PLANTSTRONG Podcast
The PLANTSTRONG Podcast, hosted by Rip Esselstyn, offers evidence-based advice on food, health, and longevity. It aims to cut through the noise and provide practical, science-backed guidance for those dealing with chronic conditions, athletes, and anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. The show features conversations with doctors, researchers, and everyday people who have successfully embraced a plant-based diet.
Episodes
Ep. 374: Mark Sisson - Stop Chasing the Health Hacks. Want to Live Longer? Start with Your Feet.
Rip sits down with longtime friend, former triathlon coach and Primal Kitchen founder, Mark Sisson, for a wide-ranging conversation about biohacking, longevity, chronic cardio, walking and foot health.Rip and Mark go back more than three decades — and although their nutritional philosophies couldn't be much more different, Rip has always admired Mark's entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity and willing
Ep. 373: Dr. Gary Sanchez - Willpower is Temporary. Your "Why" Power is Permanent.
Who are you—and why do you do what you do?Most of us spend our lives answering questions about what we want to accomplish, what career we should pursue, and what steps we should take next. But Dr. Gary Sanchez believes we’re asking the right questions in the wrong order.Gary is the founder of The WHY Institute and the creator of a system designed to help people discover their WHY, their HOW, and t
Ep. 372: Carleigh Bodrug: No Time to Cook? PlantYou Quickies to the Rescue!
New York Times bestselling author, Carleigh Bodrug, is back with PlantYou: Quickies, her third cookbook, packed with more than 140 fast, approachable plant-based recipes designed for busy, real life.The idea for Quickies came during an especially challenging season. After losing her mother, becoming pregnant, and welcoming her son Weston, Carleigh suddenly understood what it felt like to simply no
Ep. 371: Plant Powered Seniors: How to Stay Strong, Sharp, and Independent as You Age with Brenda Davis, RD & Vesanto Melina, RD
Getting older may be inevitable. Getting weak, frail, and sedentary? Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina say absolutely not.In their new book, Plant Powered Seniors, these longtime plant-based nutrition experts explore how to stay strong, healthy, and independent as we age — and they’re living proof. At 84, Vesanto still takes fitness and yoga classes regularly, while Brenda, 67, runs trails, does pus
Ep. 370: Neal Barnard, MD: Why He's Is Suing The Federal Government Over the New Dietary Guidelines
Dr. Neal Barnard is back on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast — and this time, he and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine are taking the federal government to court.At the center of the fight? The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Neal says the government tossed aside the work of a transparent scientific advisory committee and instead moved forward with recommendations shaped by a nine-memb
Ep. 369: Lisa Wargofchik - How to Make Healthy Choices Without Relying on Willpower
Rip sits down with Certified High Performance Coach and author Lisa Wargofchik to talk about her book, Remarkable Routines: How Daily Habits Shape a Life of Intention and Fulfillment, and why those small, seemingly ordinary choices can add up to something pretty extraordinary.Lisa spent nearly 40 years in the employee benefits and wellness world, including leadership roles at Fortune 100 companies
Ep. 368: The Fountain of Youth Is Movement: Rip Esselstyn on Fitness, Fun, and Community
Originally recorded for Complement's Plantapalooza in 2024, this timeless conversation with CEO, Matt Tullman, explores how sport, community, fun, and whole plant foods can support lifelong fitness.Rip shares his journey from elite swimming and triathlon to pickleball, mountain biking, family adventures, and master’s swimming. He also explains how accountability partners, simple routines, and the
Ep. 367: Menopause Is Not the End: Dr. Jessica Shepherd on Hormones, Plants, and Thriving in Midlife
Rip sits down with OB-GYN, women’s health expert, and author of Generation M, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, for a candid, empowering conversation about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, nutrition, sex, sleep, strength, and what it really means to thrive in midlife and beyond.For too long, menopause has been framed as a decline — something to dread, hide, or simply suffer through. Dr. Shepherd is here to
Ep. 366: What Your Cholesterol Numbers Aren't Telling You: Dr. Daniel Chong Explains ApoB, Lp(a), Plaque, and Disease Prevention
Dr. Daniel Chong has spent years helping patients understand their true cardiovascular risk and take meaningful action to prevent heart attacks and strokes.In this episode, Rip and Dr. Chong dig into the confusing, often polarizing world of cholesterol and heart disease. Is LDL cholesterol really important? How low should it go? Is ApoB a better marker? What about calcium scores, lipoprotein(a), s
