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
Oct 13, 2020 • 46min
Ep. 61: Transformation Tuesday: Daniel Shuman - If the Plant "Shu" Fits, Wear It!
Daniel Shuman has been on his own plant-strong journey since April of 2017 when he started at 355 pounds. But, he actually reached out to us on behalf of a friend who was also struggling with their health. As he says, “If they can see that someone like me can do something like this - and the positive impact it has on every aspect of my life - medically, socially, emotionally, my relationship with my children and wife, my intimacy...It’s really unbelievable.” Daniel is obviously on a journey. He’s not perfect. None of us are. Remember, adopting a whole-food plant-based diet isn’t an “all or nothing.” I can be all or something because it really does check every box. That’s what this episode is all about - sharing his story to propel others and getting people to reimagine what’s possible when you get out of your own way. He’s living proof that the possibilities are endless. Episode Resources: Register for the Plant-Strong Kitchen Primer on October 23rd-24th, 2020 Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode
Oct 6, 2020 • 55min
Ep. 60: Transformation Tuesday: Mark and Amy Papa - Taking Control of Their Health Destiny
In 2019, Mark Papa begrudgingly joined an Engine 2 Seven Day Immersions, which catapulted this former meat-eating triathlete back to fitness. Mark and his wife, Amy, are the quintessential “normal” family from Pennsylvania. Mark is a Type 1 diabetic, he’s in the restaurant business, and he and his wife have five kids. So, if there was ever a family that had excuses NOT to change, this is it. And yet, they did and, as you can predict, the results have been remarkable. We caught up with Mark and Amy last year at their home in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and we talked about what life was like before and after the immersion. It’s been quite an adventure and they are more than happy to share their success. Episode Resources: Register for the Plant-Strong Kitchen Primer on October 23rd-24th, 2020 Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode
Sep 29, 2020 • 35min
Ep. 59: Transformation Tuesday: Nick Berman - As seen in "The Game Changers"
Welcome to a BONUS "Transformation Tuesday" edition of the Plant-Strong Podcast! Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to share this inspirational series dedicated to showcasing some of my new friends and their remarkable, plant-strong stories. It’s our hope that these bonus clips inspire and motivate you because, as you’ll hear, cutting out all the meat and dairy and adopting a whole food plant-based diet may not be easy at first, is massively life-changing from the inside out. Believe me when I say these people are just like you. You may recognize Nick Berman from one of the climactic scenes in The Game Changers. He, along with other members of the FDNY, had just completed the Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Challenge and Nick was blown away by how far his cholesterol had tumbled. These results ARE typical. Today, you won't believe how far he's come! I hope you enjoy this episode—and the surprise cameo by the one-and-only Jon Stewart! Episode Resources: Register for the Plant-Strong Kitchen Primer on October 23rd-24th, 2020 Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode
Sep 17, 2020 • 43min
Ep. 58: Season Finale: Heart of a Hero - Fit for Duty. Fit for Life.
Today, the Plant-Strong Podcast wraps-up Season Two with a special 'Heart of a Hero' finale featuring three of New York’s bravest firefighting heroes. Keith Mitchell was listening to Season One of the Plant-Strong podcast back in 2019, and following the transformation of fellow firefighter Joe Inga like thousands of others. As a triathlete, Keith already worked hard to keep himself healthy and in shape, but after listening to Joe's story, decided to go all-in and embrace the Engine 2 plant-strong way of life. Like Joe, the hurdles during mealtime at Keith’s fire station were difficult to overcome. Despite having seniority, Keith’s decision to eat differently shook the firehouse and created unforeseen tension. But then Keith heard Kevin Duffy’s story in Episode 19 of Season One. Kevin is another NYC firefighter, Ironman triathlete, and a true hero for his own health. Having the testimonials of Joe and Kevin only strengthened his resolve. Today, this finale brings together all three of these heroes for a candid conversation about their jobs and the challenges they face within the firehouse culture. Despite the ridicule and pushback, they press on and continue to thrive against the status quo and they optimize their own health for the health and well-being of those they serve...That's what heroes do. Thank you to Joe, Kevin, and Keith. At this time when firefighters across our nation are battling multiple blazes, we can think of no more appropriate way to wrap up our season than to honor you, our firefighting heroes. Episode Resources: Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. Register for the Plant-Strong Kitchen Primer on October 23rd-24th, 2020 Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Theme music for episode
