PLANTSTRONG Podcast

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is why we’re showcasing a “Broc-Star Greatest Hits” presentation from our recent 2021 Plant-Stock Weekend, with board-certified breast cancer surgeon and physician, Dr. Kristi Funk. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and, yes, there are some risk factors that you can't change like age, gender, and family history. However, as Dr. Funk stresses, we have way more power and control than we think - and, this is good news! One of the biggest factors in our control on a daily basis? The food we eat. Three to six times a day, we choose whether or not to arm ourselves with powerful plant warfare that is our biggest defender-in-battle against this disease. There's so much research, motivation, and support in this uplifting talk that we simply had to share it and echo Dr. Funk's call-to-action: Eat Like You Mean It! You'll hear and learn: An explanation of the breast cancer statistics and your inherent risk factors All of the risk factors we CAN control - especially what we eat Why has the number of breast cancer cases increased in recent decades? What does the research show? What is IGF-1 and what role does it play in the growth of cancer cells? What foods contain IGF-1 and why should I avoid it? What is the only diet known to prevent and reverse heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and dementia? You probably have a guess! Dr. Funk's Top 12 Breast Super Foods and breast cancer food checklist Episode Resources Pink Lotus Website and Resources 2021 Cancer-Kicking Virtual Summit - Details and Registration Download a copy of all Plant-Stock presentations for just $49 PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music About Dr. Kristi Funk Dr. Kristi Funk, a board-certified breast cancer surgeon and co-founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center, is an expert in minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for all types of breast disease. She has helped thousands of women through breast treatment, including well-known celebrities, like Angelina Jolie and Sheryl Crow, who have turned to her for her surgical expertise. After graduating with distinction from Stanford University in 1991, Dr. Funk received her medical degree from UC Davis, School of Medicine. Following her surgical residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA, she completed a surgical breast fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she then excelled as a surgeon and breast center director for 7 years. In 2009, Dr. Funk alongside her entrepreneurial husband, Andy Funk, opened the Pink Lotus Breast Center in Beverly Hills. The Pink Lotus Breast Center fuses state-of-the art screening, genetic testing, diagnosis, and treatment with preventive strategies and holistic, compassionate care. Dr. Funk is also the Founding Ambassador of the Pink Lotus Foundation, whose sole mission is to provide low-income, uninsured and underinsured women 100% free access to breast cancer screening and care.

We all have our proverbial mountains to climb, but today’s guest has climbed some of the highest mountains — on her mountain bike. Plant-powered pro mountain biker, Sonya Looney, is Rip's guest and, in addition to crushing it as a professional mountain biker, Sonya has also become well-known as a health andd mindset coach, setting clients up for success no matter what they're trying to accomplish. Rip and Sonya share many commonalities - from being professional athletes, to becoming health coaching entrepreneurs, and raising plant-powered kids. In fact, they spend most of their time today talking about chasing these big dreams, taking risks, remaining resilient, and not quitting even in the face of inevitable setbacks and frustrations. That's why we've called this episode, "The Power of Picking Yourself." Whether you're trying to change your diet, develop new habits, or change careers, have the courage to believe that you are worth it and, like Rip and Sonya, you'll be well on your way to winning at the game of life. About Sonya Looney Mindset, plant-based nutrition, and sport- three things that have powered Professional Mountain Biker Sonya Looney to the top of her sport. With over 15 stage races wins across the globe and a 24-hour World Champion title to her name, Sonya is no stranger to thriving in challenging and long events. She takes her research and learnings off the bike to her top ranked podcast- The Sonya Looney Show, helps others with nutrition backed by her Cornell Plant-Based Nutrition certification. She is a Health Coach through Vanderbilt University's Integrative Medicine Program and has her Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Sonya's goal is to help people be better every day and to show people they can find their potential through doing hard things. She believes that curiosity and optimism are the keys to always learning and growing. Sonya has an online course- The Moxy & Grit Mindset Academy that is a mental toughness and positive psychology course for athletes. She has several business projects on the go including her Moxy & Grit apparel line and her Plant-Powered Academy online community. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - If you’d like to try our meal planner free for 14-days, use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to enjoy two weeks of free access. After the trial ends, membership is just $1.90 a week! Sonya Looney Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Rip has a warm and delightful conversation with chef and plant-based cookbook author extraordinaire, Dreena Burton. Dreena, who hails from Canada, has just released her sixth book, Dreena's Kind Kitchen, and she and Rip dive deep into some of the thought, love, simplicity, and kindness that went into developing these new recipes. Dreena’s Kind Kitchen delivers over 100 whole foods/oil-free plant-based recipes that you can turn to time and again. These recipes were developed for real-life dining: meals with family, meals on your own, snacks, and baked goods to fuel your busy days. All the recipes have been photographed and cover all courses from breakfast to dinner to dessert. They also discuss the evolution of her career, cooking style, and the importance of using the word, "kindness" in the title. By cooking this way, you are being kind to yourself and your loved ones. It is an expression of love to show people that this food is healthy and tastes delicious. Dreena Burton truly epitomizes what it means to be generous, humble, talented, and kind. And, we think the world could use a little more kindness. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - If you’d like to try our meal planner free for 14-days, use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to enjoy two weeks of free access. After the trial ends, membership is just $1.90 a week! Dreena Burton Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Rip catches up with longtime plantstrong pal, Josh LaJaunie, in a moving conversation about remaining resilient, determined, and focused even when life hands you profoundly difficult situations. Many know Josh as a former 400+ pound football player-turned-plantstrong ultra runner. He has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and even the cover of Runner's World Magazine celebrating his transformation, as well as his desire to help others. He wrote his book, Sick to Fit and even started the Missing Chins Run Group to motivate others to reclaim their lives with the power and life-saving intervention of plants. As a Louisiana bayou native, Josh is a cajun, through-and-through. Unfortunately, his home and the trailer park he manages were obliterated by Hurricane Ida. Today, he speaks with Rip about the ongoing effects, devastation, and rebuilding efforts he, his family, and his community are facing. The media has moved on, but the pain and reality have not. Josh shares his story with Rip, as well as his hope for remaining buoyant in a time when the hurricanes and floods have sunk nearly everything. There isn’t a more real and raw human than Josh LaJaunie and we appreciate him taking the time to talk on the phone in the middle of his stress and chaos. As they said in the interview, “quitting is optional,” and we know Josh won’t quit, but we're also here to spread the word and extend a loving plantstrong hand to a friend in need. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG Community PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources Venmo for Josh LaJaunie Video: More Ida Damage in Grand Isle, Fourchon, and Leeville Hurricane Ida: The Documentary by Storm Chasers Josh LaJaunie Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jessica Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jess leads product innovation for the PLANTSTRONG food line and, together with Rip, provides a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In this episode, Rip and Jess announce the triumphant return of Rip's Big Bowl cereals available now online at plantstrongfoods.com. We also invite listeners to submit their best Big Bowl by taking a photo and posting to Facebook or Instagram, tagging @goplantstrong or #ripsbigbowl before October 1st. The most creative contribution will win a Rip’s Big Bowl sampler! Based on your feedback, Rip and the team made major enhancements and improvements to the three big bowl flavors, including: More sustainable packaging, which means you get more cereal in every bag Resealable packaging for sustained freshness A move to organic oats for better health Yummy date pieces in every flavor of Rip's Big Bowl The return of Banana Walnut, along with Date and Raisin (the Original) and Berry Almond Rip also shares the origin story of his big bowl cereal that has been the anchor of his plantstrong success for over 30 years. This homemade concoction essentially fueled him as a professional triathlete and if it's powerful and nutritious enough to fuel a pro athlete, no doubt it will nourish your endeavors and activities! Here are More Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: Order your Rip's Big Bowl Today! Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources, including books, recipes, and Rescue 10x Program Join the PLANTSTRONG Community BMJ Nutrition Study on Covid-19 Severity, May 2021 Rip's Homemade Big Bowl Recipe What Rip Eats in a Day The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

We've had doctors, athletes, and celebrities on this show, but today, we can say for the first time, that we get to welcome a real-life PRINCE to the PLANTSTRONG podcast. Khaled bin Alwaleed is a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family who makes his living as a venture capitalist - supporting and investing in green businesses, changing technologies, and sustainable solutions for our health and the environment. Khaled spoke in person at Plant-Stock about four years ago and shared his life-changing Galileo moment when he saw his health come full-circle with the health of our planet. It's an empowering story that he shares again in this interview. Wealth can certainly provide a lot of things, but it can’t buy personal health or compassion. Those come from within and THIS is how Khaled operates - from his desire and obligation to make a positive difference because, as he says, “With great power comes great responsibility.” It’s this responsibility that drives him to invest in people and companies that align with his values - that is to say - values that protect the planet, animals, and improve personal health because, at the end of the day, health is the REAL wealth. Episode Resources It's Not Too Late to Join our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns from September 8-12th - Register today PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Khaled bin Alwaleed Website KBW Ventures Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

