PLANTSTRONG Podcast

By: Rip Esselstyn
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    2024
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Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
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Episodes
  • Ep. 286: Chef Bailey Ruskus - The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Up With Dairy

    Ep. 286: Chef Bailey Ruskus - The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Up With Dairy
    Jan 30 2025

    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, and sauces, to gourmet-quality cheeses, and yep - even milkshakes. This book is proof that breaking up may be hard to do, but it’s so worth it.

    From understanding the dairy industry's hold on our eating habits to practical tips for transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable advice as you navigate the through the stages of grief.

    It's time to stop worshipping at the "church of cheeses" and discover a healthier, more compassionate way to enjoy your favorite foods.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube

    Pre-Order Breaking Up With Dairy

    Bailey is embarking on a National book tour in partnership with Williams Sonoma for Breaking Up With Dairy and will be in city near you! Click here to meet her on tour.

    SPECIAL Burger Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!

    Exclusive Podcast Deal: From now until January 30, 2025, use code 'podcast' and save $6.99 off a two-pack of PLANTSTRONG Burgers. Go to plantstrong.com to shop.

    Upcoming Events:

    Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

    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 Journey

    Use 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 Question

    Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

    Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

    https://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 Rating

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Ep. 285: Dr. Matthew Nagra - Cutting Through the Nutrition Confusion and Debunking Diet Myths

    Ep. 285: Dr. Matthew Nagra - Cutting Through the Nutrition Confusion and Debunking Diet Myths
    Jan 23 2025

    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
    • 01:00:52 - Can Oil Be Part of a Healthy Diet?
    • 01:16:41 - The Benefits and Considerations of Creatine Supplementation
    • 01:23:10 - Sleep and Food Intake
    • 01:26:43 - Understanding Gluten and its Effects on Health
    • 01:31:50 - Understanding HDL and LDL Cholesterol
    • 01:40:53 - Ozempic and Weight Management

    With a commitment to evidence-based research, this episode clarifies common misconceptions and encourages listeners to focus on whole, nutritious, plant-based foods for optimal health and longevity. And that's a big kale yeah from us!

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube

    SPECIAL Burger Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!

    Exclusive Podcast Deal: From now until January 30, 2025, use code 'podcast' and save $6.99 off a two-pack of PLANTSTRONG Burgers. Go to plantstrong.com to shop.

    Upcoming Events:

    Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

    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 Journey

    Use 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 Question

    Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

    Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

    https://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 Rating

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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • Ep. 284: Chef AJ is Thriving in the Face of Cancer

    Ep. 284: Chef AJ is Thriving in the Face of Cancer
    Jan 16 2025

    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 emphasizes:

    • The importance of maintaining hope
    • Having a robust support system
    • Her 7 Foundations to Healing or Thriving: Faith, Family, Fitness, Food, Forgiveness, Friends, Fun
    • The role of a whole food plant-based lifestyle in her health journey
    • How humor has become a vital tool in coping with her circumstances even when dealing with crippling anxiety
    • Forgiveness and emotional healing

    This heartfelt episode not only sheds light on the realities of living with a new diagnosis, but also serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own battles, reinforcing that diagnosis does not define destiny.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube

    SPECIAL Burger Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!

    Exclusive Podcast Deal: From now until January 30, 2025, use code 'podcast' and save $6.99 off a two-pack of PLANTSTRONG Burgers. Go to plantstrong.com to shop.

    Upcoming Events:

    Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

    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 Journey

    Use 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 Question

    Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

    Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

    https://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 Rating

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    1 hr and 12 mins

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Profile Image for A L P

I love this Podcast.

This Podcast is so inspiring and informational. I love every episode. Rip and his entire family are some of my favorite people.

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Janet Verney

very informative. LOVED the suggestions and look forward to finding her book and trying her recipes.

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Profile Image for Stephanie

Continual Inspiration and Encouragement

Rip, I want to extend the deepest gratitude to you for creating this podcast to help push the message of the health benefits and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. My husband and I watched Forks Over Knives 12 years ago (the first month we were dating actually) and stopped eating meat immediately. We have greatly decreased dairy products but eliminating them along with oil is still our goal. The change in my diet ended the digestive issues I had suffered with since high school and also got me back to my middle-school weight; My husband lost 30 lbs. the first month. We also now have two children that we have raised as vegetarians, with whom we are now sharing the documentary and discussing the reasons why it's important we eliminate the dairy and oil as well. Your podcast now gives me regular inspiration and recommendations of more books to deepen my understanding of health. You are so generous for sharing your knowledge and experience and for introducing us to so many other experts that can help fortify our resolve to continue down this path. Thank you! And I look forward to the next podcast!

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Profile Image for KC C.

Always full of inspiration!

It was fun hearing Rip talk about his journey. I'd like to learn even more about the early years. How did a professional triathlete get enough calories in the beginning?! cooking by himself?! But I don't think Rip is the kind of guy to share that with us; he's focused and driven on the "now" and not poking fun at himself with anecdotal stories about when he was learning how to cook.

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I love every episode!

Great host, great guests, succinct, inspiring! I have listened to every episode, and they are all good!

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