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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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

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Take the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/

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

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Take the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/

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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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

Take the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/

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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In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of Pura Vita—the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the U.S.—and writer Gene Stone, co-author of Vegana Italiana. Together, they dive into the passion and purpose behind their brand-new cookbook, which transforms beloved Italian classics into bold, satisfying vegan dishes.

Tara shares her journey from growing up in a big Italian family in New York, where food and tradition were always at the center, to making the choice to go vegan at just twelve years old. Listeners will hear how she managed to honor her heritage without giving up the flavors she loved—proving that mozzarella, ricotta, ravioli, and meatballs can all be made deliciously plant-based.

The conversation also explores the collaboration with Gene Stone, the celebrated author behind many bestselling plant-based books, and how they brought together Tara’s culinary artistry with Gene’s storytelling to create a book that’s equal parts recipe collection, cultural history, and love letter to Italian food.

With tips for stocking your pantry, techniques for mastering vegan versions of Italian staples, and stories that connect food to family and community, this episode celebrates the joy of eating in a way that’s both compassionate and authentic.

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mf5zAU2BbDM

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/tara-punzone

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

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Take the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/

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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He’s back for the fourth time!

Dan Buettner—National Geographic fellow, explorer, longevity expert, and creator of the Blue Zones—returns and this time we’re diving into his brand-new New York Times best-selling book: Blue Zones: One Pot Meals.

Dan and Rip roll up their sleeves and go page by page through his delicious new recipes—from savory Tex-Mex breakfast skillets to mushroom walnut bolognese, roasted cauliflower, creamy mac ‘n cheese, and even chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

They talk about:

• Why long-term consistency is the only real longevity “hack.”
• How the world’s longest-lived people eat (and why beans are still king).
• The flavor “secrets” revealed by analyzing 650,000 top-rated recipes with Stanford’s AI lab.
• How Dan is bringing Blue Zones wisdom into kitchens, frozen food aisles, and even entire cities.
• Why all five original Blue Zones are sadly waning—but also, the exciting announcement of a brand-new Blue Zone that’s on the rise.

This conversation is equal parts mouthwatering, inspiring, and hopeful—and if you’re ready to supercharge your longevity with easy, affordable, maniacally delicious meals, you’re in the right place.

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Think plant-based cooking takes too much time? Rip Esselstyn and producer Carrie Barrett are here to prove otherwise. In this energizing mini-episode, the duo dismantles one of the biggest myths around a whole food, plant-based lifestyle—that it’s complicated and time-consuming.

With a mix of personal stories and practical strategies, Rip and Carrie show how to make plant-based meals fast, fun, and family-friendly. From the “bowl build” method to frozen food shortcuts, they reveal how simple tweaks can transform cooking into an easy, joyful part of your day.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why plant-based cooking can actually be faster than traditional cooking once you get over the initial hump.
• How frozen fruits, veggies, and grains can slash prep time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
• The “build a bowl” approach—customizable, colorful, and stress-free.
• Simple ways to batch cook with tools like the Instant Pot for easy weekday meals.
• How to reimagine familiar favorites like pizza and tacos into plant-strong staples.

Discover how to spend less time in the kitchen—and more time enjoying vibrant, plant-strong meals.

Episode Webpage

Watch the Episode on YouTube

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

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Take the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/

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://plantstrongfoods.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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