***Forgive us as we were fighting some slight technical difficulties*** Welcome to Episode 4 of our limited series highlighting the impressive VeganStrong PlantBuilt Athletic Team (myself included) that is headed to the Mr. America Fitness Competition in October of 2023. Ever wondered how a powerhouse vegan athlete, cancer survivor, and naturopathic doctor fuels her body and keeps her health in peak condition? Meet Dr. Sarah Kashdan, our guest on today's show, who embodies the perfect fusion of ...
Sep 29, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Welcome to Episode 3 of our limited series highlighting the impressive VeganStrong PlantBuilt Athletic Team (myself included) that is headed to the Mr. America Fitness Competition in October of 2023. Today I sit down with the remarkable George Matthews - a vegan athlete, CrossFit enthusiast, and the captain of the VeganStrong Plant Built CrossFit team. George's journey is one for the books, a testament to determination and resilience, severe chronic sinus infections threatened his dream of becom...
Sep 25, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Welcome to Episode 2 of our limited series highlighting the impressive VeganStrong Plant Built Athletic Team (myself included) that is headed to the Mr. America Fitness Competition in October of 2023. Prepare to be enlightened today by our guest, Giacomo, co-founder of the Plant-Built team. A bodybuilder who has been committed to a vegan lifestyle for over 15 years, Giacomo joins us to share his journey, his struggles with food and body dysmorphia, and his advocacy for animal rights. This conver...
Sep 21, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Welcome to a special series of episodes in honor of the VeganStrong PlantBuilt Team! I am thrilled to be joining the team this year representing vegan muscle at the Mr. America Competition in October of 2023. In honor of this team, I'll be highlighting some incredible members of the team over the next couple of weeks. My first guest is founder, Dani Taylor, the trailblazer behind the VeganStrong PlantBuilt Team, who shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings, surviving on a diet of mac...
Sep 18, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 131
"If you try to do it all at once, that's a sure way to failure" Imagine growing up in Ireland, full of freedom and banter, building a family of your own, and then life throwing you health and relationship challenges. What if the way out was under one shared roof, creating an incredibly supportive environment and a healing journey fueled by plant-based diets? That's exactly the tale of healing and resilience our guests, Loretta and Sharon, are here to share. After lots of research and a lot of tr...
Sep 11, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 130
" If someone said tomorrow “you’re cured” there’s no MS, I would not change the way I eat" Have you ever thought about the power of plants and how a plant-based lifestyle could potentially revolutionize your life? Join us as we take a deep dive into the inspiring journey of Catherine, a brave woman who manages her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis through a plant-based diet and lifestyle changes. We explore Catherine's personal growth from her MS diagnosis and how it has reshaped her lifestyle. She s...
Sep 04, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 129
This week, we're incredibly fortunate to sit down with Zana, an inspiring advocate for a plant-based lifestyle, who shares her remarkable story of overcoming Crohn's disease through dietary and lifestyle changes. Zana, a computer science engineer turned recipe developer and cookbook author, shares her journey from illness to wellness, demonstrating the potential of plant-based eating to reduce inflammation and manage health conditions. Zana's story is one of resilience and determination, proving...
Aug 28, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 128
"I feel like I was lied to my entire life" Welcome to an enriching conversation with Kate, an Australian health coach championing the vegan lifestyle. Brace yourselves as Kate guides us through her transformational journey from a meat-eater to an ethical vegetarian, and later, a dedicated vegan. She decodes the simplicity and sustainability of plant-based eating while ensuring health and strength. We delve into 10 easy tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle and insightful discussions on leadi...
Aug 21, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 127
We welcome special guest, Lucy Luong, a plant-based registered dietitian and health coach, who shares her transition experience to a plant-based diet. We've had many other dietitians on the show, however, Lucy spent her time in school learning in Loma Linda, the sight of America's only blue zone. She outlines the exciting but intimidating path of moving from California to Calgary and her and I try to figure out what the future of dietetics looks like. Resources from this Episode: Vitamix "Food P...
Aug 14, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 126
" We don't have to have a dogmatic approach to dieting. It's really getting back to understanding what nutritious foods are." I sit down this week with former NFL athlete Chris Manderino, who’s weaving his passion into a mission to transform lives through a holistic approach to wellness. We're charting his journey from the punishing NFL lifestyle to the creation of his wellness brand, Lyfe Fuel. Listen in as we reminisce about his NFL days, live through his experiences in a blue zone, and uncove...
