369: From Heart Attack to Health: A Plant-Based Transformation
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Guest
Byron Edgington is a retired commercial helicopter pilot, writer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, and a dedicated cook using only plants. His other interests include a daily crossword puzzle, meditation, and a four-year association with BizCatalyst 360 and its weekly Friendship Bench. Edgington lives with his wife Mariah in North Florida. His Substack essays, titled "Passing Thoughts,” can be found at byronedgington.substack.com.
Summary: Why this discussion matters
Byron shares his journey to a whole food, plant-based diet after a heart attack and a life-changing exposure to nutritional research. He and his wife transitioned overnight and experienced dramatic health improvements, including weight loss and the elimination of prescription medications. The conversation expands to explore the environmental impact of meat production, animal cruelty in factory farming, and how food choices can shape personal health and global sustainability.
Three Takeaways
A plant-based diet can lead to significant health improvements, including weight loss and the reversal of chronic conditions such as heart disease.
Animal agriculture has a substantial negative impact on the environment, including excessive water usage and land occupation.
Many common misconceptions about diet, such as the necessity of meat for protein or milk for strong bones, are challenged by scientific research.
Social Media
Substack: byronedgington.substack.com
The Substack article we reference.
References / additional background info on moving to a plant-based diet
This is a 7-page doc that Byron created that fleshes out various benefits of moving to a plant-based diet.
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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