Ep. 365: Kendale Ritchey, DPM - A Podiatrist’s Own 30-Year Mystery Illness Solved with Plants — and the Devastating Effects of Diabetes on Your Feet
Dr. Kendale Ritchey is a podiatrist in Knoxville, Tennessee, a former University of Tennessee swimmer, and a self-described “recovered barbecue-aholic.”For nearly three decades, Kendale lived with recurring episodes of intense abdominal, chest, and joint pain, along with fevers and debilitating inflammation.Then, after watching Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead and Forks Over Knives with his wife Connie
Ep. 364: Micah Yu, MD - A Doctor's Own Joint Pain Wake-Up Call and His Top Supplements to Help Your Chronic Inflammation
At 17, after adopting a high-protein diet filled with meat, milk, protein powder, and processed meats, Dr. Yu experienced his first gout attack. The pain was so intense that he still remembers waking up at 4:00 a.m. feeling as if someone had slammed a wooden board into his toe.But gout was only the beginning.Over the years, Dr. Yu developed recurring, mysterious inflammation throughout his body —
Ep. 363: Melissa Mondala, MD - Why So Many Women Feel “Off” In Midlife— and How to Feel Better
Dr. Melissa Mondala joins Rip to talk about women’s health, autoimmune disease, anxiety, perimenopause, metabolic health, hormones, and the power of whole food, plant-based lifestyle medicine.A family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Melissa shares her personal journey from struggling with GERD, IBS, fatigue, and serious health challenges to discovering the transformative power of pl
Ep. 362: Why You Eat When You’re Not Hungry — and How to Stop with Dr. Jud Brewer
Ever eat when you weren’t really hungry and wonder why willpower wasn’t enough to stop you?This week, Rip talks with Dr. Jud Brewer - neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and author of The Hunger Habit - about cravings, emotional eating, and the science behind food habits.Rip and Brewer explore the difference between true physical hunger and what researchers call “hedonic hunger” — eating driven by emoti
Ep. 361: The Whole Truth: Nelson Campbell on the Hidden Agendas Behind Decades of Health Misinformation—and What to Do About It
Nelson Campbell joins Rip Esselstyn for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about his new book with Dr. T. Colin Campbell, The Whole Truth: The Hidden Agendas Behind Decades of Health Misinformation—and What to Do About It.Nelson reflects on growing up as the son of one of the most influential nutrition scientists of our time and watching his father’s groundbreaking discoveries meet resist
Ep. 360: Real 30, Real Food, Real Results: Meet Barbara Court - A Plant Strong Success Story
Barbara Court is almost 75 years old, full of humor, full of heart, and living proof that it is never too late to get Plant Strong.After joining PlantStrong’s free Real30 Challenge, Barbara committed to eating 30 different whole plant-based foods each week and moving her body for 30 minutes a day. In just a few months, she lost nearly 15 pounds, brought her A1C out of the pre-diabetic range, incre
Ep. 359: Dr. Kim Williams Breaks Down the New Heart Health Guidelines (and it's Great News for Plants!)
The newest AHA and ACC guidelines for treating dyslipidemia are here — and according to Dr. Kim Williams, they mark a powerful shift toward prevention, earlier testing, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition as the foundation of cardiovascular care.Rip welcomes back Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology, for a practical and deeply encouraging breakdown of what these
Ep. 358: How Terri Edwards Reversed Her Joint Pain, Lost 50 Pounds & Transformed Her Health with Comfort Foods
Rip sits down with Terri Edwards — founder of EatPlant-Based.com — to talk about the recipes, habits, and simple food swaps that helped her completely transform her health.After years of struggling with joint pain, high cholesterol, insomnia, adult acne, and weight gain, Terri discovered the power of whole-food, plant-based nutrition after watching Forks Over Knives in 2013. Within weeks, she noti
BONUS: Your Doctor Needs to Hear This — A Vital Signs Preview
In this special episode, Rip shares a preview of Vital Signs: Real Food. Real Medicine. Real Change., Plant Strong’s upcoming CME-focused conference for healthcare providers who want to bring the power of whole-food, plant-based nutrition into real-world clinical care.This is not just another conference. Vital Signs is about helping doctors, nurses, dietitians, health coaches, and medical professi
Ep. 357: What Your Doctor ISN'T Telling You About Food with Dr. Alan Desmond
