PLANTSTRONG Podcast Podcast By Rip Esselstyn cover art

PLANTSTRONG Podcast

PLANTSTRONG Podcast

By: Rip Esselstyn
Listen for free

About this listen

 People become curious about whole food, plant-based nutrition for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, or another chronic disease and you know (or you’ve been told) that this is your best shot at healing your body. You may be an athlete looking to maximize your performance and recovery with the power of plant-based nutrition, or you’re a parent who wants to escape the processed food aisle and start feeding your children real, nourishing foods. Perhaps you are concerned about climate change and the profound negative impact that animal agriculture has on the planet. The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones. Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING. As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living. Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength. Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment. You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food. We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.2024 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Ep. 303: Dr. Jules Cormier - How This Doctor Cured His Own Asthma, Eczema, and Daily Hives

    Ep. 303: Dr. Jules Cormier - How This Doctor Cured His Own Asthma, Eczema, and Daily Hives
    May 29 2025

    Rip sits down with Dr. Jules Cormier, a dynamic family physician from Shediac, New Brunswick, who has transformed his medical practice—and personal life—through the principles of lifestyle medicine.

    A former sufferer of asthma, eczema, and chronic hives, Jules shares how a whole food, plant-based diet not only healed his ailments but also revitalized his family’s health and well-being.

    Dr. Cormier integrates nutrition, exercise, and education into his clinical practice, empowering patients to take charge of their own health. He opens up about the challenges of shifting mindsets in a community rooted in traditional diets, and how he bridges that gap with empathy, evidence, and resources from his blog.

    But Jules isn’t just prescribing leafy greens—he’s living the example. A passionate athlete and Ninja Warrior competitor, he speaks about the biochemical and emotional power of movement, and how his family trains together to stay active and connected.

    Whether you're a physician, parent, or simply plant-curious, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step toward better health—one plant and one pull-up at a time.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube

    SPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!

    Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com

    Upcoming Events:

    Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

    Use Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

    COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

    Leave Us a Voicemail Question

    Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

    Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

    https://plantstrongfoods.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

    https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/

    https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/


    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep: 302: Michelle Joy Kramer - From Personal Loss to Plant-Based Purpose

    Ep: 302: Michelle Joy Kramer - From Personal Loss to Plant-Based Purpose
    May 22 2025

    When a health scare and personal loss collided, Michelle Joy Kramer found a new path—one rooted in healing, purpose, and plants. A PLANTSTRONG retreat alum and concierge health coach, Michelle shares how she shifted from vegetarianism to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, dramatically improving her health and inspiring others to do the same.

    In this episode, Michelle reveals how she:

    • Lowered her cholesterol and improved her health in months
    • Navigates social settings and restaurants with intention
    • Uses tech tools like Garmin for accountability
    • Integrates mindfulness and meditation into client care
    • Coaches high-powered professionals with compassion and clarity

    Michelle’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and support, transformation is always possible.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube

    SPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!

    Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com

    Upcoming Events:

    Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

    Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

    Use Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

    COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

    Leave Us a Voicemail Question

    Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

    Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

    https://plantstrongfoods.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

    https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/

    https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/


    Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep. 301: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Eating Plantstrong Anywhere: Navigating Travel and Restaurant Options

    Ep. 301: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Eating Plantstrong Anywhere: Navigating Travel and Restaurant Options
    May 15 2025

    Traveling while sticking to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle can be tricky—but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and tools.

    In this episode, hosts Rip Esselstyn and his producer, Carrie Barrett, dive into the real-life challenges plant-based eaters face when away from home.

    Their advice for restaurants? Don't be afraid to be FAB.

    • Figure out what you can eat
    • Ask for what you want
    • Bring your own food

    They break down each part of the FAB method with humor, empathy, and personal stories—proving that with a little planning and flexibility, you can thrive anywhere, even in the most unfamiliar food settings.

    Whether you’re navigating airport terminals, hotel buffets, or international menus, this episode equips you with the tools to stay grounded in your health goals and enjoy the journey. Because being PLANTSTRONG isn’t just a way of eating—it’s a way of living.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube
    Show more Show less
    20 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
All stars
Most relevant  
This Podcast is so inspiring and informational. I love every episode. Rip and his entire family are some of my favorite people.

I love this Podcast.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
very informative. LOVED the suggestions and look forward to finding her book and trying her recipes.

Janet Verney

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Rip, I want to extend the deepest gratitude to you for creating this podcast to help push the message of the health benefits and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. My husband and I watched Forks Over Knives 12 years ago (the first month we were dating actually) and stopped eating meat immediately. We have greatly decreased dairy products but eliminating them along with oil is still our goal. The change in my diet ended the digestive issues I had suffered with since high school and also got me back to my middle-school weight; My husband lost 30 lbs. the first month. We also now have two children that we have raised as vegetarians, with whom we are now sharing the documentary and discussing the reasons why it's important we eliminate the dairy and oil as well. Your podcast now gives me regular inspiration and recommendations of more books to deepen my understanding of health. You are so generous for sharing your knowledge and experience and for introducing us to so many other experts that can help fortify our resolve to continue down this path. Thank you! And I look forward to the next podcast!

Continual Inspiration and Encouragement

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
It was fun hearing Rip talk about his journey. I'd like to learn even more about the early years. How did a professional triathlete get enough calories in the beginning?! cooking by himself?! But I don't think Rip is the kind of guy to share that with us; he's focused and driven on the "now" and not poking fun at himself with anecdotal stories about when he was learning how to cook.

Always full of inspiration!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great host, great guests, succinct, inspiring! I have listened to every episode, and they are all good!

I love every episode!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.