We'd be hard-pressed to find someone as authentic and true to herself as Fiona Oakes. Vegan for almost 50 years, she is one of the original game-changers and shining examples of the power of being a plantstrong athlete. Fiona has made a name for herself as an endurance runner, earning four Guinness World Records. She is also the fastest woman in the world to run a marathon on all seven continents and the North Pole in both cumulative and elapsed time. She has competed internationally in more than 50 marathons and set five marathon course records around the globe, including The Antarctic Ice Marathon. In 2015, Fiona ran six official marathons in six days on six continents all on a vegan diet. Fiona’s achievements are made even more astounding due to the fact she was told at age 14 that she would never walk properly, let alone ever run, after undergoing 17 radical knee surgeries which ultimately led to having her entire right kneecap removed. Her only mission? To raise awareness for the plight of animals and veganism across the globe. Her suffering is intense, but you'll quickly understand that her rewards come from saving the lives of the animals she serves at her own Farm Sanctuary - Tower Hill Stables. For most of us, this lifestyle may seem extreme or radical. She avoids simple pleasures in life like TV, long baths, or massages because they're a distraction to her life's work. Truly, as she says, her goal is for all of us to go out there and lead a happy and healthy vegan life, respect all life, and realize that we're all so intricately connected --The planet, the environment, each other. "I just want us to be good to each other." So simple and so beautiful. The world needs more people like Fiona Oakes who are going the distance for humanity. Episode Resources Running for Good - Film Website Tower Hill Stables Website Fiona Oakes Foundation Website Fiona Oakes Instagram PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to Episode six of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong food line and, together with Rip, provides a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In Episode 6, Rip and Jess talk about sauteing and roasting with BROTHS, recommended utensils, our take on natural ingredients, and a look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG broths available now at Whole Foods Market. Here are Some Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: What in the world is lye and why should I be “in the know?” The best PLANTSTRONG method of sauteing and roasting your veggies — without using oil! What’s in Rip’s Kitchen? He lets you know his favorite pans and utensils for roasting and sauteing veggies in the Esselstyn house. Why PLANTSTRONG is so proud of our unsalted broths and why you should be proud to have them in your kitchen. Leftover broth and don’t want to pitch it? Find out Rip’s creative tip for saving leftover broth! Get a history lesson from Rip and Jess on the inspiration behind this new line of broths — and great ways to use them in your own home cooking. Natural ingredients - of course, it can be confusing when you see that listed as an ingredient in your food, but what does that really mean? Jess goes “behind the scenes” (and we mean the word, “behind” in this case). Jess answers an audience question about yeast and MSG. Recommended Products from Rip and Jess: GreenPan Cast Iron Skillet Parchment Paper Silicone Baking Mats Download our PLANTSTRONG Broth Recipes Opium, rat hair, beaver anal secretions – and other surprising things you might find in food Whole Foods Article on Myths and Misconceptions of MSG For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com Shop PlantStrong Foods Now

We’re calling this episode, “Miracle at Montefiore" in honor of the herculean work Dr. Robert Ostfeld is doing at this Bronx hospital to move the needle on the life-saving benefits of a plant-based diet, especially for cardiac patients. Inspired by the legacy of his two young brothers who lost their lives to incurable diseases, Ostfeld attended medical school at Yale and went on to get his Masters of Science in Epidemiology at Harvard. Today, he’s a plantstrong non-invasive cardiologist and Director and Founder of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore. Knowing that whole food, plant-based nutrition really is the most powerful form of medicine, Dr. Ostfeld was instrumental in getting Montefiore to start offering plant-based meals for people recovering from heart procedures. The documentary, Forks over Knives, is also made available for viewing to any and all patients thanks to his efforts Dr. Ostfeld also discusses his upcoming research studies on the parallels between lifestyle and erectile dysfunction and why erectile dysfunction is often “the canary in the coalmine” and a surprising predictor for heart disease. As he says, his work at Montefiore is “a labor of love wrapped in a pit bull,” but with doctors like Dr. Ostfeld on the front lines, we are optimistic that real change can and will happen in our healthcare system. About Robert J. Ostfeld, MD, MS Robert J. Ostfeld, MD, MSc, FACC, is the Director of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore Health System and a Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Ostfeld treats patients with adult cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and erectile dysfunction with a focus on prevention and treatment through lifestyle change. He works closely with his patients to help them adopt a plant-based diet. Dr. Ostfeld received his Bachelor of Arts in the Biologic Basis of Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa and his Doctor of Medicine from Yale University School of Medicine. He then did his Medical Internship and Residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital and his Cardiology Fellowship and Research Fellowship in Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, both teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School. During his Cardiology Fellowship, he earned a Master’s of Science in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Ostfeld’s research focus is on cardiovascular disease prevention and reversal through lifestyle modification. Ongoing topics he investigates include the impact of plant-based nutrition on erectile function, coronary artery disease, angina, and heart failure. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, books, articles, and clinical statements and has been presented nationally. Dr. Ostfeld is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Echocardiography and he is a member of numerous professional societies, including the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine and the American College of Cardiology. Episode Resources PLANTSTRONG.com Episode Page Montefiore Website PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Right now, it’s no secret that our population (which is almost 8 billion now) is facing a tremendous amount of collective challenges with our health, our food system, and our planet as a whole. We all have some work to do and this week’s interview with ECO-Activist, Leilani Münter, will illuminate conversation and elevate the positive impact that something so simple as eating a whole-foods plant-based diet can have on the environment as a WHOLE. Leilani has been broadcasting this message for over a decade primarily from behind the wheel of a race car - I know - not exactly where you’d think you’d see these messages, but as she says on her website, “Never Underestimate a vegan hippie chick with a race car!” You’ll never underestimate Leilani after today’s conversation. Since retiring from race car driving in 2019, she’s been revving up her advocacy engines even more through documentary films like “Racing Extinction,” keynote speaking, and non-profit work, all in a tireless effort to make a cleaner and kinder world for everyone. Today, she talks to Rip about: Her unique childhood as the daughter of a Japanese/Hawaiian Mother and German Father while growing up in Minnesota Her Galileo moment when she learned the truth about our food as a young girl eating a hamburger at a fast-food restaurant How her Biology degree from UC San Diego was the foundation of the advocacy work she does today Why she loves being behind the wheel of a race car and the intensity, presence, and advocacy voice it provides for causes that are important to her Her recent vegan birthday present - a meal at Eleven Madison Park - and her secret for getting reservations! Why Leilani and her husband (and cats!) choose to be child-free Additional causes that she advocates for the health and longevity of our planet: renewable energy, solar power, electric cars, animal rights, and, of course, a plant-based diet As the New York Times wrote, "Steve McQueen probably never lost sleep over his carbon footprint. Not so for racecar driver Leilani Münter - a green racecar driver with a clean conscience." Rev up your advocacy engines and enjoy this conversation with a true Eco-Hero. About Leilani Münter Leilani Münter is a biology graduate, professional race car driver and environmental activist. Discovery's Planet Green named her the #1 eco athlete in the world, ELLE Magazine awarded her their Genius Award, and Sports Illustrated named her one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world. Leilani is an advocate for solar power, electric cars, plant-based diet and animal rights. Leilani is active in lobbying for these causes in Washington, DC and beyond. She has been a guest at The White House and the United Nations in Geneva. Since 2007, Leilani has been adopting an acre of rainforest for every race she runs. She uses her race car to get the environmental message in front of the 75 million race fans in the USA. Her race cars have carried messages about renewable energy from wind and solar power in addition to clean energy legislation. Leilani has also been active in the effort to end cetacean captivity and has run the documentaries The Cove and Blackfish on her race cars. She has raced both open-wheel cars (Indy Pro Series) and stock cars (NASCAR, ARCA). Leilani has recorded 9 top-five, 21 top-ten, and 37 top-fifteen finishes in 61 starts. Leilani is on the board of the Oceanic Preservation Society, a non-profit that creates film, photography, and media, inspiring people to save the oceans. They won the Academy Award for their first documentary The Cove and Leilani is featured in their 2015 documentary Racing Extinction. Leilani is also an Ambassador for Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project, an organization she has been volunteering for since 2010. She also sits on the board of advisors of The Solutions Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to 100% renewable energy. Leilani is vegan. Her personal car is an electric Tesla Model S. Her home features solar panels, a 550-gallon rainwater collection system, solar and LED lighting, and a vegetable garden. Leilani’s motto is: Never underestimate a vegan hippie chick with a race car. Episode Resources Leilani Münter Website and Resources PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! In Episode 5, Rip and Jess talk about all things chilis, soups, and stews - including a look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG chilis and stews available now at Whole Foods Market. Here are Some Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: Do you struggle to eat beans? Why you should power through! Which bean has the most antioxidants? Why limes and lemons should always be in your fridge. (Hint: It’s like squeezing a little sunshine on your foods!) What the heck is hominy? What surprising ingredient can you add to soups to make them creamy? Why are black pepper and turmeric such a magical combination? Ever heard of the benefits of black cumin? An exciting look at the all-new PLANTSTRONG “Chews” - Organic Creamy White Bean Chili, Organic Engine 2 Firehouse Chili, Kitchari Indian Lentil Stew, Thai Carrot Chickpea Stew Additional Episode Resources Homemade Kitchari Recipe with Jess and Evan Hegarty For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com Shop PlantStrong Foods Now

Since 1986, as co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary, Gene Baur has made it his mission to raise awareness about the abuses of factory farming and the devastation that our agriculture and food system has had on animals, workers, and those of us who consume the food. It’s not a comfortable topic because no one wants to experience the horrors at these factory farms and slaughterhouses; however, for as driven as he is, you will also never meet someone more gentle, kind, loving, and empathetic as Gene. He is a special soul and has had a hand in providing refuge, care, and healing for thousands of farm animals who otherwise would not have made it. In fact, TIME Magazine has hailed Gene as “the conscience of the food movement” for his 35-years of dedicated service. Gene is a beacon of light whose purpose is centered on not just providing sanctuary for these animals, but also - without judgment - getting people back in touch with their humanity and aligning their actions with their values. You'll hear Gene speak about: The early days of Farm Sanctuary and his rescue missions Stories about Hilda and other animals who have now become ambassadors for other animals Why it's so vital to treat these farm animals as friends and not food The three areas of work for the Sanctuary - Rescue, Education, Advocacy How you can help support the work of Farm Sanctuary Today’s conversation is uplifting and heartwarming, as much as it is educational and powerful. Open your hearts to one of the biggest hearts, Gene Baur, Founder of Farm Sanctuary. About Gene Baur A pioneer in the field of undercover investigations and farm animal rescue, Gene has visited hundreds of farms, stockyards, and slaughterhouses, documenting the deplorable conditions. His pictures and videos exposing factory farming cruelties have aired nationally and internationally, educating millions about the plight of modern farm animals, and his rescue work inspired an international farm sanctuary movement. Gene was instrumental in passing the first U.S. laws prohibiting inhumane animal confinement and continues working on systemic food industry reforms. His work has been covered by major media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, the New York Times, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal among others. Gene Baur has been hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine and named one of Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul 100 Givers. Episode Resources Farm Sanctuary Website - The Power of Sanctuary PLANTSTRONGFoods.com - Order our new popcorn and dessert-inspired granolas Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

One of the many side benefits of this global plantstrong community -- besides a daily dose of health, motivation, and education -- are the long-lasting friendships developed with people along the way, especially with the pioneers who have long laid the groundwork for those of us out there today. I’m sure you feel this way too. When you are so invested and so passionate about something, you can’t help but develop a deep respect and mutual admiration with the people you meet in your journey. Today’s guest is one of those people. Julianna Hever and I have been contemporaries and friends in the plant-based movement together for well over a decade. In fact, as we discuss today, she was one of the first authors to actually put the phrase, “plant-based” in the title of a book...and now, without a doubt, “plant-based” is having its moment! Since then, she’s written multiple books including the crafty Vegiterranean Diet, The Healthspan Solution, and the forthcoming, “The Choose You Now Diet” due out in December. She also just recently launched her own “Choose You Now” podcast that I guested on just a couple of weeks ago. Today, we turn the tables and I shine the spotlight on the marvelous career and work of THE ORIGINAL plant-based dietitian herself, Julianna Hever. You'll learn: Julieanna's "Galileo Moment" when she learned the truth about health and nutrition How she fought to use the phrase, "plant-based" in her first book The biggest mistakes beginners make when adopting a plant-based diet Why and when someone should be gluten-free How she has pivoted to teaching her clients about "adding life to your days" in her book, The Healthspan Solution The importance of modeling behavior for both parents and children About Julieanna Hever There is nothing Julieanna loves more than diving into a colossal bowl of salad. Known as The Plant-Based Dietitian, Julieanna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from UCLA in and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Cal State Northridge, bridging her three biggest passions for food, performing, and helping people. As a Registered Dietitian, Julieanna has authored six books, including The Healthspan Solution, Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiots Guide), Vegiterranean Diet, and two peer-reviewed journal articles on plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals (in Journal of Geriatric Cardiology and Permanente Journal). Julieanna is the host of The Choose You Now Podcast and her new book, The Choose You Now Diet, will be published in December 2021. Past projects have included being the host of What Would Julieanna Do?; giving a TEDx talk; writing as the nutrition columnist for VegNews Magazine; and teaching the eCornell Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Program. She recently co-hosted Science and Saucery and Facebook Watch’s Home Sweat Home, and has appeared on Harry, The Dr. Oz Show, The Steve Harvey Show, Reluctantly Healthy, The Marie Osmond Show, and E! News. New adventures include speaking, presenting, traveling, helping a wide variety of clients achieve their goals, and sharing her passion for healing and happiness eating a whole food, plant-based diet. Episode Resources Julieanna Hever Website and Resources Test-Drive the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Enjoy a free 14-Day trial by using code: STARTFRESH at check-out. You will have to input a credit card, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the end of the trial period. Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to Episode Four of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong food line and, together with Rip, they provide a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In Episode 4, Rip and Jess talk about all things plant-based milk - their tremendous growth, the challenges they face, and tips for how to choose from the incredible variety of options in your local grocery store. We wrap up with a simple demonstration of how to make truly whole food, plant-based milk (no filtering or straining required!) In this episode, we cut the confusion and help you discover: The most environmentally friendly plant-based milk The healthiest plant-based milk The tastiest plant-based milk on the shelves More Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: 00:00-06:30 Welcome from Rip and Jess - Rip’s current favorite foods (can you say “peaches and creme sweet corn?") 06:30-53:20 An In-depth Dive into Plant-Based Milk Varieties Education on plant-based milk politics, headlines, finance, and chemistry (yes, chemistry!) Discussions on the most environmentally friendly, healthiest, and tastiest milk in the market 53:20-58:40 Jessica’s Recipe and Demo on a creamy pumpkin and hempseed milk - perfect for cereals Additional Episode Resources Homemade Plant-Based Milk Recipes For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com Shop PlantStrong Foods Now

Darin Olien is the "Superman of Superfoods" and the "Indiana Jones of the Best Ingredients" on the planet. For over 20 years, he has literally roamed the world - and you already know this if you watched Season One of his Netflix docu-series with Zac Efron, “Down to Earth,” where they traveled the planet to explore the secrets of good health, longevity, and sustainability. Olien is also the author of the NY Times best-selling book, “SuperLife: The five fixes that will keep you healthy, fit and eternally awesome.” I was stunned to learn just how much we have in common - we’re both from the Midwest, we both are sons of Fathers who grew up around farming and agriculture, we were both collegiate athletes, we’re both NY Times best-selling authors on the subject of health, and today we both spend our days sourcing the best ingredients to bring you healthy, sustainable nutrition in the plantstrong foods we create. As you’ll hear today, Darin speaks THE TRUTH, but in a way that is filled with purpose and compassion. He discusses: How he and Zac propelled the success of "Down to Earth" without being too preachy and off-putting How he approaches the subject of climate change, nutrition, and environmental issues, especially with those who may think differently than he does His favorite superfoods on the planet The life-changing impact of his Father's death The abundance and life-giving experience of eating plants His perspective on life, particularly after the tragedy of losing his home A touch on his fatal conveniences series This is a man who, through self-motivation and determination, has become a force in the health and nutrition industry. He is living proof that one person can make a global impact. About Darin Olien Darin Olien is co-host with Zac Efron on the Emmy™ nominated, #1 Netflix docu-series “Down to Earth with Zac Efron” and host of “The Darin Olien Show” a widely popular podcast curiously exploring people, solutions, and health as well as “Fatal Conveniences™” a segment of the show uncovering modern-day flaws and challenges that may be undermining our health and our environment. Darin is also a highly recognized exotic superfood hunter, supplement formulator, and author of the New York Times bestseller, “SuperLife: The five fixes that will keep you healthy, fit, and eternally awesome.” He has traveled the planet discovering new and underutilized exotic foods and medicinal plants. In early 2020 Darin launched 121 Tribe, a health APP created to help people live an optimal and sustainable life. Darin is the formulator of the whole-food supplement, “Shakeology”, as well as the plant-based, “Ultimate Reset” 21-day detoxification program. Darin is one of the founders of Barukas™, a new super nut from the Savannah “Cerrado” of Brazil. Through sustainable business practices, the company is committed to supporting this important biome by planting 20 million Baruzeita trees. In addition, Darin is a partner and advisor to several global environmental and health companies. To learn more about Darin, check out his website and the 121 Tribe program or follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. IG: @darinolien FB: @DarinOlienOfficial Twitter: @darinolien Episode Resources Darin Olien Website and Resources Test-Drive the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Enjoy a free 14-Day trial by using code: STARTFRESH at check-out. You will have to input credit card, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the end of the trial period. Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th - Register today Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

If you think one person can't make an impact, think again. In 2016 at the young age of 54, former Brooklyn Borough President and now New York Democratic Mayoral Candidate, Eric Adams, listened as his doctor gave him a grim diagnosis of Type II diabetes. Sadly, he felt it was an inevitable fate because of rampant family history. What didn’t sit with him was relinquishing control of his health and realizing that he was going to be on medication for the rest of his life as his body continued to deteriorate. Refusing to be buried by this diagnosis, Adams did something that would change the course of his life forever. Instead of googling, “Living with Diabetes,” he typed, “Reversing Diabetes” and a seed was planted. Fortunately, that seed has produced a bountiful harvest of hope and inspiration. In just three short years since that diagnosis, Eric Adams has made a remarkable personal recovery plus a resounding impact with whole foods plant-based initiatives in New York City. He has lived a rich life committed to public service as an NYC Police Officer, New York State Senator, and Brooklyn Borough President. He recently won the Democratic Mayoral Primary and will be the lead candidate on the ticket this Fall. But this new chapter may be his most vital act of service yet - improving the lives and vitality of families and children in New York and beyond. One person can, indeed, create meaningful change and leave a legacy of hope. Will you be the next? . PlantStrong Website and Resources Eric Adams Website and Resources Eric Adams Twitter Eric Adams Instagram

we’re thrilled to bring you today’s guests who are also competing at the top level of professional women’s soccer -Toni Pressley and Ali Riley - of the Orlando Pride! Both are using their platforms to promote a PLANTSTRONG diet on and off the field and, in May, they launched their own cooking show called “Girls Gone Veg” on the IAMATHLETE YouTube Channel that was founded by NFL Legend, Brandon Marshall. They’ve only been teammates for a short time, but these two soccer legends connected instantly over their mutual love of health, wellness, and, nutrition. The show features weekly cooking demos, interviews with celebrities, and plenty of healthy recipes that are fun, easy, and delicious. Yes, they are inspiring millions of people of all ages, especially the younger generation, about dreaming big and pursuing their goals, BUT they are also teaching their fans how to live a WHOLE life of health and vitality with foods that will fuel them for peak performance at any age. Episode Resources “Girls Gone Veg” YouTube Channel Orlando Pride Soccer Schedule PLANTSTRONG Foods - order our new dessert-inspired granolas and popcorn PLANT-STOCK 2021 - September 8-12, 2021 - BUNDLE and SAVE: Purchase a bundle of 5 tickets for just $50 Test-Drive the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Enjoy a free 14-Day trial by using code: STARTFRESH at check-out. You will have to input credit card, but you won't be charged if you cancel before the end of the trial period. Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to Episode Three of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty, dish on all things plants! Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong food line and, together with Rip, will provide a peek behind the curtain on plant-based food headlines, market research, ingredients, and cooking inspiration. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. In Episode 3, Rip and Jess challenge you to “think outside the dressing bottle” and offer multiple ways to liven up your summer salads. They break down the anatomy of the perfect salad dressing - fat, salt, sour and sweet - and provide a list of ingredients you can use to craft your own favorite salad topper. Want that free list to add to your choices and ignite your creativity? Download it HERE! More Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: 00:00-02:25 Welcome from Rip and Jess 02:-25-04:35 Plant-Based Seafood Company, Good Catch, is making a splash in front of Subway locations 09:50-38:00 Think Outside the Dressing Bottle Jess and Rip’s Favorite Things: Balsamic Vinegars PLANTSTRONG Podcast Interview with Dr. Nathan Bryan Rip’s Favorite Salad Dressing Combination1/3 Balsalmic Vinegar, 1/3 Maple Syrup, 1/3 Spicy Brown Mustard Download our “Perfect Salad Dressing Guide" Additional Episode Resources For all PLANTSTRONG Resources, visit plantstrong.com Shop PlantStrong Foods Now