Rip welcomes back Dr. Alan Desmond, consultant gastroenterologist, lifestyle medicine advocate, and author of the new book, What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Food.Dr. Desmond explains why food is one of the most important — and most neglected — conversations in modern medicine. It’s not that doctors don’t care. As Alan shares, many doctors simply receive very little practical nutrition trai
Ep. 356: How Well Do You Want to Age? with Scott Fulton
What if the real goal isn’t simply living longer… but staying healthy, capable, sharp, and independent for as long as possible?In this fascinating conversation, Rip sits down with researcher, educator, and author Scott Fulton to explore the rapidly growing world of healthspan and longevity. Scott is the author of Whealthspan and his newest book, Function: Turn Your Blind Spots Into Strengths, wher
Ep. 355: How Alternative Meat Could Replace Industrial Animal Agriculture with Bruce Friedrich
Rip visits with Bruce Friedrich, founder of the Good Food Institute and author of Meat, to explore the future of protein—and why alternative meat could reshape our global food system.Bruce breaks down the science and differences behind plant-based, cultivated, and fermented meat—and explains why innovation, not restriction, may be the key to meaningful change.From global hunger and climate impact
Ep. 354: Cancer. Heart Disease. High Cholesterol. Inside One Fire Department’s Wake-Up Call
What happens when almost 500 firefighters get a full health screening—and many discover hidden risks they never saw coming?Rip sits down with Deputy Chief Jayme McConnellogue and Lieutenant Ian Elliott of the Colorado Springs Fire Department to explore a groundbreaking department-wide health initiative—and the life-changing results.From undiagnosed cancers to widespread cardiovascular risk, the fi
Ep. 353: Why Fiber Sometimes Backfires (and How to Fix It) with Dr. Chris Miller
Rip sits down with lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Chris Miller to explore why some people struggle when transitioning to a high-fiber, plant-based diet—and how to fix it.While fiber is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and reversing chronic disease, not everyone experiences immediate benefits. In fact, some people initially feel worse.Dr. Miller breaks down the science behind this pa
Ep. 352: Beyond Carrots - Here are the Best Foods For Eye Health with Rani Banik, MD
Rip sits down with integrative neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik to explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and daily habits shape your long-term eye health.From macular degeneration and glaucoma to digital eye strain and screen overload, Dr. Banik breaks down what’s really happening inside your eyes—and what you can do today to protect your vision for life.We’re talking about the foods that protect
Ep. 351: The "Evil Cousin" to LDL - Why Everyone Should Know Their Lp(a) Number with Dr. Akil Taher
What if one simple blood test could reveal a genetic risk factor for heart disease that affects 1 in 5 people worldwide?Rip sits down with physician, endurance athlete, and author Dr. Akil Taher to talk about a critical—but often overlooked—marker for cardiovascular risk: Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).Despite decades of research linking elevated Lp(a) to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease
Ep. 350: Ali Essig - Six Kids. Her Husband Had a Stroke at 37. Why She Chose Plants to Help Her Family Heal
What happens when a 37-year-old father of six suffers a stroke with no clear cause?For Ali Essig, it became a wake-up call that changed everything.In this powerful conversation, Rip sits down with Ali—creator of PlantWhys—to talk about how her husband’s stroke sent their family on a journey into whole-food, plant-based eating. What started as a search for a “heart-healthy diet” quickly became a li
Ep.349: Food as Medicine - Dr. Elizabeth George and Chef Nick lula Share How Whole Food Plant-Based Eating Reverses Disease
Rip sits down with Dr. Elizabeth George and Chef Nick Iula, co-authors of Healthy Eating Adventure, to explore how whole food, plant-based eating can transform health and lives.Dr. George helped launch the Healthy Eating Adventure program more than 15 years ago, helping hundreds of participants reverse chronic disease through nutrition. Chef Nick Iula joined the program after decades in profession
Ep. 348: Dr. Michael Klaper - Disease Reversal Is Real When We Start Moving Medicine Forward
For over 50 years, Dr. Michael Klaper has practiced medicine. And today, he says something that stops you in your tracks:“I am profoundly embarrassed to be a physician in America today.”Why?Because most doctors are never trained in the most powerful tool available to prevent and reverse chronic disease: nutrition.In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Rip sits down with Dr. Klaper
