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
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 39min
Ep. 225: Casey Means, MD - Improve Your Metabolic Health with "Food as Medicine" Prescription
Dr. Casey Means, former ENT surgeon turned 'Food as Medicine' evangelist, discusses the impact of metabolic health on the body. She emphasizes the role of inflammation and poor metabolic health in causing illnesses, and advocates for addressing the root causes. Dr. Means explores the importance of micronutrients and omega-3 fats for metabolic health, as well as fermented foods for the microbiome. She also highlights the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption. The podcast ends with gratitude for the guest and a promotion of a plant-based lifestyle.
Nov 23, 2023 • 51min
Ep. 224: Cyd Notter - Four Mental Tips to Stay Motivated Through the Holidays
Our stress levels are high and food is in abundance during the holidays! How can you possibly stay on track with the many temptations? Join Rip and health coach Cyd Notter as they discuss four ways to stay on track during the holiday season. The key to staying motivated just might be right between your ears!Watch the Original Broadcast on YouTubeEpisode WebpageSPECIAL 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
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 15min
Ep. 223: Maxime Sigouin - The Keys to Lasting Body and Mind Transformation
Maxime Sigouin, advocate for disease-proofing the body, shares his journey and tips for lasting body and mind transformation. Topics include: the power of grief to inspire action, daily success in business and life, identity as a fit vegan, transformative experiences from hitchhiking, transitioning from bodybuilding to veganism, the importance of commitment and regimented schedules, the power of cold showers, reverse dieting to speed up metabolism, finding healing and letting go, and Max's accomplishments and future goals.
16 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 20min
Ep. 222: Join our Type 2 Diabetes Revolution - with Jose Tejero and Diana Licalzi, MS, RD, CDES
Registered Dietitian Diana Licalzi and Type 2 diabetes expert Jose Tejero discuss their book 'The Type 2 Diabetes Revolution' which focuses on achieving non-diabetic blood sugar levels while enjoying carbohydrates. They explore the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the US and the lack of preventative measures in the healthcare system. They also delve into the different types of diabetes, provide details about an oral glucose tolerance test, share a four-week meal plan, discuss the relationship between coffee, tea, and diabetes risk, and talk about the process of creating recipes for their book.
Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 42min
Ep. 221: Darin Olien - Fatal Conveniences: Which Ones Have the Best of You?
Darin Olien, New York Times best-selling author and host of 'Down to Earth', discusses toxic products, harmful habits, and alternatives for a healthier, less toxic life. Topics include injury recovery, climate change concerns, chemical sensitivity, making informed choices, oral health, cookware options, quitting alcohol, and continuing knowledge and support.
7 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 20min
Ep. 220: Robby Barbaro - Going the Distance with Diabetes: Robby's IRONMAN Story
Robby Barbaro, Type 1 diabetic, completed an IRONMAN triathlon. They talk about Robby's training, fueling, and glucose monitoring during the race. Robby shares his mindset and training process, starting as a beginner triathlete. He encourages everyone to make big changes and become a better version of themselves. The podcast also discusses topics like living with Type 1 Diabetes, reversing Type One Diabetes, measuring food and insulin sensitivity, and training for an Iron Man Triathlon.
Oct 19, 2023 • 59min
Ep. 219: Kate Galli - Sculpting a Plant-Positive Mind and Body
Kate Galli, Australian health coach and author, shares her journey to a plant-based lifestyle, emphasizing self-care and mindset. They discuss the importance of leading with love, transitioning to a positive mindset, and cultivating self-care. They also touch on food routines, protein intake for gym-goers, and the benefits of weightlifting. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into self-care, mindset, and nutrition in a plant-based lifestyle.
Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ep. 218: Nisha Vora - How this Corporate Lawyer Traded the Courtroom for the Kitchen
Former corporate lawyer Nisha Vora traded her legal career for a full-time cooking gig. She discusses her journey from vegetarianism to veganism and her transition from Instagram to her own food blog. Nisha also shares her expertise on the versatility of the Instant Pot and provides tips on starting with simple dishes. She expresses gratitude for her parents' support and teaches listeners how to make restaurant-style hummus and nutritious steel-cut oats. Additionally, she explores the significance of doll in Indian cuisine and shares recipes for Mexican-style pinto beans and a customizable chickpea dish.
Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep. 217: Daniel Staackmann - Seitan to the Rescue!
Daniel Staackmann, Founder and CEO of Upton's Naturals, shares his journey as an ethical vegan entrepreneur. They discuss the success of seitan as a meat alternative, the challenges of starting a business with limited funds, the manufacturing process and packaging options, the launch of soups, vegan products, business growth and expansion, comfort food, vegan donuts, and the importance of taking time off and enjoying vacations.
Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 15min
Ep. 216: PLANTSTRONG Legacy Film - Celebrating 12 Years of Wellness with Jeff Nelson and Dr. Elizabeth George
In this episode, Dr. Liz George and filmmaker Jeff Nelson talk about the 12-year impact of a wellness program in a small town documented in their new film 'Plant Strong Legacy'. They discuss the power of a plant-based diet, effectiveness of dietary changes, and the impact of the PLANTSTRONG message. They also emphasize the need for professionals to adopt a plant-based diet and share success stories of individuals improving their skin through a clear skin diet.
