Health (05:17 – 09:07)
Dr. Smith elaborates on the specific dietary changes she implemented to overcome her health issues. Eliminating gluten, dairy, processed foods, and caffeine was pivotal in improving her gut health, which in turn had a profound positive effect on her mental well-being. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of gut health and mental health, noting that inflammation from certain foods like gluten can trigger anxiety and depression.
Notable Quote:
Adam Schaefer (09:07):
"You have to see, the fatty acid profile's got to make a big difference for me."
The stabilization of her blood sugar levels contributed to emotional stability, reducing her anxiety and depression and fostering a newfound sense of enthusiasm and peace.
Paleo Valley’s Fermented Meat Sticks: A Superior Alternative (10:29 – 14:18)
One of the flagship products discussed is Paleo Valley’s fermented meat sticks. Dr. Smith explains the limitations of conventional meat sticks, which often contain gluten, sugar, and preservatives like encapsulated citric acid. In contrast, Paleo Valley’s meat sticks undergo a fermentation process that enhances flavor, digestibility, and nutritional value without relying on harmful additives.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (10:53):
"It's the fermentation process that breaks down the meat and gives it a tender, juicy texture."
This meticulous process not only improves taste but also aligns with their mission to provide health-conscious consumers with high-quality, minimally processed meat products.
Regenerative Farming: Beyond Sustainability (18:44 – 27:03)
A significant portion of the discussion delves into regenerative farming practices. Dr. Smith distinguishes regenerative farming from conventional and sustainable farming by highlighting its focus on rehabilitating and enhancing soil health rather than merely preventing further degradation.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (20:00):
"Regenerative means to return the land to a higher state of health, using metrics like soil health, biodiversity, and water holding capacity."
Key principles include minimal disturbance of the soil, integrating livestock as natural fertilizers, and cyclically rotating animals across different paddocks to mimic predator-prey dynamics. These practices not only sequester carbon but also restore microbial life critical for nutrient cycling and soil vitality.
Nutritional Superiority of Grass-Fed and Regenerative Meats (33:04 – 35:15)
Dr. Smith shares insights from her dissertation, which analyzed the nutritional profiles of various meat production methods. Grass-fed and regeneratively raised meats were found to have significantly higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, a better Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, and increased minerals such as selenium, copper, calcium, and iron compared to grain-fed counterparts.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (34:27):
"Grass-fed grass finished beef has about a 2 to 1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, compared to 8 to 1 in grain-finished beef."
These nutritional enhancements not only contribute to reduced inflammation and better overall health but also support sustainable environmental practices.
Challenges in Certification and Market Differentiation (30:57 – 32:44)
The conversation addresses the difficulties consumers face in identifying truly grass-fed and regenerative meats due to the lack of stringent regulations since 2016. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of certifications from organizations like the American Grass Fed Association (AGA) to ensure product integrity.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (32:44):
"American Grass Fed Association is the one that I trust. They go in and verify the practices."
Despite the prevalence of misleading labels, Paleo Valley maintains transparency and authenticity through rigorous third-party audits, setting themselves apart in a crowded market.
Bone Broth Protein vs. Collagen Protein (52:20 – 55:55)
Dr. Smith differentiates between bone broth protein and conventional collagen protein. While both provide collagen, bone broth encompasses a wider array of nutrients, including electrolytes, minerals, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin, making it a more holistic supplement.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (52:49):
"Bone broth contains collagen, gelatin, electrolytes, and other healing compounds, whereas collagen protein is typically more industrially processed and limited in scope."
This comprehensive nutrient profile supports gut health, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being, aligning with Paleo Valley’s health-centric philosophy.
Organ Complex and Nutrient Density (54:58 – 58:46)
The discussion moves to the benefits of organ meats, which are the most nutrient-dense foods available. Dr. Smith explains that organ meats like liver, heart, and kidney are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in modern diets.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (54:28):
"Organ meats are the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, providing bioavailable forms of calcium, iron, zinc, B12, and vitamin A."
Paleo Valley’s Organ Complex includes freeze-dried liver, heart, and kidney, offering a convenient way for consumers to incorporate these vital nutrients into their diets.
Business Insights: Building a Quality-Focused Brand (47:22 – 59:37)
Dr. Smith shares Paleo Valley’s business philosophy centered on quality over quantity. By focusing on keystone products and investing in their supply chain, including building their own bone broth manufacturing facility, Paleo Valley ensures product excellence and sustainability.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (48:45):
"We are perfectionists. We invest heavily in what's working and ensure that our products are something we genuinely want to consume."
Their strategic approach, coupled with effective online marketing led by Dr. Smith’s husband, has allowed Paleo Valley to thrive in a competitive market by targeting health-conscious consumers who value transparency and quality.
Upcoming Products and Future Plans (75:37 – 76:32)
Looking ahead, Paleo Valley is set to launch a bone broth-based sleep formula titled "Strawberries and Cream," enriched with ingredients like chamomile, tart cherry, and tomato-derived melatonin. This product aims to leverage the natural benefits of glycine for improved sleep quality.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (75:37):
"Our sleep formula combines bone broth with chamomile, tart cherry, and tomato-derived melatonin to enhance sleep quality naturally."
Additionally, plans for savory flavors and turmeric ginger variants are in the pipeline, catering to diverse consumer preferences and expanding their product range.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (76:32 – End)
The episode wraps up with Dr. Smith expressing her enthusiasm for Paleo Valley’s mission to transform health through high-quality, minimally processed animal products. The hosts commend her dedication and the tangible impact her products have had on her own health and those of her consumers.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Autumn Smith (76:33):
"It literally changed my life, and I’m dedicated to helping others achieve the same level of health and well-being."
The hosts encourage listeners to explore Paleo Valley’s offerings and appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship behind their products.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Health: Diet profoundly impacts both gut and mental health, with whole foods and elimination of processed ingredients playing a crucial role.
- Product Excellence: Paleo Valley’s fermented meat sticks and bone broth protein offer superior taste and nutritional benefits compared to conventional alternatives.
- Sustainable Practices: Regenerative farming enhances soil health, sequesters carbon, and produces nutritionally superior meats.
- Transparency and Certification: Rigorous third-party certifications ensure product authenticity in a market rife with misleading labels.
- Nutrient Density: Organ meats provide essential, bioavailable nutrients that are often missing in modern diets.
- Business Philosophy: Focus on quality, strategic investment in supply chains, and targeted marketing are key to building a successful health-focused brand.
Follow Paleo Valley and Mind Pump:
- Instagram: @mindpumpmedia, @mindpumpsal, @mindpumpadam, @mindpumpjustin, @mindpumpdoug
- Website: mindpumppodcast.com
- Products: mapsfitnessproducts.com
This summary captures the essence of Episode 2660, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, insights, and conclusions shared by Dr. Autumn Smith and the Mind Pump hosts.