At just 43 years old, Charles Gassenheimer was 75 pounds overweight, pre-diabetic, struggling with joint pain and memory loss, and taking high-dose cholesterol medications. His doctors were managing his decline — not reversing it.

Then one conversation changed everything.

After meeting cardiologist Dr. Robert Ostfeld, Charles committed to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. The results were extraordinary: he lost over 70 pounds, came off medications, reversed his cardiovascular risk markers, and returned to running.

Today, Charles has completed over 15 marathons — including running the New York City Marathon faster in his 40s than he did in his 20s — while raising three plant-based children and supporting cardiac wellness programs for underserved communities.

This episode is about reclaiming your health, challenging your assumptions, and making Plant Strong living non-negotiable.

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/charles-gassenheimer

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What if your health wasn’t just shaped by what you eat—but by what’s hidden in your medications?

In this episode, Rip sits down with pharmacist-scientist Dr. Sachin Shah, a leading voice in medication transparency and patient safety. Together, they explore why food truly belongs at the center of health, how modern medicine sometimes misses the human in healthcare, and why knowing what’s inside your pills can be just as important as knowing what’s on your plate.

Dr. Shah also breaks down alpha-gal syndrome—a tick-bite–triggered condition that can make people allergic to red meat and certain medications—while also sharing hopeful, forward-looking ideas around heart health, non-invasive therapies, and the power of informed choices.

This is a conversation about clarity, care, and taking your health back into your own hands—with compassion, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart.

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What does it look like when plant-based living moves beyond personal choice and into real systems change? This episode answers that question in a big way.

Rip sits down with longtime friend and food policy powerhouse Rachel Atcheson, founder of Food Policy Pathways, for a wide-ranging conversation about how food policy can transform public health, reduce chronic disease, and make healthy eating the default — not the exception.

Rip and Rachel unpack how initiatives like Meatless Monday and Plant-Powered Fridays in NYC public schools, plant-based default hospital meals, and lifestyle medicine clinics became reality — reaching millions of people while saving money and cutting carbon emissions.

They dig into the behavioral science behind defaults, why taste and culinary training matter, and how real change happens when policy aligns with public health.

Rachel also introduces her newest chapter: Food Policy Pathways, an organization building a pipeline of professionals who want to work inside government to advance healthier, more sustainable food systems at the city, state, and federal levels.

This conversation is optimistic, practical, and deeply motivating — proof that playing the long game can reshape our food future.

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In this deeply grounded conversation, Rip sits down with Jan Liband — a former college athlete, longtime plant-based advocate, and expert in food and environmental sustainability. What began for Jan as a single pamphlet exposing the environmental toll of animal agriculture became a lifelong commitment to plant-based living nearly 40 years ago.

Jan shares his journey from a meat-centered, “healthy by 1980s standards” diet to discovering how plant-based eating dramatically improved his energy, recovery, and athletic performance.

Along the way, Rip and Jan tackle some of the biggest barriers to change — especially for men — including cultural conditioning, fear of change, and the never-ending obsession with protein.

The conversation goes beyond personal health and zooms out to the bigger picture: how our global food system drives roughly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, accelerates deforestation, drains freshwater resources, and threatens biodiversity. Jan explains why dietary change is one of the fastest, most impactful climate actions individuals can take — far faster than waiting on energy or infrastructure shifts.

From practical food swaps and transition strategies, to a powerful discussion of the Eat-Lancet report and planetary boundaries, this episode is both a reality check and a hopeful roadmap.

The message is clear: small, consistent changes on our plates can ripple outward — improving our health, strengthening our communities, and protecting the planet for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

• One piece of information — a pamphlet on animal agriculture — can spark lifelong change.
• Plant-based eating can improve digestion, recovery, energy, and athletic performance within weeks.
• Men often struggle with plant-based eating due to early-formed habits, social pressure, and protein myths.
• Americans are not protein-deficient — they are protein-toxic — while severely lacking fiber.
• Gradual change increases long-term success; the best diet is the one you’ll stick with.
• Animal agriculture drives the majority of food-related greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water waste.
• The Eat-Lancet report supports plant-rich diets as essential for both human and planetary health.
• Food choices are the single most powerful daily action individuals can take to protect the environment.

