PLANTSTRONG Podcast

Rip Esselstyn

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.

  1. Ep. 332: Andrea Freeman - Here's the Real Story Behind What's On Your Plate

    5D AGO

    Ep. 332: Andrea Freeman - Here's the Real Story Behind What's On Your Plate

    Rip sits down with Andrea Freeman, James Beard Award-winning author of Ruin Their Crops on the Ground. Drawing on more than 20 years of research, Andrea unpacks how food, race, and class have shaped America’s food system, exploring the historical roots of inequality that still influence what ends up on our plates today. Their conversation takes listeners on a journey from the Trail of Tears to contemporary food policies, revealing how government decisions and corporate interests have systematically marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poor health and limited access to nutritious food. Andrea’s insights illuminate the ways in which food systems have been—and continue to be—tools of oppression, while also showing how understanding this history empowers us to advocate for meaningful change. Rob and Andrea dive into key topics including: The politics of food and its intersections with race and classFood deserts, systemic barriers, and ongoing food justice challengeThe historical impact of school lunch programs and agricultural subsidiesHow corporate influence shapes dietary guidelines and marketingThe lasting effects of colonial-era food policies on modern diets Andrea also emphasizes the power of advocacy, inspiring listeners to see food not just as sustenance, but as a reflection of cultural identity and social justice. She encourages critical thinking about the choices available to consumers and how we can support policies that prioritize health and equity over profit. Watch the Episode on YouTube Episode Webpage Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    1h 10m
  2. Ep. 331: Chuck Carroll - What Happens When You Do Everything Right… and Still Get Sick?

    DEC 11

    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-based movement and host of the Exam Room Podcast. While plant-based eating helped normalize his blood pressure, stabilize his weight, and restore his vitality, Chuck also shares a vulnerable part of his story: despite doing everything right, he’s now navigating a complex chronic illness with no clear diagnosis. His honesty underscores a truth many people quietly carry — that health journeys aren’t linear, and sometimes illness arrives without explanation or fairness. Still, Chuck shows that healing isn’t just physical. By talking openly about his struggles, he has found community, connection, and strength — and has created space for others to feel less alone in their own uncertainty. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How fast food addiction shaped Chuck’s early life — and how he broke freeWhy gastric bypass surgery was only a temporary solutionHow a whole food, plant-based lifestyle helped transform his healthWhat it’s like to face chronic illness even when you’re “doing everything right”How sharing your story can lift the emotional and mental burden of illnessWhy Chuck remains committed to advocacy, transparency, and hope Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTube Need support for your chronic illness? Sign up for Chuck’s newsletter: https://chuckcarroll.kit.com/newsletter Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    56 min
  3. Ep. 330: What Happens When Employers Prioritize Real Food Over Quick Fixes

    DEC 4

    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? In this powerful episode, Rip sits down with the team at Central Garden & Pet, a 7,000-employee organization that has taken a radically forward-thinking approach to improving the health of its people. Their partnership with PLANTSTRONG by Metabite has produced clinical-level outcomes — without drugs, deprivation, or pressure to “go vegan.” Rip is joined by Dawn Hutchins, Central’s Director of Plant-Based Nutrition, who shares how the program was born, what she learned from a year of research and focus groups, and why this isn’t a “check-the-box” wellness initiative. She breaks down how the program works — from smart devices and at-home blood testing to weekly coaching, short video lessons, cooking demos, AI support, and a thriving alumni community. You’ll also hear from two inspiring graduates, Vicky and Dan, who reveal what motivated them to join, the fears they had going in, and the surprising shifts they experienced as they added more plants to their plates. Their stories underscore a simple truth: when people feel supported, connected, and empowered with real tools, transformation follows. If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or anyone curious about the future of Food as Medicine, this episode offers a clear and inspiring blueprint for what’s possible when nutrition becomes the foundation of workplace wellness. Plant Strong by Metabite Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness-solution/ Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTube Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    58 min
  4. Ep. 329: A Tribute to Trailblazers - Honoring the Legacy of Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins

    NOV 27

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

    Today, on what is a day of Thanksgiving here in the United States,  we want to take a few minutes to honor three extraordinary men—Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins—who we’ve recently lost. These weren’t just leaders in the whole food, plant-based movement—they were trailblazers, mentors, and fearless advocates for health and hope. Dr. McDougall taught us that food is medicine and that living your principles matters more than pleasing critics. Dr. Montgomery showed us the power of compassion in medicine and the importance of giving everyone access to real, whole-food nutrition. And John Robbins…he opened hearts and minds, inspiring millions to think deeply about how our choices on the plate affect the world. So today, as we continue their work, let’s remember: living plant strong is about courage, consistency, and compassion -and- it’s about taking their message and carrying it forward in our own lives and communities. They didn’t just teach us about health—they gave us hope. For that, we're thankful. Watch the short tribute on YouTube Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

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

    NOV 20

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

    Rip Esselstyn welcomes back beloved plant-based author Dreena Burton, who is stepping into an exciting new chapter with Fascia Flo — her movement program designed to unlock mobility, reduce pain, and support healthy aging. Dreena shares her personal journey with injury and how it led her to discover fascia, the body’s connective tissue network that plays a key role in movement, posture, and emotional well-being. She breaks down the science in simple terms and explains how small, intentional movements can make a big impact on how we feel day to day. Rip and Dreena also talk seasonal eating, oil-free and nut-free cooking, and some of Dreena’s favorite recipes! Blending movement, mindset, and nourishment, this episode offers a truly holistic approach to thriving. Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to move with more freedom and less stiffness, you’ll walk away inspired to care for your body in a whole new way. Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTube Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    1h 16m
  6. Ep. 326: Lauren Bernick - Told She'd Have a Heart Attack Soon. She Wasn't Having It.

    NOV 6

    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 Like a Badass Mother and creator of WellElephant.com. At age 46, Lauren was blindsided by a diagnosis of advanced heart disease, despite believing she was eating a “healthy” diet. Faced with the prospect of lifelong statins and the threat of a heart attack, she took matters into her own hands—turning to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease approach. Now, more than a decade later, Lauren shares how she not only transformed her health but also found freedom, joy, and energy in a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. From ditching daily headaches and navigating family dynamics, to going out with friends and thriving through menopause, Lauren’s story is equal parts practical and uplifting. Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/lauren-bernick Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wpJkNgxGgok Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    50 min
  7. Ep. 325: Nikki Boes - Why The World Needs More Imperfect Vegans

    OCT 30

    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 Nikki Boes — a vibrant voice in the vegan community (@vegan_af_) who’s showing the world that you don’t have to be a “perfect vegan” to make an impact. In this lively and laugh-filled conversation, Nikki opens up about: Her personal transformation through a plant-based dietHow she handles the trolls who attack her postsThe way humor has become her secret weapon in advocating for animal welfare and health The real-life challenges of raising daughters in a social media worldBalancing family dynamics when not everyone in the household is veganNot taking herself too seriouslyWhy the world needs more imperfect vegans From her favorite snack combo (seaweed, pickles, and hot mustard!) to creative kitchen tips like refrigerating peanut butter upside down, Nikki proves that veganism is as fun as it is fulfilling. Whether she’s volunteering at a dog shelter, ordering veggie-loaded pizza with no cheese, or breaking down health myths, Nikki shows us how one person can ripple out change across an entire community. If you’ve ever thought veganism was too rigid, serious, or unattainable, this episode is for you. Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/nikki-boes Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-HnMxCsaWg Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.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 Apple Podcasts Spotify

    1h 10m

Trailers

4.8
out of 5
2,262 Ratings

About

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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