PLANTSTRONG Podcast
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.
Latest episodes
4 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 284: Chef AJ is Thriving in the Face of Cancer
Chef AJ, a renowned plant-based chef and comedian, shares her journey after a lung cancer diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of hope and a solid support system while outlining her 7 Foundations to Healing: Faith, Family, Fitness, Food, Forgiveness, Friends, and Fun. AJ discusses the crucial role of humor in coping with anxiety and how a whole food, plant-based lifestyle has become central to her healing. Her candid reflections offer inspiration and highlight that a diagnosis does not have to define one's destiny.
5 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 44min
Ep. 283: Dr. Dean Ornish - Hope for Alzheimer's: The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition to Reverse Cognitive Decline
Dr. Dean Ornish, a leading physician and researcher in lifestyle medicine, reveals groundbreaking insights into reversing early Alzheimer's through a whole-food, plant-based diet. He shares details from his clinical trial, where 71% of participants experienced cognitive improvement. The discussion highlights the essential roles of exercise, stress management, and social support in enhancing brain health. With nearly 7 million affected by Alzheimer's, Ornish's findings provide hope and empower listeners to adopt transformative lifestyle changes for better cognitive function.
16 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 56min
Ep. 282: Brad Kearns - Born to Walk: Why Walking is the Key to Longevity, Health, and Weight Loss
Brad Kearns, co-author of 'Born to Walk' and former professional triathlete, tackles misconceptions around exercise. He argues that walking, often overlooked, is a powerful path to health and longevity, outshining running in many aspects. Discover how the running boom has resulted in unnecessary injuries and how walking promotes better aerobic conditioning. Kearns emphasizes the importance of natural movement and proper footwear, advocating for a fitness plan centered on walking with intervals. Embrace a healthier lifestyle, one step at a time!
Dec 26, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 281: Eat More Plants. Your Life Depends On It.
Eating more plants is not just a dietary choice; it's a crucial step towards better health and longevity. In this live episode that premiered in January 2023, Rip discusses the importance of incorporating whole plant foods into our diets to combat rising health issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Key takeaways of this live Q&A include:Why Plants are the Mothership of HealthWhy We Love Whole Plant FoodsThe Difference Between Processed Carbohydrates and Whole Food CarbohydratesThe Abundance and the Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients found in Whole Plant Foods The Benefits of Fiber for our Health and Microbiome A Live Q&A with Audience QuestionsRip invites the audience to embrace a plant-based lifestyle for vibrant health because, as he says, our lives depend on it!Episode WebpageWatch the Original Episode on YouTubeSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming 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
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 19min
Ep. 280: Molly Patrick - Ready to Make Lasting Change? Your Future Self Will Thank You
What does it take to turn your life around? Molly Patrick, co-founder of Clean Food, Dirty Girl, knows the answer better than most. In this powerful podcast episode, Molly shares her deeply personal journey from a life of heavy drinking and smoking to embracing a vibrant, plant-based lifestyle.Discover how Molly overcame social anxiety and addiction, faced the discomfort of change, and built a life filled with health, purpose, and joy. Alongside Rip, she dives into topics like:Navigating the challenges of major lifestyle shifts.The art of ‘embracing the suck’—why discomfort can lead to growth.Simple strategies to set your future self up for success, including meal prep and intentional living.With her candid storytelling and passion for creating irresistible plant-based recipes, Molly inspires us to celebrate our imperfections and embrace every step of our unique path toward health and happiness.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming 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
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep. 279: Jacque Salomon - Turning a Mother's Ultimate Heartbreak into a Mission of Health and Healing
Rip welcomes Jacque Salomon, founder of the Seeds to Inspire Foundation. Jacque recounts the traumatic events that shaped her early life, including a challenging upbringing in New York City that was fraught with generational trauma, chaos, and food scarcity. Jacque also shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing her son at just 11 years old, and how this tragedy sparked a profound commitment to transform her life and health through a whole food, plant-based diet. (Thanks, also, in part to a viewing of Forks over Knives.)As she reversed her Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and other ailments—all while losing an impressive 164 pounds—Jacque became passionate about sharing her message of hope and recovery with others by founding Seeds to Inspire, an organization dedicated to addressing health equity through 'food as medicine' initiatives, love, and compassion.She now dedicates her life to educating others about health equity and wellness, emphasizing the importance of nourishing our bodies with love and compassion. By sharing her story, Jacque not only illustrates her personal recovery, but also highlights the collective need for community and support in overcoming trauma. SPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming 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
7 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 39min
Ep. 278: Dr. Michael Greger - Unpacking Ozempic: Miracle Weight Loss Drug or Just Another Fad?
Dr. Michael Greger, a physician and nutrition expert known for his focus on health through diet, delves into the buzz around Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs. He critically assesses their risks, benefits, and the science behind appetite control through GLP-1 hormones. Greger questions the sustainability of these medications compared to natural weight-loss methods like a plant-based diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. He also emphasizes the importance of informed choices, urging listeners to consider safer, long-term alternatives to quick fixes.
Nov 28, 2024 • 33min
Ep. 277: Giving Thanks with an Esselstyn Family Q&A
Rip, Jane, Brian, Ann and Essy all gather for a heartwarming and informative Q&A session that celebrates the importance of plant-based nutrition, especially around the holiday season.In this episode, you’ll discover:Insights from Dr. Esselstyn on preventing and reversing heart disease through nutrition.The incredible benefits of leafy greens and nitric oxide for cardiovascular health.Inspiring stories from the Esselstyn Foundation’s mission to educate and empower communities toward healthier choices.Thoughtful reflections on daily habits and the role of compassion in dietary decisions.Join us as we explore how to embrace a PLANTSTRONG lifestyle and make choices that nourish not only our bodies but also our sense of community and well-being.Episode WebpageWatch the Original Full Episode on YouTube (from September 2023)SPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming 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
15 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 49min
Ep. 276: Ax It Or Stack It - Are Oatmeal, Creatine, and Olive Oil Health Heroes, or All Hype?
David Goldman, Director of Research at Metabite and nutrition expert from The Game Changers, joins to dissect whether olive oil, oatmeal, and creatine are genuine health boosters or just hype. They dive into the surprising nutritional aspects of these foods, unearthing the need to evaluate personal dietary choices. Goldman sheds light on creatine's benefits for muscles and cognitive function while urging listeners to reconsider the role of olive oil in their diets. Expect laughter as they blend humor with valuable insights into healthier living!
Nov 14, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 275: Bringing the Power of Plants to Your Workplace with Michael Quarshie and David Goldman of Metabite
On today's episode, we introduce the PLANTSTRONG by Metabite Corporate Wellness Program, a cutting-edge initiative designed to enhance workplace health through plant-based nutrition and education. This comprehensive 12-week program aims to make plant-based living more accessible, ultimately helping companies reduce healthcare expenses while boosting employee well-being.Metabite founders, David Goldman and Michael Quarshie, share their perspectives on how group coaching and community support can foster sustainable dietary changes. Their insights underscore the importance of collective encouragement in achieving lasting lifestyle improvements.The episode also spotlights the impressive outcomes from our pilot programs, including: Notable weight lossImproved cholesterol levels among participantsIncrease in productivity Increased productivity and job satisfactionSizable cost savings for businesses Interested in bringing the power of plants into your workplace? Visit liveplantstrong.com to learn more or email us at hello@plantstrong.com. Watch the Episode on YouTubeEpisode WebpageSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming 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
