Richard Marx - 🎸🌱 Rocking the PLANTSTRONG Life 🌱 🎸

For full episode notes and resources, visit: www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/richard-marx
Multiplatinum and Grammy Award-winning artist, Richard Marx, shares the pivotal moment when he and his wife, Daisy Fuentes, decided to go all in on being plant-based.
He also talks about his favorite meals, and why it’s important to be vocal advocates of something they believe in so much.
Of course, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about his career and some of the magical moments and experiences he’s had over the last 40+ years.
For Richard Marx tour dates and announcements, visit: richardmarx.com

[@johnwilson8693]

I'm 37 and 360 lbs. I am thinking about going vegan. I have been watching This channel for the past month.

[@jdlutz1965]

I'm looking forward to your success story!

[@johnshinski2994]

Go for it John. Do it right and you will have great success and health!!!!

[@sylviegionet6514]

You can do it! Focus on health and the rest will fall into place!

[@Sttonkeoj]

Good luck John. Make sure to avoid the processed vegan products and focus on the Whole Foods plant based. You got this!

[@jgrysiak6566]

Start getting all oil, margarine, butter out of your diet now. Read labels, if u see oil listed, throw it away. Oil is 4000 calories a pound. The most calorie dense food on the planet.

[@extropiantranshuman]

I was watching hits of each month from 1980 - and Richard Marx popped up. I got to tell my parents how they were on plantstrong. They didn't understand - but I can tell they appreciated it.

[@dottiea.2186]

I remember seeing Richard in concert year's ago..😊

[@dstreeter1095]

Great interview! Love, love, love Richard Marx!!! I've been a fan for many years!

[@annemariereynolds3231]

What a wonderful interview, Thank you.

[@karenchapman6126]

I went to a small venue in Hamilton a few years back. I was close to the stage just above him to the side. He started to explain about a song he had written I yelled out Your Innocent. His partner yelled out. Hey your mum’s up there too funny. I’m only two years older than he. In my 4th year plant based Feel great ♥️

[@extropiantranshuman]

this is definitely one of the coolest interviews!!!!!

[@MaryDavidson911]

I love Burt Bacharach! Loved his Marty Robbins song he did, also Arthur’s Theme, Raindrops keep falling on my head, etc…, sooo many great ones. Way too many to list here. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, my neck of the woods.

[@kimharris6649]

Fabulous interview!!

[@kimharris6649]

Richard you are so wrong with your atheist belief!! Big blessings!!

[@calisongbird]

@@kimharris6649 that’s a really sanctimonious, smug statement. Who are you to say he’s “wrong”?? This is not the place for your religious proselytizing. Take it somewhere else, a$$hole.

[@talgara69]

Excellent

[@marly1869]

I love this interview!! I saw the name on my feed and said omg I grew up listening to his music ..🤩🎼🙌🏼 It is so great to hear of top influential artists that are plant-based, I love it. I totally understand how Daisy felt because I come from a Latin background, and there are some foods that are nostalgic for me and I miss them.. and as I much as I love other ethnic foods (Indian 😋😋) I am working on converting those dishes with beans and mushrooms..😋😋 Omg Rip, I chuckle every time you talk about eggplant 🍆 😅 I loooove eggplant and make it often, different ways..😆😋😋

[@ilyssefriend6844]

Wow, what a great interview!!

[@aeronhong4998]

Great interview. All the best from Malaysia.🙏

[@marisalevy8325]

Wow! That was quite an introspective, deep yet fun convo. I’m so glad Rip revealed his “legal” name bc I was wondering lol Can we talk about Rip’s singing and dancing too pls? 🙌🏽

[@johnshinski2994]

Richard came to a venue near me last year. I unfortunately couldn't go. I also checked out some of his recent photos and videos last year and thought that he looked remarkable for his age. So thrilled to hear he is plant based and living a healthy lifestyle .

[@jgrysiak6566]

He's 60 this year

[@stacyjaye6350]

That weird Ronald Reagan dye job needs to go.

[@jgrysiak6566]

@@stacyjaye6350 , OH no, he would look so much older!

[@stacyjaye6350]

@@jgrysiak6566 He's about the same age as a rip, I just personally think natural is better.

[@heidikamrath1951]

@@stacyjaye6350 I am soooo with you on that! Let the natural hair shine! Rip looks amazing gray and so would Richard.

[@extropiantranshuman]

18:33 omg I love it too! One of my fav foods - I always wanted it as a kid. When I was a kid I just liked the taste of plants over meat. I liked tofu more than liverwurst, eggplant over fish.

