Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italiana

Ep. 322: Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone -Authentic Italian Food Made 100% Vegan with Vegana Italiana

In this episode, Rip sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of Pura Vita—the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the U.S.—and writer Gene Stone, co-author of Vegana Italiana. Together, they dive into the passion and purpose behind their brand-new cookbook, which transforms beloved Italian classics into bold, satisfying vegan dishes.

Tara shares her journey from growing up in a big Italian family in New York, where food and tradition were always at the center, to making the choice to go vegan at just twelve years old. Listeners will hear how she managed to honor her heritage without giving up the flavors she loved—proving that mozzarella, ricotta, ravioli, and meatballs can all be made deliciously plant-based.

The conversation also explores the collaboration with Gene Stone, the celebrated author behind many bestselling plant-based books, and how they brought together Tara’s culinary artistry with Gene’s storytelling to create a book that’s equal parts recipe collection, cultural history, and love letter to Italian food.

With tips for stocking your pantry, techniques for mastering vegan versions of Italian staples, and stories that connect food to family and community, this episode celebrates the joy of eating in a way that’s both compassionate and authentic.

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mf5zAU2BbDM

Episode Webpage: https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/tara-punzone

Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events

Apply for a Scholarship to our April 2026 Retreat in Black Mountain, NC: https://forms.gle/wt4rPyKMEDht6HKG7

Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey

Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/

COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer


Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn

https://plantstrong.com/

https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong

https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/

https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/


Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Jaksot(363)

Ep. 341: Rachel Atcheson - Playing the Long Game for America’s Health

Ep. 341: Rachel Atcheson - Playing the Long Game for America’s Health

What does it look like when plant-based living moves beyond personal choice and into real systems change? This episode answers that question in a big way.Rip sits down with longtime friend and food po...

19 Helmi 47min

Ep. 340: Jan Liband - The Masculinity Myth That’s Wrecking Men’s Health

Ep. 340: Jan Liband - The Masculinity Myth That’s Wrecking Men’s Health

In this deeply grounded conversation, Rip sits down with Jan Liband — a former college athlete, longtime plant-based advocate, and expert in food and environmental sustainability. What began for Jan a...

12 Helmi 1h 1min

Ep. 339: Jackie Akerberg - Why Progress over Perfection Wins Every Time

Ep. 339: Jackie Akerberg - Why Progress over Perfection Wins Every Time

It’s been way too long since Jackie Akerberg (@jackfruitfulkitchen) was on the podcast, and this episode is a true catch-up in every sense of the word. Jackie is a plant-based cook, creator, and commu...

5 Helmi 1h 11min

Ep. 338:  Andrew Schaefer - How This Firefighter Went From Kidney Donor to Kitchen Hero

Ep. 338: Andrew Schaefer - How This Firefighter Went From Kidney Donor to Kitchen Hero

Firefighters are trained to run toward danger — but too often, their own health is what’s at risk. In this episode of the Plant Strong Podcast, Rip sits down with fellow firefighter Andy Schaefer of A...

29 Tammi 55min

Ep. 337: Jet Benitez -  The Keto Diet Almost Killed Him. So, He Turned to Plants.

Ep. 337: Jet Benitez - The Keto Diet Almost Killed Him. So, He Turned to Plants.

In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terr...

22 Tammi 1h 13min

Ep. 336: Joe Gagnon - The Simple Formula for a Healthier, More Meaningful Life

Ep. 336: Joe Gagnon - The Simple Formula for a Healthier, More Meaningful Life

What does it mean to live intentionally?In this inspiring conversation, Rip sits down with endurance athlete and author Joe Gagnon, who shares how he shifted from chasing external success to living wi...

15 Tammi 1h 28min

Ep. 335: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz - The Plant Powered Plus Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Path Out of Inflammation

Ep. 335: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz - The Plant Powered Plus Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Path Out of Inflammation

Inflammation is running rampant — and it’s not starting in your joints or your arteries. It’s starting in your gut.This week, Rip is joined by world-renowned gut health expert Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, aka...

8 Tammi 2h 29min

Ep. 334: How to Eat More Real Plants & Stay Consistent: The REAL30™ Essential Guide

Ep. 334: How to Eat More Real Plants & Stay Consistent: The REAL30™ Essential Guide

Eating healthier shouldn’t feel confusing, overwhelming, or impossible to sustain—and if it ever has, you’re not the problem. In this 30-minute REAL30™ webinar, Rip Esselstyn and Laurie Kortowich intr...

1 Tammi 44min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
tiedenaiset-podcast
rss-narsisti
rss-pitaisko-erota
puhu-muru
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
terapiassa
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
katilon-kahvitunti
meditaatiot-suomeksi
junnut-pelissa
rss-rakas-mielenterveyteni
audio-sport-juoksu
rss-pt-paahtio
rss-addiktit
fitnessvastaanotto
rss-kyykkya-ja-kuoharia