PLANTSTRONG Podcast

“What you will gain is so much more than what you will give up.” - Dr. Dean Ornish

Dean Ornish, M.D. is highly regarded as “The Father of Lifestyle Medicine,” which is the fastest-growing trend in medicine today, and today's discussion with Rip dives deep into the vast body of work and groundbreaking research that Dr. Ornish has conducted for decades.

As the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute (PMRI) for over 40-years, he and his team of researchers have demonstrated time and again how lifestyle medicine can reverse, treat, and prevent chronic disease. 

How is this possible? Eat Well, Love More, Stress Less, and Move More – all of which are outlined in Dr. Ornish’s latest book, “UnDo It - How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases,” which has just been released in paperback. 

From the beginning, Dr. Ornish was met with criticism and skepticism, which would cause even the strongest of physicians to reverse course. But, because of his conviction and the overwhelming data he has produced, the only thing reversing is YOUR chronic disease including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, early-stage prostate cancer, and now – the evidence is showing - even the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Medicare and many insurance companies are now covering Dr. Ornish’s lifestyle medicine program for reversing chronic diseases because it consistently achieves bigger changes in lifestyle, better clinical outcomes, larger cost savings, and greater adherence than have ever been reported—based on 40 years of clinical research published in the leading peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. Recently, Medicare even agreed to cover Dr. Ornish’s program for reversing heart disease when offered virtually via Zoom.

Our bodies often have a remarkable capacity to begin healing if we treat the underlying lifestyle factors that cause them—and more quickly than we had once believed. All of this is great news because, as Dr. Ornish stresses, "We don't want take hope away. In fact, we want to give people a sense of hope."

He's been giving us hope for over 40 years and, thankfully, he's just getting started. 

About Dr. Dean Ornish

Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, clinical professor of medicine at the UCSF, and the author of seven books, all national bestsellers. He received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from the University of Texas, Austin, and the National Public Health Hero Award from the University of California, Berkeley. He was recognized as a “TIME 100 Innovator;” by Life magazine as “one of the 50 most influential members of his generation;” by People magazine as “one of the most interesting people of the year;” and by Forbes magazine as “one of the world’s 7 most powerful teachers.”

Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Ornish.com Resources

Preventive Medicine Research Institute

Join us for our 2022 PLANTSTRONG Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - March 1st-6th - Healthcare Providers can earn up to 20 hours of CME credits and 2 CEU credits as part of the registration fee! Jointly provided by UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC - we are thrilled to reward professionals for all they learn at our immersive events.

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Rip’s Rescue with Dr. Brian Asbill - "Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof"

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“There are two kinds of Cardiologists - those who are vegan and those who haven’t read the data.” - Dr. Kim Williams

Such a bold statement from someone, who, since 2013 has been the Head of Cardiology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, as well as the former president of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Kim Williams does not mince words.

He shares:

• His personal background and story of what (and who) inspired him to become a doctor at the young age of 11.

• Why, as a poor kid from the Southside of Chicago, he adopted a plant-based diet many years ago.

• How to calculate your 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke using the ASCVD

• Resources and cookbooks from the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.

• New research proving that vegan junk food is actually worse for your health than eating animals

• The four biggest questions he asks all of his patients who have recently had stents or other surgical interventions.

These four simple magic questions often change the course and long-term outcomes of his patients when they hear the questions and provide their own answers.

Thank you, Dr. Kim Williams, for being an outspoken advocate and example of the future of Medicine. Prevention and education start with people like you and we are grateful that you heeded the call to become a doctor. You were made for Medicine.

About Dr. Kim Williams is an American cardiologist. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and served as its president from 2015 to 2016. He is currently a trustee of the organization.

Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

PLANTSTRONG Podcast Episode Page

YouTube Version

Association of Black Cardiologists

Cardiovascular Risk Calculator

Join us for our 2022 PLANTSTRONG Retreat in Black Mountain, NC

Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community

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As we round the corner on a new year and a fresh start, we can think of no better way to lift you up than with this inspiring talk from J.D. and Chrissy Roth recorded from this year’s Plant-Stock event.

