No-Bullsh!t Vegan

I'm turning 40 in a few days, so (obviously) I'm hosting an online taco party Hope to see you there!   Cook along with me, or just watch and hang out. We'll do a book giveaway, Q&A, and share vegan intel with likeminded folks. Join me on Wednesday, June 17 at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern. It's free, it's going to be a super-fun community event, and I'd love to celebrate with you.   Grab your spot at www.karinainkster.com/40!

Five years after her first appearance on the show, Nana-Serwa Mancell returns to share her journey from running a vegan African food business in Dubai to building a sustainability-focused retreat and community space in Ghana. We discuss West African vegan food traditions, overlooked plant protein sources, ethical tourism, sustainable fashion, environmental challenges in Ghana, and why she believes Africa's future is full of innovation, creativity, and hope.

I'm announcing the brand-new Patreon for the No-Bullsh!t Vegan podcast and giving you a peek at what's inside. Check it out at patreon.com/noBSvegan! If the podcast has helped you feel stronger, more informed, more connected, or more confident in your vegan life, this is one way to help keep it growing, while getting some fun (and possibly unhinged) bonus content and behind-the-scenes access along the way. Thank you for being part of my little corner of the internet. Whether you support on Patreon, listen every week, or just send me memes occasionally, I appreciate you!

After going vegan in 1981, Dr. Michael Klaper has spent decades helping patients use food to reverse chronic disease. He's now focused on a new mission: changing medical education from the inside out.  We talk about his transition to veganism in the early 1980s, the moment he realized food was at the root of many chronic diseases, and why most doctors still receive shockingly little nutrition education. Dr. Klaper also shares the work he's doing through Moving Medicine Forward to bring nutrition science into medical schools across North America. We discuss: why nutrition is still largely absent from medical training how plant-based diets can help reverse chronic disease the cultural and systemic barriers keeping people stuck keto and carnivore diet trends the economics of modern healthcare why he believes medicine is slowly starting to change Dr. Klaper also shares details about his new book, Moving Medicine Forward, and why he believes the next generation of doctors could transform healthcare as we know it.

What does it mean to treat veganism not just as an identity, but as a practice? I'm joined by Paul Erlandson, co-founder of Rivendell Sanctuary, for a conversation about animal sanctuaries, ethical veganism, mindfulness, and the relationships we build with farmed animals when we actually get to know them as individuals. Paul shares the story of how he and his wife started their sanctuary from scratch during the pandemic, why their first rescued pigs changed everything, and how his decades-long spiritual practice shaped his approach to veganism. We also get into some nuanced territory: rescue chickens and eggs, veganism as a "practice" versus an "identity," the discomfort of being the only vegan at the table, and why sanctuaries can be such powerful catalysts for change. We discuss: How and why Paul went from musician to sanctuary founder Why veganism isn't a "lifestyle preference" How sanctuaries help people connect the dots between dogs, cats, and farmed animals Why delicious vegan food is part of activism …and much more!

Strength training in later life might be one of the most important things you can do for your health. Jane Thurnell-Read—vegan, author, activist, and 78-year-old strength athlete—joins me to share how she went from thinking she was "too old for the gym" to deadlifting 160 pounds and getting stronger every year. We get into what actually changes when you start lifting later in life, why it's never too late to build strength, and how that strength shows up in everyday life. We also dig into the mindset side of aging: the myths that keep people stuck, and what most folks get wrong about "enjoying life". Jane shares her journey from decades of vegetarianism to going vegan in her late 60s, how she approaches training now (including working around injuries), and what she'd say to any woman over 60 who thinks strength training isn't for her. If "too late" has crossed your mind, this conversation is your wake-up call.

