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
Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 2min
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 7min
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.
Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 23min
Ep. 233: Lauren Kretzer - From Wall Street to Wellness: A Chef's Journey through Cancer and Beyond
Lauren Kretzer, a plant-based chef and holistic nutritionist, shares her journey from Wall Street to wellness after a cancer diagnosis. She discusses cooking tips, plant-based diets, and making small changes for a healthier lifestyle. Other topics include gratitude, incorporating cruciferous greens, favorite spices, and embracing progress over perfection. Plus, learn how to make a delicious sheet pan roasted cauliflower taco and hear about the guest's preference for mountains and lakes.
Jan 23, 2024 • 4min
Audience Question - Is Non-Alcoholic or "Near Beer" OK on a PLANTSTRONG Diet?
Cutting back on alcohol consumption and curious if non-alcoholic or "near beer" is ok on a PLANTSTRONG diet? Rip shares his thoughts with this insightful audience question. SPECIAL 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
Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 232: Torrey DeVitto - This "Chicago Med" Actress Shares her Self-Care Secrets
Actress, musician, and philanthropist Torrey DeVitto shares her self-care secrets and talks about her advocacy for compassion and conscious living. She discusses her background in music, dance, and modeling, as well as her current lifestyle on a farm in Michigan. Other topics include appreciating her mother, exploring new opportunities and advocating for women's rights, being on celebrity Jeopardy, supporting Planned Parenthood, struggling with vegetarian and plant-based diets, the importance of boundaries and taking time to relax, and reflections on compassion, love, and self-care.
Jan 16, 2024 • 14min
BONUS: Rip's Engine 2 Origin Story - How a Harrowing Rescue Led to The Engine 2 Diet
Rip shares a harrowing rescue story from the Lakeshore Apartments fire during his time as an Austin Firefighter. This experience reminded him of the fragile nature of life and inspired him to create the Engine 2 Diet and write a book encouraging others to prioritize health through plant-based living.SPECIAL 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
5 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 2h 16min
Ep. 231: Kelly and Juliet Starrett - Can You Get Yourself Off the Floor? Master the Essential Habits to Move Freely and Live Fully
Kelly and Juliet Starrett, co-authors of a book on mastering essential habits for movement and mobility, share physical practices to improve movement and quality of life. They discuss the ten vital signs and personal practices, the importance of sleep, hip extension, squatting, strong feet, shoulder mobility, and the 800-gram challenge. They also mention their current interests and the transformative impact of sports.
Jan 9, 2024 • 14min
BONUS: 7 Simple Steps for Eating PLANTSTRONG
Learn about the benefits of a plant-strong diet and the key habits for eating plant-based. Discover tips for incorporating veggies, whole grains, and legumes into your meals. Find out how to enhance flavors with herbs and spices while reducing salt and sugar intake. Get recommendations for beverages and learn about food restrictions for a plant-based lifestyle.
Jan 8, 2024 • 12min
BONUS: How to Hydrate the Right Way
This podcast discusses the importance of hydration and the risks of not drinking enough water. They also explore the benefits of tea, including its potential impact on reducing the risk of breast cancer and lowering blood pressure.
