Podcast
Plantspiration® Unplugged
Hosted by Stefanie & John Ignoffo · EN
Plantspiration Unplugged Hosted by Plantspiration® founders Stefanie and John Ignoffo, Plantspiration Unplugged is a fresh and inspiring podcast that takes listeners on an authentic journey into the lives, insights, and passions of its hosts. Stefanie, a Lifestyle Medicine coach with an infectious enthusiasm for plant-based living, and John, a mechanical engineer, plant-based nutrition expert, and founder of Ignoffo Engineering, unplug and dive into topics both inside and outside of Plantspiration®.
From personal stories of transformation to expert insight on health, wellness, and the power of plants, Stefanie and John offer an unfiltered look into their lives and share their mission to inspire happiness and health in a world that could use more of both. Join them for conversations designed to uplift, inform, and encourage everyone to live their best lives—powered by plants, passion, and purpose.
John and Stefanie volunteer their time to their global nonprofit Plantspiration®, they reveal the power of a plant-based and lifestyle medicine approach in preventing and reversing disease. Whether inside or outside of Plantspiration®, each episode is packed with real conversations, inspiration, and practical insights for anyone looking to transform their own life.
37episodes
Episodes
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People Bond Over Cortisol | Why We Thought Chaos Was Normal
2d ago00:48:07Tap to summarizeS2 EP17 — People Bond Over Cortisol | Why We Thought Chaos Was NormalWhat if emotional eating isn’t really about food?What if it’s about stress, survival mode, nervous system overload… and living in a constant state of emotional chaos?In this episode of Plantspiration® Unplugged, we get REAL about the years we spent bonding over stress, reliving problems, gossip loops, emotional overload, survival mode, and what we now recognize as cortisol addiction.We talk openly about:trauma bonding and co-ruminationemotional eating and survival modegossip, stress loops, and chaos addictionwhy diets fail when people aren’t regulatednervous system healing and emotional regulationhow whole-food, plant-based living changed more than our weightwhy healing changed our relationships, identity, and emotional environmentFor years we thought:stress was normalchaos was connectionsurvival mode was just “life”But when we started eating differently, moving differently, thinking differently, and regulating differently…everything changed.“People don’t just eat emotionally… they LIVE emotionally.” “I was addicted to cortisol and thought it was my personality.” “Some friendships were built around surviving… not healing.” “People didn’t just need recipes… they needed regulation.”This is one of the deepest and most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast.If you’ve ever:felt trapped in stressstruggled with emotional eatinglived in fight-or-flight modefelt overwhelmed trying to “start over”wondered why diets never stick…this episode is for you.Connect with us:Plantspiration® Community + Coaching: https://linktr.ee/plantspirationPlantspiration® Unplugged Podcast: https://youtube.com/@plantspirationFollow Stefanie: https://instagram.com/plantspiration
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Our Daughter Saw Everything… | Mother’s Day Special
3d ago00:13:55Tap to summarizeAfter finishing one of the deepest conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast, our daughter Izabelle walked into the room… so we handed her the headphones and hit record.What followed was one of the most honest, emotional, funny, and REAL conversations we’ve ever shared.In this special Mother’s Day episode, we talk about:what it was really like growing up during our most chaotic yearshow stress and survival mode impacted our familywhat changed when we started healingemotional regulation, transformation, and rebuilding our lives togetherwhy healing is so much bigger than weight lossIzabelle opens up about watching us go from dysregulated and overwhelmed… to peaceful, purpose-driven, and completely different people.This episode is raw, spontaneous, emotional, and full of perspective we never expected to hear out loud.If you’ve ever wondered:Can people really change?Can families heal?Can transformation impact generations?This episode is for you.“You’re never stuck.” “You guys are totally different people.” “Healing changed what we could emotionally tolerate.”Happy Mother’s Day to every mom learning, growing, healing, and showing up one day at a time.Subscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged for real conversations about lifestyle medicine, emotional healing, behavior change, nervous system regulation, and creating a life you actually feel GOOD living.Connect with us: Plantspiration® Community + Coaching: https://linktr.ee/plantspirationPlantspiration® Unplugged Podcast: https://youtube.com/@plantspirationFollow Stefanie: https://instagram.com/plantspiration