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It’s been way too long since Jackie Akerberg (@jackfruitfulkitchen) was on the podcast, and this episode is a true catch-up in every sense of the word. Jackie is a plant-based cook, creator, and community builder who brings joy, honesty, and seriously good food into everything she does.

In this conversation, we talk about how Jackie went plant-based and never looked back, how her health completely transformed, and how she’s grown an incredibly engaged online community by keeping things real—both in the kitchen and in life. We also get into big life changes, moving across the country, navigating relationships with people who don’t eat the same way you do, and why perfection is overrated when it comes to healthy living

And of course, we talk food. Squash season. Tofu done right. Tempeh that actually tastes amazing. Smart kitchen shortcuts (yes, including the microwave). If you love cooking—or want to love it more—this episode is packed with practical, doable ideas you’ll actually use.

This one’s about eating well, living well, and meeting yourself where you are.

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

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Firefighters are trained to run toward danger — but too often, their own health is what’s at risk. In this episode of the Plant Strong Podcast, Rip sits down with fellow firefighter Andy Schaefer of Avon, Ohio, whose journey into plant-based eating began with a life-altering decision: donating one of his kidneys to his brother-in-law.

Determined to be as healthy and resilient as possible, Andy adopted a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle more than five years ago — and the results were undeniable. Faster recovery, dramatically improved biomarkers, more stamina on the fireground, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, Andy is leading from the firehouse kitchen, fueling his crew with plant-strong meals that leave them feeling energized, focused, and ready to perform when the alarm sounds.

From zucchini fritters that changed an entire shift’s perspective on food, to the deeper reality that nearly 85% of fire calls are lifestyle-related medical emergencies, this conversation is about service, brotherhood, and reclaiming health — one plate at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Peak performance starts with the fork. Andy’s plant-based diet helped him recover quickly from kidney donation surgery and outperform expectations on physically demanding fireground drills.
• Leadership doesn’t require a badge or rank. By cooking plant-based meals at the firehouse, Andy inspired his crew to eat more plants, feel less fatigued, and perform better on shift.
• Firefighters are tactical athletes. Like professional athletes, first responders must be ready at any moment — and nutrition plays a critical role in stamina, breathing control, and long-term health.
• Sadly, nearly 85% of fire calls are lifestyle-related medical emergencies and not fires, at all.

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In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terrifying calcium score, debilitating angina, and near-widowmaker blockage, Jet found himself out of breath, unable to hike his favorite mountains, and feeling an impending sense of doom.

A reunion — and one shocking scar from a friend’s open-heart surgery — jolted him into action. Jet pivoted from years of high-fat keto eating to a whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free lifestyle inspired by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Within weeks, his symptoms vanished. Within months, he was summiting mountains he hadn’t touched in over a decade. Today, his cholesterol is stellar, his A1C is normal, and he’s hiking peaks he hasn't done in years.

Jet’s story is an inspiring reminder that the body can heal when given the right fuel — and that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in the Philippines on a fat and sugar-heavy diet
• The moment Jet realized keto was harming — not helping — his heart
• How a reunion wake-up call shifted his perspective
• The emotional and physical toll of worsening symptoms
• Why he finally chose a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle
• The shocking improvements in angina, energy, cholesterol, sleep, and mood
• His new life of hiking, strength, and vitality at 66
• Advice for anyone curious but hesitant to go plant-based

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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

Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

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What does it mean to live intentionally?

In this inspiring conversation, Rip sits down with endurance athlete and author Joe Gagnon, who shares how he shifted from chasing external success to living with deeper purpose and awareness. Joe explores the mindset and habits that fuel his growth — from building strong health pillars and saying “yes” to new challenges, to embracing discomfort as a teacher.

Through endurance racing, reflection, and a plant strong lifestyle, Joe has learned that intentionality, courage, and consistency aren’t just traits of high performers — they’re the foundation for a fulfilled life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to align your life with what matters most—or how to find meaning in the face of any challenge and discomfort—this episode will help you reflect, reset, and take the next step toward a more intentional life.

