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Barbara Court is almost 75 years old, full of humor, full of heart, and living proof that it is never too late to get Plant Strong.
After joining PlantStrong’s free Real30 Challenge, Barbara committed to eating 30 different whole plant-based foods each week and moving her body for 30 minutes a day. In just a few months, she lost nearly 15 pounds, brought her A1C out of the pre-diabetic range, increased her daily steps, and found a renewed sense of motivation.
In this conversation, Rip and Barbara talk about weight loss, calorie density, plant diversity, arthritis, movement, simple meals, social temptations, community support, and why perseverance and humor matters more than perfection.
Barbara’s message is simple and powerful: you do not have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.
In this episode:
How Barbara found success with the Real30 ChallengeWhy she tracks her weekly plant diversityHow she lost nearly 15 poundsWhat helped her improve her A1CWhy calorie density finally clickedHow she handles tempting foods and social eventsWhy daily movement is non-negotiableThe power of online community and encouragementWhy it is never too late to change your healthWatch on YouTube
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The newest AHA and ACC guidelines for treating dyslipidemia are here — and according to Dr. Kim Williams, they mark a powerful shift toward prevention, earlier testing, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition as the foundation of cardiovascular care.
Rip welcomes back Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology, for a practical and deeply encouraging breakdown of what these updated cholesterol guidelines mean for everyday people.
Dr. Williams explains why cardiovascular risk is no longer just about one cholesterol number. Instead, clinicians are being encouraged to look at the whole picture: LDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney function, family history, lifestyle, and coronary artery calcium when appropriate.
The most exciting part for the PlantStrong community? Lifestyle optimization is now treated as the clinical foundation — and Dr. Williams is clear about what that means: a whole-food, plant-based diet built around beans, grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, along with exercise, sleep, mindfulness, strong social connections, and avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
This conversation also tackles statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, Lp(a), coronary calcium scoring, and the new philosophy of treating risk lower, earlier, and longer — always with food first, and medication when needed.
Key Takeaways
The new cholesterol guidelines emphasize lifestyle first, not lifestyle as an afterthought.Dr. Williams says a whole-food, plant-based diet should be built around beans, grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.LDL cholesterol is still important, but it is no longer the only number that matters.ApoB may give a clearer picture of risk in some people, especially those with diabetes, high triglycerides, or central obesity.Lp(a) is largely genetic and should be measured at least once in adulthood; the 2026 guideline includes updated recommendations for elevated Lp(a).Coronary artery calcium scoring can help personalize risk and guide LDL targets.Dr. Williams emphasizes that the goal is not “plants versus statins.” It is whole plant foods first, medications when needed.The overall prevention philosophy is: lower, earlier, longer.Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6cD8tGpsAgg
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Rip sits down with Terri Edwards — founder of EatPlant-Based.com — to talk about the recipes, habits, and simple food swaps that helped her completely transform her health.
After years of struggling with joint pain, high cholesterol, insomnia, adult acne, and weight gain, Terri discovered the power of whole-food, plant-based nutrition after watching Forks Over Knives in 2013. Within weeks, she noticed major improvements in her joint pain and energy — and never looked back.
Today, she teaches thousands of people how to make plant-based eating approachable, affordable, and delicious.
Rip and Terri dive into:
How Forks Over Knives changed Terri’s lifeWhy flavor and seasoning matter so much in plant-based cookingThe secrets to crispy tofu without oilEasy recipes for chickpea burgers, tofu egg salad & barbecue soy curlsWhy beans help you stay fuller longerHow Terri makes creamy mashed potatoes without dairyThe plant-based recipes that win over skepticsCarrot dogs, black bean brownies & sweet potato chocolate frostingSuccess stories from people who reversed major health issues with foodTips for making plant-based eating sustainable long-termIf you’ve ever felt intimidated by plant-based cooking — or just want more easy, satisfying recipe ideas — this episode is for you.
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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In this special episode, Rip shares a preview of Vital Signs: Real Food. Real Medicine. Real Change., Plant Strong’s upcoming CME-focused conference for healthcare providers who want to bring the power of whole-food, plant-based nutrition into real-world clinical care.
This is not just another conference. Vital Signs is about helping doctors, nurses, dietitians, health coaches, and medical professionals build confidence in the evidence so they can walk into the exam room and talk about food with clarity, conviction, and hope.
