Are you curious about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle but don’t know where to begin?
Welcome to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast—your go-to guide for embracing a healthier, more sustainable, and fulfilling way of living. Hosted by Diane Randall, a certified holistic coach, life coach, and whole living consultant with over 22 years of experience in plant-based and vegan living, this podcast is your friendly companion on the journey to thriving with plants.
Each bi-weekly episode dives into the world of plant-based nutrition, going vegan, holistic living, and the science of behavior change. Diane shares her personal stories, practical tips, and expert insights to help you navigate the transition with confidence and joy. Plus, you’ll hear from inspiring guests—practitioners, nutritionists, holistic health experts, athletes and everyday people—who share their experiences, bust myths, and offer actionable advice to make plant-based living simple and sustainable.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a vegetarian, or just a curious omnivore dipping your toes into the world of plants, this podcast is a judgment-free zone for learning, growing, and transforming your life—one bite at a time.
Got questions, feedback, or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us using the link in the episode description.
Tune in, get inspired, and let’s explore the power of plant-based living together. Your journey starts here!
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Gut Health, Mood & Longevity Hacks: Rewire Your Metabolism with Martin Pytela
Season 3 · Episode 54
Sunday, August 10, 2025 • Duration 27:22
In this episode of Plant Based Curious, I sat down with functional medicine expert Martin Pytela to uncover the hidden connections between your gut, mood, and metabolism. We dive deep into why wheat can be as addictive as heroin, how your ancestors’ diet holds the key to optimal health, and a simple 2-meal test to discover whether carbs or fats work best for YOUR body. Martin also shares his top longevity hack (hint: it’s not what you’d expect) and why 75% of mood-related prescriptions could be avoided with the right food choices. If you’ve ever struggled with bloating, fatigue, or emotional eating, this conversation is your roadmap to healing—starting with your next meal.
👉 Want Martin’s free quiz to discover your metabolic type? Grab it at life-enthusiast.com—and let us know your biggest aha moment by tagging @plantbasedcurious. Until next time, stay curious and nourished!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Reversing Heart Disease with Plants – A Powerful Transformation Story (Ft. Lauren Bernick)
Season 3 · Episode 53
Sunday, July 27, 2025 • Duration 30:03
"What if you could actually reverse chronic disease—not just manage symptoms? Today’s guest proved it’s possible."
I’m your host Diane Randall, and in this eye-opening episode of Plant-Based Curious, I sit down with Lauren Bernick, a health advocate who completely transformed her heart health through plant-based nutrition after receiving a terrifying diagnosis in her 40s.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
❤️ The shocking moment her cardiologist said statins for life were her only option—and why she refused to accept that prognosis
🌱 The exact nutritional approach that helped reverse her coronary artery disease (without medication!)
💪 7 powerful mindset shifts about aging—from redefining self-care to becoming your own health advocate
🍎 Simple food swaps that made plant-based healing practical and sustainable
⚡ The unexpected benefits she experienced—from effortless weight loss to renewed energy.
What moved me most was hearing how:
• Our medical system often fails to offer real solutions
• Food can be either poison or medicine—and we get to choose
• True healing requires both science and self-trust
This conversation is perfect for anyone who:
• Has ever felt dismissed by their doctor
• Wants proof that lifestyle changes can reverse disease
• Is curious about plant-based healing but needs a real-life example
Listen now and get inspired to take charge of your health journey!
REPLAY: A Holistic Path to Plant-Powered Living (Season 1 Fan Favorite!)
Season 3 · Episode 52
Sunday, June 22, 2025 • Duration 50:36
I’ll never forget this powerful conversation with Jordan Simon—one of those exchanges where everything just clicked. We dove deep into how fear holds us back from transformation, why whole living isn’t about perfection, and the magic that happens when we align our plates with our purpose.
As a holistic coach, I shared tools I’ve used with clients (and myself!) to break through limiting beliefs—because going plant-based isn’t just about food. It’s about cultivating courage, redefining health, and discovering how every compassionate choice ripples outward.
