

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

Jan 3, 2024 • 6min
BONUS: Small Changes Net Big Results
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.

Dec 28, 2023 • 1h
Ep. 229: Robert Band Shares Lessons From His Personal PLANTSTRONG Playbook
Robert Band, who had 95% blockage in his carotid, shares his journey of overcoming it through dietary and lifestyle changes. He now lives a vibrant life in Colorado with 0% blockage. They discuss his transformation, family's health history, weight management, and active lifestyle. They also explore improving sodium content in food products.

Dec 21, 2023 • 54min
Ep. 228: Dr. Laurie Marbas Answers Your Pressing Plant-Based Health Questions
Dr. Laurie Marbas answers intriguing plant-based health questions on combining fruits, vitamin D absorption, COPD benefits, collagen post-surgery, plant sterols, hair loss, osteoporosis, coffee vs. green tea, intermittent fasting, sugar impacts, visceral fat, tinnitus relief, and nutritional effects of roasting sweet potatoes.

8 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep. 227: Chris Miller, MD - Playing the Long Game of Healing From Autoimmune Disease
Dr. Chris Miller, former emergency room physician, shares her journey with autoimmune disease and her commitment to a plant-based diet. Topics discussed include individualizing the diet, stress management, gut health, and the importance of micronutrient-rich foods. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need to play the long game and stay patient with the healing process.

28 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 53min
Ep. 226: Dr. Michael Greger - How Not To Age
Dr. Michael Greger, a scientific expert on aging, discusses his new book on the Plantstrong Podcast. He shares research-backed strategies for improving healthspan and longevity. Topics include the role of a plant-based diet, exercise benefits, weight control, protein intake, and the potential for longer lifespans. Dr. Greger debunks anti-aging industry myths and offers practical advice to stay vibrant as you age.

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 38min
Ep. 225: Casey Means, MD - Improve Your Metabolic Health with "Food as Medicine" Prescription
Dr. Casey Means, former ENT surgeon turned 'Food as Medicine' evangelist, discusses the impact of metabolic health on the body. She emphasizes the role of inflammation and poor metabolic health in causing illnesses, and advocates for addressing the root causes. Dr. Means explores the importance of micronutrients and omega-3 fats for metabolic health, as well as fermented foods for the microbiome. She also highlights the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption. The podcast ends with gratitude for the guest and a promotion of a plant-based lifestyle.

Nov 23, 2023 • 49min
Ep. 224: Cyd Notter - Four Mental Tips to Stay Motivated Through the Holidays
Our stress levels are high and food is in abundance during the holidays! How can you possibly stay on track with the many temptations? Join Rip and health coach Cyd Notter as they discuss four ways to stay on track during the holiday season. The key to staying motivated just might be right between your ears!Watch the Original Broadcast on YouTubeEpisode WebpageUpcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong 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

Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 14min
Ep. 223: Maxime Sigouin - The Keys to Lasting Body and Mind Transformation
Maxime Sigouin, advocate for disease-proofing the body, shares his journey and tips for lasting body and mind transformation. Topics include: the power of grief to inspire action, daily success in business and life, identity as a fit vegan, transformative experiences from hitchhiking, transitioning from bodybuilding to veganism, the importance of commitment and regimented schedules, the power of cold showers, reverse dieting to speed up metabolism, finding healing and letting go, and Max's accomplishments and future goals.

16 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ep. 222: Join our Type 2 Diabetes Revolution - with Jose Tejero and Diana Licalzi, MS, RD, CDES
Registered Dietitian Diana Licalzi and Type 2 diabetes expert Jose Tejero discuss their book 'The Type 2 Diabetes Revolution' which focuses on achieving non-diabetic blood sugar levels while enjoying carbohydrates. They explore the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the US and the lack of preventative measures in the healthcare system. They also delve into the different types of diabetes, provide details about an oral glucose tolerance test, share a four-week meal plan, discuss the relationship between coffee, tea, and diabetes risk, and talk about the process of creating recipes for their book.

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 40min
Ep. 221: Darin Olien - Fatal Conveniences: Which Ones Have the Best of You?
Darin Olien, New York Times best-selling author and host of 'Down to Earth', discusses toxic products, harmful habits, and alternatives for a healthier, less toxic life. Topics include injury recovery, climate change concerns, chemical sensitivity, making informed choices, oral health, cookware options, quitting alcohol, and continuing knowledge and support.