

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

Nov 25, 2021 • 30min
Ep. 120: Rip Esselstyn Talks Food and Family with Julieanna Hever on the "Choose You Now" Podcast
It truly is a wonderful time to celebrate and give thanks with friends and family. Speaking of friends, today is a special episode because we're actually replaying an interview that Rip did earlier this year on Julieanna Hever’s podcast “Choose You Now.” If you don’t know, Julieanna is the original plant-based dietitian and her new book “The Choose You Now Diet” is coming out in early December. You’ll want to check that out for sure. In this bite-sized episode, Rip shares his personal journey with plants and how he makes this lifestyle simple and fun so that it not only works for him, but also for his entire family, including three young children. You'll learn: Rip's favorite salad dressing recipe Rip's Sunday meal ritual that the entire family loves His go-to simple meals that ANYONE can assemble in no time This Thanksgiving, let's express gratitude for PLANTS…I hope you enjoy this special episode. About Julieanna Hever Known as The Plant-Based Dietitian, Julieanna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from UCLA 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 and PLANTSTRONG Resources: YouTube Link Episode Page It's our biggest Meal Planner sale of the year! Between now and Cyber Monday, Save $30 off our annual meal planner membership with the code YAMS -and then you’ll enjoy twelve months of delicious recipes, custom menus, adaptive grocery lists, and many more time-saving features! Visit mealplanner.plantstrong.com today for all of the details. PLUS - we’ve added a BRAND NEW benefit for our annual members. PLANTSTRONG PERKS are exclusive discounts on other resources and partner brands, available only for meal planner members. See mealplanner.plantstrong.com for all the great details. Download our Free PLANTSTRONG Holiday Meal Guide PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources to live PLANTSTRONG Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode

Nov 18, 2021 • 1h 36min
Ep. 119: Rip's Rescue - Change of Heart: Vital Intel Every Man Should Know
Welcome to this audio presentation of our recent "Rip's Rescue" event which focused exclusively on men's health and dispelling the outdated myth that real men need meat to thrive. When Rip was a firefighter in Austin, Texas, he spent his days on the rescue squad, responding to fires and medical emergencies. For this presentation, he assembled a brigade of experts to join him in helping people rescue themselves. How? With a fire hose of evidence-based information and simple steps to eating more plants and saving yourself from the flames of chronic lifestyle disease and erectile dysfunction. Joined by notable physicians, Drs. Aaron Spitz and Brian Asbill, Rip and his crew of experts shared vital intel every man should know to help men rescue their health and learn information that can help avoid the constant care of a physician. And good news! You don't have to turn in your man card when you swap t-bones for tofu. We're torching that stereotype right now. Topics covered included: Symptoms you should never ignore How to avoid needing the little blue pill PSA Tests and Numbers- What do I need to know? Can too little sex increase my risk of prostate cancer? The canary in the coal mine for men's health Important screenings every man should have How a plant-based lifestyle can strengthen your odds against chronic disease About Dr. Aaron Spitz Dr. Aaron Spitz is a nationally recognized expert on men's health, a lead delegate of America’s Urologists to the American Medical Association, and the author of The Penis Book. He was also prominently featured in The Game Changers for one of the most eye-popping scenes that left audiences howling and men and women wanting to know more! Dr. Spitz discusses "the canary in the coal mine" for men, symptoms that must be treated urgently, and how to preserve sexual longevity while warding off taking the little blue pill. About Dr. Brian Asbill Dr. Brian Asbill is a cardiologist and the first physician in the world to be certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Asbill will discuss how lifestyle can fight back against heart disease, the important screenings every man should request from his provider, and the warning signs that a cardiac event is likely. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode PLANTSTRONG Episode Page Dr. Brian Asbill Website - Ruckus Health Dr. Aaron Spitz - The Penis Book Download our Free PLANTSTRONG Holiday Meal Guide PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources to live PLANTSTRONG Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode

