PLANTSTRONG Podcast

Dig deep into the all-encompassing world of Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr. Saray Stancic. Her story has a little of everything that will have you on the edge of your seat -- personal trauma and transformation, redemption, discovery, and a passionate pursuit to change not just her health and the health of her patients, but of the healthcare field as a whole. Not a small task, but as you’ll hear, this plant-armored warrior is more than up to the task!  In 1995, as a third-year medical resident, Dr. Stancic was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the time, it may as well have been a death sentence for this young doctor. This unforeseen health challenge changed the course of her life, both professionally and personally, and Rip and Saray talk about the impact that diagnosis had on her life as well as her “galileo” blueberry moment that ultimately changed the way she viewed her prognosis. Today, over 25 years later, in addition to being a physician, you can also add marathon finisher, filmmaker, and author to her long list of credentials. Her film, “Code Blue” examines the healthcare industry and offers solutions featuring the practice of lifestyle medicine to prevent, treat, and manage disease. And, her new book, What’s Missing From Medicine offers six lifestyle changes to overcome chronic illness, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and many others. Prepare to be inspired by the incomparable, Dr. Saray Stancic. Episode Resources Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ New PlantStrong Foods Coming Soon - Hop on the list and be the first to know when they are available - https://plantstrongfoods.com/apps/coming-soon PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Dr. Saray Stancic Website - https://drstancic.com/ Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to a BONUS Edition of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast with an encore performance of “How to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind,” featuring Dr. Doug Lisle and Rip Esselstyn. In this free livestream event, Dr. Lisle gave a brief talk on the surprising and inspiring truth about how to achieve sustainable weight loss. The event was so powerful that we want to share it with everyone in hopes of providing some help and reassurance that YOU are not the problem and your genes are not to blame as much as we want to point the finger at someone besides ourselves. So many lightbulb moments took place throughout the evening and we love it when that happens. Stick around at the end as PLANTSTRONG coaches John Fitzgerald and Ami Mackey also provide a Mindset Mastery talk on how to put the content into action. Thanks so much for listening and do feel free to share this episode with friends or loved ones who may benefit. Some of the topics covered include: Reasons Why We are Gaining Weight The Role of Genes in our Weight Destiny Calorie Density and How it Factors into our Consumption of Food Calorie Estimation Receptors - What are They? Dr. Lisle’s Law of Satiety How to Avoid Falling into the Pleasure Trap - Avoiding Temptations and Cravings Dr. Lisle’s “New Religion” - Salad, Veggies, Carbs Mindset Mastery - Now, HOW do We Implement? Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode including all of Dr. Lisle’s slides: https://youtu.be/Z96ThwPd4ak  Summer Grilling Guide - Join our Free Community to get the Guide to Delicious Summer Foods:  https://community.plantstrong.com/posts/summer-grilling-guide Rescue 10X - Our Summer Edition starts June 15th: https://community.plantstrong.com/plans/131498?bundle_token=d5fa00af4802686ed95ec14aaef011a8&utm_source=manual  PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. (Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button.) Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com/  Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community: https://community.plantstrong.com/feed  Esteem Dynamics: https://esteemdynamics.com/  Theme Music for Episode: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845 

