Advertise on podcast: Vegan Boss Radio

Can changing what you eat actually change how your body ages? And what does the latest research tell us about the health effects of a vegan diet? In this mini solo episode, I’m exploring some fascinating new research on vegan diets, epigenetics and biological aging, including a study that found changes in markers associated with aging and inflammation after just one month of eating vegan. I also revisit findings from You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, examining what happened when identical twins followed vegan and omnivorous diets. But not every headline tells the whole story. I’ll also break down a recent mouse study being used to suggest that plant-based diets can harm the liver, explaining what the researchers actually tested, why the most dramatic effects occurred in genetically modified mice, and how the findings differ from what we can conclude about a balanced vegan diet. Finally, we’ll look at the bigger picture, including emerging research on plant-based diets and cancer risk, and why it’s so important to consider the totality of the evidence rather than drawing conclusions from a single study. In this episode, we explore: How diet may influence gene expression, inflammation and biological aging What the twin experiment revealed about vegan and omnivorous diets How quickly dietary changes can affect the gut microbiome What a mouse study on plant "protein" and liver metabolism actually found What recent cancer research suggests about vegetarian and vegan diets Why scientific headlines can be misleading Research and Clips discussed: Cardiometabolic Effects of Omnivorous vs Vegan Diets in Identical Twins Mic the Vegan Video: They Aged Backward 2 YEARS in 1 Month Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome Vegetarian and vegan diets and cancer incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies Transition to dietary plant-based proteins requires functional liver GDH for proper control of ammonia and energy homeostasis A Vegan Diet Epigenetically Modulates Inflammatory Pathways and Biological Aging: Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis of a One-Month Isocaloric Vegan Versus Meat-Rich Dietary Intervention Unveiling the epigenetic impact of vegan vs. omnivorous diets on aging: insights from the Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS) _________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

Are the Carnivores Okay? The Problem with the Meat-Only Movement The carnivore diet has convinced people that vegetables are toxic, fibre is unnecessary, fruit is harmful, and eating nothing but animal products is the key to optimal health. But what does the science actually say? In this solo mini episode, I'm taking a closer look at the carnivore and lion diets, the misinformation behind the meat-only movement, and the potential consequences of eliminating every plant food from your diet. We'll explore why some people feel better when they first start eating carnivore, why those improvements don't prove that plants are the problem, and the cardiovascular concerns associated with diets high in saturated fats. I'll also discuss the loss of dietary fibre and its role in gut health, short-chain fatty acid production, and the wider benefits of plant foods. I'll look at some familiar names in the carnivore movement who have since incorporated plant foods into their diets, including Paul Saladino, Mikhaila Peterson, Shawn Baker, and Ken Berry, and ask some questions about the messaging behind these dietary philosophies. I'll also discuss a new scientific review examining the carnivore diet and cardiovascular disease risk, along with some real posts from the Carnivore Cringe Instagram account. In this episode: Why people may feel better initially on the carnivore diet The cardiovascular risks of elevated LDL cholesterol and high saturated fat intake What happens when you eliminate fibre and plant-derived nutrients The role of gut health and short-chain fatty acids Carnivore influencers who have changed their diets What the current scientific evidence says about the long-term safety of meat-only eating Research and Clips discussed: The Carnivore Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Narrative Review  Dietary fibre intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis Paul Saladino on Quitting Carnivore Carnivore Diet: A Scoping Review of the Current Evidence, Potential Benefits and Risks Carnivore Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia Complicated by Acute Myocardial Infarction James Blunt Developed Scurvy After Trying an All-Meat Diet Ken Berry recommending leafy greens? Mikhaila Peterson No Longer Carnivore, Why? Effect of Long-Term Exposure to Lower Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Beginning Early in Life on the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis Carnivore Cringe Instagram _________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