Nov 11, 2021 • 38min
Ep. 118: PLANTSTRONG Snackables - 'Tis the Season - Great Ideas to Elevate and Enhance Your Soups
Welcome to PLANTSTRONG Snackables, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn dishes on all things plants! Today's guest is Brenda Reed, longtime PLANTSTRONG Team Member and in-house culinary expert for PLANTSTRONG foods and events. Brenda is responsible for many of the recipes at our live events and on the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Today, she and Rip talk soups and, specifically, how to elevate your own cooking and flavor profile with our new broths and soups. Key Takeaways: Origins of the word, “soup” 3 Principles of Building Your Soups Brenda and Rip's Go-To Soups for Family and Friends How Chef Brenda Used our new PLANTSTRONG Broths to Create Recipes for Every Taste and Cuisine How to Download Free Recipes on All of our Broth Boxes with the QR Code Some of Brenda's Favorite "Sparks" to Level Up the Health and Flavor Profile Through November — $1.00 'Tis the season for soups and PLANTSTRONG is here to help you create tasty, nutritious, and filling meals for you and your loved ones. Episode Resources Watch the Episode on YouTube Visit the Episode Page at plantstrongpodcast.com Register for our November 14th Rip's Rescue - all about Men's Health - "Have a Change of Heart" with Dr. Aaron Spitz and Dr. Brian Asbill Get the FREE Recipes from Today's Episode - including Bangin' Bok Choy, Veggie Paella, and more Now Available! PLANTSTRONG Broths and Soups Delivered Directly to You! PLANTSTRONGFOODS.com Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources, including books, recipes, and Rescue 10x Program Join the PLANTSTRONG Community

Nov 4, 2021 • 1h 7min
Ep. 117: David Goldman - Get the Best Out of Your Body by Changing Your Game
It has been two years since The Game Changers documentary debuted in the fall of 2019. Since then, an estimated 100 million people in more than 190 countries have watched the film, making it one of the most-watched documentaries of all time. In fact, it even gave birth to a phenomenon dubbed, “The Game Changers Effect” for the way it influenced eating behaviors across the globe. Today, Rip revisits the film and talks about nutrition and performance with the Chief Science Advisor of The Game Changers, David Goldman. David was born for this role as a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist because the takeaways of the film fall right at the intersection of performance, health, and the benefits of a plant-based diet. Goldman was the one who crossed all of the “t’s” and dotted all of the “i’s” on the science and research behind the film, so if you’re looking to gain an edge in your performance while becoming a better steward of the environment, you’ll love this conversation. It doesn’t matter if you’re training for a triathlon or seeking the energy to enjoy a day with your grandkids, becoming plantstrong is a true game-changer. Key Takeaways: Protein - a plant-based performance conversation wouldn't be complete without a discussion on protein - the amount, need, and best ways of hitting those numbers Why David was born for this role as Chief Science Advisor of the film and what that entailed when piecing together the movie Supplements and vitamins - what does the average person need? Finding the self-discipline to stick with a whole-food, plant-based diet Why a diet that is predominantly plant-based is becoming optimal for athletes and those seeking an edge in performance The trickle-down effect for better longevity, overall health, and being stewards of the environment About David Goldman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS David Goldman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS is a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist whose clients include collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes. He was the Chief Science Advisor for The Game Changers Documentary Episode Resources Join us for the next Rip’s Rescue on Sunday, November 14th from 6:00-7:30 PM Eastern. This free educational event will share vital intel every man should know. (Women are welcome to attend, too!) Dr. Aaron Spitz and Dr. Brian Asbill will join me to discuss the “canary in the coal mine” for men’s health, symptoms that should never be ignored, and important screenings to schedule. Plus, we’ll dish on how eating more plants can help with nearly every health issue. Register for Free Here. Watch the episode on YouTube Episode Page PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources Game Changers Website and Film Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Music "Your Love" by Atch