This episode is especially close to my heart. We unpack:
How to reframe fear as fuel for growth
The surprising connection between gut health and intuition
Why ‘progress over purity’ changes everything
Whether you’re new here or a longtime listener, this replay is your reminder: small steps create big shifts. Visit dianerandallconsults.com for free resources to keep the momentum going!
P.S. Text me by clicking on “Send us a Text” in the description of the episode with your biggest takeaway—I’ll share my favorite responses in a future episode! )
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple. Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing. to grab your copy of my book, " and discover all the tools you need to succeed! Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Honoring Heritage, Plant-Based Style: Jan Brandenburg’s Appalachian Kitchen Revolution
Season 3 · Episode 51
Sunday, June 8, 2025 • Duration 17:36
Join host Diane Randall for a soulful conversation with Jan Brandenburg, Appalachian native, longtime vegan, and author of The Modern Mountain Cookbook: A Plant-Based Celebration of Appalachia. Jan shares how she’s won over her meat-loving family with veganized comfort food, the emotional ties between tradition and ethics, and her top tips for making plant-based living accessible—even in the heart of biscuit-and-gravy country.
Key Takeaways:
Start Where You Are
Jan’s advice for beginners: “Think of your favorite foods—master 3 plant-based versions, and build from there.” (Example: Her crowd-pleasing vegan mac and cheese!)
Appalachian Vegan Magic
How to reinvent smoky, hearty flavors without meat: liquid smoke, smoked salts, and tamari bring umami depth to classics like cornbread and broccoli casserole.
Holidays Without Compromise
Jan’s secret to stress-free vegan feasts: “Cook the dishes you love, but plant-based. No one misses the meat when the flavors are right.”
Aquafaba Breakthrough
The game-changing ingredient that let Jan recreate her grandmother’s meringue pies (hint: it’s hiding in your chickpea can!).
Handling Skeptics with Grace
Responding to “Why be so extreme?”: “It’s not about judgment—it’s my choice to live in alignment with my values.”
Featured Recipes & Tips:
Pantry MVP: Liquid smoke for bacon-esque flavor in greens, beans, and cornbread.
Comfort Food Hack: Vegan broccoli casserole (no condensed soups!).
Seasonal Star: Ramps (wild Appalachian leeks) in spring dishes.
Gut Health Secrets: How Your Microbiome Holds the Key to Weight Loss, Energy & Longevity with Anu Simh
Season 3 · Episode 50
Sunday, May 25, 2025 • Duration 34:45
In this eye-opening episode, Diane Randall sits down with Anu Simh, functional health coach and gut health guru, to explore how your microbiome holds the key to weight loss, energy, and longevity. Anu debunks probiotic myths, exposes how processed foods starve good bacteria, and shares why sleep is non-negotiable for gut balance. Learn how a 1-week plant-based shift can transform your microbial health, why Ozempic harms muscle, and how to build a “forever gut” with simple, sustainable habits. Whether you’re battling bloat or chasing longevity, this episode is your roadmap to thriving from the inside out.
Key Takeaways
🌱 Gut Health 101
Your microbiome is a “gift” passed from mother to child (via birth) and thrives on fiber (aim for 40-45g/day!).
A resilient microbiome fights pathogens, prevents inflammation, and produces 90% of your serotonin (your “happy hormone”).
Ultra-processed foods starve good bacteria and feed harmful ones (think: gas, bloating, brain fog).
Poor sleep and stress erode microbial diversity in as little as 1-2 nights.
A plant-forward diet reduces saturated fat (harmful to mitochondria) and feeds microbes with diverse fibers.
1 week of eating plants can radically shift your microbiome (backed by the Pittsburgh/South Africa diet swap study).
You can’t out-supplement a bad diet. Probiotics are temporary; grow your own bugs with fiber-rich foods.
Choose probiotics with specific strains (e.g., Lactobacillus ruteri for gut integrity, BB Lactis 12 for constipation).
