Best Engine2 Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 305: Chef Kevin McGee - How He Went From Making Bank Deals to Plant Meals 51:22

1d ago51:22

51:22

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 prof…

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Ep. 304: Dr. Sharon Bergquist: The Stress Paradox - Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier 2:07:46

8d ago2:07:46

2:07:46

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 tha…

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Ep. 303: Dr. Jules Cormier - How This Doctor Cured His Own Asthma, Eczema, and Daily Hives 1:02:28

15d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

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 revitaliz…

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Ep: 302: Michelle Joy Kramer - From Personal Loss to Plant-Based Purpose 1:13:58

22d ago1:13:58

1:13:58

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 t…

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Ep. 301: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Eating Plantstrong Anywhere: Navigating Travel and Restaurant Options 22:03

29d ago22:03

22:03

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. Fig…

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Ep. 300: Lucas McLawhorn - How This Teacher and Cancer Survivor is Feeding His Community with Plants 1:06:49

1M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lucas McLawhorn—educator, cancer survivor, and founder of the plant-based food truck Well Fed Ed. Lucas shares his powerful story of transformation, from the classroom to the kitchen, driven by a deep desire to serve and educate his community through healthy, plant-based meals. He opens up…

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Ep. 299: Heidi Farina - She Ditched the Hustle Culture, Changed Her Diet & Reclaimed Her Life 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Heidi Farina to hear how she went from college athlete and biotech manager, to full-time artist and plant-based advocate. After experiencing deep personal loss and burnout during the pandemic, Heidi realized something had to give. What followed was a powerful transformation rooted in health, healing, an…

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Ep. 298: John Joseph on Destroying Monsters - Addiction, Redemption, and Hardcore Healing 1:23:49

2M ago1:23:49

1:23:49

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 …

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Ep. 297: Jan Brown - From Toxic Diet Culture to Food Freedom 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

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: “I grew up with a mom who was always dieting. I ate everythi…

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Ep. 296: Dominick Thompson - Eat What Elephants Eat for a Strong Body and Gentle Spirit 1:15:27

2M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

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 impris…

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Ep. 295: Dr. Laurie Marbas and Brittany Jaroudi - Plant-Based 101: Your Guide to Mastering a Plant-Based Diet 1:08:06

2M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

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. Thei…

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Ep. 294: Victoria Moran - Age Like a Yogi and Embrace Your Third Act 1:37:56

3M ago1:37:56

1:37:56

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 e…

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Ep. 293: Keith Jeffrey - A "Broc & Roll" Star from the Band, Atlas Genius 56:01

3M ago56:01

56:01

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 ea…

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Ep. 292: Dusty and Erin Stanczyk -Eat, Move, Rest: The Blueprint for a Happy, Healthy, Plant-Based Family 1:12:34

3M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

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…

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Ep. 291: Don Fries and Bev Bow - Rediscover Your Joy of Living with the Healthy World Vitality Plan 1:00:07

3M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

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 - al…

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Ep. 290: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. - The Proof Is In The Plants! Real Stories of Heart Disease Reversal 56:26

4M ago56:26

56:26

We're wrapping up National Heart Health Month with an inspiring conversation with Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., a true pioneer in heart health and a passionate advocate for the power of a whole-food, plant-based diet. With decades of experience as Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic Cente…

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Ep. 289: Joel Kahn, MD - Test, Don't Guess When It Comes to Your Heart Health 1:33:38

4M ago1:33:38

1:33:38

Did you know that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and, each year, over 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac death? The good news? You have the power to protect yourself—starting today. Dr. Joel Kahn jokes that he’s been calling himself a “salad bar-a-tarian” since 1977 when he actually saw and felt the personal link b…

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Ep. 288: Dr. Columbus Batiste - It's Time for a SELFISH Health Revolution! 1:34:24

4M ago1:34:24

1:34:24

Are you ready to put yourself first for all the right reasons? Today, I'm joined by cardiologist Dr. Columbus Batiste to share that true self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In his new book, Selfish: A Cardiologist's Guide to Healing a Broken Heart, Dr. Batiste shares seven key pillars of heart health—spirituality, exercise, love, food, intimacy…

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Ep. 287: Robert Ostfeld, MD - Can Plant-Based Diets Boost Heart Health and Your Bedroom Performance? 1:14:11

4M ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Over the course of his 20-year career at Montefiore in New York, Dr. Robert Ostfeld has been instrumental in moving medicine forward by implementing innovative dietary programs that not only provide plant-based meal options for patients but also educate healthcare professionals about the importance of nutrition in preventing heart disease. Today, h…

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Ep. 286: Chef Bailey Ruskus - The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Up With Dairy 1:18:56

4M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

Are you struggling to break up with dairy? It's the most common thing we hear at PLANTSTRONG. I can live this lifestyle, but I just can't give up cheese and milk! Well, now you don't have to with this wonderful new book by Chef Bailey Ruskus. In Breaking Up With Dairy, Chef Bai not only shares her own difficult and eye-opening journey of breaking u…

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Ep. 285: Dr. Matthew Nagra - Cutting Through the Nutrition Confusion and Debunking Diet Myths 1:47:48

5M ago1:47:48

1:47:48

Dr. Matthew Nagra, a naturopathic doctor, dissects the latest research in nutrition, particularly around plant-based diets and their impact on health. The conversation covers several hot topics, including: 20:01 - Understanding the Toxicity Argument Against Plants 24:17 - Plant-Based Meats or Real Meat- Which is Better? 35:11 - The Impact of Salt A…

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Ep. 284: Chef AJ is Thriving in the Face of Cancer 1:12:27

5M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

As many know, our beloved Chef AJ announced in November 2024 that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Shortly after that diagnosis, she agreed to come on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast– even though there were still many unknowns. Her vulnerability and resilience is a gift for all of us. Rather than retreating into silence, she has chosen to share her…

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Ep. 283: Dr. Dean Ornish - Hope for Alzheimer's: The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition to Reverse Cognitive Decline 43:55

5M ago43:55

43:55

In June 2024, Dr. Dean Ornish and his team at the Preventive Medicine Research Institute revealed for the first time that an intensive lifestyle intervention—including a whole-food, plant-based diet—can significantly improve cognition and even halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease! Dr. Dean Ornish shares details of his compelling protocol and…

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Ep. 282: Brad Kearns - Born to Walk: Why Walking is the Key to Longevity, Health, and Weight Loss 1:56:28

5M ago1:56:28

1:56:28

Walking is not only a fundamental human activity, but a cornerstone for improving health and longevity as discussed in this conversation with Brad Kearns, co-author of Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy One Step at a Time. This new book challenges the long-held belief that we were all born to …

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Ep. 281: Eat More Plants. Your Life Depends On It. 43:13

6M ago43:13

43:13

Eating more plants is not just a dietary choice; it's a crucial step towards better health and longevity. In this live episode that premiered in January 2023, Rip discusses the importance of incorporating whole plant foods into our diets to combat rising health issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Key takeaways of this liv…

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Ep. 280: Molly Patrick - Ready to Make Lasting Change? Your Future Self Will Thank You 1:18:45

6M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

What does it take to turn your life around? Molly Patrick, co-founder of Clean Food, Dirty Girl, knows the answer better than most. In this powerful podcast episode, Molly shares her deeply personal journey from a life of heavy drinking and smoking to embracing a vibrant, plant-based lifestyle. Discover how Molly overcame social anxiety and addicti…

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Ep. 279: Jacque Salomon - Turning a Mother's Ultimate Heartbreak into a Mission of Health and Healing 1:02:51

6M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Rip welcomes Jacque Salomon, founder of the Seeds to Inspire Foundation. Jacque recounts the traumatic events that shaped her early life, including a challenging upbringing in New York City that was fraught with generational trauma, chaos, and food scarcity. Jacque also shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing her son at just 11 years old, a…

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Ep. 278: Dr. Michael Greger - Unpacking Ozempic: Miracle Weight Loss Drug or Just Another Fad? 38:50

6M ago38:50

38:50

Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weightloss drugs are all over the news these days promising quick and permanent weight loss but – like every other miracle weight-loss drug in the past- is this another “too good to be true” moment? Our friend, Dr. Michael Greger, puts these new wonder drugs “to the test” in his new book, OZEMPIC: Risks, Benefits, and Nat…

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Ep. 277: Giving Thanks with an Esselstyn Family Q&A 33:19

7M ago33:19

33:19

Rip, Jane, Brian, Ann and Essy all gather for a heartwarming and informative Q&A session that celebrates the importance of plant-based nutrition, especially around the holiday season. In this episode, you’ll discover: Insights from Dr. Esselstyn on preventing and reversing heart disease through nutrition. The incredible benefits of leafy greens and…

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Ep. 276: Ax It Or Stack It - Are Oatmeal, Creatine, and Olive Oil Health Heroes, or All Hype? 49:14

