This episode originally dropped in October, 2024

Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins Rip for an enlightening discussion on the vital role of personalized precision lifestyle medicine in breast cancer prevention and recovery.

They dive deep into the importance of nutrition, emphasizing whole food plant-based diets, supplements, and the power of social connections in enhancing health outcomes.

Dr. Mussallem shares her insights on various supplements, including the benefits and risks associated with Vitamins D, B12, and the impact of iron during cancer therapies, alongside the benefits of herbs and spices like turmeric and ginger in supporting overall health.

The conversation also highlights the significance of sleep hygiene, social connections, and managing stress.

While there is no "one size fits all" approach to cancer treatment and recovery, this episode aims to empower listeners to ask questions, seek knowledgable physicians, and prioritize overall physical and emotional health in their recovery.

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Rip sits down with Andrea Freeman, James Beard Award-winning author of Ruin Their Crops on the Ground. Drawing on more than 20 years of research, Andrea unpacks how food, race, and class have shaped America’s food system, exploring the historical roots of inequality that still influence what ends up on our plates today.

Their conversation takes listeners on a journey from the Trail of Tears to contemporary food policies, revealing how government decisions and corporate interests have systematically marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poor health and limited access to nutritious food. Andrea’s insights illuminate the ways in which food systems have been—and continue to be—tools of oppression, while also showing how understanding this history empowers us to advocate for meaningful change.

Rob and Andrea dive into key topics including:

• The politics of food and its intersections with race and class
• Food deserts, systemic barriers, and ongoing food justice challenge
• The historical impact of school lunch programs and agricultural subsidies
• How corporate influence shapes dietary guidelines and marketing
• The lasting effects of colonial-era food policies on modern diets

Andrea also emphasizes the power of advocacy, inspiring listeners to see food not just as sustenance, but as a reflection of cultural identity and social justice. She encourages critical thinking about the choices available to consumers and how we can support policies that prioritize health and equity over profit.

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Rip welcomes Chuck Carroll — once a “fast food junkie”- now a beloved voice in the plant-based movement and host of the Exam Room Podcast.

While plant-based eating helped normalize his blood pressure, stabilize his weight, and restore his vitality, Chuck also shares a vulnerable part of his story: despite doing everything right, he’s now navigating a complex chronic illness with no clear diagnosis. His honesty underscores a truth many people quietly carry — that health journeys aren’t linear, and sometimes illness arrives without explanation or fairness.

Still, Chuck shows that healing isn’t just physical. By talking openly about his struggles, he has found community, connection, and strength — and has created space for others to feel less alone in their own uncertainty.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How fast food addiction shaped Chuck’s early life — and how he broke free
• Why gastric bypass surgery was only a temporary solution
• How a whole food, plant-based lifestyle helped transform his health
• What it’s like to face chronic illness even when you’re “doing everything right”
• How sharing your story can lift the emotional and mental burden of illness
• Why Chuck remains committed to advocacy, transparency, and hope

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What happens when a company decides to put real food at the center of employee wellness? In this powerful episode, Rip sits down with the team at Central Garden & Pet, a 7,000-employee organization that has taken a radically forward-thinking approach to improving the health of its people. Their partnership with PLANTSTRONG by Metabite has produced clinical-level outcomes — without drugs, deprivation, or pressure to “go vegan.”

Rip is joined by Dawn Hutchins, Central’s Director of Plant-Based Nutrition, who shares how the program was born, what she learned from a year of research and focus groups, and why this isn’t a “check-the-box” wellness initiative. She breaks down how the program works — from smart devices and at-home blood testing to weekly coaching, short video lessons, cooking demos, AI support, and a thriving alumni community.

You’ll also hear from two inspiring graduates, Vicky and Dan, who reveal what motivated them to join, the fears they had going in, and the surprising shifts they experienced as they added more plants to their plates. Their stories underscore a simple truth: when people feel supported, connected, and empowered with real tools, transformation follows.

If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or anyone curious about the future of Food as Medicine, this episode offers a clear and inspiring blueprint for what’s possible when nutrition becomes the foundation of workplace wellness.

Plant Strong by Metabite Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness-solution/

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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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Today, on what is a day of Thanksgiving here in the United States,  we want to take a few minutes to honor three extraordinary men—Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, and John Robbins—who we’ve recently lost. These weren’t just leaders in the whole food, plant-based movement—they were trailblazers, mentors, and fearless advocates for health and hope.

Dr. McDougall taught us that food is medicine and that living your principles matters more than pleasing critics. Dr. Montgomery showed us the power of compassion in medicine and the importance of giving everyone access to real, whole-food nutrition. And John Robbins…he opened hearts and minds, inspiring millions to think deeply about how our choices on the plate affect the world.

So today, as we continue their work, let’s remember: living plant strong is about courage, consistency, and compassion -and- it’s about taking their message and carrying it forward in our own lives and communities.

They didn’t just teach us about health—they gave us hope. For that, we're thankful.

