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
Jan 23, 2020 • 47min
Ep. 26: James Wilks-The Ultimate Game Changer
"I hate being lied to," says James "Lightning" Wilks, when asked why he was compelled to make The Game Changers documentary. Together, with a vast array of experts and science-based research, Wilks set out to answer the question, "What does the evidence and the science show in the search for truth in nutrition, especially as it relates to athletic performance and recovery?" The result, after seven years of research and filming? The Game Changers documentary. Rip and James caught up with each other at a premiere of the film at Monmouth University hosted by Jon and Tracey Stewart. In this backstage conversation, they discuss the worldwide impact this film is having so quickly after its release. In fact, it has already become the #1 selling documentary on iTunes and a popular selection on Netflix. Rip and James dive right into some of the results and the longstanding myths this film busts, including: Virility in Men Iron and Soy Consumption The Amount and Type of Protein our Bodies Actually Need The Game Changers is definitely one of the most influential and informational documentaries about the power of a plant-based diet and it's never too late to make a shift in your own approach after you, like James and Rip, learn the truth about nutrition. And, as Wilks suggests, thanks to a philosophy from Bruce Lee: “Research your own experience. Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” Episode Resources: Game Changers The Movie Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Join one of our 2020 Plant-Strong Immersions - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for any five or six day retreat 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today!
Jan 16, 2020 • 55min
Ep. 25: Jon and Tracey Stewart - Plants over Politics - Part 2
Welcome back to part two of our conversation with the remarkable and influential plant-powered couple, Jon and Tracey Stewart. If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Episode Two for the first half of this conversation where they share stories of their plant-based journey and recount the serendipitous story of how they met. In today's extended interview, we pick up the conversation from Hockhockson Farm Foundation, their animal sanctuary in New Jersey dedicated to promoting healthy, sustainable, and kind living. Jon and Tracey talk about how they are finding new foods to eat each day, and how they are reaping the benefits of increasing their greens and avoiding junk food. Rip even reveals the results of their recent blood tests for all to hear! As you'll hear, the Stewarts are two of the most compassionate people who work every day with their influential platforms and voices to push the plant-strong conversation into the mainstream, even when it's politically inconvenient. So, in Season Two where we are celebrating heroes, we shine the spotlight, once again, on these two who are setting such an example for everyone to follow. Resources for Episode 3 Support for this week's episode comes from Wild Earth Dog Food - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Join one of our 2020 Plant-Strong Immersions - use promo code: PLANTSTRONG for any five or six day retreat 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today! Hockhockson Farm Foundation Do Unto Animals - by Tracey Stewart
Jan 9, 2020 • 34min
Ep. 24: Jon and Tracey Stewart - Plants over Politics
Last fall, Tracey Stewart attended a five-day Plant-Strong Engine 2 Immersion in Asheville, North Carolina. Even as a compassionate animal advocate, and author of Do Unto Animals, Tracey, like many of us, still felt frustrated and stagnant in her plant-strong journey. The invigorating retreat, however, ignited a passion and turned on her science-based megaphone with which she could reclaim her health and provide resources for many. “The solution was simple,” she wrote in a blog post after the Immersion. “I just needed to add more vegetables and take away the processed foods and additives in my diet! My saving-animals-kit just gained a whole bunch of new tools!” Her husband, Jon Stewart, in case you haven’t turned on the TV in many years, is the longtime host, writer, and Executive Producer for “The Daily Show,” which won 22 Primetime Emmys during his tenure. He has also recently become a vocal champion for 9/11 first responders and their struggles for protection and health care. Together as a plant-strong couple, Jon and Tracey have launched a new chapter in their purposeful lives. Together, they run the Hockhockson Farm Foundation, an animal sanctuary in New Jersey dedicated to promoting healthy, sustainable, and