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You Don’t Need More Information… You Need to Start
1w ago00:53:53Tap to summarizeS2 E16 You Don’t Need More Information… You Need to StartThis episode is a wake-up call.Stefanie and John get real about something that keeps so many people stuck… thinking they need more information before they can change.More recipes. More research. More “perfect timing.”But here’s the truth:That’s not progress.That’s avoidance.In this episode, they break down why people stay stuck—not because they don’t know what to do, but because they’re waiting to feel ready before they start.And why that mindset will keep you in the same place.Through real-life stories, humor, and powerful moments, they show what actually creates change:• Taking action before you feel ready • Learning by doing—not just thinking • Rewiring the identity that keeps you stuckBecause the shift doesn’t happen when you understand more…It happens when you DO something different.In this episode, we talk about:• Why gathering information can actually keep you stuck • The real reason action creates relief and builds confidence • How fear and old patterns stop follow-through • Why discipline isn’t the answer—and what works instead • The truth about starting before you feel ready • How small action creates real identity changePlantspiration® Health ReportThis community continues to show what’s possible when you stop waiting and start doing.Total weight released: 2,570+ lbsMembers are reporting:Better blood sugar More energy Better sleep Less bloating More movement More confidence Real consistency More LIFEThese are not people collecting information.These are people taking action.If you’ve ever felt like, “I know what to do… so why am I not doing it?” this episode is for you.WHAT TO DO NEXTSubscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged Share this episode with someone who’s ready to stop waiting Join the movement: https://linktr.ee/plantspirationWHO WE AREPlantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine to help people prevent and reverse chronic disease—without dieting, restriction, or shame.Coaching, classes, and community support Physician-recommended Veterans join free — team@plantspiration.orgWe volunteer our time so you have more time to heal.Because your life matters — to us, to your family, and to the future.
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We Thought We Were Broken… Then This Changed Everything
2w ago00:48:15Tap to summarize🎙️ S2 EP 15: We Thought We Were Broken… Then This Changed EverythingThis episode is real life.No script. No perfection. Just what actually happened this week—and why it changed everything.From a power outage in the middle of class, to getting back on our bikes after a long winter, to realizing how fast your body can shift when you finally move… this one hits on every level.For years, we believed something so many people still believe:“I’m broken.” “My body can’t do that anymore.” “I don’t have the energy.”We were told: bad knees, bad back, take it easy. So we did—and we built a life around it.But this week reminded us of something powerful:It’s not about motivation. It’s about movement.Because the moment you move… everything shifts.Your energy. Your mood. Your mind.And you start to feel like yourself again.In this episode, we talk about what happened when our power went out mid-class (and why it mattered), our first bike ride back after a long break, how quickly your brain and body respond to movement, the “down escalator” feeling and how to catch it, why we believed we were broken (and how we unlearned it), and the real connection between movement, mood, and mental clarity.Plantspiration® Health Report: Total weight released: 2,590+ lbsMembers are reporting more energy, better mood, better sleep, more movement, more confidence, and real consistency.These are not dieters. These are people learning how to live differently.Quote to remember: “You don’t need motivation… you need movement.”When was the last time you moved your body and actually felt the difference?Subscribe for real conversations about health, behavior change, and what actually works in real life. New episodes every week.Join Plantspiration®: https://plantspiration.orgPlantspiration® is a nonprofit helping people prevent and reverse chronic disease using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine—without dieting, restriction, or shame.Coaching, classes, and community. Real-life tools that actually stick. We volunteer our time so you have more time to heal.Because your life matters. 🌱🔥
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Doctors Treat the Numbers… We Change What’s Causing Them