Resources Mentioned
Anu’s Book: Flourish From Within: Feed Your Gut for Lifelong Health (Pre-order here)
The Science of Fasting, Longevity, and Reversing Biological Age with Dr. Joseph Antoun
Season 3 · Episode 49
Sunday, May 11, 2025 • Duration 54:45
This episode is a game-changer for anyone seeking to optimize their healthspan, combat chronic disease, and understand the revolutionary science of fasting-mimicking diets (FMD). Dr. Joseph Antoun, a physician-scientist and longevity pioneer, unveils how to "hack" aging at the cellular level, exposes hidden dangers in the food industry, and shares actionable steps to reverse biological age. Perfect for:
Those curious about fasting, autophagy, and metabolic health.
Anyone managing diabetes or seeking sustainable weight care.
Listeners tired of quick fixes and eager for science-backed longevity strategies.
Key Takeaways
Fasting-Mimicking Diets (FMD) vs. Traditional Fasting:
FMD triggers autophagy (cellular detox) by Day 3 without starvation.
ProLon’s 5-day plant-based kit reverses biological age by 2.5 years per cycle (3 cycles/year = ~11.5 years younger over 20 years).
Plant-Based in a Mixed Household: How to Keep Everyone Happy (ft. Alison Corey)
Season 3 · Episode 48
Sunday, April 27, 2025 • Duration 30:41
In this episode of the Plant Based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall chats with Alison Corey (creator of Keeping the Peas and author of Weeknight Vegans). Allison shares game-changing tips for balancing taste buds, reducing resistance, and making meals everyone actually wants to eat. Learn how to turn chili night vegan, win over picky eaters, and save time with smart prep—no separate meals required!
Key Takeaways:
You don’t need to go 100% plant-based overnight. Begin with one meal (e.g., lentil chili, burrito bowls) and build momentum.
Remind yourself why you’re doing this (health, animals, environment) to stay motivated through pushback.
Veganize comfort foods: Swap ground beef for lentils in chili, use cashew cheese in mac ‘n’ cheese, or try teriyaki tofu bowls.
Alison’s mantra: “Make it familiar, make it flavorful, and they won’t miss the meat.
Build Buddha bowls with grains, roasted veggies, beans, and sauces (like tahini dressing or cilantro vinaigrette). Let everyone customize their toppings!
Batch-cook staples (rice, lentils, roasted veggies) for quick assembly on busy nights.
Involve kids/spouses in meal choices: “What looks good to you?” reduces friction.
Standout Quotes:
“You’re a changemaker—even small steps influence your family’s habits.”
“Normalize plant-based meals. Soon, they won’t even ask where the meat is.”
“Burrito bowls are my secret weapon. Everyone cleans their plate!”
Try a “Taco Tuesday” Makeover: Use seasoned lentils instead of beef.
Debunking Plant-Based Myths: How to Thrive Without Going 100% Vegan (ft. Anna Tseng)
Season 3 · Episode 47
Sunday, April 13, 2025 • Duration 33:52
Confused about protein, carbs, or cost on a plant-based diet? In this episode of the Plant Based Curious Podcast, Registered dietitian Anna Tseng smashes the biggest barriers holding people back. Host Diane Randall, chats with Anna about why you don’t need perfection, how to eat filling meals without meat, and budget hacks to save money. Perfect for curious beginners!
Key Takeaways:
No All-or-Nothing: Plant-based eating is a spectrum—start with one meal (e.g., lentil soup, green smoothie) and build gradually.
Protein Myth Busted: Beans (15g/cup), tofu (30g/block), and even broccoli (7g/2 cups) easily meet daily needs.
Carbs Aren’t Evil: Focus on complex carbs (whole grains, veggies)—they fuel energy without blood sugar spikes.
Budget Wins: Save $$ by skipping pricey vegan “junk food” and bulk-buying staples like oats, beans, and seasonal produce.
Meal Prep Magic: Batch-cook grains/veggies, repurpose leftovers into bowls, and use no-cook salads for busy days.
Standout Quotes:
“You’re a changemaker—even small steps influence your family’s habits.”
“Your plate doesn’t need meat to keep you full—just smart combos like beans + whole grains + veggies.”
Do This Now:
Try a 3-Day Challenge: Swap one daily meal for a plant-based option (e.g., oatmeal breakfast, chickpea salad lunch).
Shop Smart: Buy frozen veggies (cheaper, lasts longer) and canned beans (rinse to reduce sodium).