How do we help people see animals differently and inspire them to care enough to make a difference? In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Moss, founder of Better Life for Animals, to talk about animal advocacy, the power of storytelling, and the importance of seeing animals as individuals worthy of kindness, respect, and protection. A vegan for more than 20 years, Cheryl uses storytelling in many forms, including her podcast, children's books, and advocacy initiatives, to help people connect with animals and understand their experiences. We discuss why personal stories can sometimes change hearts and minds in ways that facts and statistics alone cannot, and how to raise awareness about animal suffering without leaving people feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. We also explore the emotional challenges that can come with becoming vegan and seeing the world differently, the financial realities and fundraising challenges faced by animal sanctuaries, and how we can help children develop compassion for animals and turn that compassion into meaningful action. About Cheryl Moss Cheryl Moss is the founder of Better Life for Animals, host of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, children's author, and a lifelong advocate for animals. A vegan for more than 20 years, she embraces a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle and is passionate about creating a more compassionate world through education, storytelling, and advocacy. Cheryl is the creator of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries Summit and is the author of the upcoming book The Funding Blueprint for Animal Sanctuaries, scheduled for release in early 2027. She also co-produces the Youth for Animals Summit and created Compassion in Action, a Better Life for Animals initiative that raises awareness and support for underrepresented animal sanctuaries through powerful storytelling. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy and trained in Vystopia Transformation, Cheryl inspires audiences to see animals as individuals worthy of kindness, respect, and protection. Through her podcast, books, and educational initiatives, her mission is to help create lasting change for animals through compassion, education, and action. Connect with Cheryl at her website betterlifeforanimals.com, the Better Life for Animals podcast, and her Instagram @betterlife4animals.  _________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

You probably know at least a few things you could be doing to improve your health, but knowing what to do and actually doing it consistently are two very different things. In this episode, I’m joined by Brigitte Gemme, founder of Vegan Family Kitchen and a health and habit coach, to talk about how we can bridge that gap between knowing and doing. Brigitte has been helping people make healthy vegan cooking easier since 2017, with a focus on meal planning, batch cooking, and practical plant-based meals. She has a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia, a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, and more than five years of experience as a coach. Her work has increasingly shifted toward health and habit coaching, helping clients make meaningful changes by focusing on small, manageable habits. In this episode, we talk about: • Why knowing what we should do doesn't necessarily mean we'll actually do it • Why trying to change too many things at once can backfire • How small habits can lead to meaningful long-term changes • Motivation, accountability, and consistency • Why we often fall back into old habits • Perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mindset • How to make healthy changes feel more manageable and sustainable Whether you’re trying to eat more plants, improve your overall health, or finally put some of the things you already know into practice, this conversation offers a practical look at how lasting change can actually happen. About Brigitte Gemme Brigitte Gemme is the founder of Vegan Family Kitchen, where she has been helping people make healthy vegan cooking easier through meal planning, batch cooking, and cooking education. She is also a health and habit coach who works with clients to create meaningful changes through small, sustainable habits. Brigitte holds a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition. Connect with Brigitte on her websites brigittegemme.com and veganfamilykitchen.com, as well as her Instagram @plantwise.brigitte. _________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What happens when decades of social justice activism, animal liberation, veganism, and spiritual exploration come together? In this episode, I’m joined by Nancy Kogel, longtime animal liberation activist, writer, videographer, interviewer, and author of Unified Field of Compassion: The Revolutionary Synthesis of Consciousness, Veganism, and Liberation. Nancy’s path to veganism began in 1972, when a fellow worker introduced her to the idea that humans could live and thrive without eating animals. As she learned more about the suffering involved in the dairy and egg industries, her activism increasingly focused on animal liberation. But Nancy’s activism didn’t begin with animals. Her roots go back to the social justice movements of the early 1970s, including workers’ rights, Indigenous solidarity, antiwar activism, and revolutionary organizing. In this conversation, we explore how those early experiences shaped her understanding of veganism and why she sees human liberation, animal liberation, and planetary healing as deeply interconnected. We also talk about her book Unified Field of Compassion, the role of consciousness and compassion in creating change, and what decades of activism have taught her about the vegan movement. About Nancy Kogel Nancy Kogel has been involved in activism and social justice work for more than five decades. She is the founder of ROAR (Reaching Out for Animal Rights), and has shared the message of animal liberation through radio, television, writing, video, public outreach, protests, and countless conversations. Now in her late seventies, Nancy continues to actively advocate for animals and liberation. Find out more about Nancy and her work on her ROAR YouTube page, Instagram @kogelnancy, her newsletter, and her new book, Unified Field of Compassion. _________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging with Vesanto Melina What does healthy aging look like on a plant-based diet? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally recognized dietitian and bestselling author Vesanto Melina to discuss the benefits of plant-based nutrition for seniors and the specific nutritional considerations that become increasingly important as we age. We talk about protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, bone health, muscle mass, strength, and maintaining independence, along with practical ways to make plant-based eating enjoyable and sustainable throughout the aging process. Vesanto’s new book, Plant-Powered Seniors, co-written with Brenda Davis and Dr. Charlyn Black, is released September 15, 2026. About Vesanto Melina Vesanto Melina is an internationally recognized dietitian, award-winning author, educator, and speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition. She combines a strong scientific background with a practical style that makes healthy eating simple, delicious, and sustainable. She taught nutrition at Bastyr University and the University of British Columbia, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and was lead author of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award (U.S.) and Ryley-Jeffs Memorial Award (Canada). Vesanto co-authored bestselling books with Brenda Davis, including Plant-Powered Protein, The Kick Diabetes Cookbook, and Becoming Vegan, with more than one million copies in English and in nine additional languages. Vesanto’s passion is helping people discover that eating for healthy aging can be both evidence-based and wonderfully enjoyable. Connect with Vesanto on her website nutrispeak.com, Facebook @vesanto.melina, and be sure to check out her new book at plant-poweredseniors.com. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

Can you build strength & muscle on a vegan diet? In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Gillies, owner and coach at Pivot With Plants. Ashley is a lifelong competitive athlete with eight years of fitness experience and has been vegan for seven years. For the past four years, she has helped vegans build strength, confidence, and sustainable, healthy fitness habits through personalized coaching. In this episode, we talk about: • How to get started with strength training if you're a beginner • Finding motivation and staying consistent with your workouts • Why eating enough calories is so important for muscle building • Progressive overload and how it helps you get stronger • Why women don't need to be afraid of getting "too bulky" from lifting weights • How to approach plant-based fitness in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable Ashley is also a co-founder of The Kind Fork Faction, a vegan social group in Calgary, Alberta, that brings the community together through monthly meetups. Whether you're a complete beginner, already doing strength training, interested in plant-based fitness, or simply wondering how to build muscle and get enough vegan protein, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help you get stronger and feel more confident in your fitness journey. Connect with Ashley on Instagram @pivotwithplants ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What does it actually take to create political change for animals? In this episode, I'm joined by Sam Schillinger, Oregon Campaign Director for Pro-Animal Future, to talk about animal advocacy, political organizing, and how we can turn concern for animals into meaningful policy change. Sam and I discuss his journey into animal advocacy and his work with Pro-Animal Future, including the campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in Portland. We talk about why political advocacy is such an important tool for the animal movement, how campaigns can bring animal issues into conversations with voters and elected officials, and the importance of getting more people involved in creating change. We also discuss what makes a political campaign effective, how advocates can work within existing political systems, and the different ways people can contribute to the movement, even if they don't consider themselves activists. In this episode, we talk about: Sam's journey into animal advocacy Pro-Animal Future and its approach to political change The campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in Portland Why political advocacy is an important tool for helping animals Working with politicians, activists, and voters Building political power for animals How grassroots campaigns can create meaningful policy change Different ways to get involved in animal advocacy Why we need more people participating in the movement About Sam Schillinger Sam Schillinger is the Oregon Campaign Director for Pro-Animal Future. Originally from Iowa, he graduated from Luther College (Decorah, IA) in 2022 and moved to Oregon two years ago. He got to work immediately advocating for animals. Most recently, he led Pro-Animal Future’s campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in the city of Portland. When he’s not working with politicians and activists to help animals, Sam enjoys supporting live theatre, traveling, watching CBS Survivor, and playing poker. He’s also an accomplished runner with five marathons and two ultramarathons under his belt. Learn More & Get Involved Sam recommended these resources for listeners who want to learn more about political advocacy for animals and the work of Pro-Animal Future: Get Political for Animals — Free E-book Download Pro-Animal Future Pro-Animal Oregon Pro-Animal Colorado Pro-Animal D.C. Instagram: Pro-Animal Oregon If this episode gave you a new perspective on how you can advocate for animals, share it with someone who might be interested in getting involved. ____________________________________________________________________ Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? Registration is now open for my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College! 