Oct 28, 2021 • 39min
Ep. 116: PLANTSTRONG Snackables - The Easiest Way to Eat and Live PLANTSTRONG
Welcome to PLANTSTRONG Snackables, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn dishws on all things plants! Today's guest is Ami Mackey, longtime PLANTSTRONG Team Member, Rescue10x Coach, and Curator of Creative Content. As a health coach, Ami has heard every reason and excuse for not being able to sustain a plantstrong lifestyle: it’s too expensive, it’s too complicated, you can’t cook, you don’t like to follow recipes, you don’t have the time. Today's episode outlines a lifestyle habit that is faster than a drive-through and, without a doubt, the easiest (and tastiest) way to eat and live PLANTSTRONG. What is this magic bullet? BOWL BUILDING! If you've ever been to a salad bar, Chipotle, or even Subway, you already know the premise. Gather all of your favorite beans, grains, and greens, toss them in a bowl, add your favorite sparks, and enjoy your favorite meal - no measuring, no recipes, and no hassle. In no time, you'll have a gigantic bowl of your own creative PLANTSTRONG concoctions! Episode Resources Watch the Episode on YouTube Visit the Episode Page for Resources and Materials Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources, including books, recipes, and Rescue 10x Program Join the PLANTSTRONG Community

Oct 21, 2021 • 57min
Ep. 115: Dr. Columbus Batiste - Get SELFISH…Your Life Depends on It
Going to the Doctor is no fun, but when patients walk in to see Dr. Columbus Batiste, they are met with compassion, understanding, and genuine empathy. Not only does he work with his patients with a team-based collaborative approach, but he also meets patients where they are at and explains health in a way that makes sense. As an Interventional Cardiologist (or “Plumber for the Heart” as he affectionately refers to himself), Doctor Batiste naturally treats disease with medical and surgical interventions, but he also works with his patients from a mental and emotional standpoint - emphasizing nutrition, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Today's episode includes a description of real-life patient case studies and Dr. Batiste provides his initial assessments and recommendations for treatment. Perhaps you recognize yourself or a loved one in one of the patient profiles. If so, appreciate the feedback and advice and, as he says, ask yourself, "What is your want and desire? What are you willing to do or not do in order to improve your health? The key takeaway from Dr. Batiste? It's OK to be S.E.L.F.I.S.H. in your desire for good health. Ready to feel a little selfish? We hope so! About Dr. Columbus Batiste, MD, FACC, FSCAI Columbus Batiste, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is the Chief of Cardiology at Kaiser Permanente Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is also known as the “Healthy Heart Doc” and he endorses a holistic approach to health care, emphasizing nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - If you’d like to try our meal planner free for 14-days, use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to enjoy two weeks of free access. After the trial ends, membership is just $1.90 a week! Dr. Batiste Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode

Oct 14, 2021 • 38min
Ep.114: Dr. Kristi Funk - Arm Yourself with Plant Warfare Against Breast Cancer (A Plant-Stock Replay)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is why we’re showcasing a “Broc-Star Greatest Hits” presentation from our recent 2021 Plant-Stock Weekend, with board-certified breast cancer surgeon and physician, Dr. Kristi Funk. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and, yes, there are some risk factors that you can't change like age, gender, and family history. However, as Dr. Funk stresses, we have way more power and control than we think - and, this is good news! One of the biggest factors in our control on a daily basis? The food we eat. Three to six times a day, we choose whether or not to arm ourselves with powerful plant warfare that is our biggest defender-in-battle against this disease. There's so much research, motivation, and support in this uplifting talk that we simply had to share it and echo Dr. Funk's call-to-action: Eat Like You Mean It! You'll hear and learn: An explanation of the breast cancer statistics and your inherent risk factors All of the risk factors we CAN control - especially what we eat Why has the number of breast cancer cases increased in recent decades? What does the research show? What is IGF-1 and what role does it play in the growth of cancer cells? What foods contain IGF-1 and why should I avoid it? What is the only diet known to prevent and reverse heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and dementia? You probably have a guess! Dr. Funk's Top 12 Breast Super Foods and breast cancer food checklist Episode Resources Pink Lotus Website and Resources 2021 Cancer-Kicking Virtual Summit - Details and Registration Download a copy of all Plant-Stock presentations for just $49 PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music About Dr. Kristi Funk Dr. Kristi Funk, a board-certified breast cancer surgeon and co-founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center, is an expert in minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for all types of breast disease. She has helped thousands of women through breast treatment, including well-known celebrities, like Angelina Jolie and Sheryl Crow, who have turned to her for her surgical expertise. After graduating with distinction from Stanford University in 1991, Dr. Funk received her medical degree from UC Davis, School of Medicine. Following her surgical residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA, she completed a surgical breast fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she then excelled as a surgeon and breast center director for 7 years. In 2009, Dr. Funk alongside her entrepreneurial husband, Andy Funk, opened the Pink Lotus Breast Center in Beverly Hills. The Pink Lotus Breast Center fuses state-of-the art screening, genetic testing, diagnosis, and treatment with preventive strategies and holistic, compassionate care. Dr. Funk is also the Founding Ambassador of the Pink Lotus Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide low-income, uninsured and underinsured women 100% free access to breast cancer screening and care.

Oct 7, 2021 • 1h 5min
Ep. 113: Sonya Looney - The Power of Picking Yourself
We all have our proverbial mountains to climb, but today’s guest has climbed some of the highest mountains — on her mountain bike. Plant-powered pro mountain biker, Sonya Looney, is Rip's guest and, in addition to crushing it as a professional mountain biker, Sonya has also become well-known as a health andd mindset coach, setting clients up for success no matter what they're trying to accomplish. Rip and Sonya share many commonalities - from being professional athletes, to becoming health coaching entrepreneurs, and raising plant-powered kids. In fact, they spend most of their time today talking about chasing these big dreams, taking risks, remaining resilient, and not quitting even in the face of inevitable setbacks and frustrations. That's why we've called this episode, "The Power of Picking Yourself." Whether you're trying to change your diet, develop new habits, or change careers, have the courage to believe that you are worth it and, like Rip and Sonya, you'll be well on your way to winning at the game of life. About Sonya Looney Mindset, plant-based nutrition, and sport- three things that have powered Professional Mountain Biker Sonya Looney to the top of her sport. With over 15 stage races wins across the globe and a 24-hour World Champion title to her name, Sonya is no stranger to thriving in challenging and long events. She takes her research and learnings off the bike to her top ranked podcast- The Sonya Looney Show, helps others with nutrition backed by her Cornell Plant-Based Nutrition certification. She is a Health Coach through Vanderbilt University's Integrative Medicine Program and has her Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Sonya's goal is to help people be better every day and to show people they can find their potential through doing hard things. She believes that curiosity and optimism are the keys to always learning and growing. Sonya has an online course- The Moxy & Grit Mindset Academy that is a mental toughness and positive psychology course for athletes. She has several business projects on the go including her Moxy & Grit apparel line and her Plant-Powered Academy online community. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - If you’d like to try our meal planner free for 14-days, use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to enjoy two weeks of free access. After the trial ends, membership is just $1.90 a week! Sonya Looney Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Sep 30, 2021 • 1h 10min
Ep. 112: Dreena Burton - Cooking with Kindness
Rip has a warm and delightful conversation with chef and plant-based cookbook author extraordinaire, Dreena Burton. Dreena, who hails from Canada, has just released her sixth book, Dreena's Kind Kitchen, and she and Rip dive deep into some of the thought, love, simplicity, and kindness that went into developing these new recipes. Dreena’s Kind Kitchen delivers over 100 whole foods/oil-free plant-based recipes that you can turn to time and again. These recipes were developed for real-life dining: meals with family, meals on your own, snacks, and baked goods to fuel your busy days. All the recipes have been photographed and cover all courses from breakfast to dinner to dessert. They also discuss the evolution of her career, cooking style, and the importance of using the word, "kindness" in the title. By cooking this way, you are being kind to yourself and your loved ones. It is an expression of love to show people that this food is healthy and tastes delicious. Dreena Burton truly epitomizes what it means to be generous, humble, talented, and kind. And, we think the world could use a little more kindness. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - If you’d like to try our meal planner free for 14-days, use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to enjoy two weeks of free access. After the trial ends, membership is just $1.90 a week! Dreena Burton Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Sep 23, 2021 • 59min
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