And here’s why that matters: most providers see roughly 1,000 patients a year. Each of those patients eats three meals a day. That means every provider we reach with this message has the potential to influence nearly one million meals.
One million meals.
That is the power of changing the confidence of one healthcare provider. That is the power of putting real food, real evidence, and real tools into the hands of the people patients already trust.
In this preview, Rip begins with the gap in medical education: providers receive thousands of hours of training in diagnosing, prescribing, and managing disease, yet most are taught very little about food as a clinical tool. And yet so much of what walks through the door every day — heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, fatigue, and loss of vitality — is deeply connected to diet and lifestyle.
This conversation asks a better clinical question:
What would change if food was treated as part of the prescription?
You’ll hear from physicians who are using lifestyle medicine in real clinical settings, beginning with cardiologist Dr. Brian Asbill, who shares a powerful patient case that changed the way he practiced medicine. His story shows that food as medicine is not simply about “eating better.” It can be a therapeutic intervention that moves risk factors, restores hope, and helps patients understand that their bodies can respond.
From there, Dr. Laurie Marbas, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, brings the conversation into the realities of primary care. She shares how providers can begin a food-as-medicine conversation inside a 15-minute visit, how to avoid overwhelming patients, and how one practical, specific recommendation can plant a seed for meaningful change.
Next, Dr. Sunny Sharma shares what changed when he went from physician to patient after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. His experience deepened his empathy, strengthened his belief in prevention, and reminded him that patients are not just lab values. They are people carrying fear, stress, family responsibilities, habits, barriers, and hope.
The conversation then turns to the provider side of the exam room with Dr. Kristin Kelber, a physician in Cleveland who now practices lifestyle medicine full time. Dr. Kelber speaks to provider burnout, moral distress, and the joy that can return to medicine when clinicians are equipped to help patients truly reclaim their health.
Finally, Rip closes the faculty portion with a special message from his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., whose decades of work have helped reshape what is possible in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Esselstyn speaks directly to providers about nutrition, cardiovascular disease, patient empowerment, and the importance of helping patients become the locus of control in their own health.
What you’ll hear in this episode is a compressed version of what Plant Strong is building atVital Signs 2026, taking place October 18–20 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
At the full event, providers will go deeper into cardiovascular disease, metabolic health, behavior change, patient resistance, provider burnout, implementation, whole plant-centered meals, peer exchange, and the practical tools needed to bring lifestyle medicine into real patient care.
This episode is also a call to action for the Plant Strong community.
So many listeners ask, “Where can I find a provider who supports my decision to use a plant-based lifestyle in pursuit of better health?”
One powerful answer is this: help us reach the providers who already care for you.
Share this episode with your doctor, cardiologist, nurse practitioner, dietitian, health coach, or healthcare team. Invite them into this conversation. Encourage them to attend Vital Signs.
Because if we want to move the needle in healthcare, we have to help the people inside healthcare feel empowered to prescribe one of the most powerful medicines on the planet: plants.
Learn more about Vital Signs:
https://plantstrongevents.com/VitalSigns
Watch the Conference Preview on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/U42ySRuG4gw
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Rip welcomes back Dr. Alan Desmond, consultant gastroenterologist, lifestyle medicine advocate, and author of the new book, What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Food.
Dr. Desmond explains why food is one of the most important — and most neglected — conversations in modern medicine. It’s not that doctors don’t care. As Alan shares, many doctors simply receive very little practical nutrition training, leaving them without the confidence or tools to guide patients through meaningful dietary change.
Alan talks about the urgent gap between lifespan and healthspan, and why so many people are living longer but spending more years with chronic illness. Alan introduces the concept of “micro-lives” — 30-minute chunks of life expectancy that can be gained or lost through daily choices — and explains how whole plant-based foods can help stack the odds in favor of longevity, vitality, and disease prevention.
This conversation also tackles some of the biggest nutrition myths and blind spots, including the persistent idea that plant protein is incomplete or inferior. Alan breaks down why plant protein delivers amino acids in a far healthier package — with fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and heart-supportive fats — while animal protein often comes bundled with saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, heme iron, and zero fiber.
