Vegan Hacks

Billie Eilish said: “Eating meat is inherently wrong" and there was a huge backlash from people online that are mostly from the progressive left wing side.  Why does veganism trigger people emotionally?Send us Fan Mail

Here is an edited version of Jason's speech at Earth Day San Diego! Send us Fan Mail

A conversation with Amanda Persi, founder of The The Getaway Co. a company that designs plant-forward culinary trips so vegans can explore food cultures around the world without compromising their values.https://thegetawayco.com/instagram @thegetawaycoSend us Fan Mail

What happens when one of the biggest names in vegan content considers dropping the word “vegan” from their brand?The Korean Vegan recently shared she’s thinking about rebranding and it raises a bigger question: is “vegan” helping or hurting creators in 2026?  Also VHP talks about his tofu making journey. Send us Fan Mail

Bro culture has officially entered the plant-based aisle and it might be killing it. In this episode, we break down why brands like Beyond Eat Just and Impossible are chasing high-protein, gym-focused trends instead of what actually matters: taste, price, and real-world appeal. Are vegan companies targeting the wrong audience? And is that why mainstream adoption is stalling? Let’s get into it.Send us Fan Mail

At Expo West I expected a plant-forward food show… but what I found instead raised a lot of questions.In this episode of the Vegan Hacks Podcast, I break down the surprising presence of meat products and even beef tallow at what used to feel like a very vegan-friendly event.I also sit down with some incredible founders pushing plant-based innovation forward:• Liz Kang, Founder and Co-CEO of Mamame, creating bold tempeh chips • Madelyn Hadley, Founder of Madly Hadley, crafting clean-label vegan staples like coconut bacon bits and cashew parmesan • Jeremy from Steak ’n Shake, who explains the company’s controversial move to cook with beef tallowIt’s a fascinating mix of food innovation, industry reality, and the big question:Where is the plant-based movement heading next?Send us Fan Mail

Will Animal Protein Dominate Expo West This Year?Next week, the natural foods world descends on Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. The Super Bowl of natural foods In past years, it felt like a plant-based paradise — innovated alt-meats launching, vegan innovation exploding down every aisle.And yes… there will be new important, plant launches. There always are.But the bigger question this year:Is animal protein about to dominate the narrative?  ASend us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into the Vegandale festival backlash and rebrand, discuss growing concerns about vegan brands using non-vegan marketing or alienating the community, and tackle the uncomfortable but important conversation about wealth and privilege in vegan culture.Send us Fan Mail

Jason sits down with social media creator and vegan activist Anita Dollar (IG: @veg.anitadollar) for a relaxed but powerful conversation over lunch at Vromage in West Hollywood. They discuss influencing in the plant-based space, culture, and vegan activism both online and in real life.Send us Fan Mail

Jason hits the Fancy Food Show to eat snacks, absorb vibes, and take the temperature of vegan food culture. Featuring conversations with Bill Muir (aka Sgt. Vegan, @sgt_vegan) and Noah Hyams (@vegpreneur, @vegancuts) on the current state of veganism, the industry shakeout, and what’s actually worth paying attention to.Send us Fan Mail

This podcast is about how it is impossible to achieve vegan purity, even though some claim it!  Join Jason as he takes an urban hike and rants into a microphone about the the state of vegan in 2026. Send us Fan Mail

Two restaurants. Two opposite decisions.  One added dairy and eggs to their menu  chasing “flexibility,” broader appeal, and short-term survival.  The other went all in and committed to being 100% vegan.   Send us Fan Mail

A recent confession on Reddit went viral: someone admitted they were paid by a meat-industry group to infiltrate Reddit and other platforms pretending to be vegan, creating fake health scares and sowing doubt about plant-based diets. We break down the thread, what it reveals about industry disinformation, and why it matters for anyone who eats vegan or supports animal-friendly food.  Also Jason breaks down the recent Miyoko's Creamery conflict.  Reddit Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/AMA/comments/1p7kmbn/i_was_paid_to_discredit_veganism_online_ama/Send us Fan Mail

