Switch4good

According to WHO, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. Studies have shown that an anti-cancer diet is an important strategy you can use to reduce your risk of cancer.  To help us understand the role of food in preventing and curing illnesses, specifically cancer, we have Dr. Shireen Kassam, a certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician and co-author of the book Eating Plant-Based: Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions. A certified CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program) practitioner, she has immersed herself in the science of nutrition and health and completed the eCornell certification in plant-based nutrition. Her deep interest in the power of nutrition for the prevention and treatment of disease led her to follow a whole food plant-based diet. Dr. Shireen Kassam co-founded Plant-Based Health Online, the UK’s first online lifestyle medicine servic

Jessica Strathdee worked on a typical dairy farm in New Zealand. The animals were not intentionally abused, and they had access to the open green fields so often associated with the pastoral practice of dairying. However, Jessica’s retelling of her experience on the farm is horrifying. It’s not the farm she worked on—it’s the system. There is no way to obtain cows’ milk for human consumption without participating in truly exploitive acts. Jessica is not an animal-lover, nor is she a bleeding-heart emotional activist. She’s a regular person who thought cows’ milk was perfectly normal, noble even, until her work experience revealed the truth. Now the founder of Mothers Against Dairy New Zealand, she’s using her knowledge of the industry to fight back against the cruel system she was once part of. What we discuss in this episode:   - The process of dairying in detail   - A day in the life of a dairy farm worker   - The challenges faced by the dairy community   - The moment Jessica realized dairying was wrong  

Food addiction is one of the biggest addictions on the planet. To some degree, everyone has experienced a struggle with food addiction. But we can't just stop eating. We need food to survive. The question is, what type of food do you consume? Think of your body like a computer and the food you eat as the software. Would you put malware inside your computer? Today's guest is Fraser Bayley, a former butcher turned vegan health coach. Fraser looks at bloodwork markers to gauge a client's health status and teaches them to understand how their body communicates. When you truly understand the mechanism of how your biofeedback works, you'll know what vitamins and minerals you could be missing; you can essentially hack your biology to the point where cravings are almost non-existent. Which in turn makes choosing healthier options easier. What we discuss in this episode:   - The challenges Fraser encountered in his teenage years   - Life inside the butchery industry   - What made Fraser walk away from his life as a bu

As human beings, we are addicted to animal products, and it will take a lot of time to make a change. But today’s guest is a creator with a purpose and joins me this week to share their inspiring journey towards making lasting change. Robbie Lockie is a brave soul filled with grit, determination, and the desire to see real change happen. They are the co-founder of Plant-Based News, an outlet that provides free access to information on responsible consumerism, environmental activism, and plant-based food trends. After some health issues and a few profound experiences in their 20s, they began researching veganism, ultimately following their heart to conscious ethical direction. They join me this week to share the moment everything shifted for them, the problem with the current food and dairy industries, and why everybody has a responsibility to take ownership of their actions. What Robbie has to say is so inspiring; you won’t want to miss this episode! What we discuss in this episode:   - The moment Robbie beca

Today on the show we have the incredible public health hero Dr. Daphne Bascom. Dr. Daphne has decades of meaningful public and population health work under her belt. If you haven’t heard of population health work before, have no fear! We discuss what it is exactly and why it is important with the doctor herself. Dr. Daphne is the Vice President of Population Health at St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City and heads the community engagement program that is changing the world, one individual at a time. She is the brilliant mind behind mylk bars and spends most of her time educating diverse communities and health professionals about the benefits of plant-based diets. She believes in meeting people where they are at and leading by example. She is a compassionate and caring woman who encourages our listeners to always speak the truth and back it up with evidence! What we discuss in this episode:   - Why Dr. Daphne decided to make the switch and embrace a plant-based diet   - The work of the American College of L

