My guest this week is a long distance cyclist. His second longest journey to date – San Diego, California to Jacksonville, Florida. That very ride was being mapped long before Mr. Mike Cohen took his first pedal stroke…you see, before he started laying down big mileage, Mike had to beat an aggressive form of leukemia to become a cancer survivor, then he had to overcome two heart failures to become a heart attack survivor, then…he had to live with an LVAD to become an LVAD survivor and THEN…he had to undergo a heart transplant to become a heart transplant recipient! All before he became a long distance cyclist. His story is gripping and one that will have you living your own life out loud all while being unapologetically yourself! I sincerely hope that you enjoy my conversation with Mr. Mike Cohen in this episode titled Never Give Up. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Mike Cohen.

My guest this week is Dotsie Bausch, a person I have a tremendous amount of respect for. She had a prolific professional cycling career that produced a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, eight US national championships, two Pan American gold medals, and a world record! She’s a plant-based athlete and the oldest ever to medal in her sport. Highly accomplished and an absolute machine on two wheels! And while most of us think of Olympians as these bigger than life characters…they are human, they feel pain, they suffer loss and deal with real-life issues just like you and me. Olympians are made from the effort and struggle that they’ve endured. Dotsie is no exception! Before the cycling career, she had to face, and conquer, a serious psychological eating disorder that almost took her life! Now retired from competition, she pours her passion into missions to change, and save lives. In this episode, we discuss the aforementioned struggles, her plant-based transition, the Olympic journey, and several other critical topics, including her most recent work through her non-profit, Switch4Good (https://switch4good.org/). I hope that you enjoy our conversation in this episode titled “Compassion Over Medals” with Dotsie Bausch. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dotsie Bausch.

My guest today is a 22 year veteran of the NYPD, he served 4 terms as a United States Senator, and he’s currently serving as the President of the Brooklyn Borough in New York – Mr. Eric Adams. If you’ve not heard Eric speak, prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to change the way you look at life. I mean that – this man has overcome many tragedies and not one has rattled his cage. Eric had lost vision in his left eye and he was beginning to lose the sight in his right eye, he had extensive nerve damage and doctors stated he would need to have his fingers and toes removed, all due to type 2 diabetes that he didn’t even realize he had. Faced with this diagnosis he took matters into his own hands and sought out the advice from the best plant based doctors in the nation. Eric found a new way of life through a comprehensive whole food plant based lifestyle, and as a result, he regained his vision, the nerve damage disappeared, and the diabetes was sent home packing! Maybe you’ve heard his story, maybe this will be the first time, whatever the case may be, I truly feel that you’re going to be moved as Eric’s story further proves that we all have the power within to positively change, and overcome what may feel like a devastating situation. So, get dialed in and enjoy the story of Reversing Type 2 Diabetes – with Eric Adams. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Eric Adams.

This week, the president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Neal Barnard, joins the show and we talk about his latest book, ‘Your Body in Balance’. The information and evidence that Dr. Barnard presents is this book is not only eye opening, it’s important for everyone to understand. As you’ll soon hear, food is more than just fuel for your body, it literally affects our hormones and our health. We dive into the science behind how conditions like infertility, weight gain, menopausal symptoms, breast and prostate cancers, erectile dysfunction, and even mood disorders —can be affected by, and improved by, simple diet changes. While I was studying Plant Based Nutrition at Cornell, I recall listening to Dr. Barnard discuss his numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients. He blew me away with his work that includes more than 90 scientific publications and 20 books. In fact, it’s so impressive, that he is the editor in chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students. You get the idea; Dr. Barnard is the real deal, and his mission is saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. So, let’s talk about Your Body in Balance, The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health with Dr. Neal Barnard. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Neal Barnard.

