Vegan Visibility

In this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, Dr. Lisa Kemmerer, an animal activist, philosopher, and author, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about her book "Amore and Vegan Ethics." As a retired philosophy professor, Lisa shares insights into her acronym "AMORE," which encapsulates the core moral reasons for adopting a plant-based lifestyle. She starts with "A" for animal suffering, delving into the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of animals in various industries, with a focus on dairy farming. Moving on to "M" for medical, Lisa explores the health benefits of a plant-based diet, emphasizing its positive impact on preventing diseases like cancer and heart-related issues. The discussion then turns to "O" for oppression, where Lisa highlights the interconnectedness of social justice issues with veganism, addressing aspects such as world hunger, workforce conditions in animal agriculture, and the environmental impact. The "R" in AMORE takes us into the realm of religion, where Lisa unpacks how different religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern religions, align with or challenge the principles of veganism. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the religious perspectives of individuals to foster meaningful conversations. Finally, Lisa covers "E" for the environment, breaking down the environmental consequences of animal agriculture, including soil degradation, deforestation, climate change, water pollution, and fresh water reduction. Throughout the conversation, Lisa provides valuable insights for activists, encouraging a thoughtful and considerate approach to advocacy. She shares personal experiences, recommends strategic conversations based on individual beliefs, and stresses the significance of education in creating awareness about the moral reasons behind adopting a plant-based lifestyle.  

In the picturesque town of Whistler, British Columbia, a heartwarming tale of community, passion, and resilience unfolds. Meet Natasha and Ed Tatton, the dynamic duo behind Ed's BReD, a thriving vegan/plant-based bakery that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Their story is one of humble beginnings, the power of community, and the spirit of innovation.   It all began with a simple gesture of kindness. Natasha, a yoga enthusiast, started gifting loaves of sourdough bread to Tina, the owner of a local yoga studio, in exchange for yoga classes.   Word of mouth quickly spread, and soon, the demand for their delectable sourdough bread soared. Fueled by the support of their tight-knit community, Natasha and Ed decided to turn their passion into a business.   In March 2019, BReD officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.   Little did they know, their resolve would be tested by an unexpected turn of events - the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns in effect, their bakery faced an uncertain future.   However, Natasha and Ed's resilience shone through. In the face of adversity, they swiftly pivoted their business model, launching an online store and offering a diverse range of products, including their renowned hummus and olives.   Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to their community did not go unnoticed. Media outlets, including Forbes, featured their inspiring story, catapulting them into the spotlight. Their popularity continued to soar, leading to accolades such as the Small Business BC Award and a coveted book deal with Penguin Random House.   Their book, a delightful compilation of sourdough and vegan baking recipes, is a testament to their culinary expertise and creativity.

In this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, I am talking with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE).  In this enlightening conversation, we delve deep into the transformative power of humane education and solutionary thinking.   One central theme we explored was the incredible evolution of humane education since the late '80s. Zoe's journey began with a simple summer job teaching middle school students about animal issues, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in her life. It was during this experience that she witnessed the profound impact of education on young minds.   One standout student, in particular, learned about the harsh realities of animal testing and, driven by sheer determination, handwrote leaflets to raise awareness. Instead of distributing them to classmates, he took them to the streets of Philadelphia, becoming an overnight activist. This moment marked the beginning of Zoe's realization of the profound capacity of education to inspire action and create change.   This epiphany led Zoe to become a humane educator, dedicated to teaching about the interconnected issues of human rights, animal protection, and environmental sustainability. Through her journey, she founded the Institute for Humane Education, where they empower others to become humane educators and integrate humane education into school curricula.   Today, Zoe's programs and initiatives reach students worldwide, empowering them to be solutionaries who can address the most pressing global challenges. It's a journey brimming with hope and determination, recognizing the potential of young people to drive meaningful change in the world.   In our podcast episode, we discuss the progress and challenges in animal welfare since the '80s, the pivotal role of education in shaping a brighter future, and how individuals can contribute to creating more compassionate and sustainable systems.   I wholeheartedly invite you to embark on this enlightening journey of discovery and action. Listen to the full episode here: www.veganvisibility.com/265-Zoe-Weil   Together, let's be the change the world desperately needs. #HumaneEducation #SolutionaryThinking #BeTheChange #VeganVisibilityPodcast

