

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

Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 26min
Ep. 242: Plant-Based and Less Waste - Carleigh Bodrug's Adventures in Scrappy Cooking
We all know that eating more plants is incredibly powerful not only our health, but the planet.A shocking 30 to 40 percent of the entire United States' food supply ends up in landfills, much of which stems from household waste. As you may have guessed, food waste is not a great thing for our environmental impact and, obviously, our wallets.That’s why we’re excited to share that one of the most anticipated cookbooks of 2024 is finally here - and it’s entirely PLANT-BASED and ZERO-WASTE.Meet PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking by our plantstrong pal, New York Times bestselling author and social media sensation Carleigh Bodrug, back for her third appearance on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast.Scrappy Cooking, shares how we can extend the life of some of our favorite foods, and turn some of these foods into the most mouth-water meals you can imagine! There’s even a “Got this? Make That!” section where she recommends recipes based on what you have in your kitchen. So, no longer do you have to stare at the ripened banana and go, “I guess I’ll toss it!” Nope. Just open the book and go to town on some fantastic recipes. Save money, reduce waste, eat healthier than ever before with Plant You Scrappy Cooking. Watch the Episode on YouTubeEpisode WebpageUpcoming Events:https://plantstrong.com/pages/plantstock?_gl=1%2Ac7gpf3%2A_gcl_au%2AMTExMzI3NzU1OC4xNzQ4OTY1MDE2 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

Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 241: Neal Barnard, MD - These Are Your Power Foods for Lasting Weight Loss
Dr. Neal Barnard discusses power foods for lasting weight loss, debunking myths about bananas, potatoes, and soy. He also debates the effectiveness of weight loss drugs and the importance of a plant-based diet for optimal health.

6 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep. 240: Linda Tyler - Your Guide for Reducing Chronic Inflammation
Learn about the impact of chronic inflammation on your health and how to combat it through a plant-based diet. Discover the benefits of anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and berries. Get inspired by delicious recipes from an anti-inflammatory cookbook to support your journey to better health.

Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 239: RAK Your Life with Dr. Rak Jotwani
Dr. Rak Jotwani - aka Dr. RAK - is a lifestyle medicine physician who has the all-too familiar story…working long stressful hours in the hospital, eating the standard American diet, and managing crippling depression. It got to the point where he couldn’t be present for his own wife and kids because he just felt so tired and overwhelmed. Dr. Rak shares his experiences with burnout in the medical field and the profound impact of meditation and a plant-based diet on his well-being. He now emphasizes the importance of whole food, plant-based nutrition and conscious living through his virtual lifestyle medicine practice, RAK Your Life.Dr. Rak highlights the pillars of his practice - roots, awareness, and kindness - focusing on finding your personal “north star,” becoming more compassionate, and making kind decisions that are both good for us and make us feel good. Instead of seeing change as a punishment, he sees it as an opportunity for improvement and THAT’s the medicine he practices daily now – helping others establish belief that they can make a change, that, yes, they can RAK their own lives. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeUpcoming Events:https://plantstrong.com/pages/plantstock?_gl=1%2Ac7gpf3%2A_gcl_au%2AMTExMzI3NzU1OC4xNzQ4OTY1MDE2 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

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 15min
Ep. 238: Elizabeth Winings DNP, APRN - Mental Health Breakthroughs Through Nutrition and Community
Explore mental health breakthroughs through nutrition and community with Dr. Elizabeth Winings at PLANTSTRONG retreats. Learn about the power of communication in promoting well-being, embracing a plant-based lifestyle for personal growth, and the role of nurse practitioners in mental health care. Dive into the impact of retreats and community support on wellness, and the initiative of lifestyle medicine at Jacksonville University.

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 34min
Ep. 237: To Supplement or Not. That is the Question with Matt Tullman
Learn about optimizing health through plant-based diets and supplements with insights on essential nutrients like B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s. Discover the importance of personalized nutrition and tailored supplements to improve overall health. Explore sustainable practices, gut health, probiotics, and the journey of crafting top-tier supplement products.

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 236: Brittany Jaroudi is Breaking the Cycle of Family Illness...And You Can Too
Brittany Jaroudi battled family health issues but transformed her health with a plant-based diet. She shares her powerful journey and impact, offering online classes and cooking demos. The podcast discusses recipes with balsamic vinegar, mustard, and corn zucchini fritters. It also highlights the importance of positive attitudes and overcoming health challenges with a plant-based lifestyle.

Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 235: Dr. Scott Harrington - We Salute This Army Vet Turned Plant-Based Doc
Dr. Scott Harrington, a former US Army doctor, shares his journey to plant-based nutrition after watching 'Forks Over Knives' on a plane. He discusses the importance of whole food, plant-based diet in preventing nutrient deficiencies, maintaining bone health, and avoiding oils. He also talks about his telehealth practice, Vegan Primary Care, and his vegan family dynamic.

Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep. 234: PlantYou Unveiled: Exploring Carleigh Bodrug's "Scrappy" Universe
Blogger and bestselling cookbook author Carleigh Bodrug joins the PlantStrong Podcast to discuss her rise in the plant-based world. They talk about her authentic approach to content creation, inspiration for recipes, and budget-friendly plant-based meals. They also give a sneak preview of her upcoming book Scrappy Cooking, focusing on reducing food waste and eating healthier. Pre-order Scrappy Cooking and support Carly's latest cookbook.

Jan 30, 2024 • 9min
Audience Question - Is is OK for my leafy greens to be consumed in soups and chilis?
The hosts discuss the pros and cons of consuming greens in soups and stews, and why they prefer chewing greens rather than drinking them. They also address the health benefits of consuming greens in different forms. Learn why masticating leafy greens is crucial for maintaining healthy blood vessels and maximizing health benefits.