In this deeply personal and powerful interview, Chef AJ opens up about her lung cancer diagnosis, how it changed her life, and what it means for her decades-long advocacy for whole food, plant-based living.

Diagnosed with stage 1A lung cancer in 2023, AJ chose to keep it private—until it progressed. Now, for the first time, she shares why she went public, how it’s reshaped her mission, and what she wants the plant-based community to understand about hope, healing, and health.

AJ talks candidly about:

👉 The emotional impact of her diagnosis

👉 Why diet isn’t a guarantee against disease

👉 The power of support, community, and mindset

👉 Her “Thriving in the Face of Cancer” series

👉 Why she’s shifting her focus beyond weight loss

🎟️ Learn more about the Plant Powered Party: https://theplantpoweredparty.com/

In this episode, we dive into two fascinating and controversial stories challenging the norms of modern health and wellness.

Part 1: The MIT Neurosurgeon Who Quit

First, we react to the viral story of a highly successful, MIT-educated neurosurgeon who walked away from a prestigious 20-year career. We explore his disillusionment with a medical system focused on surgeries over root causes, and his profound discovery about the power of lifestyle factors – like diet, sleep, stress reduction, and community – in true healing. We connect his insights to the Blue Zones, the work of Dr. Dean Ornish, and the pervasive issue of burnout.

Part 2: Cole Robinson's "Sugar Diet"

Then, we tackle the provocative claims of Cole Robinson (aka the 'Snake Diet' guy) and his argument that a high-sugar, low-fat diet is the key to getting ripped and achieving boundless energy – directly challenging keto and low-carb dogma. We analyze his confrontational style, break down the science behind energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and discuss whether there's method to his madness or just controversial hype.

Join us as we unpack these unconventional perspectives, question the status quo in both medicine and diet culture, and explore different paths people take in search of better health, energy, and authenticity.

What are your thoughts on these radical health shifts? Let us know your opinions on the medical system, lifestyle medicine, or the keto vs. high-carb debate!

In this episode of the Plant Based News Podcast, Klaus, Shabnam Islam, and Sara Tweed sit down with power couple Dahlia and James Marin, the registered dietitians behind Married to Health. Specializing in plant-based nutrition and gut health, they share their personal journeys to wellness, discuss the science behind healing through food, and debunk common myths about plant-based diets.

Dahlia opens up about her early health struggles—diagnosed with prediabetes, PCOS, Hashimoto’s, and high cholesterol—and how she transformed her health through plant-based nutrition. James shares his journey from a ‘bro-science diet’ to understanding the critical role of gut health. Together, they explain how plant-based eating impacts the gut microbiome and why ‘healing with each meal’ is more than just a slogan.

The conversation takes a deep dive into key topics:

Why gut health is central to overall wellness and how plant foods support a thriving microbiome.

The science behind conditions like diabetes and hormonal imbalances and how diet plays a role in remission.

Debunking common claims, from the ‘dangers’ of plant anti-nutrients to the necessity of animal fats for hormone regulation.

The truth about plant protein absorption and whether a vegan diet really leads to nutrient deficiencies.

Practical, evidence-based advice for improving gut health, including the best foods to eat every day.

Find out more about Married to Health and their resources at marriedtohealth.com

Follow them on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/marriedtohealth/

Tune into this dynamic episode of the Plant Based News Podcast, where we navigate through the multifaceted world of veganism, from celebrity influences to comedic interpretations and cutting-edge food technologies. In this episode:

- Celebrity Influence: Hear from stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo of the musical movie "Wicked" as they share their vegan journeys and discuss how the film integrates themes of animal rights and veganism into its fantastical narrative.

- Comedy and Veganism: We react to Russell Peters and other comedians, analyzing how their jokes about vegan stereotypes impact the movement. Discover how vegan comedians like Preacher Lawson are using humor to reshape misconceptions and advocate for a plant-based lifestyle.

- Future of Food: Join Klaus, Sarah, and Shabnam in a thought-provoking debate on the potential of precision fermentation to transform the meat and dairy industries. We'll delve into the debate between processed and whole foods, exploring consumer reactions and the broader industry implications.

- Ethical Debates: Dive into the intense "Vegans vs Meat Eaters" debate from Jubilee, examining ethical dilemmas, health concerns, and the accessibility of vegan diets. We unpack the arguments from both sides, highlighting the environmental and ethical stakes involved.

Tune into this compelling episode of the Plant Based News Podcast as we delve into the controversial and evolving landscape of veganism, examining everything from diet misinformation to celebrity endorsements and the real-life implications of being vegan. In this episode:

- Diet Misinformation: Join us as we dissect the alarming claims made on The Diary of a CEO, where a guest endorsed the carnivore diet and dismissed the necessity of fiber, arguing against the viability of vegan diets. We counter these claims with insights from medical experts like Dr. Gemma Newman, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy and responsibility in media portrayals of nutrition.

- Celebrity Insights: Explore the changing perspectives of celebrities like Gordon Ramsay on veganism, and UK TV presenter Davina McCall's recent reflections on reducing meat intake, suggesting it feels "wrong." We analyze the impact of their views on public perceptions and discuss the potential shift in celebrity diet trends.