Gail Eisnitz, chief investigator for the Humane Farming Association and author of Out of Sight, shares what it's really like to spend decades documenting animal cruelty inside slaughterhouses and factory farms, and why she chose to tell her story as a memoir. We talk about how her work led her to become vegan, what she's witnessed behind the scenes in the meat industry, and the frustrating reality of trying to expose these issues through media and legal channels. Gail also opens up about living with undiagnosed OCD and a rare neurological condition for most of her life, and how those challenges shaped both her perspective and her work.   This is a conversation about persistence, empathy, and the personal cost of doing difficult, necessary work. It's also a reminder that the systems we don't see often have the biggest impact, and why bringing them into view matters.   Trigger warning: This episode contains descriptions of farm animal abuse. 

Leanna Carriere and Dr. Timm Döbert are preparing to cycle 30,000 km from Alaska to Chile as part of their Wings of Survival project, following migratory birds and raising awareness about biodiversity and climate. We talk about how they fuel extreme endurance—like cycling 150 km a day and eating up to 10,000 calories—entirely on a vegan diet. We also dig into the environmental side: land use, why animal agriculture doesn't scale, and what real change could look like over the next decade. This conversation is part science, part storytelling, and part "wait…that's humanly possible?"

Javant joins me to talk about his journey to veganism, which began with a major health scare and evolved over many years into a fully vegan lifestyle. We discuss how he moved from trying different diets to embracing whole-food plant-based eating, and how that shift eventually expanded beyond health to include empathy for animals and compassion for people who aren't vegan. Javant also shares details about his new cookbook, which focuses on familiar comfort foods made vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and free of refined sugar. We get into his philosophy around helping people eat more plants without feeling deprived, his thoughts on fibre versus protein, and why gut health deserves way more attention than it gets. We also talk about the four pillars of health he teaches through his app: diet, exercise, sleep, and mindset.

Coach Zoe and I are back for a Coaches' Corner episode, answering the questions we didn't get to during our recent live No-B.S. Reset panel event. We dig into some of the most common (and most frustrating) myths we see in the fitness and nutrition space, especially around strength training, supplements, and social-media "advice."  If you're new to lifting, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online, or just tired of wellness trends that sound slick but don't actually work, this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: - The biggest mistakes beginners make when starting strength training (and how to avoid them) - Why going "too hard, too fast" backfires, and what sustainable progress actually looks like - Compound lifts vs. isolation exercises: what matters most early on - The rise of creatine gummies (and why "creatine for women" marketing is nonsense) - Why "what I eat in a day" videos can be misleading, or downright harmful - Steps vs. cardio vs. lifting: what really gives you the most bang for your buck - The lingering myth that vegans can't be strong—and why leading by example matters more than arguing - A teaser on upcoming deep dives into diet-culture obsessions like "snatched" bodies and HYROX hype As always, we bring the conversation back to evidence-based coaching, long-term health, and building strength in ways that actually work in real life, without extremes, guilt, or BS.

What happens when a doctor, a registered dietitian, an agrologist, and a fitness coach sit down to answer real audience questions? Find out in this episode. In this follow-up to our live No-B.S. Reset panel event, we tackle the questions we didn't have time to answer on Zoom, covering everything from vegan nutrition myths to food system misconceptions. You'll hear evidence-based, practical answers to questions like: What really helps with high blood pressure and low blood pressure, without jumping straight to pills? Should I be concerned about eating too much soy? (Spoiler: no.) How can people with IBS or sensitive guts thrive on a plant-based diet? Are protein bars and powders helping, or just crowding out better options? Is livestock necessary for soil health or food security? Joining me are: Dr. Jade Dittaro: lifestyle MD, hospitalist, and environmentalist.  Vesanto Melina: registered dietitian and award-winning co-author of 15 books.  Cory Davis: agrologist interested in the socio-environmental impact of food, an animal rights advocate, and co-author of Plant-Powered Protein. We connect personal health, planetary health, and food system reality, without pretending there's a single perfect answer for everyone.

What if getting healthier didn't require more willpower, more tracking, or more "optimizing"… but less? Kwame Terra and I dig into what the world's longest-living communities actually do differently — and spoiler: it's not VO2 max tests, cold plunges, or biohacking spreadsheets. It's walking, connection, and movement that's baked into daily life. Kwame shares how he's building community-based fitness experiences that feel social and automatic instead of like another chore on your to-do list, and why representation matters in wellness spaces. His new app is built specifically for Black communities, addressing the gaps in access, representation, and culturally relevant support that mainstream fitness platforms often miss. We also talk about the story behind his wild goal of hitting two million steps in a month (and going after a Guinness World Record while he's at it).

