PLANTSTRONG Podcast

This week on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, Rip sits down with the legendary Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, as she prepares to step away after more than 20 years of rescuing animals and inspiring people to live with compassion.Since 2001, Kathy has been leading with love—creating a safe haven for thousands of animals and cultivating a culture that welcomes everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. In this heartfelt conversation, she reflects on her legacy, the lessons learned from her four-legged teachers, and the future of Catskill Animal Sanctuary.You’ll hear:Kathy’s journey from teacher to animal sanctuary founderLessons in empathy from Catskill’s rescued residentsWhy “leading with love” beats judgment every timeThe challenges of passing the torch to a new leaderHer vision for the future of sanctuaries in a changing worldKathy’s warmth, wisdom, and dedication shine through in every story—including one unforgettable tale about Rambo the ram, who forever changed her outlook on life.Learn more or support the Catskill mission at casanctuary.orgEpisode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube

Adam Sud, a certified insulin resistance and food addiction coach with over 13 years in recovery, dismantles common myths about carbs and diabetes. He reveals that insulin resistance is reversible and dissects the real culprits, like saturated fat, not carbs. Adam discusses the importance of high-fiber, plant-based foods and how simple activities like walking after meals can boost metabolism. He also introduces the PILAF method for tracking health markers, aiming to empower listeners to take charge of their health.

At 38, Tyler Dodge was battling anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and extra weight—but instead of turning to medication, he turned to plants. By embracing a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Tyler shed 50 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol, and reclaimed both his physical and mental health. His powerful story proves that real men eat plants—and thrive.This is a must-listen—especially for the men in your life—especially because Tyler talks openly about the things most guys never say out loud.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn 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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

What happens when a seasoned cardiologist realizes that prescriptions and procedures aren’t enough?You get Dr. Jami Dulaney—a board-certified cardiologist who transformed her practice (and personal life) by embracing plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.Motivated by her own family history of heart disease and a desire to do more than simply manage symptoms, Dr. Dulaney shares her transformative journey from practicing traditional cardiology to building a lifestyle medicine practice that focuses on the healing power of whole food, plant-based nutrition and movement.You'll hear how she made this bold shift in her practice after seeing firsthand how food can reverse chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. She also opens up about her personal evolution from golfer to runner, including her love of endurance running and how she stays motivated to live plantstrong.Dr. Dulaney’s memberships include an annual comprehensive physical exam that incorporates screening and diagnostic tests, and focuses on nutrition, fitness and exercise, lifestyle management, mental wellness, stress management, and chronic disease management. The result is a customized wellness plan to guide you in achieving and maintaining optimum health and disease prevention.Together, Rip and Dr. Dulaney explore:Why she left the “pill for every ill” model behindHow lifestyle medicine is reversing chronic disease in her patientsWhy oils—even so-called “healthy” ones—have no place in a heart-healthy dietThe power of community and education in sustaining health changesHer training mindset as a runner and the connection between physical and mental healthHow doctors can (and should) create space for deeper, more meaningful patient careDr. Dulaney proves that it’s never too late to rewrite the script—whether in your medical practice or your own life. This episode is a powerful reminder that food is medicine, and the future of healthcare starts with prevention, not prescriptions.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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

In this unforgettable episode, Rip Esselstyn sits down with Nancy Wells, whose near-death experience at the Glass City Marathon turned into a life-saving wake-up call—and a triumphant return to running and living with purpose.While racing last April, Nancy collapsed from a massive heart attack—a"Widowmaker." Thanks to the quick actions of a retired nurse and fast-acting paramedics, Nancy survived. But surviving was just the beginning.Now, joined by Rip and cardiologist Dr. Brian Asbill, Nancy shares her gripping story: from waking up in the hospital scared and confused… to discovering a powerful new path forward through a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.In this three part episode, they explore:What actually happens during a "Widowmaker" heart attack—and how fast action saved Nancy's lifeHow nutrition played a key role in her recovery and transformationThe emotional toll of surviving a near-death experience—and the mindset needed to rise againThe life-changing effects of the PLANTSTRONG Meal Plan Bundle, from better sleep to lower blood pressure and a renewed zest for life and sustainable weight lossWhy she laced up her shoes again—one year later—for a return to the race that nearly took her lifeThis conversation is raw, real, and incredibly uplifting. Nancy’s journey is living proof that hearts can heal, lives can restart, and food can empower transformation.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn 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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Dr. Julie Siemers, a patient safety consultant and critical care nurse with over 45 years of experience, shares insights on the often-overlooked dangers of hospital stays. She discusses preventable harm, highlighting signs to watch for and the critical importance of patient advocacy. Julie explains how to choose good providers, the financial impact of patient harm on hospitals, and alarming statistics on safety issues. She offers practical tips for patients, including what to ask and how to monitor care effectively.

Doug Evans, a sprouting advocate and founder of The Sprouting Company, shares his passion for sprouts as nutrient-dense superfoods. He discusses how sprouting seeds enhances their nutritional profile, making them easy to grow at home. Doug recounts his personal journey to plant-based eating and highlights the impressive health benefits of sprouts, such as detoxification and immunity support. He also previews exciting upcoming clinical research focusing on the health impacts of a sprout-based diet.

We are turning up the heat and diving fork-first into a true celebration of the tropics—a culinary carnival of color, culture, and compassion!Rip welcomes Ellen Kanner—a Miami native, award-winning writer, and the powerhouse behind the new cookbook, Miami Vegan. This book is more than just a collection of recipes—it's a flavorful journey through the heart of Miami, infused with bold Latin and Caribbean influences, and reimagined through the vibrant lens of plant-based living.Ellen shows us that we don’t have to give up the flavors we love to eat food that loves us back. With over 80 sun-soaked, sizzling recipes, this is the kind of book that makes you want to crank up some salsa music and dance in the kitchen! Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn 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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Let’s face it—choosing a plant-strong lifestyle can sometimes feel like swimming upstream. Whether it’s side-eyes at the dinner table, skeptical coworkers, or relentless comments from “nutrition experts” on TikTok, the pressure is real.In this episode, Rip and his producer, Carrie Barrett, share that it's not just doable—it’s empowering. Drawing on decades of personal experience and thousands of conversations in the PLANTSTRONG community, they offer real-world strategies, mindset shifts, and a big dose of confidence to help you stay strong, no matter what’s coming at you.They share: Why social pressure is one of the biggest obstacles to a plant-based lifestyleHow to handle criticism from friends, family, and strangersThe power of treating your lifestyle shift as a personal experimentWhy ridicule often says more about them than youTips for finding (and building) plant-based support communitiesThe importance of having a strong “why”How to set boundaries and stand up for yourself with confidenceLearning to give yourself grace on the journeyConviction and confidence are your greatest allies. Stand tall, stay true, and remember—every time you say “yes” to plants, you’re saying yes to your health, your values, and the world.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn 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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Rip is joined by Brandi Doming, the creative force behind The Vegan 8 and the brand-new cookbook, Vegan Wholesome. Brandi’s plant-based journey began as a deeply personal mission—to support her husband’s health. What followed was a total transformation in their kitchen and a powerful ripple effect that’s now helping thousands of people embrace simple, nourishing, and oil-free plant-based meals.Brandi shares how her fitness and dance background shaped her approach to health, why she’s obsessed with keeping recipes as simple as possible, and how plant-based eating became a path to healing—not just for her husband, but for her whole family.She and Rip also dig into some standout recipes from the new book that you won’t believe are oil-free and dairy-free.Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking for a little kitchen inspiration, this conversation will remind you that food can be both simple and spectacular.Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTubeLearn 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 JourneyLearn 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 Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify