Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Ann Esselstyn

Josh LaJaunie, a proud “bayou boy,” was perhaps the last person anyone would have expected to become a plant-powered ultra-marathoner. Growing up, he embraced hunting, rich food, and alcohol to celebrate his connection to his beloved family and hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana. However, a series of profoundly surprising experiences led Josh to question the impossible. Now, he works to help people build communities around more positive lifestyles. In fact, his entire family has transitioned to plant-strong living. Together, they have lost a total of over one thousand pounds.

Josh appears in the documentary Big Change: The Film. He has also been featured on the cover of Runners World magazine. After that, he cofounded the Missing Chins Run Club, a Facebook group whose story has been on Good Morning America. In 2017, Josh told his story of transformation at Plant-Stock on the Esselstyn Farm. He has been interviewed by Megyn Kelly on the Today show, as well as WFPB heroes Chef AJ and Rich Roll, to name a few. Josh is writing a book with Howard Jacobson, PhD, who is also the coauthor of Proteinaholic with Garth Davis, MD and Whole with T. Colin Campbell, PhD. Josh’s website, joshlajaunie.com, includes links to connect with him on social media along with his “manifesto” of his journey.