Sep 11, 2020 • 36min
Ep. 57: An Open Letter and Call-to-Action to Emergency First Responders
Today is 9/11, a day that none of us will forget. As we wind down Season Two of The Plant-Strong podcast, which is dedicated to those with the heart of a hero, we want to honor those who serve on the front lines when we call for help. To commemorate this special day, I want to share an open letter to first responders. We all remember where we were that day when time stood still and the events that transpired across the United States imprinted on each and every one of us. I remember like it was yesterday, as I'm sure you all do. On this day every year, we think of you, emergency first-responders, and the sacrifice you make for others. Lately, with the endless firefighting in California and Oregon, first responders are being put to the test once again and I want to remind everyone that the #1 cause of death for in-the-line-of duty deaths among firefighters is heart disease...not fires or smoke inhalation, not accidents…...heart attacks. Think about that. In a job that faces potential risk and personal harm every time a call comes in, it’s the effects of the standard American Diet that are more dangerous to these everyday heroes. It’s our mission at Plant-Strong to educate and empower people to take back their health, to get in the driver seat and be their own hero. We want everyone to experience the benefits of living plant-strong and to learn that you do NOT have to accept type II diabetes, or high blood pressure, or high cholesterol as your fate. You can turn it around. We want this for everyone, but I especially want this for firefighters and emergency first-responders. So my letter to all of you is to be brave, take the plunge, and don’t wait until you are having chest pains to see the light. Make the change to put YOURSELF FIRST - you will be able to rescue so many more people when your own internal engine is in order. We honor you today and always. We will never forget. Peace, Engine 2, Keep it Plant-Strong.
Sep 10, 2020 • 1h 13min
Ep. 56: Suzy Amis Cameron - Actress, Activist & Author of The OMD Plan
Here at the Plant-Strong Podcast, as you can tell from all of our guests this season, having “the heart of a hero” means throwing your whole being behind a mission. It means putting health before everything else -- and not just OUR own health, but the health of animals, the planet, and...perhaps most importantly...our children’s health. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bigger advocate in this work than Suzy Amis Cameron. For over 30 years, she has dedicated herself to caring for the health and sustainability of our planet and Suzy is unapologetically passionate about plant-based foods as a solution to so many of these issues we face today. She’s the author of THE OMD PLAN: Swap One Meal a Day to Save Your Health and Save the Planet. This book was so powerful that she was even featured as a guest with Oprah on “Super Soul Sunday.” Suzy, along with her sister, also founded the MUSE School in 2005, the first school in the country to be 100% solar powered, zero waste, and with a 100% organic, plant-based lunch program. And, perhaps most importantly, Suzy is also responsible for initiating her husband, film director, James Cameron, into a whole-foods plant-based lifestyle after watching “Forks Over Knives” together a few years ago. If not for this life-changing moment, the documentary, “The Game Changers,” Executive Produced by James and Suzy Amis Cameron, may never have had the global impact it’s having right now. In fact, it is the most-watched documentary of all time with almost 100 million downloads...and counting. So, thank you, Suzy, for your tireless efforts on these and all of your plant-based ventures that you’ll learn about in this episode. Episode Resources: Suzy Amis Cameron Website and Resources The Game Changers Documentary Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Theme music for episode
Sep 3, 2020 • 1h 2min
Ep. 55: Victoria Moran - A Visit with the Main Street Vegan
Victoria Moran is a veritable lighthouse in this plant-strong movement and a true matriarch. She's been in the trenches for well over 35-years and, at age 70, she’s just getting started! Her mission? To share the joys and rewards of living a whole-foods vegan lifestyle with the entire world. She’s written 13 books, hosts her own radio show and podcast called, “Main Street Vegan” and most recently produced a documentary called “A Prayer for Compassion” that asks the question, "Can people who identify as religious or spiritual come to embrace the call to include all human and nonhuman beings in our circle of respect, caring and love?” Powerful, indeed. She also runs The Main Street Vegan Academy - a program for training and certifying vegan lifestyle coaches and entrepreneurs around the world. Did we mention that she’s 70? Whew! As you’ll hear in our conversation, one of her goals is to help others age in slow motion and I think you’ll agree, she’s doing just that! And, that’s a wonderful thing because the world needs Victoria Moran and others like her who have the heart of a hero and the compassion to change the world. Episode Resources: Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Theme music for episode Victoria Moran Resources: Main Street Vegan A Prayer for Compassion Film Main Street Vegan Instagram
