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
Sep 12, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 266: Kiki Nelson - Keep it Simple. Plantifully Simple.
Kiki Nelson first appeared on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast on episode 200, but she is back with a new book, Plantifully Simple: 100 Plant-Based Recipes and Meal Plans for Health and Weight-Loss.This book is a treasure trove of 100 plant-based recipes and meal plans designed for health and weight loss, making meals deliciously simple and accessible. Plantifully Simple not only provides recipes, but also practical guidance on meal planning for weight loss. She discusses her plate-building technique, which focuses on filling your plate with 50% non-starchy vegetables and 50% starches, allowing for abundant, calorie-dense meals that promote satiety without the guilt. Kiki explains how this approach helped her lose over 70 pounds and overcome weight loss plateaus by developing a better understanding of calorie density. Her goal is to help listeners discover that they can eat plentifully while also reaching their health aspirations.And, as a bonus, Kiki whips up her simple chickpea omelets and breakfast taco recipes noting that they are not only easy to prepare but also adaptable for various meals throughout the week! Kiki’s incredible journey and the insightful strategies she offers serve as a reminder that being PLANTSTRONG is not just about what you eat, but how you think and approach your health. Her book, Plantifully Simple is a valuable resource for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and nourish their bodies. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer 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
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 265: Kim Scheuer, MD - All Hail Dr. Kale!
Dr. Kim Scheuer is a dynamic plant-based telehealth physician and a passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine. Affectionately known as "Dr. Kale" by her patients, she shares her remarkable journey from a traditional family physician to embracing a plant-based lifestyle after navigating her own health challenges and witnessing the impact of nutrition on diseases.In 2011, Dr. Kim Scheuer was a burned out family physician caught in the same grind of many physicians – long hours, diminishing patient care, and running on the hamster wheel of the “healthcare” system. It was also around this time that Kim realized she was just one-year shy of the age her mother was when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined not to walk this path, she started doing her research and what she found both astonished and angered her. Of course, she found The China Study, Forks over Knives, and other resources, but how had she not learned any of this information in medical school??! How was she not familiar with the work of Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. McDougall, or Dr. Esselstyn?It didn’t take long for this self-proclaimed “Milky Way vegetarian” and food addict to radically overhaul her own lifestyle and, ultimately, her medical practice. Today, she’s a plant-based telehealth physician with Love.Life Telehealth and she’s also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She works with patients in 25 states with general health and wellness, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, cholesterol control, cancer prevention and food addiction. Today, you’ll hear about her very personal journey, her passion for growing her own food, her connection to nature and her very personal “why” she needed to be plantstrong.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep. 264: A Race for Life: Dr. Ruth Heidrich's Journey from Cancer to a Plant-Based Champion
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.
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep. 263: Chef AJ Wants You to Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
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.
Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ep. 262: Akil Taher, MD - Living Life with an Open Heart
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.
Aug 8, 2024 • 48min
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 InstagramLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer 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 21min
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 • 1h 1min
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 34min
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 11min
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.
