Podcast
Thrive on Plants
Hosted by Dr. Daphne Bascom · EN
The Thrive on Plants podcast, hosted by Dr. Daphne, empowers women to navigate menopause and midlife with confidence through expert insights on plant-based nutrition, weight loss, hormones, and mindset. Each episode blends education, inspiration, and real-life success stories to help listeners thrive on a plant-based lifestyle.
https://www.youtube.com/@drdaphnebascom
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#50 - Closing the Health Gap in Black Communities
Mar 401:15:09Tap to summarizeDescription:268 million years. That is how much collective life the Black community in America is on track to lose to preventable chronic disease. Kwame Terra, a plant-based public health strategist, walked over 2 million steps in 30 days to launch bEHR Health, a platform designed to recapture that time. This conversation will change how you think about health, community, and what real prevention looks like.In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom sits down with Kwame Terra, MPH, the founder and CEO of bEHR Health Systems (Black Electronic Health Record) to talk about the life expectancy gap facing Black Americans, why 80-90% of health outcomes are determined outside the clinic, how a 55-year-old physician lost 20 pounds and stopped taking blood pressure medication after a community walking challenge, and why Kwame believes "the desire to live" is the true root of longevity.Kwame has been plant-based for over a decade, studied public health at Xavier University of Louisiana and Columbia University, worked on organic farms, and built a health platform that is producing measurable, real-time improvements in community health scores. He is also the person behind the bEHRathon, a virtual walking challenge launching April 1, 2026 with the goal of collectively walking to the moon (239,000 miles) in 30 days.Whether you are plant-based, plant-curious, or simply believe that your zip code should not determine your lifespan, this episode is for you.JOIN THE bEHRATHON (April 1-30, 2026)The bEHRathon is a virtual walk/run challenge on the bEHR Health app. The mission: unite 2,500+ participants and collectively walk 239,000 miles to the moon in 30 days. All you need is 7,000 steps a day. Learn more here: https://luma.com/fpz4hxmvThe app is free for the first 30 days. Download now so you are ready for April 1:https://behrhs.com/How to get involved:- Download the bEHR Health app (free 30-day trial)- Commit to 7,000 steps a day in April- Invite your friends, your run club, your family, your community- Share this episode with someone who needs to hear itCONNECT WITH KWAME TERRA + bEHR HEALTHWebsite: https://behrhs.com/Social: @behrhealth (all platforms) | @kwameterra#PlantBased #HealthEquity #BlackHealth #bEHRHealth #bEHRathon #WalkingChallenge #LifestyleMedicine #ThriveOnPlants #Longevity #PlantBasedDiet #FoodIsMedicine #WholeFoodPlantBased #PublicHealth #PreventiveMedicine #WalkToTheMoonAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#49 - The Health Conversations Women Were Never Taught to Have
Feb 1801:09:39Tap to summarize"Why wasn't I taught this?" If you've ever felt this way about your health, this conversation is for you.In this episode of the Thrive on Plants podcast, Dr. Daphne Bascom is joined by award-winning health journalist Meghan Rabbitt, author of "The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age." They dive into the health conversations women desperately need but were never taught to have, from advocating for yourself in the doctor's office to understanding your heart and brain health in midlife.Main Topics Covered:✅ Why medical research has left women behind (and how that's finally changing) ✅ How to prepare for doctor's appointments so your voice is heard ✅ The connection between your gynecologic history and heart disease risk✅ Why Alzheimer's starts in midlife (and what you can do now) ✅ Breaking free from diet culture and nourishing your body instead ✅ The new rule: suffering is not an option ✅ How to become an empowered patient in a system that wasn't built for youAbout Meghan Rabbitt: Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist and author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She spent over three years interviewing more than 100 female health experts to create a comprehensive, evidence-based resource for women at every stage of life. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, and more.Connect with MeghanBook Website: https://www.newrulesofwomenshealth.com Resources MentionedWISDOM Breast Cancer Study (UCSF): https://www.thewisdomstudy.org/Tyrer-Cuzick Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/tyrer-cuzick-model/#MeghanRabbitt #NewRulesOfWomensHealth #WomensHealth #Menopause #HeartHealth #BrainHealth #MidlifeHealth #EmpoweredPatient #HealthAdvocacy #WomensWellness #Perimenopause #LifestyleMedicine #PlantBased #ThriveOnPlants Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or conditions.Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#48 - Who You Think You Are Might Be Holding You Back
