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PLANTSTRONG Podcast

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Sep 23, 2021 • 60min

Ep. 111: Josh LaJaunie - Helping our Plantstrong Brother in the Bayou

Rip catches up with longtime plantstrong pal, Josh LaJaunie, in a moving conversation about remaining resilient, determined, and focused even when life hands you profoundly difficult situations. Many know Josh as a former 400+ pound football player-turned-plantstrong ultra runner. He has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and even the cover of Runner's World Magazine celebrating his transformation, as well as his desire to help others. He wrote his book, Sick to Fit and even started the Missing Chins Run Group to motivate others to reclaim their lives with the power and life-saving intervention of plants.  As a Louisiana bayou native, Josh is a cajun, through-and-through. Unfortunately, his home and the trailer park he manages were obliterated by Hurricane Ida. Today, he speaks with Rip about the ongoing effects, devastation, and rebuilding efforts he, his family, and his community are facing. The media has moved on, but the pain and reality have not. Josh shares his story with Rip, as well as his hope for remaining buoyant in a time when the hurricanes and floods have sunk nearly everything. There isn’t a more real and raw human than Josh LaJaunie and we appreciate him taking the time to talk on the phone in the middle of his stress and chaos.  As they said in the interview, “quitting is optional,” and we know Josh won’t quit, but we're also here to spread the word and extend a loving plantstrong hand to a friend in need. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources Venmo for Josh LaJaunie Video: More Ida Damage in Grand Isle, Fourchon, and Leeville Hurricane Ida: The Documentary by Storm Chasers Josh LaJaunie Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Sep 16, 2021 • 31min

Ep. 110: PLANTSTRONG Snackables - How Do YOU Big Bowl?

Welcome to our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jessica Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jess leads product innovation for the PLANTSTRONG food line and, together with Rip, provides a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In this episode, Rip and Jess announce the triumphant return of Rip's Big Bowl cereals available now online at plantstrongfoods.com. We also invite listeners to submit their best Big Bowl by taking a photo and posting to Facebook or Instagram, tagging @goplantstrong or #ripsbigbowl before October 1st. The most creative contribution will win a Rip’s Big Bowl sampler! Based on your feedback, Rip and the team made major enhancements and improvements to the three big bowl flavors, including: More sustainable packaging, which means you get more cereal in every bag Resealable packaging for sustained freshness A move to organic oats for better health Yummy date pieces in every flavor of Rip's Big Bowl  The return of Banana Walnut, along with Date and Raisin (the Original) and Berry Almond Rip also shares the origin story of his big bowl cereal that has been the anchor of his plantstrong success for over 30 years. This homemade concoction essentially fueled him as a professional triathlete and if it's powerful and nutritious enough to fuel a pro athlete, no doubt it will nourish your endeavors and activities! Here are More Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: Order your Rip's Big Bowl Today! Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources, including books, recipes, and Rescue 10x Program Join the PLANTSTRONG Community BMJ Nutrition Study on Covid-19 Severity, May 2021 Rip's Homemade Big Bowl Recipe What Rip Eats in a Day  The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
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Sep 9, 2021 • 54min

Ep. 109: Khaled bin Alwaleed - The Prince of Plants

We've had doctors, athletes, and celebrities on this show, but today, we can say for the first time, that we get to welcome a real-life PRINCE to the PLANTSTRONG podcast. Khaled bin Alwaleed is a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family who makes his living as a venture capitalist - supporting and investing in green businesses, changing technologies, and sustainable solutions for our health and the environment. Khaled spoke in person at Plant-Stock about four years ago and shared his life-changing Galileo moment when he saw his health come full-circle with the health of our planet. It's an empowering story that he shares again in this interview. Wealth can certainly provide a lot of things, but it can’t buy personal health or compassion. Those come from within and THIS is how Khaled operates - from his desire and obligation to make a positive difference because, as he says, “With great power comes great responsibility.” It’s this responsibility that drives him to invest in people and companies that align with his values - that is to say - values that protect the planet, animals, and improve personal health because, at the end of the day, health is the REAL wealth. Episode Resources It's Not Too Late to Join our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns from September 8-12th - Register today PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Khaled bin Alwaleed Website KBW Ventures Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Sep 2, 2021 • 1h 48min