It doesn’t take a mighty act of willpower to change your life for the better, and David Wegener is proof of that. Dave is a visual arts teacher at a high school in Washington. He grew up overweight and packed on the pounds into adulthood. He identified as a volume eater and loved McDonalds, eventually tipping the scale at over 300 pounds. When his doctor tried to put him on medication for high triglyceride levels, Dave was shocked into action. He started with simple changes—eating a salad here and there and avoiding the drive-thru as much as possible. Eventually, he adopted a plant-based diet, and he lost over 100 pounds. He’ll admit he still slips up every now and then, but that only makes his story more relatable. Dave says if he can do it, anyone can. Here is his story. What we discuss in this episode:   - Dave’s relationship to food growing up and in the Air Force   - How he and his doctor came up with a plan to lose weight   - Why Dave didn’t want to pass on his health issues to his kids   - How Dave fee

What really happens every time you put food into your body? What is the microbiome? How does it affect us? How important is fiber? What about pre and probiotics? Dr. Will Bulsiewicz answers these questions and more in this riveting episode all about the gut. Think of it as Microbiome 101. Understand the science behind this multifaceted system then learn how to put it into practice by picking up a copy of Dr. Bulsiewicz’s new book, Fiber Fueled. What we discuss in this episode:   - Dr. Bulsiewicz’s new book, Fiber Fueled   - Prebiotics versus probiotics   - The science of how to heal your gut   - The gut/brain connection   - Benefits of fermented plant foods   - The American Gut Project   - Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s nutritarian philosophy     - Diet Rapidly and Reproducibly Alters the Human Gut Microbiome 2014 study    - Dr. Bulsiewicz’s website: theplantfedgut.com Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/  

For Simon Hill, the proof is in the plants. This physiotherapist-turned-celebrity-nutritionist roots everything in science, and he’s established a brand that helps to educate and empower people to live their best lives through an active and plant-based lifestyle. Simon has coached stars such as Chris Hemsworth and worked with professional Australian football teams, but today, this serial entrepreneur and nutritionist is sharing his best tips and explaining the science behind them. Motivated by a love for sport and watching his dad have a heart attack at 15 years old, Simon is passionate about helping everyone achieve better health. Listen in for an educational and practical seminar on plant-based nutrition.  What we discuss in this episode:   - Simon’s realization of what he didn’t know about nutrition   - Changing gears from physiotherapist to getting a masters in nutrition   - Watching his Dad experience a heart attack as a teenager   - How genes load the gun but lifestyle pulls the trigger   - How his vega

Our guest today is living proof that anyone can change their life. Alishea Basson was a mom of four and creeping into dangerous territory in regards to her health by the time she was 30 years old. Severely overweight and plagued with seizures and high blood pressure, Alishea decided she couldn’t live with her emotional eating self any longer. She educated herself on how to eat healthfully and exercise, eventually adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet. While her family didn’t support this choice, Alishea stuck with it. Now 125 pounds lighter and full of energy, Alishea is an inspiration to anyone who thinks they can’t. Listen in to learn how this everyday hero made the switch for good, and how you can, too.  What we discuss in this episode:   - Alishea’s journey to her rock bottom   - How binge eating stretches your stomach   - How to deal with feelings without food   - Learning what foods are actually healthy   - Transitioning to a plant-based diet   - How to not feel deprived on a whole food, plant-based

Are you stressed? Not taking care of yourself as well as you should? Feeling a bit unfulfilled? It’s time for a detox. You don’t have to jump into a juice cleanse or book a 10-day meditation retreat. Our guests today are here to guide you through the first steps and help you be more receptive to living consciously. Hosts of the longstanding PBS and Amazon prime docu-series, “Conscious Living,” Michael and Bianca Alexander are experts when it comes to injecting a little namaste into the everyday. We discuss everything from detoxing to meditation, breast cancer to sustainable fashion. The duo is extremely grounded and relatable, making the healthier, more sustainable lifestyle seem more accessible than ever before. What we discuss in this episode:   - Bianca embracing the storyteller hiding behind her corporate lawyer suit   - Being a professional yet not knowing anything about what makes one happy or healthy   - Michael’s transformation to plant-based   - The detox experience    - Detoxing as a release instead

