PLANTSTRONG Podcast

What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? In this inspiring episode, Rip talks with Dr. Sunny Sharma — a lifestyle medicine physician whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. That experience didn’t just change his health; it completely transformed how he practices medicine. Dr. Sharma shares how his journey deepened his empathy, strengthened his belie...

In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lauren Bernick , host of the podcast, Age Like a Badass Mother and creator of WellElephant.com . At age 46, Lauren was blindsided by a diagnosis of advanced heart disease, despite believing she was eating a “healthy” diet. Faced with the prospect of lifelong statins and the threat of a heart attack, she took matters into her own hands—turning to Dr. Ca...

What happens when you mix humor, authenticity, and a love for peanut butter hacks? You get Nikki Boes — a vibrant voice in the vegan community ( @vegan _ af _ ) who’s showing the world that you don’t have to be a “perfect vegan” to make an impact. In this lively and laugh-filled conversation, Nikki opens up about: Her personal transformation through a plant-based diet How she handles the trolls wh...

In this powerful before and after episode, Rip and Dr. Laurie Marbas introduce us to, Marlene Skiver , who’s goal is to reclaim her health through the power of plants. Marlene has faced her share of challenges — from pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and Hashimoto’s disease, to the stress that followed retirement and the loss of loved ones. But instead of giving in, she’s choosing to fight back — fo...

We all know the saying, “the body keeps the score,” and this week’s guest, Dr. Tila Kansagra , has lived it — and now helps others heal from it. A UK-based general practitioner and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kansagra brings compassion, lived experience, and evidence-based practice together to help her patients move beyond symptoms and toward true wellness. In this conversation, we dive into...

In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone , founder of Pura Vita —the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the U.S.—and writer Gene Stone , co-author of Vegana Italiana . Together, they dive into the passion and purpose behind their brand-new cookbook, which transforms beloved Italian classics into bold, satisfying vegan dishes. Tara shares her journey from growing up in a big...

He’s back for the fourth time ! Dan Buettner—National Geographic fellow, explorer, longevity expert, and creator of the Blue Zones—returns and this time we’re diving into his brand-new New York Times best-selling book: Blue Zones: One Pot Meals . Dan and Rip roll up their sleeves and go page by page through his delicious new recipes—from savory Tex-Mex breakfast skillets to mushroom walnut bologne...

Think plant-based cooking takes too much time? Rip Esselstyn and producer Carrie Barrett are here to prove otherwise. In this energizing mini-episode, the duo dismantles one of the biggest myths around a whole food, plant-based lifestyle—that it’s complicated and time-consuming. With a mix of personal stories and practical strategies, Rip and Carrie show how to make plant-based meals fast, fun, an...

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 in...

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 re...

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 wh...

If you’ve ever been told that 'carbs are the enemy,' or if you think type 2 diabetes is a life sentence, Adam Sud is about to blow the lid off those myths. He’s a certified insulin resistance and food addiction coach, and returns for his fourth appearance on the podcast to clear up the misconceptions and set the record straight about what really causes diabetes. He shares the real root causes of i...

At 38, Tyler Dodge was battling anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and extra weight—but instead of turning to medication, he turned to plants. By embracing a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Tyler shed 50 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol, and reclaimed both his physical and mental health. His powerful story proves that real men eat plants —and thrive. This is a must-listen—especial...

What happens when a seasoned cardiologist realizes that prescriptions and procedures aren’t enough? You get Dr. Jami Dulaney —a board-certified cardiologist who transformed her practice (and personal life) by embracing plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Motivated by her own family history of heart disease and a desire to do more than simply manage symptoms, Dr. Dulaney shares her transf...

In this unforgettable episode, Rip Esselstyn sits down with Nancy Wells, whose near-death experience at the Glass City Marathon turned into a life-saving wake-up call—and a triumphant return to running and living with purpose. While racing last April, Nancy collapsed from a massive heart attack—a "Widowmaker." Thanks to the quick actions of a retired nurse and fast-acting paramedics, Nancy survive...

It’s hard to believe that one of the safest places to be when we’re sick can also be one of the deadliest. That’s right - a hospital stay. Despite massive amounts of training and new technologies, preventable harm in healthcare is one of the leading causes of death here in the U.S. This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Julie Siemers, a patient safety consultant and critical care nurse who...

Doug Evans is back on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast—and he’s sprouting with wisdom! It’s been over four years since Doug’s first appearance, and his passion for sprouts has only intensified. Rip and Doug dig deep into the nutritional superpowers of sprouts, the simplicity of growing them at home, and the transformational impact they can have on your health, your plate, and your life. Doug shares his dee...

We are turning up the heat and diving fork-first into a true celebration of the tropics —a culinary carnival of color, culture, and compassion! Rip welcomes Ellen Kanner —a Miami native, award-winning writer, and the powerhouse behind the new cookbook, Miami Vegan . This book is more than just a collection of recipes—it's a flavorful journey through the heart of Miami, infused with bold Latin and...

Let’s face it—choosing a plant-strong lifestyle can sometimes feel like swimming upstream. Whether it’s side-eyes at the dinner table, skeptical coworkers, or relentless comments from “nutrition experts” on TikTok, the pressure is real. In this episode, Rip and his producer, Carrie Barrett, share that it's not just doable—it’s empowering. Drawing on decades of personal experience and thousands of...

Rip is joined by Brandi Doming , the creative force behind The Vegan 8 and the brand-new cookbook, Vegan Wholesome . Brandi’s plant-based journey began as a deeply personal mission—to support her husband’s health. What followed was a total transformation in their kitchen and a powerful ripple effect that’s now helping thousands of people embrace simple, nourishing, and oil-free plant-based meals....

What happens when a doctor realizes that pills weren’t healing her patients—but plants were? You have the makings of a wonderful interview with triple board-certified physician Dr. Regina Ragasa. As a specialist in obesity and lifestyle medicine, Regina opens up about her transformation from a conventional doctor (aka - “drug dealer”) to a fierce advocate for whole food, plant-based nutrition. You...

What if your next meal could change a life—starting with your own? Rip sits down with Chef Kevin McGee, a 25-year veteran of plant-based living and the visionary behind the Urban Oak Initiative . From his Missouri roots and a former career in investment banking, to leading a nonprofit centered on food justice, Kevin shares a moving personal and professional journey grounded in compassion, health,...

What if stress isn’t the enemy—but a secret ingredient for a longer, healthier life? Rip is joined by Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist , physician, scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox , to explore how certain types of stress can actually help us thrive. In this conversation, we’ll explore what she calls "good stress" and her five key stressors that can enhance our longevity and healthspan: Plan...

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. Cormi...

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...