5-time Juno Award winner and founding member of Blue Rodeo Bob Wiseman joins me for a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation about music, aging, and what it actually looks like to live vegan for decades—long before it was mainstream or convenient. Bob and I talk about his early days with macrobiotics and touring as a long-term vegan, why grocery stores matter more than restaurants on the road, and how the West Coast quietly led the way on plant-based food culture. We dig into improvisation—not just as a musical practice, but as a way of understanding life itself—and why the idea that music isn't improvised is philosophically questionable at best. We also get into aging and mortality: how perspective shifts in your 40s, 50s, and 60s; what it means to start losing people you love; and why long-term health habits matter, even though nothing is guaranteed. Along the way, Bob shares stories about teaching beginners, learning accordion on a whim, raising a vegetarian kid in a mixed-diet household, and why trying to force change on other people rarely works. This episode is funny, reflective, a little wackadoodle, and full of big ideas about creativity, compassion, and playing the long game—on stage and in life.

Mike Howard is back on the podcast! We start with a proper catch-up: his retreats, my TEDx prep, and the reality of juggling health goals alongside real life. From there, we dive into what's been taking over the wellness section of the internet lately: longevity, biohacking, and the obsession with tracking everything. We talk about why the basics are still the basics (sleep, strength training, protein, veggies, daily movement), and why chasing the "perfect" plan can make consistency harder, not easier. We also get into identity-based habits, expectation management, and simple environment tweaks that make healthy choices easier—without needing a new gadget, a cleanse, or an entirely new personality.

Vystopia is the profound anguish many ethical vegans experience when living in a non-vegan world. Clare Mann explains why this response is normal rather than pathological, how the burden of knowing affects mental health, and why vegans are often misunderstood by families, professionals, and society at large. We explore compassion fatigue, burnout, and practical ways to stay grounded, resilient, and effective as a vegan advocate, including how to communicate without arguments or self-sacrifice. This conversation offers validation and practical insight for anyone navigating ethical veganism in a non-vegan world.

At 72, Pat Farrell is turning heads in the powerlifting world. Pat is a Dominican sister, a longtime advocate for social justice, and a dedicated vegan who has recently taken the strength community by storm. She joins me to share her journey into competitive powerlifting, her rapid progress in training, and what it feels like to become known as the vegan powerlifting nun in mainstream news. Pat is joined by her coach, Katya Gorbacheva, who is the third strongest vegan woman on the planet. Katya gives us an inside look at how she programs Pat's training, how they are working toward a full meet that includes squat, bench press, and deadlift, and why strength sports are truly accessible for people of all ages. We talk about protein, recovery, sport psychology, and the powerful mindset shift that happens when performance becomes the focus rather than body size or age. Pat shares insights from her first competition, how she handles the nerves on meet day, and what it means to inspire people around the world to pursue strength at any stage of life.

In this episode, I'm joined by strength coach Matt Taylor to talk about what it really takes to get stronger when life is busy. We dig into the concept of bare-ass minimums: the essential actions that keep you progressing even during chaotic weeks—and how to build a training routine that fits into real life. Matt shares how he coaches lifters to make meaningful gains in under five hours a week, why anchoring habits matters more than willpower, and how to set goals that won't burn you out. We also dive into his own journey: from world records to an autoimmune diagnosis, and back to competitive lifting using a more flexible, sustainable approach. Whether you're short on time, struggling with consistency, or just want a smarter strength plan, this conversation will help you rethink what "effective training" actually looks like.

