Ep. 325: Nikki Boes - Why The World Needs More Imperfect Vegans
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 dietHow she handles the trolls who attack her postsThe 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 worldBalancing family dynamics when not everyone in the household is veganNot taking herself too seriouslyWhy the world needs more imperfect vegansFrom 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-boesWatch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N-HnMxCsaWgUpcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
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Ep. 324: Marlene Skiver and Dr. Laurie Marbas - After a Lifetime of Caring for Others, She’s Finally Caring for Herself
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-skiverWatch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EeaiaKEPoDI
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Ep. 323: Dr. Tila Kansagra - How Lifestyle Medicine Heals Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Burnout
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 medicineWhy empathy and connection are essential tools for healingThe definitions and diagnosis of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgiaThe role of plant-based nutrition in helping to reverse chronic fatigue and restore energyHow lifestyle medicine empowers patients to take control of their healthPractical steps to build resilience and vitalityWatch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FLJ1BwO5mA Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/dr-tila-kansagraUpcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
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Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italiana
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-punzoneUpcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://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 RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
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Ep. 321: Dan Buettner - Live to 100 with Blue Zones One Pot Meals
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.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube
People become curious about whole food, plant-based nutrition for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, or another chronic disease and you know (or you’ve been told) that this is your best shot at healing your body. You may be an athlete looking to maximize your performance and recovery with the power of plant-based nutrition, or you’re a parent who wants to escape the processed food aisle and start feeding your children real, nourishing foods. Perhaps you are concerned about climate change and the profound negative impact that animal agriculture has on the planet.
The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones.
Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING.
As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living.
Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength.
Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment.
You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food.
We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.
Ireland