PLANTSTRONG Podcast
Rip Esselstyn
People become curious about whole food, plant-based nutrition for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, or another chronic disease and you know (or you’ve been told) that this is your best shot at healing your body. You may be an athlete looking to maximize your performance and recovery with the power of plant-based nutrition, or you’re a parent who wants to escape the processed food aisle and start feeding your children real, nourishing foods. Perhaps you are concerned about climate change and the profound negative impact that animal agriculture has on the planet.
The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones.
Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING.
As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living.
Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength.
Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment.
You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food.
We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.
The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones.
Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING.
As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living.
Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength.
Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment.
You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food.
We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 325: Nikki Boes - Why The World Needs More Imperfect Vegans
In a lively chat, Nikki Boes, the humorous vegan influencer behind @vegan_af_, shares her personal journey to plant-based living and how humor helps her tackle online trolls. She discusses the challenges of raising teens in a social media world and the importance of being an 'imperfect vegan.' From creative kitchen hacks like refrigerating peanut butter upside down to her favorite snack combo of seaweed, pickles, and hot mustard, Nikki proves veganism can be fun and accessible. Her insights on body image and advocating for animal welfare add depth to her engaging narrative.
Oct 23, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 324: Marlene Skiver and Dr. Laurie Marbas - After a Lifetime of Caring for Others, She’s Finally Caring for Herself
In this powerful before and after episode, Rip and Dr. Laurie Marbas introduce us to, Marlene Skiver, who’s goal is to reclaim her health through the power of plants.Marlene has faced her share of challenges — from pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and Hashimoto’s disease, to the stress that followed retirement and the loss of loved ones. But instead of giving in, she’s choosing to fight back — fork in hand.Together, Marlene and Dr. Marbas explore the root causes of her chronic disease, including insulin resistance, and what really happens when you stop treating symptoms and start addressing the foundation: food, stress, and lifestyle.Dr. Marbas reviews Marlene’s current labs and we get a front-row seat to her early progress after adopting a more whole food, plant-strong approach. With every plant-powered meal, she’s already seeing her blood sugar and blood pressure start to drop. This episode is more than just numbers — it’s about resilience, self-care, and rediscovering joy through food that loves you back. Tune in to hear how small, consistent changes can create big-time results, and get ready to follow along as we see what happens next on Marlene’s plant-strong journey.Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/marlene-skiverWatch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EeaiaKEPoDI
Oct 16, 2025 • 54min
Ep. 323: Dr. Tila Kansagra - How Lifestyle Medicine Heals Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Burnout
We all know the saying, “the body keeps the score,” and this week’s guest, Dr. Tila Kansagra, has lived it — and now helps others heal from it.A UK-based general practitioner and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kansagra brings compassion, lived experience, and evidence-based practice together to help her patients move beyond symptoms and toward true wellness.In this conversation, we dive into her personal journey with familial trauma, her passion for plant-based nutrition, and how the six pillars of lifestyle medicine — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, connection, and avoidance of risky substances — can transform lives.Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, burnout, or just want to live stronger and more intentionally, Dr. Kansagra’s story will remind you that healing starts when you care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.Key Takeaways:How trauma and lived experience shaped Dr. Kansagra’s approach to medicineWhy empathy and connection are essential tools for healingThe definitions and diagnosis of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgiaThe role of plant-based nutrition in helping to reverse chronic fatigue and restore energyHow lifestyle medicine empowers patients to take control of their healthPractical steps to build resilience and vitalityWatch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FLJ1BwO5mA Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/dr-tila-kansagraLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ 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 Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.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
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italiana
In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of Pura Vita—the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the U.S.—and writer Gene Stone, co-author of Vegana Italiana. Together, they dive into the passion and purpose behind their brand-new cookbook, which transforms beloved Italian classics into bold, satisfying vegan dishes.Tara shares her journey from growing up in a big Italian family in New York, where food and tradition were always at the center, to making the choice to go vegan at just twelve years old. Listeners will hear how she managed to honor her heritage without giving up the flavors she loved—proving that mozzarella, ricotta, ravioli, and meatballs can all be made deliciously plant-based.The conversation also explores the collaboration with Gene Stone, the celebrated author behind many bestselling plant-based books, and how they brought together Tara’s culinary artistry with Gene’s storytelling to create a book that’s equal parts recipe collection, cultural history, and love letter to Italian food.With tips for stocking your pantry, techniques for mastering vegan versions of Italian staples, and stories that connect food to family and community, this episode celebrates the joy of eating in a way that’s both compassionate and authentic.Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mf5zAU2BbDM Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/tara-punzoneLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ 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 Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.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
