PLANTSTRONG Podcast podcast

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.

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.

 

#346

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-b... more

11 Dec 2025

55 MINS

55:36

11 Dec 2025


#345

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? I... more

04 Dec 2025

58 MINS

58:22

04 Dec 2025


#344

Ep. 329: A Tribute to Trailblazers - Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomer...

Today, on what is a day of Thanksgiving here in the United States, we want to take a few m... more

27 Nov 2025

14 MINS

14:09

27 Nov 2025


#343

Ep. 328: Dreena Burton - Aging Stronger and Unlocking Pain-Free Movement with Fascia Flo

Rip Esselstyn welcomes back beloved plant-based author [Dreena Burton] (https://dreenaburt... more

20 Nov 2025

1 HR 15 MINS

1:15:37

20 Nov 2025


#342

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 ... more

13 Nov 2025

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:54

13 Nov 2025


#341

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 Li... more

06 Nov 2025

49 MINS

49:29

06 Nov 2025


#340

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... more

30 Oct 2025

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:19

30 Oct 2025


#339

Ep. 324: Marlene Skiver and Dr. Laurie Marbas - After a Lifetime of Caring for Others, She’s Finally...

In this powerful before and after episode, Rip and [Dr. Laurie Marbas] (https://drlauriema... more

23 Oct 2025

55 MINS

55:42

23 Oct 2025


#338

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 Kansag... more

16 Oct 2025

54 MINS

54:56

16 Oct 2025


#337

Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italia...

In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of [Pura Vita] (https://pur... more

09 Oct 2025

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:27

09 Oct 2025


#336

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, longevi... more

02 Oct 2025

47 MINS

47:42

02 Oct 2025


#335

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 a... more

25 Sep 2025

22 MINS

22:30

25 Sep 2025


#334

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 ... more

18 Sep 2025

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:39

18 Sep 2025


#333

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 powe... more

11 Sep 2025

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:47

11 Sep 2025


#332

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, foun... more

04 Sep 2025

58 MINS

58:56

04 Sep 2025


#331

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 ... more

28 Aug 2025

1 HR 13 MINS

1:13:56

28 Aug 2025


#330

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 instea... more

21 Aug 2025

45 MINS

45:06

21 Aug 2025


#329

Ep. 314: Dr. Luella Jonk - Advice That Can Save Your Relationships

In this week’s episode, Rip talks with [Dr. Luella Jonk] (https://luellajonk.com/) , a sea... more

14 Aug 2025

51 MINS

51:50

14 Aug 2025


#328

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’... more

07 Aug 2025

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:49

07 Aug 2025


#327

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 ... more

31 Jul 2025

1 HR 33 MINS

1:33:26

31 Jul 2025


#326

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 o... more

24 Jul 2025

58 MINS

58:16

24 Jul 2025


#325

Ep. 310: Doug Evans - Why Sprouts Might Be the Most Powerful Food on The Planet

[Doug Evans] (https://www.instagram.com/dougevans/) is back on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast—and... more

17 Jul 2025

1 HR 28 MINS

1:28:19

17 Jul 2025


#324

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 ... more

10 Jul 2025

52 MINS

52:38

10 Jul 2025


#323

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.... more

03 Jul 2025

20 MINS

20:36

03 Jul 2025


#322

Ep. 307: Brandi Doming - Wholesome, Simple, and Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Living

Rip is joined by [Brandi Doming] (https://www.instagram.com/thevegan8brandi/) , the creati... more

26 Jun 2025

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:31

26 Jun 2025


#321

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 wer... more

19 Jun 2025

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:00

19 Jun 2025