Rip and Alan also discuss why fiber deserves far more attention than protein, how processed meats like bacon are linked to colorectal cancer risk, what dietary change can mean for type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, and why a healthy plate should be built around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
This episode is not about shame. It’s about possibility. It’s about changing your personal food system so that the healthier choice becomes the easier choice — and letting those changes ripple outward to your family, your community, and the world.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How little nutrition training many doctors receive — and why that mattersWhy healthspan is just as important as lifespanWhat “micro-lives” are and how daily food choices can add up over timeWhy plant protein is high-quality proteinHow a small 3% shift from animal protein to plant protein may significantly improve long-term health outcomesWhy most people overestimate their fiber intakeHow to think about building a healthy plateWhy processed meats like bacon deserve serious concernHow whole food, plant-based eating can support metabolic healthWhat Dr. Desmond has seen in patients with type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and gestational diabetesWhy changing your home food environment can help shift the larger food systemWatch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What if the real goal isn’t simply living longer… but staying healthy, capable, sharp, and independent for as long as possible?
In this fascinating conversation, Rip sits down with researcher, educator, and author Scott Fulton to explore the rapidly growing world of healthspan and longevity. Scott is the author of Whealthspan and his newest book, Function: Turn Your Blind Spots Into Strengths, where he challenges the way we think about aging, movement, purpose, brain health, and everyday function.
Together, Rip and Scott unpack why America continues to lag behind the rest of the world in life expectancy, how our daily habits quietly shape our future independence, and why your “blind spots” may matter more than your strengths.
They also dive into the overlooked role of hearing, vision, balance, grip strength, community, movement, and fiber in protecting long-term brain and body health.
This conversation is practical, hopeful, deeply motivating — and a reminder that healthy aging starts long before old age.
You’ll Learn:
Why healthspan matters more than lifespanThe hidden predictors of dementia and cognitive declineHow hearing and vision loss impact brain healthWhy balance and grip strength matter as you ageThe five pillars of “Whealthspan”Why movement is medicineThe connection between isolation and longevityWhy fiber may be one of the most important nutrients for long-term healthThe danger of “everything in moderation”How small daily habits compound over timeThe importance of purpose, curiosity, and meaningful momentsWhy most people don’t recognize their biggest health blind spotsHow to build a body and life that supports independence later in lifeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
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Watch the Episode on YouTube
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Rip visits with Bruce Friedrich, founder of the Good Food Institute and author of Meat, to explore the future of protein—and why alternative meat could reshape our global food system.
Bruce breaks down the science and differences behind plant-based, cultivated, and fermented meat—and explains why innovation, not restriction, may be the key to meaningful change.
From global hunger and climate impact to food security and economic opportunity, this conversation connects the dots between what’s on our plate and the future of humanity.
Key Takeaways:
Why meat consumption continues to rise globally—and why that mattersThe hidden costs of industrial animal agricultureThe three types of alternative meat: plant-based, cultivated, and fermentedWhy taste and price—not ethics—drive consumer behaviorThe surprising role governments play in shaping food systemsHow alternative proteins could improve food security and resilienceWhy plant-based meat may be healthier than commonly believedWhat needs to happen to scale alternative meat globallyWatch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What happens when almost 500 firefighters get a full health screening—and many discover hidden risks they never saw coming?
Rip sits down with Deputy Chief Jayme McConnellogue and Lieutenant Ian Elliott of the Colorado Springs Fire Department to explore a groundbreaking department-wide health initiative—and the life-changing results.
From undiagnosed cancers to widespread cardiovascular risk, the findings were shocking. But what followed is even more inspiring: a grassroots movement toward better health, fueled by education, vulnerability, and the power of plant-based nutrition.
Ian shares his personal story—from elite endurance athlete to unexpected heart health scare—and how a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle transformed his health, energy, and outlook.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes they’re “doing everything right”… and for anyone ready to take control of their health.
Key Takeaways:
Nearly 500 firefighters voluntarily underwent health screeningsMultiple cancers identified—many in asymptomatic individuals84% had elevated LDL cholesterol (major heart disease risk)Over 50% had high total cholesterolHundreds of firefighters showed signs of hypertensionMental health culture paved the way for physical health transformationReal change started from the ground up—not top downFood can be a powerful tool for prevention—and reversalYou’ll Learn:
Why even “fit” individuals can have hidden cardiovascular diseaseHow firehouse culture influences long-term healthThe connection between vulnerability and real behavior changeWhy plant-based nutrition is gaining traction—even in high-performance professionsHow to start making changes without overwhelmThis episode is really about leadership. It’s about culture change. It’s about vulnerability. And ultimately—it’s about the life-saving power of the food we choose to put into our bodies every single day.
