PLANTSTRONG Podcast

For over 30 years, Robert Cheeke has made a profound impact on the vegan and plant-based lifestyle, both as a champion bodybuilder and a NY Times bestselling author of the book, The Plant-Based Athlete.

His latest book, The Impactful Vegan: How You Can Save More Lives and Make the Biggest Difference for Animals and the Planet is a blueprint for how we can use our time, energy, skills, talents, and resources to make the greatest impact in our daily lives.

Cheeke discusses his definition of effective vegan altruism using your "STRONG-V" to affect change. The episode explores entrepreneurship challenges in the vegan industry, the impact of women and minorities in veganism, capitalizing on your personal strengths, and the importance of progress over perfection.

Yes, this book is about becoming a more impactful vegan, but the pages and the examples translate into anything that holds our hearts.

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June is National Men’s Health Month and we’re honored to feature today's guest, Robert Klein, aka "Broccoli Rob."

In June of 2017, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with testicular cancer, throwing his young family and career into a tailspin.

Research led him to the The China Study and the undeniable benefits of a whole foods, plant-based diet, which he adopted virtually overnight.

Today, he is an avid athlete, health coach, and vocal advocate for men's health. He is a licensed Food for Life Instructor teaching and you can learn more about his upcoming classes HERE.

We hear a lot about the importance of self-exams for women’s breast cancer, but we just don’t hear enough about men’s health and prevention.

Thank you, Robert, for being so open and honest with your journey. It will save lives!

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Broccoli Rob’s Website

https://wholecommunities.nutritionstudies.org/

tinyurl.com/PPMNY - for the June Men's Health Series

Plant Powered Metro New York Website

Testicular Self-Exam Resource from The Cleveland Clinic

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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In 2009, John Mackey, the then-CEO of Whole Foods Market, gave Rip Esselstyn the shot of a lifetime to showcase Engine 2 products and tour around Whole Foods Market stores as a healthy eating ambassador extolling the virtues of a whole foods, plant-based diet.

This opportunity and vision truly put PLANTSTRONG on the trajectory that exists today and has allowed Rip to live out his life’s purpose.

Today, Rip speaks with John about his new book, The Whole Story - Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism. Mackey describes it as a gift to past, present, and future employees of Whole Foods. It’s also a gift to entrepreneurs and dreamers who dare to envision something unconventional in a conventional-minded world.

John may be one of the most successful CEOs in business, but he’s also a philosopher, thinker, and teacher.

Mackey vulnerably shares his ideas around competition, authenticity, leadership, and overcoming obstacles in business and life. He delves into his difficult family dynamics, the importance of love, community, and acceptance, and his experience with psychedelics and spiritual awakenings. He also shares his experiences with “play” - something we all need to embrace a little more of in this life.

It’s so rare to get such an authentic glimpse into the mind and heart of a CEO, but John Mackey graciously opens his heart and his playbook for all to see. The Whole Story - Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism is out now wherever books are sold.

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

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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

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Are you ready to rediscover the kid in you and rekindle some of that lost joy? If so, you’ll love today’s fun interview with Manish Vora, Co-Founder of the extremely popular Museum of Ice Cream.

Manish shares insights into the process of testing over 125 exhibits through pop-up locations in various cities before establishing the flagship museum in New York City. Despite facing challenges and setbacks due to COVID, the company expanded to multiple locations, embracing the fusion of museum experiences with ice cream nostalgia.

Rip and Manish emphasize the importance of human connection in a technology-driven society and interaction away from digital distractions.

As we kick off summer here in the United States and you look for activities and places to go with your family, this episode will inspire you with a little lighthearted play, nostalgia, and good old-fashioned FUN.

Whether it’s an immersive art experience like the Museum of Ice Cream, or even just getting out to an adventure of your choosing, the message of today’s episode is this – don’t forget what makes you happy!

PS - And, if you’re wondering, the museum has plenty of plant-based ice cream options :)

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

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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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Whether you are looking for a romantic partner or an authentic friendship, you’ll love this chat with relationship coach and matchmaking expert, Michelle Jacoby.

Today, she’s here to teach us how to go ALL IN on finding and navigating new relationships. And, don’t worry if you’ve been married for a long time. This also can apply to new friendships (and, trust me, you’ll get some good tips on how to rekindle a marriage or partnered relationship).

Michelle is a leader in the matchmaking industry and shares her advice and wisdom on “finding the one,” what not to do when you’re looking for a new partner, how to navigate your differences, how to know when you’ve found a great match, and how to make deep connections with others. Yes, we even talk about dating people who are not plant-based. Should you only look for a plantstrong partner?