3w ago00:52:11Tap to summarize🎙️ S2 EP: 14 Doctors Treat the Numbers… We Change What’s Causing ThemIn this episode of Plantspiration® Unplugged, Stefanie and John bring you into a real, unfiltered week—because this isn’t just about health… it’s about how life actually happens.From unexpected chaos (including a peanut butter explosion and a questionable bathroom situation) to deep conversations about habits, identity, and healing…This one hits on every level.Because somewhere between real life, laughter, and late-night guitar sessions…A powerful truth came through:Most people are trying to fix their health by chasing numbers…Instead of changing the conditions that are creating them.And that’s where everything shifts.This episode goes far beyond food.Because yes—what you eat matters.But what you practice, what you repeat, and what you live in every day…That’s what actually drives your results.In this episode you’ll hear:The difference between treating symptoms vs changing root causeWhy doctors focus on numbers—and what they’re missingHow stress, environment, and patterns impact blood sugar, inflammation, and fat storageThe real reason habits stick (or don’t)John’s guitar breakthrough—and what it teaches about behavior changeWhy “I don’t have time” is often just a practiced identityHow small daily practice creates massive long-term changeWhy it’s not just about food—it’s about your entire systemOne of the most powerful moments in this episode:“Doctors aren’t trained to listen to patients… they’re trained to manage numbers. I’m trained to change the conditions.”If you’ve ever felt like:“I’m doing everything right… so why isn’t this working?”This episode will open your eyes to what’s really going on.Because you don’t need more information.You need a different approach.Plantspiration® Health ReportThis community is on fire.Total weight released: 2,570+ lbsMembers are reporting:Better blood sugar controlMore energyBetter sleepLess bloatingMore movementMore confidenceReal consistencyMore lifeThese are not dieters.These are people changing their patterns.Quote to remember:“You’re not stuck… you’re just practiced.”Question for you:What are you practicing every day… and is it creating the life you actually want?WHAT TO DO NEXTSubscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged Share this episode with someone ready to stop chasing numbers Join the movement: https://plantspiration.orgWHO WE AREPlantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine to help people prevent and reverse chronic disease—without dieting, restriction, or shame.Physician-recommendedCoaching, classes, community, and supportVeterans join FREE — email: team@plantspiration.orgWe volunteer our time so you have more time to heal.Because your life matters — to us, to your family, and to the future.
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Who Are You When You’re Not Dieting? (Why You Feel Lost Without It)
Apr 1400:46:14Tap to summarizeS2 EP13In this episode of Plantspiration® Unplugged, Stefanie and John dive into something most people never stop to question:Who are you when you’re not dieting?Because for so many people, dieting isn’t just something they do—it becomes who they are.From “starting over on Monday” to chasing the next plan, the next fix, the next version of themselves, this cycle creates more than habits.It creates an identity.And when that identity is gone, people don’t feel free.They feel lost.In this episode, Stefanie and John break down the real reason people stay stuck—not because they don’t know what to eat, but because they’ve been trained to live in a loop of restriction, shame, and restarting.They share their own journey from being “professional dieters” to building a completely new life rooted in consistency, awareness, and identity—not willpower.This conversation goes beyond food.It’s about:Why dieting becomes your identityThe dopamine hit of “starting over”Why most people go back to old habitsHow the system keeps people stuck in the cycleWhat actually creates lasting changeHow to build a life where food is no longer the main focusOne of the most powerful truths in this episode:“I spent 50 years trying to find myself… now I’m spending the next 50 being myself.”If you’ve ever felt like you keep starting over, or wondered why you can’t stay consistent, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening—and how to break free from it.Plantspiration® Health ReportOur community continues to thrive using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine.Members are reporting:More energyBetter sleepLess bloating and inflammationLower A1C and improved health markersMore consistency and confidenceLess spiraling and starting overTotal weight released: 2,560 poundsBecause this isn’t about dieting.It’s about becoming.What to do next:Subscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged Share this episode with someone who needs this message Join the Plantspiration® community: https://plantspiration.orgAbout Plantspiration®Plantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping people prevent and reverse chronic disease using whole-food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.No dieting. No restriction. No shame.Just real tools, real support, and real results.Because your life matters.