[@extropiantranshuman]

17:37 for me it's been a struggle everyday. I mean everyday - I'm as ill as I've really always been battling my health issues. That said when I think it's bad what I deal with I look at everyone around me. They aged and they get ill really truly badly enough to be hospitalized. So I think while plant-based isn't ideal - it's not as bad as if I didn't make the switch. That wouldn't been way worse. I was like 'luckily I dodged that doozy'.

[@extropiantranshuman]

20:16 I still miss a lot of animal products - from egg to steak too. Polish and hungarian kielbasas with cheese inside. I think the thing is likely what's happening is what I remember is much better than what it actually is. When I went back to the store one of the things I craved so much looked just so gross - and I couldn't believe I ate that.

[@jmc8076]

All dairy has natural opioid type components that can be addictive. So do some processed starch products.

[@extropiantranshuman]

18:45 but I love spongy it has lots of flavor I really like it. I love breadfruit - it's my favorite fruit it has so much flavor and I seek sponginess to stick to my stomach and be one with the food - but everyone else thinks it has no flavor.

[@extropiantranshuman]

40:43 true the best are the shortest time created - because it capitalizes on teh moment. It's a culmination - a height of success.

[@extropiantranshuman]

45:07 usually it's not an issue when you first form - because that's what you're there for. The issue is when it's over - where the next place will be.

[@CastledarkDweller27]

I wonder if Richard is aware of his old mate John Farnham's recent battle with jaw/mouth cancer? John is undoubtedly Australia's most beloved singer(oh that glorious voice!) and we were horrified to hear he had lost most of his jaw to that terrible disease. But I believe he's currently undergoing reconstructive surgery and his family have gone public with their joy that he is still with them, still with us. He will overcome this.

[@calisongbird]

He was a lifelong smoker and drinker… that’s the risk he took.

[@brendawood6712]

I do the same with frozen fruit.

[@extropiantranshuman]

18:36 I know you don't like it and it's always so funny to hear - but I know a lot of carnists who can't stand goopy textures and you have it even though you're not carnist - it's so hilarious to me - the most plant-based can't do eggplant. It's ok though - you don't have to eat anything you don't want to - there's enough plants to go around for everyone. Helps plants out too.

[@extropiantranshuman]

i know his song 'should've known better'. I heard he's from california in a sense (I think daisy too) - so it's not uncommon to hear california-centric songs where I live.

[@calisongbird]

He’s from Chicago originally - he mentioned it in the interview

[@extropiantranshuman]

@@calisongbird I said 'in a sense' so obviously not originally.

[@torobred1]

Please don't ever ask anyone their best feature again. It was awkward and bizarre! Otherwise, fun interview. It's nice to know some musicians are decent people.

[@michelle_cen]

I disagree, I thought it was a cool unexpected question. Love all the questions you ask and how you keep it FUN all the time, Rip! Your podcast makes being WFPB cool.

[@extropiantranshuman]

21:03 israel also is a shock - if you go there - it's extremely meat-oriented, more than the US - in Tel Aviv! Ridiculous right? You see headlines and then get disillusioned being there in person.

[@Greg-kz3cf]

Did he say “eggs” for breakfast? Mm..?

[@calisongbird]

No… he said “Just Eggs.” It’s an egg substitute product. He also said his favorite is a tofu scramble, and he loves avocado and beans on sourdough toast.

[@martyrichard3092]

Important topic but way too long.

[@MaryDavidson911]

Everyone has a right to their beliefs. My belief is how heartbreaking to hear he has turned agnostic. I’m a scientist and I am personally certain there is evidence to the contrary of his belief in that subject.

[@ronkingston]

Richard Marx is awesome and a great inspiration!

[@Hugatree1]

Hazard is my favorite Richard Marx song but I don’t play it too often because it still makes me cry every time I listen. Richard is an incredible storyteller and this song more than any other makes you ache for the tormented lost young man who may or may not have killed the only person who ever loved him

[@bettycarmella1127]

Such a good song🎵

[@aureliaglenn2220]

Next time he's in DC, he should go to: Fancy Radish, and Elizabeth's Gone Raw. (The latter is an especially elegant establishment with fantastic food!)

[@extropiantranshuman]

those sound amazing.

[@drowningman4]

What a fun interview. He seems like such a great, authentic dude. Being 50, I can certainly remember his 80’s hits. Lots of memories.

[@catherinebell122]

Wow! Fabulous interview! Thank you👏🏻👏🏻

[@bretthenley7541]

Beautifully, honest conversation with my PLANTSTRONG 1963 BROTHERS! Enjoyed it all...🙏 🥦🥬🍌🍅🍎🥕🌞

[@sharynmuzik2368]

Richard Marx, I've been teaching piano for 52 years and I am still ordering & teaching your song, Right Here Waiting, for most of my advanced students! Love the melody & arrangement so much !! Rip (Richard) Esselstyn, I follow the plant base + no oil diet 100% :D Enjoy all of your podcasts, thank you so much :D

[@tosca...]