Aug 07, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 125
This episode is a call to action for YOU. Everyday more and more research comes out on the benefits of a plant-forward diet. This isn't just hearsay - in addition to some STAGGERING statistics, we spotlight the inspiring journeys of some of our former podcast guests who have all reaped remarkable health improvements through plant-based eating. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with a wealth of practical advice and inspired to take the reins and put your health back into your own han...
Jul 31, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 124
"Going plant-based was a kick off to changing our mindset and our lifestyle" Today we are joined by Katelyn Glass and her husband Jordan. In May of 2020 she is faced with a health crisis. A long-term COVID diagnosis that plunged their lives into a whirlwind of uncertainties and challenges. Amidst the trials, they found solace in a plant-based lifestyle, a radical shift that proved to be more than a diet change—it became the catalyst for a complete transformation. Hear how this journey aided them...
Jul 24, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 123
“All you have to do is say I’m vegan and all of a sudden you feel this wall going up.” We are thrilled to welcome one of the vegan pioneers of our time, Dr. Melanie Joy. Melanie is a Harvard-educated psychologist, celebrated speaker, and the author of seven books, including the bestselling Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows; Beyond Beliefs: A Guide to Improving Relationships and Communication Among Vegans, Vegetarians, and Meat Eaters; and the forthcoming How To End Injustice Everywhere. ...
Jul 17, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Before you skip this episode thinking, "this is not for me, I don't eat meat". Think again! Today I welcome, Kaitlin Grady, the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Affairs at Clever Carnivore, Chicago's first cultivated meat company. Not only is she a part of their team, she's also a 30-year vegetarian and 10-year vegan. So if I was going to interview someone about this, it was going to be "one of us". I thought I knew a lot about cultivated meat, but what Kaitlin had to say was shocki...
Jul 10, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 121
"I was tired of hearing from doctors that there was nothing I could do about my high cholesterol." I LOVE talking with brand new vegans! They are in the midst of trying all this amazing new food, building new habits, experiencing more energy, better digestion and in the case of today's guest, reversing disease. Gina is here as a brand new vegan who found this way of life after watching the documentary "What the Health?" Both her and her husband made the switch and are now champions of this way o...
Jul 03, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 120
"When we are living in community, we become more open to one another. That’s the power of connection." On the heels of writing and directing the 2015 documentary film "PlantPure Nation", Nelson Campbell founded PlantPure Communities (PPC) in early 2016. Released in theaters in over 100 cities, the "PlantPure Nation" film (now on Amazon Prime) highlights the dramatic healing power of a plant-based diet and examines the political and economic factors that have suppressed information about these he...
Jun 26, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 119
"I had no idea the impact going plant-based would have on my life." If you are out there and thinking to yourself, "I could never go vegan", Delanie's story is sure to resonate with you. She was the same way. However, like many of us, she was struggling with chronic health issues and wanted ANSWERS. And in her words, all roads pointed to going plant-based. And now like many vegans, she has only one regret. That she didn't do it sooner. Delanie Fischer is a professional podcaster, serial (and soc...
Jun 19, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 118
"Language is declarative in nature so if you say I can’t go without meat, you can’t" At 61 years of age, and 350 lbs, Fred experienced divine intervention when he came upon a book about plant-based eating which sent him down his path to sustainable wellness. Now with over 100 pounds lost, Fred Ford is an author, speaker, and life coach. He helps people achieve improved health and reach ideal weight through a coaching program called "Think and Grow Thin." Fred is a walking billboard of why DIETS ...
Jun 12, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 117
"Self-objectification is the invisible prison of picturing yourself being looked at instead of just fully living." Summertime often equates to sunshine and vacation and no school, right? But for a lot of people, it means hating their bodies because they don't look "beach ready". That's why Katie and I dedicate an episode every summer to encouraging self-love. So many of our clients make their way to plant-based eating in order to diet and lose weight. If this is the case, then one of my first st...
Jun 05, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 116
"I remember saying the words I could never stop eating meat." I welcome Alyssa Meadows today, aka The Hydrated Herbivore. Her journey is one that many of you will relate to where she has unfortunately had to witness a loved one struggle with major health issues. The silver lining to this struggle was that it was a major catalyst for her to want to take charge of her own health and do everything in her power to prevent a similar fate. She and her husband have now made it their mission to guide pe...
