What if I told you the grass is literally screaming when you mow it? Or that a forest shares an underground internet made of fungi? Or that the key to healing chronic illness could be growing on a tree in your backyard?

In this mind-blowing episode of Plant Based Curious, I sit down with plant biologist, fungi evangelist, and host of the Flora Funga Podcast, (KK) Kaitlyn Kuehn. KK has a gift for making complex science feel like a thrilling discovery—a skill born from her own profound journey using fungi to heal her rheumatoid arthritis when conventional medicine fell short.

We dive deep into the wood-wide web—the astonishing fungal network that allows trees to communicate, share resources, and send distress signals. KK explains how this hidden collaboration beneath our feet is the true foundation of life on land.

But this conversation gets personal. KK opens up about the frustrating diagnosis process, the elimination diet that revealed her triggers (even some so-called "health foods"), and how incorporating medicinal mushrooms like reishi became a cornerstone of managing her inflammation. Her story is a powerful testament to becoming your own health advocate.

We also tackle the hard questions about our food system. Driving through the "strawberry capital" of Florida, KK witnessed the chemical reality behind perfect-looking produce, sparking a crucial discussion on pesticides, soil health, and what we’re really consuming when we don't ask where our food comes from.

This conversation changed how I see everything from my backyard to my plate. It’s a passionate call to recognize the genius of the natural world—a world that is far more connected, intelligent, and healing than we’ve been led to believe.

Tune in to get your "mushroom eyes" and see the world anew.

Listen to Plant Based Curious on: [Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.]
Connect with KK: Flora Funga Podcast on all platforms @florafungapodcast
Visit: plantbasedcurious.com

Episode Quote: "Nature always wins." – KK

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Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

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What if I told you the most powerful climate technology on Earth isn't in a lab, but right under our feet? In this episode of my podcast, Plant Based Curious, I sit down with the brilliant filmmaker and regenerative thought leader, Rebecca Tickell, Documentary Filmmaker of Common Ground to get to the root of a truth we all learned in grade school but have since forgotten: the profound, world-changing power of photosynthesis.

Rebecca helps me revisit that simple, magical process—where plants breathe in carbon and breathe out oxygen—and she reveals the hidden half of the story that changes everything. She explains to me how carbon isn't just exchanged; it's actively drawn down through the plant and fed directly into the soil through its roots. She calls this the "liquid carbon pathway," and it’s the very foundation of the rich, living web of soil that sustains us all.

In a moment that truly reframed my thinking, Rebecca shared a stunning, full-circle truth with me: the majority of the excess carbon now overheating our atmosphere originally came from this same soil, lost over centuries. This means that by understanding how plants feed the soil, we aren't just growing food—we're activating the planet's original carbon drawdown system.

I invite you to join Rebecca and me for a conversation that fundamentally changed how I see the ground beneath my feet. It’s my personal invitation to you to reconnect the dots between the plants on our plates, the health of our soil, and the stability of our climate.

Here’s what I discovered in our conversation:

• The hidden journey of carbon from leaf to root to soil.
• Why I now see healthy soil as so much more than "dirt"—it's a living carbon bank.
• How the climate crisis is, at its heart, a story of misplaced carbon.
• Practical ways our food and farming choices can align with this ancient, healing cycle.

Tune in with me for this essential conversation on how to heal our planet from the ground up.

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Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

...

One of our most practical episodes is back! We sat down with retired analytical chemist Mel Weinstein to decode the hidden world of food additives and ultra-processed foods.

Mel didn't just reveal problems—he gave us powerful solutions. He introduced us to lifesaving apps like Yuka, which lets you scan any product to find a healthier alternative. This tool has become a non-negotiable part of my shopping routine!

Listen to learn:
• The truth about hazardous ingredients in common foods.
• Why current food labels fail us.
• How technology can be your best ally for healthy eating.
• Mel's vision for transparent food labeling.

Empower yourself to make the best choices for you and your family. Listen now!

Links & Mel's Resources: https://www.foodlabelsrevealed.com

#FoodLabels #Nutrition #HealthTech #PlantBased #Wellness

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Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

...

In one of our most popular episodes ever from Season 1, I had an incredibly grounding conversation with my guest, Marla Rose, the founder of VeganStreet.com.

We tackled the questions and fears that held me back for so long, and that I know stop so many of you: Is going vegan too expensive? How do I deal with my family's skepticism without causing a scene?

With over 30 years of lived experience, Marla offered the kind of compassionate, no-nonsense advice I wish I'd had when I started. We talked about why courage is more important than perfection, how to build meals around cheap, staple foods, and her brilliant "broken record" technique for handling tough social situations with grace.

She also shared the amazing free resource she created: her "Guide for New Vegans," which is the ultimate starter toolkit to cut through the overwhelm.

This episode is a dose of reassurance and practical strategy for anyone who's curious, struggling, or just needs a friendly reminder that this journey is about progress, not perfection.

I still go back to this conversation when I need a boost, and I think you'll find it just as valuable.

Mentioned in this episode:

• VeganStreet.com’s Free Guide for New Vegans: https://www.veganstreet.com/guidefornewvegans.html

Send us a text

Support the show

Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

...

In this episode of Plant Based Curious, I sat down with functional medicine expert Martin Pytela to uncover the hidden connections between your gut, mood, and metabolism. We dive deep into why wheat can be as addictive as heroin, how your ancestors’ diet holds the key to optimal health, and a simple 2-meal test to discover whether carbs or fats work best for YOUR body. Martin also shares his top longevity hack (hint: it’s not what you’d expect) and why 75% of mood-related prescriptions could be avoided with the right food choices. If you’ve ever struggled with bloating, fatigue, or emotional eating, this conversation is your roadmap to healing—starting with your next meal.

👉 Want Martin’s free quiz to discover your metabolic type? Grab it at life-enthusiast.com—and let us know your biggest aha moment by tagging @plantbasedcurious. Until next time, stay curious and nourished!

Send us a text

Support the show

Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

...

"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!

Send us a text

Support the show

Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

...

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?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources 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.

Send us a text

Support the show

Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?

Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.

Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.

Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.

Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.

Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.

Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!

👉 Get Instant Access to All Resources Now

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