Key Takeaways

• Living intentionally starts with understanding your purpose.
• Failure is not the end—it’s an opportunity for growth.
• Grit, grace, and groundedness are vital for personal fulfillment.
• Reflection on how you spend your time helps align your life with your values.
• You are responsible for your own happiness and legacy.

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Episode Webpage

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

Apply for a Scholarship to our April 2026 Retreat in Black Mountain, NC: https://forms.gle/wt4rPyKMEDht6HKG7

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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Inflammation is running rampant — and it’s not starting in your joints or your arteries. It’s starting in your gut.

This week, Rip is joined by world-renowned gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, aka “Dr. B,” author of the book Plant Powered Plus. (Release Date: January 13, 2026) Together, they break down why chronic disease, fatigue, weight gain, autoimmune disorders, and even emotional burnout so often trace back to what’s happening inside your microbiome.

Dr. B reveals his powerful three-phase gut-healing plan, explains why fiber is the undisputed MVP of human health, and shows how plant diversity, fermentation, and polyphenol-rich foods can radically change your life — starting today.

But this episode goes deeper than food.

Rip and Dr. B explore the profound connection between emotional healing, spiritual wellness, and physical health, including Dr. B’s personal story of reconciling with his father and how unresolved trauma can live in the body.

This is not about perfection.

It’s about progress.

And it all starts with your next bite.

You’ll Hear:

• Why inflammation is a national pandemic — and how your gut is at the center of it.
• Dr. B’s three-phase approach to healing your microbiome and lowering chronic inflammation.
• Why fiber deficiency is fueling modern disease — and how to reverse it.
• The four nutrition “workhorses” of true plant-powered living.
• How polyphenols, fermented foods, and healthy fats supercharge gut health.
• The hidden dangers of the Western diet, hyper-palatable foods, plastics, and environmental toxins.
• How emotional and spiritual health directly influence your physical healing.

Your gut isn’t just digesting food — it’s shaping your immune system, your emotions, your energy, and your future.

Dr. B and Rip remind us that real healing doesn’t come from chasing symptoms.

It comes from changing the system — one fiber-rich, plant-powered meal at a time.

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

Apply for a Scholarship to our April 2026 Retreat in Black Mountain, NC: https://forms.gle/wt4rPyKMEDht6HKG7

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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Eating healthier shouldn’t feel confusing, overwhelming, or impossible to sustain—and if it ever has, you’re not the problem. In this 30-minute REAL30™ webinar, Rip Esselstyn and Laurie Kortowich introduce a simple, science-backed framework designed to help you eat more real, whole plants and stay consistent without turning your life upside down.

The REAL30 is built on three approachable pillars:

• 30 days of simple daily action (progress over perfection)
• 30 minutes of movement per day (any movement counts)
• 30 different plants per week (we count plants, not calories)

You’ll learn why plant diversity matters—especially for gut health, energy, metabolism, inflammation, and immune function—and how the “30 plants per week” concept is rooted in research from the American Gut Project. The conversation breaks down what real food actually means, why ultra-processed foods make consistency harder, and how whole plants work with your body’s natural systems (including appetite regulation and gut health).

Rip shares powerful real-world stories from the firehouse and lessons learned from his father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, while Laurie brings in insights from the PLANTSTRONG community—showing how quickly people begin to feel better when they focus on adding more of the good stuff instead of restricting.

You’ll also walk away with:

• Simple “bowl-building” meal patterns that work for busy lives
• Practical examples of how to hit 30+ plants in a day without stress
• Tools to make consistency easier, including free trackers, a plant checklist, and optional meal-planning support

This isn’t a diet, a cleanse, or a rigid set of rules. It’s a return to real food—built on abundance, simplicity, and momentum.

👉 Join the REAL30 for free:

Download the tracker and plant checklist at plantstrong.com

or Text REAL30 to (833) 541-0194

One plate at a time.

One plant at a time.

One day at a time.

Eat strong. Live real.

Watch the Webinar on YouTube

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.

Register for our 2026 April Black Mountain, NC retreat - from now until January 10th, 2026, use code PODCAST for $300 off

Listen to Part 1 of this Podcast Series

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