PLANTSTRONG Podcast - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

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. Brandi shares how her fitness and dance background shaped her approach to health, why she’s obsessed...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 307

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'll hear how a single conversation with a colleague sparked her interest in reversing chronic illnes...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 306

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, and cultural heritage. Listeners will hear how Kevin’s childhood influences—especially his mother an...

Jun 12, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 305

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-based phytochemicals Intermittent intense exercise Thermal stress (heat and cold exposure) Circadi...

Jun 05, 20252 hr 7 minSeason 4Ep. 304

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 integrates nutrition, exercise, and education into his clinical practice, empowering patients to ...

May 29, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 4Ep. 303

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 cholesterol and improved her health in months Navigates social settings and restaurants with intent...

May 22, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 4Ep. 302

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. F igure out what you can eat A sk for what you want B ring your own food They break down each part of the FAB method with humor, empathy, and personal st...

May 15, 202521 minSeason 4Ep. 301

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 role nutrition played in his recovery, and the family and cultural influences that shaped his approa...

May 08, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 300

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 embrace a whole food plant-based lifestyle, how it helped her reclaim her energy and creativity, a...

May 01, 202559 minSeason 4Ep. 299

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 to violence and substance abuse. But somehow, against all odds, John fought his way back—and now li...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 23 minSeason 4Ep. 298

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 kid in my class. My weight kept climbing once I was out of school, and anxiety and depression took ...

Apr 17, 202557 minSeason 4Ep. 297

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 resolved to adopt a lifestyle that caused no harm to other beings. His mantra? “If it requires harm...

Apr 10, 20251 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 296

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 everything from getting started and cooking delicious meals to handling social situations with confidence...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 4Ep. 295

Ep. 294: Victoria Moran - Age Like a Yogi and Embrace Your Third Act

What if aging wasn’t something to fear, but a journey to embrace? In this inspiring episode, best-selling author and wellness advocate, Victoria Moran , shares her wisdom on aging with grace, purpose, and joy. Drawing from her new book, Age Like a Yogi , she explores how plant-based living, yoga, and mindfulness can transform aging into a spiritual evolution, including: How to shift your mindset around aging The connection between plant-based living, yoga, and longevity Cultivating joy and fulfi...

Mar 27, 20251 hr 37 minSeason 4Ep. 294

Ep. 293: Keith Jeffrey - A "Broc & Roll" Star from the Band, Atlas Genius

Ready to travel down under for some plant-powered rock? Today, we introduce you to Keith Jeffrey and his band, Atlas Genius! Not only do they create incredible music, but they also embrace a plant-based lifestyle while touring the world. In this episode, we dive into: Why three Aussie brothers ditched meat for veganism Their favorite plant-based eats on the road How their lifestyle influences their music & ethics The world needs more broc and rock stars like Keith Jeffrey who aren't afraid t...

Mar 20, 202555 minSeason 4Ep. 293

Ep. 292: Dusty and Erin Stanczyk -Eat, Move, Rest: The Blueprint for a Happy, Healthy, Plant-Based Family

Meet Erin and Dusty Stanczyk—a Nebraska couple who transformed their health and family life by embracing a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. After struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and acid reflux, they found inspiration from Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. and never looked back. Now, at 38, they’re raising three plant-strong kids and sharing their journey on Eat Move Rest and in their new book, The Happy Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook . In this episode, they reveal three key pillars to thri...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 4Ep. 292

Ep. 291: Don Fries and Bev Bow - Rediscover Your Joy of Living with the Healthy World Vitality Plan

Imagine a world thriving on health and vitality through whole food, plant-based living. That’s the vision Don Fries and Bev Bow are turning into reality—and you’re invited to be part of it! Their non-profit, Healthy World Vitality Plan , offers education, cooking classes, and small-group support sessions to help you rediscover the joy of living - all for just $40/year! Take control of your health, make meaningful connections, and join a movement dedicated to compassion for all living beings! The...

Mar 06, 202559 minSeason 4Ep. 291

Ep. 290: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. - The Proof Is In The Plants! Real Stories of Heart Disease Reversal

We're wrapping up National Heart Health Month with an inspiring conversation with Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr ., a true pioneer in heart health and a passionate advocate for the power of a whole-food, plant-based diet. With decades of experience as Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic Center of Prevention and Wellness, he’s seen firsthand how a whole foods, plant-based diet without added oil, sugar, or sodium can not only prevent, but a...

Feb 27, 202555 minSeason 4Ep. 290

Ep. 289: Joel Kahn, MD - Test, Don't Guess When It Comes to Your Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and, each year, over 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac death? The good news? You have the power to protect yourself—starting today. Dr. Joel Kahn jokes that he’s been calling himself a “salad bar-a-tarian” since 1977 when he actually saw and felt the personal link between good nutrition and heart health. And, as a cardiologist he’s been preaching this link now for decades.. Today, Dr. Kahn discusses the alarming ...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 32 minSeason 4Ep. 289

Ep. 288: Dr. Columbus Batiste - It's Time for a SELFISH Health Revolution!

Are you ready to put yourself first for all the right reasons? Today, I'm joined by cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste to share that true self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In his new book, Selfish: A Cardiologist's Guide to Healing a Broken Heart , Dr. Batiste shares seven key pillars of heart health —spirituality, exercise, love, food, intimacy, sleep, and humor—showing how each one plays a vital role in your well-being. This conversation isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about thrivi...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 33 minSeason 4Ep. 288

Ep. 287: Robert Ostfeld, MD - Can Plant-Based Diets Boost Heart Health and Your Bedroom Performance?