Michelle has been helping others since 2009 and we’re lucky enough to have her with us today to give her advice on finding healthy, happy, and sustainable relationships.

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Download Michelle's Free Book

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

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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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Imagine a life where you are trapped…imprisoned…in a cycle of addiction to alcohol, fentanyl, and food. Now imagine escaping that prison for a life that is far better than you can ever imagine. This is the story of today’s guest, Tim Kaufman.

At just 38 years old, Kaufman’s doctor essentially left him for dead. His weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides were through the roof, and his self-esteem and self-worth were…well…practically six feet under.

He was ready to give up on himself, his family, and his life. That is, until one day, he started making the smallest of changes. For him, it was getting out of his chair two times. That was it. One small change at a time.

This eventually led to a little research and he found Forks Over Knives, The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead… documentaries he credits with changing his life and his diet to a whole foods plant-based diet. Today, he is an accomplished athlete training for an IRONMAN triathlon and he just released his memoir, Escape-Breaking Free From A Self-Made Prison.

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

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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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You may know Samantha Harris from her eight seasons co-hosting Dancing with the Stars, or her years of reporting for Entertainment Tonight and other media outlets.

You may also know her as an author and breast cancer survivor and advocate. In fact, this year she honors her 10-year breast “cancer-versary” by launching her new podcast, “Your Healthiest Healthy.” (Her book title of the same name)

Today, you’ll also get to know Samantha Harris as a PLANTSTRONG woman warrior who champions lifestyle change, self-care, and becoming your own health advocate in the face of adversity.

As a person who was constantly on stage and in front of the camera, Samantha thought she was doing all of the “healthy” things for herself. She ate well, she exercised, she went to the gym. After her cancer diagnosis, however, she realized that there was so much about the whole food, plant-based nutrition lifestyle she didn’t know - from the foods she eats to the makeup she puts on her face.

Today, she continues to make adaptations and tweaks to improve her health and well-being, and she teaches others to live their “healthiest healthy” by empowering them to make better choices in, on, and around their bodies.

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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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Our brain plays a role in everything that we do from our moods, behaviors, and personalities, to how we process and respond to the world around us. Naturally we want to know as much about it as possible.

Thank goodness for the Team Sherzai - Drs. Dean and Ayesha - Neurologists, researchers, and public health advocates. Together, they are a forcefield in the study of the brain with the unique ability to share their knowledge at a level that is both educational and approachable.

Today, we dive into the latest Alzheimer's research, discuss their role in the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat," explore menopause and hormone replacement therapy for women, highlight key vascular factors for brain health, and stress the importance of evidence-based recommendations.

It’s entertaining. It’s informative. It’s Team Sherzai - The Brain Docs.

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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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Dr. Peter Johnston, a lifestyle medicine practitioner advocating for plant-based diets and environmental activism, shares his journey from his New Zealand roots as a sheep shearer to his personal and professional mission of shedding light on the impact of food systems on climate, health, and animal welfare.

Here’s the sobering truth: We can't feed the whole world today on a Western style diet. There just isn't enough land or resources. It will be even more impossible with the forecast of 10 billion people by mid century.

Dr. Johnston discusses the consequences of biodiversity loss, deforestation, overfishing, loss of insects, and antibiotic resistance, and the urgent need for sustainable practices to combat these issues.

He also proposes simple solutions for each of us to embrace plant-based alternatives and practices for a healthier planet and sustainable future.

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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Do you believe in Magic?

Well, you most certainly will after today’s episode with Desiree Nielsen, celebrating the upcoming release of her new book, Plant Magic, coming out April 23, 2024.

This book busts the myth that a whole food plant-based diet is expensive, time consuming, restrictive, or boring.

In fact, Desiree shares over 100 deeply flavourful and wildly delicious recipes for everyone who wants to eat more plants and feel good.

In Plant Magic, Desiree shares approachable ways to incorporate plants into your meals, along with how to dial up your pantry and tricks for coaxing the best out of simple foods like beans, grains, and vegetables.

Plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming, or restrictive. Whether you’re craving morning things, stuff on bread, one pot (or pan) dishes, salads, tasty noodles, really good sweets, or everyday tonics and potions, Plant Magic makes cooking and eating joyful. Full of tips and tricks, stories and easy ingredient swap-outs, Desiree shares delicious recipes for some of your favorite dishes that just happen to be plant-based.

And, because Desiree is an accomplished Registered Dietitian, we also talk lasting behavior change, anxiety, self-doubt, and overcoming self-imposed food restrictions.

Celebrate the joy of plant-based cooking and put a little magic in your life with Desiree Nielsen.

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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.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

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

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