| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Brendan Ruh |
| Height: | 5'8" (173 cm) |
| Education: | Palo Alto High School (Diploma) University of California, Santa Cruz (BA), Medical Anthropology |
| Subscribers: | 597K |
| Views: | 369,825,854 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $369.8K - $1.8M |
| Videos: | 2143 |
| Channel Created: | February 2022 |
Overview
Brendan Ruh is an American entrepreneur and health influencer who founded Santa Cruz Medicinals and Santa Cruz Paleo, known for his background in medical anthropology, advocacy for ancestral health and whole foods, and his distinctive, sometimes controversial, grassroots marketing approach.
Latest News (Feb 8, 2026): Brendan Schmidt recently uploaded a recipe video titled 'He said what?!' where he demonstrated making a healthy version of buttermilk chicken using organic corn flakes and his brand's Paleo Blend seasoning. He remains highly active on TikTok and Instagram, where his signature 'trash' series continues to critique processed foods while promoting natural health alternatives.
Early Life and Education
Brendan Ruh was born on August 9, 1992, in Santa Cruz, California. In his youth, he experienced a period of struggle with substance abuse, a challenging time that was compounded by the loss of friends. This period of his life and his subsequent path to a healthier lifestyle have been discussed in various podcast appearances.
Ruh attended the University of California-Santa Cruz, where he pursued studies in medical anthropology and public health. His academic focus on how different cultures approach health and wellness, combined with a personal interest in ancestral health, laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial endeavors. A visit to a dermatologist at age 18, who dismissed the connection between diet and skin health, further fueled his interest in alternative health perspectives.
Career Beginnings
Before establishing his own companies, Brendan Ruh gained experience in the health and wellness industry. He worked for Health Ade Kombucha, a role that provided him with insights into the business of health-focused products. He also worked in a lab at a large cannabis extraction company. This experience was formative, as it was during this time that he began researching CBD and other cannabinoids.
Through his research, Ruh concluded that many CBD products on the market did not contain the effective doses he believed were necessary for optimal benefits. This realization, coupled with his background in medical anthropology and interest in ancestral wellness, inspired him to create his own line of health products.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Brendan Ruh is the founder of two health and wellness companies: Santa Cruz Medicinals and Santa Cruz Paleo. Santa Cruz Medicinals was his first venture, born from his research into CBD. The company focuses on providing high-quality, potent CBD products. Following the establishment of Santa Cruz Medicinals, Ruh launched Santa Cruz Paleo, expanding his product line to include paleo and keto-friendly snacks, functional foods, and other supplements.
Both companies operate on a direct-to-consumer model, which allows for competitive pricing while maintaining control over product quality. A core tenet of his business philosophy is an “ingredient first” mentality, with an emphasis on using high-quality components in his products.
Health and Wellness Influence
Brendan Ruh is a prominent health influencer who utilizes his YouTube channel and other social media platforms to disseminate his views on nutrition and wellness. A significant portion of his content is dedicated to providing free and useful information, including recipes and health tips. He has stated that product-focused posts make up a smaller percentage of his overall content.
His content often delves into controversial health topics, where he engages in debates on subjects such as the consumption of raw milk, the use of seed oils, and the efficacy of sunscreens. Through his platform, he advocates for a lifestyle that prioritizes whole foods and natural products, often questioning mainstream dietary and health advice.
Controversies and Public Reception
Brendan Ruh’s approach to health advocacy has been described as unconventional and, at times, controversial. He is known for his “grassroots—and slightly antagonistic—approach” to marketing. This includes filming viral videos where he stands outside fast-food establishments like McDonald’s and Crumbl Cookie, offering people money to not purchase what he considers unhealthy food.
These tactics have garnered a mixed reception. Critics have described his methods as “judgmental” or “intense”. However, his followers often view him as a “health-and-wellness version of a modern-day vigilante”. His willingness to challenge mainstream health narratives has cultivated a loyal community around his brand.
Personal Life
Brendan Ruh is married. He has mentioned in interviews that his wife and their dog help him to disconnect from the demands of his online presence. He has also spoken about his past struggles with dopamine addiction and the importance of balancing social media with his personal life.