Over the course of his 20-year career at Montefiore in New York, Dr. Robert Ostfeld has been instrumental in moving medicine forward by implementing innovative dietary programs that not only provide plant-based meal options for patients but also educate healthcare professionals about the importance of nutrition in preventing heart disease. Today, he catches us up on the amazing initiatives at this forward thinking hospital and shares updates on their innovative cardiac wellness program, which no...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 4Ep. 287

Ep. 286: Chef Bailey Ruskus - The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Up With Dairy

Are you struggling to break up with dairy? It's the most common thing we hear at PLANTSTRONG. I can live this lifestyle, but I just can't give up cheese and milk! Well, now you don't have to with this wonderful new book by Chef Bailey Ruskus . In Breaking Up With Dairy , Chef Bai not only shares her own difficult and eye-opening journey of breaking up with dairy, but she also includes more than 100 unbelievable plant-based dairy recipes for all of your favorites such as milks, coffee creamers, a...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 4Ep. 286

Ep. 285: Dr. Matthew Nagra - Cutting Through the Nutrition Confusion and Debunking Diet Myths

Dr. Matthew Nagra , a naturopathic doctor, dissects the latest research in nutrition, particularly around plant-based diets and their impact on health. The conversation covers several hot topics, including: 20:01 - Understanding the Toxicity Argument Against Plants 24:17 - Plant-Based Meats or Real Meat- Which is Better? 35:11 - The Impact of Salt Alternatives on Blood Pressure 38:48 - Examining the Egg Debate 43:26 - The Truth About Oatmeal 57:21 - Exploring the Controversy of Dietary Oils 01:0...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 48 minSeason 4Ep. 285

Ep. 284: Chef AJ is Thriving in the Face of Cancer

As many know, our beloved Chef AJ announced in November 2024 that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Shortly after that diagnosis, she agreed to come on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast– even though there were still many unknowns. Her vulnerability and resilience is a gift for all of us. Rather than retreating into silence, she has chosen to share her story and focus on thriving in the face of adversity, inspiring others who may be facing similar challenges. Throughout the conversation, AJ emphasiz...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 4Ep. 284

Ep. 283: Dr. Dean Ornish - Hope for Alzheimer's: The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition to Reverse Cognitive Decline

In June 2024, Dr. Dean Ornish and his team at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute revealed for the first time that an intensive lifestyle intervention—including a whole-food, plant-based diet—can significantly improve cognition and even halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease! Dr. Dean Ornish shares details of his compelling protocol and insights into his randomized controlled clinical trial study that demonstrated the effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle changes in reversing early ...

Jan 09, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 283

Ep. 282: Brad Kearns - Born to Walk: Why Walking is the Key to Longevity, Health, and Weight Loss

Walking is not only a fundamental human activity, but a cornerstone for improving health and longevity as discussed in this conversation with Brad Kearns, co-author of Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy One Step at a Time. This new book challenges the long-held belief that we were all born to run, arguing instead that walking is a far less stressful and more beneficial form of exercise. In this episode, Rip is also joined by his co-producer...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 55 minSeason 4Ep. 282

Ep. 281: Eat More Plants. Your Life Depends On It.

Eating more plants is not just a dietary choice; it's a crucial step towards better health and longevity. In this live episode that premiered in January 2023, Rip discusses the importance of incorporating whole plant foods into our diets to combat rising health issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Key takeaways of this live Q&A include: Why Plants are the Mothership of Health Why We Love Whole Plant Foods The Difference Between Processed Carbohydrates and Whole Food...

Dec 26, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 281

Ep. 280: Molly Patrick - Ready to Make Lasting Change? Your Future Self Will Thank You

What does it take to turn your life around? Molly Patrick, co-founder of Clean Food, Dirty Girl , knows the answer better than most. In this powerful podcast episode, Molly shares her deeply personal journey from a life of heavy drinking and smoking to embracing a vibrant, plant-based lifestyle. Discover how Molly overcame social anxiety and addiction, faced the discomfort of change, and built a life filled with health, purpose, and joy. Alongside Rip, she dives into topics like: Navigating the ...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 4Ep. 280

Ep. 279: Jacque Salomon - Turning a Mother's Ultimate Heartbreak into a Mission of Health and Healing

Rip welcomes Jacque Salomon, founder of the Seeds to Inspire Foundation . Jacque recounts the traumatic events that shaped her early life, including a challenging upbringing in New York City that was fraught with generational trauma, chaos, and food scarcity. Jacque also shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing her son at just 11 years old, and how this tragedy sparked a profound commitment to transform her life and health through a whole food, plant-based diet. (Thanks, also, in part to ...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 279

Ep. 278: Dr. Michael Greger - Unpacking Ozempic: Miracle Weight Loss Drug or Just Another Fad?

Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weightloss drugs are all over the news these days promising quick and permanent weight loss but – like every other miracle weight-loss drug in the past- is this another “too good to be true” moment? Our friend, Dr. Michael Greger, puts these new wonder drugs “to the test” in his new book, OZEMPIC: Risks, Benefits, and Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs . Leave it to Dr. Michael Greger to cut right to the chase when it comes to the latest trends in diet and...

Dec 05, 202438 minSeason 4Ep. 278
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