This is a very exciting week for The Peace Love Plants Podcast and, in all honesty, me personally. As most of you know, outside of this podcast, I am a Whole Food Plant Based Chef. So, I kind of geek out on plant-based food, recipe development and really anything relating to plant-based cooking. This week I am humbled to say that one of the greatest plant-based chefs in the world joins the podcast, Chef Mark Reinfeld! Chef Mark is an award winning chef and 2017 vegetarian hall of fame inductee, which by the way, has some pretty big names such as, Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, just to name a few. He’s authored eight books, traveled the world teaching and learning, and is now the founder of Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy in Boulder Colorado. A nationally accredited school helping people learn how to cook plant based and fulfill their mission on earth. As you will soon hear, Chef Mark is more than just a chef, he’s a leader and an altruistic human that fulfills his own life’s purpose every single waking moment. So, get ready to learn the true meaning of ‘Ahimsa Through the Medium of Food’ with Chef Mark Reinfeld. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Chef Mark Reinfeld.

This week joining the show is Dr. Steven Smith, founder of Vegan Fine Foods (https://www.veganfinefoods.com/) based in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Dr. Smith switched to a whole food plant based lifestyle over 20 years ago after a health scare and he hasn’t looked back. During those 20 plus years he realized that a lot of stores don’t carry vegan products, or if they do – you had to search high and low for them, and when you found one that you liked, it was no longer there the next time. He grew tired of this scenario, so he decided to solve the problem. Now he is a pioneer and he is shaking up the grocery space with the first of its kind all vegan market that includes an eatery. He’s a brilliant mind and a man on a mission. I hope you enjoy the story of “Vegan Fine Foods” With Dr. Steven Smith. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Steven Smith.

Geoff Palmer is back! This time we discuss his business Clean Machine Plant Based Fitness Nutrition (https://cleanmachineonline.com/), and some of the amazing scientific breakthroughs that he’s discovered. Geoff also shares how he followed his dharma, or in other words - his purpose in this life, by starting a business with a focus on serving others. It’s an amazing story of redemption and one that will leave you feeling optimistic and inspired. I hope that you enjoy part two of _‘Reconnecting to My Source’ _with Geoff Palmer. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Geoff Palmer.

This week my guest is Geoff Palmer, CEO of Clean Machine Plant Based Fitness Nutrition (https://cleanmachineonline.com/). On this episode, Geoff shares his story that involves a number of emotional topics including; losing his parents, overcoming addiction, and not succumbing to suicidal thoughts. We also discuss forgiveness, persevering, love and redemption. As you’ll soon hear, Geoff is transparent and just about as authentic as anybody you’ll listen to. His story is gripping and one that will touch just about all of your emotions. Settle in, maybe even grab a tissue…just in case, and enjoy this episode titled – ‘Reconnecting to My Source’. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Geoff Palmer.

Today we are headed to sunny San Diego California to talk with three doctors all in one. Dr. Marvin Singh joins me today and he is one of the only physicians in the country with training in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Integrative Medicine! He’s also an expert and thought leader in the field of personalized medicine. On this episode, we discuss the gut and how to maximize your overall health, probiotics and we even touch on the topic of gluten. So, get ready to expand your knowledge on “Optimizing Your Health” – with Dr. Marvin Singh. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Marvin Singh.

She’s a yogi, a healer, an altruistic human being, and a peaceful warrior. Her light shines bright and far! She’s the woman that walks beside me in this life, Karyn Knox aka: Beachy Buddha (https://beachybuddhalife.com/). In this episode Karyn shares with us how she evolved from being a top 10 figure competitor, to a reiki healer, a whole food plant based over 40 athlete, and a psychology student. Smashing stereotypes and chasing dreams is just what she does for fun! In her professional life, she serves as a director of development for a nonprofit that is focused on food system policy change for our youth, seniors and ultimately – all of us. So, kick on back, find your zen space and enjoy: “My Beachy Buddha Life” with Karyn Knox. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Karyn Knox.

