

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

Aug 8, 2024 • 47min
Ep. 261: Kori Clark - She's Finally Free From Food Addiction and Yo-Yo Dieting Thanks to Plants
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

4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 20min
Ep. 260: Beth Motley, MD - Make These 1% Changes to Create Long-Lasting Health
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.

Jul 25, 2024 • 60min
Ep. 259: Eric Soelberg - How He Ditched the Drive-Thru and Gained a New Life
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.

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 33min
Ep. 258: Colleen Mariotti - Learning to Let Go and Live Plantstrong
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.

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 34min
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.