PLANTSTRONG Podcast
Rip Esselstyn
The PLANT STRONG Podcast is for people who want real answers about food, health, and longevity—without the noise, fear, or extremes.
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition and want a path forward that actually supports healing. Maybe you’re an athlete looking to fuel performance and recovery. Maybe you’re a parent trying to escape the ultra-processed food aisle and feed your family real, nourishing meals. Or maybe you’re simply tired of being confused about what “healthy” actually means.
The challenge? Eating more real food can feel overwhelming. You’ve heard warnings about protein, cost, or restriction. You’ve been told it’s complicated, boring, or socially isolating.
This podcast exists to change that.
Each week, host Rip Esselstyn sits down with leading doctors, researchers, athletes, authors, and everyday people who are proving—through lived experience and science—that eating more whole plants and moving your body consistently can deliver powerful, lasting results. We’re not interested in perfection or dogma. We’re here to be extremely practical, extremely evidence-based, and extremely encouraging.
Rip’s work began more than two decades ago, when he helped transform the health of his fellow firefighters using simple, whole foods—guided by the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. That experience launched a lifelong mission to help people reclaim their health through real food and active living, and ultimately led to the creation of PLANT STRONG.
Today, the podcast is an extension of that mission: cutting through misinformation, challenging cultural norms, and showing what’s possible when you fuel your body with food that actually supports it.
You’ll hear conversations about:
Preventing and reversing chronic disease
Strength, endurance, and recovery
Gut health, inflammation, and longevity
Behavior change that actually sticks
How to build habits you can sustain in real life
You’ll also hear about REAL30™—our simple, powerful framework built around consistency, not restriction:
30 days
30 minutes of movement a day
30 different whole plants each week
REAL30 is often where listeners turn inspiration into action—and it’s a recurring thread throughout the show.
This podcast isn’t about being perfect. It’s about eating real food, building real habits, and getting real results. You won’t be weak when you eat strong food.
Welcome to PLANT STRONG.
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition and want a path forward that actually supports healing. Maybe you’re an athlete looking to fuel performance and recovery. Maybe you’re a parent trying to escape the ultra-processed food aisle and feed your family real, nourishing meals. Or maybe you’re simply tired of being confused about what “healthy” actually means.
The challenge? Eating more real food can feel overwhelming. You’ve heard warnings about protein, cost, or restriction. You’ve been told it’s complicated, boring, or socially isolating.
This podcast exists to change that.
Each week, host Rip Esselstyn sits down with leading doctors, researchers, athletes, authors, and everyday people who are proving—through lived experience and science—that eating more whole plants and moving your body consistently can deliver powerful, lasting results. We’re not interested in perfection or dogma. We’re here to be extremely practical, extremely evidence-based, and extremely encouraging.
Rip’s work began more than two decades ago, when he helped transform the health of his fellow firefighters using simple, whole foods—guided by the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. That experience launched a lifelong mission to help people reclaim their health through real food and active living, and ultimately led to the creation of PLANT STRONG.
Today, the podcast is an extension of that mission: cutting through misinformation, challenging cultural norms, and showing what’s possible when you fuel your body with food that actually supports it.
You’ll hear conversations about:
Preventing and reversing chronic disease
Strength, endurance, and recovery
Gut health, inflammation, and longevity
Behavior change that actually sticks
How to build habits you can sustain in real life
You’ll also hear about REAL30™—our simple, powerful framework built around consistency, not restriction:
30 days
30 minutes of movement a day
30 different whole plants each week
REAL30 is often where listeners turn inspiration into action—and it’s a recurring thread throughout the show.
This podcast isn’t about being perfect. It’s about eating real food, building real habits, and getting real results. You won’t be weak when you eat strong food.
Welcome to PLANT STRONG.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 29, 2026 • 58min
Ep. 338: Andrew Schaefer - How This Firefighter Went From Kidney Donor to Kitchen Hero
Andrew Schaefer, an Avon, Ohio firefighter who donated a kidney and switched to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. He recounts rapid recovery after donation, how cooking plant-strong meals at the firehouse transformed his crew, and the role of nutrition in stamina, breathing, and reducing lifestyle-driven medical calls.