Hop on your bike, because this episode is a wild ride. Leah Goldstein is an incredible human who knows no limits. Most recently, she gained fame as the first woman to outright win Race Across America (RAAM). She also happens to be 52 and a plant-based athlete. Before Leah’s decorated pro cycling career, she was an elite commando instructor for the Israeli Defense Force, and prior to that, she became a bantamweight national kickboxing champion at age 17. This woman can endure, but she’s also not immune to the pressures of the world. We cover it all—from her time in Israel to the nitty gritty of her RAAM experience. This is an episode that will leave you breathless and hungry for more.  What we discuss in this episode:   - Shared stories of pro cycling between Dotsie and Leah   - Leah’s experience in the Israeli Defense Force    - Dealing with gender discrimination in the police force   - Deciding to leave Israel and become a pro cyclist   - Struggling to excel for the first time at the age of 30   - Eating dis

Today on the show we have the legendary athlete, podcast host, author, and all-around wonderful human being, Rich Roll. Rich is a father and husband, but most of you will recognize his grounding voice from his weekly masterclass in personal and professional development—the Rich Roll Podcast. From a promising Stanford swimmer to a desperate entertainment lawyer caught in the vicious cycle of alcohol abuse, Rich hit rock bottom and used the power of plants and endurance to catapult his life into one of abundance. Between completing the EPIC5 Challenge to writing his best-selling memoir, Finding Ultra, Rich has amassed a life of experiences far beyond the average lifetime. He now dedicates himself to being a facilitator of growth and wellness through the Rich Roll Podcast, which he launched in 2012. Rich is a true original, a multifaceted individual with a bounty to share, and we cover a mountain of topics relating to personal development, relationships, addiction, and behavior. This episode is a philosophical g

Charlie Engle has run across the Sahara. He’s served time in prison. He’s remained sober from a debilitating alcohol and drug addiction for 26 years. Most of us can’t relate to the feats Charlie has accomplished, but we can all learn from his experiences and his wisdom. In the time of COVID-19, we could all benefit from a bit of self-evaluation. Charlie’s advice is sound, attainable, and immensely helpful for anyone who is struggling to overcome a challenge or is simply stuck. Life is a collection of highs and lows and the space in between. It is both beautiful and painful, but we decide how we react to each of these experiences. This episode is exceptionally timely given our current uncertain circumstances, and we hope it inspires you to harness your individual power in dealing with situations not in our control. What we discuss in this episode:   - How our passions and our work remain relevant in the time of COVID-19   - Is running trading one addiction for another?   - The mindset of an addict, how to stay

From raising vegan kids to concerns about GMOs, James Marin is back to provide answers to all of your nutrition questions. James is a Registered Dietitian and an Environmental Nutritionist as well as a dad to a six-year-old. This conversation dives into both kid and adult nutrition as well as the environmental factors we often don’t think about when deciding what to eat. James also stays on to answer our listener questions, so stay tuned through the end! What we discuss in this episode:   - Bioaccumulation of harmful compounds through food   - How to heal with each meal   - Kid nutrition and sample meals   - Celiacs and gluten sensitivity   - GMOs and how crop production affects health   - Microbiota health and antibiotics   - How to sanitize healthfully    - Answering your listener questions   - Work with James at https://www.marriedtohealth.com/   - Follow James on Instagram @marriedtohealth   - Use code SWITCH at maxinesheavenly.com/switch for 25% off your cookie order!   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube

According to Glen Merzer, Al Gore needs to step it up. The comedian-turned-screenwriter has authored several books that center around the plant-based diet and its many benefits. Merzer’s first works focused on health after collaborating with Howard Lyman to write “Mad Cowboy.” In more recent years, Merzer has turned his attention toward animal agriculture and its disastrous effects on climate change. His newest release—”Food Is Climate—” stresses the fact that world leaders, corporations, and most individuals aren't doing enough. They’re not going plant-based, and the planet cannot breathe because of it. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly greenhouse gases are or how eating animals specifically contributes to climate change, this conversation is for you. Merzer has done his research, and it’s evident: we’re not fighting against science, we’re fighting against a culture ingrained in animal foods. What we discuss in this episode:   - Glen’s latest book, “Food Is Climate”   - Writing “Mad Cowboy” with Howard Ly

