274 episodes

The mission of PLANTSTRONG is to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement.

We advocate for 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.

We welcome and support you wherever you are on your PLANTSTRONG journey and we hope you enjoy the show.

PLANTSTRONG Podcast Rip Esselstyn

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.8 • 92 Ratings

The mission of PLANTSTRONG is to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement.

We advocate for 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.

We welcome and support you wherever you are on your PLANTSTRONG journey and we hope you enjoy the show.

    Eric Soelberg - How He Ditched the Drive-Thru and Gained a New Life

    Eric Soelberg - How He Ditched the Drive-Thru and Gained a New Life

    Eric Soelberg was a high school athlete-turned-young husband and father and, like many on the family, marriage, and career track, he lost sight of himself and his own health.
    Food became an escape and a way to numb, and in this episode, Soelberg vulnerably shares some of those moments when he realized he had fallen into unhealthy eating behaviors and addiction. Not only was he hiding food, but he was visiting fast food drive-thrus multiple times in a day – feeling the shame, but also satisfying the cravings.
    Yes, he watched Forks over Knives and read the China Study – and it all made sense – but as we know all too well, having the information and making lasting change are two different things. It wasn’t until 2021 when he started feeling neuropathy and tingling in his toes and fingers that something clicked. He was 260lbs. 
    Driven by a newfound commitment to health, Eric sought guidance and he shares his recipes for regaining his health and life. Whole plant-based food is the grounding element, but it’s about so much more for him now, including education, community, and daily self-reflection.
    Eric may be your (self-proclaimed) “average guy,” but you’ll find him anything but…
    Upcoming Events:
    Register for Plant-Stock August 16th-18th, 2024: https://liveplantstrong.com/
    Sedona Retreat - October 8th-13th, 2024
    https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2024-sedona-retreat
    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/
    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
    Use Code: PSSUMMER20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/
    https://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer

    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Theme Music for Episode
    https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

    • 59 min
    Colleen Mariotti - Learning to Let Go and Live Plantstrong

    Colleen Mariotti - Learning to Let Go and Live Plantstrong

    We often talk about how living a Plantstrong life is an adventure if you let go of expectations, allow yourself to be more free, and learn to embrace imperfection!
    On this episode, Rip talks with Colleen Mariotti who, along with her family, have done this in spades when they sold most of their possessions over 10 years ago and started a nomadic life together. 
    What did she find when she learned to let go? Joy, pleasure, and beautiful people who are willing to help at every turn.
    And, the best part? She has also remained Plantstrong - even in the tiniest of villages where you can’t just pick up a product from the shelf!
    (In fact, we even found out that she first heard of the Esselstyn family in Slovenia of all places!)
    She chronicles her family’s journey on her blog Livology, where they offer stories and mindfulness practices to inspire you wherever you are.
    Upcoming Events:
    Register for Plant-Stock August 16th-18th, 2024: https://liveplantstrong.com/
    Sedona Retreat - October 8th-13th, 2024
    https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2024-sedona-retreat
    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/
    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
    Use Code: PSSUMMER20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/
    https://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer

    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Theme Music for Episode
    https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

    • 1 hr 32 min
    Niki Davis, MD - The Doctor That Loves to "De-Prescribe" Meds

    Niki Davis, MD - The Doctor That Loves to "De-Prescribe" Meds

    Rip welcomes Dr. Niki Davis, a former rocket scientist-turned-lifestyle medicine physician.
    Dr. Davis discusses her transition from engineering to promoting a plant-based lifestyle at Love Life Telehealth. She reflects on the influence of a plant-based diet on her career shift, and the impact of whole-food, plant-based nutrition on patient care.
    The conversation explores "de-prescribing medications," empowering patients through lifestyle changes, and the transformative effects of a plant-based diet on health outcomes.
    She also shares some of the lessons and wisdom she gleaned working under the late, great Dr. John McDougall. 
    Her second career has really "taken off" and we're thrilled to share it.
    Episode Webpage
    Watch the Episode on YouTube
    love.life/telehealth
    Dr. Niki Davis Website
    Upcoming Events:
    Register for Plant-Stock August 16th-18th, 2024: https://liveplantstrong.com/
    Sedona Retreat - October 8th-13th, 2024
    https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2024-sedona-retreat
    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/
    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
    Use Code: PSSUMMER20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/
    https://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer

