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.

• 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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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

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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