"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!

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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!

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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 text

Support 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 text

Support 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