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
Jan 7, 2024 • 17min
BONUS: Don't Drink Your Calories
The podcast discusses the impact of sugary drinks on weight and health, misconceptions surrounding sugar-sweetened beverages, the negative consequences of drinking calories, and the benefits of chewing green leafy vegetables. It also explores the importance of nitric oxide and consuming leafy greens to compensate for its decrease as we age.
Jan 6, 2024 • 11min
BONUS: Limit Your Salt to Avoid the "Silent Killer"
Learn about the dangers of excessive sodium consumption and its connection to high blood pressure. Understand the impact of consuming too much salt on the body, including the disruption of the sodium-potassium balance and increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. Discover the benefits of reducing salt intake and maintaining a plant-based diet.
Jan 5, 2024 • 8min
BONUS: Why Dairy is Scary
Discover the benefits of a plant-based diet and why milk is detrimental to the body. Explore the dangers of dairy milk and healthier plant-based alternatives.
Jan 4, 2024 • 12min
BONUS: Where Do You Get Your Protein?
Rip Esselstyn, author and host of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, discusses the importance of plant-based protein and debunking the protein deficiency myth. He highlights the benefits of a whole food plant-based lifestyle, including improved weight management and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Plants provide the ideal amount of protein without burdening the body.
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 31min
Ep. 230: Dr. Gemma Newman - The Six Habits You Need to Get Well and Stay Well Now
Dr. Gemma Newman, The Plant-Powered Doctor, joins the podcast to discuss her new book, Get Well Stay Well, which introduces her GLOVES acronym for six healing habits. They cover topics like managing nervousness, concerns and social implications of going plant-based, analyzing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul, the power of gratitude, benefits of connecting with nature, importance of exercise for physical and mental health, and the practical guide in her book to improve health and happiness.
Jan 3, 2024 • 8min
BONUS: Small Changes Net Big Results
In this podcast, Rip Esselstyn discusses the importance of small changes for big results. He highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet and addresses the challenges of making significant changes. Rip emphasizes the need to start small and gradually work towards larger goals, using examples of weight loss and exercise. He discourages the overwhelming desire for immediate results and encourages consistent, meaningful steps for long-term success.
Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep. 229: Robert Band Shares Lessons From His Personal PLANTSTRONG Playbook
Robert Band, who had 95% blockage in his carotid, shares his journey of overcoming it through dietary and lifestyle changes. He now lives a vibrant life in Colorado with 0% blockage. They discuss his transformation, family's health history, weight management, and active lifestyle. They also explore improving sodium content in food products.
Dec 21, 2023 • 55min
Ep. 228: Dr. Laurie Marbas Answers Your Pressing Plant-Based Health Questions
Dr. Laurie Marbas answers intriguing plant-based health questions on combining fruits, vitamin D absorption, COPD benefits, collagen post-surgery, plant sterols, hair loss, osteoporosis, coffee vs. green tea, intermittent fasting, sugar impacts, visceral fat, tinnitus relief, and nutritional effects of roasting sweet potatoes.
8 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 227: Chris Miller, MD - Playing the Long Game of Healing From Autoimmune Disease
Dr. Chris Miller, former emergency room physician, shares her journey with autoimmune disease and her commitment to a plant-based diet. Topics discussed include individualizing the diet, stress management, gut health, and the importance of micronutrient-rich foods. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need to play the long game and stay patient with the healing process.
28 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 54min
Ep. 226: Dr. Michael Greger - How Not To Age
Dr. Michael Greger, a scientific expert on aging, discusses his new book on the Plantstrong Podcast. He shares research-backed strategies for improving healthspan and longevity. Topics include the role of a plant-based diet, exercise benefits, weight control, protein intake, and the potential for longer lifespans. Dr. Greger debunks anti-aging industry myths and offers practical advice to stay vibrant as you age.