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 14min
Ep. 337: Jet Benitez - The Keto Diet Almost Killed Him. So, He Turned to Plants.
Jet Benitez, a 66-year-old former keto devotee, shares his remarkable health transformation after switching to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. Once struggling with angina and high calcium scores, he found renewed vitality post-diet change, allowing him to hike again after years of inactivity. He recounts the emotional wake-up call at a reunion and how the diet led to stunning improvements in his health markers. Jet offers advice for those curious about changing their diets and emphasizes the importance of compassion and joy in helping others adopt healthier habits.
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 29min
Ep. 336: Joe Gagnon - The Simple Formula for a Healthier, More Meaningful Life
Join endurance athlete and author Joe Gagnon, known for his feats like Badwater 135, as he shares his journey from chasing success to living intentionally. He reveals how embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and discusses foundational health pillars like sleep, movement, and community. Joe emphasizes the importance of self-accountability and transforming failures into learning opportunities. His insights on adopting a plant-based lifestyle and finding deeper purpose will inspire you to reflect on what truly matters in life.
16 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 31min
Ep. 335: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz - The Plant Powered Plus Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Path Out of Inflammation
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a renowned gastroenterologist and gut health expert, shares his insights on tackling inflammation through a plant-powered approach. He emphasizes the gut as a key player in chronic disease and reveals his three-phase gut-healing plan. Dr. B discusses the importance of fiber, polyphenols, and fermented foods in promoting gut health. He also explores the emotional connections to physical wellness and shares his personal journey of reconciliation with his father, highlighting that healing starts with mindful dietary choices.
Jan 1, 2026 • 44min
Ep. 334: How to Eat More Real Plants & Stay Consistent: The REAL30™ Essential Guide
Eating healthier shouldn’t feel confusing, overwhelming, or impossible to sustain—and if it ever has, you’re not the problem. In this 30-minute REAL30™ webinar, Rip Esselstyn and Laurie Kortowich introduce a simple, science-backed framework designed to help you eat more real, whole plants and stay consistent without turning your life upside down.The REAL30 is built on three approachable pillars:30 days of simple daily action (progress over perfection)30 minutes of movement per day (any movement counts)30 different plants per week (we count plants, not calories)You’ll learn why plant diversity matters—especially for gut health, energy, metabolism, inflammation, and immune function—and how the “30 plants per week” concept is rooted in research from the American Gut Project. The conversation breaks down what real food actually means, why ultra-processed foods make consistency harder, and how whole plants work with your body’s natural systems (including appetite regulation and gut health).Rip shares powerful real-world stories from the firehouse and lessons learned from his father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, while Laurie brings in insights from the PLANTSTRONG community—showing how quickly people begin to feel better when they focus on adding more of the good stuff instead of restricting.You’ll also walk away with:Simple “bowl-building” meal patterns that work for busy livesPractical examples of how to hit 30+ plants in a day without stressTools to make consistency easier, including free trackers, a plant checklist, and optional meal-planning supportThis isn’t a diet, a cleanse, or a rigid set of rules. It’s a return to real food—built on abundance, simplicity, and momentum.👉 Join the REAL30 for free: Download the tracker and plant checklist at plantstrong.com or Text REAL30 to (833) 541-0194One plate at a time.One plant at a time.One day at a time.Eat strong. Live real.Watch the Webinar on YouTube
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 28min
Ep. 333: Dr. Dawn Mussallem - Expert Diet, Supplement, and Mindset Tips for Breast Cancer Patients (Replay)
This episode originally dropped in October, 2024Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins Rip for an enlightening discussion on the vital role of personalized precision lifestyle medicine in breast cancer prevention and recovery. They dive deep into the importance of nutrition, emphasizing whole food plant-based diets, supplements, and the power of social connections in enhancing health outcomes. Dr. Mussallem shares her insights on various supplements, including the benefits and risks associated with Vitamins D, B12, and the impact of iron during cancer therapies, alongside the benefits of herbs and spices like turmeric and ginger in supporting overall health. The conversation also highlights the significance of sleep hygiene, social connections, and managing stress. While there is no "one size fits all" approach to cancer treatment and recovery, this episode aims to empower listeners to ask questions, seek knowledgable physicians, and prioritize overall physical and emotional health in their recovery.Register for our 2026 April Black Mountain, NC retreat - from now until January 10th, 2026, use code PODCAST for $300 offListen to Part 1 of this Podcast SeriesEpisode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 332: Andrea Freeman - Here's the Real Story Behind What's On Your Plate
