Plant Based Curious

In one of our most popular episodes ever from Season 1, I had an incredibly grounding conversation with my guest, Marla Rose, the founder of VeganStreet.com.We tackled the questions and fears that held me back for so long, and that I know stop so many of you: Is going vegan too expensive? How do I deal with my family's skepticism without causing a scene?With over 30 years of lived experience, Marla offered the kind of compassionate, no-nonsense advice I wish I'd had when I started. We talked about why courage is more important than perfection, how to build meals around cheap, staple foods, and her brilliant "broken record" technique for handling tough social situations with grace.She also shared the amazing free resource she created: her "Guide for New Vegans," which is the ultimate starter toolkit to cut through the overwhelm.This episode is a dose of reassurance and practical strategy for anyone who's curious, struggling, or just needs a friendly reminder that this journey is about progress, not perfection.I still go back to this conversation when I need a boost, and I think you'll find it just as valuable.Mentioned in this episode:VeganStreet.com’s Free Guide for New Vegans: https://www.veganstreet.com/guidefornewvegans.htmlSend us a textSupport the show Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level? This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive! Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you. 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! Get Instant Access Now

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! Send us a textSupport the show Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level? This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive! Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you. 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! Get Instant Access Now

"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!  Send us a textSupport the show Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level? This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive! Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you. 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! Get Instant Access Now

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! )Send us a textSupport the show Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level? This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive! Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you. 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! Get Instant Access Now

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.   Connect with Jan:  Cookbook: The Modern Mountain Cookbook  Instagram: @appalachianvegan Listener Call-to-Action:  Swap one family recipe with a plant-based twist voice (message us @PlantBasedCurious!).  Grab Jan’s book for vegan biscuits, gravy, and pies that honor Appalachian roots.   Quotable Moment:  “Food isn’t just fuel—it’s connection, history, and love. You don’t have to abandon tradition to embrace compassion.” —Jan Brandenburg  Send us a textSupport the show Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level? This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive! Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you. 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! Get Instant Access Now