Plant Proof - Plant Based Nutrition & Inspirational Stories

In Episode #59, I sat down with Dr Renae Thomas, MD, a physician working in Loma Linda, California, one of the ‘Blue Zone’ areas that display incredible longevity and high quality of life. This is a really important podcast; sometimes in nutritional science, we can become too reductionist and zoom in on potential mechanisms without appreciating the complexities of human beings. Observational data from people displaying longevity, happiness, and a high quality of life serve as a reminder that sometimes we need to zoom out and look to those who are living proof of what it means to be healthy. For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with

In Episode #58, I sat down with one of the pioneers of lifestyle medicine, Dr Neal Barnard, to break down the process by which people become insulin resistant and how we can eat to avoid or even reverse type 2 diabetes. Neal covers his clinical experience with type 2 diabetes, the clinical trials on type 2 diabetes and nutrition he has run and published, how Atkins/ketogenic/low-carb diets can affect type 2 diabetes, and – importantly – the idea of reversing type 2 diabetes   We also cover plenty of other interesting topics, such as cheese and disease, carbohydrates and sugar (thermic effect), intramyocellular lipids, coconut and palm oil, calcium as an important nutrient, and much more! For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show you

In Episode #57, I sat down with Carly Taylor and James Aspey to talk about animal activism and the importance of being patient, kind, and understanding when communicating the plant-based message. For those of you who may be more interested in the health aspects of a plant-based lifestyle, or perhaps see people following a plant-based lifestyle as extreme, I urge you to listen to this conversation – I think it just may give you a different view.   In this 2.5-hour episode, we cover strategies for talking to others about the ethics of a plant-based lifestyle; human rights, mental health, animal health and rights, and planetary health; the idea of ‘humane’ slaughter* – organic, free-range, cage-free, etc.; and the packaging and marketing of animal products. Listen for tips and inspiration on fuelling yourself with plants this year, with options for everyone (junk food versus whole food), and a plethora of resources to refer to for more information and inspiration.   *NOTE: Although this episode doesn’t go into a

In Episode #56, I sat down with gastroenterologist Dr Alan Desmond to talk about restoring and maintaining good digestive health with healthy eating habits. With digestive health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) on the rise globally, understanding how to take control of your own gut health is enormously important.   This episode is full of scientific evidence to support health eating habits, including specific studies on IBD and a whole-food, plant-based diet. Find out what foods Alan recommends his patients and the general population eat more and less of, and how the typical western diet compares to the optimal diet for good gut health. We discussed a whole host of topics, including various mainstream eating trends (such as paleo and keto), lectins and the ‘Plant Paradox’, probiotics and prebiotics, and much more. It’s a jam-packed episode, friends, and I recommend listening with a notepad on han

In Episode #55, I sat down with superstar Adidas trainer Tanya Poppett to talk about her journey into the world of health and fitness. In particular, we discussed her relationship with food and exercise in her teenage years, when she felt a lot of pressure about her appearance. She shared how her challenges with body image as a teenager spurred her on to become the woman she is today.   Listen to find out what Tanya thought about people following a plant-based lifestyle before making changes to her own plate, and how her change in diet was received by her partner and family. Tanya also shares her philosophy on exercise, training, and creating healthy habits, and the importance of being open minded when it comes to the way we live our lives.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review o

In Episode #54, I sat down with Erin Ireland to talk about why she personally transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle and how this affected her business. This was a fascinating discussion about why Erin eventually changed the foods on her plate, how it’s been for her talking to friends and family about the benefits of plant-based foods, and how her personal lifestyle changes have influenced those around her.   One of the big changes for Erin was to her baking business, and she shared the biggest hurdles she faced during her personal and business transition. In this episode, expect to hear tips for transitioning to plant-based foods and for being an advocate of a plant-based lifestyle, as well as the common questions Erin gets about Roen’s diet, including supplements, foods, breastfeeding, etc. For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by

In Episode #53, I sat down with Torre Washington to talk about his journey, how he got into bodybuilding, and what it’s like being a plant-based bodybuilder. We intended to record this episode in the USA; however, our worlds collided a little earlier than planned, so we recorded it in Byron Bay. As well as discussing some of the places we ate during our time in Byron Bay, we dove into Torre’s childhood years, his bloodlines, and what the Rastafari culture means to him. We talked about his journey to becoming a pro bodybuilder; his diet, past and present (and yes, I asked the infamous question about protein); and coexisting with people who don’t follow plant-based diets.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with you