Here is my speech from World Vegan Fest about my social media journey!   I was nervous, never did anything like it before but I survived! Send us Fan Mail

Today on the Vegan Hacks Podcast, we’re joined by Leonore, the certified vegan nutritionist and creator of Itadakihealthy,  a coaching and content hub dedicated to helping people thrive on a plant-based diet in Japan. Originally from Germany and now based in Tokyo for over a decade, Leonore shares her journey of building a vibrant vegan community in a country known for its culinary traditions. We talk about how she helps clients find balance, stay healthy, and enjoy plant-based living in Japan’s sometimes challenging food landscape.Whether you’re vegan in Japan, dreaming of visiting, or just love hearing about global plant-based culture, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical tips from one of Japan’s most trusted vegan voices.Follow on IG:  @itadakihealthyhttps://www.itadakihealthy.com/Send us Fan Mail

At the World Economy Summit, Impossible Foods’ CEO argued that plant-based food has become “too political” and hinted at a future hybrid burger made with both beef and Impossible protein.Here is a link to the entire interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp9g-ZwajME&t=624sSend us Fan Mail

Big moves, big bans, and big crashes in the plant-based world this week.  Vegan Besties keeps the momentum going with their third location, proving that community and comfort food can still win in a shaky economy. Meanwhile, the EU just voted to ban words like “burger” and “sausage” from plant-based foods (because apparently people can’t tell tofu from a cow). And Beyond Meat’s stock? Yeah… it’s not looking good.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I take you through the highs and lows of being vegan in Tokyo — from hunting down plant-based eats in the land of green onion overload to navigating the challenges of dining with omnivores. Then we shift gears to the business world: Beyond Meat has announced a major restructuring plan. What does it mean for the future of plant-based meat? Is it a fresh start, or the beginning of the end for the category’s biggest name?Send us Fan Mail

Had a fascinating conversation with the founder and inventor of the soy milk-based Thrilling Bakon. David shared how his background in both food and science led to the creation of this unique and wildly popular vegan bacon—and opened up about the challenges of growing a plant-based business in a slow-burn market.more info herehttps://www.thrillingfoods.com/Send us Fan Mail

Yves Veggie Cuisine, a brand that kept vegan eating affordable and accessible for over 40 years is shutting down. Parent company Hain Celestial says they’re focusing on “more profitable brands,” leaving fans stunned and angry. In this episode, we unpack what Yves meant to the plant-based movement, why its quiet closure matters, and what this says about the future of vegan staples under big food corporations.Send us Fan Mail

We’re talking all things tofu with George Stiffman,  tofu expert, founder of Soycery, and author of the groundbreaking book Broken Cuisine. From ancient tofu traditions to wild varieties you’ve probably never heard of, George takes us deep into the delicious, surprisingly epic world of soy.George's Tofu Buying Guide: https://tofutuesday.substack.com/p/the-best-way-to-get-ahold-of-chineseFolllow George at IG: @georgethetofuguyIG: @soycerySend us Fan Mail

New episode of Vegan Hacks Pod! I’m joined by the unstoppable Eunice Reyes — aka Rated V for Vegan,  for a lively deep dive into the world of vegan influencing: the wins, the pitfalls, her adventures in vegan travel, and the unexpectedly strange canned meats lurking at your neighborhood Adventist store. Buckle up, you don’t want to miss this one!Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we talk about Besties Vegan Paradise blessing The Grove with its second location (bougie tourists, rejoice). We rant about Beyond Meat and Veggie Grill’s new collab — because who asked for a $27.99 steak filet at a fast casual spot? And yes, Jason airs out his extremely unnecessary beef with Moby. It’s plant-based pettiness at its finest. Tune in and snack along.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we unpack Beyond Meat’s bold new product that intentionally doesn’t taste like meat, dig into the labor disputes and alleged union-busting at Rebel Cheese in Austin, and break down why Texas just banned lab-grown meat. It’s messy, it’s political, and it’s all plant-based.Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike dive into the Sugar Taco fallout — the rise and messy collapse of a splashy vegan restaurant now accused of mismanagement, health violations, and financial impropriety. Plus, we unpack the controversy around Impossible Foods potentially adding real meat to its plant-based productsHollywood Reporter Article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sugar-taco-scandal-investors-health-violations-1236293402/ Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike take a trip to the land of flat-pack furniture and meatless meatballs — that’s right, we’re eating our way through IKEA’s plant-based menu. Grab an Allen wrench and a fork — let’s dive in.Send us Fan Mail

