Only 1 in 10 adults eats enough fruits and vegetables…John Solleder eats almost nothing but. At 64, he bench presses over 400 pounds, runs multiple successful businesses, and hasn’t touched alcohol in over four decades. But that wasn’t always the case. Years ago, John weighed 90 pounds more than he does today, was in constant pain, and ate like many former athletes, heavy on meat, light on nutrients.
From Fast Food to Raw Food: One Day at a Time
John’s plant-based transformation began not with a grand plan, but with one intentional choice after a fast-food meal. After years of joint pain and inflammation, he challenged himself to go
just one day without meat. That one day turned into a weekend. Then a week. Soon after, he watched Forks Over Knives and discovered the work of Dr. Esselstyn, Dr. Campbell, and Rip Esselstyn. With each step, his energy improved, his pain decreased, and his curiosity grew.
From Bodybuilding and Martial Arts to Rebuilding a Healthy Body
A black belt in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and trained in Russian Sambo, John spent decades pushing his body to extremes. He has the injuries to prove it, multiple surgeries, torn ligaments, and nerve damage from spinal issues. But today, thanks to a raw vegan lifestyle and resistance training, he’s not only functional, he’s thriving. He credits his recovery and longevity to clean eating, intentional movement, and discipline.
It’s Not Just the Food—It’s the Recovery Strategy
Nutrition alone didn’t get John where he is. Recovery became just as essential as training. One of the tools he swears by is creatine, not the stereotypical gym-bro supplement, but a powerful aid for joint repair, energy, and brain health. First popularized in elite Soviet sports research, creatine is now widely recognized as one of the safest and most effective supplements for aging adults. John shares why he takes 10 grams daily and how it helps him recover faster, think more clearly, and stay strong, naturally.
Eating for Integrity: When Your Diet Aligns with Your Business
As a top earner in four network marketing companies, John has always emphasized integrity in his approach. He believes your lifestyle should reflect the product you’re sharing. That’s why he shifted his diet to align with his values, and why his clients trust him. When you’re energized, focused, and clear, it shows up in every part of your business.
The Economic and Ethical Wake-Up Call
Although John’s journey started with health, it eventually led to a deeper ethical awareness. He now sees the connection between factory farming, water waste, human exploitation, and environmental destruction. A rescue animal lover with four dogs and four cats, John challenges the cultural dissonance of loving dogs while eating pigs. He urges listeners to question why we assign value to some animals and not others, and to examine what their choices are funding.
For Those Who Want to Change: Just Start
John offers practical, no-fluff advice to anyone overwhelmed by the idea of going vegan or getting fit. Start small. Walk to the corner. Cut out one meat meal a day. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. Whether you’re reversing chronic illness, losing weight, or just trying to feel better, consistent action beats radical overhauls.
Books, Business, and Being a Lifelong Learner
John is the author of Moving Up and Leave Nothing to Chance, books focused on network marketing, discipline, and personal growth. He’s also the host of the Leave Nothing to
Version 1.0.0
Chance podcast, where he interviews thought leaders in wellness, business, and mindset. He speaks candidly about the importance of agility in business, especially after COVID-19 shut down in-person events, leading him to embrace AI and virtual summits.
Connect with John Solleder
Visit www.johnsolleder.com to learn more about his work, books, podcast, and coaching.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[03:30] Why John went vegan.
[06:00] ‘Forks Over Knives’ is a game changer.
[08:50] Exploring raw vegan food.
[12:00] Raw vegan transformation.
[17:00] A journey through life.
[21:45] The truth about creatine.
[29:00] Reversing disease with food.
[31:45] The Kingdom of Health.
[38:30] Detoxing to feeling great!
[40:45] The financial impact of eating meat… beyond us.
[46:00] If you wouldn’t do it to your dog or cat, how can you do it to farmed animals?
[48:00] Achieving high performance success… strategies that work.
[53:00] The one meeting he got booted out of, that changed John’s life.
[57:00] The 10 penny strategy for success.
About John Solleder
John Solleder is a four-time top earner in the network marketing industry with over 40 years of high-level experience. He’s consulted for major brands, worked alongside industry legends, and received top honors including the President’s Cup and the Dr. Buonous Award.
A bestselling author of Leave Nothing to Chance and host of the Leave Nothing to Chance podcast, John has interviewed some of the most iconic figures in direct selling, from Napoleon Hill’s final protégé to today’s leading earners.
Outside of business, John holds black belts in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, follows a mostly raw vegan lifestyle, and is a passionate advocate for health and longevity. He lives in Texas with his wife, Josee, their four children, and a pack of rescue dogs.
Visit www.johnsolleder.com to learn more about his work, books, podcast, and coaching.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective
marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.
Access her complimentary Podcast Guesting Blueprint at http://veganvisibility.com/podcastblueprint