In Episode #52, I sat down with Joe Holder, founder of the Ocho System. He is an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to exercise optimisation and ‘levelling up’ to adopt a mindset that enables you to achieve the performance and physique goals you desire. Strap yourself in…this one is damn interesting!   In our conversation, we spoke about his passion for sport and how getting injured changed his perspective on healing and performance and ultimately helped him develop his love for health. He shared his thoughts on exercise-induced inflammation and recovery, including ice baths, infrared saunas, massage, and more. Listen to hear his exercise recommendations for those looking to get active, his tips on establishing a positive mindset and being motivated to train, and his insights into what it’s like being a Nike master trainer and training Victoria’s Secret models.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our spo

In Episode #51, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with European pop sensation Ben Cristovao or ‘Benny Cristo’ as he goes by. Ben is a man with an extreme amount of raw talent, a strong work ethic, and steel-like determination to fulfil his potential. But despite his impressive résumé of achievements, the lasting impression on me from this conversation was Ben’s thought processes and overall state of consciousness. He has an incredible story, and where many would be sidetracked by the notoriety of the pop music industry, Ben uses his influence to leave a positive mark on the world.   In this episode, we talked about Ben’s family history and where he grew up, what his diet was like as a kid, how he got into singing, and his achievements as a music artist and athlete. He shared the moment he decided to change what was on his plate and the typical foods he eats now, as well as how he uses social media to spark conversations and promote positive change in his community.   Enjoy, friends.    Simon Want

In Episode #50, I sat down with good friend Will Dalton to chat about aspects of my own life, including what inspired me to transition to a plant-based lifestyle and ultimately start The Proof. For those of you who have followed The Proof’s journey so far, you may know that I don’t actually like to share a lot about myself. But given its growth, I appreciate that many of you will want to get to know me better, and rightly so!    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill  Author of The Proof is in the Plants  Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify  Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook  Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant performance recipe book

In Episode #49, I sat down with a friend of mine, Cherie Tu, who also lives in Sydney and runs the enormous @thrivingonplants community on Instagram and YouTube.   In this episode, we covered Cherie’s passion for cooking and when and why she became interested in health. She takes us through her journey from calorie counting to discovering a plant-based lifestyle and what motivated her to try it out. We also discussed the evolution of her Instagram profile and how she built and sustains an engaged community. Listen to hear her advice for people starting out with food blogging and to find out what Cherie’s staple foods are at home. For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof wit

In Episode #48, perhaps one of my favourite conversations to date, I talked to plant-based influencer Tess Begg. In her early 20s, Tess isn’t afraid to tell it how it is without sugarcoating. Her life so far has been anything but rosy, and I love how she owns these hardships and openly talks about how they led her to where she is now. In this episode, Tess speaks candidly about how she navigated her teenage years and, despite instability at home and getting caught up in the wrong social circles, was able to separate her true values and beliefs from those handed to her by society. If you haven’t connected with Tess, you can find her on Instagram and YouTube – her posts are sure to provide you with further inspiration for plant-based meals to create at home! Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of

In Episode #47, I sat down with environmentalist, fellow Aussie, and ocean lover Tim Silverwood. Tim is the co-founder of Take 3, an organisation that encourages people to collect rubbish and dispose of it correctly. He was also recently featured in the documentary Blue and is an absolute wealth of knowledge about the damage we’re doing to this planet and what we can all do to fix it. Get ready folks…some of the statistics about the damage we have caused is mind blowing!    We discuss ocean plastics, microplastics, plastics in drinking water and soil, single-use plastics, and the damage being done to the planet. But importantly, we also discuss what we can do to help the planet regenerate and prevent further destruction. If you care about the ocean and the ecosystem as a whole, then you need to listen to this. Speaking personally, this conversation got me thinking about a number of things that I can do to help our planet. For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.   