“Who would be on your wishlists to talk plants?” It was a question for the PLANTSTRONG Podcast team at the beginning of the season and today’s guest was right at the top of that list. Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her subtle but hilarious deadpan delivery in her TV shows, films, and stand-up. In fact, her new film, “Army of the Dead,” was released on May 21st and it is (at time of publication) the #1 film on Netflix. What you may not know about Tig is her traumatic health story and subsequent journey to plants. In 2012, in the span of just a few weeks, Tig developed and almost succumbed to C-Diff, a potentially deadly infection. Just days later, her Mom died unexpectedly, her relationship ended, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through treatment and a double mastectomy. Part of Tig’s journey to recovery was actually getting back on stage to talk about it with vulnerability in her usual candor, but she also started researching how to best take care of herself and improve her health and the health of her family.  Guess where her research led her? You guessed it. PLANTS. In 2016, Tig, her now-wife Stephanie, and their two sons went all-in on plant-based nutrition and she has been a fierce advocate ever since. She had her Galileo moment and the changes have been profound.  Even during the pandemic this year, since she couldn’t be on the road, she took the course to become certified in plant-based nutrition and think that’s pretty darrn cool! What Else Will You Learn from Today’s Conversation? Some of Tig’s favorite plant-based meals Why Tig finds watermelon a “snooze-fest” Her favorite app to find the best vegan restaurants when she travels Her conviction to this PlantStrong way-of-life and how she knows she’s not changing Whether she views herself as competitive How she makes one small habit-change each year to improve her health How she has brought her family into the plant-based world, including her father-in-law How she came to her new role in “Army of the Dead” Family inspiration for her stand-up material So, yes, Tig is famous for her stand-up, her podcasts, her TV shows, and movies, but we were fortunate enough to talk to Tig because she loves plants, so we hope you, too, will support her work and her PLANTSTRONG journey. Episode Resources Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ New PlantStrong Foods Coming Soon - Hop on the list and be the first to know when they are available - https://plantstrongfoods.com/apps/coming-soon PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Tig Notaro Website - https://tignation.com/ Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Today's episode is a celebration and looks back at the 10-year-anniversary of the film, Forks over Knives with Brian Wendel, founder and president of Forks Over Knives and creator and executive producer of the Forks Over Knives feature film. This film examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the chronic diseases that afflict us can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based and processed foods, has gone on to become one of the most popular and longest-running independent films ever on Netflix. Plus, it is still available to stream for free at www.Forksoverknives.com. For a decade now, this film has been one of the most popular “entry points” for those who are plant-curious. Why? Because it’s approachable, friendly, and attainable. Today, we relive the making of this film with Brian - How and why did he develop the story? When did he even know he was really onto something? We think you’ll appreciate that so much of the success of Forks over Knives is a result of “happy accidents” and the universe doing its thing -- putting the right people together at just the right time. The lives of all of these people, including the entire Esselstyn family, have been changed for the better and it was an honor being a part of such a powerful film that created a tidal wave of change and acceptance for living PlantStrong. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Forks over Knives. About Brian Wendel In 2001, Brian Wendel attended a conference on nutrition. There, a plant-based expert made a compelling enough argument that a Staten Island boy raised on pizza and roast beef decided to go all in on plant foods. He had no idea it would forever alter the course of his life. Over the next eight years, Brian immersed himself in the lifestyle, learning about the disease-reversing power of a plant-based diet. The evidence was strong, yet the overwhelming majority of the population had no idea that this simple change could have such a drastic impact. Brian wanted to reach as many people as possible with this information, so in 2009, he began work on a documentary film. Forks Over Knives became a spark for national change. The film was a hit. The accompanying book became a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. And most importantly, Brian saw legions of people—including his own father and members of the film’s cast and crew—adopting a plant-based diet and regaining control of their health and their lives. It was obvious that Forks Over Knives was no longer just a side project, so Brian quit his day job in real estate and took on the movement full time. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Links to Episode Music: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845 - theme music https://youtu.be/rhV_DIoebm - promo theme music

We keep the Mother’s Day celebration going with two of the up-and-coming broc-stars, The Plant-Based Juniors, Whitney English and Alexandra Caspero. Together, these two have created a robust community and a haven of support for raising healthy plant-strong babies and toddlers.  In fact, their new book, The Plant-Based Baby and Toddler is coming out on May 18th, 2021 and it is the topic of much of the discussion in today’s episode. The PBJs are packed with knowledge, research, and enthusiasm for providing such accurate and evidence-based information because, as we know, there is just so much misinformation out there. They cut through the noise with a refreshing and welcoming vibe that we love here at PlantStrong. Both Alex and Whitney are Registered Dietitians, Certified Personal Trainers, and Moms to toddlers, so they are, of course, personally invested in the health of not just your children, but theirs as well.  Even if you’re not a parent, we encourage you to share this episode with those who are. They are a wonderful source for encouragement and affirmation that shines a light on the fact that raising plant-based babies and toddlers is not only safe, but it’s also health-promoting.  We cover so many issues that new parents face, especially the many fears and misconceptions of raising plant-strong babies. We also talk about how to have productive conversations with your children and with the naysayers who express their concerns about your parenting choices. We dive into soy, gluten, the whole grain paradox...and making sure your child gets plenty of Vitamin P. What in the world is Vitamin P? You’ll find out and, believe us, you don’t want to live without it. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: The Plant-Based Juniors Website Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Links to episode music: Theme Music Promo Music

Today, we welcome and invite you into the magical and whimsical world of The Happy Pear, David and Stephen Flynn. For the past 16-years, these Irish twin brothers have been on an exploration of health, vitality, and happiness and we guarantee it's a journey you'll want to join when you hear them speak. We talked about how these two former tough-guy meat lovin’ rugby players transformed into plantstrong powerhouses. We talk yoga, handstands, meditation, cooking, building community, spreading joy...and so much more.

They've been making waves in the plant-based world and jumping in them with their daily sunrise swims. That's how I knew we'd get along so well. I’ve been wanting to talk to these lads for a while now and I hope you love the conversation as much as I did because, when you interview the Happy Pear, you just kick back and let them go! Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. Join our life-altering PLANTSTRONG Retreat in Sedona, AZ from October 11th-16th. Visit plantstrong.com/sedona for details and registration. Links to episode music: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845 - theme music https://youtu.be/rhV_DIoebm - promo theme music