Ep. 108: Fiona Oakes - Going the Distance for Humanity

We'd be hard-pressed to find someone as authentic and true to herself as Fiona Oakes. Vegan for almost 50 years, she is one of the original game-changers and shining examples of the power of being a plantstrong athlete. Fiona has made a name for herself as an endurance runner, earning four Guinness World Records. She is also the fastest woman in the world to run a marathon on all seven continents and the North Pole in both cumulative and elapsed time. She has competed internationally in more than 50 marathons and set five marathon course records around the globe, including The Antarctic Ice Marathon. In 2015, Fiona ran six official marathons in six days on six continents all on a vegan diet. Fiona’s achievements are made even more astounding due to the fact she was told at age 14 that she would never walk properly, let alone ever run, after undergoing 17 radical knee surgeries which ultimately led to having her entire right kneecap removed. Her only mission? To raise awareness for the plight of animals and veganism across the globe. Her suffering is intense, but you'll quickly understand that her rewards come from saving the lives of the animals she serves at her own Farm Sanctuary - Tower Hill Stables. For most of us, this lifestyle may seem extreme or radical. She avoids simple pleasures in life like TV, long baths, or massages because they're a distraction to her life's work. Truly, as she says, her goal is for all of us to go out there and lead a happy and healthy vegan life, respect all life, and realize that we're all so intricately connected --The planet, the environment, each other. "I just want us to be good to each other." So simple and so beautiful. The world needs more people like Fiona Oakes who are going the distance for humanity. Episode Resources Running for Good - Film Website Tower Hill Stables Website Fiona Oakes Foundation Website Fiona Oakes Instagram PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Aug 31, 2021 • 54min

Ep. 107: PLANTSTRONG Snackables - Broths, Baking Mats, and...Beaver Butts?!

Welcome to Episode six of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong food line and, together with Rip, provides a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In Episode 6, Rip and Jess talk about sauteing and roasting with BROTHS, recommended utensils, our take on natural ingredients, and a look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG broths available now at Whole Foods Market. Here are Some Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: What in the world is lye and why should I be “in the know?” The best PLANTSTRONG method of sauteing and roasting your veggies — without using oil! What’s in Rip’s Kitchen? He lets you know his favorite pans and utensils for roasting and sauteing veggies in the Esselstyn house. Why PLANTSTRONG is so proud of our unsalted broths and why you should be proud to have them in your kitchen. Leftover broth and don’t want to pitch it? Find out Rip’s creative tip for saving leftover broth! Get a history lesson from Rip and Jess on the inspiration behind this new line of broths — and great ways to use them in your own home cooking. Natural ingredients - of course, it can be confusing when you see that listed as an ingredient in your food, but what does that really mean? Jess goes “behind the scenes” (and we mean the word, “behind” in this case). Jess answers an audience question about yeast and MSG. Recommended Products from Rip and Jess: GreenPan Cast Iron Skillet Parchment Paper Silicone Baking Mats Download our PLANTSTRONG Broth Recipes Opium, rat hair, beaver anal secretions – and other surprising things you might find in food Whole Foods Article on Myths and Misconceptions of MSG For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com  Shop PlantStrong Foods Now 
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Aug 26, 2021 • 1h 2min

Ep. 106: Dr. Robert Ostfeld - Miracle at Montefiore

We’re calling this episode, “Miracle at Montefiore" in honor of the herculean work Dr. Robert Ostfeld is doing at this Bronx hospital to move the needle on the life-saving benefits of a plant-based diet, especially for cardiac patients. Inspired by the legacy of his two young brothers who lost their lives to incurable diseases, Ostfeld attended medical school at Yale and went on to get his Masters of Science in Epidemiology at Harvard. Today, he’s a plantstrong non-invasive cardiologist and Director and Founder of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore. Knowing that whole food, plant-based nutrition really is the most powerful form of medicine, Dr. Ostfeld was instrumental in getting Montefiore to start offering plant-based meals for people recovering from heart procedures. The documentary, Forks over Knives, is also made available for viewing to any and all patients thanks to his efforts Dr. Ostfeld also discusses his upcoming research studies on the parallels between lifestyle and erectile dysfunction and why erectile dysfunction is often “the canary in the coalmine” and a surprising predictor for heart disease. As he says, his work at Montefiore is “a labor of love wrapped in a pit bull,” but with doctors like Dr. Ostfeld on the front lines, we are optimistic that real change can and will happen in our healthcare system. About Robert J. Ostfeld, MD, MS Robert J. Ostfeld, MD, MSc, FACC, is the Director of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore Health System and a Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Ostfeld treats patients with adult cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and erectile dysfunction with a focus on prevention and treatment through lifestyle change. He works closely with his patients to help them adopt a plant-based diet. Dr. Ostfeld received his Bachelor of Arts in the Biologic Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa and his Doctor of Medicine from Yale University School of Medicine. He then did his Medical Internship and Residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital and his Cardiology Fellowship and Research Fellowship in Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, both teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School. During his Cardiology Fellowship, he earned a Master’s of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Ostfeld’s research focus is on cardiovascular disease prevention and reversal through lifestyle modification. Ongoing topics he investigates include the impact of plant-based nutrition on erectile function, coronary artery disease, angina, and heart failure. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, books, articles, and clinical statements and has been presented nationally. Dr. Ostfeld is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Echocardiography and he is a member of numerous professional societies, including the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine and the American College of Cardiology. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG.com Episode Page Montefiore Website PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Aug 19, 2021 • 1h 15min