kind living. In part one of this packed two-episode conversation, Jon and Tracey humorously share stories of their plant-based journey, but also recount how they met and became a couple over two decades ago! Jon even shares the ingredients of his very own daily Rip’s Big Bowl - it will have you laughing out loud and reaching for your nooch in no time. These two are using their unique positions to raise awareness about the benefits of eating plants and about the sanctity of protecting animals—to me, that's the true definition of a hero, especially when it’s wrapped up with a daily dose of humor. Resources in the Episode: Plant-Strong Immersions - use promo code PLANTSTRONG for any five or six-day retreat Wild Earth Dog Food -use promo code PLANTSTRONG for 40% order Hockhockson Farm Foundation Do Unto Animals - by Tracey Stewart
Jan 2, 2020 • 33min
Ep. 23: The Heart of a Hero
Within each of us lies the Heart of a Hero. Whether you realize it or not, by striving to embody the best version of yourself, you are a hero to those around you - your friends, co-workers, and loved ones. This season, our theme of the podcast focuses on celebrating the heroes among us - those leading the charge with brave and bold research, and everyday heroes- first responders and those going against the grain. On the Plant-Strong podcast, our mission is to drown out all of the noise and provide you with the science, tools, and resources you need in order to adopt and thrive in a whole foods plant-based lifestyle. In Episode One of Season Two, we lay the groundwork, first, by looking back on Season One and giving you an update on our Bronx firefighter, Joe Inga, who was the subject throughout the entire first season. In this episode, you’ll also meet City of Pittsburgh employees and first responders as they, with Rip’s help, embark on their own Seven-Day Rescue Challenge. This campaign is aptly called “The Heart of a Hero,” which is the theme for this entire season. These people are just like you. As you’ll hear, they have doubts and trepidations. The hurdles to a whole-foods plant based lifestyle are universal, which means the solutions are universal. Are their concerns the roadblocks they thought they were? Are your concerns the roadblocks you think they are? If your New Year’s Resolution is to adopt this lifestyle, then our resolution is to arm you with experts, stories, and inspiration to help you succeed and thrive, just like these everyday heroes in the City of Pittsburgh. Join us and show the world that heroes don’t always wear capes, but they are strong. Plant-Strong. Resources in this Episode: 7-Day Rescue Challenge Plant-Strong YouTube Channel - Watch the Episode! Wild Earth Plant-Based Dog Food: use code "plantstrong" for 40% off first order Rescue 10X Tribe - dedicated to helping you start and sustain the daily habits needed to make real behavioral change. Our coaches and community want to help you stop the dieting cycle. Use code "plantstrong" for $50 off
Dec 26, 2019 • 4min
Season 2 Trailer: The Heart of a Hero
Welcome to Season 2 of the Plant-Strong Podcast. Host, Rip Esselstyn, is the author of The Engine 2 Diet and founder of Plant-Strong by Engine 2. This new season of the podcast celebrates "The Heart of a Hero." Throughout, we'll showcase both heroes in the plant-strong movement as well as everyday heroes going against the grain by making their health a priority. We know that staying inspired on your own journey goes a long way in keeping you on the path; therefore, our line-up includes first responders in the city of Pittsburgh, firefighters from across the country, doctors, celebrities, and other folks who will motivate and educate you to make better and more informed choices about your health. Subscribe, share, and enjoy! Plant-Strong by Engine 2 Website
Sep 10, 2019 • 42min
Ep. 22: Bonus: Chasing the World Record, Entering the Pain Cave and Sustaining a Lifetime of Fitness
In this BONUS episode, we peek into Rip’s own transformative journey this year to break the 200m backstroke world record for ages 55-59. He talks about why this was such an important goal for him, how he went about his training in order to succeed, and how this success is a lesson for all of us. His biggest piece of advice? Find something you love and embrace a community of others who are also doing what you love to do. And, of course, remain plant-strong. Support for this week's episode comes from Nutramilk - the easiest and fastest way to make your own plant milk at home! Enjoy a $50 discount and free shipping with code PLANTSTRONG. 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today!
Sep 3, 2019 • 38min
Ep. 21: Joe Inga's Tri-Umph - Kale Yeah, He Did It!