Ep. 347: What It Really Takes to Be Forever Fit with Maxime Sigouin
What does it really mean to be “forever fit”?Rip sits down with fitness coach and author Maxime Sigouin to explore sustainable strength, whole-food plant-based nutrition, and the mindset required to stay fit for life — not just for a season. It’s all in his new book, Forever Fit. Maxime shares his personal journey from loss and hardship to helping thousands of people transform their health through
Ep. 346: Erasing Diabetes - Peggy Kraus’s Fiber-First Rescue Plan
Rip sits down with Peggy Kraus, a clinical exercise physiologist and diabetes care specialist with over 30 years of experience in cardiac rehab.Peggy shares how she moved beyond conventional nutrition advice to embrace a fiber-centric, whole-food, plant-based approach—helping patients reverse type 2 diabetes, lower A1C levels, lose significant weight, and reduce or eliminate medications.They discu
Ep. 345: The Health Wake-Up That Led Javant Benton to Lose 80 Pounds and Reverse Lifestyle Disease
What if the foods you love most—the ones tied to family, culture, and comfort—could also help you heal?In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Rip sits down with Javant Benton, creator of Healthy Vegan Eating and author of Make Your Own, to talk about food, family legacy, self-love, and breaking generational cycles of disease.Javant shares how a frightening health wake-up—pre-diabetes,
Ep. 344: The 15-Plant Breakfast Bowl That Keeps You Full All Morning with Molly Patrick
What if your breakfast could power you through the entire morning—without cravings, crashes, or hunger an hour later?In this episode, Rip sits down with Molly Patrick, founder of Clean Food Dirty Girl, to dive deep into the breakfast bowl that has become a cult favorite. Molly shares the story behind her hearty, nutrient-packed “Hippie Porridge Bowl”—a recipe she spent nearly eight years perfectin
Ep. 343: Charles Gassenheimer - From Multiple Meds to Marathons: How a Plant-Based Diet Changed His Life
At just 43 years old, Charles Gassenheimer was 75 pounds overweight, pre-diabetic, struggling with joint pain and memory loss, and taking high-dose cholesterol medications. His doctors were managing his decline — not reversing it.Then one conversation changed everything.After meeting cardiologist Dr. Robert Ostfeld, Charles committed to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. The results were extraor
Ep. 342: Dr. Sachin Shah - A Tick Bite that Makes You Allergic to Meat? And, What's Hiding in Your Medications?
What if your health wasn’t just shaped by what you eat—but by what’s hidden in your medications?In this episode, Rip sits down with pharmacist-scientist Dr. Sachin Shah, a leading voice in medication transparency and patient safety. Together, they explore why food truly belongs at the center of health, how modern medicine sometimes misses the human in healthcare, and why knowing what’s inside your
Ep. 341: Rachel Atcheson - Playing the Long Game for America’s Health
What does it look like when plant-based living moves beyond personal choice and into real systems change? This episode answers that question in a big way.Rip sits down with longtime friend and food policy powerhouse Rachel Atcheson, founder of Food Policy Pathways, for a wide-ranging conversation about how food policy can transform public health, reduce chronic disease, and make healthy eating the
Ep. 340: Jan Liband - The Masculinity Myth That’s Wrecking Men’s Health
In this deeply grounded conversation, Rip sits down with Jan Liband — a former college athlete, longtime plant-based advocate, and expert in food and environmental sustainability. What began for Jan as a single pamphlet exposing the environmental toll of animal agriculture became a lifelong commitment to plant-based living nearly 40 years ago.Jan shares his journey from a meat-centered, “healthy b
Ep. 339: Jackie Akerberg - Why Progress over Perfection Wins Every Time
It’s been way too long since Jackie Akerberg (@jackfruitfulkitchen) was on the podcast, and this episode is a true catch-up in every sense of the word. Jackie is a plant-based cook, creator, and community builder who brings joy, honesty, and seriously good food into everything she does.In this conversation, we talk about how Jackie went plant-based and never looked back, how her health completely
Ep. 338: Andrew Schaefer - How This Firefighter Went From Kidney Donor to Kitchen Hero
Firefighters are trained to run toward danger — but too often, their own health is what’s at risk. In this episode of the Plant Strong Podcast, Rip sits down with fellow firefighter Andy Schaefer of Avon, Ohio, whose journey into plant-based eating began with a life-altering decision: donating one of his kidneys to his brother-in-law.Determined to be as healthy and resilient as possible, Andy adop
Ep. 337: Jet Benitez - The Keto Diet Almost Killed Him. So, He Turned to Plants.