    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Theme Music for Episode
    https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Richard Hubbard - From Morbidly Obese, to Plant-Based Athlete and Advocate

    Richard Hubbard - From Morbidly Obese, to Plant-Based Athlete and Advocate

    After college, Richard Hubbard felt hopeless. It was a stressful time looking for a steady job, he wasn’t moving as much as he did in college, and he loved candy and junk food - not a great combination for a web and graphic designer who would spend hours sitting at his desk during the day. 
    Rich also avoided doctors because he didn’t need a doctor to tell him what he already knew. He was nearing 350 pounds and destined to a life of medications if he didn’t make changes. 
    Ironically, it was a doctor and a mandatory physical that changed everything. Well, it wasn’t the doctor as much as it was Rich’s desire to research the best way to reverse his hypertension. That solution? You guessed it…a plant-forward diet.
    In one year, Richard lost over 120 pounds. Since then he has gone on to lose at least 30 more and he’s become a lean, mean, muscle machine with a whole foods, plant-based approach.
    Today, he shares his formula for lasting weight loss with nutrient-dense meals, batch cooking, and reducing sodium intake for optimal health and blood pressure. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has even become a nutrition coach and an author. His book A Plant Based Journey To Health: From Morbidly Obese To Plant-Based Athlete is available now.
    Episode Webpage
    Watch the Episode on YouTube
    Upcoming Events:
    Register for Plant-Stock August 16th-18th, 2024: https://liveplantstrong.com/
    Sedona Retreat - October 8th-13th, 2024
    https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2024-sedona-retreat
    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/
    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
    Use Code: PSSUMMER20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/
    https://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer

    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Theme Music for Episode
    https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Dr. John McDougall - Health and Healing on a Starch-Based Diet

    Dr. John McDougall - Health and Healing on a Starch-Based Diet

    This episode originally aired July 7, 2022. We reshare it today as a tribute to his work and legacy.
    Dr. John McDougall was drawn to medicine because of his own health “fate.” At 18, he suffered a massive stroke and was an anomaly to the doctors in Michigan who wanted to explore “why” and “how” this could happen to someone so young.
    This health scare inspired his own journey to become a doctor, which eventually led McDougall and his wife, Mary, to Hawaii to practice medicine on a sugar plantation in Hawaii and service over 5,000 residents. What he saw there changed the course of his medical practice forever.
    The healthiest people on the island, the first-generation elders who had come from China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, were the healthiest and most vibrant people…still active, with no medications, and still in bodies fit for movement. It was their children and grandchildren, however, those second and third generations, that were struggling.
    Why? They had adopted a western diet of meat, dairy, and processed foods. 
    The secret, Dr. McDougall discovered, was STARCH. Those healthy islanders subsisted on a diet comprised mostly of rice, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits and THAT inspired the work he does today through his McDougall programs and education.
    Beyond diet, the McDougalls are also dedicated to informing citizens about the positive effects of dietary therapy on chronic disease and our Planet. Animal agriculture, as we’re learning, is also one of the main culprits contributing to climate change and we discuss all of his “four deadly dietary deceptions” outlined at mcdougallfoundation.org.
    It’s an inspiring conversation from one of the legends and it was an honor to sit down with Dr. John McDougall.
    Original Episode Webpage
    Dean Ornish Episode
    Upcoming Events:
    Register for Plant-Stock August 16th-18th, 2024: https://liveplantstrong.com/
    Sedona Retreat - October 8th-13th, 2024
    https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2024-sedona-retreat
    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/
    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
    Use Code: PSSUMMER20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/
    https://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer

    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Theme Music for Episode
    https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

    • 1 hr 16 min
    Alan Goldhamer, DC - Can Fasting Save Your Life?