📅 Wednesdays, 12–3pm PST 📅 September 2nd - October 7th (no class on September 30th) Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Register by emailing [email protected] or visit Pacific Rim College to learn more. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What if the key to better digestive health isn't simply eliminating more foods but understanding what's happening beneath the surface? In this episode, I'm joined by James Marin, RD, EN, an Integrative Registered Dietitian, Environmental Nutritionist, and co-founder of the Good Gut SIBO/IBS Program and Married to Health. James is known for taking a systems-based approach to health, looking beyond symptoms to identify the root causes of digestive issues. In this conversation, we explore the gut microbiome, fibre, IBS, SIBO, histamine intolerance, and a plant-based approach to supporting gut health. We also discuss what happens to the gut when we don't consume enough fibre, whether beneficial gut bacteria can recover after years of a low-fibre diet, and why taking a whole-person approach is often more effective than simply chasing symptoms. Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, interested in optimizing your gut health, or want to better understand the science behind the microbiome, this episode is packed with practical insights and evidence-based information. In this episode, we discuss: • The importance of dietary fibre for gut and overall health • What happens to the gut microbiome on a long-term low-fibre diet • How gut bacteria support the intestinal barrier • SIBO and IBS: causes, misconceptions, and treatment approaches • Histamine intolerance and MCAS • Looking beyond food when investigating digestive symptoms About James Marin James Marin, RD, EN is an Integrative Registered Dietitian, Environmental Nutritionist, co-founder of the Good Gut SIBO/IBS Program, Good Gut LIVE podcast, and COO of Married to Health, an integrative private practice of Registered Dietitians. James specializes in using systems-based approaches to come up with real world solutions across various mediums. Whether it is integrative nutrition therapies for optimal microbiome health, plant-based nutrition, wellness entrepreneurship, or regenerative agriculture; James has a passion to identify and address root issues while linking various systems to pose logical and efficient foundations for thriving biological organizations.    Connect with James and Married to Health at their website marriedtohealth.com, Instagram @marriedtohealth, podcast Good Gut LIVE, and Youtube @marriedtohealth. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What does it mean to bear witness for animals? In this episode, I’m joined by Anita Krajnc and Andrew Garner from The Save Movement and the Plant Based Treaty for a powerful conversation about animal advocacy, compassion, and creating change. We discuss the origins of Toronto Pig Save and Manchester Pig Save, the purpose of bearing witness at vigils outside slaughterhouses, and why exposing the hidden reality of industrial animal agriculture is so important. Anita shares the story behind the landmark "water trial," and we explore the goals of the Plant Based Treaty, the role of local governments in creating more sustainable food systems, and why the animal movement needs people with all kinds of skills and backgrounds to get involved. Whether you're a long-time activist or simply wondering how you can make a difference, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the many ways we can advocate for animals with compassion and purpose. In this episode, we discuss: • The origins of Toronto Pig Save and Manchester Pig Save • What it means to bear witness outside slaughterhouses • Why the reality of slaughterhouses is hidden from public view • Anita's "water trial" and what it meant for the movement • The Plant Based Treaty and its global campaign • Different ways to advocate for animals, regardless of your background or experience • Why the movement needs more people taking action About Anita Krajnc Anita Krajnc is Executive Director of The Save Movement, a worldwide network of Save groups bearing witness to farmed animals and global campaign coordinator for the Plant Based Treaty. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and is a dedicated follower of Leo Tolstoy, Satyagraha movement of Mahatma Gandhi and the US United Farm Workers. Anita has also been an assistant professor at Queen’s University (Ontario) and has published extensively on social movements and environmental politics and is co-author of The Secret Life of Pigs: Stories of Compassion and the Animal Save Movement (2024). About Andrew Garner Andrew Garner is a British animal rights activist and environmental campaigner. He became vegan in 2012 and went on to co-found Manchester Pig Save, the first Animal Save Movement chapter in the UK and Europe. Andrew is the UK Country Liaison for the Animal Save Movement and a Global City Campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty. He works with local governments, volunteers, and campaigners to advance plant-based food policies and climate action, supporting local governments in developing practical initiatives that promote more sustainable, healthier food systems.   Learn more about Anita and Andrew and the Animal Save Movement at thesavemovement.org and on Instagram at @thesavemovement, @torontopigsave, @manchesterpigsave, as well as the Plant Based Treaty at plantbasedtreaty.org and on Instagram at @plantbasedtreaty. Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? Registration is now open for my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College! 📅 Wednesdays, 12–3pm PST 📅 September 2nd - October 7th (no class on September 30th) Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Register by emailing [email protected] or visit Pacific Rim College to learn more. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What does the law say about animals, and should it say something different? In this episode, I'm joined by Angela Fernandez, Professor of Law and History at the University of Toronto and Director of the Animal Law Program at the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law. We explore the fascinating and evolving field of animal law, discussing how the legal system currently views nonhuman animals, how that has changed over time, and some of the biggest legal questions facing animals today. Angela explains concepts like legal personhood, the treatment of animals as property, and why these issues have implications not only for animals, but for society as a whole. In this episode, we discuss: • What animal law is and how the field has evolved • Animals as property and the concept of legal personhood • Emerging legal approaches to protecting nonhuman animals • Why animal law matters for both animals and society About Angela Angela Fernandez is a Professor of Law and History at the University of Toronto where she is the Director of the Animal Law Program at the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law. Her book, a work of legal history about a famous North American property law case involving a hunted fox, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2018. Since 2019, she has been working on a quasi-property/quasi-person understanding of nonhuman animals and environmental entities. Since 2021, she has been supervising the bi-weekly production of the Brooks Animal Law Digest: Canada Edition.   Learn more about Angela at the Animal Law website jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/animal-law-program and Instagram @uoftanimallaw. As well as the LinkedIn for both Angela and UofT Animal Law Program. Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? Registration is now open for my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College! 📅 Wednesdays, 12–3pm PST 📅 September 2nd - October 7th (no class on September 30th) Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Register by emailing [email protected] or visit Pacific Rim College to learn more. This episode is sponsored by SupplementV SupplementV is an all-in-one supplement designed to help support a well-planned vegan diet by combining nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D3, DHA/EPA omega-3s, iodine, creatine, choline, vitamin K2, zinc, selenium, taurine, and more into one convenient daily supplement. I take SupplementV myself, and love the convenience of having everything I need in one supplement. Visit SupplementV.com and use the code VEGANBOSS to receive 15% off your first order. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone interested in animal law, ethics, or protecting animals. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What does it take to build a successful vegan sports nutrition brand? In this episode, I'm joined by Edan Wolk, co-founder and CEO of VEGAIN and co-owner of The Grind Cafe in Vancouver, to talk about entrepreneurship, plant-based sports nutrition, and the future of vegan protein. Edan shares his journey to a plant-based lifestyle, the story behind launching VEGAIN, why the company's first product was a vegan mass gainer, and the inspiration for their innovative clear protein, which is a protein powder that fully dissolves in water and drinks more like an electrolyte beverage than a traditional protein shake. We also discuss some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding vegan protein, what it's like running a vegan café, and which plant-based milks coffee drinkers tend to enjoy most when transitioning from dairy. In this episode, we discuss: • Edan's journey to a plant-based lifestyle • The story behind starting VEGAIN • Why the vegan mass gainer was their first product • VEGAIN's new clear protein and how it differs from traditional protein powders • Common misconceptions about vegan protein sources • Owning and operating a vegan café • The plant-based milks that work best in coffee About Edan Edan Wolk is a serial entrepreneur and longtime vegan who co-founded VEGAIN to challenge the status quo in sports nutrition. With a prior CPG exit and deep expertise in brand building, he has helped shape VEGAIN into a bold, performance-driven brand. As CEO, he leads operations, supply chain, and commercialization, scaling innovation from concept to market. Learn more about VEGAIN and The Grind Cafe on their website vegain.ca and Instagrams @vegain.ca and @thegrindvancouver. Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? This September, I'll be teaching my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College. Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Registration isn't open just yet, but if you'd like to be notified when it is, feel free to email me and I'll add you to the notification list. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