In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terrifying calcium score, debilitating angina, and near-widowmaker blockage, Jet found himself out of breath, unable to hike his favorite mountains, and feeling an impending sense of doom.A reunion — and
Ep. 336: Joe Gagnon - The Simple Formula for a Healthier, More Meaningful Life
What does it mean to live intentionally?In this inspiring conversation, Rip sits down with endurance athlete and author Joe Gagnon, who shares how he shifted from chasing external success to living with deeper purpose and awareness. Joe explores the mindset and habits that fuel his growth — from building strong health pillars and saying “yes” to new challenges, to embracing discomfort as a teacher
Ep. 335: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz - The Plant Powered Plus Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Path Out of Inflammation
Inflammation is running rampant — and it’s not starting in your joints or your arteries. It’s starting in your gut.This week, Rip is joined by world-renowned gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, aka “Dr. B,” author of the book Plant Powered Plus. (Release Date: January 13, 2026) Together, they break down why chronic disease, fatigue, weight gain, autoimmune disorders, and even emotional burnout
Ep. 334: How to Eat More Real Plants & Stay Consistent: The REAL30™ Essential Guide
Eating healthier shouldn’t feel confusing, overwhelming, or impossible to sustain—and if it ever has, you’re not the problem. In this 30-minute REAL30™ webinar, Rip Esselstyn and Laurie Kortowich introduce a simple, science-backed framework designed to help you eat more real, whole plants and stay consistent without turning your life upside down.The REAL30 is built on three approachable pillars:30
Ep. 333: Dr. Dawn Mussallem - Expert Diet, Supplement, and Mindset Tips for Breast Cancer Patients (Replay)
This episode originally dropped in October, 2024Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins Rip for an enlightening discussion on the vital role of personalized precision lifestyle medicine in breast cancer prevention and recovery. They dive deep into the importance of nutrition, emphasizing whole food plant-based diets, supplements, and the power of social connections in enhancing health outcomes. Dr. Mussallem sha
Ep. 332: Andrea Freeman - Here's the Real Story Behind What's On Your Plate
Rip sits down with Andrea Freeman, James Beard Award-winning author of Ruin Their Crops on the Ground. Drawing on more than 20 years of research, Andrea unpacks how food, race, and class have shaped America’s food system, exploring the historical roots of inequality that still influence what ends up on our plates today.Their conversation takes listeners on a journey from the Trail of Tears to cont
Ep. 331: Chuck Carroll - What Happens When You Do Everything Right… and Still Get Sick?
Rip welcomes Chuck Carroll — once a “fast food junkie”- now a beloved voice in the plant-based movement and host of the Exam Room Podcast. While plant-based eating helped normalize his blood pressure, stabilize his weight, and restore his vitality, Chuck also shares a vulnerable part of his story: despite doing everything right, he’s now navigating a complex chronic illness with no clear diagnosis
Ep. 330: What Happens When Employers Prioritize Real Food Over Quick Fixes
What happens when a company decides to put real food at the center of employee wellness? In this powerful episode, Rip sits down with the team at Central Garden & Pet, a 7,000-employee organization that has taken a radically forward-thinking approach to improving the health of its people. Their partnership with PLANTSTRONG by Metabite has produced clinical-level outcomes — without drugs, depri
Ep. 329: A Tribute to Trailblazers - Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins
Today, on what is a day of Thanksgiving here in the United States, we want to take a few minutes to honor three extraordinary men—Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins—who we’ve recently lost. These weren’t just leaders in the whole food, plant-based movement—they were trailblazers, mentors, and fearless advocates for health and hope.Dr. McDougall taught us that food is
Ep. 328: Dreena Burton - Aging Stronger and Unlocking Pain-Free Movement with Fascia Flo
Rip Esselstyn welcomes back beloved plant-based author Dreena Burton, who is stepping into an exciting new chapter with Fascia Flo — her movement program designed to unlock mobility, reduce pain, and support healthy aging.Dreena shares her personal journey with injury and how it led her to discover fascia, the body’s connective tissue network that plays a key role in movement, posture, and emotio
Ep. 327: Sunny Sharma, MD - He Faced a Brain Tumor — and Found the True Power of Lifestyle Medicine
What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? In this inspiring episode, Rip talks with Dr. Sunny Sharma — a lifestyle medicine physician whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. That experience didn’t just change his health; it completely transformed how he practices medicine.Dr. Sharma shares how his journey deepened his empathy, strengthened his belief
Ep. 326: Lauren Bernick - Told She'd Have a Heart Attack Soon. She Wasn't Having It.