J.D. is an iconic television producer and creator of shows like “The Biggest Loser,” and “The Big Fat Truth,” which helped participants lose weight, fight diabetes, and attain a healthy lifestyle through whole foods, plant-based nutrition. 

Chrissy Roth is a physical therapist, fitness instructor, Mom of two boys, and, of course, wife of J.D. She was the driving force for her family’s habit change and, today, she reads a couple of her personal blog posts that span years as she guided her household of stubborn boys to a new life of vibrant, colorful, whole-food, plant-based living. 

We love the universal takeaways from their presentation - be patient, stay the course, remain resilient, and relentless.

This conviction transformed her household and, together, J.D. and Chrissy are now relentless in their own pursuit of changing the landscape of TV and spreading this message to a broader audience. We know it will take time, but the Roths are unstoppable.   

• Watch the Episode on YouTube

• Visit the Episode Page at plantstrongpodcast.com

• Join the FREE 2022 PLANTSTRONG Seven-Day Challenge - January 5th-11th

• Now Available! PLANTSTRONG Broths and Soups Delivered Directly to You!  PLANTSTRONGFOODS.com 

• Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources

• Join the PLANTSTRONG Community

What are the Esselstyns serving up this holiday season?

Well, as always, it includes a hefty dose of laughter and mayhem, along with delicious, mouth-watering plantstrong goodness.

Today, Rip is joined by his mother, Ann, and sister, Jane, to talk about their favorite holiday meals and how they cook together for their entire family.

Even though they discuss their Thanksgiving meal in this episode, the dishes and recipes are great for ANY holiday.

In fact, we’ve created a complimentary holiday guide with eleven mouth-watering recipes to help you prepare an incredibly delicious whole-food, plant-based meal holiday. Hop into our free community at community.plantstrong.com to download the guide today.

You’ll meet thousands of people just like you willing to lend a hand of support and encouragement, especially during the holiday season! 

Episode Resources

• Watch the Episode on YouTube

• Visit the Webpage for Full Transcript

• Get our FREE Holiday Meal Planner

• Use code: Siblings15 to save $15 when you spend $100 or more on plantsonlyshop.com!

• Now Available! PLANTSTRONG Broths and Soups Delivered Directly to You!  PLANTSTRONGFOODS.com 

• Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources

• Join the PLANTSTRONG Community

Rip welcomes researcher, friend, and author, Dan Buettner, back to the PLANTSTRONG Podcast to talk about his new book, The Blue Zones Challenge - A Four-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life.This is the latest in his series of books about the five blue zones, which are locations around the world where people consistently live to 100 and beyond.

The Blue Zones Challenge is all about helping YOU to get set-up for long-term success so that the healthier choice becomes your natural, automatic choice. It's a four-week guidebook and year-long sustainability program for anyone looking to jumpstart their journey to better health, happiness, less stress, and a longer life.

In The Blue Zones Challenge, readers will learn tips, tricks, and nudges from these five blue zones. We’re talking about simple changes and advice for setting up your kitchen, pantry, work environment, and even resources for improving your social network.

It also includes nudges to help you:

• Change Your Diet the Whole-Food Plant-Based Way

• Naturally Increase Your Movement and Activity

• Discover and Live Your Purpose

• Build Your Social Life

No crazy extreme exercise programs and no deprivation diets are necessary! In fact, we know those don't work. What does work? Making small sustainable changes in your everyday environment so that the right choice becomes the automatic choice.

You can bet your life on it!

About Dan Buettner

Dan Buettner is an explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist and producer, and New York Times bestselling author. He discovered the five places in the world – dubbed blue zones hotspots – where people live the longest, healthiest lives. His articles about these places in The New York Times Magazine and National Geographic are two of the most popular for both publications.

Buettner now works in partnership with municipal governments, large employers, and health insurance companies to implement Blue Zones Projects in communities, workplaces, and universities. Blue Zones Projects are well-being initiatives that apply lessons from the Blue Zones to entire communities by focusing on changes to the local environment, public policy, and social networks. The program has dramatically improved the health of more than 5 million Americans to date.

