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Is the climate crisis being misunderstood?In this episode of PLANT CEO, I speak with Dr Sailesh Rao, Executive Director of Climate Healers, who argues that we’ve been focusing on the wrong problem and in the wrong order.He breaks the climate crisis into two forces: the “burning machine” (fossil fuels) and the “killing machine” (animal agriculture). His claim is bold: if we want to cool the planet fast, we must shut down the killing machine first.We dive into:Why animal agriculture may be a leading driver of climate changeThe shocking inefficiency of meat production (up to 39:1 food loss)How deforestation and lost trees are accelerating the crisisThe concept of “carbon opportunity cost”Why simply stopping fossil fuels overnight could actually increase warming short-termWhat individuals, governments, and businesses must do—urgentlyDr Rao also shares his vision for “Planet B”—a complete redesign of our systems to align with Earth’s life-support systems.His message is clear: the planet isn’t just warming—it’s at breaking point. And the actions we take now will determine whether we can stabilise it.Watch now to understand the climate crisis from a completely different perspective.https://climatehealers.org/transform/v-cop/

This episode of PLANT CEO features an insightful conversation with Zimri T. Henshaw, the founder of Rheom Materials. Zimri shares his fascinating journey, from being inspired by the "Yankee" motorcycle culture in Japan to developing high-performance, plant-based alternatives for leather and hard plastics. By leveraging existing plastic extrusion infrastructure, Rheom Materials has created Shorai and Benree bioplastic materials derived from sugarcane and corn that offer a scalable, sustainable solution for fashion, automotive, and footwear without compromising on performance.Throughout the discussion, Zimri dives into the technical challenges of scaling bio-materials and the importance of meeting rigorous industry standards, such as the "bally flex test" for footwear and marine-grade durability for automotive interiors. From partnering with Canadian rockstar Bryan Adams on a vegan biker jacket to showcasing sustainable Western wear at the Houston Rodeo, Zimri emphasises a philosophy of "change your impact, not your life." He also provides a sneak peek into the future of the company, including 3D printing filaments and bio-fibers, marking Rheom Materials as a true platform for the next generation of materials.

Join us for this special episode recorded live at Vegan Campout 2025, where we sit down with the inspiring musical duo Mobius Loop - Alex and Rose Orion. Fresh off their transformative performance at the festival's hemp redemption solar stage, the couple shares their unique approach to creating music that connects audiences on a deeper spiritual level. From receiving creative guidance in ancient sacred spaces to their daily philosophical discussions, Alex and Rose reveal how their intertwined souls and shared mission for animal liberation fuel their artistry. They discuss their creative process, from Rose's divine improvisation abilities to Alex's multi-instrumental talents, and how their partnership with Alex's brother Sean, their drummer, elevates their message to new heights.The conversation takes a powerful turn as Mobius Loop explains their bold decision to remove their music from Spotify due to CEO Daniel Ek's investment in AI drone weaponry through Helsing AI, where he serves as chairman. The duo discusses the ethical implications of supporting platforms that contradict their anti-war message, their transition to Bandcamp and Tidal, and their upcoming releases, including an anti-war album and a dedicated vegan album. This episode captures the essence of artists who refuse to compromise their values, using their platform to advocate for animal rights, peace, and social justice while creating music that moves audiences to tears and inspires real change.

Join us for an explosive conversation with entrepreneur and activist Heather Mills, who has been vegan for 32 years and has built a multi-million-pound plant-based empire. From losing her leg in 1993 to healing through veganism, Heather shares the raw truth about building VBites from scratch, battling supermarket giants, and creating 360 vegan products that fooled even the biggest sceptics. She reveals how she made vegan burgers for McDonald's, got complaints when big brands stole her recipes, and why she's now licensing her IP globally instead of playing the supermarket game.But this isn't just about business success - Heather drops serious health bombs about gut health, Ozempic dangers, and her revolutionary new "No Bloat" range that could solve digestive issues for millions. She explains why 40% of the UK lives on Gaviscon, how elimination diets changed her life, and why most people are eating the wrong foods for their gut type. Plus, she tackles everything from hormone replacement therapy and aluminium in deodorants to why your makeup probably contains crushed beetles. This is essential viewing for anyone who wants the unfiltered truth about plant-based entrepreneurship, optimal health, and building a business that actually makes a difference.Alternative Stores: https://alternativestores.com/VBites: https://www.vbites.com/Be@One Beauty: https://www.be-at-one.com/

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Downs, CEO and co-founder of Uncaged Innovations, who is revolutionising the leather industry with her groundbreaking grain-based leather alternatives. Stephanie shares her remarkable 26-year entrepreneurial journey, from internet marketing to biomaterials innovation, revealing how her company became the first to utilise grain proteins and waste byproducts to create "Elevate" - an animal-free leather alternative that mimics the properties of animal collagen. She announces their major partnership with Jaguar to bring plant-based leather to automotive interiors and discusses how they've achieved full-scale production without building their own factory.The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning consumers away from traditional leather (which Stephanie describes as "dead skin treated with toxic chemicals and coated in plastic") and tackles the $85 billion leather market head-on. Stephanie discusses their expansion into footwear, exotic skin alternatives through "Elevate 3D," and reveals upcoming announcements with luxury fashion brands and additional automotive partnerships. With products already available through their collective of boutique brands across nine countries and exciting developments in athletic footwear, this episode provides crucial insights into sustainable innovation, materials science, and the future of fashion and automotive industries.