Meati Foods launched their mycelium steaks and chicken cutlets with huge fanfare and with loads of funding, they were valued at over 650 million but their downfall was swift and dramatic they have recently requested a sale for 4 million dollars. What went wrong?Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about a company in crossroads: Loma Linda Foods, one of America’s oldest plant-based brands and its uncertain future.Send us Fan Mail

Strife, family conflict, betrayal and sauce? We delve into the two conflicting narratives of how Bitchen' sauce was built and the way brands sell products by selling not just a product but a story. Send us Fan Mail

Vegan Mike tries the mycelium steak made by Meati for the first time ever!   Jason helps him cook it!  Comedy ensues! Send us Fan Mail

Two interviews! Clifford Armstrong of Northstar Seitan! and  Chef Tony Hyde of Sattdown Jamaican grill!https://www.northernseitan.com/@northernseitanChef Tony Hyde@sattdownjamaicangrillHis book:https://www.amazon.sg/Day-Racism-Walked-My-Door/dp/B0DXR733C6#byline_secondary_view_div_1742004225896?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaahsPcG95fn_zxawv_u6n7uedtHLhkQ2MCacMGTDODaQHSzOpRpbWDt-7I_aem_4wTguzP0AxTjAuLwfvaaugSend us Fan Mail

Major vegan meat company Meati is experiencing a financial crisis, will it survive?  Also an interview with Meati's CCO John Bortells.website: meati.comSend us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about how the major plant based meat companies market their products. Send us Fan Mail

A new study was released that links trauma and lifestyle choice. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike discuss a new study that illuminates American's view of plant based meat. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike discuss innovations at the Fancy Food Show. Send us Fan Mail

Better late than never, our first podcast of the year!  We talk about the Los Angeles wild fires, vegan restaurants closing and our nomination for a veggie award! Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike discuss the recent stock moves of Beyond Meat and their future.Send us Fan Mail

We talk about Crossroads Calabasas closing and a micro concept that might be a new future for vegan restaurants. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about a vegan reddit drama. Also Jason uncovers media bias against vegans regard an Oxford vegan food study. Send us Fan Mail

It's Thanksgiving Eve and there is some major vegan tension in the air!  Jason and Mike discuss. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about a Miss Manner scenario involving a vegan shaming an omnivore host.  Who is to blame? Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about a class action lawsuit that will award consumers a pool of over 7 million dollars based on alleged false advertising by Beyond Meat. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike talk about Trader Joe's bringing back it's vegan holiday roast and Jason offers his Thanksgiving survival guide for vegans in a hostile omnivore environment. Send us Fan Mail

Mike travels all the way to Tucson Arizona to go to the last Sweet Tomatoes aka Soup Plantation on the planet. Send us Fan Mail

Jason and Mike travel to Monty's to get an all vegan Krabby Patty meal.  They talk about food additives, vegan fast food and marketing. Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, companies stop being vegan, celebrities break the rules and one of the most celebrated vegans, becomes an omnivore and posts about on the internet. Send us Fan Mail

A dive into why Beyond Meat became a stock market loser. Send us Fan Mail

The NYC Katz's Deli offered a vegan pastrami for four hours and it some how managed to make both vegans and carnivores angry. Send us Fan Mail

Mike has a plan to travel to another state for only one purpose:  Visit the last and only, all you can eat salad bar, known as Sweet Tomatoes (or Soup Plantation depending on the region).   We talk about it. Send us Fan Mail