A cornerstone of this podcast is celebrating the power of a plant-based lifestyle. Today we do just that with one of the movement’s most influential founding fathers.That father is none other than the great Plantstrong pioneer himself, Rip Esselstyn—returning for his second appearance on the podcast for a continuing dissertation on all things plants.If you caught our first conversation in December of 2017 (RRP 336), you already know Rip and I go way back. As swimmers we crossed paths as teens, later as college rivals, then decades thereafter as plant-based athlete and advocate allies. From the outset of my journey, he’s been a steady source of inspiration, encouragement and wisdom. An incredible mentor. A lighthouse. A loyal friend.For those unfamiliar, Rip was a three-time NCAA All-American backstroker at the University of Texas. After graduation, he spent a decade as one of the premier triathletes in the world. He then joined the Austin Fire Department where he introduced his passion for a whole-food, plant-based diet to Austin’s Engine 2 Firehouse in order to rescue a firefighting brother’s health. To document his success he wrote the national bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet, which shows the irrefutable connection between a plant-based diet and good health.Thus began an illustrious career as a multiple New York Times bestselling author, in demand public speaker, health advocate, and food entrepreneur—catapulting the fledgling plant-based movement into mainstream adoption.Not enough? At age 56, Rip broke the master’s world record in the 200-meter backstroke.Today we pick up where we left things in 2017. More Rip. More plants. More awesome.Given Rip’s OG status, it was only fitting that today’s exchange was conducted OG style. No fancy studio. No cameras. Just two guys and two mics seated at Rip’s breakfast table in Austin. An old school, back-in-the-day podcast.Of course, we discuss the many benefits of a whole food plant-based diet—the Planstrong lifestyle as he calls it.In addition, we review the exploding popularity of this movement. How to rewrite your relationship with food in the new year. Plant fueling strategies to perform athletically. And how to leverage the nascent power within to positively and sustainably change our lifestyles for the better.We also dissect his recent world record-setting swim. What the future of the plant-based movement looks like. And the story behind his brand new food company titled, of course, PLANTSTRONG.To read more, click here. You can also listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify.Stick around to the end, because things take a compelling turn towards the spiritual and esoteric—personally my favorite part of this conversation.As you will soon discover, Rip is a good dude. A loyal, solid friend. And sincerely passionate about helping people eat and live better.Peace + Plants,Rich

Rip Esselstyn, author and host of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, discusses the importance of plant-based protein and debunking the protein deficiency myth. He highlights the benefits of a whole food plant-based lifestyle, including improved weight management and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Plants provide the ideal amount of protein without burdening the body.

In this podcast, Rip Esselstyn discusses the importance of small changes for big results. He highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet and addresses the challenges of making significant changes. Rip emphasizes the need to start small and gradually work towards larger goals, using examples of weight loss and exercise. He discourages the overwhelming desire for immediate results and encourages consistent, meaningful steps for long-term success.

Rip Esselstyn, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Rob Ostfeld, and Dr. Michelle McMacken discuss surprising family genetics, saturated fat in oils, a study on whole-fat dairy, a NYC plant-first hospital food program, the impact of plant-based diets on hospital patients, and the link between erectile dysfunction and heart health.

Friend, mentor and original Plantstrong pioneer Rip Esselstyn and I go way back.Both swimmers, we crossed paths at many a meet — as young teens and later as collegiate rivals (Rip was always far more accomplished than I). During the early stages of my transition to a plant-based diet, I vividly recall perusing Facebook when I stumbled upon Rip, who just happened to be on the precipice of publishing his first book on the very subject I was attempting to master. From that moment forward, Rip became a lighthouse — illuminating my path as a generous friend and cheerleader always available to share his knowledge, experience and inspiration.Today, Rip (finally) joins the podcast to share that knowledge, experience and inspiration with you — a hotly anticipated master course on the incredible power of a whole-food, plant-based diet to prevent and reverse disease, promote optimal health, and fuel your athletic dreams.Educated at the University of Texas at Austin, Rip was a three-time All-American swimmer before spending a decade as one of the premier professional triathletes in the world. He then joined the Austin Fire Department where he introduced his passion for a whole-food, plant-based diet to Austin’s Engine 2 Firehouse in order to rescue a firefighting brother’s health. To document his success he wrote the New York Times' bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet, which demonstrates the irrefutable connection between a plant-based diet and good health.Rip left his job as a firefighter in 2009 to team up with Whole Foods Market as one of their Healthy Eating Partners to raise awareness for Whole Foods employees, customers and communities about the benefits of eating a plant-strong diet. As the founder of Engine 2, Rip develops and implements a range of programs and events geared toward education, inspiring and nurturing plant-strong living for individuals, families and organizations across the globe.A New York Times bestselling author of four books, Rip has appeared on hundreds of radio and national television shows, including the Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show. Each year his family produces a series of all-inclusive, immersive events, culminating in Camp Plantstock — an extraordinary experience I highly recommend to anyone looking to reboot their lifestyle. Finally, Rip's newest book, The Engine 2 Cookbook hits bookstores everywhere on December 26, 2017.This is a conversation I’ve been anticipating since the first episode of this podcastEnjoy!Rich