In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom interviews Dr. Ruby Lathon, a former NASA engineer who used a whole food, plant-based lifestyle to overcome thyroid cancer and then turned her healing into a mission to help others do the same.

Dr. Lathon shares how she transitioned from a high-dairy, high-egg diet to a fully plant-based approach, the mindset shifts that supported her recovery, and why she believes it’s time for all of us to “stop playing” with our health. You’ll also hear the story behind her new cookbook, Stop Playin’, Go Vegan!, and how she makes nutrient-dense food simple, flavorful, and practical for everyday life.

In this episode, they explore:
• How Dr. Ruby reversed thyroid cancer using a whole food, plant-based diet
• The key foods she removed and the healing foods she prioritized
How meditation, visualization, and spiritual alignment supported her recovery
• Why self-advocacy in the medical system is critical for long-term health
• The inspiration behind Stop Playin’, Go Vegan! and what makes the recipes both healing and accessible
• Practical, beginner-friendly ways to start moving toward a plant-powered lifestyle today

If you’re looking for real-world proof that plant-based nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle changes can create radical health transformation, this conversation with Dr. Ruby Lathon will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take the next step.

Website: https://www.rubylathon.com/
Cookbook: https://www.rubylathon.com/product-page/cookbook-stop-playin-go-vegan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheVeggieChest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRubyLathon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrubylathon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrubylathon/

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

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In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne reconnects with Coach Valarie Swanson, plant-based runner, author, and founder of Running on Carbs, to explore her incredible journey to mastering the marathon at age 52. After recovering from a femoral neck stress fracture, Val trained smarter than ever, embracing strength, patience, and purpose to cross the finish line stronger than she started. 

Whether you're eyeing your first 5K or a personal best at any age, this episode delivers practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of motivation to keep moving forward.

You’ll learn:

• How Coach Val trained for her first marathon after injury and into her 50s
• The mindset shifts that transformed her approach to running
• Her plant-based fueling strategies for endurance and recovery
• The role of strength training in building a resilient runner’s body
• Why midlife might just be the perfect time to thrive as a runner

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!

Is the number on the scale really telling you the whole story? In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne is joined by Adam Kadela, co-founder of DexaFit, to explore why traditional health metrics like weight and BMI fall short, and what you should be tracking instead.

They discuss the science of DEXA scans, visceral fat, appendicular lean mass, and why understanding your body composition is essential, especially for women over 35 navigating midlife, menopause, and metabolic shifts.

Whether you’re optimizing fat loss, rebuilding muscle, managing your hormones, or simply want a smarter way to track your progress, this conversation is packed with clarity and tools to empower your journey.

🔬 Topics We Cover:

• Why BMI is outdated, and what to use instead
• The power of DEXA scans for precision health
• Visceral fat: the hidden risk factor
• Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) and longevity
• How DEXA scans help you track what matters most

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!

Discover how plant-based nutrition and strength training help women thrive during menopause, featuring Dr. Brooke Bussard, author of Outsmarting Menopause.

In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom sits down with Dr. Brooke Bussard, author of Outsmarting Menopause, to uncover the science (and soul) behind thriving in midlife. Together, they decode how hormones, metabolism, muscle, and bone health intersect and why plant-based nutrition and smart strength training can change the trajectory of women’s health after 40.

📌 What You’ll Learn:
▪︎ Why midlife feels different and what’s really happening to your metabolism
▪︎ How estrogen influences fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, and muscle strength
▪︎ The science behind sarcopenia and osteoporosis and how to rebuild from the inside out
▪︎ How to use resistance training and protein to combat “anabolic resistance”
▪︎ What your bone and body composition scans (DEXA or REMS) can tell you about longevity
▪︎ How to create sustainable, plant-based habits that protect your bones, muscles, and mood

About Dr. Brooke Bussard
Dr. Bussard is a physician turned lifestyle medicine expert, fitness coach, and author of Outsmarting Menopause. Through her work with Plants Over Animals, her Quick Cooks! app, and her online course Eat and Feel Good!, she empowers women to transform their health through plant-based nutrition, movement, and mindset.

Website: drbrookebussard.com
Plants Over Animals: plantsoveranimals.com
Quick Cooks! App – Available on App Store & Google Play

Connect with Dr. Daphne Bascom & Thrive on Plants
Join our community - Thrive on Plants Community: www.ThriveOnPlantsLife.com
Follow on Instagram: @drdaphnebascom

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!

In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom sits down with award-winning nutritionist, researcher, and menopause advocate Andrea Donsky, co-founder of Morphus, to explore what it really means to thrive through perimenopause and menopause.

Andrea shares her deeply personal journey, from a surprise first hot flash in her late 40s to becoming a leading voice in women's health. Together, we dig into the 103+ symptoms of menopause, what most women don't know about this transition, and how mindset, lifestyle, and community can radically transform your experience.

💥 What You’ll Learn:

• Why menopause is more than just hot flashes (and why they're not the #1 symptom!)
• The importance of collecting and analyzing data from real women—over 5,000 surveyed!
• How Andrea built Morphus to offer both research-based education and effective, safe supplements
• The role mindset plays in healing and empowerment at midlife
• Why Gen X women are changing the menopause narrative—for good

Whether you're in your 30s or 70s, Andrea’s wisdom offers a roadmap for women ready to reclaim agency over their health, hormones, and hope for the future.