In this inspiring episode of PLANT CEO we welcome Julia Reinelt, Chair of AVA International, for an in-depth discussion on global vegan advocacy and collaboration. Julia shares her journey from discovering Eating Animals to launching the Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summits that now span continents—from LA to Nairobi, Delhi, and beyond.👥 Topics covered include:The power of collaboration across ideological differencesHighlights from the recent LA AVA SummitExpansion to India, Kenya, and Latin AmericaAVA’s innovative matchmaking system for funders & advocatesUpcoming initiatives like AVA Academy for professional development🌍 Learn how Julia and AVA are empowering advocates across the globe and shaping the future of the plant-based movement.Watch now and join the mission to build a more united and impactful vegan advocacy community.Link to the AVA Summit YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCiyre7JEtBT6le4S7800n3A

In this compelling episode, we welcome filmmaker and animal welfare advocate Dan Richardson (Disney's "The Lodge") to discuss his transformative journey from advocating for animals while consuming them to becoming a dedicated vegan and the creator of the insightful documentary, "Food For Thought." Dan shares the pivotal moment of realization that highlighted his own "hypocrisy," leading him to embrace a 100% vegan lifestyle and embark on a mission to explore the driving forces behind the global vegan phenomenon. We delve into the inspiration behind "Food For Thought," its unique approach of balancing humor with serious topics to engage a wider audience, and the diverse stories of individuals who participated in a 30-day vegan challenge.Dan reflects on his personal vegan journey, the influence of his spiritual path, and the impact of other vegan documentaries. He provides fascinating insights into the film's featured guests, including Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat and Mate Rimac of Rimac Automobili/Bugatti, whose perspectives add layers to the conversation around ethical and sustainable choices. We discuss the importance of non-judgmental advocacy, potential future projects exploring animal experimentation and horse racing, and the crucial role of education and compassion. The episode also touches on the complexities of human behavior, the contentious topic of meat warning labels, and the encouraging growth of the plant-based movement, all stemming from Dan's powerful "Food For Thought."Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the personal and global implications of our food choices, encouraging viewers to consider their own relationship with animals and the world around them. Dan's journey and the stories shared in "Food For Thought" offer a relatable and engaging perspective on veganism as a movement driven by animal welfare, environmental concerns, and personal health. Don't miss this insightful discussion that promises to leave you with plenty to consider.Subscribe and enter this free competition for 10 people to win Shicken meat-free products (available in the US and UK only).Enter now: https://shickenfoods.com/pages/competition-sign-up

In this engaging conversation, James Collier shares his journey from NHS dietitian to co-founder of Huel and author of "Well Fed" He discusses his concept of "sustainable nutrition," emphasising how health and environmental concerns must be addressed together in modern food systems. James explains his theory of humans as "adaptivores" - beings capable of obtaining nutrition from diverse food sources through biological and cultural adaptations. He offers insights on navigating nutrition misinformation, challenges masculine stereotypes in diet culture, and reveals the story behind Huel's development. Despite his success with convenient nutrition products, James stresses the irreplaceable social value of sharing meals with others. This episode explores the intersection of nutrition science, sustainability, and practical food choices for today's world.Follow James on Substack: https://substack.com/@jamescollierrnutr Well Fed: How the way we eat is destroying our health and planet (and how to fix it) by James Collier

In this episode of PLANT CEO, we sit down with Martin Holden-White, the founder of Grubby, a plant-based recipe box company. Martin shares his journey from a young chef to creating a business that simplifies plant-based cooking. He discusses the inspiration behind Grubby, the challenges he faced with other recipe boxes, and the unique approach his company takes to offer satisfying, plant-based meals. Learn about Grubby's commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients, their stance on organic produce, and the evolving market for meat alternatives. Discover how Grubby has developed over 500 recipes, the importance of seasonality, and the impact of different types of salt on flavour. Martin also touches on Grubby's sustainable packaging methods, their typical customer demographics, and the role of government and education in promoting healthier eating habits. Explore the company's innovative approach to marketing, including strategic partnerships and customer retention strategies. Martin also opens up about the challenges faced by the plant-based food industry, funding cycles, and Grubby's journey towards profitability. Finally, learn about Grubby's new product development, the launch of their marketplace, and their published recipe book featuring 60 recipes. Join us as we explore how Grubby is making plant-based cooking easier, tastier, and more accessible for everyone. Grubby Recipe Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grubby-Recipes-more-plants-your/dp/1529949734