*** A Note from Steven Shortly after recording this episode, Steven learned that he has a tumour and is currently raising funds to help cover his medical expenses during this time. If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to support him, you can contribute here: Support Steven: http://spot.fund/4hm85wlsc  *** Can laughter be a gateway to conversations about veganism? In this episode, I'm joined by Steven Marcus Releford, stand-up comedian and founder of Plant-Based Comedy, to explore how humour can open the door to conversations about veganism, compassion, and animal advocacy. Steven shares his journey into both veganism and stand-up comedy, how he ended up performing at vegan restaurants and animal sanctuaries, and why he believes laughter can be a powerful way to connect with people. We also discuss what happens when non-vegans make jokes about vegans, whether comedy can help reduce defensiveness around the topic of veganism, and whether vegans sometimes take themselves too seriously. In this episode, we discuss: • Steven's journey into veganism and stand-up comedy • The inspiration behind Plant-Based Comedy • Performing at vegan restaurants and animal sanctuaries • When non-vegans make jokes about vegans • Using comedy as a gateway to conversations about veganism and animal advocacy Connect with Steven on his website plantbasedcomedy.com and his Instagram @stevenmarcusreleford. Enjoy the episode! ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

What if one of the biggest barriers to eating healthier isn't knowing what to eat but knowing how to prepare it? In this episode, I’m joined by Catherine Connally, a clinical nutritionist, culinary medicine educator, and creator of Flavour with Benefits®. Catherine shares her plant-based journey and the experiences that led her to this lifestyle. We discuss why culinary medicine is becoming an increasingly important part of healthcare, and how learning even basic kitchen skills can help people incorporate more plant foods into their daily lives. Whether you're new to plant-based eating or looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen, this episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: • Catherine's plant-based journey • What culinary medicine is and why it matters • The importance of cooking skills for long-term health • Common barriers to eating more plant-based foods • Practical ways to incorporate more plants into your diet • Adapting traditional recipes to be plant-based • Why flavour matters when helping people change their eating habits • Teaching plant-based cooking through culinary medicine programs • Creating sustainable, enjoyable dietary changes About Catherine Connally: Catherine Connally holds a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, is DipACLM (Board Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine) and Blue Zones certified. She is licensed as a dietitian/nutritionist in Connecticut and specializes in identifying root causes of health issues, including nutrient deficiencies, drug–nutrient interactions to guide personalized, evidence-based interventions. She has been an avid vegan since 2019 after receiving a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell. Ms. Connally is the creator of Flavour with Benefits®, a gourmet nutrition approach to better health focused on plant-based health-optimized recipes. Her work includes over 110 recipes published in two Amazon bestselling, multi-award-winning books: Flavour with Benefits: France (2021) and Flavour with Benefits: Sicily & Calabria (2023). She also delivers education on culinary nutrition via clinics, events such as the 2023 T. Colin Campbell Retreat (Rochester, NY) and delivering plant based cooking instruction in partnership with Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Clinics, Ontario & British Columbia, Canada. Connect with Catherine on her website: flavourwithbenefits.com and Instagram @flavourwithbenefits. Enjoy the episode! ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

Finding vegan food while traveling has come a long way over the past decade, but it can still sometimes be difficult to find the places that are worth visiting.  In this episode, I’m joined by Audrey-Josephine Addo, founder of Lost & Vegan, a platform designed to help people discover vegan restaurants and plant-based dining options while exploring new cities. AJ shares her vegan story, including the health challenges that led her to adopt a plant-based lifestyle eight years ago. We discuss how her background in computer science and graphic design inspired her to create Lost & Vegan, the gaps she noticed in existing restaurant-finding tools, and how she set out to build a resource specifically for the vegan community. We also talk about the evolution of vegan travel, the importance of representation and community, and what inspired AJ to expand Lost & Vegan beyond an app and into a magazine.  Whether you're a frequent traveler, someone who enjoys exploring new vegan restaurants, or simply interested in the people building innovative tools for the vegan community, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. In this episode, we discuss: • AJ's vegan journey and health transformation • The inspiration behind Lost & Vegan • Challenges vegans face when travelling • How Lost & Vegan differs from other restaurant-finding platforms • Building a tech platform for the vegan community • The launch of the Lost & Vegan magazine • Vegan culture, trends, and travel • The future of plant-based dining and discovery About Audrey-Josephine Addo: The founder and developer behind Lost & Vegan, Audrey-Josephine Addo. Her plant-based journey started eight years ago. After years of dealing with various health issues, she became vegan and has never looked back. While she got used to creating her own plant-based meals and desserts, dining out was still something she enjoyed. However, she was often left disappointed with the lack of vegan options.    Based on her background in computer science and graphic design, Lost & Vegan was created out of her need to have quick access to vegan restaurants while out and travelling abroad. She hopes that users will enjoy the experience she’s created, in order to find their own way through cities around the world. Following the app launch in November, Lost & Vegan is continuing to the next phase with the magazine launching January 2026.    Connect with AJ and Lost & Vegan on her website lostandvegan.com and Instagram @lostandvegan.  ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss