What if everything you were told about building muscle was wrong? Robert Cheeke grew up a skinny teen on a farm, doubted by his coaches and teammates, yet he went on to become a champion vegan bodybuilder—all fueled by a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.

In this episode of the Visibly Fit Podcast, Robert shares his inspiring journey from 120 pounds to a 220-pound bodybuilding champion, the lessons behind his book The Impactful Vegan, and how leading with compassion can transform both your health and the world around you.

You’ll discover:

• How Robert built 100 pounds of muscle without animal protein or drugs
• Why plant-based nutrition is powerful for strength, recovery, and longevity
• The difference between junk food veganism and whole food plant-based eating
• How your “why” fuels lasting lifestyle change
• The ripple effect of living with generosity and purpose

Whether you’re curious about vegan bodybuilding, searching for a healthier way of living, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step in your own wellness journey, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[01:22] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:22] Why Robert Almost Said No to the Interview

[4:59] The Journey to Veganism and Athleticism

[08:23] Becoming a Champion Vegan Bodybuilder

[13:14] Effective Vegan Altruism and the Strong V Framework

[18:59] Leveraging Skills for Impact

[23:25] The Power of Giving and Community Support

[30:00] The Impactful Vegan: A Call to Action

[36:52] Health Implications of Diet Choices

[43:57] Leading by Positive Example

[46:26] Finding Your Deeper Purpose

[55:28] Extending Compassion to All

[01:00:20] Conclusion and Resources

Resources mentioned:

🔗 Learn more about Robert’s work: ImpactfulVegan.com

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Connect with today's guest:

Robert Cheeke, often recognized as the “Godfather of Vegan Bodybuilding,” grew up on a farm in Oregon and adopted a vegan lifestyle at the age of 15 in 1995. Weighing just 120 pounds at the time, he went on to transform his body and his life—becoming a natural bodybuilding champion and one of the most influential voices in the plant-based movement.

Robert is the author or co-author of several acclaimed books, including Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, Shred It, Plant-Based Muscle, and the New York Times bestseller The Plant-Based Athlete. His most recent work, The Impactful Vegan, highlights his philosophy of effective vegan altruism and how individuals can maximize their influence for animals, people, and the planet.

For more than two decades, Robert has been a leading advocate for the power of plant-based nutrition, contributing to platforms like Forks Over Knives, Vegan Gym, Vegan Strong, and No Meat Athlete. He has toured internationally, inspiring audiences with his story of transformation and his passion for living with purpose, compassion, and strength.

Named one of VegNews Magazine’s most influential vegan athletes, Robert has spent nearly 30 years living and promoting a plant-based lifestyle. Today, he resides in Colorado with his wife and their two rescue Chihuahuas.

P.S. If you're just checking out the show to see if it's a good fit for you, welcome!

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