Richard and Daisy are spot on about Oz not realising that the WFPB world is all around them. The reality is that our 25 million population is not big enough to push for an extensive WFPB market. It's tiny! We don't have a Trader Joe's, specialty producers making balsamic vinegars charge $35 a bottle, or the other producers are making specialty meat replacement items which, to me, are processed foods. Those are not foods I want to eat. The good is we have good fresh vegetables and fruit, but they're probably hard to cook in hotel rooms. There's some good places as Richard says (eg: Simon Hill and his partner's place in Bondi Beach, am a Sydney gal), but it's just not front and centre here, which I also find very odd. As home cooks we don't have lots of veges already chopped, grated or pre prepared in the freezer department like the US has. So that's my kvetch about Australia and WFPB food too, like it was for Richard and Daisy.... but! everyone loves music 🎶🙏🏻 When it's made on WFPB energy, it's even better!!! ✊🏻

[@extropiantranshuman]

vegan linked has a website that shows the nearby places that're vegan. I'm still working with that person to add some obscure places like farms - which I bet you can find anywhere.

[@calisongbird]

@@extropiantranshuman “vegan” does not always mean “whole food plant-based.” A lot of places offer processed or junk vegan foods.

[@extropiantranshuman]

@@calisongbird I know, but what are you trying to say?

[@Atheria444]

This is a really great conversation. It was interesting to hear Richard's journey.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

His music brings back a lot of memories....that's for sure. Great to see that he is so healthy and still living a vibrant and active life.

[@sowmindful1501]

How is the Whole Food Plant Based Vegan scene in New Braunfels? Here in New Mexico, the WFPB vegan scene only really exist in Santa Fe or Albuquerque. So I’m doing my research to see find more like minded folks. I’m at 23:49 and I’m loving this interview.

[@fruitascension5089]

Wow! This is one of my favorite interviews yet! THANK YOU both!! 🍓🍍🍉🍌

[@ellensvehla2273]

Thank you!. Watching in 2023+ I'm sure you love that instapot by now. I'm also in northern IL + i am starting a WFPB group in Fox Valley Area. Love your channel. Hope we get to run into each other soon.

[@joni8762]

Great interview! I especially loved the ending conversation. Rip, you ask very thought provoking questions. You made this interview so unique and not like other typical plant based ones. I Would enjoy hanging out with this guy! I feel exactly the same way he does about all the topics he discussed. BTW~ I also went vegan about 8 years ago and never felt better at 55. I have so much energy!

[@calisongbird]

I’m 55 and just started WFPBNO a couple weeks ago. I can already feel the difference!

[@extropiantranshuman]

it's funny how many celebs are on this show and I bet most of the world who follows celebs doesn't even know the plant-based secret lol.

[@doloresbruce3622]

What a great human. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathyramirez3340]

I love Richard Marx! Thanks for the interview!!

[@lacucinadipapa3932]

What a blessing you have Rip! Your personality has allowed you to live a dream like few of us can. Being able to interview such legends like Richard is amazing! I wish I was less of an introvert and be like you! Thanks for all you bring to this community!

[@judithcarter7898]

What a great podcast and now I can’t Waite to hear from Daisy and hopefully she’ll share about her magic in the kitchen since Richard said he and the boys all love her food and that she loves doing it. Thanks Rip!

[@extropiantranshuman]

16:31 one time I was at sea world (because I got the yearly pass) - and I went to the whale show. I felt some part of the area where the show will be - and it was rough like the bottom of pools to keep you from sliding around - but they hurt badly especially with water soaked feet. I didn't want to be on that. When I saw during the show they made the whale go on that - my heart broke. Later I looked and blood was on that area. Then later I saw the animal that was there was gone and replaced iwth younger ones that can do the show without getting as hurt. Then blackfish came out - i was glad they put out that documentary - because it really put into video the horrors I saw with the yearly pass I got! I just wished others would know and see and then they did.

[@lovinglife58]

aww that is so sad :(

[@extropiantranshuman]

thank you rip for bringing this guy on the show. I love seeing artists and what other ventures flourish out of veganism. I think art really comes out of veganism, but other stuff too - health, family, etc. It gives people a new life, a 2nd chance.

[@MsHendrix5]

Great interview. Such a down to earth man ❤

[@extropiantranshuman]

28:05 all you hear about lionel richie were the scandals and the bad stuff about him recently, but I remembered him as playing really good songs in the past - and glad it was nice. I felt that.

[@beanburrito8903]

❤❤❤

[@extropiantranshuman]

28:53 oh now I get why I see the plantstrong line in whole foods.