    Alan Goldhamer, DC - Can Fasting Save Your Life?

    In 1984, True North Health Center opened their doors in Santa Rosa, California offering an alternative way to heal from disease and lose weight. Since that time, Dr. Alan Goldhamer and his team have supervised over 25,000 water-only fasts – with results that are astounding - disease reversal, weight loss, and a return to metabolic health. 
    The term “fasting” is all over the place, with intermittent fasting and fasting mimicking diets in the mainstream media. Dr. Goldhamer gives us a quick primer on all of the differences and talks candidly about the importance of diet and lifestyle changes to lifelong health.
    As he stresses, a water-only fast – or any fast for that matter - will do no good if you go right back to eating the salty, oily, and sugary foods that destroyed your health in the first place.  
    Dr. Goldhamer and his colleague, Dr. Tashia Myers, just released the new book Can Fasting Save Your Life? – and this is what we discuss today. 
    So, is fasting a good choice for you? Let’s find out with Dr. Alan Goldhamer. 

    • 1 hr 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
92 Ratings

92 Ratings

SJEDANCING ,

Wellness (at last) with plants

I was 102Kgs. Taking 6 medications. Not really exercising. Eating (I thought) healthily, and my daughter said she wanted to be vegan! 😮
My husband and I had to think about this, and we discovered PCRM first, then John McDougall, and finally Caldwell Esselstyn, and we were on our way. Not a “all in” start, but a start nevertheless, and……I started to lose weight. Over 1 year I lost 32kgs, all my prescription drugs, felt better, and now walk in our own “Blue Zone” in the hills and Dandenongs, and we’re loving life again. Hang on every word Rip and thank you for you and your family. We love Jane and Ann, your Plantstrong Podcast, and wish your REAL food was in Australia.

Veganhen ,

Why the dairy promotion?

This is a great podcast and really entertaining. Rip is a wonderful example of a plant strong man. I love that he also cares so much about animals which is the core of veganism.
I listened to most of the museum of ice cream ep assuming the guy was vegan but then he went onto talk about how he thinks dairy is healthy and you just need to add cumin(?!) to digest it if you’re intolerant. Then he said he prefers dairy ice cream. I’m so confused as to why he’s on the podcast. He’s not a health food advocate and he’s in no way plant based. In fact he’s promoting dairy at the museum and on the podcast.
Not only are the health issues with dairy widely documented but the animal cruelty issues are outrageous. I would have loved Rip to pull him up on the fact that calves are taken from their mothers and killed and the mothers are killed at around 4 years old. Not to mention the health myths about dairy. As someone who has been on the floor of a dairy calf slaughterhouse and seen the babies tremble in fear, this guy’s enthusiasm for dairy was disturbing. Maybe Rip did pull him up on it towards the end of ep. I had to turn off.
Love Rip and the podcast, but this guest was horrible to listen to.

Tonimaemac ,

Answers ALL your questions AND more!!

New to the Plant Strong lifestyle and exercising for the first time in years, I was still confused about protein and also unsure why I wasn’t shedding weight. After listening to the Athletic Special and then starting at episode 1 and binging to my happy little heart’s content; All my fears, concerns about protein and questions were quashed, and I now feel reinvigorated and pumped for my plant strong future! Now I’m looking forward to more episodes about cooking tips from Chef Chad & Co! 😉💪🥦💗

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

The Imperfects
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
But Are You Happy?
Mamamia Podcasts
Ladies, We Need To Talk
ABC listen

You Might Also Like

The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee
Physicians Committee
Plant-Powered People Podcast
Toni Okamoto and Michelle Cehn
Eat to Live
Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman
Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger
Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM
Chef AJ LIVE!
Chef AJ
Switch4Good
Dotsie Bausch and Alexandra Paul