PLANTSTRONG Podcast

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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