[@jgrysiak6566]

I figured he did keto. He posts pictures of his family in restaurants but rarely posts his food! I'm blown out of the water. This is great.

[@calisongbird]

Just curious… why did you assume keto?

[@wellinglover]

This was really good interview until he said he was an atheist. 😢 Praying for you Richard. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@extropiantranshuman]

28:05 the commodores that lionel richie was a part of I feel is such a respectful group - dressed with class, having decency, and care for their audience. They got really big in the 80s but blew up in teh 90s. YOu can just tell they were nice people - so it's not surprising that he was nice too. Bruce springsteen did their song nightshift just recently even.

[@godlyvegan6688]

SOURDOUGH AND AVOCADO LOVE IT I DO SOURDOUGH SPELT AND AVOCADO AND RAW DILL PICKLE YUMMMMM

[@extropiantranshuman]

22:49 happy cow unfortunately denied me adding true vegan locations - it made me really upset. I bet there's plenty of them - they just aren't on the app.

[@godlyvegan6688]

PLEASE DONT DO ANYTHING RICHARD. YOU LOOK AMAZING AND SO YOUNG. THE HEALTHY WAY U EAT IS ENOUGH AND UR PERSONALITY IS WONDERFUL.

[@kriswalker3275]

I love Richard from my teen years, good memories. I'm so glad to see a great person like him being very plant strong even when he was younger eating less meat so cool! 😎

[@godlyvegan6688]

Please POST THE FOODS YOU MAKE AND LOVE I LOVE SEEING IT WITH ANYONE POSTING . WHERE DO U ALL POST.

[@godlyvegan6688]

GOD IS REAL AND JESUS CHRIST IS REAL AND DIED ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND GOD ROSE HIM 3 DAYS LATER. ASK GOD TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO YOU RICHARD AND HE WILL.

[@lisafedorovich]

Great interview, thoroughly enjoyed - thank you, Rip! 🎉

[@extropiantranshuman]

that havana song now is really fitting lol. It just makes sense rather than when I first watched.

[@sowmindful1501]

1:26:20 I just keep enjoying this interview more and more!

[@godlyvegan6688]

LOVE RICHARD MARX. MY FAVORITE SINGER OF ALL TIME. THANKU

[@ichigo_dirkschneider]

dont mean nothing. Richard looks great.

[@LaLayla99]

Sam's Club has frozen avocado.

[@extropiantranshuman]

18:55 I do - I really lke it. You can add it to tomato sauce too.

[@wonderlizz]

Lol Siri interrupting 🥰

[@extropiantranshuman]

22:21 I take issue with the fact that it's not a fully vegan website - happy cow, so I switched to vegan linked. I helped them transition their website to a fully vegan one - they even try to make sure the owners are vegan too. No animal products at all - no vegetarian, veg-option places. Only complete veganness there.

[@calisongbird]

🙄

[@extropiantranshuman]

47:20 if I ever get into ego battles - then that's a really awesome, amazing moment - as then you hit on something better than the situation - and you can take it as your own to reach new heights! My battles mostly are with people who don't know what they're doing or talking about or me being that way. That's a good thing too - because then it lets you figure out what's wrong to grow as a person.

[@susanmoses5410]

What is the name of the vegan Italian restaurant in LA that RIP mentioned in this video?

[@marly1869]

I love how he says it’s effortless.. creativity is truly like that 🥰🥰 Wonderful interview.. thank you both..🫶🏼💙

[@calisongbird]

Learn to listen. He said certain songs are effortless…. others take work. Creativity is NOT always effortless. It takes work and dedication. He had been WORKING at his craft for decades. Please don’t minimize that. Most songwriters write dozens crappy songs for every hit song. Paul McCartney himself talked about this. Occasionally inspiration strikes and a song gets written quickly that goes on to be successful. But it takes relentless practice for years prior to get those “lucky” moments. People who are not in the business love to romanticize the process, out of pure ignorance.

[@marly1869]

Wow… first of all-I don’t need a lecture from some random person online.. And thank you for your extremely explicative thesis-like response to a simple comment of a “part” of this interview..😏 Second-creativity IS effortless most of the time, and for some people all of the time. I myself and many creative people I know are like that. When people are make a living from their creativity, I’m sure it becomes more “Effort demanding”, I don’t minimize the hard work of musicians.. perhaps that’s a trigger 🤔 I always say look in the mirror. I don’t claim to be well rounded in the “Business” as is implied by your comment on “ignorance”.. maybe others need to “Learn” to accept creativity in others that flows..🥰 Peace ✌🏼

[@Jeffs60]

Richard Arvin Overton was almost twice the age of these people with a better sense of humor and a better diet.