Biologist and bestselling author Dr. Jonathan Balcombe joins me to discuss fish sentience, the surprising intelligence of fishes, and what science reveals about how they think and feel. Jonathan holds a PhD in ethology, the study of animal behaviour, and has dedicated his career to understanding and communicating the inner lives of animals. He's the author of five popular science books and has published over 60 scientific papers and book chapters on animal behaviour and animal protection. In this conversation, we dive into fascinating research showing that fishes can experience stress relief, fall for optical illusions, and even build social relationships—evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about these often-overlooked animals. We also explore the ethics of fishing and insect farming, the evolving science of animal sentience, and how language shapes our empathy toward other species.

Veganism isn't about saying no; it's about saying yes. Philosophy professor and author Matthew C. Halteman joins me to make the joyful case for going vegan. It's an invitation to live in alignment with your values — and eat ridiculously good food while you're at it. We dig into why most people already want a more vegan world (even if they don't call themselves vegan yet), how to move from guilt and obligation to abundance and flourishing, cognitive dissonance (why people get defensive about veganism even when they agree with you), how to be an actually effective advocate without burning out or blowing up every family dinner, and much more. Matt also shares his own journey from meat lover to ethical vegan, how his dog Gus changed his worldview, and why he thinks veganism should feel like possibility, not pressure.

Vegan triathlete and coach Saskia Bjornson joins me to talk about endurance on plants, building confidence in open water, and why her sold-out beginner triathlon is changing the game. We dive into the power of food as a gateway to change, how to tackle fear and anxiety in sport, and what it means to make endurance events inclusive, low-waste, and fully vegan. Whether you're curious about your first triathlon, want to up your swim game, or just need inspiration to add more movement (and more plants) into your life, this episode delivers.

Coach and clinical nutritionist Christopher Barker (author of Mansplaining the Menopause) is here for a no-B.S. tour through female health, strength, and longevity. We tackle the most persistent menopause myths (including HRT fears), what habits *actually* affect body composition, RED-S and under-fuelling, sane protein targets on a plant-based diet, and performance vs aesthetics. We also chat GLP-1 drugs in the culture, cycle tracking, and using tools like the Oura ring without obsessing.

What really matters for getting stronger on a vegan diet? Spoiler: it's not spending hours on cardio or obsessing over tiny details. In this episode, I break down the 4-part health and body composition hierarchy we use with our coaching clients. It's a simple pyramid that shows where to focus your energy for the biggest results. You'll learn why nutrition is the foundation of strength, how to use plant-based eating to fuel muscle, and why supplements and advanced strategies come much later in the pyramid. No guilt, no fad diets, no B.S. Whether you're new to lifting or a seasoned vegan lifter, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to building strength, fuelling recovery, and keeping it all sustainable for real life.

From rowing as part of the first all-Black women's 8 at the world's largest regatta, to helping steer over $8 million in grants that fuel plant-based change, Candace brings the same grit from the boat to her work in philanthropy. We dive into her journey to veganism while training as an athlete, the lessons she's carried from sports into leadership, and how Thrive Philanthropy is funding a just, global plant-based food system—supporting everything from women-led tofu production in Uganda to vegan restaurant weeks and school lunch programs. We also explore what it means to make a difference beyond what's on your plate, and how you can support systemic change in food systems worldwide.

We discuss Anne's new children's book, Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change. We also explore how Anne's Cherokee heritage and commitment to diversity shape her writing, why kids need books that act as "windows and mirrors," and how young readers (and the rest of us) can take climate action through our food choices. From sobering stats to inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in raising the next generation of compassionate change-makers, without being, as Anne says, a "vegeterrible."

Iain Tolhurst is a pioneer of stock-free organic farming who's been growing vegetables for nearly 40 years without a single animal input. No manure, no bone meal, no grazing animals—just thriving soil, rich biodiversity, and 120 tons of vegetables per year. You'll learn how this groundbreaking system works, why it's more climate-resilient than conventional or even organic farming, and what it means for the future of food. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, food justice, or simply want to know where your veggies come from, this conversation will shift your perspective on farming, animals, and what's possible for our planet.