Laura Katleman, Founder of Bhur Foods, shares her journey from being a vegetarian for many years to becoming a vegan. She describes how her eating habits evolved over time, starting from giving up beef, then chicken, seafood, and finally all animal products.   The Catalyst for Going Vegan   Laura's transition to veganism wasn't a conscious decision but rather an evolution. As she became more health-conscious and her health practitioners advised her against consuming dairy, eggs, and other animal products, she naturally phased them out of her diet.   Embracing the Vegan Identity   Laura doesn't strongly identify with the "vegan" label. She believes that being vegan works well for her body and her spiritual practice, making her feel lighter and more at ease, but avoids labels. For her, veganism is more of a personal journey than an identity she loudly proclaims.   Filling the Gap with Vegan Sweets   Laura noticed a lack of healthy vegan sweets in the market, which inspired her to start her company, Bhu Foods. She wanted to offer people transitioning away from sugar and animal products an alternative that allowed them to indulge in delicious treats without compromising their health.   Read the full post at: www.veganvisibility.com/264-Laura-Katleman

Meet Benjamin (Ben) Hagerty, a passionate traveler and co-manager of the travel blog, It's Bree and Ben, alongside his wife, Brianne Nemiroff. Their journey goes beyond typical travel experiences as they explore sustainable tourism and embrace a vegan business philosophy.   Through their platform, they offer valuable insights, travel guides, and essays about vegan and plant-based travel, making a positive impact on fellow travelers seeking mindful and sustainable adventures.   Benjamin's love for flavors and dishes associated with a vegan diet began during his upbringing in the vibrant San Francisco Bay area. However, it wasn't until 2015 that he and his wife, Bree, decided to fully embrace the vegan lifestyle after a one-week trial. To their delight, they felt great after abstaining from meat, prompting them to transition gradually into a vegan way of life.   In 2017, after tying the knot, Benjamin and Bree embarked on an extraordinary road trip adventure across the U.S. and Canada. Their year-long journey became a unique blend of travel and work, as Benjamin continued to work remotely as a travel consultant while documenting vegan-friendly places for their website.   Their travel experiences uncovered surprising vegan-friendly areas in unexpected places. Along the way, they encountered vibrant vegan communities in St. Louis and Kansas City, showcasing innovative and creative approaches to veganism beyond the West Coast and New England.   Inspired by their journey, Benjamin and Bree established their website, It's Bree and Ben. Beyond just providing information on vegan-friendly restaurants and venues, they aim to promote mindful and sustainable travel practices that align with vegan philosophy.   As part of his graduate school project, Benjamin conducted extensive research, uncovering four key areas of concern that shape the experiences of individuals and businesses in the vegan entrepreneurship niche. These areas include the impetus of health and well-being, the framework of inclusivity, facing "vegan phobia" and discrimination, and the cost of doing vegan business.   Despite the challenges faced by vegan entrepreneurs, Benjamin and Bree honor the vegan lifestyle, viewing it not just as a dietary choice but as a way of life encompassing compassion, environmental consciousness, and empathy. Through It's Bree and Ben, they share valuable insights into exploring the world through a compassionate lens, appreciating the abundance of experiences that a vegan lifestyle can offer.   Their journey exemplifies the profound connection between sustainable tourism, veganism, and mindful travel. As a community, we can support and uplift compassionate entrepreneurs like Benjamin and Bree while making conscious choices that positively impact the world around us.   The interview for the Vegan Visibility Podcast took place while Ben was in North Vancouver, BC, which rests on the ancestral homeland of the Musqueam (xwməθkwəy̓əm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), and Tsleil-Waututh (səlilwətaɬ) communities.   Read more: http://www.veganvisibility.com/263-Benjamin-Hagerty 

In this special episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, I dig deep with author Chrissy Melanie Benson about her novel, "Marrying Myself." This unique book intertwines the themes of veganism and activism, offering readers a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on animal rights and the power of personal choices. In this episode, we delve into Chrissy's vegan journey, her decision to incorporate activism into her writing, and the challenges and triumphs she experienced throughout the publishing process. A Vegan Awakening: Chrissy's journey towards veganism began as a committed vegetarian. At the time, she was unaware of the harsh realities of factory farming and the conditions in which animals were kept. However, as she began to learn more about the suffering endured by animals, particularly egg-laying hens, she felt a growing discomfort with her own participation in these industries. Recognizing the misalignment between her actions and her values, Chrissy made the pivotal decision to become vegan in 2011. Although she initially found it challenging to navigate a world seemingly saturated with non-vegan options, her conviction and dedication to animal rights continued to strengthen. Full post at  www.veganvisibility.com/262-Chrissy-Melanie-Benson #MarryingMyself #VeganVisibilityPodcast #SelfDiscovery #Veganism #Compassion #Activism #BookRelease #PodcastInterview #VeganAuthor #VeganLifestyle #VeganBooks #Empowerment #AnimalRights #VeganCommunity #BookLovers #VeganInspiration    