My guest this week is embarking on a journey only few have ever completed…alive...Terrence Steinberg is up for the challenge! He’s an ultra-endurance athlete that has completed two Ironman’s with top 5% finishes in both. He runs ultra marathons - up to 145 miles, and he scales mountains like Longs Peak in Colorado, which by the way – is just north of 14 thousand feet in elevation. Pretty impressive to say the least! His next epic challenge, let me just say…I couldn’t believe it when I heard it for the first time, but as you’re about to hear, it’s very real. You see, Terrence is on a purpose filled mission to inspire a more courageous world, raise scholarships, protect the oceans and much more. How is he going about all of this? By solo rowing across the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco to Hawaii – 2,500 miles completely self-supported. So, get ready to meet ‘Tez’ as his friends call him, as we dive in to “Becoming Your own Inspiration” a journey across the Pacific With Terrence Steinberg. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Tez Steinberg.

This week my guest is Ryne O’Donnell, founder of two amazing companies: SolTi’ and Permaculture Planet. His lifestyle has helped shape his everyday reality which most people would categorize as “Living the Dream”. He and his family reside in Costa Rica on permaculture property that he developed 4 years ago. Today, this property feeds his entire family fresh naturally organic food year round. Living The dream indeed! In this episode, I speak with Ryne about this very reality and how he implements it into his business practice every single day. His philosophy of putting people and planet first is one that creates a culture of freedom, thus spawning a successful business. Get ready to learn a little bit about Ryne, living beverages, and Living the Dream! Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Ryne O'Donnell.

My long awaited interview with Dr. Michael Greger is finally here! We were scheduled to discuss his book How Not to Diet (https://nutritionfacts.org/how-not-to-diet/) but then Covid19 hit putting the brakes on that interview thus bringing a very relevant topic to the forefront, pandemics. For those of you that know of Dr. Greger I need not explain to you just how amazing his work is. However, there are some that may not know of Dr. Greger, I’ll do my best to paint a picture for this segment of the audience. Dr. Greger is a devoted physician with a highly energetic and vibrant personality! He’s also an author and an internationally recognized speaker on a number of important public health issues. He’s an altruistic human as well. For example - all of the proceeds from his speaking engagements and the sale of his books, are donated to charity. He also has a 501(c) nonprofit called Nutritionfacts.org (https://nutritionfacts.org/) and it’s the first science-based, non-commercial website to provide free daily videos and articles on the latest discoveries in nutrition. Dr. Greger truly embodies the saying – people over profit! His book How Not to Die (https://nutritionfacts.org/book/) has positively impacted millions of lives worldwide, mine included. If not for the fact that I immersed myself into that book, I might not have been able to make the changes in my lifestyle that ultimately saved my life, yeah, that impactful! In fact, whenever a new client asks me where to start, one of the first things that I recommend is either reading or listening to, How Not to Die. But in this episode, we discuss his latest work – How to Survive a Pandemic (https://nutritionfacts.org/how-to-survive-a-pandemic/). Being an expert on infectious disease, Dr. Greger is highly versed on this subject and he shares with us some valuable insight and evidence based science, that could change the way you look at things. So, grab a pen and a notepad and be prepared to hit rewind a few times because the knowledge is impactful and will leave you with a new perspective on a very important subject. My sincere hope is that you enjoy this discussion on How to Survive a Pandemic, with Dr. Michael Greger. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Michael Greger.

This week Robbie Balenger is back on the show for the second half of his two part interview! If you missed last week’s episode, allow me to provide some context for you. Robbie is a plant-based ultra-endurance athlete that ran from Los Angeles to New York, 3,175 miles in 75 days! His mission, to inspire positive change and show the validity of a plant-based diet. Running from LA to New York fueled entirely by plants, safe to say that he accomplished said mission! In this episode we dive into his awe inspiring run and Robbie shares some of the challenges that he endured during his 75 days out on the open road. Some of which almost forced him to stop, but as you will soon hear – the mind is powerful and overcoming your own fears and welcoming the challenge, can have a profound positive impact on your life. So, lace up those running shoes because you’re about to receive a healthy dose of inspiration that is sure to fuel your runs for days to come! Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Robbie Balenger.