 Is "ethical meat" just a comforting bedtime story for omnivores? Philosopher and author John Sanbonmatsu joins me to unpack the myths that keep animal exploitation hidden in plain sight — from the illusion of "humane" farming to the deep cultural stories we tell ourselves to feel morally innocent. Drawing from his new book The Omnivore's Deception, John explores why confronting speciesism, and the civilizational systems built on it, is essential not just for animals, but for the future of life on Earth. This is a thought-provoking, no-B.S. conversation that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable realities.

For the first time ever, The No-Bullsh!t Vegan Podcast goes LIVE! Join me in my Powell River recording studio (with a tiny kitten desperately trying to break in) as we celebrate 200 episodes of myth-busting, strength-building, and plant-powered badassery. I'm joined by amazing listeners, clients, and members of the K.I. team for an unscripted, community-powered conversation. We chat about vegan strength training, climate-friendly diets, suspension trainers, home gym hacks, and more — plus I take live questions, suggestions, and even cat name ideas. Thank you for being part of this no-nonsense, ad-free corner of the internet. Let's do this!

What happens when going vegan transforms more than just your plate? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and author Dr. Angela Crawford to explore the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual shifts that often come with the vegan journey. We talk about the myth of deprivation, the reality of abundance, and the inner alignment that comes from living according to your values. We also dig into the challenges of being "the one vegan at the table," how to navigate tricky social dynamics, and why emotional wellbeing isn't about being happy all the time. Whether you're vegan-curious or decades into the lifestyle, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and plenty of practical takeaways.

I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, a nonprofit organization working to end factory farming through evidence-based giving. Thom shares his personal journey to veganism and why he left a legal career in nuclear energy policy to pursue systemic change for animals. He discusses the unique approach FarmKind takes in identifying and supporting high-impact charities, how donations can rival or even surpass individual dietary change in reducing animal suffering, and the importance of pragmatism in creating long-term shifts toward animal liberation. Thom also emphasizes how even small actions—whether donations or activism—can help dismantle a $2 trillion industry built on animal exploitation.

In this final volume of my free strategy call series, you'll listen in on two coaching sessions packed with plant-based problem solving, strength training tweaks, and behaviour hacks. Anna wants to build muscle alongside MMA and dance without being sore for days, while Rebecca's focused on navigating menopause, portion sizes, and protein goals (with a side of DIY vegan high-protein ice cream). We cover everything from barbell boredom and tofu techniques to food prep strategies and how to outsmart your own brain so you don't need to rely on willpower.

I dive into why fitness and veganism aren't just personal choices—they're political whether we realize it or not. Based on a recent article I wrote, I'm exploring how things like race, class, and ability shape who gets access to fitness and plant-based foods, and why pretending otherwise is itself a political act. This episode was sparked by a podcast review I received telling me I should keep social commentary and political opinion out of my show. So, naturally, I decided to lean all the way in.

Agrologist Cory Davis joins me to unpack the environmental toll of animal agriculture—and the enormous potential of plant-based food systems to reduce emissions, reclaim land, and restore ecosystems. Cory brings a systems-level perspective that blends science, ethics, and practical solutions. He also does some serious myth-busting about "sustainable" local meat and "regenerative grazing". Whether you're a climate advocate or curious about food's environmental impact, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about sustainable eating. Cory is a licensed professional agrologist with over 10 years of experience in natural resource and environmental management. He is a co-author of "Plant-Powered Protein: Nutrition Essentials and Dietary Guidelines for All Ages" along with Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, where he breaks down the environmental impacts of different protein choices. He also recently coauthored a paper in the Annals of Medicine titled "Health Disparities and Climate Change in the Marshall Islands".

I'm joined by renowned registered dietitian and plant-based pioneer, Brenda Davis. With decades of experience and 13 books to her name, Brenda shares powerful insights on fine-tuning plant-based diets for every stage of life, and using nutrition to prevent and treat chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We explore the role of processed foods and faux meats in a healthy diet, and her inspiring journey of being vegan for 36 years (she started back when plant-based diets were dismissed as mere fads). Whether you're a long-time vegan or just plant-curious, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.