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You’re Not a Victim ...You’re a Shopper. This Will Change How You Think | Plantspiration® Unplugged
Apr 700:55:02Tap to summarizeThis episode hits on a whole different level.Stefanie and John get real about something most people never stop to question...What you’re consuming every single day—and how it’s shaping your thoughts, habits, mood, and identity.Because it’s not just the food.It’s the feed.From social media to stress to the stories you replay in your head, your brain is constantly taking it all in.And here’s the truth:Your brain doesn’t ask if it’s good or bad. It normalizes what you repeatedly give it.So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, negative, or off track... this episode will show you why—and more importantly, how to take your power back.Using a simple but powerful metaphor:“The internet is like a grocery store... and you’re choosing what aisle to shop in.”Because you’re not just scrolling.You’re conditioning.This conversation blends real life, humor, neuroscience, and behavior change in a way that will change how you see everything you consume...Including your thoughts.If you’ve ever felt like you needed a whole new life...You don’t.You just need a new aisle.This one will wake you up—and show you how to move forward.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your brain normalizes whatever you repeatedly consumeHow your feed is shaping your behavior (without you realizing it)The difference between awareness and automatic patternsWhy you’re not “stuck”—you’re practicedHow to take control of your inputs and shift your emotional baselineThe connection between food, environment, and identitySimple ways to reset what you’re consuming—starting todayPlantspiration Health Report:This community is on fire.Total weight released: 2,557+ lbs (and climbing) Less cravings, more energy, better sleep, less medication, more LIFEThese are not dieters.These are people practicing something new.Quote to remember:“You’re not a victim of the internet... you’re a shopper.”Question for you:What are you consuming every day... and is it helping you—or hurting you?Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you stop dieting and start thriving. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms.Join Plantspiration: https://plantspiration.orgAbout Plantspiration:Plantspiration is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping people prevent and reverse chronic disease using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine—without dieting, restriction, or shame.Coaching, classes, and communityEvidence-based, real-life toolsWe volunteer our time so you have more time to healBecause your life matters.
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You’re Not Stuck—You’re Practiced (Let’s Talk About It) | Plantspiration® Unplugged
Mar 3100:47:49Tap to summarize🎙️ S2 EP: 11 You’re Not Stuck—You’re Practiced (Let’s Talk About It)This episode Stefanie and John get real about what’s actually keeping people stuck… and it’s not a lack of information.It’s habits. It’s identity. It’s repetition.Because you don’t need another recipe. You need to look at what you’ve been practicing.In a world full of trends, quick fixes, and “drop recipe below” noise… most people are searching for answers they already have.The real question is: Why aren’t we doing what we already know?Because behavior isn’t built on knowledge. It’s built on what we repeat.And what we repeat becomes who we believe we are.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why recipes don’t create results (and what actually does)How habits form—and why they feel impossible to breakThe identity shift that changes everythingWhy “I have this” can quietly keep you stuckHow Stefanie quit smoking (and what it teaches about behavior change)The difference between addiction, habit, and practiced patternsWhy you don’t need more information—you need new practiceHow community accelerates change (and isolation keeps you stuck)Stefanie shares the raw truth about living in an identity of chronic illness—and how that belief system kept her stuck for years.John brings it home with real-life habit patterns, from smoking to daily routines, showing how deeply wired behaviors actually are.Together, they break down the truth:“You’re not stuck. You’re practiced.”If you’ve ever said, “I know what to do… I just can’t seem to do it.” This episode will hit you right in the pattern.Plantspiration Health Report — this community is on fire:Total weight released: 2,516.3 lbs (and climbing) Less cravings • more energy • better sleep • smaller belts • less medication • more LIFEQuote to remember: “You don’t need more information. You need to change what you practice.”Question for you: What’s one habit you’ve been practicing… that you’re ready to interrupt today?Subscribe for weekly episodes and real-life tools that help you stop dieting and start thriving.Join Plantspiration® for coaching, classes, and community: https://plantspiration.orgWHAT TO DO NEXTSubscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged Share this episode with someone who feels stuck in the cycle Join the movement: https://plantspiration.orgWHO WE AREPlantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine to prevent and reverse chronic disease—without dieting, restriction, or shame.Physician-recommended Veterans join FREE — email: team@plantspiration.orgWe volunteer our time so you have more time to heal.Because your life matters—to us, to your family, and to the future.