This week, we get into the nitty-gritty of gut health with Part Two of our conversation with Gastroenterologist, Dr. Alan Desmond. If you missed part one with Dr. Desmond’s Top 10 Prescriptions for Better Health, we highly recommend a listen! Let me ask you this -- “Where do you get your fiber?” If your first answer is Metamucil or any other fiber supplement, this episode is for you. So many of us have what is known as a “carcinogenic microbiome.” It's an unfortunate truth that millions are walking around with a gut filled with cancer-promoting cells. Not only is this leading to so many of the preventable chronic lifestyle diseases, but also debilitating mental and cognitive issues like depression, anxiety, dementia, and Alzheimer's. BUT, here's the great news. The studies also tell us that the more fruits and vegetables we consume, the higher our levels of optimism and the lower our levels of depressive symptoms. How is that possible? Dr. Desmond and Rip explain the why and how. Dr. Desmond explains the history of our gut microbiome, the role that short-chain fatty acids play in a healthy gut, and why a diversity of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds not only positively impacts our physical health, but also improves our overall sense of happiness and joy! The saying, “You are what you eat” has never been more true. Well, if you want to be happy and healthy, let’s feed your gut with a diverse diet of fiber-filled happy and healthy whole plantstrong foods. And, let’s keep the Metamucil on the grocery shelves where it belongs.

If all health begins in the gut, then the United States needs a major overhaul. One in three adults under the age of 50 have diverticular disease, colorectal cancer will affect more than one in 20 adults in their lifetimes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is off the charts, and millions of others suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory complications in our gut. These are sobering facts, BUT you can do something about it and, today, along with Gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond, we open up the prescription pad and give you real Doctor's orders - The Top 10 Prescriptions for Better Health - from Dr. Desmond's book, "The Plant-Based Diet Revolution: 28 Days to a Happier Gut and a Healthier You." But, unlike most prescriptions that simply treat the problem, these prescriptions will get to the root and help you solve these major issues. The best part? They don’t involve taking more pills - just beautiful, nutritious, whole plant-based foods, the optimal diet for health and longevity. 28:50 - Eat a diversity of plants 30:25 - Ditch the Junk - ultra-processed food 34:40 - Eat whole grains every day 39:30 - Embrace whole carbohydrates - fiber, fuel and nutrients 43:23 - Choose your protein wisely - yes, you will get enough protein 49:20 - Take a B12 supplement - 25 mg per day 50:28 - Cut out the sweet stuff 57:46 - Remember, milk is for babies 1:01:00 - Get your sunshine, Vitamin D 1:02:37 - Get help if you need it We're so thrilled to have you along for this Plant-Based Diet Revolution! About Dr. Desmond Doctor Alan Desmond is a Consultant Gastroenterologist who is dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of a whole-food plant-based diet. His best-selling book, ‘The Plant-Based Diet Revolution: 28 days to a happier gut and a healthier you’, is available wherever books are sold. Doctor Alan has made evidence-based dietary advice an essential part of his practice as a doctor specializing in gut health problems. He has presented at numerous international medical conferences on the benefits of this approach to food, alongside other renowned advocates including Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Michael Klaper, Dietician Brenda Davis, Dr. Kim Williams, and Dr. Neal Barnard. He is an Ambassador for Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a not-for-profit group that educates members of the public, health professionals, and policymakers on the incredible health benefits of a plant-based diet. Certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, Doctor Alan completed his medical training in Ireland and Oxford. He has a specialist interest in the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, he has published several influential research papers in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and is a dedicated advocate for the gut health benefits, and overall health benefits, of a whole-food plant-based approach to nutrition. He lives in South Devon with his wife and three children. Episode Resources Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th and to celebrate, the first 1,000 people to register will get in for just $10.00! Join the PLANTSTRONG Community Dr. Alan Desmond Website and Resources Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Everyone loves a great comeback story and, as we head into the 4th of July holiday weekend here in the States, we can't think of any better way to celebrate than with the uplifting story of survival and triumph from one of USA's finest - Dotsie Bausch. Dotsie and her track cycling teammates won the Silver medal at the 2012 London games, which is amazing unto itself; however, when you hear Dotsie’s story of what it took to get there, you’ll be even more astonished. For years, she battled a debilitating eating disorder which left her on the brink of losing her life. Her recovery is nothing short of remarkable and so is her NEW mission in life -- to save the lives of others as Executive Director and tireless advocate at Switch4Good - the non-profit organization and podcast she started to tackle the ridiculous notion that we need cow’s milk for peak health and performance. It was a bill of goods she was sold for years as an elite-level athlete. You’ll love hearing about her “underdog” triumph at the Olympics because it’s also how she is approaching her work now. She's most certainly an underdog going up against some powerful organizations out there, but we have no doubt she’ll stand on the podium once again with pride knowing that the power of the Silver medal is saving the lives of millions of children, animals, and our planet. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Our Virtual PLANTSTOCK Returns September 8-12th and to celebrate, the first 1,000 people to register will get in for just $10.00! PLANTSTRONG Summer Grilling Guide Dotsie Bausch Website and Social Media Switch4Good Website Live Better. Do More. Dairy Free "Game Changers" Documentary "Personal Gold" Documentary Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to Episode Two of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Hegarty-Pastore, dish on all things plants! Plus, they give you the scoop on all of the upcoming PlantStrong food items. Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong food line and, together with Rip, will provide a peek behind the curtain on market research, ingredients, and inspiration behind the new PlantStrong foods headed your way. Plus, you'll always walk away with a recipe or two to share with your friends and family. Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: 00:15 Welcome from Rip and Jess 00:34-02:45 Jess got married at Casa de Luz in Austin 02:49-08:45 Eleven Madison Park in NY goes 100% plant-based! Rip reads the letter from Chef Daniel. 08:50-09:40 Incogmeato commercial in the Olympic Trials 09:50-16:30 Summer Yum! Rip and Jess share their summer activities and fueling favorite fruits! Their favorites include peaches, plums, dark cherries, and strawberries. Plus, you get a little VIP taste of not-so-common favorites: sugarcube melons and champagne mangoes 16:35-18:25 Campfires and S’mores - How should you toast your marshmallows? 18:27-39:40 All things POPCORN, including creative ways to pop up the popcorn flavor! Popcorn is a plantstrong treat that can be enjoyed instead of those unhealthy chips. For all of the recipes visit the episode page at plantstrongpodcast.com at www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/snackables-ep2 Episode Resources For all of the popcorn recipes in today's episode, visit the Episode Page at plantstrongpodcast.com - www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/snackables-ep2 Shop PlantStrong Foods Now - https://plantstrongfoods.com/ Casa de Luz - https://www.casadeluz.org/ Eleven Madison Park - Letter from Chef Daniel Humm

"Help me learn to prepare wonderful meals!" “I don’t know where to begin in the kitchen!” Here at PLANTSTRONG, these are requests we get all of the time and we totally understand! It can be overwhelming to learn how to make new meals that taste great, especially when you're new to a plantstrong way of eating. Today, we've got you covered with longtime pal and chef, Derek Sarno. It's hard to match the passion of Derek, especially in the kitchen. His company, Wicked Healthy Foods, is bringing plenty of plantstrong heat to the world and changing the plant-based retail space across the globe one animal-free meal at a time. It was COMPASSION, though, that brought Derek to a completely vegan lifestyle when he suffered an unthinkable tragedy - the loss of his fiance. That moment changed the course of his life, career, and ultimately his purpose. He started from the bottom up...and we know that’s where some of you may find yourself right now. Today, we’re here to help you turn it around, become a wicked good cook, and bring out the flavor, fun, and creativity in your foods. We talk about: Getting organized in the kitchen The proper mindset around cooking Must-Have Kitchen Tools Spices, veggie prep, sauces, gravies ...and it wouldn’t be a talk with Derek Sarno if we weren’t talking mushrooms! He is the leader of the Mushroom Mafia, after all. For all of the details and tips on this episode, make sure to visit the episode page at planstrongpodcast.com. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Get all of Today's Cooking Tips at the Episode Page: Wicked Healthy Food - https://wickedhealthyfood.com/ Purchase The Wicked Healthy Cookbook

