Rip Esselstyn

Rip Esselstyn, a three-time NCAA All-American swimmer and passionate advocate for plant-based living, shares his journey transforming health and lifestyles with a whole-food, plant-based diet. He discusses the gut microbiome's crucial role in health, the intersection of personal well-being and environmental sustainability, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy plant-based diet amid processed options. Rip also highlights his commitment to community support and practical steps for embracing plant-based living, inspiring listeners to join the movement.

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