This week I sit down with Robbie Balenger, an Ultra-Endurance Athlete that recently accomplished a feat of herculean proportions. Fueled by plants and a mission to inspire positive change, Robbie ran across the United States, Los Angeles to New York – 3,175 miles in just 75 days! In this first, of a two part interview, Robbie and I talk about his upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains, losing a parent at a young age, and his time living in both the US Virgin Islands, and Alaska. So, let’s get dialed in and listen to the story of how Robbie Ballenger’s “Purpose Has Surfaced” Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Robbie Balenger.

Dr. Joel Kahn is back! On this episode with Dr. Kahn, we learn about Lipoprotein(a), and why you should know your levels. He also provides insight on some early indicators that will help you identify your risk factors and what you can do to help. We discuss his Whole Food Plant-Based restaurants and he clears up the confusion about ‘healthy fat’. He even provides insight on some early indicators to look for to help prevent heart disease. Enjoy this heart health discussion with Dr. Joel Kahn. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Joel Kahn.

On this episode, I sit down with – Dr. Joel Kahn aka: Americas Heart Healthy Doc! This was an exciting interview because one of the main reasons I switched to a whole food plant-based diet was because of concerns regarding my own heart health. In fact, when I was diagnosed with dangerously high cholesterol, hypertension and prediabetes, I had no idea that there was this world of information readily available. I was lost in the world wide web of misinformation. So, when I got the opportunity to speak with Dr. Kahn, I decided right then and there he would be the guest that would lead off the Peace Love Plants podcast. Why? Because Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the world’s LEADING killers, accounting for a combined 15.2 million deaths in 2016 ALONE. These diseases have remained the leading causes of death globally in the last 15 years. I truly feel it’s important for people to understand that heart disease doesn’t have to be, and they don’t need to be afraid of it. This disease can be prevented and reversed through a comprehensive whole food plant-based diet, as you will hear in the interview. So, grab your quinoa bowl, green smoothie or whatever plant-based fuel you like and enjoy this episode titled “THE HEART OF THE MATTER”, a two part interview with Dr. Joel Kahn. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Joel Kahn.

Misinformation is everywhere and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to navigate through the sticky web to find the truth that we seek. Moreover, it can be downright frustrating! This leads me to my guest, Dr. Garth Davis, a man that helps all of us circumvent the bad information being shared through numerous outlets with evidence-based science. You may recognize Dr. Davis from the groundbreaking documentary “What the Health”. Or his book “Proteinaholic – How Our Obsession with Meat is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It (http://proteinaholic.com/)” He’s on a mission to help save lives by educating people on the health benefits of living a comprehensive whole food plant-based lifestyle. In this episode, Dr. Davis shares with us how he transitioned to a whole food plant-based lifestyle and how that impacted his medical practice and untimely the betterment of his patients. He’s unwavering in his message and as you’ll soon hear – he’s the genuine article! I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Garth Davis in this episode titled “Evidence-Based” Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Dr. Garth Davis.

Before we get started, I have a question – can you imagine living your life without a car? Think about that for a moment, how would your life change? Would you still be able to do the things that you enjoy and need to get done? Seems pretty daunting doesn’t it? Allow me to introduce you to Ryan Van Duzer (https://www.duzertv.com/) – a man that's NEVER owned a car. By the way, he lives in Boulder Colorado…try living there without a car! You see, Ryan doesn't need a car, he's traveled more miles without one than most of us do with one! For example, he’s ridden a bike from Honduras to Boulder Colorado, across the United States twice, and down both the East and West coasts. Besides cycling - he’s known for his altruistic lifestyle, his amazing YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVcUzl95VwxrIEQnu9xI21g), and motivating people to get off the couch and experience life by way of the great outdoors. So, now that you have a feeling for who Ryan is, let’s dive into this episode titled “Life at 15 MPH” with Ryan Van Duzer. Peace Love Plants ~Marco (http://www.peaceheartplants.com/hosts/thephytogenicchef) Special Guest: Ryan Van Duzer.