Registered dietitian and award-winning author Vesanto Melina returns to dive deep into all things vegan protein. With decades of experience in plant-based nutrition, Vesanto shares insights from her latest book, Plant-Powered Protein, debunking common myths about protein intake and addressing how different populations—from strength trainers to older adults—can optimize their nutrition. We discuss how protein needs change with age, why plant-based athletes may need to tweak their intake, and how the science behind protein recommendations has evolved. Plus, Vesanto shares her thoughts on the growing mainstream acceptance of plant-based diets, how restaurants and food industries are adapting, and why environmental sustainability is an essential part of the conversation. We also chat about fitness and longevity, including Vesanto's own inspiring approach to strength training at age 82 (spoiler alert: she holds a two-minute plank and takes five fitness classes a week!). We discuss how protein plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, especially for those in a calorie deficit, and why strength training is essential for long-term health. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with evidence-based advice to help you fuel your body effectively—without falling for the protein myths. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that might just change how you think about protein on a vegan diet!

Kettlebell training should be for every body. Coach Damali—kettlebell expert, speaker, and owner of Lift Off Strength & Wellness—joins me to challenge diet culture in the fitness space and share how to make kettlebell coaching more inclusive. She breaks down what it means to approach training from a size-inclusive, trauma-informed, and judgement-free perspective, rethinks the use of props in kettlebell coaching, and discusses why language matters when working with clients. Don't miss this powerful conversation on making strength training accessible to all!

If you looked up "powerhouse" in the dictionary, you'd find a picture of Lynn Aliya. This multi-talented dynamo is an award-winning actor, playwright, director, public speaking coach, country radio broadcaster, and now—author of a brand-new book! In this episode, Lynn shares her vegan journey, discusses her latest book, and (drumroll, please) announces a brand new TV show for the first time ever! When she's not training doctors in empathetic communication or lighting up the stage and screen, Lynn—also known as Brooklyn—is learning to surf at almost 60! Because if anyone can prove it's never too late to catch a new wave, it's Lynn. Tune in for an episode packed with inspiration, storytelling, and a serious dose of badassery! 

About once a year, I open up my schedule to between 20 and 30 awesome folks on my email list. Each person gets a free strategy session, where they can chat about whatever they'd like! Creating an effective workout plan, brainstorming vegan meal prep, calculating protein requirements, plotting vegan world domination… anything goes! In today's instalment of strategy session episodes, I first speak with Dan, a triathlete and a marathoner who had some specific questions for me about strength training to complement his endurance training. Next I speak with Julia, who was doing some nutrition coaching with me and my team. She wanted to discuss a few points around calories and basal metabolic rate, and also how strength training might fit into the overall equation of health and body composition.

Time for a catch-up with strength coach extraordinaire and overall powerhouse Meghan Callaway! Cat news! Injury and recovery news (from both Meghan and me)! Business news! We cover it all. Meghan Callaway is a coach with 21 years of experience, a life-long athlete, and an animal lover. Her Ultimate Pull-Ups program has been featured in the New York Times, and has been followed by thousands of people in almost 90 countries since it was released in 2017. Meghan grew up playing sports, including making the majors baseball all-star team that competed to qualify for the little league world series. She was the only girl in the entire league. She also played competitive soccer for 27 years. In her later 30s (and continuing now, in her mid-40s), Meghan achieved incredible feats of strength in calisthenics exercises like muscle-ups, pull-ups, pistol squats, back levers, and more.

1,008 vegan meals in 37 minutes: could you swing it? Chef Supreme Dow is one person who certainly can!   Chef Supreme Dow is a former celebrity chef, who left the glitz and glamour to fulfill his mission to tackle food security in the unhoused community in LA. His 10K Meals Across LA initiative aims to serve 100,000 vegan meals to the unhoused in LA over the next decade through his non-profit, The Harvest Academy. [That's an average of 10,000 meals per year, for 10 years.]   Chef Dow recently made headlines by setting a Guinness World Record, serving 1,008 vegan meals in just 37 minutes. He embodies what it means to lean into compassion and selflessness for the greater good of the community.   We chat about his background, his experience working as a chef in non-vegan restaurants, his journey to community focused work, and much [much] more!