Follow Anna: Get resources and recipes at PlantNourished.com or her Plant Based Eating Made Easy podcast.
Why Listen?
Anna Tseng blends science and practicality to prove plant-based living is flexible, affordable, and deeply nourishing. Walk away with tools to start today—no guilt, no dogma.
Links & Resources:
Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished (plant-based recipes/holistic tips)
How Healing Ourselves Heals the Planet (ft. Dr. Sailesh Rao)
Season 3 · Episode 46
Sunday, March 30, 2025 • Duration 32:47
In this episode of the Plant based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall chats with Systems engineer and climate visionary Dr. Sailesh Rao who reveals how animal agriculture drives 66% of global heating—more than fossil fuels—and why reclaiming our health through plant-based living is Earth’s lifeline. From colonial food addiction to a bold Vegan World 2026 roadmap, this episode is a wake-up call to align our bodies, ethics, and planet. Tune in for science-backed hope and actionable steps to join the healing.
Key Points:
Animal Agriculture Crisis: Responsible for 2x more heating than fossil fuels (when accounting for sulfur masking effects).
Health = Planetary Survival: Chronic diseases and climate collapse share roots in misaligned diets.
Colonialism’s Toxic Legacy: Modern food systems weaponize addiction (sugar, processed foods) like historical opium trade tactics.
Vegan World 2026: A Climate Healers initiative to rewild 40% of Earth’s land by ending animal farming.
Standout Quotes:
“We’re all being factory-farmed by design—it’s time to break free.”
“Shut down animal agriculture today. Fossil fuels need a phase-out; veganism is instant triage.”
“Faith, not hope: Transformation is already happening.”
Do This Now:
Try a 30-day plant-based reset to heal your body and shrink your footprint.
Debunk the “protein myth” (plants power elephants—they’ll power you!).
Dr. Rao blends hard data, ancestral wisdom, and unshakable faith to prove personal and planetary healing are the same fight. Get inspired, get angry, then get active.
How Your Plate Can Heal Your Mind: Plant-Based Solutions for Brain Fog, Burnout & Anxiety
Season 3 · Episode 45
Sunday, March 16, 2025 • Duration 08:31
In this powerful solo episode of Plant-Based Curious, host Diane Randall, M.A. CHC, merges raw personal storytelling with groundbreaking science to reveal how food rewires mental health. Struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a near Crohn’s diagnosis in her 30s while juggling tech career chaos and single motherhood, Diane shares her transformative pivot to plant-based eating—and how it saved her mind and body.
Science You’ll Geek Out Over:
How chronic inflammation from processed foods fuels depression/anxiety (and the 2022 study proving plants fight it).
Why dopamine receptors hate cheese (and love lentils + berries) for sustained energy.
Underrated Brain Heroes:
Zinc (hello, pumpkin seeds!) for neurotransmitter magic.
Vitamin C in bell peppers to boost serotonin.
Polyphenol powerhouses like dark chocolate that cross the blood-brain barrier.
Actionable Bites You Can’t Skip:
Diane’s 50% Plate Rule for instant meal upgrades.
Why swapping coffee for chamomile tea might save your afternoon.
Relatable AF: Diane’s burnout-to-breakthrough journey mirrors your struggles.
No Fluff, Just Science: Cutting-edge studies made deliciously simple.
Your Weekly Challenge: Add one antioxidant-rich food (think turmeric or berries) and share your creation with the community!
Perfect for anyone battling stress, mental fog, or burnout—this episode serves equal parts hope, strategy, and “aha!” moments.
Tag a friend who needs a brain boost!
Follow Plant-Based Curious for more episodes on eating your way to a brighter mind and resilient body.
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Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Involve Your Family: Let kids pick a plant-based recipe to try each week.
Meal Prep Sundays: Cook 2-3 grains/legumes for easy bowl meals.
Share the Love: Bring a vegan dish to your next gathering (Alison’s chili recipe FTW!).
Why Listen?
Alison’s blend of empathy and practicality turns mixed-diet chaos into kitchen harmony. Walk away with recipes even meat-lovers crave and strategies to stay sane
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
Your healthiest, happiest life starts with just one click—let’s make it happen together!