Ep. 105: Leilani Münter: In the Driver’s Seat to Save our Planet

Right now, it’s no secret that our population (which is almost 8 billion now) is facing a tremendous amount of collective challenges with our health, our food system, and our planet as a whole. We all have some work to do and this week’s interview with ECO-Activist, Leilani Münter, will illuminate conversation and elevate the positive impact that something so simple as eating a whole-foods plant-based diet can have on the environment as a WHOLE.  Leilani has been broadcasting this message for over a decade primarily from behind the wheel of a race car - I know - not exactly where you’d think you’d see these messages, but as she says on her website, “Never Underestimate a vegan hippie chick with a race car!” You’ll never underestimate Leilani after today’s conversation.  Since retiring from race car driving in 2019, she’s been revving up her advocacy engines even more through documentary films like “Racing Extinction,” keynote speaking, and non-profit work, all in a tireless effort to make a cleaner and kinder world for everyone. Today, she talks to Rip about: Her unique childhood as the daughter of a Japanese/Hawaiian Mother and German Father while growing up in Minnesota Her Galileo moment when she learned the truth about our food as a young girl eating a hamburger at a fast-food restaurant How her Biology degree from UC San Diego was the foundation of the advocacy work she does today Why she loves being behind the wheel of a race car and the intensity, presence, and advocacy voice it provides for causes that are important to her Her recent vegan birthday present - a meal at Eleven Madison Park - and her secret for getting reservations! Why Leilani and her husband (and cats!) choose to be child-free Additional causes that she advocates for the health and longevity of our planet: renewable energy, solar power, electric cars, animal rights, and, of course, a plant-based diet  As the New York Times wrote, "Steve McQueen probably never lost sleep over his carbon footprint. Not so for racecar driver Leilani Münter - a green racecar driver with a clean conscience." Rev up your advocacy engines and enjoy this conversation with a true Eco-Hero.  About Leilani Münter Leilani Münter is a biology graduate, professional race car driver and environmental activist. Discovery's Planet Green named her the #1 eco athlete in the world, ELLE Magazine awarded her their Genius Award, and Sports Illustrated named her one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world. Leilani is an advocate for solar power, electric cars, plant-based diet and animal rights. Leilani is active in lobbying for these causes in Washington, DC and beyond. She has been a guest at The White House and the United Nations in Geneva. Since 2007, Leilani has been adopting an acre of rainforest for every race she runs. She uses her race car to get the environmental message in front of the 75 million race fans in the USA. Her race cars have carried messages about renewable energy from wind and solar power in addition to clean energy legislation. Leilani has also been active in the effort to end cetacean captivity and has run the documentaries The Cove and Blackfish on her race cars. She has raced both open-wheel cars (Indy Pro Series) and stock cars (NASCAR, ARCA). Leilani has recorded 9 top-five, 21 top-ten, and 37 top-fifteen finishes in 61 starts.  Leilani is on the board of the Oceanic Preservation Society, a non-profit that creates film, photography, and media, inspiring people to save the oceans. They won the Academy Award for their first documentary The Cove and Leilani is featured in their 2015 documentary Racing Extinction. Leilani is also an Ambassador for Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project, an organization she has been volunteering for since 2010. She also sits on the board of advisors of The Solutions Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy.  Leilani is vegan. Her personal car is an electric Tesla Model S. Her home features solar panels, a 550-gallon rainwater collection system, solar and LED lighting, and a vegetable garden.  Leilani’s motto is: Never underestimate a vegan hippie chick with a race car. Episode Resources Leilani Münter Website and Resources PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Aug 17, 2021 • 45min

Ep. 104: PLANTSTRONG Snackables - Recipe for Delicious: Stews and Chilis

Welcome to our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! In Episode 5, Rip and Jess talk about all things chilis, soups, and stews - including a look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG chilis and stews available now at Whole Foods Market. Here are Some Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: Do you struggle to eat beans? Why you should power through! Which bean has the most antioxidants? Why limes and lemons should always be in your fridge. (Hint: It’s like squeezing a little sunshine on your foods!) What the heck is hominy? What surprising ingredient can you add to soups to make them creamy? Why are black pepper and turmeric such a magical combination? Ever heard of the benefits of black cumin? An exciting look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG “Chews” - Organic Creamy White Bean Chili, Organic Engine 2 Firehouse Chili, Kitchari Indian Lentil Stew, Thai Carrot Chickpea Stew Additional Episode Resources Homemade Kitchari Recipe with Jess and Evan Hegarty For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com  Shop PlantStrong Foods Now 
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Aug 12, 2021 • 1h 3min