About once a year, I open my schedule to 30 awesome folks on my email list for coaching calls. Each person gets a free 20-minute strategy session, where they can chat about whatever they'd like! Creating an effective workout plan, brainstorming vegan meal prep, calculating protein requirements, plotting vegan world domination… anything goes! In this second instalment of strategy session episodes, I first speak with Sam, one of our current clients. We discuss her results thus far, and a few areas of focus moving forward. Then I speak with Jo, who's made some incredible fitness progress and wants to make sure she's using her workout time most effectively. Tune in for tips on: - Building accountability into our workout routines. - The types of exercises we should prioritize in our strength training. - Options for training splits (training different muscle groups on different days).

Izzy and I have been Facebook friends for years, but have never had a face-to-face chat…until now. Listen in as we talk about our respective musical backgrounds, working with clients, the role of AI in fitness, and running various types of vegan businesses. Izzy Jacobus is a personal trainer with a certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and nutrition coach with certifications from the Nutritarian Education Institute and Precision Nutrition. After holding a position at Brooklyn Nurse Practitioners Clinic (a vegan medical clinic) as their nutrition counsellor, he started The Workout Plant to continue helping local clients in Brooklyn, New York, and online clients around the world pursue their fitness and health goals. Izzy is also the founder of Vegans of New York, the largest vegan community in NYC, and creator of Animals First on the Second, a global animal advocacy organization. 

About once a year, I open my schedule to 30 awesome folks on my email list for free coaching calls. Each person gets a free 20-minute strategy session, where they can chat about whatever they'd like! Creating an effective workout plan, brainstorming vegan meal prep, calculating protein requirements, plotting vegan world domination… anything goes! Today, I'm sharing two of these calls on the podcast. Listen in as I speak with Linda about strength training and establishing a regular workout routine, and with Raghu about macro ratios and grams, and how those relate to calories.

Business consultant and overall vegan powerhouse Kathleen Gage is on the show today to discuss becoming vegan, thriving as a septuagenerian, and growing a vegan business. Kathleen is a seasoned business consultant with over 30 years of experience, a dedicated vegan, and a passionate advocate for compassionate living. Based in rural Oregon, Kathleen not only leads a thriving business but also rescues animals, reflecting her deep commitment to health, animal welfare, and the environment. Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell, NLP, and as a Plant-Based Ambassador, Kathleen initially went vegan for her health and now champions the lifestyle for both the animals and the planet. She brings a wealth of knowledge on how to align business success with ethical living.

Coach Zoe and I get together for a "Coaches' Corner" discussion about 4 problems in the fitness industry at the moment (and what to do about them!), and many other topics. Coach Zoe is a fitness coach and marketing and community engagement professional. Her athletic background spans a wide range of endeavours, including three professional boxing matches, half-marathons, Muay Thai, multi-day endurance hiking, and distance swimming. Coach Zoe currently holds a Yellow Belt in Krav Maga. She is the co-founder of Ban Fur Farms BC, and the founder of the Vancouver Vegan Resource Centre (VVRC). Zoe has been vegan for 14 years, and an animal rights activist for (almost) the same duration of time. Coach K is a fitness and nutrition coach, author of five books, 22-year vegan, and magazine writer. She's the founder of K.I. Health & Fitness, where she and her team lead award-winning coaching programs that help vegans worldwide get super strong and build health habits they'll still hold at the age of 103. She holds a Masters degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging. Her work has been profiled by CNBC, Huffpost, Healthline, Bustle, Livestrong, and more. Listen in as we have a coaches' chat! 