Plant-based nutrition is definitely having a moment and it's so rewarding to be a key part of the conversation. It's also rewarding to introduce two longtime plantstrong pals who,like those of us at PLANTSTRONG, have been walking the walk and talking the talk for decades. Matt Frazier is founder and creator of “The No Meat Athlete” and he’s absolutely one of the global authorities on plant-based nutrition for endurance athletes. Robert Cheeke is the founder and creator of Vegan BodyBuilding and Fitness and has often been referred to as “The Godfather of the Vegan Bodybuilding Movement.” For over 25 years now, he's been out there flexing those biceps and advocating for a vegan lifestyle. At PLANTSTRONG, we're thrilled to see Matt (“Mr. Endurance”) and Robert (“Mr. Muscle”) cross-pollinate and get together to produce this groundbreaking new book, The Plant-Based Athlete: A Game Changing Approach to Peak Performance.It is poised to be the definitive guide for any athlete looking to optimize and enhance their athletic performance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who is just starting to dip your toe into fitness and may harbor some fear or doubt that plant-based nutrition will provide you with everything you need to succeed. Those fears will be put to rest with this book that is packed with recipes, insights, scientific research, and profiles of athletes who use plants to power their professional careers and daily lives. Key Takeaways: Macronutrient and Micronutrient Breakdowns - How much and, more importantly, what should I be eating before, during and after my training sessions? Can I really get enough protein on a plant-based diet? Why is plant protein superior to animal protein? How does a plantstrong diet help with inflammation and recovery? What are some examples of food combinations that will help sustain my performance? What foods do Robert and Matt eat? How do I even know how many calories I need on a daily basis? Who are some of the top-level athletes fueled by plants and what do they eat on a daily basis? Even though our platform at PLANTSTRONG has primarily been about preventing and reversing chronic lifestyle disease like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, it’s so exciting to shed light on the fact that the same diet is also a performance enhancer to help athletes of all levels compete at their best. The game is changing and it is PLANTSTRONG. Episode Resources Order our New PlantStrong Dessert-Inspired Granolas! https://plantstrongfoods.com/ Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music No Meat Athlete - https://www.nomeatathlete.com/ Vegan BodyBuilding Website - https://www.veganbodybuilding.com/

Welcome to Episode One of our new PLANTSTRONG Snackables podcast series, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn, and co-host, Jess Pastore, dish on all things plants! Plus, they give you the scoop on all of the upcoming PlantStrong food items. Jessica leads product innovation for the PlantStrong foodline and, together with Rip, will provide a peek behind the curtain on market research, ingredients, and inspiration behind the new PlantStrong foods headed your way. Tasty Bites from Today's Episode: New Dating Trends for Plant-Based Singles - Yes, Being Plantstrong is Important in the Dating World! Jess is off to Get Married! Delicious Substitutes for Cheese and Desserts A Preview of the New PlantStrong Granolas - Why We Chose the Flavors and the Ingredients we Chose - YUM! Live Recipe Building - “Slugs on a Boat” - Apples, Dates, Nut Butter, Dark Chocolate We hope you enjoy this personal tour into the PlantStrong kitchen with Rip and Jess. Episode Resources Shop PlantStrong Foods Now - https://plantstrongfoods.com/ Bautista Farms Dates - http://7hotdates.com/type-medjool.html

Sherra Aguirre is a vibrant soul who proves that health and vitality have no age limit. Her new book, “Joyful, Delicious, Vegan: Life Without Heart Disease” is testament that we can all learn how to enjoy good health naturally at any age―and it starts in our kitchens by changing how we eat. Hers is a colorful and rich story that included a 35-year career as founder and CEO of a Houston-based company that had over 1200 employees. Needless to say, it was a life of stress, travel, dinners, and plenty of unhealthy habits. Sherra shares her own story of reversing her heart disease and high blood pressure after she realized, quite shockingly, that she was eating over 50% fat every day! Her recipe? She adopted a SIMPLE, yet beautiful, whole foods plant-based diet. Her family history was riddled with chronic lifestyle disease and Sherra's goal is to help you re-write your own family history with simple and joyful changes. "Simple," we know, is the keyword here, and you’ll be inspired and touched by her mindful approach to life now that includes a daily yoga and meditation practice as well. Sherra is aspirational because of her approach to life - that we should all reflect on how available and simple good health can actually be - and how delicious and fun it can be if we take time to appreciate all that we have. When you live the mantra, “Self-Care is the new Health Care,” it can and will reverse your own lifestyle disease, but by changing yourself from the inside out, it can also have a lasting effect on your families and communities in which you serve. Now that is powerful and so, so simple. About Sherra Aguirre: SHERRA AGUIRRE is an articulate health enthusiast, environmentalist, and food security activist. She founded and led a successful business for three decades, winning national awards for entrepreneurship, innovation, and service excellence. She sold the company in 2016 to focus on sharing her passion for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Aguirre describes herself as high energy, in better overall health, and in many ways more fit than in her thirties or forties. She has practiced meditation and yoga daily for more than twenty-five years, and for many years has researched and read extensively about diet and lifestyle as the most important factors for achieving and maintaining good health. By adopting a whole plant-based diet, she improved her overall heart health and eliminated symptoms of hypertension despite a significant family history of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. She is passionate about empowering others to maintain vibrancy and good health throughout their lifetimes. One of Aguirre’s main goals with her new book is to make the change to a healthier diet and lifestyle more accessible, particularly to African Americans and other communities who are at high risk for diabetes and heart disease. Aguirre writes about the healing qualities of compassion, simplicity, and gratitude, and the ripple effect vegan eating can have on individuals, families, and communities. She is married with two daughters—Tembi Locke– actor, speaker, screenwriter, and New New York Times best-selling author; and Attica Locke– multiple award-winning novelist, New York Times best-selling author and screenwriter/producer. Episode Resources Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ New PlantStrong Foods Coming Soon - Hop on the list and be the first to know when they are available - https://plantstrongfoods.com/apps/coming-soon PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Sherra Aguirre Website - https://sherraaguirre.com/ Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Dig deep into the all-encompassing world of Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr. Saray Stancic. Her story has a little of everything that will have you on the edge of your seat -- personal trauma and transformation, redemption, discovery, and a passionate pursuit to change not just her health and the health of her patients, but of the healthcare field as a whole. Not a small task, but as you’ll hear, this plant-armored warrior is more than up to the task! In 1995, as a third-year medical resident, Dr. Stancic was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the time, it may as well have been a death sentence for this young doctor. This unforeseen health challenge changed the course of her life, both professionally and personally, and Rip and Saray talk about the impact that diagnosis had on her life as well as her “galileo” blueberry moment that ultimately changed the way she viewed her prognosis. Today, over 25 years later, in addition to being a physician, you can also add marathon finisher, filmmaker, and author to her long list of credentials. Her film, “Code Blue” examines the healthcare industry and offers solutions featuring the practice of lifestyle medicine to prevent, treat, and manage disease. And, her new book, What’s Missing From Medicine offers six lifestyle changes to overcome chronic illness, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and many others. Prepare to be inspired by the incomparable, Dr. Saray Stancic. Episode Resources Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ New PlantStrong Foods Coming Soon - Hop on the list and be the first to know when they are available - https://plantstrongfoods.com/apps/coming-soon PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Dr. Saray Stancic Website - https://drstancic.com/ Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to a BONUS Edition of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast with an encore performance of “How to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind,” featuring Dr. Doug Lisle and Rip Esselstyn. In this free livestream event, Dr. Lisle gave a brief talk on the surprising and inspiring truth about how to achieve sustainable weight loss. The event was so powerful that we want to share it with everyone in hopes of providing some help and reassurance that YOU are not the problem and your genes are not to blame as much as we want to point the finger at someone besides ourselves. So many lightbulb moments took place throughout the evening and we love it when that happens. Stick around at the end as PLANTSTRONG coaches John Fitzgerald and Ami Mackey also provide a Mindset Mastery talk on how to put the content into action. Thanks so much for listening and do feel free to share this episode with friends or loved ones who may benefit. Some of the topics covered include: Reasons Why We are Gaining Weight The Role of Genes in our Weight Destiny Calorie Density and How it Factors into our Consumption of Food Calorie Estimation Receptors - What are They? Dr. Lisle’s Law of Satiety How to Avoid Falling into the Pleasure Trap - Avoiding Temptations and Cravings Dr. Lisle’s “New Religion” - Salad, Veggies, Carbs Mindset Mastery - Now, HOW do We Implement? Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode including all of Dr. Lisle’s slides: https://youtu.be/Z96ThwPd4ak Summer Grilling Guide - Join our Free Community to get the Guide to Delicious Summer Foods: https://community.plantstrong.com/posts/summer-grilling-guide Rescue 10X - Our Summer Edition starts June 15th: https://community.plantstrong.com/plans/131498?bundle_token=d5fa00af4802686ed95ec14aaef011a8&utm_source=manual PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. (Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button.) Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community: https://community.plantstrong.com/feed Esteem Dynamics: https://esteemdynamics.com/ Theme Music for Episode: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845