Feb 400:51:06Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest obstacle to your health and fitness goals isn't discipline, it's who you believe you are?Who you believe you are shapes everything from your habits to your health to the risks you are willing to take. In this conversation, recorded at the annual Vegan Superhero Retreat, Dr. Daphne Bascom is joined by Coach Arman and Vegan Superheroes Toosdhi and Kaitie to explore identity and how it evolves along a health and personal growth journey.Together, they unpack how labels like “not athletic,” “too old,” “strong,” or “disciplined” can either limit growth or unlock new potential. Through honest reflection, real-life examples, and deeply personal stories, this episode reveals how physical challenges, mindset shifts, and community support can expose where we are growing and where we may be hiding.This conversation is a reminder that identity is not fixed. It is built through action, challenged through discomfort, and reshaped when we are willing to let go of what no longer serves us.In this episode, we explore:▹ How identity influences consistency, confidence, and self-trust▹ Why physical goals can sometimes distract from deeper growth▹ What it means to let go of an identity that no longer serves you▹ The role of discomfort in identity expansion▹ Using identity as a tool rather than a limitationIf you have ever felt stuck, uncertain, or hesitant to step into a new version of yourself, this episode will encourage you to rethink who you are becoming and remind you that your potential is far from finished.— The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health and wellness plan. #plantbasedsnacks #veganfitness #identityshift #mindset #veganathlete #thriveonplants #vegansuperheroacademy #thriveonplantsAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#47 - Conquering the Invisible Illnesses: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
Jan 2801:07:32Tap to summarizeChronic pain is real, and there is hope.In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom sits down with Dr. Michael Lenz, a Med-Peds physician board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, clinical lipidology, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Lenz specializes in what he calls "invisible illnesses" including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, IBS, and other nociplastic pain syndromes that often leave patients feeling dismissed and unheard.In this conversation, you'll learn:▹ What nociplastic pain actually is (and why it's different from other types of pain)▹ The powerful connection between neurodivergence (ADHD, autism) and chronic pain conditions▹ Why fibromyalgia has been ranked at the bottom of "prestigious" diagnoses for 30 years and what that means for patient care▹ How narrative medicine and understanding your full story from childhood to present can unlock answers▹ The research on plant-based nutrition for fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain (including the Plants for Joints trial)▹ Why the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can overlap with or unmask fibromyalgia▹ Early warning signs to watch for in children (including infantile colic as a potential predictor)▹ Dr. Lenz's personal cardiovascular health journey that led him to plant-based eating at age 40About Dr. Michael Lenz:Dr. Lenz is the author of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia and host of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast. He practices in southeastern Wisconsin and is passionate about helping patients who have been told to "just live with it" find real answers and hope.Connect with Dr. Lenz:Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast: https://www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cqrfibromyalgiaWebsite: https://www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com/Book: Conquering Your FibromyalgiaAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#46 - Weight Loss vs Weight Maintenance: Lessons from 10,000 People Who Kept It Off
