Joaquin Phoenix Produced Documentary Drops: Inside the Story of the Baskin-Robbins Heir Who Said "No Thanks" to a Billion-Dollar Empire

Imagine being born into an ice cream dynasty. Your dad co-founded one of the world’s biggest frozen treat empires, you’re set for life, and unlimited access to all the ice cream you could dream of. Sounds perfect, right? Not if you’re John Robbins.

The Unexpected Plot Twist: Fortune vs. Principles

Here’s where the story gets wild. As the sole heir to the Baskin-Robbins fortune, John Robbins had everything handed to him on a silver spoon. Money, status, power—you name it. But in his early 20s, something shifted. He started questioning the company’s practices and couldn’t ignore the reality of animal mistreatment, the health impacts of sugar and dairy consumption, and the environmental toll of factory farming.

Instead of waiting to take over the empire, John made a decision that shocked everyone: he walked away. Completely. He traded his life of privilege for a log cabin off the grid on a remote Canadian island. Talk about choosing integrity over wealth.

Love Over Money: A Story of Redemption and Transformation

This remarkable journey is now the center of a powerful new documentary titled Love Over Money, produced by acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix alongside Food Matters. The film chronicles not just John’s radical life choice, but his evolving relationship with his father and the fate of the global Baskin-Robbins business empire—all through the lens of what happens when you prioritize love and moral conviction over money.

The documentary explores a profound question: What does it really mean to have everything, and what does it cost to walk away from it all?

Available Now on Gaia: Here’s How to Watch

Love Over Money premiered globally on Gaia starting Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. MT, available exclusively for early access on Gaia.com. Members can stream it immediately in English, French, Spanish, and German.

If you’re not a Gaia member yet, no worries. The platform is offering a limited-time free online premiere for non-members from Monday, June 10 through Tuesday, June 18. During the free screening, viewers get an exclusive offer: join Gaia with an annual subscription for just $99, which includes full access to the documentary, behind-the-scenes interviews, a marketplace gift card, and bonus access to John Robbins’ Unlocking Longevity course.

Why This Story Matters Right Now

In a world obsessed with accumulating wealth and status, Love Over Money serves as a powerful reminder that there’s another path. The documentary has already been described by self-empowerment expert Tony Robbins as “a powerful story filled with purpose, passion, and heart.”

According to Gaia CEO James Colquhoun, “We’ve brought this film to Gaia to serve as a beacon of hope and inspire viewers to know that through aligned action, they are capable of creating a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.”

Whether you’re questioning your own choices, exploring ethical consumption, or simply drawn to extraordinary personal stories, this is one documentary that’s generating serious buzz. The fact that Joaquin Phoenix produced it only adds to the intrigue.

Mark your calendars—Love Over Money is redefining what it means to choose purpose over profit.