Aug 27, 2020 • 56min
Ep. 54: Nimai Delgado - Building Muscle Without Meat
We say it all the time here at Plant-Strong - “Real Men Eat Plants.” With the smashing success of The Game Changers documentary, we proved, through science, that it is optimal to build muscle on a plant-based diet. If you still have to see it to believe it, then you’ll want to feast your eyes and ears on today’s guest. Nimai Delgado is a professional bodybuilder who has never eaten meat his entire life. That’s right, Nimai was raised vegetarian since birth and, in 2015, even while in peak training for bodybuilding competitions, went all in and became 100% plant-based. You know what? He’s been out-muscling his competition ever since. What started as Nimai’s personal mission to stay fit and healthy, has quickly turned into a career and a powerful myth-busting fitness and nutrition platform of spreading the benefits and possibilities of a plant-based lifestyle. Episode Resources: Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode Nimai Delgado Resources: Instagram VeganFitness.com
Aug 13, 2020 • 1h 11min
Ep. 53: LIVE from the Esselstyn Farm
This week's episode was recorded from the Esselstyn Family Farm as the entire family prepares for the kick-off of our 9th Annual Plant-Stock event starting August 14th, 2020. We affectionately coined the event “Plant-Stock” back in 2011 because the farm is located a scant 21 miles from the famed 1969 Woodstock event at which Grandpa Esselstyn served as the medical director. This farm, as you’ll learn, has been in the Esselstyn family since 1685, and in fact, is one of only two family farms in New York state that has been owned and operated by the same family for over 335 years! There’s a certain magic in bringing Plant-Stock back to its original home. The event may be virtual this year, but, serendipitously, it also allows us to open our doors to thousands of you to this special place. Today, I’m sitting on the front porch with Ann and Essy as we reminisce about the early days on the land. You’ll even get a detailed play-by-play of my Dad’s 1956 Olympic Gold Medal race in rowing! I still get excited hearing about this special moment in my Dad’s life again - even after all these years. And, his Olympic berth started right here on the Esselstyn Family Farm while his Dad treated patients (including a few famous ones you’ll hear about). So, enjoy this visit with my parents this week and join us, if you can, for our virtual Plant-Stock immersive weekend that starts tomorrow. We’re saving you a seat right next to us on the porch. Episode Resources: Plant-Stock 2020 Details and Registration Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode Footage from the 1956 Olympic Rowing Gold Medal Race
Aug 6, 2020 • 1h 34min
Ep. 52: Rich Roll - Catching Up with a Plant-Strong Friend
This is a special episode because, instead of looking forward, we actually take a look back and shine the light on the heart of a true hero, Rich Roll. Rich and I both abandoned our steady and stable “normal” careers about 10 years ago to release books and venture into uncharted career territories that didn’t even really exist at the time. We both had young families and, let me tell you, it was scary. BUT, when you believe in something so much and when you’re being pulled so strongly into a direction that resonates with your whole being, you have to act...and fortunately, we both did. This interview was recorded last Fall so, while you won’t hear any dialogue around the current issues we’re all facing, you will hear a thoughtful conversation on fear, vulnerability, suffering, epiphanies in life, learning to give and receive love, meditation, and the bravery it takes to shed our old skin and start over. So even though we look back this week, as you’re listening to both of us reminisce, ask yourself: Are there changes in my own life that I want to make? Is there a cause I believe in so much that I’m willing to give up virtually everything? What are my own fears that might be prohibiting me from going after these goals? How can I get out of my comfort zone? I hope that you, like Rich and myself, recognize and act on those unique moments in your life - those epiphanies - that can ultimately alter the course of your life for the better. Episode Resources: Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food. Visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com to claim their offer of up to 50% your purchase. The NutraMilk - Make Alternative Milks and Butters in Minutes Use code: PLANTSTRONG for $50 off Plant-Stock 2020 Details and Registration Engine 2 Meal Planner Use code: HEALTHNOW for $20 off yearly membership Theme music for episode Rich Roll Website
