PLANTSTRONG Podcast
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.
Latest episodes
5 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep. 257: Niki Davis, MD - The Doctor That Loves to "De-Prescribe" Meds
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.
Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep. 256: Richard Hubbard - From Morbidly Obese, to Plant-Based Athlete and Advocate
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.
26 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 17min
Dr. John McDougall - Health and Healing on a Starch-Based Diet
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.
10 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 22min
Ep. 255: Alan Goldhamer, DC - Can Fasting Save Your Life?
Dr. Alan Goldhamer, director of True North Health Center, specializes in supervised water-only fasting. He discusses the staggering results of over 25,000 fasting cases, emphasizing the crucial difference between fasting and starving. Goldhamer critiques modern diets, linking unhealthy eating habits to obesity and other health risks. He highlights fasting's benefits for conditions like hypertension and its potential role in disease prevention. The conversation also touches on the importance of a plant-based diet for long-lasting health improvements.
Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 33min
Ep. 254: Robert Cheeke - Become an Impactful Vegan
Robert Cheeke, champion bodybuilder and bestselling author, shares strategies on effective vegan altruism and maximizing impact. Topics include entrepreneurship challenges in the vegan industry, importance of progress over perfection, and embracing imperfection in veganism. The podcast also explores impactful organizations, Earthling Ed's advocacy, and providing plant-based meals for those in need.
Jun 13, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 253: Men's Health Matters - Broccoli Rob's Victory Over Testicular Cancer and Mission to Raise Awareness
Meet Robert Klein, aka Broccoli Rob, a testicular cancer survivor advocating for men's health with a plant-based diet. He shares his journey battling cancer, adopting a new lifestyle, and raising awareness. Topics include self-exams, triathlon aspirations, soy milk benefits, healthy lunch options, and spreading awareness about testicular cancer.
13 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 2h 23min
Ep. 252: John Mackey - The Former CEO of Whole Foods Market Shares The Whole Story
Former Whole Foods Market CEO, John Mackey, discusses his new book covering authenticity, leadership, and love. He shares insights on challenges in business and life, family dynamics, psychedelics, embracing play, and conscious capitalism. The podcast delves into his personal growth journey, community values, and Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods. Mackey also explores the future of technology, importance of playfulness in business ventures, and perspectives on death and longevity.
May 30, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ep. 251: Manish Vora - Reconnect with Play and Bring Out Your Inner Child
Manish Vora, Co-Founder of the Museum of Ice Cream, discusses the process of creating immersive experiences and the importance of reconnecting with joy and fun as adults. The podcast explores the evolution of the Museum of Ice Cream, Indian cultural traditions, partnerships in the food industry, and the significance of playfulness in adult life. Vora shares insights on fostering connections, exploring unique dessert treats, and embracing a Plant Strong lifestyle with fun and plant-based burgers.
May 23, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ep. 250: Michelle Jacoby - Secrets to Successful Relationships from a Matchmaking Expert
Relationship coach and matchmaking expert Michelle Jacoby shares insights on finding the right partner, navigating differences, and building deep connections. She discusses the importance of authenticity in relationships, tips for successful dating, and the impact of body language in attraction. Michelle also talks about the evolution of online dating, the art of flirting, and offers advice on embracing the journey of dating with a positive attitude.
May 16, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 249: Tim Kaufman - From Booze, Food, and Fentanyl to a Life of Lasting Freedom - How to Escape Self-Made Prisons of Pain
Imagine a life where you are trapped…imprisoned…in a cycle of addiction to alcohol, fentanyl, and food. Now imagine escaping that prison for a life that is far better than you can ever imagine. This is the story of today’s guest, Tim Kaufman.At just 38 years old, Kaufman’s doctor essentially left him for dead. His weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides were through the roof, and his self-esteem and self-worth were…well…practically six feet under. He was ready to give up on himself, his family, and his life. That is, until one day, he started making the smallest of changes. For him, it was getting out of his chair two times. That was it. One small change at a time. This eventually led to a little research and he found Forks Over Knives, The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead… documentaries he credits with changing his life and his diet to a whole foods plant-based diet. Today, he is an accomplished athlete training for an IRONMAN triathlon and he just released his memoir, Escape-Breaking Free From A Self-Made Prison. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeSPECIAL 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
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