“Who would be on your wishlists to talk plants?” It was a question for the PLANTSTRONG Podcast team at the beginning of the season and today’s guest was right at the top of that list. Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her subtle but hilarious deadpan delivery in her TV shows, films, and stand-up. In fact, her new film, “Army of the Dead,” was released on May 21st and it is (at time of publication) the #1 film on Netflix. What you may not know about Tig is her traumatic health story and subsequent journey to plants. In 2012, in the span of just a few weeks, Tig developed and almost succumbed to C-Diff, a potentially deadly infection. Just days later, her Mom died unexpectedly, her relationship ended, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through treatment and a double mastectomy. Part of Tig’s journey to recovery was actually getting back on stage to talk about it with vulnerability in her usual candor, but she also started researching how to best take care of herself and improve her health and the health of her family. Guess where her research led her? You guessed it. PLANTS. In 2016, Tig, her now-wife Stephanie, and their two sons went all-in on plant-based nutrition and she has been a fierce advocate ever since. She had her Galileo moment and the changes have been profound. Even during the pandemic this year, since she couldn’t be on the road, she took the course to become certified in plant-based nutrition and think that’s pretty darrn cool! What Else Will You Learn from Today’s Conversation? Some of Tig’s favorite plant-based meals Why Tig finds watermelon a “snooze-fest” Her favorite app to find the best vegan restaurants when she travels Her conviction to this PlantStrong way-of-life and how she knows she’s not changing Whether she views herself as competitive How she makes one small habit-change each year to improve her health How she has brought her family into the plant-based world, including her father-in-law How she came to her new role in “Army of the Dead” Family inspiration for her stand-up material So, yes, Tig is famous for her stand-up, her podcasts, her TV shows, and movies, but we were fortunate enough to talk to Tig because she loves plants, so we hope you, too, will support her work and her PLANTSTRONG journey. Episode Resources Black Mountain, NC PLANTSTRONG Retreat - September 25th-30th, 2021 - https://plantstrong.com/black-mountain/ New PlantStrong Foods Coming Soon - Hop on the list and be the first to know when they are available - https://plantstrongfoods.com/apps/coming-soon PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Tig Notaro Website - https://tignation.com/ Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Today's episode is a celebration and looks back at the 10-year-anniversary of the film, Forks over Knives with Brian Wendel, founder and president of Forks Over Knives and creator and executive producer of the Forks Over Knives feature film. This film examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the chronic diseases that afflict us can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based and processed foods, has gone on to become one of the most popular and longest-running independent films ever on Netflix. Plus, it is still available to stream for free at www.Forksoverknives.com. For a decade now, this film has been one of the most popular “entry points” for those who are plant-curious. Why? Because it’s approachable, friendly, and attainable. Today, we relive the making of this film with Brian - How and why did he develop the story? When did he even know he was really onto something? We think you’ll appreciate that so much of the success of Forks over Knives is a result of “happy accidents” and the universe doing its thing -- putting the right people together at just the right time. The lives of all of these people, including the entire Esselstyn family, have been changed for the better and it was an honor being a part of such a powerful film that created a tidal wave of change and acceptance for living PlantStrong. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Forks over Knives. About Brian Wendel In 2001, Brian Wendel attended a conference on nutrition. There, a plant-based expert made a compelling enough argument that a Staten Island boy raised on pizza and roast beef decided to go all in on plant foods. He had no idea it would forever alter the course of his life. Over the next eight years, Brian immersed himself in the lifestyle, learning about the disease-reversing power of a plant-based diet. The evidence was strong, yet the overwhelming majority of the population had no idea that this simple change could have such a drastic impact. Brian wanted to reach as many people as possible with this information, so in 2009, he began work on a documentary film. Forks Over Knives became a spark for national change. The film was a hit. The accompanying book became a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. And most importantly, Brian saw legions of people—including his own father and members of the film’s cast and crew—adopting a plant-based diet and regaining control of their health and their lives. It was obvious that Forks Over Knives was no longer just a side project, so Brian quit his day job in real estate and took on the movement full time. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - https://mealplanner.plantstrong.com - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Links to Episode Music: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845 - theme music https://youtu.be/rhV_DIoebm - promo theme music

We keep the Mother’s Day celebration going with two of the up-and-coming broc-stars, The Plant-Based Juniors, Whitney English and Alexandra Caspero. Together, these two have created a robust community and a haven of support for raising healthy plant-strong babies and toddlers. In fact, their new book, The Plant-Based Baby and Toddler is coming out on May 18th, 2021 and it is the topic of much of the discussion in today’s episode. The PBJs are packed with knowledge, research, and enthusiasm for providing such accurate and evidence-based information because, as we know, there is just so much misinformation out there. They cut through the noise with a refreshing and welcoming vibe that we love here at PlantStrong. Both Alex and Whitney are Registered Dietitians, Certified Personal Trainers, and Moms to toddlers, so they are, of course, personally invested in the health of not just your children, but theirs as well. Even if you’re not a parent, we encourage you to share this episode with those who are. They are a wonderful source for encouragement and affirmation that shines a light on the fact that raising plant-based babies and toddlers is not only safe, but it’s also health-promoting. We cover so many issues that new parents face, especially the many fears and misconceptions of raising plant-strong babies. We also talk about how to have productive conversations with your children and with the naysayers who express their concerns about your parenting choices. We dive into soy, gluten, the whole grain paradox...and making sure your child gets plenty of Vitamin P. What in the world is Vitamin P? You’ll find out and, believe us, you don’t want to live without it. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: The Plant-Based Juniors Website Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Links to episode music: Theme Music Promo Music

Today, we welcome and invite you into the magical and whimsical world of The Happy Pear, David and Stephen Flynn. For the past 16-years, these Irish twin brothers have been on an exploration of health, vitality, and happiness and we guarantee it's a journey you'll want to join when you hear them speak. We talked about how these two former tough-guy meat lovin’ rugby players transformed into plantstrong powerhouses. We talk yoga, handstands, meditation, cooking, building community, spreading joy...and so much more. They've been making waves in the plant-based world and jumping in them with their daily sunrise swims. That's how I knew we'd get along so well. I’ve been wanting to talk to these lads for a while now and I hope you love the conversation as much as I did because, when you interview the Happy Pear, you just kick back and let them go! Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Enjoy our New Limited Edition PLANTSTRONG Spring Culinary Experience boxes! This is the second in a series of at-home cooking classes in partnership with our friends at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm near the shores of Lake Erie. You can sign up today and then make a date with mom - or with anyone who will appreciate this fun activity - to come together to make a four-course spring dinner that is out of sight. Boxes will begin to ship on May 17th and they include premium hand-picked produce, a full library of videos, and beautifully printed recipe cards. Visit plantstrong.com/garden today for more details. Join our life-altering PLANTSTRONG Retreat in Sedona, AZ from October 11th-16th. Visit plantstrong.com/sedona for details and registration. Links to episode music: https://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845 - theme music https://youtu.be/rhV_DIoebm - promo theme music

If there’s one person who has put a face on the vegan lifestyle, it would have to be Kathy Freston. Kathy has written nine books including the popular Veganist, The Lean, and Clean Protein, and she’s been an outspoken plant-based proponent in the mainstream media for many years - including popular appearances on Ellen, Oprah, Good Morning America, and The View. Her new book written with last week’s podcast guest, Gene Stone, is called 72 Reasons to Be Vegan and we continue this conversation in her usual approachable and attainable way. And, that’s what we love about Kathy. Her philosophy is ‘progress over perfection’ because, let’s face it, no one is perfect - and we’re all on a journey towards making ourselves better humans. 72 Reasons to Be Vegan is an extension of the work that she has been doing for years and, judging by her enthusiasm, and her inner and outer beauty, she won’t be stopping anytime soon. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: 72 Reasons to Be Vegan Kathy Freston Website and Resources Join our Life-Altering PlantStrong Retreat in Sedona, AZ - October 11th-16th, 2021 Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Have you ever come across a person in your life who just brings out the best in you? They challenge you, ask the right questions, they’re present, and recognize a gift that maybe YOU didn’t even know you had? Author, Gene Stone, is one of those people for Rip and, if his name doesn't sound familiar, his writing surely will. Gene is the author or co-author of over 50 books including two of Rip's books - “The Engine 2 Diet” and “Plant Strong.” Other familiar titles include Dr. Michael Greger’s book, “How Not to Die,” the first “Forks over Knives,” or “Living the Farm Sanctuary Life” by Gene Bauer. The list of his books on health, wellness, and nutrition is certainly impressive and, today, we dig into his latest project, “72 Reasons to Be Vegan” that he co-wrote with vegan rockstar, Kathy Freston. Here’s the cool thing about Gene. When Rip first met him back in 2006, he wasn’t plantstrong at all, but he did have an open mind, allowing him to have a Galileo moment while writing "The Engine 2 Diet." Today, he eats, sleeps, breathes and writes the lifestyle, which is how his new book, “72 Reasons to Be Vegan” came to be. This new book answers the inevitable question that we all get - "WHY would you do that?!” Let’s catch up and start answering these questions with Gene Stone. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Join our Life-Altering PlantStrong Retreat in Sedona, AZ - October 11th-16th, 2021 72 Reasons to Be Vegan Gene Stone's Website and Resources Visit the new PlantStrong website PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Do you have a love affair with the salt shaker? Having trouble breaking yourself of the pre-packaged food addiction? Do you have a ballpark guess for the recommended amount of sodium you should be consuming on a daily basis? What about the devastating consequences of too much salt in your diet? Don’t be alarmed or ashamed with any of your answers if you just don’t know. It’s not your fault. We all fall prey to marketing and the lure of salty foods and today Rip speaks with researcher and author, Michael Jacobson, about his recent book, “Salt Wars - The Battle over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet.” Michael Jacobson is one of the preeminent scientists who has been fighting on the front lines in Washington DC - literally going to political battle for our health for more than 50 years. He is co-founder of the Center for Science and the Public Interest, which was developed in 1971 as a Health Advocacy Group for Food Safety and Nutrition. The CSPI may not sound familiar to you, but their work will - they are responsible for nutrition facts labeling on food products, getting junk foods out of schools, and removing trans fat out of the food supply -- to name a few of their landmark efforts. Today, though, he speaks with Rip about our love affair with salt. Why has it become so prevalent in our diet (much of it without us even realizing!)? What are the impacts on our health? And, most importantly, how can we ditch the desire for that extra dash at every meal? Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D. is a co-founder and long-time Executive Director of Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI), now serving as a Senior Scientist. Jacobson has written numerous books and reports, including Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet; Eater’s Digest: the Consumer’s Fact Book of Food Additives, Nutrition Scoreboard; Salt: the Forgotten Killer; and Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans’ Health. He has also been honored with such awards as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hero Award (2010), the American Public Health Association’s David P. Rall award for advocacy in public health (2011), and the Food Marketing Institute’s Esther Peterson Consumer Service Award (1992). His Ph.D. in microbiology is from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Learn More About our In-Person Sedona Retreat - October 11th-16th, 2021 Center for Science in the Public Interest Website Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast. A few weeks ago, we hosted our first of many Live “Rip’s Rescue'' events. The theme of this first presentation? “Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof” with Dr. Brian Asbill, my parents- Ann and Essy, and special guest Jim McNamara - one of my father’s patients. The response to that event has been so overwhelming and positive that we wanted to share this audio version with all of our podcast listeners. If you or a loved one has had a cardiac event, or if you’ve been told that you’re at high risk, think of this episode as your own two-hour appointment with some of the best medical providers on the planet. Cardiologist Dr. Brian Asbill was on the podcast for a solo interview just a few episodes ago and my parents, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn and Ann Crile Esselstyn, really need no introduction! This special episode is a crash course on how adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle can help you avoid a heart attack, stent, or even bypass surgery. Some of the topics we cover? Dr. Asbill talks about cholesterol and helps unpack your lipid panel numbers He also gives his take on lifestyle intervention vs. surgery My Dad talks about Nitric Oxide - what is it and how can we all get more of it And, in only the way she can, my Mother digs into the foods you need to fight back against heart disease Plus, you’ll definitely want to hear an inspiring plantstrong success story from Jim Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode Dr. Brian Asbill Podcast Episode PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode

Rip welcomes his sister, Jane Esselstyn, back to the PLANTSTRONG Podcast. Many know Jane as a charismatic and energetic voice in the whole food, plant-based space, especially alongside her mother, Ann, in their fun YouTube Cooking Channel. What you may not know is that she is also a registered nurse who uses her charisma and passion to teach Sex Education to middle schoolers! Jane is an advocate for helping both kids and adults to understand that part of being a healthy grown-up should include a healthy sex life. It can be awkward to talk about these things and that’s why Jane really shines. She uses a healthy dose of empathy, compassion, and humor to talk about these subjects that both teens and adults are often too embarrassed to talk about. Listener Note: We do use many of the clinical anatomical words because, as you’ll find out today, one of the components of a healthy sex life is communication. So, let’s start talking about it! A plantstrong life has many benefits above AND below the belt - and a strong sex life should be one of them. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Jane Esselstyn YouTube Channel Jane Esselstyn Website Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Rip heads across the pond to talk to a true plant-based gem -- Dr. Gemma Newman. Gemma is a senior partner in a family medical practice in the UK and author of the new book, “The Plant-Power Doctor - A Simple Prescription for a Healthier You.” Like many of us, Dr. Newman was stuck in all of the popular diet wars and tried them all to get rid of the weight she gained during medical school. However, even though she was the doctor in the family, it was her husband’s marathon training that ultimately changed the course of Gemma’s life and medical practice forever. Today, she is passionate about plant-based nutrition, holistic health, and lifestyle medicine. In fact, it is the most powerful instrument in her medical toolbox. In this episode, Rip and Gemma dig into some of the highlights and patient stories from her new book “The Plant-Power Doctor,” including: Her Own Testament to the Power of Plants Inflammation in the body - causes and benefits of a plant-based diet to combat inflammation The Power of Antioxidants Hormonal Health for Women And we even talk a little Harry and Meghan gossip and British slang along the way! It’s undeniable that medical practices both here and in the UK are burdened with so much competing information, lack of time, and a fast-paced ‘fix-it-now’ society - BUT, with doctors like Gemma Newman fighting for long-term health and vitality, we are on the RIGHT PATH and we hope you’ll stay right here with us because the proof is in the plants! Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Buy The Plant Power Doctor Book by Dr. Gemma Newman Gemma Newman MD Website PLANTSTRONGFOODS.com Want to be the first to hear about new PLANTSTRONG foods? Text the word, FOODS to 77174 and we’ll add you to the VIP list for early access. We have a couple of our heritage products available on our website - including the crowd favorite - our stone-baked, 100% whole grain, oil-free pizza crusts. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

This week, we’re digging into inspiration and exploring your personal limits with a major dose of true grit! In March 2019, Robbie Balenger set sail with his sneakers from Huntington Beach, California to run across America all the way to Central Park, New York in just 75 days. He was relatively new to running as well as to a PlantStrong lifestyle. So, why on earth would he do something like this? Well, as it turns out, the earth had EVERYTHING to do with it. Environmental issues, fitness, and plant-based nutrition had become so important to him that he wanted to spark more conversation and spread his message across the country. And what better way to do that than by setting the physical example for what can be done. And - spoiler alert- He DID IT! Today, we look back at this incredible “feat” and dig into his value-driven life, which has only grown stronger since his successful trip across the country just two years ago. In fact, just this past weekend, Robbie did it again! He broke the record for the most number of consecutive loops run in Central Park during open hours with 16 loops and over 100 miles. Now THAT is some PLANTSTRONG peak performance. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Visit the site to register for the upcoming Spring session PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Robbie Balenger Instagram Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

If you want to know what service and passion look like, look no further than today’s guests - Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, affectionately known as ‘Team Sherzai.’ Dean and Ayesha make a return visit to the PLANTSTRONG Podcast to dig into their new book, The 30-Day Alzheimers Solution - The Definitive Food and Lifestyle Guide to Preventing Cognitive Decline, which is being released March 23rd. Undoubtedly, everyone has been affected or knows someone who has been affected by the devastating effects of dementia and Alzheimers. Whether you are at risk, or if a loved one is suffering from cognitive decline, Team Sherzai lay out actionable, research-based solutions to this rapidly growing issue in our society. They recall their own personal galileo moment as physicians- when one public event influenced and changed the course of their area of study - to develop education and support around preventative neurology and brain health through behavior and lifestyle change. Today, these world-renowned neurologists are co-Directors of the Alzheimers Prevention Clinic at Loma Linda University and founders of the NEURO Plan. What is the NEURO plan, and what are those factors that can drastically improve your brain health? That's what they dish in this beautiful conversation that will inspire you to build your cognitive connectivity, find purpose in every activity, and "rewire, don't retire" your brain. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Visit the site to register for the upcoming Spring session PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Team Sherzai - Season 1 Episode 3: Who Needs Sleep? Team Sherzai Website and Book Pre-Order Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

It’s not often that a doctor is inspired to make a lifestyle change because of a patient, but this is exactly the incredible Galileo moment that Dr. Brian Asbill shares today on the PLANTSTRONG podcast. As a cardiologist for 19 years, Dr. Brian Asbill had become adept at diagnosing and treating patients with medications and procedures, a variety of chronic diseases, and yet many of his “optimally managed” patients continued to suffer from recurrent cardiovascular events. A couple of years later, a patient gave him a copy of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and, shortly after finishing reading it, he met with a patient who was having daily angina and had been told that he would require a third open-heart surgery. Instead of immediate surgery, Asbill gave him the book and told him to come back and see him in three months unless his symptoms worsened. Three months later, that patient returned and both of their lives were irrevocably changed. He had lost 27 pounds, dropped his cholesterol by 100 points, and, within a week of changing his diet, had started walking on a treadmill thirty minutes daily while requiring NO nitroglycerin tablets for relief of chest pain. Procedures and prescriptions would not have matched the difference that he had made by simply changing to a whole-food, plant-based diet. Why was this not routinely taught in medical school? Because of this new truth, in August 2018, Dr. Asbill made the decision to fully transition from cardiology to lifestyle medicine, becoming the first in the world to do so. It was time to leave the “sickcare” system behind and begin building a true “healthcare” system founded upon optimal nutrition, physical activity and stress management. He is now part of Ruckus Health and committed to helping clients prevent, treat, and even reverse their chronic medical conditions through permanent lifestyle change. Today, Dr. Asbill shares his personal journey and the inspiring stories of his patients. " Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Rip's Rescue - "Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof - LIVE on March 18th with Dr. Asbill and the Esselstyns. Register for FREE Ruckus Health with Dr. Brian Asbill PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Hop on the waitlist for our next session. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock. Bookmark this page for upcoming food announcements! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

It’s always wonderful to catch up with friends and fellow plantstrong powerhouses! Today, we're thrilled to welcome Paul de Gelder back to the podcast. You can catch his first interview here in season one. In 2009, Paul was a Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver on a training exercise in Sydney Harbor when he was viciously attacked by a nine-foot bull shark. He came precariously close to death, as you’ll hear him recount today. As a man who faced death face-on, he knows a thing or two about fear. How do you handle fear and uncertainty? How do you navigate dark times and turbulent waters? You double-down on structure, routine, and strength, as Paul emphasizes today. From the start, instead of anger or depression, Paul committed his recovery and new life to one of conservation, compassion, and commitment - not just to our planet, but to the animals that nearly killed him. He's a regular host of Sharkweek on the Discovery Channel where he takes celebrities like Will Smith and Mike Tyson on shark dives to raise awareness of the beauty and importance of these creatures that humans fear most. It’s so easy to be inspired by Paul and, as he says, “Once you get past the fear of dying, life becomes more refreshing and free." Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Paul de Gelder Instagram Rip's Rescue - "Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof - LIVE on March 18th - Register for FREE PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Hop on the waitlist for our next session. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock. Bookmark this page for upcoming food announcements! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

Last week, we spoke with registered dietitian and author, Brenda Davis, about her latest work called, Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families--With Tips & Recipes for Bringing Health, Joy, & Connection to Your Dinner Table. This week, we continue with part two of this important topic with co-author, Dr. Reshma Shah. Dr. Shah is a board-certified pediatrician, mother, plant-based home-cook, teacher, and student. She has nearly two decades of experience caring for children and families, and currently sees patients at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and serves as an affiliate clinical instructor at Stanford University School of Medicine. We know it’s hard to bring an entire family on board the plant-based journey with you because there is a real fear around community, judgment, and nutrition requirements. We also know that you want what’s best for your families and it’s time we have positive conversations around food — with your doctors, friends, and especially your family. Dr. Shah reveals some of the tools, resources, and recipes from the book that will bring joy, abundance, and nutrition back to the family table. It will also instill confidence in knowing that you’re making powerful and positive decisions for the benefit of your entire family for years to come. It's never too late to make changes and bring the family along the adventure with you. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Dr. Reshma Shah Website Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Hop on the waitlist for our next session. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock. Bookmark this page for upcoming food announcements! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