Jan 1401:21:43Tap to summarizeWeight loss and weight maintenance are not the same skill set, and treating them as if they are is one of the biggest reasons so many people lose weight only to regain it. In this episode of the Thrive on Plants Podcast, Dr. Daphne Bascom sits down with Dr. Holly Wyatt and Dr. James Hill to unpack what actually changes in your body, brain, and environment when you lose weight, why maintenance is harder, and how to build a plant‑powered life that supports long‑term success at any age.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:Why GLP‑1 medications (like semaglutide and similar drugs) work so well for weight loss, and why stopping them often triggers rapid regain if you do not have a maintenance plan in place.The difference between weight loss and weight maintenance, including how metabolic adaptation, set point, and muscle loss can work against you, especially in midlife.The 3 pillars of long‑term success: food (resetting appetite naturally on a whole‑food, plant‑based pattern), movement (how much and what kind protects weight loss and muscle), and mindstate (the daily mental “state” that separates short‑term success from sustainable change).How perimenopause and menopause change metabolism, body composition, and appetite signals, and what midlife women can do to protect lean mass and metabolic health with or without GLP‑1s.The three maintenance profiles (food seeker, sedentary sitter, setback cycler) and how to tailor your strategy based on where you see yourself.If you want to learn how to stop weight-loss meds without regaining, this conversation offers evidence‑based, compassionate guidance you can put into practice today.ResourcesDr. Holly Wyatt & Dr. James HillBook, “Losing the Weight Loss Meds”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637747802?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_titleWebsite: https://www.weightlossand.com/Website: https://www.weightwisdom.com/“Weight Loss and…” podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-loss-and/id1723878862Key research referenced:SURMOUNT‑4 trial on stopping meds and cardiometabolic health: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2841273Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#45 - Rim-to-Rim Ready: The Smart Way to Train for Elevation and Endurance
Dec 3101:16:02Tap to summarizeBig hikes don’t just “happen.” They’re earned, through smart training, durable joints, and a fueling plan you’ve practiced before the trail gets serious.In this episode of the Thrive on Plants Podcast, I’m joined by Mikey Bell, founder of Outdoor Adventure Training (OAT), NASM Certified Personal Trainer + Corrective Exercise Specialist, professional mountain guide (Mount Shasta), and a plant-based athlete for over a decade. Together we break down what it actually takes to prepare for long hikes and big elevation days (including Rim-to-Rim style objectives): posture from the ground up, downhill “armor,” pack weight progression, trekking pole technique, heart rate zone training, and plant-based fueling that won’t wreck your gut.If you’re training for a bucket-list hike, or you simply want to feel confident and capable on the trail, this is your blueprint.Key takeaways• Train the downhill on purpose (eccentric strength + stability), not as an afterthought.• Posture isn’t “stand up straight, ”it’s alignment under load, starting at the feet.• Use heart rate zones to build real endurance (and stop guessing intensity).• Your pack plan should be progressive and strategic, not a last-minute ego test.• For long efforts, practice a plant-based fueling strategy that prioritizes performance and GI tolerance.Connect with Mikey + Outdoor Adventure Training (OAT)OAT Website: https://outdooradventuretraining.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outdooradventuretrainingInstagram: https://instagram.com/outdooradventuretrainingSome Helpful Videos from OATTrain for Hiking: https://youtu.be/qHO8m0tQ0j0?si=vvGWSTTNRm02Fvb0Train Without Mountains: https://youtu.be/42qKDlnt59Q?si=FsTQOT8lon1YZo6UHow Much Should Your Pack Weigh?: https://youtu.be/HgG57D95OMY?si=I9bEKYPyS6ZZg7n9How to Fit Your Backpack: https://youtu.be/h7eFd-D5_DI?si=Uj9OoqvtRZWnvuXRNutrition for Endurance: https://youtu.be/XCPm4VRpX9I?si=jM9IkBVRlX6I-2AZ#hikingtraining #trekkingpoles #rucking #zone2training #plantbasedathlete #endurancefueling #kneepainprevention #outdooradventuretraining #thriveonplantsAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#44 - The Hidden Toxins in Your Home (and What to Do About Them)
Dec 1701:22:40Tap to summarizeToxins are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. In this episode, Dr. Aly Cohen breaks down the surprising places toxins hide in our homes, how they impact our hormones and health, and the simple, low-stress steps we can take to reduce exposure and protect our families.Main Topics Covered:How environmental toxins disrupt hormones, immunity, and child developmentCommon sources of toxin exposure (food, plastics, cleaning products, personal care)Easy first steps to reduce your toxic exposure without panic or perfectionDr. Cohen’s “good, better, best” approach to clean livingEmpowering parents to make safer choices without overwhelmInterested in Learning more?Website: TheSmartHuman.comInstagram: @thesmarthumanPodcast: The Smart Human PodcastDr. Aly Cohen: www.AlyCohenMD.comAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#43 - From NASA Engineer to Vegan Visionary: Dr. Ruby’s Journey to Healing Through Plants
