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
May 14, 2020 • 1h 5min
Ep. 41: T. Colin Campbell, PhD - T is for 'Trailblazer'
For 65-years, Dr. T. Colin Campbell has been a courageous truth-seeker and unapologetic truth-teller in the scientific research and study of nutrition. Of course, most know his work from The China Study, Whole, Forks over Knives, and his repeat visits to Plant Stock, but recently, Dr. Campbell released two articles that speak to this “revolutionary idea” that the best defense against Covid-19 is whole food plant-based diet. In fact, not only is it the best cautionary measure you can take, but it’s also the most responsible to protect the strain on the hospital system, our global environment, and the food supply chain, which has been severely compromised. Dr. Campbell and Rip discuss his body of work over the last six decades and explore the contents of his recent essays on his ideal prescription for optimal health - a whole-food, plant-based diet. Episode Resources: Register Now for the Plant-Strong Primer Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order T.Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies Recovery From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Testing, Tracing, & Nutrition Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list, and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode
May 7, 2020 • 1h 38min
Ep 40: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz - Build the Gut of a Hero
In 2018, after an interview about building a healthy gut on a plant-based diet went viral, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz knew he needed to do something. He wanted to continue to spread this message to a wider audience. The result almost two years later? His brand new book Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome. Fiber Fueled is the playbook to optimize and restore your gut health on a plant-based diet, and this entire episode is dedicated to the one nutrient that has the most positive impact on your gut health - FIBER. Dr. B dishes on: His F-GOALS: Those super plant-foods to optimize gut health Straight talk on paleo, keto, lectins, and other misinformation floating around Honest dialogue on probiotics and prebiotics And, yes, a topic like fiber wouldn't be complete without a discussion on poop! It's empowering to know that you're not born to have disease. You're born for health and it all starts with the relationship between your microbes and fiber - fiber from plants. Fiber really is sexy! Episode Resources: Plant-Strong Primer Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list, and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Dr. B Website Fiber Fueled Book Page Fiber Fueled on Book Shop (Buy local! Support your local bookstore!) Fiber Fueled on B&N Fiber Fueled on Amazon Dr. B Facebook Dr. B Instagram Theme music for episode
Apr 30, 2020 • 55min
Ep.39: Dan Buettner - Finding Blue Skies During Covid-19
Dan Buettner is an explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist and producer, and a New York Times bestselling author. He discovered the five places in the world—dubbed Blue Zones—where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Today, Dan and Rip discuss the Power 9, those nine mutually supporting characteristics that these Blue Zones areas have in common to promote health, happiness, and longevity. They include: Move Naturally Purpose Downshift 80% Rule Plant Slant Wine at 5 Right Tribe Loved Ones First Belong I encourage you to explore ways to adopt and implement as many of these as possible into your own lives - especially now - when the entire planet is on the precipice of change. We can use these uncertain times for our own good - and the good of the world. It starts now and it starts with you. Episode Resources: Plant-Strong Primer Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Blue Zones Website, Books and Resources Blue Zones Power 9 Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode
Apr 23, 2020 • 1h 32min
Ep. 38: Chris Wark - How Chris Beat Cancer
“I just couldn’t wrap my head around this idea that you can poison your way back to health.” In 2003, Chris Wark received a grim colon cancer diagnosis at the young age of 26. And, as most of us know, when it comes to cancer treatment, much of the decision-making is based around FEAR. Who wouldn’t be afraid if you were told you basically had a 50-50 shot at surviving? Chris, however, took a different approach. Instead of using fear to drive his decision on chemotherapy, he turned to facts and his faith. Instead of pumping chemo drugs into his body, he pumped in as many anti-cancer foods as he could and turned his body into a nutritional powerhouse. He built his body up instead of tearing it down. That was 13 years ago. Today, Chris is the best selling author of the book Chris Beat Cancer, and a robust website of the same name, ChrisBeatCancer.com. He’s also the father of two beautiful girls and public speaker. Episode Resources: ChrisBeatCancer.com Chris Beat Cancer - A Comprehensive Plan for Healing Naturally Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Thank you podcast listeners! Join our Million Downloads giveaway - enter here to win one of the following great prizes, no purchase necessary! Winners announced on April 27th. Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode Plant-Strong Podcast Website
Apr 16, 2020 • 1h 21min
Ep. 37: Damien Mander - Conservation Crusader
Damien Mander is founder and CEO of The International Anti-Poaching Foundation and, if you’ve seen “The Game Changers” documentary, you’ll also, no doubt, remember his powerful contribution to the film as a former hunter-turned-conservationist. In this candid interview, Mander describes his former self - the alpha male who used to take aim at the vulnerable through the hunting, killing, and eating of animals. A chance meeting with an elephant transformed him from a meat-loving Aussie to a plant-strong crusader with a personal mission to protect animals and the world’s natural heritage for future generations. You’ll hear all about the initiatives of the IAPF and their valiant efforts to protect over 20 million acres of the African wilderness. In 2017 Damien founded ‘Akashinga – Nature Protected by Women’, an IAPF program that has already grown to over 170 employees, becoming the only group of nature reserves in the world to be protected by women. Their goal is to employ 1000 women by 2025, protecting a network of 20 nature reserves, all managed by the IAPF. We’ve recently seen first-hand just how delicate our ecosystems are and, thanks to people like Damien, we are fighting valiantly, with thought-provoking conversations just like these that inspire us to action. Episode Resources: International Anti-Poaching Foundation Damien's Mander's TEDx Talk Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Help us improve access to the Engine 2 Food Line! Survey closed 4/20/20 Thanks! Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode
Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 15min
Ep. 36: Dr. Michael Klaper - Health and Hope Amidst a Lockdown
Dr. Michael Klaper is a friend, a philosopher, and a humanitarian. Today, he returns to the podcast for the third time to talk about the coronavirus and to answer your health questions. In this ever-changing landscape, we are dedicated to providing you with a compass - pointing you towards facts, science, and the world’s most well-trusted medical authorities on health and nutrition. In addition to talking through the origins of the COVID-19 virus, as well as tips on how you can maximize your health and minimize risk, Dr. Klaper also provides HOPE! In fact, as he says, there is room for magic in this “pandemic of possibilities.” Hopefully, we will all emerge with a renewed sense of awareness and appreciation for our planet, our animals, and each other. Episode Resources: Dr. Michael Klaper Website and Social Links Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Know your numbers! Plant-Strong has partnered with the nation’s leader in direct-to-consumer lab testing. For a list of recommended tests and a money-saving bundle, visit our website. Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Theme music for episode
Mar 26, 2020 • 1h 1min
Ep. 35: Q&A with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
During this time of uncertainty, we are more committed than ever to bring you science, facts, and answers to your health questions. We put the call out and you responded in a huge way and this week, we go straight to the top -- a Q&A session with my father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn. Like most of us, he and my Mother are practicing social distancing from their home in Cleveland, Ohio, so we recorded this conversation over Zoom. Whatever lack of quality there is in the recording is made up in spades with the information and answers that he provides to YOUR questions - ranging from cholesterol tests, how to order food at restaurants, the effects of caffeine on the body, the six most important leafy greens your should be eating daily, and the importance of nitric oxide and more. Enjoy this always-educational conversation with Dr. Esselstyn. Episode Resources: Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Seeking a solution for making the plant-strong lifestyle convenient and inspiring? The Plant-Strong Meal Planner offers 1000s of recipes customized to your preferences, an integrated shopping list and grocery delivery! Our Engine 2 Coaches are on hand to offer support and answer any questions. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today and use promo code: HEALTHNOW to save $20 off an annual plan. Music credits for Episode
Mar 19, 2020 • 46min
Ep. 34: BONUS: Brian Hart, M. Ed. - Reflections on Food and Pandemics
This week, during these uncertain and volatile times, we present a special episode with Brian Hart, M. Ed. Hart is a highly experienced educator with over twenty-five years in the field as a teacher, administrator, and advocate for school change in both the public and private sectors. He is also Rip's brother-in-law and the Executive Director of the Esselstyn Family Foundation, a 501c3 public charity that strives to get the plant-based message out, free of cost, to as many people and medical organizations as possible. Brian recently wrote a thought-provoking piece for Medium.com entitled, "Food Choice and COVID-19: Reflections on Food and Pandemics." Today, he and Rip discuss the hope-filled lessons from this article and the silver linings we can take away during these uncertain times. Episode Resources: Food Choice and COVID 19 Esselstyn Family Foundation
Mar 12, 2020 • 51min
Ep. 33: Nina and Randa Nelson - Clear Skin Crusaders
At age 26, identical twins Nina and Randa Nelson are strong voices in the plant-strong movement. In their early 20s, both were struck with severe acne that left them depressed, confused, and out of work...just as they were pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. Not wanting to settle for traditional antibiotics and powerful medicines with terrible side-effects, Nina and Randa refined their already-clean diet even more to remove excess oils and toxins. Within days, the acne started to clear dramatically. Today, they share the six guiding principles from their book, "The Clear Skin Diet," so that others can put the plan to work. Acne affects millions of young people and has a dramatic impact on self-esteem and social development. Share this episode with anyone who wants to heal their skin from the inside out. Episode Resources: Theme Music Join one of our 2020 Plant-Strong Immersions - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for any five or six day retreat Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Register for Camp Plant-Stock - August 14th-16th, 2020 Clear Skin Diet Website Nina and Randa Nelson Website Somewhat Relatable Podcast
Mar 5, 2020 • 46min
Ep. 32: Dr. Michael Klaper - Get Off Your 'Buts'
“Heaven forbid, you get a heart attack or a stroke. It's only you in that hospital bed. It's not the people at work. It's not your daughter-in-law. It's not the people you go out to dinner with. It's you. You're a grown man. You're a grown woman. It doesn't matter what people think at this point and you don't owe anything to anybody. It's nobody's business what you order for lunch.” Not many people tell it like it is better than Dr. Michael Klaper. As a revered member of the Plant-Strong retreat team, this nutritional Paul Revere always inspires with his infinite wisdom, caring spirit, and straightforward approach. It’s also this fervor that drives his quest to expose and awaken tomorrow’s young physicians to the power of plant-based healing with his Moving Medicine Forward Initiative. This candid interview is true-to-form as Dr. Klaper and Rip ask the audience to let go of their sacred cows and get off their ‘BUTS’ to make positive changes for long term health. Life is made up of small changes, and the food we eat every day changes us from the inside out. When you switch to a whole food plant-based diet, you have a self-healing mechanism and the body gets itself back into balance. So, why not eat the cleanest fuel possible for your metabolic engine? There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Every bite matters. Episode 10 Resources Join one of our 2020 Plant-Strong Immersions - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for any five or six day retreat. Know your numbers! Plant-Strong has partnered with the nation’s leader in direct-to-consumer lab testing. For a list of recommended tests and a money-saving bundle, visit our website. Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Dr. Klaper Website Moving Medicine Forward Dr. Klaper Episodes from Season 1: Paleo: The Devil’s Bargain Keto with Doug Lisle Theme Music (https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/6155)