7M ago49:14

49:14

We’re thrilled to introduce our newest podcast theme: “Ax it or Stack it!” – designed to help you sift through the clutter of wellness advice and make confident choices for your health. This week, we’re taking on three hot topics: olive oil, oatmeal, and creatine. Are they beneficial for your wellness journey, or should they be left out? The wellne…

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Ep. 275: Bringing the Power of Plants to Your Workplace with Michael Quarshie and David Goldman of Metabite 54:37

7M ago54:37

54:37

On today's episode, we introduce the PLANTSTRONG by Metabite Corporate Wellness Program, a cutting-edge initiative designed to enhance workplace health through plant-based nutrition and education. This comprehensive 12-week program aims to make plant-based living more accessible, ultimately helping companies reduce healthcare expenses while boostin…

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Ep. 274: Breaking Up With Olive Oil with Dr. Monica Aggarwal 56:11

7M ago56:11

56:11

Rip welcomes Dr. Monica Aggarwal back to the podcast for an in-depth breakdown and discussion of her recent study on the impact of oil consumption within a whole food plant-based diet, particularly focusing on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study titled, Recipe for Heart Health: A Rand…

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Ep. 273: Dr. Kristi Funk and Chrissy Roth - Breast Cancer Prevention on a Plate 1:23:56

8M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

This week, we head into the kitchen for a flavorful cooking session with breast surgeon, Dr. Kristi Funk and Chrissy Roth! In addition to whipping up creamy tofu ricotta and veggie-packed lasagna, Dr. Funk and Chrissy share eye-opening insights on diet and cancer risk—explaining the powerful role soy and other plant-based foods can play in disease …

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Ep. 272: Dr. Dawn Mussallem - Expert Diet, Supplement, and Mindset Tips for Breast Cancer Patients (Part 2) 1:32:52

8M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins Rip for Part 2 of an enlightening discussion on the vital role of personalized precision lifestyle medicine in breast cancer prevention and recovery. They dive deep into the importance of nutrition, emphasizing whole food plant-based diets, supplements, and the power of social connections in enhancing health outcomes. Dr. M…

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Ep. 271: Amy Comander, MD - PAVING the Path to Wellness for Breast Cancer Patients 1:05:13

8M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

Rip Esselstyn continues his special series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Amy Comander, a leading expert in breast oncology and lifestyle medicine at Massachusetts General Cancer Center. Together, they delve into how breast cancer survivors can reclaim their health and thrive after a diagnosis through lifestyle changes and holistic well…

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Ep. 270: Dr. Dawn Mussallem - The Exciting Research on the Power of Plants for Breast Cancer Prevention and Recovery (Part 1) 43:13

8M ago43:13

43:13

Rip Esselstyn welcomes back Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a breast cancer and lifestyle medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss the latest research about the profound impact of whole food, plant-based nutrition on cancer prevention and treatment. The conversation delves into the alarming rise of breast cancer diagnoses in younger populations, emph…

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Ep. 269: From Acting to Advocacy: Toks Olagundoye Discusses Her Health and Healing from Breast Cancer 1:17:28

8M ago1:17:28

1:17:28

Actress Toks Olagundoye shares her remarkable journey as a breast cancer survivor while navigating the entertainment industry. Olagundoye, known for her roles in shows like 'Veep,' 'Castle' and the newly rebooted 'Frasier', opens up about her diagnosis and the critical role that diet and lifestyle have played in her health, emphasizing that she's d…

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Ep. 268: Kris Carr - Going from Grief to Growth When Life Falls Apart 1:39:56

9M ago1:39:56

1:39:56

How many of us try to avoid pain at all costs? When life throws us challenges—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job crisis, or health struggles—it’s easy to shut down or numb out with distractions like food, Netflix, or social media. In my conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kris Carr, we talk about how avoiding pain can harm …

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Ep. 267: Gustavo Tolosa and Shayda Soleymani - Family Tradition Meets Plant-Based Nutrition 1:24:59

9M ago1:24:59

1:24:59

Today, we invite you to meet Shayda Soleymani and Gustavo Tolosa. These two friends are from vastly different cultures - Iran and Argentina - but what they have in common is this: a shared love of their home country’s culture, food, and traditions. They also share something else in common – successful health and weight loss journeys thanks to the p…

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Ep. 266: Kiki Nelson - Keep it Simple. Plantifully Simple. 59:11

9M ago59:11

59:11

Kiki Nelson first appeared on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast on episode 200, but she is back with a new book, Plantifully Simple: 100 Plant-Based Recipes and Meal Plans for Health and Weight-Loss. This book is a treasure trove of 100 plant-based recipes and meal plans designed for health and weight loss, making meals deliciously simple and accessible. Pla…

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Ep. 265: Kim Scheuer, MD - All Hail Dr. Kale! 1:04:27

9M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Dr. Kim Scheuer is a dynamic plant-based telehealth physician and a passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine. Affectionately known as "Dr. Kale" by her patients, she shares her remarkable journey from a traditional family physician to embracing a plant-based lifestyle after navigating her own health challenges and witnessing the impact of nutriti…

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Ep. 264: A Race for Life: Dr. Ruth Heidrich's Journey from Cancer to a Plant-Based Champion 1:18:13

10M ago1:18:13

1:18:13

Dr. Ruth Heidrich is a pioneering figure in the plant-based movement and a remarkable breast cancer survivor. In 1982, she adopted a vegan lifestyle following her diagnosis of stage four breast cancer. Her journey is one of resilience and serendipity, as she not only overcame her illness but also became a celebrated marathoner, triathlete, and IRON…

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Ep. 263: Chef AJ Wants You to Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! 1:17:47

10M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Rip welcomes the incredible Chef AJ, a beloved figure in the plant-based community, known for her generous spirit and culinary expertise. Her new cookbook, "Sweet Indulgence," comes out on August 27th, and they dive into her journey, the inspiration behind the book, and the creative process that culminated in over 150 healthy dessert recipes. Chef …

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Ep. 262: Akil Taher, MD - Living Life with an Open Heart 1:11:05

10M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

Dr. Akil Taher describes himself as a former “couch potato, and a pampered consumer who feasted over the best foods without worrying about unhealthy consequences.” Like a lot of us, he didn’t worry until he had to, and then he eventually succumbed to the habits of the decadent western lifestyle. At age 62, this remarkable doctor had bypass surgery.…

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Ep. 261: Kori Clark - She's Finally Free From Food Addiction and Yo-Yo Dieting Thanks to Plants 48:14

10M ago48:14

48:14

Kori Clark looks back on her childhood and doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t feel shame around food. Like many who grew up in the 70s and 80s (and the introduction of fast food), Kori LOVED Kraft Mac-n-Cheese, Chef Boyardee, and any “food” that came out of a box. As she recalls in today’s episode, her food addiction and obsession go back as f…

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Ep. 260: Beth Motley, MD - Make These 1% Changes to Create Long-Lasting Health 1:20:39

11M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Beth Motley, MD grew up an athlete and always had an interest in nutrition. Once she went into medical school, however, she realized that good nutrition is about way more than just athletic performance. It’s about longevity, disease prevention, and disease reversal. It’s about human health. This inspired her to train under the greats like Dr. John …

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Ep. 259: Eric Soelberg - How He Ditched the Drive-Thru and Gained a New Life 1:00:41

11M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Eric Soelberg was a high school athlete-turned-young husband and father and, like many on the family, marriage, and career track, he lost sight of himself and his own health. Food became an escape and a way to numb, and in this episode, Soelberg vulnerably shares some of those moments when he realized he had fallen into unhealthy eating behaviors a…

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Ep. 258: Colleen Mariotti - Learning to Let Go and Live Plantstrong 1:33:59

11M ago1:33:59

1:33:59

We often talk about how living a Plantstrong life is an adventure if you let go of expectations, allow yourself to be more free, and learn to embrace imperfection! On this episode, Rip talks with Colleen Mariotti who, along with her family, have done this in spades when they sold most of their possessions over 10 years ago and started a nomadic lif…

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Ep. 257: Niki Davis, MD - The Doctor That Loves to "De-Prescribe" Meds 1:11:03

11M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Rip welcomes Dr. Niki Davis, a former rocket scientist-turned-lifestyle medicine physician. Dr. Davis discusses her transition from engineering to promoting a plant-based lifestyle at Love Life Telehealth. She reflects on the influence of a plant-based diet on her career shift, and the impact of whole-food, plant-based nutrition on patient care. Th…

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Ep. 256: Richard Hubbard - From Morbidly Obese, to Plant-Based Athlete and Advocate 1:07:02

11M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

After college, Richard Hubbard felt hopeless. It was a stressful time looking for a steady job, he wasn’t moving as much as he did in college, and he loved candy and junk food - not a great combination for a web and graphic designer who would spend hours sitting at his desk during the day. Rich also avoided doctors because he didn’t need a doctor t…

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