Watch the short tribute on YouTube

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Rip Esselstyn welcomes back beloved plant-based author Dreena Burton, who is stepping into an exciting new chapter with Fascia Flo — her movement program designed to unlock mobility, reduce pain, and support healthy aging.

Dreena shares her personal journey with injury and how it led her to discover fascia, the body’s connective tissue network that plays a key role in movement, posture, and emotional well-being. She breaks down the science in simple terms and explains how small, intentional movements can make a big impact on how we feel day to day.

Rip and Dreena also talk seasonal eating, oil-free and nut-free cooking, and some of Dreena’s favorite recipes! Blending movement, mindset, and nourishment, this episode offers a truly holistic approach to thriving.

Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to move with more freedom and less stiffness, you’ll walk away inspired to care for your body in a whole new way.

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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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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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What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? In this inspiring episode, Rip talks with Dr. Sunny Sharma — a lifestyle medicine physician whose life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. That experience didn’t just change his health; it completely transformed how he practices medicine.

Dr. Sharma shares how his journey deepened his empathy, strengthened his belief in prevention, and led him to embrace the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: plant-based nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding harmful substances, and connection. He’s now helping patients heal from the inside out — one meaningful conversation at a time.

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Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

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In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lauren Bernick, host of the podcast, Age Like a Badass Mother and creator of WellElephant.com.

At age 46, Lauren was blindsided by a diagnosis of advanced heart disease, despite believing she was eating a “healthy” diet. Faced with the prospect of lifelong statins and the threat of a heart attack, she took matters into her own hands—turning to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease approach.

Now, more than a decade later, Lauren shares how she not only transformed her health but also found freedom, joy, and energy in a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. From ditching daily headaches and navigating family dynamics, to going out with friends and thriving through menopause, Lauren’s story is equal parts practical and uplifting.

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/lauren-bernick

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wpJkNgxGgok

Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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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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What happens when you mix humor, authenticity, and a love for peanut butter hacks? You get Nikki Boes — a vibrant voice in the vegan community (@vegan_af_) who’s showing the world that you don’t have to be a “perfect vegan” to make an impact.

In this lively and laugh-filled conversation, Nikki opens up about:

• Her personal transformation through a plant-based diet
• How she handles the trolls who attack her posts
• The way humor has become her secret weapon in advocating for animal welfare and health
• The real-life challenges of raising daughters in a social media world
• Balancing family dynamics when not everyone in the household is vegan
• Not taking herself too seriously
• Why the world needs more imperfect vegans

From her favorite snack combo (seaweed, pickles, and hot mustard!) to creative kitchen tips like refrigerating peanut butter upside down, Nikki proves that veganism is as fun as it is fulfilling.

Whether she’s volunteering at a dog shelter, ordering veggie-loaded pizza with no cheese, or breaking down health myths, Nikki shows us how one person can ripple out change across an entire community.

If you’ve ever thought veganism was too rigid, serious, or unattainable, this episode is for you.

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/nikki-boes

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-HnMxCsaWg

Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer

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In this powerful before and after episode, Rip and Dr. Laurie Marbas introduce us to, Marlene Skiver, who’s goal is to reclaim her health through the power of plants.

Marlene has faced her share of challenges — from pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and Hashimoto’s disease, to the stress that followed retirement and the loss of loved ones. But instead of giving in, she’s choosing to fight back — fork in hand.

Together, Marlene and Dr. Marbas explore the root causes of her chronic disease, including insulin resistance, and what really happens when you stop treating symptoms and start addressing the foundation: food, stress, and lifestyle.

Dr. Marbas reviews Marlene’s current labs and we get a front-row seat to her early progress after adopting a more whole food, plant-strong approach. With every plant-powered meal, she’s already seeing her blood sugar and blood pressure start to drop.

This episode is more than just numbers — it’s about resilience, self-care, and rediscovering joy through food that loves you back. Tune in to hear how small, consistent changes can create big-time results, and get ready to follow along as we see what happens next on Marlene’s plant-strong journey.

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/marlene-skiver

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EeaiaKEPoDI

We all know the saying, “the body keeps the score,” and this week’s guest, Dr. Tila Kansagra, has lived it — and now helps others heal from it.

A UK-based general practitioner and lifestyle medicine physician, Dr. Kansagra brings compassion, lived experience, and evidence-based practice together to help her patients move beyond symptoms and toward true wellness.

In this conversation, we dive into her personal journey with familial trauma, her passion for plant-based nutrition, and how the six pillars of lifestyle medicine — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, connection, and avoidance of risky substances — can transform lives.

Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, burnout, or just want to live stronger and more intentionally, Dr. Kansagra’s story will remind you that healing starts when you care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.

Key Takeaways:

• How trauma and lived experience shaped Dr. Kansagra’s approach to medicine
• Why empathy and connection are essential tools for healing
• The definitions and diagnosis of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• The role of plant-based nutrition in helping to reverse chronic fatigue and restore energy
• How lifestyle medicine empowers patients to take control of their health
• Practical steps to build resilience and vitality

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FLJ1BwO5mA 

Episode Webpage:  https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/dr-tila-kansagra

Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

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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