Rip Esselstyn sits down with John Joseph—author, musician, and former frontman of the iconic hardcore punk band Cro-Mags—to explore a story of survival that defies belief.

John’s journey takes us far below rock bottom: addiction to crack cocaine, pills, and alcohol; a life of crime on the streets of New York; time spent in foster care and juvenile detention; and the devastating loss of loved ones to violence and substance abuse. But somehow, against all odds, John fought his way back—and now lives a life centered on service, discipline, and purpose.

Today, he’s a sober, plant-based IRONMAN triathlete, motivational speaker, and the author of the powerful new book Destroying Monsters.

John shares how the straight edge punk rock scene and the Hare Krishna movement helped transform his life, and how Destroying Monsters offers real tools for those battling their own demons.

He discusses:

• His descent into addiction and the dark underworld of crime
• How punk, spirituality, and service saved his life
• The power of discipline and Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)
• How his plant-based lifestyle fuels his endurance training
• Why Destroying Monsters is more than a memoir—it’s a guide to transformation

Whether you’re facing your own struggles or simply need a dose of no-holds-barred inspiration, this conversation will light a fire under you.

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From a childhood steeped in toxic diet culture and years of yo-yo dieting, to finding peace and purpose through a plant-based lifestyle—today’s guest, Jan Brown, shares her powerful story of transformation.

It all started with a post in the PLANTSTRONG Community Facebook group. Jan wrote:

That was more than 23 years ago.

Today, Jan is a thriving wife and mother who continues to embrace a plant-abundant lifestyle. In this episode, she opens up about the pivotal moments that changed everything—including a simple book and a heartfelt letter to Dr. McDougall—and how those signs led her to a life of strength, health, and freedom.

We dive into:

• Growing up in diet culture and breaking free from it
• The emotional toll of weight gain and disordered eating
• Finding freedom through whole food, plant-based eating
• Dealing with criticism and doubt from others
• Acceptance of her new body and celebrating accomplishments and finish lines
• What truly fuels Jan’s plant-strong life today - hint: it’s tattooed on her hand!

This is a story of healing, resilience, and what happens when you finally stop dieting—and start nourishing.

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What if your plate could tell the story of your past—and shape your future? Author and plant-based advocate, Dominick Thompson, returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Eat What Elephants Eat and explore his deeply personal journey of change.

Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Thompson became involved in the drug trade, leading to his imprisonment in his early 20s. It was in prison that he resolved to adopt a lifestyle that caused no harm to other beings. His mantra? “If it requires harm, then nahhh.”

His book, Eat What Elephants Eat, intertwines his personal story with practical guidance on how you can also adopt a plant-based lifestyle, featuring eighty simple vegan recipes and meal plans. He also discusses the deeper meaning of food as a bridge to identity and community.

Why elephants, you may ask? Well as you get to know Dom, you’ll understand why the elephant is his “spirit animal,” of sorts. It’s big, powerful, and yet gentle and mysterious. It’s also the largest land animal that eats plants. (And no one will ever accuse an elephant of being weak.)

This isn’t just a recipe book, but a manifesto of sorts on how to live a life that is truly connected to your values.

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Thinking about going plant-based but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been at it for a while but could use a little extra guidance and motivation to stay the course?

Rip welcomes back plant-based physician Dr. Laurie Marbas and chef Brittany Jaroudi, the authors of Plant-Based 101: The Ultimate Guide for Mastering the Plant-Based Diet. Their new book is packed with practical tips on everything from getting started and cooking delicious meals to handling social situations with confidence.

They cover:

• Finding Your "Why" – Dr. Marbas highlights the importance of identifying your personal motivation for going plant-based.
• Practical Tips – They discuss meal planning, grocery shopping strategies to save time and money, favorite food swaps, and handling family dynamics and cravings.
• Nutritional Concerns – What about protein, vitamin B12, and other nutrients?
• The Science and the Stories Behind Their Journey – They blend research, humor, and personal stories to make plant-based eating enjoyable.

Plant-Based 101 is packed with recipes, motivation, and tools to support a sustainable plant-based lifestyle so whether you’re a total beginner or a longtime plant-based eater, this conversation is all about making your journey easier, more enjoyable, and totally doable.

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Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

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What if aging wasn’t something to fear, but a journey to embrace?

In this inspiring episode, best-selling author and wellness advocate, Victoria Moran, shares her wisdom on aging with grace, purpose, and joy.

Drawing from her new book, Age Like a Yogi, she explores how plant-based living, yoga, and mindfulness can transform aging into a spiritual evolution, including:

• How to shift your mindset around aging
• The connection between plant-based living, yoga, and longevity
• Cultivating joy and fulfillment at every stage of life

Victoria redefines what it means to grow older, proving that every stage of life holds new opportunities for fulfillment.

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Ready to travel down under for some plant-powered rock? Today, we introduce you to Keith Jeffrey and his band, Atlas Genius!

Not only do they create incredible music, but they also embrace a plant-based lifestyle while touring the world. In this episode, we dive into:

• Why three Aussie brothers ditched meat for veganism
• Their favorite plant-based eats on the road
• How their lifestyle influences their music & ethics

The world needs more broc and rock stars like Keith Jeffrey who aren't afraid to amplify their ethics and their music. It’s a conversation about passion, purpose, and making choices that align with who you are.

(Plus, stick around till the end—we’re playing one of my favorite Atlas Genius tracks!)

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Meet Erin and Dusty Stanczyk—a Nebraska couple who transformed their health and family life by embracing a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. After struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and acid reflux, they found inspiration from Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. and never looked back.

Now, at 38, they’re raising three plant-strong kids and sharing their journey on Eat Move Rest and in their new book, The Happy Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook. In this episode, they reveal three key pillars to thriving as a plant-based family and recipes from their colorful plant-based cookbook.

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Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

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Imagine a world thriving on health and vitality through whole food, plant-based living. That’s the vision Don Fries and Bev Bow are turning into reality—and you’re invited to be part of it!

Their non-profit, Healthy World Vitality Plan, offers education, cooking classes, and small-group support sessions to help you rediscover the joy of living - all for just $40/year!

Take control of your health, make meaningful connections, and join a movement dedicated to compassion for all living beings!

Their Spring Intensive starts March 9th, 2025. To learn more and sign up visit: hwvitality.com

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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

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