Today we meet Paul Chatlin, a man that seemingly had it all – a great job and a beautiful family. One could say he was living the American dream! But not all that glitters is gold… Denial is a devious character, and it creeps up on us when we’re faced with certain aspects of ourselves. Unknowingly, I lived in a world of denial for many years. You see, denial doesn’t present itself in a way that makes you want to change, it’s just the opposite – it makes you feel good by offering another version of what is happening, it makes you look outward, versus within. Sadly, it takes a toll on so many people as they fall into its luring trap. That very trap, almost cost Paul Chatlin his life. Gifted with a second chance, Paul made some game time decisions and promises that would forever alter his path. His story is one of a complete transformation that will leave you feeling motivated, and perhaps even like you should take an internal selfie. Enjoy this episode titled “Gurney Promises” with Paul Chatlin. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Paul Chatlin.

Americas Healthy Heart Doc – Joel Kahn MD FACC, is back on the show and he is bringing new science regarding heart health to the conversation. Dr. Kahn was the very first, and second guest on this podcast, and for good reason. Not only is Dr. Kahn an expert on heart health, he is in the trenches spreading the powerful message of preventing and reversing disease with plant based nutrition. This week we dive into his latest book that highlights lipoprotein(a) and what you should know about it. We also discuss CT scans and why they are crucial to your heart health. We even discuss doctor approved plant-based recipes and wine! I hope you enjoy this episode with Dr. Joel Kahn titled – Lipoprotein(a) The Heart’s Quiet Killer. Peace Love Plants ~Marco PS: As I mention in my closing - contact me if you like, my email is marco@thephytogenicchef.com Special Guest: Dr. Joel Kahn.

Every week I am humbled by the amazing stories that my guests share, this week is no exception. You are about to meet Richie Crowley – a thought-provoking altruistic human that refuses to let normal define him. As you’ll soon hear, Richie is the epitome of paying it forward and living a life that can’t be reflected upon with regret. In this episode, we discuss losing a loved one to Covid-19, his life growing up in Canton Massachusetts, playing professional hockey, and overcoming alcohol and drug abuse. And that’s just the front half of our discussion! We then dive into his awe inspiring bike ride across the united states – over 3000 miles of pedaling…completely fueled by plants with a purposeful mission fanning his motivation. That mission continues to serve others to this day. Richie is the type of person that once you’ve talked with him, you feel like you’ve been friends with him for life! I am certain that you’ll find this conversation entertaining, and perhaps even motivating. So, let’s get into this show appropriately titled – 'A Dream Not Deferred with Richie Crowley'. Special Guest: Richie Crowley.

David Leon is the executive director of Farmers Footprint, a coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders aiming to expose the human and environmental impacts of chemical farming while offering a path forward through regenerative agricultural practices. They do this by way of short films that feature farmers throughout the nation. In this episode, we discuss how he teamed up with Dr. Zach Bush to expose the plight of farmers, while raising the bar and providing a path for consumers, corporations, and governments to participate in a healthier future for our children and planet. David is a brilliant human doing amazing work – my sincere hope is that you enjoy getting to know him and his work through Farmers Footprint. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: David Leon.

Today my guest is Naomi Hallum the managing director for Million Dollar Vegan – a global non-profit organization that encourages world leaders and individuals to take a vegan pledge to protect their health as well as benefit the planet and animals. Naomi is a leader in the vegan movement and her organization has helped to inspire and support thousands of people by way of transitioning into a vegan lifestyle. She’s a woman on a purpose filled mission and as you’ll soon hear – she knew from a very young age that her calling was to protect sentient beings. In this episode we discuss her life growing up in England, her work with Million Dollar Vegan and even her recent bike ride in India that helped to raise over 100,000 dollars to help protect animals! So, settle on in and enjoy this episode titled “leading by example” with Naomi Hallum from Million Dollar Vegan. Peace Love Plants ~Marco Special Guest: Naomi Hallum.