His new book “The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer Better Life” is a four-week guide and year-long sustainability program to jump-start your journey to better health, happiness, less stress, and longer life.

Buettner also holds three Guinness World Records in distance cycling.

Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

The holidays are here and it’s the perfect time to gift wrap the good news about following a whole-foods, PLANTSTRONG lifestyle. Here are some great gift ideas to help you introduce the science, and inspire a friend or family member to eat more plants!

First, books are often the easiest entry point for people interested in learning more. If you don’t already know, I’ve written four books - the original Engine 2 Diet, then PLANTSTRONG, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet, and finally - with my sister Jane, The Engine 2 Cookbook. Each title is packed with digestible science and bundled with delicious recipes and powerful success stories. Visit Amazon or plantstrong.com to learn more or to send a book to someone you love. 

Second, a gift membership to the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner is incredibly thoughtful. It includes twelve months of access to curated recipes, live support from our meal planning experts, personalized meal recommendations, adaptive grocery lists, and optional grocery delivery via Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Peapod. And great news! gift cards are on sale for the month of December for $20 off. Visit mealplanner.plantstrong.com

PLANTSTRONG Podcast Episode Page

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Dan Buettner Website and Resources

Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community

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Rip welcomes nutritionist, author, and podcaster, Simon Hill, to the podcast for an in-depth discussion of his new book, The Proof is in the Plants.

It's hard to imagine the life-long impact of seeing your own father have a heart attack, but Hill has taken that harrowing experience as a teenager and turned it into his mission-driven work to help save the lives of countless others. 

Today, Simon is passionate about making nutritional information simple and accessible so that people can make informed decisions about the food they feed themselves and their families.

Inspired by the work of his father, he is also a walking encyclopedia on the research and science that proves beyond the kale that a plant-based diet can save your life –and the planet.

They discuss:

• The Diet of Confusion - Why the food industry is set up against us

• The progress we are making in governments around the world and the work that still needs to be done

• Is chronic lifestyle disease simply "in our genes?" How much control do we really have with the cards we were dealt?

• Simon's largest recommendation for better health - FIBER

• Why is fiber so important to our health and gut microbiome?

• Simon's top foods we should avoid

• Recommendations for helping people make the shift in their own lives

• The vast plant-proof research around - cancer, heart disease, and brain health 

• Research and studies on minerals and supplements like iodine and zinc

  This conversation is jam-packed with all the proof you need because, as you’ll hear loud and clear, the proof is in the plants. 

  About Simon Hill

  Simon Hill is the founder of the hugely popular Plant Proof podcast and blog of the same name, and a nutritionist and qualified physiotherapist. On top of his formal education, Simon spends hours and hours deciphering scientific studies so he can break down how to fuel your body to promote longevity and reduce the chance of developing disease while simultaneously achieving whatever health and fitness goals you may have. He is the plant-based food contributor to Chris Hemsworth’s fitness app, Centr, and in 2019 Simon opened a plant-based restaurant, Eden, in his Sydney neighbourhood of Bondi.

   

  Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

  PLANTSTRONG just announced our 2022 retreats and you’re invited to relax, refresh and recharge with us. Join us March 1st to the 6th in majestic Black Mountain or October 10th to the 15th in stunning Sedona. For details on both, go to plantstrong.com and select the locations from the menu.

  Also - great news! Our PLANTSTRONG unsalted organic broths and ready-to-eat chilis and stews are now available nationwide thru plantstrongfoods.com. We’ve just unveiled our sampler packs so you can try one of each flavor - and you can enjoy free shipping when you spend $60 or more!

  Simon Hill Website and Resources

  Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community

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It truly is a wonderful time to celebrate and give thanks with friends and family. Speaking of friends, today is a special episode because we're actually replaying an interview that Rip did earlier this year on Julieanna Hever’s podcast “Choose You Now.” If you don’t know, Julieanna is the original plant-based dietitian and her new book “The Choose You Now Diet” is coming out in early December. You’ll want to check that out for sure.