In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lauren Bernick, host of the podcast, Age Like a Badass Mother and creator of WellElephant.com. At age 46, Lauren was blindsided by a diagnosis of advanced heart disease, despite believing she was eating a “healthy” diet. Faced with the prospect of lifelong statins and the threat of a heart attack, she took matters into her own hands—turning to Dr. Cal
Ep. 325: Nikki Boes - Why The World Needs More Imperfect Vegans
What happens when you mix humor, authenticity, and a love for peanut butter hacks? You get Nikki Boes — a vibrant voice in the vegan community (@vegan_af_) who’s showing the world that you don’t have to be a “perfect vegan” to make an impact.In this lively and laugh-filled conversation, Nikki opens up about: Her personal transformation through a plant-based dietHow she handles the trolls who attac
Ep. 324: Marlene Skiver and Dr. Laurie Marbas - After a Lifetime of Caring for Others, She’s Finally Caring for Herself
In this powerful before and after episode, Rip and Dr. Laurie Marbas introduce us to, Marlene Skiver, who’s goal is to reclaim her health through the power of plants.Marlene has faced her share of challenges — from pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and Hashimoto’s disease, to the stress that followed retirement and the loss of loved ones. But instead of giving in, she’s choosing to fight back — fork
Ep. 323: Dr. Tila Kansagra - How Lifestyle Medicine Heals Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Burnout
We all know the saying, “the body keeps the score,” and this week’s guest, Dr. Tila Kansagra, has lived it — and now helps others heal from it.A UK-based general practitioner and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kansagra brings compassion, lived experience, and evidence-based practice together to help her patients move beyond symptoms and toward true wellness.In this conversation, we dive into he
Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italiana
In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of Pura Vita—the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the U.S.—and writer Gene Stone, co-author of Vegana Italiana. Together, they dive into the passion and purpose behind their brand-new cookbook, which transforms beloved Italian classics into bold, satisfying vegan dishes.Tara shares her journey from growing up in a big Itali
Ep. 321: Dan Buettner - Live to 100 with Blue Zones One Pot Meals
He’s back for the fourth time! Dan Buettner—National Geographic fellow, explorer, longevity expert, and creator of the Blue Zones—returns and this time we’re diving into his brand-new New York Times best-selling book: Blue Zones: One Pot Meals.Dan and Rip roll up their sleeves and go page by page through his delicious new recipes—from savory Tex-Mex breakfast skillets to mushroom walnut bolognese
Ep. 320: Easy Plant-Based Meal Prep with Rip and Carrie
Think plant-based cooking takes too much time? Rip Esselstyn and producer Carrie Barrett are here to prove otherwise. In this energizing mini-episode, the duo dismantles one of the biggest myths around a whole food, plant-based lifestyle—that it’s complicated and time-consuming.With a mix of personal stories and practical strategies, Rip and Carrie show how to make plant-based meals fast, fun, and
Ep. 319: Kori McClurg - Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Compassion Is the Secret to Transformation
What if the only thing standing between you and your true potential… is you?Rip welcomes Kori McClurg, author of the new book Get Out of Your Own Way. Kori’s journey from self-loathing to self-love is one of courage, vulnerability, and the transformative power of plants.Like so many, Kori spent years battling the weight of diet culture, mental health struggles, and a body that reflected her inner
Ep. 318: Dora Ramirez - Cooking Authentic Mexican Food Without the Meat or Dairy
What happens when you grow up in a Mexican steakhouse, but later discover the healing power of plants?For Dora Ramírez, the journey from sizzling meats to vibrant, plant-based cuisine was nothing short of transformative. Raised in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Dora feared giving up animal products would mean giving up her culture. Instead, she found that beans, grains, veggies, and spices didn’t just repl
Ep. 317: Kathy Stevens - Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Retirement and a Legacy of Love
This week on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, Rip sits down with the legendary Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, as she prepares to step away after more than 20 years of rescuing animals and inspiring people to live with compassion.Since 2001, Kathy has been leading with love—creating a safe haven for thousands of animals and cultivating a culture that welcomes everyone, no matter where
Ep. 316: Adam Sud - Carbs are Not the Enemy…Unraveling Insulin Resistance
