PLANTSTRONG Podcast

Rip sits down with Dr. Jules Cormier, a dynamic family physician from Shediac, New Brunswick, who has transformed his medical practice—and personal life—through the principles of lifestyle medicine.

A former sufferer of asthma, eczema, and chronic hives, Jules shares how a whole food, plant-based diet not only healed his ailments but also revitalized his family’s health and well-being.

Dr. Cormier integrates nutrition, exercise, and education into his clinical practice, empowering patients to take charge of their own health. He opens up about the challenges of shifting mindsets in a community rooted in traditional diets, and how he bridges that gap with empathy, evidence, and resources from his blog.

But Jules isn’t just prescribing leafy greens—he’s living the example. A passionate athlete and Ninja Warrior competitor, he speaks about the biochemical and emotional power of movement, and how his family trains together to stay active and connected.

Whether you're a physician, parent, or simply plant-curious, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step toward better health—one plant and one pull-up at a time.

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When a health scare and personal loss collided, Michelle Joy Kramer found a new path—one rooted in healing, purpose, and plants. A PLANTSTRONG retreat alum and concierge health coach, Michelle shares how she shifted from vegetarianism to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, dramatically improving her health and inspiring others to do the same.

In this episode, Michelle reveals how she:

• Lowered her cholesterol and improved her health in months
• Navigates social settings and restaurants with intention
• Uses tech tools like Garmin for accountability
• Integrates mindfulness and meditation into client care
• Coaches high-powered professionals with compassion and clarity

Michelle’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and support, transformation is always possible.

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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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Traveling while sticking to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle can be tricky—but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and tools.

In this episode, hosts Rip Esselstyn and his producer, Carrie Barrett, dive into the real-life challenges plant-based eaters face when away from home.

Their advice for restaurants? Don't be afraid to be FAB.

• Figure out what you can eat
• Ask for what you want
• Bring your own food

They break down each part of the FAB method with humor, empathy, and personal stories—proving that with a little planning and flexibility, you can thrive anywhere, even in the most unfamiliar food settings.

Whether you’re navigating airport terminals, hotel buffets, or international menus, this episode equips you with the tools to stay grounded in your health goals and enjoy the journey. Because being PLANTSTRONG isn’t just a way of eating—it’s a way of living.

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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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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lucas McLawhorn—educator, cancer survivor, and founder of the plant-based food truck Well Fed Ed.

Lucas shares his powerful story of transformation, from the classroom to the kitchen, driven by a deep desire to serve and educate his community through healthy, plant-based meals. He opens up about his battle with cancer, the life-changing role nutrition played in his recovery, and the family and cultural influences that shaped his approach to wellness.

Listeners will be moved by Lucas’s reflections on:

• The intersection of education and nutrition
• The challenges and triumphs of launching a food truck business
• His decision to return to the U.S. after living in Switzerland
• The joy of building community through food and service
• His love for the people of Eastern North Carolina and the United States

This episode is a testament to the healing power of food and the importance of purpose-driven living. Whether you're passionate about plant-based eating, curious about food entrepreneurship, or simply in need of a little inspiration, Lucas’s story is sure to resonate.

Episode Resources

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Watch A Well Fed Education Documentary Film

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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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In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Heidi Farina to hear how she went from college athlete and biotech manager, to full-time artist and plant-based advocate.

After experiencing deep personal loss and burnout during the pandemic, Heidi realized something had to give. What followed was a powerful transformation rooted in health, healing, and rediscovery.

Heidi opens up about her decision to embrace a whole food plant-based lifestyle, how it helped her reclaim her energy and creativity, and what it really took to step away from a life that no longer aligned with her values.

She shares the emotional journey of balancing motherhood, grief, and self-care—and how she now prioritizes mental health and boundaries while pursuing a life that truly feels like her own.

She discusses:

• The impact of family’s health history on her wellness journey
• The moment she knew she needed to make a major life change
• How switching to a whole food plant-based diet jump-started her healing
• Finding the courage to go “all in,” regardless of criticism and opinions of others
• What it takes to rebuild your identity after burnout and loss
• Tips for setting boundaries and creating a life of balance
• Why it’s never too late to start over and pursue what lights you up

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Rip Esselstyn sits down with John Joseph—author, musician, and former frontman of the iconic hardcore punk band Cro-Mags—to explore a story of survival that defies belief.

John’s journey takes us far below rock bottom: addiction to crack cocaine, pills, and alcohol; a life of crime on the streets of New York; time spent in foster care and juvenile detention; and the devastating loss of loved ones to violence and substance abuse. But somehow, against all odds, John fought his way back—and now lives a life centered on service, discipline, and purpose.