She has been called the "Godmother of Vegan Dietitians" and the "High Priestess of Vegan Nutrition" and today, we're proud to welcome friend, author, and plantstrong pioneer, Brenda Davis, to the podcast. Brenda is the author of 12 books and she’s been a speaker at our Plant-Stock events for years. Not only does she captivate with the energy of a teenager, but her evidence-based research leaves folks inspired regardless of where they are on their own journey to health. That’s why we're excited to discuss topics in her latest book, “Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families” that she co-wrote with Pediatrician, Dr. Reshma Shah. We're often asked about how we do it in the Esselstyn house. People want to know how to feed their children healthy foods in a fast-paced, junk food society without sacrificing the nutrients needed in order to grow and thrive. Today, Brenda addresses some of these common concerns that parents may have...Things like - of course- protein...iodine, calcium, iron, zinc, B-12...you know...all the same things we worry about as adults! The goal of this book is not to just provide confidence in plant-based nutrition for health at any age, but also build a life-affirming connection within your family. “Nourish” offers the solution parents have been waiting for when it comes to deciding what and how to feed their families. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Brenda Davis Website and Resources PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10x - Hop on the waitlist for our next session. PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock. Bookmark this page for upcoming food announcements! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music

What do nitric oxide, turmeric, sulforaphane, and humming all have in common? Your health and longevity, of course! You’re going to be humming with joy after you listen to this episode today with Dr. Irminne Van Dyken. Dr. Van Dyken is a general surgeon based in Hawaii, and she is also a cutting-edge researcher and plant-based advocate who teaches others how to optimize their own health and microbiome through diet and lifestyle. Get ready to have fun and think a little outside the box because this interview is packed with quick hits on topics that she is most excited about these days. If you enjoyed Episode 5 with Doug Evans on sprouting a couple of weeks ago, you’ll definitely love our continued talk around this new word - Sulforaphane. It seems to be everywhere these days! What is it, what are the benefits, and where can I get it? Dr. Van Dyken also shares her expertise on the importance of nitric oxide and why it’s a good thing that our tongues are textured like a shag carpet! And speaking of tongues, she also discusses the health benefits of humming...yes...humming for health! So simple, right? Finally, she touches on her favorite spices: Curcumin and Turmeric - and the vast health benefits of each. This is a jam-packed episode of helpful advice from one of our favorite doctors. Dr. Iminne Van Dyken may have gotten into surgery to fix things, but as you’ll hear, she’s more interested in helping you achieve optimal health long before you ever need to go under the knife! Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Order Your Chef's Garden "Repair and Rescue Leafy Green Box" PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock. Bookmark this page for upcoming food announcements! Theme Music for Episode Promo Theme Music Your Love by Atch SoundCloud: bit.ly/AtchSoundCloud Instagram: www.instagram.com/atchmusic License: Creative Commons License - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Music promoted by Ohzum Beats: https://bit.ly/ohzumbeats

Meet Rodney and Jennifer Barrett of Barrett Family Farm. Jennifer and Rodney have been poultry and cattle farmers in rural Arkansas for almost 20 years. But, after a series of major health setbacks, financial hardships, and moral crises, they finally decided to give it up. No longer could they reconcile their work with a greater purpose and as Rodney says, “You wouldn’t think we’d be doing something for so long that was detrimental to our own health.” But, like most of us, they just didn’t know...until they sought the real truth. Today - those chicken houses that would breed over 100,000 chickens every 52 days? They’re now giving birth to thousands of nourishing mushrooms. And the cattle? They’re like children. This is their courageous, ethical, and compassionate journey from poultry to plants. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Join our Mystery Valentines Day Dinner with Chef's Garden - All the Ingredients Delivered Directly to Your Door Barrett Family Farm Facebook Barrett Family Farm Instagram PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - Discover the easy way to eat PLANTSTRONG Theme Music for Episode

Doug Evans is the Sprout Wizard. After decades of living, eating, and working to excess and burn-out, Doug Evans had his "come to plants" moment. In 1999, he literally went from eating a greasy, fatty duck in New York's Chinatown, to eating a raw vegan diet overnight. This personal galileo moment came as he considered his devastating family history of western disease that included heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes. Was he destined to this same fate, or could he break the cycle? He chose to break the cycle "cold cucumber," and has since set his sights on exploring and sharing the world's most nutritious superfoods. In April 2020, Doug Evans released The Sprout Book: Tap into the Power of the World's Most Nutritious Food. Almost instantly, everyone started talking about the simplicity and fun of sprouting your own foods. I’m sure many of you had the same questions I had. Aren't sprouts the hippy-dippy garnish you throw on a salad or in a wrap? Is it complicated, time-consuming, and expensive? And, really, how nutritious can sprouts be? Well, as you’ll hear today, this conversation opened my eyes to the possibilities of sprouts. They aren’t just an afterthought to add flavor or crunch. They are powerhouses of nutrition and the best part is that you can begin sprouting right away on your kitchen countertop with just a few seeds, water, and a mason jar. Get the whole family involved in this beautiful nature experiment and learn how to sprout a new hobby with life-long benefits for everyone Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: The Sprout Book: Tap into the Power of the Planet's Most Nutritious Food Join our Mystery Valentines Day Dinner with Chef's Garden - All the Ingredients Delivered Directly to Your Door. PLANTSTRONG Foods - Pizza Crust is Back in Stock PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - Discover the easy way to eat PLANTSTRONG Theme Music for Episode Sprouting Companies Mentioned By Doug: Sproutman True Leaf Market

What happens when the confident doctor becomes the desperate patient who, like the rest of us, feels powerless when we get sick? This is the moment that board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Monica Aggarwal, describes as her moment of truth when she was diagnosed with a devastating form of rheumatoid arthritis shortly after the birth of her third child. In an instant, she went from being an avid runner, busy doctor, and engaging parent to someone who could barely move. Anger, blame, denial...you name it...she had it. She also had the answer -- a radical change to her diet and lifestyle. Our bodies have miraculous ways to heal and Dr. Aggarwal shares her prescriptions for joy, vitality and health from her book, “Body on Fire: How Inflammation Triggers Chronic Illness and the Tools We Have to Fight It.” We know this is one prescription you’ll love to take. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Dr. Monica Aggarwal Website and Book Information Join our Mystery Valentines Day Dinner with Chef's Garden - All the Ingredients Delivered Directly to Your Door. PLANTSTRONG Foods - Order your favorites! PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - Discover the easy way to eat PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10X Program Theme Music for Episode

Recently, we were introduced to a produce farm just outside Cleveland, Ohio, and quickly learned that this longstanding family-run business is as passionate about growing vegetables as we are about eating them. So we flew to the Chef's Garden farm, so we could film this magical visit and let you experience it firsthand with us. The Chef's Garden has been delivering specialty products with optimum shelf life, quality, flavor, and nutrition direct from the farm to the world's most discriminating chefs for over 30 years. This vast playground of vegetables is also host to the Culinary Vegetable Institute, which provides the world’s most forward-thinking and creative chefs with a place to exchange knowledge, experiment with new ideas, and discover cooking and growing techniques using the canvas of the most flavorful, colorful and nutritious vegetables on the planet. While there, we learned so much about regenerative farming—what it is, what it means for our future, and why we should care. Farmer Lee and Bob's passion was contagious and we are excited to share it with you. Their mission, through their beautiful growing techniques, is to deliver the freshest, most nutrient-dense, tasty vegetables directly to your door, and as Farmer Lee says, "Healthy soil makes healthy vegetables, which makes healthy people." We're proud to support this family farm and hope you will too. Join us for our Mystery Valentines Day Dinner for two complete with fresh produce delivered directly to your door from The Chef's Garden. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Chef's Garden Website and Social Channels Join our Mystery Valentines Day Dinner with Chef's Garden - All the Ingredients Delivered Directly to Your Door. PLANTSTRONG Challenge Starts January 9th, 2021 PLANTSTRONG Foods - Order your favorites! PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - Discover the easy way to eat PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10X Program Theme Music for Episode

Dr. Kristi Funk is a Board Certified Breast Cancer surgeon and physician, a bestselling author of the book, Breasts: The Owner's Manual, an outspoken women's health advocate, a regular feature on shows like Good Morning America, and best-known as the breast surgeon who treated both Sheryl Crow and Angelina Jolie. This passionate doctor's mantra is "God, family and kill cancer," which she wrote to empower women to understand the role they play in their own health. For the majority of her career, she thought she was doing all she could to help women fight the battle against breast cancer, but 18 years into her practice, she found herself confronted with a new truth. She learned that nutrition, specifically plant-based nutrition, undisputedly plays a huge role both in a person's predisposition to get breast cancer and in their ability to fight it. And once she discovered the truth, she wasn't afraid to do an about 180, both personally and professionally, and she literally emptied her fridge and changed her patient protocols to advise a whole food plant-based diet as the best means to live optimal lives and to thrive. This interview will empower you with facts and research, and it will debunk so many of the myths that we hear all the time, like what about soy or alcohol or underwire bras. Dr. Funk not only embraced the truth, but she has also been on a mission to share it with the world. Please share today's episode with one of the millions of people that you know that have been touched by breast cancer. Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Pink Lotus - Dr. Funk's website and resource library PLANTSTRONG Challenge Starts January 9th, 2021 PLANTSTRONG Foods - Order your favorites! PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - Discover the easy way to eat PLANTSTRONG Rescue 10X Program Theme Music for Episode