Dec 9, 2025
Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱
In this inspiring episode, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams sit down with Lianna Levine Reisner, co-founder and president of Plant Powered Metro New York (PPMNY). Lianna shares her personal health transformation, how she brought plant-based education to diverse communities, and why building supportive local networks is the key to long-term lifestyle change.
Together, they explore:
-
Lianna’s journey from personal experimentation to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle
-
How PPMNY empowers multicultural communities across the NYC metro area
-
The role of mentorship, jumpstarts, and community events in helping people thrive
-
Strategies for parents raising plant-based kids in traditional school environments
-
How local groups can partner with restaurants and expand healthy food access
Whether you're new to plant-based living or a seasoned advocate, this conversation offers heartfelt wisdom, practical ideas, and a powerful reminder of the impact community can make.
Timestamps
00:00
Introduction
00:45 Meet Lianna Levine Reisner
03:00 Lianna’s plant-based health journey
07:00 Raising plant-based children
11:00 Food environment challenges for families
15:00 Finding and building community
17:20 How Plant Powered Metro NY began
25:00 The four pillars: awareness, education, empowerment &
community
28:00 Jumpstarts, mentorship & national
collaboration
34:00 Multicultural outreach & bridging communities
40:00 Connecting with underserved populations
44:00 Working with restaurants for healthier options
45:40 Quick meal ideas from Lianna
49:20 Where to find PPMNY
LINKS
🔗 Learn more about the
National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/
🌱 Explore Plant Powered Metro New York: https://www.plantpoweredmetrony.org/
🎧 Listen to all NHA Today podcast episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @nationalhealthassociation