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When Life Knocks You Down… This Is What Actually Works | Plantspiration® Unplugged
Mar 2400:51:32Tap to summarize🎙️ S2 EP 10 — My Comeback Is Greater Than My Setback: How I Healed by Finally Listening to My BodyIn this episode of Plantspiration® Unplugged, Stefanie and John share what really happens when life forces you to slow down—and how learning to listen to your body can completely change your health, mindset, and results.After throwing her back out, Stefanie spent nearly two weeks in pain, struggling to move, work, and keep up with her normal routine. What started as a physical setback quickly turned into a mental battle filled with fear, stress, and old thought patterns:“What if this doesn’t get better?” “What if this lasts longer than it should?” “What if I can’t keep showing up?”Instead of continuing to push through pain, ignore the signals, or fall back into old habits, she made a shift.She stopped forcing—and started listening.In this episode, Stefanie breaks down how she used real tools like breathing, nervous system regulation, movement, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition to support healing, reduce inflammation, and regain control—physically and mentally.This conversation also explores how stress, injury, and discomfort can trigger old habits like emotional eating, avoidance, and negative thinking—and what to do instead.🌱 In this episode, you’ll learn:How to listen to your body instead of pushing through painWhy slowing down can actually speed up healingHow to stop spiraling into fear and catastrophizingThe connection between stress, inflammation, and chronic diseaseHow to break old patterns around food, cravings, and avoidanceWhy nervous system regulation is key for long-term healthThe difference between willpower and skill powerHow to stay consistent with a whole-food, plant-based lifestyleWhat real healing looks like in everyday life💡 Key takeaway:You don’t heal by forcing—you heal by listening.🌱 Plantspiration® Health ReportThe Plantspiration® community continues to thrive using whole-food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.Recent wins include:Improved sleep and energyBetter digestion and reduced inflammationLess reliance on medicationsIncreased consistency and confidenceReduced cravings and emotional eatingTotal weight released: 2,490 poundsBecause this isn’t about dieting—it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports healing.🎯 If you’re struggling with:chronic pain or inflammationemotional eating or cravingsstress and overwhelmfeeling stuck despite “knowing what to do”This episode will help you understand why—and what to do next.🌿 What to do next:Subscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged Share this episode with someone who needs support Join the Plantspiration® community: 👉 https://plantspiration.org🌱 About Plantspiration®Plantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping people prevent and reverse chronic disease using whole-food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.No dieting. No restriction. No shame.Just real tools, real support, and real results.Because your life matters. 🌱🔥
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When Life Hits… Old Habits Try To Come Back
Mar 1000:53:41Tap to summarizeWhen Life Is Lifing… What Do You Reach For? | Plantspiration® UnpluggedIn this episode of Plantspiration® Unplugged, Stefanie and John get real about what happens when a normal week suddenly turns into a pain-filled, humbling, “well… there went my plans” kind of week.After throwing her back out with one wrong move in the kitchen, Stefanie shares the old patterns that immediately tried to come back online — panic, comfort food cravings, catastrophizing, and the urge to spiral.But this time… things were different.Instead of steroids, pain pills, drive-thru food, and full-blown panic, recovery looked like this:• Motrin • Acupuncture • Breathing • Rest • Anti-inflammatory food • Slowing down • Letting support inThis episode is about more than a back injury.It’s about what healing changes.It’s about how your body responds differently when your life responds differently.It’s about what happens when life is lifeing… and you don’t go back to the old version of you.In this episode you’ll hear:• The “BOOM” moment that took Stefanie out for the week • Why old habits try to come back when pain and stress hit • The difference between old coping vs real recovery • How lifestyle change affects more than just weight • Why rest, rhythm, and regulation matter when your body is inflamed • What daylight savings does to the body and why circadian rhythm matters • Why healing doesn’t require perfection — just progressOne of the most powerful moments in this episode:“The way I was moving this week… is how I used to move through life.”If you’ve ever had a setback that made you want to throw in the towel, numb out, order comfort food, or fall back into old habits…This one’s for you.Plantspiration® Health ReportOur community continues to thrive.Total weight released: 2,452.4 lbsMembers are reporting:• More energy • Better sleep • Less alcohol • More movement • More confidence • More consistency • Better food choices • Greater hopeBecause this isn’t about willpower.It’s about skill power.WHAT TO DO NEXT• Subscribe to Plantspiration® Unplugged • Share this episode with someone who needs hope after a hard week • Join the movement: https://plantspiration.orgWHO WE AREPlantspiration® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using whole-food, plant-based lifestyle medicine to help people prevent and reverse chronic disease — without dieting, restriction, or shame.Physician-recommended Veterans join FREE — email: team@plantspiration.orgCoaching, classes, community, and support.We volunteer our time so you have more time to heal.Because your life matters — to us, to your family, and to the future. 🌱
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