PLANTSTRONG Podcast

Dr. Ruth Heidrich, a pioneering figure in the plant-based movement and a breast cancer survivor, shares her incredible journey from illness to athletic triumph. After adopting a vegan lifestyle post-diagnosis, she became a marathoner and triathlete, earning over 900 trophies. Ruth discusses her life-changing encounter with Dr. John McDougall and the importance of a low-fat, plant-based diet. She reflects on her new book, 'A Race for Life,' offering insights into her resilient recovery and the empowering connection between nutrition, exercise, and health.

Chef AJ, a cherished figure in the plant-based community, shares her love for healthy desserts and her upcoming cookbook, "Sweet Indulgence," featuring over 150 guilt-free recipes. She discusses the magic of using whole foods and natural sweeteners, making indulgence accessible to everyone. A live demonstration of her Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake leaves listeners craving more. Chef AJ's anecdotes about her culinary journey and the joy of creating desserts reveal her passion for healthy cooking, inspiring both novice and experienced chefs alike.

Dr. Akil Taher, a former couch potato turned advocate for a whole food plant-based lifestyle, shares his inspiring journey after heart bypass surgery at 62. He reflects on overcoming health challenges, depression, and the importance of mental well-being. With stories of marathon running and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, he emphasizes that age is no barrier to an active life. Dr. Taher also discusses cooking, community support, and how vulnerability can foster personal growth, reminding us it’s never too late to start a journey towards health and happiness.

Kori Clark looks back on her childhood and doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t feel shame around food. Like many who grew up in the 70s and 80s (and the introduction of fast food), Kori LOVED Kraft Mac-n-Cheese, Chef Boyardee, and any “food” that came out of a box. As she recalls in today’s episode, her food addiction and obsession go back as far as she can remember, to the point where she even remembers telling herself not to eat a piece of her own birthday cake - at just six years old. Determined to lose weight, she tried everything – Weight Watchers, Paleo, Nutri-System, even phen phen pills when those were legal. And, no surprise, she would lose weight for a time, but would inevitably self-sabotage and the weight and health issues would return.Just over a year ago, Kori watched the What the Health documentary and went down the rabbit hole of whole food, plant-based nutrition. This led to other books and documentaries including, Forks over Knives and Game Changers. She’s already dropped over 120 pounds and, according to her doctors, now has the heart of an elite athlete. Even her OB-GYN was shocked that a woman could actually lose weight post-menopause!Yes, she’s lost weight and improved her metabolic health, but Kori is most happy to be free from her food addiction. How did she do it?She stresses the importance of preparation, shares her daily plant-based eating habits, and encourages listeners to consider the impact of dietary choices on health. Kori's perseverance, positive attitude, and support from the PLANTSTRONG community serve as ongoing motivation for her health journey.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeKori's InstagramSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Beth Motley, MD, a family and lifestyle medicine specialist, shares her unique journey from sports medicine to embracing plant-based nutrition. She highlights the importance of small, manageable changes in dietary habits for lasting health benefits and discusses how a plant-based diet can prevent diseases and manage diabetes. Dr. Motley also opens up about raising a plant-based family while juggling life with five kids. Their conversation emphasizes patient education and the powerful role nutrition plays in achieving long-term wellness.

Former high school athlete Eric Soelberg shares his journey of overcoming unhealthy eating behaviors and addiction by embracing a whole food plant-based diet. He discusses his struggles with fast food addiction, realizing the need for change after health concerns, and the importance of education, community support, and self-reflection in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

Guest Colleen Mariotti talks about her nomadic life journey embracing joy and beautiful people. She shares insights on letting go, living plantstrong, and finding inspiration in mindfulness practices. The podcast highlights the transformative experiences of sustainable living in different countries, the impact of strong women in building communities, and prioritizing inner truth and values. The conversation also touches on gratitude, family relationships, and staying plant strong through exploration.

Dr. Niki Davis, a former rocket scientist turned lifestyle medicine physician, discusses 'de-prescribing' meds, the impact of plant-based nutrition on patient care, and lessons learned from Dr. John McDougall. She shares her journey to a whole food plant-based diet, the effects on cholesterol levels, and her love for outdoor adventures. The conversation also touches on favorite breakfast choices, cooking experiences, rescuing a dog, and embracing nature for mental well-being.

Richard Hubbard is a inspiring plant-based athlete and advocate who transformed his life after overcoming morbid obesity. He lost over 150 pounds through a plant-forward diet and shares insights on batch cooking and nutrient-dense meals. Richard emphasizes the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles and the importance of daily movement. He also discusses the impact of plant-based living on personal health, including managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while encouraging others to pursue their own health journeys.

Dr. John McDougall, a physician dedicated to starch-based diets, shares his transformative journey that began after suffering a stroke at 18. He reveals how the health of first-generation immigrants in Hawaii was linked to their starch-rich diet, contrasting it with the declining health of their descendants who adopted Western eating habits. The discussion dives into the environmental impact of animal agriculture, debunks dietary myths, and emphasizes how a simple starch-focused diet can combat chronic diseases and promote sustainability.