Dec 301:18:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne Bascom interviews Dr. Ruby Lathon, a former NASA engineer who used a whole food, plant-based lifestyle to overcome thyroid cancer and then turned her healing into a mission to help others do the same.Dr. Lathon shares how she transitioned from a high-dairy, high-egg diet to a fully plant-based approach, the mindset shifts that supported her recovery, and why she believes it’s time for all of us to “stop playing” with our health. You’ll also hear the story behind her new cookbook, Stop Playin’, Go Vegan!, and how she makes nutrient-dense food simple, flavorful, and practical for everyday life.In this episode, they explore:• How Dr. Ruby reversed thyroid cancer using a whole food, plant-based diet• The key foods she removed and the healing foods she prioritizedHow meditation, visualization, and spiritual alignment supported her recovery• Why self-advocacy in the medical system is critical for long-term health• The inspiration behind Stop Playin’, Go Vegan! and what makes the recipes both healing and accessible• Practical, beginner-friendly ways to start moving toward a plant-powered lifestyle todayIf you’re looking for real-world proof that plant-based nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle changes can create radical health transformation, this conversation with Dr. Ruby Lathon will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take the next step.Website: https://www.rubylathon.com/Cookbook: https://www.rubylathon.com/product-page/cookbook-stop-playin-go-veganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheVeggieChestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRubyLathonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrubylathon/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrubylathon/Additional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#42 - From Fracture to Finish Line: Coach Val's Strategy for Marathon Training After 40
Nov 1901:09:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne reconnects with Coach Valarie Swanson, plant-based runner, author, and founder of Running on Carbs, to explore her incredible journey to mastering the marathon at age 52. After recovering from a femoral neck stress fracture, Val trained smarter than ever, embracing strength, patience, and purpose to cross the finish line stronger than she started. Whether you're eyeing your first 5K or a personal best at any age, this episode delivers practical insights, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of motivation to keep moving forward.You’ll learn:How Coach Val trained for her first marathon after injury and into her 50sThe mindset shifts that transformed her approach to runningHer plant-based fueling strategies for endurance and recoveryThe role of strength training in building a resilient runner’s bodyWhy midlife might just be the perfect time to thrive as a runnerAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants:🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts:Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click hereScroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
Transcribe →#41 - Why Every Woman Needs a DEXA Scan After 40
Nov 501:29:40Tap to summarizeIs the number on the scale really telling you the whole story? In this episode of Thrive on Plants, Dr. Daphne is joined by Adam Kadela, co-founder of DexaFit, to explore why traditional health metrics like weight and BMI fall short, and what you should be tracking instead.They discuss the science of DEXA scans, visceral fat, appendicular lean mass, and why understanding your body composition is essential, especially for women over 35 navigating midlife, menopause, and metabolic shifts.Whether you’re optimizing fat loss, rebuilding muscle, managing your hormones, or simply want a smarter way to track your progress, this conversation is packed with clarity and tools to empower your journey.🔬 Topics We Cover:Why BMI is outdated, and what to use insteadThe power of DEXA scans for precision healthVisceral fat: the hidden risk factorAppendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) and longevityHow DEXA scans help you track what matters mostAdditional resources to help you thrive on plants: 🌱 Join our free Thrive on Plants community: Join Here 🌱 Access the free Plant-Powered Body course: Access Here 🌱 Take the free health assessment for women 40+: Start Here 🌱 Watch every episode on YouTube ⭐️ If you loved this episode, please leave a review! ⭐️ Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts: Go to the Thrive on Plants Podcast page: Click here Scroll down to the ‘Ratings & Reviews’ section. Tap ‘Write a Review’ (you may be prompted to log in with your Apple ID). Thank you for your support!
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