In this bite-sized episode, Rip shares his personal journey with plants and how he makes this lifestyle simple and fun so that it not only works for him, but also for his entire family, including three young children.

You'll learn:

• Rip's favorite salad dressing recipe

• Rip's Sunday meal ritual that the entire family loves

• His go-to simple meals that ANYONE can assemble in no time

This Thanksgiving, let's express gratitude for PLANTS…I hope you enjoy this special episode.

About Julieanna Hever

Known as The Plant-Based Dietitian, Julieanna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from UCLA and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Cal State Northridge, bridging her three biggest passions for food, performing, and helping people.

As a Registered Dietitian, Julieanna has authored six books, including The Healthspan Solution, Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiots Guide), Vegiterranean Diet, and two peer-reviewed journal articles on plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals (in Journal of Geriatric Cardiology and Permanente Journal). Julieanna is the host of The Choose You Now Podcast and her new book, The Choose You Now Diet, will be published in December 2021.

Past projects have included being the host of What Would Julieanna Do?; giving a TEDx talk; writing as the nutrition columnist for VegNews Magazine, and teaching the eCornell Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Program. She recently co-hosted Science and Saucery and Facebook Watch’s Home Sweat Home, and has appeared on Harry, The Dr. Oz Show, The Steve Harvey Show, Reluctantly Healthy, The Marie Osmond Show, and E! News.

New adventures include speaking, presenting, traveling, helping a wide variety of clients achieve their goals, and sharing her passion for healing and happiness eating a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

YouTube Link

Episode Page

It's our biggest Meal Planner sale of the year! Between now and Cyber Monday, Save $30 off our annual meal planner membership with the code YAMS -and then you’ll enjoy twelve months of delicious recipes, custom menus, adaptive grocery lists, and many more time-saving features! Visit mealplanner.plantstrong.com today for all of the details. PLUS - we’ve added a BRAND NEW benefit for our annual members. PLANTSTRONG PERKS are exclusive discounts on other resources and partner brands, available only for meal planner members. See mealplanner.plantstrong.com for all the great details.

Download our Free PLANTSTRONG Holiday Meal Guide

PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources to live PLANTSTRONG

Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community

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Welcome to this audio presentation of our recent "Rip's Rescue" event which focused exclusively on men's health and dispelling the outdated myth that real men need meat to thrive.

When Rip was a firefighter in Austin, Texas, he spent his days on the rescue squad, responding to fires and medical emergencies. For this presentation, he assembled a brigade of experts to join him in helping people rescue themselves. How? With a fire hose of evidence-based information and simple steps to eating more plants and saving yourself from the flames of chronic lifestyle disease and erectile dysfunction.

Joined by notable physicians, Drs. Aaron Spitz and Brian Asbill, Rip and his crew of experts shared vital intel every man should know to help men rescue their health and learn information that can help avoid the constant care of a physician.

And good news! You don't have to turn in your man card when you swap t-bones for tofu. We're torching that stereotype right now.

Topics covered included:

• Symptoms you should never ignore

• How to avoid needing the little blue pill

• PSA Tests and Numbers- What do I need to know?

• Can too little sex increase my risk of prostate cancer?

• The canary in the coal mine for men's health

• Important screenings every man should have

• How a plant-based lifestyle can strengthen your odds against chronic disease

About Dr. Aaron Spitz

Dr. Aaron Spitz is a nationally recognized expert on men's health, a lead delegate of America’s Urologists to the American Medical Association, and the author of The Penis Book. He was also prominently featured in The Game Changers for one of the most eye-popping scenes that left audiences howling and men and women wanting to know more!

Dr. Spitz discusses "the canary in the coal mine" for men, symptoms that must be treated urgently, and how to preserve sexual longevity while warding off taking the little blue pill.

About Dr. Brian Asbill

Dr. Brian Asbill is a cardiologist and the first physician in the world to be certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Asbill will discuss how lifestyle can fight back against heart disease, the important screenings every man should request from his provider, and the warning signs that a cardiac event is likely.

Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources:

Video Version of this Episode

PLANTSTRONG Episode Page

Dr. Brian Asbill Website - Ruckus Health

Dr. Aaron Spitz - The Penis Book

Download our Free PLANTSTRONG Holiday Meal Guide

PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources to live PLANTSTRONG

Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community

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Welcome to PLANTSTRONG Snackables, a bite-sized podcast where host, Rip Esselstyn dishes on all things plants!

Today's guest is Brenda Reed, longtime PLANTSTRONG Team Member and in-house culinary expert for PLANTSTRONG foods and events.

Brenda is responsible for many of the recipes at our live events and on the PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner. Today, she and Rip talk soups and, specifically, how to elevate your own cooking and flavor profile with our new broths and soups. 

Key Takeaways:

• Origins of the word, “soup”

• 3 Principles of Building Your Soups

• Brenda and Rip's Go-To Soups for Family and Friends

• How Chef Brenda Used our new PLANTSTRONG Broths to Create Recipes for Every Taste and Cuisine

• How to Download Free Recipes on All of our Broth Boxes with the QR Code

• Some of Brenda's Favorite "Sparks" to Level Up the Health and Flavor Profile

• Through November — $1.00

'Tis the season for soups and PLANTSTRONG is here to help you create tasty, nutritious, and filling meals for you and your loved ones.

Episode Resources

• Watch the Episode on YouTube

• Visit the Episode Page at plantstrongpodcast.com

• Register for our November 14th Rip's Rescue - all about Men's Health - "Have a Change of Heart" with Dr. Aaron Spitz and Dr. Brian Asbill

• Get the FREE Recipes from Today's Episode - including Bangin' Bok Choy, Veggie Paella, and more

• Now Available! PLANTSTRONG Broths and Soups Delivered Directly to You!  PLANTSTRONGFOODS.com 

• Click here for all PLANTSTRONG Resources, including books, recipes, and Rescue 10x Program

• Join the PLANTSTRONG Community

It has been two years since The Game Changers documentary debuted in the fall of 2019. Since then, an estimated 100 million people in more than 190 countries have watched the film, making it one of the most-watched documentaries of all time. In fact, it even gave birth to a phenomenon dubbed, “The Game Changers Effect” for the way it influenced eating behaviors across the globe.

Today, Rip revisits the film and talks about nutrition and performance with the Chief Science Advisor of The Game Changers, David Goldman. David was born for this role as a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist because the takeaways of the film fall right at the intersection of performance, health, and the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Goldman was the one who crossed all of the “t’s” and dotted all of the “i’s” on the science and research behind the film, so if you’re looking to gain an edge in your performance while becoming a better steward of the environment, you’ll love this conversation.

It doesn’t matter if you’re training for a triathlon or seeking the energy to enjoy a day with your grandkids, becoming plantstrong is a true game-changer.

Key Takeaways:

• Protein - a plant-based performance conversation wouldn't be complete without a discussion on protein - the amount, need, and best ways of hitting those numbers

• Why David was born for this role as Chief Science Advisor of the film and what that entailed when piecing together the movie

• Supplements and vitamins - what does the average person need?

• Finding the self-discipline to stick with a whole-food, plant-based diet

• Why a diet that is predominantly plant-based is becoming optimal for athletes and those seeking an edge in performance

• The trickle-down effect for better longevity, overall health, and being stewards of the environment

About David Goldman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS

David Goldman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS is a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist whose clients include collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes. He was the Chief Science Advisor for The Game Changers Documentary

Episode Resources

Join us for the next Rip’s Rescue on Sunday, November 14th from 6:00-7:30 PM Eastern. This free educational event will share vital intel every man should know. (Women are welcome to attend, too!) Dr. Aaron Spitz and Dr. Brian Asbill will join me to discuss the “canary in the coal mine” for men’s health, symptoms that should never be ignored, and important screenings to schedule. Plus, we’ll dish on how eating more plants can help with nearly every health issue. Register for Free Here.

Watch the episode on YouTube

Episode Page

PLANTSTRONG Community

PLANTSTRONG Website and Resources

Game Changers Website and Film Resources

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Promo Music "Your Love" by Atch