Best Ripesselstyn Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 320: Easy Plant-Based Meal Prep with Rip and Carrie 21:53

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2h ago21:53

21:53

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 Carri…

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Ep. 319: Kori McClurg - Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Compassion Is the Secret to Transformation 1:00:57

6d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

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 he…

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Ep. 318: Dora Ramirez - Cooking Authentic Mexican Food Without the Meat or Dairy 1:15:05

13d ago1:15:05

1:15:05

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 …

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Ep. 317: Kathy Stevens - Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Retirement and a Legacy of Love 58:02

20d ago58:02

58:02

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 cultivatin…

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Ep. 316: Adam Sud - Carbs are Not the Enemy…Unraveling Insulin Resistance 1:12:14

27d ago1:12:14

1:12:14

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 ca…

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Ep. 315: Tyler Dodge - From Anxiety and ED to Long-Lasting Vitality 43:24

1M ago43:24

43:24

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 …

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Ep. 314: Dr. Luella Jonk - Advice That Can Save Your Relationships 50:07

1M ago50:07

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In this week’s episode, Rip talks with Dr. Luella Jonk, a seasoned relationship coach and psychotherapist, about how to keep your relationship strong when you’re on different pages. Drawing from 25 years of experience, Dr. Jonk shares the core pillars of lasting partnerships, including trust, unity in parenting, financial alignment, and the quiet p…

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Ep. 313: Dr. Jami Dulaney - This Cardiologist Stopped Doing Medicine the Old Way 1:08:55

2M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

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 simp…

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Ep. 312: Nancy Wells - She Collapsed Mid-Race. One Year Later, She Finished It—Powered by Plants 1:31:43

2M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

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 retire…

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Ep. 311: How to Survive Your Hospital Stay with Dr. Julie Siemers 57:21

2M ago57:21

57:21

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 pati…

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Ep. 310: Doug Evans - Why Sprouts Might Be the Most Powerful Food on The Planet 1:26:37

2M ago1:26:37

1:26:37

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 heal…

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Ep. 309: Ellen Kanner - This Miami Vegan Brings Color, Culture, and Compassion to Your Table 50:56

3M ago50:56

50:56

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 t…

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Ep. 308: "Broc and Roll" with Rip and Carrie - Overcoming Social Pressures of Staying PLANTSTRONG 18:53

3M ago18:53

18:53

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 o…

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Ep. 307: Brandi Doming - Wholesome, Simple, and Seriously Delicious Plant-Based Living 1:05:31

3M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

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 simp…

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Ep. 306: Dr. Regina Ragasa - This Obesity Doctor's 3 Weight Loss Rules That Actually Work 1:01:17

3M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

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 a…

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Ep. 305: Chef Kevin McGee - How He Went From Making Bank Deals to Plant Meals 50:11

4M ago50:11

50:11

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 2:06:15

4M ago2:06:15

2:06:15

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 1:00:57

4M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

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 1:12:26

4M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

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 20:31

5M ago20:31

20:31

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 1:05:17

5M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

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 59:05

5M ago59:05

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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 1:22:18

5M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

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 57:08

5M ago57:08

57:08

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 1:13:55

6M ago1:13:55

1:13:55

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 1:06:34

6M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

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 1:36:25

6M ago1:36:25

1:36:25

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 54:30

6M ago54:30

54:30

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 1:11:03

7M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

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 58:35

7M ago58:35

58:35

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 54:55

7M ago54:55

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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 1:32:06

7M ago1:32:06

1:32:06

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! 1:32:53

8M ago1:32:53

1:32:53

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? 1:12:39

8M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

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 1:17:25

8M ago1:17:25

1:17:25

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

8M 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 1:10:56

8M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

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 42:24

9M ago42:24

42:24

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 1:54:57

9M ago1:54:57

1:54:57

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

9M 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 1:17:14

9M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

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 1:01:19

10M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

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? 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

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 31:47

10M ago31:47

31:47

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? 47:42

10M ago47:42

47:42

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

11M 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 54:39

11M ago54:39

54:39

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 1:22:24

11M ago1:22:24

1:22:24

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) 1:31:21

11M ago1:31:21

1:31:21

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 1:03:41

12M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

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…