If you’ve ever been told that 'carbs are the enemy,' or if you think type 2 diabetes is a life sentence, Adam Sud is about to blow the lid off those myths. He’s a certified insulin resistance and food addiction coach, and returns for his fourth appearance on the podcast to clear up the misconceptions and set the record straight about what really causes diabetes.He shares the real root causes of in
Ep. 315: Tyler Dodge - From Anxiety and ED to Long-Lasting Vitality
At 38, Tyler Dodge was battling anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and extra weight—but instead of turning to medication, he turned to plants. By embracing a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Tyler shed 50 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol, and reclaimed both his physical and mental health. His powerful story proves that real men eat plants—and thrive.This is a must-listen—especially
Ep. 313: Dr. Jami Dulaney - This Cardiologist Stopped Doing Medicine the Old Way
What happens when a seasoned cardiologist realizes that prescriptions and procedures aren’t enough?You get Dr. Jami Dulaney—a board-certified cardiologist who transformed her practice (and personal life) by embracing plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.Motivated by her own family history of heart disease and a desire to do more than simply manage symptoms, Dr. Dulaney shares her transform
Ep. 312: Nancy Wells - She Collapsed Mid-Race. One Year Later, She Finished It—Powered by Plants
In this unforgettable episode, Rip Esselstyn sits down with Nancy Wells, whose near-death experience at the Glass City Marathon turned into a life-saving wake-up call—and a triumphant return to running and living with purpose.While racing last April, Nancy collapsed from a massive heart attack—a"Widowmaker." Thanks to the quick actions of a retired nurse and fast-acting paramedics, Nancy survived.
Ep. 311: How to Survive Your Hospital Stay with Dr. Julie Siemers
It’s hard to believe that one of the safest places to be when we’re sick can also be one of the deadliest. That’s right - a hospital stay. Despite massive amounts of training and new technologies, preventable harm in healthcare is one of the leading causes of death here in the U.S.This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Julie Siemers, a patient safety consultant and critical care nurse who h
Ep. 310: Doug Evans - Why Sprouts Might Be the Most Powerful Food on The Planet
Doug Evans is back on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast—and he’s sprouting with wisdom! It’s been over four years since Doug’s first appearance, and his passion for sprouts has only intensified.Rip and Doug dig deep into the nutritional superpowers of sprouts, the simplicity of growing them at home, and the transformational impact they can have on your health, your plate, and your life.Doug shares his deepl
Ep. 309: Ellen Kanner - This Miami Vegan Brings Color, Culture, and Compassion to Your Table
We are turning up the heat and diving fork-first into a true celebration of the tropics—a culinary carnival of color, culture, and compassion!Rip welcomes Ellen Kanner—a Miami native, award-winning writer, and the powerhouse behind the new cookbook, Miami Vegan. This book is more than just a collection of recipes—it's a flavorful journey through the heart of Miami, infused with bold Latin and Cari
Ep. 308: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Overcoming Social Pressures of Staying PLANTSTRONG
Let’s face it—choosing a plant-strong lifestyle can sometimes feel like swimming upstream. Whether it’s side-eyes at the dinner table, skeptical coworkers, or relentless comments from “nutrition experts” on TikTok, the pressure is real.In this episode, Rip and his producer, Carrie Barrett, share that it's not just doable—it’s empowering. Drawing on decades of personal experience and thousands of c
Ep. 307: Brandi Doming - Wholesome, Simple, and Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Living
Rip is joined by Brandi Doming, the creative force behind The Vegan 8 and the brand-new cookbook, Vegan Wholesome. Brandi’s plant-based journey began as a deeply personal mission—to support her husband’s health. What followed was a total transformation in their kitchen and a powerful ripple effect that’s now helping thousands of people embrace simple, nourishing, and oil-free plant-based meals.Bra
Ep. 306: Dr. Regina Ragasa - This Obesity Doctor's 3 Weight Loss Rules That Actually Work
What happens when a doctor realizes that pills weren’t healing her patients—but plants were? You have the makings of a wonderful interview with triple board-certified physician Dr. Regina Ragasa.As a specialist in obesity and lifestyle medicine, Regina opens up about her transformation from a conventional doctor (aka - “drug dealer”) to a fierce advocate for whole food, plant-based nutrition.You'l
Ep. 305: Chef Kevin McGee - How He Went From Making Bank Deals to Plant Meals
What if your next meal could change a life—starting with your own?Rip sits down with Chef Kevin McGee, a 25-year veteran of plant-based living and the visionary behind the Urban Oak Initiative. From his Missouri roots and a former career in investment banking, to leading a nonprofit centered on food justice, Kevin shares a moving personal and professional journey grounded in compassion, health, an
