PLANTSTRONG Podcast

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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 dairy free and hasn't eaten a mammal in over 30 years.

The discussion also touches on the emotional impact of cancer, not just on the patient but also on their loved ones, particularly how her husband, friends, and co-workers stepped up to assist in her needs.

Her story is a testament to resilience, reminding listeners that while cancer can be a daunting adversary, it also presents opportunities for personal growth and deeper connections with those around us.

The episode concludes with a powerful message about the significance of laughter and joy in the healing process, encapsulated in Alagundoye's wise words, "If laughter is medicine, then I'm heavily medicated."

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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/

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

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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 both our mental and physical health. In her new book, I’m Not a Mourning Person: Braving Loss, Grief, and the Big Messy Emotions That Happen When Life Falls Apart, Kris shares how she faced her own struggles—losing her father, a tough business period, and her 20-year cancer diagnosis—all during the pandemic.

Kris’ story is a powerful reminder that embracing grief and hardship can lead to profound growth and transformation.

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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 power of a whole foods, plant-based diet.

Shayda shares her Iranian culinary heritage and how she adapted traditional recipes, while Gustavo discusses his Argentine background and struggles with weight and mental health before finding whole food, plant-based nutrition.

Together, they want to help you get your health back without sacrificing who you are or what you love with their book Live Your Healthiest Life, featuring over 135 SOS-free recipes (salt, oil, and sugar-free).

We know that family culture and tradition plays a HUGE role in our lives, and you don’t have to give that up in order to live your healthiest life.

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Order Live Your Healthiest Life and receive the BONUS free recipes by emailing your receipt of purchase to: [email protected]

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

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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.

Plantifully Simple not only provides recipes, but also practical guidance on meal planning for weight loss. She discusses her plate-building technique, which focuses on filling your plate with 50% non-starchy vegetables and 50% starches, allowing for abundant, calorie-dense meals that promote satiety without the guilt. Kiki explains how this approach helped her lose over 70 pounds and overcome weight loss plateaus by developing a better understanding of calorie density. Her goal is to help listeners discover that they can eat plentifully while also reaching their health aspirations.

And, as a bonus, Kiki whips up her simple chickpea omelets and breakfast taco recipes noting that they are not only easy to prepare but also adaptable for various meals throughout the week!

Kiki’s incredible journey and the insightful strategies she offers serve as a reminder that being PLANTSTRONG is not just about what you eat, but how you think and approach your health.

Her book, Plantifully Simple is a valuable resource for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and nourish their bodies.

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

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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 nutrition on diseases.

In 2011, Dr. Kim Scheuer was a burned out family physician caught in the same grind of many physicians – long hours, diminishing patient care, and running on the hamster wheel of the “healthcare” system.

It was also around this time that Kim realized she was just one-year shy of the age her mother was when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined not to walk this path, she started doing her research and what she found both astonished and angered her.

Of course, she found The China Study, Forks over Knives, and other resources, but how had she not learned any of this information in medical school??! How was she not familiar with the work of Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. McDougall, or Dr. Esselstyn?

It didn’t take long for this self-proclaimed “Milky Way vegetarian” and food addict to radically overhaul her own lifestyle and, ultimately, her medical practice. Today, she’s a plant-based telehealth physician with Love.Life Telehealth and she’s also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She works with patients in 25 states with general health and wellness, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, cholesterol control, cancer prevention and food addiction.

Today, you’ll hear about her very personal journey, her passion for growing her own food, her connection to nature and her very personal “why” she needed to be plantstrong.

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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 IRONMAN competitor.

She shares the pivotal moment when she met Dr. John McDougall, who introduced her to the principles of a low-fat, plant-based diet. This dietary shift was not just a temporary change for her; it was a lifeline that contributed significantly to her remarkable recovery and subsequent athletic achievements.

Her accomplishments are astounding—She was voted Runner’s World Magazine’s “Runner of the Year” and is the winner of more than 900 trophies (and counting!), 8 Gold Medals in the U.S.Senior Olympics, and 67 marathons including Boston, New York, & Moscow. Dr. Heidrich attributes much of her longevity and athletic success to her commitment to a vegan lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in maintaining health and vitality.

Rip and Ruth also discuss her updated book, A Race for Life, which is celebrating its 24th anniversary. The revised edition includes extensive insights into the latest research and personal anecdotes that illustrate her journey, including her complicated experiences with reconstruction surgeries and implants after her cancer treatments.

Dr. Heidrich exemplifies an indomitable spirit and a compelling can-do attitude, offering insights into how challenges can strengthen rather than define a person. Her philosophy, inspired by Dr. Seuss, reminds us that in the face of adversity, we have the power to choose our response—whether to let it define us, destroy us, or strengthen us.

Ruth is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to optimize their health through a plant-based lifestyle. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that nutrition and a positive mindset can have on our lives.

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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/

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

Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

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https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/

https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/

Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating

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