Rip sits down with Andrea Freeman, James Beard Award-winning author of Ruin Their Crops on the Ground. Drawing on more than 20 years of research, Andrea unpacks how food, race, and class have shaped America’s food system, exploring the historical roots of inequality that still influence what ends up on our plates today.Their conversation takes listeners on a journey from the Trail of Tears to contemporary food policies, revealing how government decisions and corporate interests have systematically marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poor health and limited access to nutritious food. Andrea’s insights illuminate the ways in which food systems have been—and continue to be—tools of oppression, while also showing how understanding this history empowers us to advocate for meaningful change.Rob and Andrea dive into key topics including:The politics of food and its intersections with race and classFood deserts, systemic barriers, and ongoing food justice challengeThe historical impact of school lunch programs and agricultural subsidiesHow corporate influence shapes dietary guidelines and marketingThe lasting effects of colonial-era food policies on modern dietsAndrea also emphasizes the power of advocacy, inspiring listeners to see food not just as sustenance, but as a reflection of cultural identity and social justice. She encourages critical thinking about the choices available to consumers and how we can support policies that prioritize health and equity over profit.Watch the Episode on YouTubeEpisode WebpageLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
Dec 11, 2025 • 54min
Ep. 331: Chuck Carroll - What Happens When You Do Everything Right… and Still Get Sick?
Chuck Carroll, a plant-based advocate and host of the Exam Room Podcast, shares his inspiring health journey from fast food junkie to fitness advocate. He reveals the emotional challenges of navigating a chronic illness despite his healthy lifestyle. Listeners learn about his transformation, the struggles of dealing with mysterious health issues, and the importance of community support. Chuck emphasizes the need for transparency in health journeys, proving that healing is as much about emotional strength as it is about physical wellness.
Dec 4, 2025 • 59min
Ep. 330: What Happens When Employers Prioritize Real Food Over Quick Fixes
What happens when a company decides to put real food at the center of employee wellness? In this powerful episode, Rip sits down with the team at Central Garden & Pet, a 7,000-employee organization that has taken a radically forward-thinking approach to improving the health of its people. Their partnership with PLANTSTRONG by Metabite has produced clinical-level outcomes — without drugs, deprivation, or pressure to “go vegan.”Rip is joined by Dawn Hutchins, Central’s Director of Plant-Based Nutrition, who shares how the program was born, what she learned from a year of research and focus groups, and why this isn’t a “check-the-box” wellness initiative. She breaks down how the program works — from smart devices and at-home blood testing to weekly coaching, short video lessons, cooking demos, AI support, and a thriving alumni community.You’ll also hear from two inspiring graduates, Vicky and Dan, who reveal what motivated them to join, the fears they had going in, and the surprising shifts they experienced as they added more plants to their plates. Their stories underscore a simple truth: when people feel supported, connected, and empowered with real tools, transformation follows.If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or anyone curious about the future of Food as Medicine, this episode offers a clear and inspiring blueprint for what’s possible when nutrition becomes the foundation of workplace wellness.Plant Strong by Metabite Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness-solution/ Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
Nov 27, 2025 • 14min
Ep. 329: A Tribute to Trailblazers - Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins
Today, on what is a day of Thanksgiving here in the United States, we want to take a few minutes to honor three extraordinary men—Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins—who we’ve recently lost. These weren’t just leaders in the whole food, plant-based movement—they were trailblazers, mentors, and fearless advocates for health and hope.Dr. McDougall taught us that food is medicine and that living your principles matters more than pleasing critics. Dr. Montgomery showed us the power of compassion in medicine and the importance of giving everyone access to real, whole-food nutrition. And John Robbins…he opened hearts and minds, inspiring millions to think deeply about how our choices on the plate affect the world.So today, as we continue their work, let’s remember: living plant strong is about courage, consistency, and compassion -and- it’s about taking their message and carrying it forward in our own lives and communities.They didn’t just teach us about health—they gave us hope. For that, we're thankful.Watch the short tribute on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
