In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terrifying calcium score, debilitating angina, and near-widowmaker blockage, Jet found himself out of breath, unable to hike his favorite mountains, and feeling an impending sense of doom.

A reunion — and one shocking scar from a friend’s open-heart surgery — jolted him into action. Jet pivoted from years of high-fat keto eating to a whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free lifestyle inspired by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Within weeks, his symptoms vanished. Within months, he was summiting mountains he hadn’t touched in over a decade. Today, his cholesterol is stellar, his A1C is normal, and he’s hiking peaks he hasn't done in years.

Jet’s story is an inspiring reminder that the body can heal when given the right fuel — and that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Key Topics Covered:

Growing up in the Philippines on a fat and sugar-heavy diet
The moment Jet realized keto was harming — not helping — his heart
How a reunion wake-up call shifted his perspective
The emotional and physical toll of worsening symptoms
Why he finally chose a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle
The shocking improvements in angina, energy, cholesterol, sleep, and mood
His new life of hiking, strength, and vitality at 66
Advice for anyone curious but hesitant to go plant-based

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

https://plantstrong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/

https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/

Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Dermatologist Explains: The Best Skincare Routine, The Science of Skin Cancer, Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Cellulite, Red Light Therapy, and More...

The Jordan Syatt Podcast

Eczema fundamentals and management

The AI-powered Podcast Player