The Oldest Cure in the World

Adventures in the Art and Science of Fasting

By: Steve Hendricks

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

A journalist takes listeners into the science and history of intermittent fasting, an ancient practice in the middle of a red-hot resurgence, exploring the body's power to heal itself.

One in ten American adults tried intermittent fasting last year, and they may be on to something. The latest research shows that fasting repairs cellular damage, improves the outcomes for chemotherapy patients, and helps with keeping a healthy weight, leading to a resurgence in recent years.

Journalist Steve Hendricks’s The Oldest Cure in the World tells the history of fasting—from the ancient world (Jesus treated an epileptic with fasting) to its rediscovery centuries later, thanks in part to a heartbroken doctor who resolved to starve himself to death only to find renewed vigor—and become a media celebrity in the process. Hendricks introduces us to the people who are reviving this long-lost remedy, including open-minded doctors who have explored and practiced fasting despite the medical establishment's resistance over the centuries and everyday people eager for a cure to what ails them.

The Oldest Cure in the World is a smart narrative look at a very hot topic, offering a fascinating look at the science behind the counterintuitive concept of going without food for our health, and chronicling the author’s own illuminating and entertaining forays into fasting.

©2022 Steve Hendricks (P)2022 Podium Audio

Best mentor during your next fast

I was planning to do a long fast but wanted a little support to put me in mood without spending thousands of euros in retreats. I couldn’t find a better mentor than this book.

The book became my friend during my fast. Explained to me the history, shared amazing stories, and dived into science of fasting in a very personable and often funny way.

I love it. Hope you too.

Excellent perspective of healthcare today

Excellent historical and overall perspective of fasting along with the health crises today. As a health care provider I have been very moved by the content and agree it is an area the requires more research.

Absolutely Fantastic!!!

Listen to this book if you want to learn the truth about how our amazing bodies can heal.

Awesome book!

Thoroughly enjoyed this informative, amusing story. The author's word choice and writing style were entertaining and kept the listener enthralled. I highly recommend to those already fasting daily like me as well as to those who have no information or inclination on the subject.

Fascinating book, one of a kind

Excellent storytelling from a master of his craft. The author turned his cover story for Harper’s in 2010 into this book. Erudite, yet accessible, it’s a tale worth reading/hearing if you have an interest in personal health, nutrition, and non-traditional medical curatives.

The reader does a fine job as well. I’ll have to keep an eye out for him.

A note to the producers: please mind the sibilance.

Great Information

Loved the history of fasting. Author’s turn of phrase and story telling made this a very enjoyable listen!

Not quite scientific

Very interesting, and well researched. My problem is that the author fundamentally doesn't understand the definition of scientific evidence. He correctly states at some point that many anecdotes should encourage proper studies, but incorrectly concludes that these anecdotes themselves provide actionable scientific evidence

Great listen!

To your health! Best health advise I have heard in years. Well researched and presented!

This masterpiece is life changing.

This masterpiece is truly life changing I only hope I have the discipline inside to not give in to old tethers of unrealistic culinary decadence and abundance.
My paradigm has mutated because of your excellent work,
Thank you.

Starts slow, second half is great.

Highly recommend read for those who are disciplined and on a mission of change or those who want to learn what appears to be a real success story.