John Lewis talks about his new documentary “They’re trying to kill us”
As a well renowned fitness expert, John Lewis has spent over 2 decades in the health and fitness industry and played Division I College basketball. John is highly passionate about not only his own health and fitness, but that of others as well. Today, John has taken his passion for health and is now directing his first feature length documentary focused on food and social justice. John has teamed up with the maker of the award winning “What The Health” to create their joint venture “They’re Trying To Kill US”. The film follows co-director John Lewis from his beginnings as an adopted child from a crack-addicted birth mother, growing up as an overweight kid in the violence of Ferguson, Missouri, to becoming a prominent health and wellness advocate promoting compassion.
Audiences journey with John as he crosses the country seeking answers to why Americans of Color suffer from disproportionately higher rates of chronic disease than their European American counterparts, while examining the intersections of food, disease, race, poverty, institutional racism and government corruption. Through interviews with cultural influencers, doctors, researchers, politicians, attorneys, professional athletes, activists and experts in the field of food justice, John begins to unravel a story of collusion that has kept millions of US Americans sick, while the industries responsible make billions of dollars.
“It was a lot of research for the film like, it took us 5 years to make it… we researched, we fact-checked… the insurance companies and the fast food companies are in cahoots with each other… and the government said that’s cool.”
Today, Nicolette engages in a conversation with John Lewis, delving into his remarkable journey from playing basketball to finding a new path towards wellness and purpose. The journey commenced in 2004 when the passing of a close friend compelled him to seek solutions for his own health issues, including IBS. By adopting a plant-based diet, he experienced a remarkable transformation within a mere two weeks, shedding inflammation and gaining newfound energy. However, the pivotal moment arrived when his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, sparking his research into the link between lifestyle choices and diseases such as hypertension and heart disease.
Through personal experiences and learning from the mistakes of others, he uncovered the ancient roots of veganism in Jainism, realizing that indigenous cultures had long embraced plant-based lifestyles. Along his path, he encountered pre-packaged vegan foods, which prompted him to transition towards whole foods, expanding his palate and understanding of diverse culinary traditions. Embracing his role as a catalyst for change, he founded the Badass Vegan movement, advocating for the planet, social justice, and personal well-being.
With a focus on providing answers and promoting inclusivity, John tackles various topics, ranging from the disproportionate impact of food-related issues on Black communities to the manipulative tactics employed by insurance and fast-food companies. Through his film, "They're Trying to Kill Us," and his book, "Badass Vegan," his aim is to empower individuals to fuel their bodies, challenge the system, and live authentically. Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the history of veganism and discover how embracing a plant-based lifestyle can foster healing for ourselves and the world we inhabit. Remember, your "why" will serve as your guiding force on this path of transformation. Get ready to effect positive change and unleash your inner badass.