If there’s one person who has put a face on the vegan lifestyle, it would have to be Kathy Freston. Kathy has written nine books including the popular Veganist, The Lean, and Clean Protein, and she’s been an outspoken plant-based proponent in the mainstream media for many years - including popular appearances on Ellen, Oprah, Good Morning America, and The View. Her new book written with last week’s podcast guest, Gene Stone, is called 72 Reasons to Be Vegan and we continue this conversation in her usual approachable and attainable way. And, that’s what we love about Kathy. Her philosophy is ‘progress over perfection’ because, let’s face it, no one is perfect -  and we’re all on a journey towards making ourselves better humans. 72 Reasons to Be Vegan is an extension of the work that she has been doing for years and, judging by her enthusiasm, and her inner and outer beauty, she won’t be stopping anytime soon. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: 72 Reasons to Be Vegan Kathy Freston Website and Resources Join our Life-Altering PlantStrong Retreat in Sedona, AZ - October 11th-16th, 2021 Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Have you ever come across a person in your life who just brings out the best in you? They challenge you, ask the right questions, they’re present, and recognize a gift that maybe YOU didn’t even know you had? Author, Gene Stone, is one of those people for Rip and, if his name doesn't sound familiar, his writing surely will. Gene is the author or co-author of over 50 books including two of Rip's books - “The Engine 2 Diet” and “Plant Strong.” Other familiar titles include Dr. Michael Greger’s book, “How Not to Die,” the first “Forks over Knives,” or “Living the Farm Sanctuary Life” by Gene Bauer. The list of his books on health, wellness, and nutrition is certainly impressive and, today, we dig into his latest project, “72 Reasons to Be Vegan” that he co-wrote with vegan rockstar, Kathy Freston. Here’s the cool thing about Gene. When Rip first met him back in 2006, he wasn’t plantstrong at all, but he did have an open mind, allowing him to have a Galileo moment while writing "The Engine 2 Diet." Today, he eats, sleeps, breathes and writes the lifestyle, which is how his new book, “72 Reasons to Be Vegan” came to be. This new book answers the inevitable question that we all get - "WHY would you do that?!” Let’s catch up and start answering these questions with Gene Stone. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Join our Life-Altering PlantStrong Retreat in Sedona, AZ - October 11th-16th, 2021 72 Reasons to Be Vegan  Gene Stone's Website and Resources Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Do you have a love affair with the salt shaker? Having trouble breaking yourself of the pre-packaged food addiction? Do you have a ballpark guess for the recommended amount of sodium you should be consuming on a daily basis? What about the devastating consequences of too much salt in your diet?  Don’t be alarmed or ashamed with any of your answers if you just don’t know. It’s not your fault. We all fall prey to marketing and the lure of salty foods and today Rip speaks with researcher and author, Michael Jacobson, about his recent book, “Salt Wars - The Battle over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet.”  Michael Jacobson is one of the preeminent scientists who has been fighting on the front lines in Washington DC - literally going to political battle for our health for more than 50 years. He is co-founder of the Center for Science and the Public Interest, which was developed in 1971 as a Health Advocacy Group for Food Safety and Nutrition. The CSPI may not sound familiar to you, but their work will - they are responsible for nutrition facts labeling on food products, getting junk foods out of schools, and removing trans fat out of the food supply -- to name a few of their landmark efforts.  Today, though, he speaks with Rip about our love affair with salt. Why has it become so prevalent in our diet (much of it without us even realizing!)? What are the impacts on our health? And, most importantly, how can we ditch the desire for that extra dash at every meal?  Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D. is a co-founder and long-time Executive Director of Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI), now serving as a Senior Scientist. Jacobson has written numerous books and reports, including Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet; Eater’s Digest: the Consumer’s Fact Book of Food Additives, Nutrition Scoreboard; Salt: the Forgotten Killer; and Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans’ Health. He has also been honored with such awards as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hero Award (2010), the American Public Health Association’s David P. Rall award for advocacy in public health (2011), and the Food Marketing Institute’s Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award (1992). His Ph.D. in microbiology is from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Learn More About our In-Person Sedona Retreat - October 11th-16th, 2021 Center for Science in the Public Interest Website Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast. A few weeks ago, we hosted our first of many Live “Rip’s Rescue'' events. The theme of this first presentation? “Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof” with Dr. Brian Asbill, my parents- Ann and Essy, and special guest Jim McNamara - one of my father’s patients. The response to that event has been so overwhelming and positive that we wanted to share this audio version with all of our podcast listeners. If you or a loved one has had a cardiac event, or if you’ve been told that you’re at high risk, think of this episode as your own two-hour appointment with some of the best medical providers on the planet. Cardiologist Dr. Brian Asbill was on the podcast for a solo interview just a few episodes ago and my parents, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn and Ann Crile Esselstyn, really need no introduction! This special episode is a crash course on how adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle can help you avoid a heart attack, stent, or even bypass surgery. Some of the topics we cover?  Dr. Asbill talks about cholesterol and helps unpack your lipid panel numbers He also gives his take on lifestyle intervention vs. surgery My Dad talks about Nitric Oxide - what is it and how can we all get more of it And, in only the way she can, my Mother digs into the foods you need to fight back against heart disease Plus, you’ll definitely want to hear an inspiring plantstrong success story from Jim Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode Dr. Brian Asbill Podcast Episode PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode