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, and how this tragedy sparked a profound commitment to transform her life and health through a whole food, plant-based diet. (Thanks, also, in part to a viewing of Forks over Knives.)

As she reversed her Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and other ailments—all while losing an impressive 164 pounds—Jacque became passionate about sharing her message of hope and recovery with others by founding Seeds to Inspire, an organization dedicated to addressing health equity through 'food as medicine' initiatives, love, and compassion.

She now dedicates her life to educating others about health equity and wellness, emphasizing the importance of nourishing our bodies with love and compassion. By sharing her story, Jacque not only illustrates her personal recovery, but also highlights the collective need for community and support in overcoming trauma.

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

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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 Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs.

Leave it to Dr. Michael Greger to cut right to the chase when it comes to the latest trends in diet and weight loss. In his latest book, Dr. Greger explores the research behind these new “miracle weight loss drugs” and answers the questions that so many of us have:

• What are they?
• How do they work and what is their role in suppressing your appetite?
• What are the side effects?
• Is the weight loss really permanent?
• Does insurance cover these drugs?
• And, is there another (less extreme and expensive) way to lose weight?

Dr. Michael Greger shares the real science behind the marketing fluff and answers our burning questions.

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 nitric oxide for cardiovascular health.
• Inspiring stories from the Esselstyn Foundation’s mission to educate and empower communities toward healthier choices.
• Thoughtful reflections on daily habits and the role of compassion in dietary decisions.

Join us as we explore how to embrace a PLANTSTRONG lifestyle and make choices that nourish not only our bodies but also our sense of community and well-being.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Original Full Episode on YouTube (from September 2023)

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

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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 wellness industry is rife with confusion and misinformation so we want to cut through the noise and offer clear-cut advice.

To guide us, we’re welcoming back David Goldman, Director of Research at Metabite and nutrition expert behind The Game Changers documentary.

Get the science-backed insights you need to build a sturdy foundation for your health.

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

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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 boosting employee well-being.

Metabite founders, David Goldman and Michael Quarshie, share their perspectives on how group coaching and community support can foster sustainable dietary changes. Their insights underscore the importance of collective encouragement in achieving lasting lifestyle improvements.

The episode also spotlights the impressive outcomes from our pilot programs, including:

• Notable weight loss
• Improved cholesterol levels among participants
• Increase in productivity
• Increased productivity and job satisfaction
• Sizable cost savings for businesses

Interested in bringing the power of plants into your workplace? Visit liveplantstrong.com to learn more or email us at [email protected].

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Episode Webpage

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

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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 Randomized Crossover Trial on Cardiometabolic Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Within a Whole‐Food Plant‐Based Vegan Diet , revealed that individuals adhering to an oil-free whole food plant-based diet experienced greater improvements in cardiovascular markers than those incorporating extra virgin olive oil.

This intriguing finding challenges the long-held belief that olive oil, often touted for its health benefits, is a necessary component of a heart-healthy diet. This research not only highlights the efficacy of a plant-based lifestyle, but also raises important questions regarding the actual health benefits of olive oil amidst the growing trend of plant-forward eating.

As PLANTSTRONG listeners know, Rip passionately advocates for an oil-free approach, emphasizing the potential drawbacks of consuming extra virgin olive oil, which he describes as calorie-dense and highly processed.

Dr. Aggarwal also shares:

• The study design and breakdown of participants
• Her motivation for pursuing the study
• Key findings on heart health improvements with oil-free, plant-based eating
• Surprising insights into the limitations of EVOO in promoting cardiovascular health
• The advantages of whole plant foods over concentrated oils
• How social connections enhance dietary adherence and health outcomes

Rip and Dr. Aggarwal also discuss the need for more nutrition-focused education in healthcare, promoting a shift toward heart-healthy, whole foods.

For the PLANTSTRONG community, this study brings compelling evidence that supports our commitment to oil-free, whole food, plant-based nutrition.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

Leave Us a Voicemail Question

Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

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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 prevention and healing. 

They also celebrate the joy of cooking together, and how shared meals foster connection and encourage positive dietary changes with friends and loved ones.

From broth-sautéing techniques to sneaking extra veggies into meals, Chrissy and Kristi share tips to fight cancer with flavor!

Takeaways:

• Plant-based diets can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to recent studies.
• Tofu ricotta is a healthy and delicious alternative that can be used in many dishes.
• Cooking with hidden vegetables in recipes increases overall vegetable consumption without compromising taste.
• Alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk, particularly in women, and poses other health risks.
• Spending quality time with family and maintaining a plant-based lifestyle can promote overall health.

Watch the Episode on You Tube

Episode Webpage

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

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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. Mussallem shares her insights on various supplements, including the benefits and risks associated with Vitamins D, B12, and the impact of iron during cancer therapies, alongside the benefits of herbs and spices like turmeric and ginger in supporting overall health.

The conversation also highlights the significance of sleep hygiene, social connections, and managing stress.

While there is no "one size fits all" approach to cancer treatment and recovery, this episode aims to empower listeners to ask questions, seek knowledgable physicians, and prioritize overall physical and emotional health in their recovery.

Register for the FREE PLANTSTRONG Masterclass and learn how to eat more plants and stay consistent with a PLANTSTRONG lifestyle - Tuesday, October 29th at 2 PM Eastern

Register for Dr. Dawn Mussallem's "Hope & Healing: Navigating the Breast Cancer Journey" Webinar - Thursday, October 24th at 4:30 PM Eastern

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

Leave Us a Voicemail Question

Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

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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 wellness practices.

Dr. Comander introduces her innovative 12-week program, "Paving the Path to Wellness," which supports breast cancer survivors in their recovery by focusing on the whole person-body, mind, and spirit- with the goal to empower individuals to live healthier lives with a sense of purpose.

The episode also highlights the growing concern of younger individuals being diagnosed with breast cancer and the importance of preventive lifestyle measures.

Dr. Comander emphasizes the powerful role of a whole food, plant-based diet in reducing cancer risk and improving overall health, providing practical tips for patients to incorporate more plant-based options into their meals.

Exercise, too, plays a critical role in recovery, and she discusses how it can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Dr. Comander also addresses the lack of confidence many healthcare providers have in guiding patients toward effective exercise routines, identifying an area for improvement in oncology care.

The conversation also explores the importance of sleep, stress management, and social support, with Dr. Comander sharing heartwarming stories of patients finding community and healing through her program.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of lifestyle medicine and cancer recovery, offering valuable insights and hope for breast cancer survivors.

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Episode Webpage

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

Leave Us a Voicemail Question

Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong

Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

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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, emphasizing the need for early intervention and lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors. Dr. Mussallem passionately advocates for a dietary shift towards whole plant foods (among the other lifestyle medicine pillars), detailing how these choices can empower patients in their recovery and enhance overall health.

The discussion also includes current research, including a meta-analysis showing that soy consumption is beneficial for breast cancer survivors and insights into how plant-based diets can improve quality of life during treatment.

Dr. Mussallem encourages her patients to focus on what they can control, namely their food choices, to foster better health outcomes and support their cancer recovery journey.

Episode Webpage and Resources

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Upcoming Events:

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Sedona - April 6-11, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/sedona-retreat

Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Use Code: BF30 for $30 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/

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

Apple Podcasts

Spotify