May 29, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 115
"Your gut microbiome is the most important ecosystem on this planet." Have you been diagnosed with IBS? Do you struggle with symptoms like gas/bloating/digestive distress since going plant-based? Has your doctor recommended the FODMAP diet? If so, this episode is going to prove illuminating! We welcome Dahlia Marin, RDN, LD, CGN and James Marin, RD, EN who are the co-founders of the integrative dietetics practice Married to Health and the first 100% plant-based SIBO/IBS nutrition program. As gut...
May 22, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Welcome back to Plant-Based FAQs! Katie and I are back to give you some help with dealing with the outside world. Have you experienced any of these common questions yet? Where do you get your protein? Can't you just eat meat this one time? How do you do it? I could NEVER give up cheese! If so, this may have caused some external conflict between you and your social and familial circles OR may have caused some internal conflict because you didn't quite know how to answer these questions yet. Hopef...
May 15, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 113
"You have no other alternative than to be in a good mood when you’re on vegetables" I could not get enough of today's guest; an enthusiastic everyman from Michigan, Mitch Gill. Mitch is the perfect reminder that in order to be plant-based you don't need to be fancy. You don't need to be rich. You don't need to start young. You just need to start! I live for stories like his! **HAVE A QUESTION, SUGGESTION OR COMMENT FOR THE PODCAST? FILL OUT THE FORM HERE*** Resources from this Episode: Documenta...
May 08, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 112
"If you don’t consuming these essential fatty acids on a daily basis you are making your cells from the other junk in your system" Corinna Bellizzi is a natural products industry executive, omega-3 expert and pioneer who led the early growth of Nordic Naturals from less than $1 million to over $100 million in annual sales. Given her concern for the future health and wellness of people and planet, she shifted her focus from fish-sourced omegas to algae, leading the development and launch of Örlö ...
May 01, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 111
"I decided I am going plant-based. I had to." Just because we look healthy on the outside DOES NOT mean we are healthy on the inside. My guest today, Robby Graham, was living proof of this. As a lifelong bodybuilder, Robby frequented the gym. One day, he collapsed while working out. He was having a heart attack. Once he realized how close he was to death, he knew something had to change. After doing some research, he and his wife Mia decided to adopt a plant-based diet. And they've never looked ...
Apr 24, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 110
"Symptom reduction only does so much." What is pain? What can people do if they have chronic pain? Is there hope for people who suffer from chronic pain? These are some of the questions we answer today with Dr. Tawny Kross, a chronic pain specialist and coach. We discuss the importance of interoception: a concept that means understanding and feeling what is going on in your own body. This is a crucial concept for my coaching clients to learn. Dr. Kross points out the many other parallels there a...
Apr 20, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 109
"Throughout my career in research everything points to a plant based diet being the absolute best for longevity" Why are you interested in a plant-based lifestyle? So often the answer I get to this question is so one can be around longer. Longevity is not about living to be 100. Longevity is about living as many years as possible doing the things we love in good health, without chronic disease. And my guest and I agree that a plant-based lifestyle is the way to do it. I am thrilled to welcome Ha...
Apr 17, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 108
"You don’t get stronger when you’re training, you get stronger when you’re resting" Sun Sachs is a life-long endurance athlete for the past 35+ years in competitive cycling, triathlon and adventure races. Sun is passionate about animal welfare, the environment, and human health and co-founded the plant-based media brand www.thebeet.com, which later merged with Forks Over Knives, the leading plant-based health resource. Sun is also a plant-based culinary chef graduate and former instructor from M...
Apr 10, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 107
"I only ate meat because I thought I had to" Dawnene Law is a stay-at-home-mom turned plant-based nutritionist from British Columbia, Canada. Once immersed in the vegetarian community, it wasn't long before their love of animals turned them towards a primarily plant-based diet. Becoming plant-based has drastically changed Dawnene's health and outlook on life and the world, and she now she has felt compelled to help others feel the same. Now as a Nutritionist, she helps moms and busy women stop d...
Apr 03, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 106
"When you go grocery shopping everything you put in your cart should have a purpose" Chef Lei Shishak received her culinary training at the CIA in New York. After working as Executive Pastry Chef at notable west coast restaurants, including Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern, and being named Pastry Chef of the Year by Southern California's noted Riviera magazine, Lei founded Sugar Blossom Bake Shop in San Clemente, California, and has been featured in People, Sunset Magazine, Orange County Register...
Mar 27, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 105
