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PLANTSTRONG Podcast

PLANTSTRONG Podcast

By: Rip Esselstyn
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 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. 319: Kori McClurg - Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Compassion Is the Secret to Transformation

    Ep. 319: Kori McClurg - Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Compassion Is the Secret to Transformation
    Sep 18 2025

    What if the only thing standing between you and your true potential… is you?

    Rip welcomes Kori McClurg, author of the new book Get Out of Your Own Way. Kori’s journey from self-loathing to self-love is one of courage, vulnerability, and the transformative power of plants.

    Like so many, Kori spent years battling the weight of diet culture, mental health struggles, and a body that reflected her inner turmoil. But through honesty, self-compassion, and a shift to a whole food plant-based diet, she discovered a new path — one that nourished both her body and her spirit.

    Here’s what you’ll take away from her story:

    • Vulnerability is power — When we open up about our struggles, we create space for healing.
    • Food is medicine — Shifting to a whole food plant-based lifestyle can dramatically improve health and vitality.
    • It’s not about willpower — Real change happens when we address the emotions behind our habits.
    • Self-compassion changes everything — Treating ourselves with curiosity and kindness opens the door to growth.
    • Start small, move with grace — Sustainable transformation comes from compassionate, incremental steps.

    Kori’s story is a reminder that transformation doesn’t start with a strict diet or sheer determination — it starts with love. When we get out of our own way, we create the freedom to thrive.

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    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

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep. 318: Dora Ramirez - Cooking Authentic Mexican Food Without the Meat or Dairy

    Ep. 318: Dora Ramirez - Cooking Authentic Mexican Food Without the Meat or Dairy
    Sep 11 2025

    What happens when you grow up in a Mexican steakhouse, but later discover the healing power of plants?

    For Dora Ramírez, the journey from sizzling meats to vibrant, plant-based cuisine was nothing short of transformative. Raised in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Dora feared giving up animal products would mean giving up her culture. Instead, she found that beans, grains, veggies, and spices didn’t just replace her favorite dishes—they enhanced them.

    Now, as the author of Comida Casera, Dora is sharing her fresh, plant-strong take on everything from tamales and mole to street food and comforting family classics. Her story is a celebration of food, culture, and the powerful connection between tradition and wellness.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How Dora transformed her steakhouse upbringing into a plant-based journey
    • The inspiration behind her cookbook, Comida Casera
    • Why dishes like tamales and mole carry deep cultural meaning
    • Practical tips for making authentic Mexican food at home—100% plant-strong
    • How food can honor heritage, heal the body, and bring people together

    Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking to spice up your kitchen with authentic Mexican flavors, Dora’s story proves you don’t have to sacrifice tradition to cook with plants.

    Episode Webpage

    Watch the Episode on YouTube


    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

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Ep. 317: Kathy Stevens - Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Retirement and a Legacy of Love

    Ep. 317: Kathy Stevens - Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Retirement and a Legacy of Love
    Sep 4 2025

    This week on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, Rip sits down with the legendary Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, as she prepares to step away after more than 20 years of rescuing animals and inspiring people to live with compassion.

    Since 2001, Kathy has been leading with love—creating a safe haven for thousands of animals and cultivating a culture that welcomes everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. In this heartfelt conversation, she reflects on her legacy, the lessons learned from her four-legged teachers, and the future of Catskill Animal Sanctuary.

    You’ll hear:

    • Kathy’s journey from teacher to animal sanctuary founder
    • Lessons in empathy from Catskill’s rescued residents
    • Why “leading with love” beats judgment every time
    • The challenges of passing the torch to a new leader
    • Her vision for the future of sanctuaries in a changing world

    Kathy’s warmth, wisdom, and dedication shine through in every story—including one unforgettable tale about Rambo the ram, who forever changed her outlook on life.

    Learn more or support the Catskill mission at casanctuary.org

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    58 mins
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What an amazing story and what an amazing man to do everything you have done. I wish more people were able to see that animals they are exploiting are no different than their pet dogs or other pets. Thankyou so much for protecting the wildlife from humans.

Damien you rock!

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