🌿 This is menopause... reimagined.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

 📍 Andrea Donsky: https://andreadonsky.com

 📍 Morphus: https://wearemorphus.com

 📍 Menopause Symptom Tracker: https://wearemorphus.com/pages/learn

 📍 Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemorphus

 📍 Podcast + Research: https://wearemorphus.com/pages/menopause-reimagined-podcast-with-andrea-donsky

#Menopause #Perimenopause #PlantBasedWomen #AndreaDonsky #ThriveOnPlants #HormoneHealth #MindsetMatters #Morphus #MenopauseSupport #WomenOver40 #MenopauseReimagined #MidlifeWellness 

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

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Thank you for your support!

In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne sits down with legendary ultramarathoner and plant-based athlete Harvey Lewis. Harvey shares the mindset, lifestyle, and nutrition habits that have fueled his success and longevity in one of the world’s most demanding sports.

Whether you're training for a marathon or just trying to stay motivated, this conversation will inspire you to challenge your limits, embrace recovery, and lead with purpose.

In this episode we discuss:

☑️ What it takes to mentally and physically prepare for a 450-mile race

☑️ How Harvey uses plant-based nutrition for endurance and recovery

☑️ His mindset approach to pain, setbacks, and finding joy in hard moments

☑️ Tips for everyday runners on recovery, longevity, and training smarter

☑️ How purpose, community, and teaching fuel his performance and peace

This is more than a running episode, it’s a masterclass in mental strength, compassion, and thriving against all odds.

Harvey's Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harveylewisultrarunner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveylewisultrarunner/

UltraSignup: https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Harvey&lname=Lewis

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!

When board-certified oncology dietitian Alison Tierney told patients "food is medicine," she believed it, but she never expected to test that belief against her own breast cancer diagnosis.

Having witnessed cancer's impact in her own family, Alison dedicated her career to helping patients heal through nutrition. Her personal journey led her to plant-based eating, which unexpectedly helped her overcome infertility. But when she faced her own breast cancer diagnosis, everything she'd studied and taught collided with the raw reality of being the patient, not the practitioner.

In this candid conversation, Alison shares how she merged evidence-based nutrition, strategic fasting during chemotherapy, and unwavering faith to navigate treatment and reclaim her life. She doesn't sugarcoat the fear or the uncertainty; instead, she offers something better: practical wisdom on "controlling the controllables" and finding purpose in the midst of crisis.

In this episode:

• How plant-based nutrition supports prevention, treatment, and recovery from cancer
• The science and safety of fasting during chemotherapy (and who it's right for)
• Shifting from oncology expert to cancer patient: what changed and what didn't
• Managing the mental weight of recurrence fear and survivorship
• Actionable lifestyle strategies for long-term resilience and wellbeing

Whether you're facing a diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or want to live with more intention, Alison's story proves that healing isn't just physical; it's a daily practice of mind, body, and spirit.

WAVS Study: Barnard ND, Kahleova H, Holtz DN, Del Aguila F, Neola M, Crosby LM, Holubkov R. The Women's Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms (WAVS): a randomized, controlled trial of a plant-based diet and whole soybeans for postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2021 Jul 12;28(10):1150-1156. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001812. PMID: 34260478; PMCID: PMC8462449.

Fighting Hot Flashes with Diet: https://www.pcrm.org/clinical-research/fighting-hot-flashes-with-diet

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

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Thank you for your support!

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be your destiny. In This Episode of Thrive on Plants join Dr. Daphne Bascom and Coach Marc Hayes as they sit down with Rick Kelly, a devoted father, athlete, and Vegan Superhero Academy client,  who shares his extraordinary journey of reversing high blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reclaiming his health using whole food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

In this episode, you will learn:

✅ The role of visceral fat in hidden heart disease risk
✅ How Rick lost 30 pounds while eating large, satisfying plant-based meals
✅ The tools and mindset that helped Rick stay consistent
✅ Why community and coaching matter
✅ How stress, sleep, and toxin awareness affect cardiovascular health
✅ The power of discovering and living by your personal “Why”

If you’ve ever felt trapped by family history or told medication is your only option, this episode will inspire you to take back control of your health.

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!

In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne sits down with Coach Gemma Schofield, a strength and mobility expert with a rich background in biomechanics, nutrition, and competitive football. Gemma shares her inspiring journey from elite athletics to holistic coaching, where she empowers women to move out of pain, rebuild posture, and unlock their true strength through plant-based living.

Together, they explore how posture and mobility are often the missing links in women’s fitness, and why strength training is about so much more than building muscle, it’s about cultivating resilience, confidence, and freedom in your body. Gemma also opens up about her personal struggles with binge eating and perfectionism, and how self-compassion and strength training transformed her life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

✔️ Why posture is the overlooked foundation of most fitness programs

✔️ How mobility and flexibility influence pain, strength, and long-term quality of life

✔️ Gemma’s journey from pain and perfectionism to strength and self-trust

 ✔️ Why breathing and pelvic alignment are key to powerful, sustainable movement

If you’re ready for a more intentional, effective, and empowering approach to fitness — one that helps you age with strength and confidence — this episode is for you.

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

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Thank you for your support!

In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne talks with Coach Kiana Wilson, a former world-class acrobatic gymnast, certified personal trainer, and plant-based nutrition scientist. Kiana shares her journey from restrictive eating and performance-driven pressure to building a sustainable lifestyle grounded in plant-based nutrition and strength training.

They address common misconceptions about protein, the role of plant-based meats in a balanced diet, and the importance of fueling the body for long-term strength and overall well-being.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 ✔️ Why under-eating holds women back from their health goals

 ✔️ How to meet protein needs on a plant-based diet

 ✔️ What it looks like to move from competitive athletics to sustainable fitness

 ✔️ How Kiana brings her values into her coaching and community work

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone seeking to integrate nutrition and movement with long-term health.

Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:

🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here

🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here

🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here

🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube

⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️

Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:

Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here

Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’

(you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID).

Thank you for your support!