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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Rip sits down with lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Chris Miller to explore why some people struggle when transitioning to a high-fiber, plant-based diet—and how to fix it.
While fiber is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and reversing chronic disease, not everyone experiences immediate benefits. In fact, some people initially feel worse.
Dr. Miller breaks down the science behind this paradox, including insights from a groundbreaking Stanford study showing that up to one-third of people may experience increased inflammation when rapidly increasing fiber intake.
Together, Rip and Dr. Miller explore how gut health, microbial diversity, stress, and lifestyle all play a role in how your body responds to plant-based eating.
You’ll Learn
How to safely increase fiber without bloating or discomfortWhy beans, while powerful, should sometimes be introduced slowlyThe connection between autoimmune disease and gut healthHow fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso support microbial diversityWhy “fiber maxing” isn’t always the answerThe difference between normal adjustment symptoms vs. red flagsEpisode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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Rip sits down with integrative neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik to explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and daily habits shape your long-term eye health.
From macular degeneration and glaucoma to digital eye strain and screen overload, Dr. Banik breaks down what’s really happening inside your eyes—and what you can do today to protect your vision for life.
We’re talking about the foods that protect your vision, what screen time is really doing to your eyes, whether sunglasses are helping or hurting, and how stress and sleep might be silently impacting your eyesight.
Key Takeaways
The top 3 nutrient categories for eye health:Macular carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin)Bioflavonoids (especially from berries)Omega fatty acids (seeds like chia, flax, hemp)Why kale may be the #1 food for protecting your visionThe shocking truth about screen time (11–12 hours/day) and digital eye strainThe 20-20-20 rule to instantly reduce eye fatigueWhy blinking less on screens (75% reduction) leads to dry, strained eyesThe real risks of sun exposure—and when to wear sunglassesWhat macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts actually are (explained simply)How diet alone may reduce macular degeneration risk by up to 43%The surprising connection between stress, sleep, and vision lossWhy annual eye exams after age 40 are critical for overall healthEpisode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What if one simple blood test could reveal a genetic risk factor for heart disease that affects 1 in 5 people worldwide?
Rip sits down with physician, endurance athlete, and author Dr. Akil Taher to talk about a critical—but often overlooked—marker for cardiovascular risk: Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a).
Despite decades of research linking elevated Lp(a) to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease, fewer than 2% of Americans have ever been tested.
Dr. Taher shares his remarkable personal story—from heart disease and bypass surgery to becoming a marathoner and mountain climber in his 70s—and explains why understanding your Lp(a) level could be lifesaving.
They dive into:
What Lp(a) actually is and why it's called the “evil cousin of LDL”Why genetics—not lifestyle—largely determine your Lp(a)Why many healthy people still suffer heart attacksThe surprising link between Lp(a), inflammation, and blood clottingWho should absolutely get testedWhy the nanomoles-per-liter test mattersHow lifestyle medicine and a whole-food plant-based diet still play a critical protective roleDr. Taher’s message is simple but powerful:
Get tested. Know your number. Protect your heart.
Because what you don’t know can hurt you—but what you discover could save your life.
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What happens when a 37-year-old father of six suffers a stroke with no clear cause?
For Ali Essig, it became a wake-up call that changed everything.
In this powerful conversation, Rip sits down with Ali—creator of PlantWhys—to talk about how her husband’s stroke sent their family on a journey into whole-food, plant-based eating. What started as a search for a “heart-healthy diet” quickly became a lifestyle shift that improved his cholesterol, triglycerides, and overall health.
But Ali’s approach isn’t about perfection.
It’s about progress—90% plant-based, practical habits, and real food for real families (especially with six kids in the house).
Along the way, Ali shares simple strategies that make plant-forward eating doable, from beans for breakfast smoothies, to creative kitchen hacks like black bean brownies, and tofu waffle iron tricks.
