PLANTSTRONG Podcast

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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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

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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

Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
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
https://plantstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong
https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/
https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/

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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
https://plantstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong
https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/
https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/

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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.
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
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
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