In Episode #46, I sat down with Adam Guthrie to hear about his journey, which at one point saw him in a critical care hospital literally fearing for his life. I first met Adam in Ubud, Bali, earlier this year, and when I heard his story, I knew I had to share it with The Proof community. Listen to find out about Adam’s heart attack, how he took control of his health, and his transition to a plant-based diet. Hear how he stepped up to train for and complete the Ironman Triathlon, how he’s working with people in his community to better their health, and much more.   Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill  Author of The Proof is in the Plants  Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify  Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Fa

In Episode #45, I sat down with the owner of Beyond Sushi, chef Guy Vaknin, to learn more about his story and the journey of one of my favourite places to eat in New York. Listen to find out how Beyond Sushi was born, its journey from vegetarian to plant-based, the challenges of starting and scaling a small business in New York, and the restaurant’s future. We also talked about Guy’s childhood, when and why he moved to NYC, how he developed an interest in hospitality, and much more!  Enjoy, friends.  Simon Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill  Author of The Proof is in the Plants  Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook  Download my complimentary two week meal plan and high protein plant perform

In Episode #44, I caught up with Andrea, who you may know as Earthy Andy, on the north shore of Oahu. Andy was in the final few weeks of her pregnancy (and has since given birth to baby Nalu) so it was such an amazing effort for her to sit through quite a long recording!   In this episode, we talked about her early years, how and where she met Shem, what inspired her to make changes to the food she was eating, and what Shem thought of her moving to a plant-based lifestyle. Andrea shared how she initially hid her Instagram account from anyone she knew (including her family), what role social media and technology plays in her life, and how she sets boundaries. We also chatted about pregnancy and breastfeeding as a plant-based mother, what a normal day looks like for her family now, and whether their doctors are supportive of the way they live. Listen to get some great insights into Andy’s home life and tips on being a parent and raising conscious, loving kids.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the sho

In Episode #43, I sat down with Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams, to chat about his personal health journey. Eric is a former NYPD police officer and New York state senator who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In our conversation, he shared what his diet was like before his diagnosis, why he changed his diet, and how this affected his diabetes management and quality of life. We also talked about the work he’s doing at the community level in Brooklyn, including his work with Dr Michelle McMacken, and how this can be used as a blueprint for other communities globally.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons)  Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill  Author of The Proof is in the Plants  Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify  Connect with me on Instagram,

In Episode #42, I caught up with pro surfer and vegan mother Alana Blanchard in Kauai, Hawaii. From when she was just 8 years old, Alana had a dream to become a pro surfer, and she dedicated her life to turning it into reality.   We covered a lot in this episode: her relationship with Bethany Hamilton; the shark attack incident, how it affected her, and her journey to getting back in the water; the movie Soul Surfer that covered Bethany and Alana’s story; why she follows a plant-based diet; her pregnancy experience as a vegan, including what she ate, what food aversions she had, and what she supplemented with; how her baby son Banks is doing and her experience breastfeeding; what Alana and her partner Jack plan to feed Banks when he starts eating solids; and so much more. Connect with Alana on Instagram.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.

In Episode #41, I sat down with Ellen Fisher to learn about her journey and the steps she’s taken to build a family centred around consciousness, abundance, life learning, love, and lots of fun. In this conversation, we covered what Ellen’s childhood was like in California; why she changed her diet; why she and her high school sweetheart, Andrew, decided to leave California for Hawaii; and what life is like there. Ellen also shares her experiences during her three pregnancies and breastfeeding, including some breastfeeding tips to improve supply. Listen to hear some tips about raising kids on plant-based food, how her kids deal with non-vegan food or junk food in social situations, and much more. For more insights and reflections, visit The Proof website for the full show notes.    Enjoy, friends.   Simon Want to support the show?  The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends.  Simon Hill,

Episode #40 is certainly not for the faint hearted. Legendary punk rocker, author, and plant-powered athlete John Joseph takes us through his life and what it was like to grow up in Manhattan in the 60s, 70s and 80s with no money and little family support while being surrounded by some truly bad influences. If you don’t like swearing or you have young kids listening, this is not the episode for you. John grew up in some crazy times and did some crazy things to basically stay alive. But despite the colourful language, John has an extremely powerful message; one thing that stood out to me from our conversation was ‘it’s not what happens to someone in life…it’s what they do about it’. In our conversation, John shared the trouble he got into as a teenager and how drugs impacted his life, what the punk rock scene was like and how he got there, and why he switched to a plant-based diet. He also talked about being on the run from the police, joining the Hare Krishnas, his time in the navy, and the work he’s doing wi