This episode is packed with practical tools, powerful motivation, and proof that small shifts can lead to life-changing results.
You’ll Learn:
A mysterious stroke at age 37 changed her family’s relationship with foodWhy “90% plant-based” may be more sustainable than perfectionHow fiber and beans transformed her husband's health markersThe surprising breakfast habit that stabilizes blood sugarThe power of her faith and scripture passages as guidanceWhy processed meat and alcohol are both classified as Group 1 carcinogensA simple framework for building plant-based mealsReal-world tips for feeding a plant-forward family with six kidsEpisode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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Rip sits down with Dr. Elizabeth George and Chef Nick Iula, co-authors of Healthy Eating Adventure, to explore how whole food, plant-based eating can transform health and lives.
Dr. George helped launch the Healthy Eating Adventure program more than 15 years ago, helping hundreds of participants reverse chronic disease through nutrition. Chef Nick Iula joined the program after decades in professional kitchens and, after he changed his own diet, he experienced a dramatic health transformation — losing weight and eliminating multiple chronic conditions.
Together, they combine medical science and culinary expertise to show how plant-based eating can be both lifesaving and delicious.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why doctors receive little nutrition educationWhat chefs are taught that harms healthHow whole food plant-based eating reverses diseaseHow taste buds adapt to real foodThe science behind food as medicineHow Chef Nick lost weight and eliminated chronic illnessPractical strategies for cooking without oil, salt, and sugarHow to make plant-based food deeply satisfyingThis conversation proves that real food is the most powerful tool we have to live longer and stronger.
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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For over 50 years, Dr. Michael Klaper has practiced medicine. And today, he says something that stops you in your tracks:
“I am profoundly embarrassed to be a physician in America today.”
Why?
Because most doctors are never trained in the most powerful tool available to prevent and reverse chronic disease: nutrition.
In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Rip sits down with Dr. Klaper to discuss his new book, Moving Medicine Forward: What More Doctors Should Know About Nutrition and How It Can Save Your Life.
Dr. Klaper shares:
How witnessing violence in a trauma unit led him toward a philosophy of nonviolenceThe moment in the operating room that changed his understanding of heart disease foreverWhy “etiology unknown” is no longer an acceptable excuseThe concept of the “Toxic Red Tide” flooding the bloodstream after animal-based mealsWhy obesity is a state of chronic inflammationHow GLP-1 drugs should (and shouldn’t) be usedWhat a true “Disease Reversal Clinic” could look likeHow doctors and patients alike can help move medicine forwardThis episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap. Because some chronic disease isn’t inevitable. And healing can occur.
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What does it really mean to be “forever fit”?
Rip sits down with fitness coach and author Maxime Sigouin to explore sustainable strength, whole-food plant-based nutrition, and the mindset required to stay fit for life — not just for a season. It’s all in his new book, Forever Fit.
Maxime shares his personal journey from loss and hardship to helping thousands of people transform their health through his Forever Fit framework.
They also unpack the misunderstood topic of body recomposition, protein myths, stress, self-sabotage, and why loving yourself enough to care for your body is the real foundation of lasting health.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in longevity, plant-based performance, and building a body that supports the life you want to live.
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Buy the Book
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Rip sits down with Peggy Kraus, a clinical exercise physiologist and diabetes care specialist with over 30 years of experience in cardiac rehab.
Peggy shares how she moved beyond conventional nutrition advice to embrace a fiber-centric, whole-food, plant-based approach—helping patients reverse type 2 diabetes, lower A1C levels, lose significant weight, and reduce or eliminate medications.
They discuss why cutting carbs misses the point, how fiber stabilizes blood sugar, the role of movement after meals, and why community and accountability are essential for long-term success. This episode is packed with real stories, practical strategies, and hope for anyone navigating diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic health issues.
You'll Hear:
Why only 7% of people with type 2 diabetes are referred to education—and why that mattersHow fiber helps reverse diabetes and heart diseaseThe truth about carbohydrates vs. “carbs”Blood sugar, A1C, and the power of the 10-minute moveFood synergy, the microbiome, and whole-food nutritionCommunity-based healing and sustainable behavior changeBreakfast timing, circadian rhythm, and metabolic healthExclusively for our Plant Strong Podcast audience - Join Peggy’s Thrive program for just $147 for six months, or a full year for $297. And, if you’re interested in “Peggy in my Pocket,” it’s $10 for the first month, just to try it out. And then it'll renew at $17. Or, you can try a whole six months for just $57. https://peggykraus.com/
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What if the foods you love most—the ones tied to family, culture, and comfort—could also help you heal?