Oct 2, 2025 • 46min
Ep. 321: Dan Buettner - Live to 100 with Blue Zones One Pot Meals
He’s back for the fourth time! Dan Buettner—National Geographic fellow, explorer, longevity expert, and creator of the Blue Zones—returns and this time we’re diving into his brand-new New York Times best-selling book: Blue Zones: One Pot Meals.Dan and Rip roll up their sleeves and go page by page through his delicious new recipes—from savory Tex-Mex breakfast skillets to mushroom walnut bolognese, roasted cauliflower, creamy mac ‘n cheese, and even chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.They talk about:Why long-term consistency is the only real longevity “hack.”How the world’s longest-lived people eat (and why beans are still king).The flavor “secrets” revealed by analyzing 650,000 top-rated recipes with Stanford’s AI lab.How Dan is bringing Blue Zones wisdom into kitchens, frozen food aisles, and even entire cities.Why all five original Blue Zones are sadly waning—but also, the exciting announcement of a brand-new Blue Zone that’s on the rise.This conversation is equal parts mouthwatering, inspiring, and hopeful—and if you’re ready to supercharge your longevity with easy, affordable, maniacally delicious meals, you’re in the right place.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube
4 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 22min
Ep. 320: Easy Plant-Based Meal Prep with Rip and Carrie
Rip and Carrie tackle the myth that plant-based cooking is time-consuming. They share quick and fun strategies for easy meal prep, like the 'bowl build' approach and using frozen ingredients for convenience. Discover how to batch cook with tools like the Instant Pot, and see how familiar favorites like pizza can be made plant-strong. They emphasize starting simple, maximizing leftovers, and creating a kitchen environment that makes cooking effortless. Enjoy vibrant meals without long prep times!
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep. 319: Kori McClurg - Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Compassion Is the Secret to Transformation
Kori McClurg, author of 'Get Out of Your Own Way,' shares her transformative journey from self-loathing to self-love. She emphasizes that vulnerability is a strength that fosters healing, and discusses how addressing emotions—not willpower—is key to lasting change. Kori reveals the profound benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet and challenges the obsession with protein. With tips on self-compassion and incremental habits, she encourages listeners to embrace small, loving choices for personal growth.
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
Ep. 318: Dora Ramirez - Cooking Authentic Mexican Food Without the Meat or Dairy
What happens when you grow up in a Mexican steakhouse, but later discover the healing power of plants?For Dora Ramírez, the journey from sizzling meats to vibrant, plant-based cuisine was nothing short of transformative. Raised in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Dora feared giving up animal products would mean giving up her culture. Instead, she found that beans, grains, veggies, and spices didn’t just replace her favorite dishes—they enhanced them.Now, as the author of Comida Casera, Dora is sharing her fresh, plant-strong take on everything from tamales and mole to street food and comforting family classics. Her story is a celebration of food, culture, and the powerful connection between tradition and wellness.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Dora transformed her steakhouse upbringing into a plant-based journeyThe inspiration behind her cookbook, Comida CaseraWhy dishes like tamales and mole carry deep cultural meaningPractical tips for making authentic Mexican food at home—100% plant-strongHow food can honor heritage, heal the body, and bring people togetherWhether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking to spice up your kitchen with authentic Mexican flavors, Dora’s story proves you don’t have to sacrifice tradition to cook with plants.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ 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 Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.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
Sep 4, 2025 • 58min
Ep. 317: Kathy Stevens - Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Retirement and a Legacy of Love
This week on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, Rip sits down with the legendary Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, as she prepares to step away after more than 20 years of rescuing animals and inspiring people to live with compassion.Since 2001, Kathy has been leading with love—creating a safe haven for thousands of animals and cultivating a culture that welcomes everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. In this heartfelt conversation, she reflects on her legacy, the lessons learned from her four-legged teachers, and the future of Catskill Animal Sanctuary.You’ll hear:Kathy’s journey from teacher to animal sanctuary founderLessons in empathy from Catskill’s rescued residentsWhy “leading with love” beats judgment every timeThe challenges of passing the torch to a new leaderHer vision for the future of sanctuaries in a changing worldKathy’s warmth, wisdom, and dedication shine through in every story—including one unforgettable tale about Rambo the ram, who forever changed her outlook on life.Learn more or support the Catskill mission at casanctuary.orgEpisode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 316: Adam Sud - Carbs are Not the Enemy…Unraveling Insulin Resistance
Adam Sud, a certified insulin resistance and food addiction coach with over 13 years in recovery, dismantles common myths about carbs and diabetes. He reveals that insulin resistance is reversible and dissects the real culprits, like saturated fat, not carbs. Adam discusses the importance of high-fiber, plant-based foods and how simple activities like walking after meals can boost metabolism. He also introduces the PILAF method for tracking health markers, aiming to empower listeners to take charge of their health.