Today, he’s a sober, plant-based IRONMAN triathlete, motivational speaker, and the author of the powerful new book Destroying Monsters.

John shares how the straight edge punk rock scene and the Hare Krishna movement helped transform his life, and how Destroying Monsters offers real tools for those battling their own demons.

He discusses:

• His descent into addiction and the dark underworld of crime
• How punk, spirituality, and service saved his life
• The power of discipline and Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)
• How his plant-based lifestyle fuels his endurance training
• Why Destroying Monsters is more than a memoir—it’s a guide to transformation

Whether you’re facing your own struggles or simply need a dose of no-holds-barred inspiration, this conversation will light a fire under you.

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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

https://plantstrong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

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

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From a childhood steeped in toxic diet culture and years of yo-yo dieting, to finding peace and purpose through a plant-based lifestyle—today’s guest, Jan Brown, shares her powerful story of transformation.

It all started with a post in the PLANTSTRONG Community Facebook group. Jan wrote:

That was more than 23 years ago.

Today, Jan is a thriving wife and mother who continues to embrace a plant-abundant lifestyle. In this episode, she opens up about the pivotal moments that changed everything—including a simple book and a heartfelt letter to Dr. McDougall—and how those signs led her to a life of strength, health, and freedom.

We dive into:

• Growing up in diet culture and breaking free from it
• The emotional toll of weight gain and disordered eating
• Finding freedom through whole food, plant-based eating
• Dealing with criticism and doubt from others
• Acceptance of her new body and celebrating accomplishments and finish lines
• What truly fuels Jan’s plant-strong life today - hint: it’s tattooed on her hand!

This is a story of healing, resilience, and what happens when you finally stop dieting—and start nourishing.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

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

https://plantstrong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

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

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What if your plate could tell the story of your past—and shape your future? Author and plant-based advocate, Dominick Thompson, returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Eat What Elephants Eat and explore his deeply personal journey of change.

Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Thompson became involved in the drug trade, leading to his imprisonment in his early 20s. It was in prison that he resolved to adopt a lifestyle that caused no harm to other beings. His mantra? “If it requires harm, then nahhh.”

His book, Eat What Elephants Eat, intertwines his personal story with practical guidance on how you can also adopt a plant-based lifestyle, featuring eighty simple vegan recipes and meal plans. He also discusses the deeper meaning of food as a bridge to identity and community.

Why elephants, you may ask? Well as you get to know Dom, you’ll understand why the elephant is his “spirit animal,” of sorts. It’s big, powerful, and yet gentle and mysterious. It’s also the largest land animal that eats plants. (And no one will ever accuse an elephant of being weak.)

This isn’t just a recipe book, but a manifesto of sorts on how to live a life that is truly connected to your values.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

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

https://plantstrong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

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

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

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Thinking about going plant-based but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been at it for a while but could use a little extra guidance and motivation to stay the course?

Rip welcomes back plant-based physician Dr. Laurie Marbas and chef Brittany Jaroudi, the authors of Plant-Based 101: The Ultimate Guide for Mastering the Plant-Based Diet. Their new book is packed with practical tips on everything from getting started and cooking delicious meals to handling social situations with confidence.

They cover:

• Finding Your "Why" – Dr. Marbas highlights the importance of identifying your personal motivation for going plant-based.
• Practical Tips – They discuss meal planning, grocery shopping strategies to save time and money, favorite food swaps, and handling family dynamics and cravings.
• Nutritional Concerns – What about protein, vitamin B12, and other nutrients?
• The Science and the Stories Behind Their Journey – They blend research, humor, and personal stories to make plant-based eating enjoyable.

Plant-Based 101 is packed with recipes, motivation, and tools to support a sustainable plant-based lifestyle so whether you’re a total beginner or a longtime plant-based eater, this conversation is all about making your journey easier, more enjoyable, and totally doable.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

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

https://plantstrong.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

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What if aging wasn’t something to fear, but a journey to embrace?

In this inspiring episode, best-selling author and wellness advocate, Victoria Moran, shares her wisdom on aging with grace, purpose, and joy.

Drawing from her new book, Age Like a Yogi, she explores how plant-based living, yoga, and mindfulness can transform aging into a spiritual evolution, including:

• How to shift your mindset around aging
• The connection between plant-based living, yoga, and longevity
• Cultivating joy and fulfillment at every stage of life

Victoria redefines what it means to grow older, proving that every stage of life holds new opportunities for fulfillment.

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