Time for a catch-up chat with vegan powerlifter Daniel Austin! He joins me to discuss approaches to vegan advocacy, adapting our training and diet as we age, his history in powerlifting, the new audiobook version of The Way of the Vegan Meathead, and what he's been up to in the 6 years since we last spoke on the show.    Daniel's been vegan since 2005, and powerlifting competitively since 2015. He's competed in both major American powerlifting organizations (the USPA and the USAPL) and has qualified for national championships in both. His goal as a vegan in strength sports has always been to demonstrate that veganism is no limitation to gaining max strength. He says, "I am proud to be part of a growing movement of athletes utilizing sport as a form of activism for animals". As of 2024, Daniel owns all current powerlifting records in Texas for his category, and 3 of the 4 standing records for his category in Virginia, where he recently moved.

This episode covers it all: running a large-scale vegan food festival, Erika's vegan story, growing and supporting vegan businesses, and de-stigmatizing veganism. Erika Hazel is a nationally recognized vegan businesswoman, recipe creator, magazine contributor and philanthropist. As a vegan food expert, Erika is always discovering the best vegan cuisine to share with her family and social media followers to make the world a more vegan place, one bite at a time. The Bizerkeley Vegan is not only a popular social media influencer and food blogger, but also specializes in events, consultations and speaking engagements. Erika's goal is to engage with people to help them find the best plant-based foods the world has to offer. She has been featured in VegNews and VegOut Magazines, CBS and ABC news interviews, and more.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau joins me to discuss the power of language and identity when talking about veganism, the importance of authenticity and compassion, and the role of metrics and self-critique in vegan advocacy. Affectionately known as the joyful vegan, Colleen is a recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully. A long-time animal advocate and vegan, Colleen is a bestselling author of seven books, an acclaimed speaker, producer of one of the longest running podcasts in existence, a regular contributor to National Public Radio, and the host of luxury vegan trips around the world. Colleen also announces her new book coming out in 2025 — A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free.

One of the most common excuses I hear from folks who aren't completely vegan yet is, "It's way too difficult to travel as a vegan!" Well, here's the only B.S.-busting, info-packed episode you need if you're a vegan interested in travelling the world. Brighde Reed is one of the founders of World Vegan Travel, a company dedicated to creating luxurious, immersive group travel experiences for vegans and the vegan-curious. Based in Squamish, BC, Brighde lives with Seb, the co-owner of World Vegan Travel. Before embarking on her journey in the travel industry, Brighde was a dedicated teacher. Her love for exploration has taken her across the globe, having lived in Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and now Canada. Brighde and Seb started World Vegan Travel in 2017. World Vegan Travel offers enriching travel experiences to a variety of destinations, including Thailand, Italy, Rwanda, Vietnam, and Japan. Each trip combines cultural immersion and exceptional plant-based cuisine. When she's not planning trips, Brighde enjoys hiking and immersing herself in nature.

We're often told to take omega-3 supplements, especially as vegans. And non-vegans are often told to take fish oil. But are these recommendations backed by peer-reviewed science? Geoff Palmer is here to do some serious myth-busting. We also delve into meat and masculinity: why are they often linked in our society? How can we get more men on board with veganism? Geoff Palmer is a 61-year-strong, 39-year vegan, natural bodybuilding and natural physique masters champion, the owner of Clean Machine Plant-Based Fitness Nutrition, author, national lecturer, vegan patent holder and 2-time NEXTY Winner for "Best Supplement of the Year". Geoff was #40 of the "Top 100 Most Influential Vegans" by Plant Based News, and he created the first 100% vegan natural bodybuilding competition in the world.

Expert marketer Sandra Nomoto speaks with me about the animal agriculture industry's marketing tactics. Specifically: four ways they've misled the public. These include discrediting research on plant-based diets that showed health benefits, specific marketing campaigns, fear-mongering about vegan diets, and online astroturfing.  Sandra Nomoto is an award-winning ethical marketer for cruelty-free businesses. She also offers a suite of services for authors with impact. She previously ran Conscious Public Relations Inc. for a decade, which was the fourth public relations agency in Canada to earn B Corporation® certification. Sandra is the author of two books, including Vegan Marketing Success Stories, the world's first vegan marketing book, honoured by Vegan Choice Awards in 2023. On the side of her desk, she co-hosts VEG Networking Canada, Canada's only vegan networking group, blogs at SandraNomoto.com, and writes for several outlets.