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natasha Orumbie, founder of The Vegan Patty Lady! From winning the prestigious UK Black Business Show Launchpad Competition to transforming her health through plant-based eating, Natasha shares her remarkable journey. Discover how this former cake baker revolutionised Jamaican patties by creating delicious vegan versions using simple, whole-food ingredients like walnuts, mushrooms, and lentils. Learn about her incredible health transformation - how going vegan helped her overcome lifelong asthma and allergies. Key moments: How a temporary religious fast led to an unexpected vegan journey The story behind creating vegan Jamaican patties Clean-label approach to plant-based food Expansion into retail stores, including Costcutter Recent business achievements and future plans Support The Vegan Patty Lady's growth: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-vegan-patty-lady-get-into-more-stores

In this interview, we delve into the world of vegan dating with Lewis Foster, the CEO of Grazer, a unique matchmaking app designed for plant-based individuals. Lewis shares his inspiring journey from film director to app developer, driven by a desire to create a supportive community for vegans. We explore the challenges of finding compatible partners in a world dominated by meat-centric lifestyles. Lewis discusses Grazer's innovative features, emphasizing its focus on fostering genuine connections and building a strong online and offline community. We also discuss the importance of community building within the vegan movement, and how Grazer aims to play a crucial role in catalyzing social change. This insightful conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in veganism, dating, and building a more compassionate and sustainable future.

In this eye-opening interview, Raffael Formo, the founder and CEO of food tech company Formo, shares his bold vision for the future of the dairy industry. Formo is using innovative microbial fermentation and precision fermentation technologies to develop animal-free dairy products poised to disrupt the traditional dairy market. Raffael predicts that by 2035, more than 50% of all dairy products will be sourced from non-animal origins. He believes the targeted, cost-effective nature of fermentation-derived dairy alternatives will make them the dominant technology in food production over the next couple of decades. From Formo's recent retail launches in thousands of stores across Europe to the challenges of navigating the regulatory landscape, Raffael provides a fascinating insider's look at the dairy industry's transformation. He also reflects on his own journey from meat-eater to passionate vegan and how that has fueled Formo's mission to offer sustainable, animal-friendly dairy options. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of food, the rise of alternative proteins, and the potential of biotechnology to reshape major industries. Hear directly from the visionary CEO leading the charge towards a dairy-free future.

In this inspiring interview from the Blue Earth Summit in London 2024, environmentalist and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince shares his bold vision for a sustainable future. He discusses: - The push to change outdated school and hospital menus by making plant-based food the default - The surprising impact of animal agriculture on climate, nature, and human health - His personal journey from vegetarian to vegan and the importance of dietary choices - EcoJet, a revolutionary airline using hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission flights Dale emphasizes that achieving net zero doesn’t require giving up the things we love—just making smarter choices. Watch this interview to learn how we can all be part of the solution. 🔗 Join the conversation: Start reducing animal products in your diet today and inspire others to do the same. #Sustainability #EcoJet #ClimateAction #PlantBased

PLANT CEO Special: A Day with Redfoo and Jazzy in LA! Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of Redfoo and Jazzy! From their morning farm routine to exploring vegan hotspots in Venice Beach, this episode is packed with fun and surprises. Highlights: * Meet the farm animals: cows, chickens, pigs, and more! * Learn about Redfoo's passion for animal rescue and sustainable living * Discover the story behind rescued pigs Straw and Berry * Visit Venice Beach, the iconic filming location of "Sexy and I Know It" * Explore Love Amaro's, a popular vegan pizza spot on the boardwalk * Check out Makin Sushi, an incredible 100% vegan sushi restaurant Plus, watch Redfoo attempt to make his own raw vegan sushi roll! Don't forget to subscribe for more plant-based content and exciting guests! Special thanks to our sponsor, Shicken, for their support.

In this milestone 100th episode of PLANT CEO, we welcome Dr. Michael Greger, renowned author and founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, to discuss his latest book, "How Not to Age." Dr. Greger delves into the science of longevity, exploring how diet and lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health and lifespan. He shares surprising findings on cognitive decline, the effects of various diets, including Keto and Mediterranean, and the potential benefits of protein restriction. Dr. Greger also discusses the role of specific foods and beverages like green tea and coffee in promoting longevity, while warning against the long-term risks of high-fat diets. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Greger emphasises the power of a whole food plant-based diet in preventing and potentially reversing age-related diseases. He addresses common misconceptions about ageing, provides insights on supplement use, and expresses concerns about the anti-ageing industry's commercialisation. The interview concludes with Dr. Greger's optimistic message that we have significant control over our health destiny through our dietary and lifestyle choices. This special centennial episode offers valuable, evidence-based advice for anyone interested in living a longer, healthier life.