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Rip sits down with Javant Benton, creator of Healthy Vegan Eating and author of Make Your Own, to talk about food, family legacy, self-love, and breaking generational cycles of disease.
Javant shares how a frightening health wake-up—pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and a suspected lymphoma diagnosis—forced him to confront the way he was eating and living. What followed was a slow, intentional journey through paleo, pescatarian, and ultimately whole-food, plant-based nutrition—guided by research, lived experience, and mentors like Joel Fuhrman, who wrote the foreword to Javant’s book.
Together, Rip and Javant explore how empowerment—not deprivation—is the key to lasting change. From oil-free Southern classics to protein-rich plant meals, Javant proves you don’t have to give up the foods you love—you just have to make your own.
This episode is equal parts inspiration, practical nutrition, and permission to value your health—even when it means going against the grain.
Key Takeaways
Health often changes after a crisis—but it doesn’t have to. Javant’s story shows how fear can be a catalyst, but education and self-worth sustain long-term change.You don’t need perfection—just progress. Javant’s journey unfolded over years, not weeks, proving that incremental change is both realistic and powerful.“Make Your Own” is about autonomy and empowerment. By recreating familiar foods with whole, plant-based ingredients, people can heal without feeling deprived.Self-love is a nutritional strategy. Choosing differently—especially in social settings—requires confidence, boundaries, and valuing long-term health over short-term approval.Flavor is the gateway drug to better eating. Sauces, spices, textures, and presentation matter—and they make plant-based living sustainable.Episode Webpage
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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer
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What if your breakfast could power you through the entire morning—without cravings, crashes, or hunger an hour later?
In this episode, Rip sits down with Molly Patrick, founder of Clean Food Dirty Girl, to dive deep into the breakfast bowl that has become a cult favorite. Molly shares the story behind her hearty, nutrient-packed “Hippie Porridge Bowl”—a recipe she spent nearly eight years perfecting after realizing her usual steel-cut oats weren’t keeping her satisfied.
The result? A powerhouse bowl built from a diverse mix of whole plant foods—grains, lentils, leafy greens, seeds, fruit, and crunchy toppings—that delivers sustained energy, incredible flavor, and serious nutrition.
They share the philosophy behind the bowl, the importance of nutrient diversity, and why batch cooking can make plant-strong eating effortless—even on the busiest days.
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with plants, this episode might just change your morning routine.
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Episode Webpage
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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/
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Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
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At just 43 years old, Charles Gassenheimer was 75 pounds overweight, pre-diabetic, struggling with joint pain and memory loss, and taking high-dose cholesterol medications. His doctors were managing his decline — not reversing it.
Then one conversation changed everything.
After meeting cardiologist Dr. Robert Ostfeld, Charles committed to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. The results were extraordinary: he lost over 70 pounds, came off medications, reversed his cardiovascular risk markers, and returned to running.
Today, Charles has completed over 15 marathons — including running the New York City Marathon faster in his 40s than he did in his 20s — while raising three plant-based children and supporting cardiac wellness programs for underserved communities.
This episode is about reclaiming your health, challenging your assumptions, and making Plant Strong living non-negotiable.
Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/charles-gassenheimer
Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tb2twg7p9Pg
Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
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
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What if your health wasn’t just shaped by what you eat—but by what’s hidden in your medications?
In this episode, Rip sits down with pharmacist-scientist Dr. Sachin Shah, a leading voice in medication transparency and patient safety. Together, they explore why food truly belongs at the center of health, how modern medicine sometimes misses the human in healthcare, and why knowing what’s inside your pills can be just as important as knowing what’s on your plate.
Dr. Shah also breaks down alpha-gal syndrome—a tick-bite–triggered condition that can make people allergic to red meat and certain medications—while also sharing hopeful, forward-looking ideas around heart health, non-invasive therapies, and the power of informed choices.
This is a conversation about clarity, care, and taking your health back into your own hands—with compassion, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart.
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- Visa fler