In this season one finale, Rip guides listeners through Joe Inga's triathlon and shares the celebration and jubilation of crossing the finish line. This race and this journey, however, has been so much more than just completing a triathlon. . Joe is proof that you can be a hero to yourself, your family and an inspiration to anyone who is craving a lifestyle change. As Joe says, "I went from death's door to doing a triathlon in six months!" . But before we dive into the pond with Joe, we share part of an insightful conversation with James Wilks, the producer of the upcoming film, The Game Changers, on athletic performance and plant protein. If you don't have your tickets yet, the global theatrical release takes place on Monday, September 16th! . Support for this week's episode comes from Nutramilk - the easiest and fastest way to make your own plant milk at home! Enjoy a $50 discount and free shipping with code PLANTSTRONG. 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today! Engine 2 Website
Aug 27, 2019 • 31min
Ep. 20: A Plant-Strong Promise Kept
Joe Inga had no idea initially that he would become the focal point of Season One of the Plant-Strong Podcast. He definitely received more than he bargained for - being pulled into the spotlight and having his life put under a microscope. But he rose to the occasion and kept his promise - to himself,to his family, and to the listeners. . This week, Joe, Rip and others gather at the Esselstyn Family Farm to prepare for and complete a triathlon together. In Part One of this two-episode bundle, we'll review how far he's come and what it means to lace up and tackle an event that would intimidate most people. Hope you're inspired by Joe to get out there and get after it! . Support for this week's episode comes from Nutramilk - the easiest and fastest way to make your own plant milk at home! Enjoy a $50 discount and free shipping with code PLANTSTRONG. 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today! Engine 2 Website
Aug 20, 2019 • 35min
Ep. 19: NYFD, Kevin Duffy, Runs on Plants
New York firefighter, Kevin Duffy, was recently awarded the 2019 sexiest vegan title, He was also featured about two years ago in a New York Times article entitled, “Two Ironmen, a Garage and a Vegan Agenda.” In addition to working in Yonkers at one of the busiest fire stations in all of New York City, he's also an incredible IRONMAN triathlete and endurance runner who gets up at 4:00 AM for training runs, rides, swims before heading to the station. At the age of 19, Duffy tragically lost a brother in 9/11 and has found a deep personal purpose in the plant-based lifestyle. He is dedicating his life to demonstrate what's possible with the power of plants. As he says in the episode, "At 37, I know I could kick my 20-year-old self's ass." Support for this week's episode comes from Nutramilk - the easiest and fastest way to make your own plant milk at home! Enjoy a $50 discount and free shipping with code PLANTSTRONG. 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today! Engine 2 Website
Aug 13, 2019 • 35min
Ep. 18: Dr. Robynne Chutkan - Live Dirty and Eat Clean
The Engine 2 Team is on-site at the 2019 Plant-Stock this week, so we’re bringing you a special edition of the podcast featuring a live presentation directly from the stage of 2018 Plant-Stock featuring Dr. Robynne Chutkan. Our microbiome is next frontier in health and vitality and Dr. Chutkan’s no holds barred lecture entitled Guts, Germs, and Stools will educate and encourage you to Live Dirty and Eat Clean. Dr. Robynne Chutkan is an integrative gastroenterologist and the author of Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution, and The Bloat Cure. Educated at Yale and Columbia, she’s been on the faculty at Georgetown University Hospital since 1997 and is the founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness, an integrative gastroenterology practice incorporating microbiome analysis and optimization, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback as part of the therapeutic approach to digestive disorders. An avid runner, snowboarder, and yogi, she is passionate about helping her patients live not just longer lives, but dirtier ones! Support for this week's episode comes from Nutramilk - the easiest and fastest way to make your own plant milk at home! Enjoy a $50 discount and free shipping with code PLANTSTRONG. 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 - all for $1.90 a week when you sign up for a year. Visit our Plant-Strong Meal Planner today!