Dr. Carolyn Ross, MD, is an eating disorder and addiction specialist. Her approach is unique—trauma, she claims, is the root cause of adult behavioral disorders such as addiction and eating disorders. Two-thirds of Americans experience at least one childhood trauma, and that can manifest itself later in life as binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and/or drug and alcohol addiction. For Dr. Ross, it’s not about the food at all—it’s about the trauma and how to heal from it. This conversation breaks the accepted conventions of food addiction and recovery—what Dr. Ross has to say is different than any other eating disorder guest we’ve had on the show. Whether you’re struggling with one of these disorders or know someone going through it, you’re sure to glean some enlightenment from this deep discussion. What we discuss in this episode:   - What qualifies as trauma?   - How family dynamics play into a person’s reaction to trauma’   - Defining intergenerational trauma and genetic expression of trauma   - Prevalence of

Got gut issues? We’ve got a doctor on call. Dr. Alan Desmond is a general practitioner and gastroenterologist based in the UK. He incorporates whole, plant-based nutrition to treat the problem, not the symptoms, and he’s seen remarkable results with hundreds of patients. He’s also the author of “Plant-Based Diet Revolution: 28 Days to a Happier Gut and a Healthier You” and serves as an ambassador for Plant-Based Health Professionals UK. If you’ve got tummy troubles—from basic bloating to more serious conditions like IBS—to questions about probiotics and FODMAPS, Dr. Alan Desmond is in.  What we discuss in this episode:   - How processed and animal-based foods affect digestive health   - How gut health affects other diseases    - Practical tips to jump into the vegan diet   - FODMAPS   - Non-animal foods that could negatively affect gut health   - Antibiotics and gut health   - How to deal with constipation   - Cravings and the gut microbiome   - The myth behind the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics    - L

Your therapist is probably counseling you wrong. According to Dr. Jennifer Howk, Ph.D., your past experiences have little to do with the way you are. Dr. Howk practices evolutionary psychology which emphasizes the role of nature in the development of one’s personality. As a former staff member of the prestigious True North Health Center, Dr. Howk is an expert when it comes to the psychology behind weight loss. She challenges popular beliefs surrounding human behavior and makes us reassess our deepest thoughts and motivations. Prepare yourself to feel befuddled, enlightened, and empowered during this hour-long conversation.  What we discuss in this episode:   - Reproductive instincts   - What is addiction   - Nature versus nurture   - Practical tips for weight-loss goals   - OCEAN Personality Test   - The Moral Animal    - The Pleasure Trap   - Dr. Jen’s website   Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Goo

In this episode, we get political—in a good way. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams joins us to discuss his journey to the plant-based lifestyle, his meaningful work as a public official, and the responsibility he feels toward improving the wellbeing of his constituents. As a Black leader and former type 2 diabetic, Adams serves as an example that the plant-based lifestyle is not a “white person” thing, but an accessible choice everyone can make to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We also touch on his experiences while serving 22 years in the police force and get his take on the current social discourse surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement. Adams is thoughtful, informed, relatable, and empowering. Get ready to improve your day and listen in to the conversation.    What we discuss in this episode:   - How Adams overcame his severe type 2 diabetes   - Healthy living tips anyone can do   - Child nutrition and the issue of milk in schools   - Meatless Monday in schools   - Politics of food and r

“We knew the Taliban was going to regain power … we just didn’t know when,” Pen Farthing told us in this episode. A British-soldier-turned animal welfare hero, Farthing founded and managed Nowzad—an animal shelter and clinic in Kabul. He and his staff (many of whom were Afghani women) spent years rescuing dogs and cats, running animal education programs, and administering spay/neuter operations and rabies vaccinations for Kabul’s strays. Farthing made headlines when the Taliban took over, transporting over 60 animals out of Kabul and to the UK. In this episode, Farthing recounts the rescue effort and touches on the barriers Afghanistan now faces in terms of NGOs, women's rights, and more. His first-hand experience is eye-opening, and we hope it inspires you to seize any opportunities so often taken for granted. What we discuss in this episode:   - The hurdles the Nowzad faced in rescuing the animals from Kabul   - The status of the donkey sanctuary and animal clinic   - Reunification stories of dogs, cats, an