Ep. 103: Gene Baur - Aligning Actions with Values

Since 1986, as co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, Gene Baur has made it his mission to raise awareness about the abuses of factory farming and the devastation that our agriculture and food system has had on animals, workers, and those of us who consume the food. It’s not a comfortable topic because no one wants to experience the horrors at these factory farms and slaughterhouses; however, for as driven as he is, you will also never meet someone more gentle, kind, loving, and empathetic as Gene. He is a special soul and has had a hand in providing refuge, care, and healing for thousands of farm animals who otherwise would not have made it. In fact, TIME Magazine has hailed Gene as “the conscience of the food movement” for his 35-years of dedicated service. Gene is a beacon of light whose purpose is centered on not just providing sanctuary for these animals, but also - without judgment - getting people back in touch with their humanity and aligning their actions with their values. You'll hear Gene speak about: The early days of Farm Sanctuary and his rescue missions Stories about Hilda and other animals who have now become ambassadors for other animals Why it's so vital to treat these farm animals as friends and not food The three areas of work for the Sanctuary - Rescue, Education, Advocacy How you can help support the work of Farm Sanctuary Today’s conversation is uplifting and heartwarming, as much as it is educational and powerful. Open your hearts to one of the biggest hearts, Gene Baur, Founder of Farm Sanctuary. About Gene Baur A pioneer in the field of undercover investigations and farm animal rescue, Gene has visited hundreds of farms, stockyards, and slaughterhouses, documenting the deplorable conditions. His pictures and videos exposing factory farming cruelties have aired nationally and internationally, educating millions about the plight of modern farm animals, and his rescue work inspired an international farm sanctuary movement. Gene was instrumental in passing the first U.S. laws prohibiting inhumane animal confinement and continues working on systemic food industry reforms. His work has been covered by major media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, the New York Times, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal among others. Gene Baur has been hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine and named one of Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul 100 Givers. Episode Resources Farm Sanctuary Website - The Power of Sanctuary PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music
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Aug 5, 2021 • 55min

Ep. 102: Julieanna Hever - The OG Plant-Based Dietitian

One of the many side benefits of this global plantstrong community -- besides a daily dose of health, motivation, and education -- are the long-lasting friendships developed with people along the way, especially with the pioneers who have long laid the groundwork for those of us out there today. I’m sure you feel this way too.  When you are so invested and so passionate about something, you can’t help but develop a deep respect and mutual admiration with the people you meet in your journey. Today’s guest is one of those people. Julianna Hever and I have been contemporaries and friends in the plant-based movement together for well over a decade. In fact, as we discuss today, she was one of the first authors to actually put the phrase, “plant-based” in the title of a book...and now, without a doubt, “plant-based” is having its moment! Since then, she’s written multiple books including the crafty Vegiterranean Diet, The Healthspan Solution, and the forthcoming, “The Choose You Now Diet” due out in December.  She also just recently launched her own “Choose You Now” podcast that I guested on just a couple of weeks ago. Today, we turn the tables and I shine the spotlight on the marvelous career and work of THE ORIGINAL plant-based dietitian herself, Julianna Hever. You'll learn: Julieanna's "Galileo Moment" when she learned the truth about health and nutrition How she fought to use the phrase, "plant-based" in her first book The biggest mistakes beginners make when adopting a plant-based diet Why and when someone should be gluten-free How she has pivoted to teaching her clients about "adding life to your days" in her book, The Healthspan Solution The importance of modeling behavior for both parents and children   About Julieanna Hever There is nothing Julieanna loves more than diving into a colossal bowl of salad. Known as The Plant-Based Dietitian,  Julieanna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from UCLA in and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Cal State Northridge, bridging her three biggest passions for food, performing, and helping people. As a Registered Dietitian, Julieanna has authored six books, including The Healthspan Solution, Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiots Guide), Vegiterranean Diet, and two peer-reviewed journal articles on plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals (in Journal of Geriatric Cardiology and Permanente Journal). Julieanna is the host of The Choose You Now Podcast and her new book, The Choose You Now Diet, will be published in December 2021. Past projects have included being the host of What Would Julieanna Do?; giving a TEDx talk; writing as the nutrition columnist for VegNews Magazine; and teaching the eCornell Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Program. She recently co-hosted Science and Saucery and Facebook Watch’s Home Sweat Home, and has appeared on Harry, The Dr. Oz Show, The Steve Harvey Show, Reluctantly Healthy, The Marie Osmond Show, and E! News. New adventures include speaking, presenting, traveling, helping a wide variety of clients achieve their goals, and sharing her passion for healing and happiness eating a whole food, plant-based diet. Episode Resources Julieanna Hever Website and Resources Test-Drive the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Enjoy a free 14-Day trial by using code: STARTFRESH at check-out. You will have to input a credit card, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the end of the trial period.  Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

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