Buddhist Blues: A Vegan Makes a Feature Film with Glen Merzer!

Can a story change hearts more effectively than an argument?Buddhist Blues is an intriguing feature film that tackles life and family with a by-the-way-he's vegan protagonist. Writer/director Glen Merzer takes us into his process and celebrates "accidental activism."In this engaging conversation, Victoria Moran welcomes bestselling author, screenwriter, and filmmaker Glen Merzer to discuss Buddhist Blues, the first feature film he has written and directed. Set in St. Louis in 1993, the film follows a young vegan living outside the law. As family tensions rise, he must confront difficult choices and the fragile bonds that connect us.Together, Victoria and Glen explore storytelling as a form of advocacy. Glen explains why he believes in "soft vegan messaging." Rather than preaching, he creates compelling characters and authentic stories that encourage audiences to reflect. They also discuss the challenges of producing an independent film and the unique ability of cinema to inspire empathy.Beyond the film, Glen reflects on his decades as a writer and his lifelong commitment to vegetarianism and veganism. He also shares why creativity can help build a more compassionate world.Whether you're passionate about filmmaking, vegan advocacy, or simply love a good story, this episode offers an inspiring look at the intersection of art, compassion, and social change.In This EpisodeGlen's journey as a writer and filmmakerThe inspiration behind Buddhist BluesWhy storytelling can be a powerful form of advocacyThe philosophy behind "soft vegan messaging"The challenges of producing and directing an independent filmHow creativity can inspire compassion and changeAbout Our GuestGlen Merzer is an author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and longtime vegan advocate. He is the writer and director of Buddhist Blues, a feature film that explores family, identity, and compassion through a distinctly vegan lens. Glen also co-authored Moving Medicine Forward with Dr. Michael Klaper and wrote Food Is Climate. A vegetarian for more than five decades and a vegan for over 35 years, he hosts The Glen Merzer Show, where he explores food, health, ethics, and the environment.More from GlenLearn more about Glen's latest projects, including Buddhist Blues, his books, and The Glen Merzer Show.Website: https://buddhistblues.comYouTube: The Glen Merzer Showhttps://www.youtube.com/@theglenmerzershowAlso MentionedMoving Medicine Forward (co-authored with Dr. Michael Klaper) - https://www.movingmedforward.orgFood Is Climate - https://www.amazon.com/Food-Climate-Response-Conventional-Narrative/dp/B09CGL854KSubscribe, rate, and review the Main Street Vegan Podcast to help more people discover the joy of living with vitality, spirituality, and compassion.Sign up for the Main Street Vegan blog and newsletter at https://www.mainstreetvegan.com and receive your FREE e-book, Recipes to Help You Age Like a Yogi.Become an insider by joining the Main Street Vegan Podcast Listeners Group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/207997266555049