- Dating and Veganism: Dive into the dynamics of dating as a vegan with Klaus, Sarah, and Shabnam. From the appeal of sharing similar environmental concerns to navigating mixed-diet relationships, we cover the complexities and joys of vegan dating, sharing both personal anecdotes and general advice.

- Industry Influence: Assess the tension between health recommendations and industry-driven narratives through a critique by Chris Packham on a pro-meat advertising campaign. We delve into how these conflicting messages affect consumer choices and public health.

Having worked alongside tech legends like Steve Jobs and transitioned into a passionate advocate for plant-based living, Chris brings a unique perspective to the table.

Join us in this enlightening interview with Chris Macaskill, an esteemed earth scientist and former tech entrepreneur, who shares his expert insights on the myths surrounding low-carb diets and their long-term implications on health.

In this exclusive interview, NBA legend and wellness advocate John Salley shares how adopting a plant-based diet transformed his life and health. From overcoming muscle spasms and improving athletic performance to helping his family heal, John dives deep into the surprising benefits of eating plant-based.

He discusses why he believes animal-based diets lead to health issues, debunks common carnivore diet myths, and explains how he’s maintained peak health into his 60s. John also opens up about the challenges of transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle and the powerful lessons he’s learned along the way.

Follow John on Instagram here -

https://www.instagram.com/johnsalley/

Watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/O_IDW2QZaJQ

Are humans designed to be herbivores?

Dr. Milton Mills dives deep into human anatomy, physiology, and evolution to uncover the truth about what we’re really meant to eat. With over 50 years of experience living plant-based, Dr. Mills shares his personal journey, the science behind our biology, and why a plant-based diet is key to human health, longevity, and thriving.

In this powerful conversation, he explains:

- Why human bodies are built for plants, not meat.

- The connection between diet, disease, and longevity.

- How fiber fuels the brain, body, and microbiome.

- Why plants hold the keys to better physical, mental, and emotional health.

🔗 Find Dr. Milton Mills here:

Website: DrMiltonMillsPlantBasedNation.com

- 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

- 00:02:26 Human Anatomy and Diet

- 00:03:47 Evolutionary Perspective on Meat Eating

- 00:07:12 Plant-Based Diet and Human Evolution

- 00:09:20 Emotional Connection with Plants

- 00:13:49 Cooking and Processed Foods

- 00:16:17 Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diet

- 00:21:23 Socio-Economic Impact on Food Choices

- 00:26:38 Plant-Based Meat and Lab-Grown Meat

- 00:31:48 Microbiome and Fiber

- 00:33:43 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode of the Plant Based News podcast, Klaus & Sarah from Plant Based News, and Shabnam from Greener by Default discuss hot vegan topics, including:

- Ricky Gervais on why he’s vegan and the ethics behind it.

- Chef AJ’s revelation about her cancer diagnosis and how it’s impacted her advocacy.

- Russell Brand’s controversial departure from veganism.

We also dive into the science of plant-based proteins with Mic the Vegan.

- 00:00:00 Chef AJ's Cancer Diagnosis

- 00:01:03 Veganism and Cancer Statistics

- 00:02:13 Chef AJ's Health and Diet

- 00:04:31 Veganism and Public Perception

- 00:10:29 Plant-Based Products vs. Animal-Based (Mic the Vegan)

- 00:15:57 Russell Brand's Transition

- 00:24:29 Ricky Gervais on Veganism

"The FDA is simply not doing their job." - Dr. Bobby Price.

Tune in to Plant-Based News for an enlightening interview with Dr. Bobby Price.

Dr. Bobby Price is a certified plant-based nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and Doctor of Pharmacy. He has extensive clinical experience in the hospital setting, one on one patient contact in community pharmacy, and health care regulatory experience with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dr. Price critiques the FDA's oversight and the pharmaceutical industry's approach to health care, sharing insights from his own professional background and personal health journey. Discover how transitioning to a plant-based diet revolutionized his health and led him to advocate for natural remedies and detoxification methods.

Learn about his global travels to study herbalism and the profound impact of diet on longevity and wellness. Don't miss this compelling discussion on the need for a paradigm shift toward prevention and holistic health practices.

Follow Dr. Bobby Price here - https://www.instagram.com/doctorholistic/

- 00:00:02 Introduction and Guest Background

- 00:01:49 Personal Health Journey and Plant-Based Diet

- 00:06:21 Challenges and Early Experiences

- 00:08:43 Plant-Based Prescriptions and Lifestyle Modifications

- 00:10:37 Critique of Modern Medicine

- 00:16:08 Cultural and Community Challenges

- 00:20:52 Global Studies and Herbalism

- 00:25:12 Herbs and Their Healing Properties

- 00:29:46 Understanding Herbs and Personal Conviction

- 00:32:55 Healing and Detoxification

- 00:34:04 The Impact of Animal Products on Health

- 00:35:59 Critique of OIC and Pharmaceutical Approaches

- 00:41:04 Mindset and Self-Love in Healing

- 00:47:47 Inner Dialogue and Meditation

- 00:50:07 Plant-Based Diet and Self-Empowerment

- 00:55:38 Personal Journey and Farming

- 01:00:51 Community and Detox Programs

- 01:03:18 Future Plans and Expansion