Ep. 304: Dr. Sharon Bergquist: The Stress Paradox - Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier
What if stress isn’t the enemy—but a secret ingredient for a longer, healthier life? Rip is joined by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist, physician, scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox, to explore how certain types of stress can actually help us thrive.In this conversation, we’ll explore what she calls "good stress" and her five key stressors that can enhance our longevity and healthspan:Plant-ba
Ep. 303: Dr. Jules Cormier - How This Doctor Cured His Own Asthma, Eczema, and Daily Hives
Rip sits down with Dr. Jules Cormier, a dynamic family physician from Shediac, New Brunswick, who has transformed his medical practice—and personal life—through the principles of lifestyle medicine. A former sufferer of asthma, eczema, and chronic hives, Jules shares how a whole food, plant-based diet not only healed his ailments but also revitalized his family’s health and well-being.Dr. Cormier
Ep: 302: Michelle Joy Kramer - From Personal Loss to Plant-Based Purpose
When a health scare and personal loss collided, Michelle Joy Kramer found a new path—one rooted in healing, purpose, and plants. A PLANTSTRONG retreat alum and concierge health coach, Michelle shares how she shifted from vegetarianism to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, dramatically improving her health and inspiring others to do the same.In this episode, Michelle reveals how she:Lowered her c
Ep. 301: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Eating Plantstrong Anywhere: Navigating Travel and Restaurant Options
Traveling while sticking to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle can be tricky—but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and tools. In this episode, hosts Rip Esselstyn and his producer, Carrie Barrett, dive into the real-life challenges plant-based eaters face when away from home.Their advice for restaurants? Don't be afraid to be FAB.Figure out what you can eatAsk for what you wantBring y
Ep. 300: Lucas McLawhorn - How This Teacher and Cancer Survivor is Feeding His Community with Plants
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lucas McLawhorn—educator, cancer survivor, and founder of the plant-based food truck Well Fed Ed.Lucas shares his powerful story of transformation, from the classroom to the kitchen, driven by a deep desire to serve and educate his community through healthy, plant-based meals. He opens up about his battle with cancer, the life-changing ro
Ep. 299: Heidi Farina - She Ditched the Hustle Culture, Changed Her Diet & Reclaimed Her Life
In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Heidi Farina to hear how she went from college athlete and biotech manager, to full-time artist and plant-based advocate. After experiencing deep personal loss and burnout during the pandemic, Heidi realized something had to give. What followed was a powerful transformation rooted in health, healing, and rediscovery.Heidi opens up about her decision to
Ep. 298: John Joseph on Destroying Monsters - Addiction, Redemption, and Hardcore Healing
Rip Esselstyn sits down with John Joseph—author, musician, and former frontman of the iconic hardcore punk band Cro-Mags—to explore a story of survival that defies belief.John’s journey takes us far below rock bottom: addiction to crack cocaine, pills, and alcohol; a life of crime on the streets of New York; time spent in foster care and juvenile detention; and the devastating loss of loved ones t
Ep. 297: Jan Brown - From Toxic Diet Culture to Food Freedom
From a childhood steeped in toxic diet culture and years of yo-yo dieting, to finding peace and purpose through a plant-based lifestyle—today’s guest, Jan Brown, shares her powerful story of transformation.It all started with a post in the PLANTSTRONG Community Facebook group. Jan wrote:“I grew up with a mom who was always dieting. I ate everything diet and low calorie, and yet I was the biggest k
Ep. 296: Dominick Thompson - Eat What Elephants Eat for a Strong Body and Gentle Spirit
What if your plate could tell the story of your past—and shape your future? Author and plant-based advocate, Dominick Thompson, returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Eat What Elephants Eat and explore his deeply personal journey of change. Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Thompson became involved in the drug trade, leading to his imprisonment in his early 20s. It was in prison that he
Ep. 295: Dr. Laurie Marbas and Brittany Jaroudi - Plant-Based 101: Your Guide to Mastering a Plant-Based Diet
Thinking about going plant-based but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been at it for a while but could use a little extra guidance and motivation to stay the course? Rip welcomes back plant-based physician Dr. Laurie Marbas and chef Brittany Jaroudi, the authors of Plant-Based 101: The Ultimate Guide for Mastering the Plant-Based Diet. Their new book is packed with practical tips on every
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