On this episode of the Vegan Visibility show, we had the pleasure of hosting Omaid Hiwaizi, a veteran in technology marketing and an ethical vegan for almost three decades. Omaid is the founder of ReFarm Fund, a novel project aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices that align environmental impact with farmers' profitability.  Throughout the show, Omaid shared his journey of blending his passion for veganism with his expertise in technology and fintech. He discussed his concern about the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, the rise of industrial factory farming, and the significant environmental footprint of animal farming.  Omaid commissioned a study which demonstrated that a transition from animal and intensive farming to rotation-based arable farming and tree planting could result in a higher return on capital, even with potentially lower output, due to decreased input costs. Inspired by these findings, Omaid and his team are developing a loan product to support farmers in making this transition.  The ReFarm Fund will provide farmers with the necessary capital to implement changes like adopting regenerative agriculture, installing renewable energy sources, and establishing structures like polytunnels and large glasshouses powered by renewable energy. The loan will be commercial, but the environmental impact of their transition will be quantified, potentially reducing their loan payments. http://www.VeganVisibility.com/261-omaid-hiwaizi 

We're joined on this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast by Brett Christoffel, the CEO of All Y'all Foods, who brings over 20 years of corporate sales and sales management experience to the table. A 2020 graduate of the Austin SKU accelerator, Brett has been steering All Y'all Foods successfully for over four years. He discusses his significant transition from a Standard American Diet (SAD) to a plant-based lifestyle, a journey that inspired his thriving vegan enterprise. Personal Journey: Brett delves into his unique dietary transformation, beginning with his first encounter with Meatless Mondays, which challenged his traditional meat-centric perspective. He shares a humorous anecdote about his inaugural experience with a meatless snack and reveals the eye-opening realization about animal cruelty and the nutritional capacity of plants that catalyzed his switch to veganism. Cognitive Dissonance and the Reality of Meat Consumption: Brett underscores the cognitive dissonance prevalent in society when it comes to meat consumption. He advocates for a better understanding of the realities of meat production and consumption, encouraging people to embrace more peaceful, kind, and compassionate lifestyles, starting with their dietary choices.

One moment in time can change everything. For Sabrina Fair Andronica, the moment happened when she was deciding what to order for lunch at a local restaurant. As she looked at the menu, she saw a vegetarian sandwich among all the chicken, beef and pork choices. "Why would I choose meat when I claim to love animals so much," crossed her mind.  It was in that moment in 2004 she realized that her actions and words needed to align fully. During our conversation, we talk about her choice to identify as vegan, her love of animals, how she came to do her animal activism by writing children's book, and her blue nose pit, who teaches her every day, what's on the outside is often a mask of something very different. Sabrina is an activist at heart and loves sharing her passion through her children's books. Her books include… Adventures At Rainbow Bridge is a beautifully illustrated book about   the importance of accepting ourselves and accepting each other. Labrador Retriever with the Block Head is a graceful and familiar story about unconditional love from a deserving rescue pitbull changing one family's world, and our own illusions Cruelty-Free is the Way to Be! Is a book on a mission to show that kindness to all sentient beings is the greatest act of compassion one can express. http://www.veganvisibility.com/258-always-fair-books

If you don't plan to succeed, you plan to fail. Truer words are seldom spoken.  In this episode, VLynn Hawkins once again joins me to share insights into how to map out your coming year in business. http://www.veganvisibility.com 

Have you heard that appearing on podcast shows is a great way to increase your market reach as well as your influence? If you answered yes, you're right.  Yet, many experts have no clue where to start. Or, they miss the mark when approaching hosts. In this episode I share three simple things you can do to secure more podcast interviews.  http://www.veganvisibility.com 

Imagine being able to combine the passion of animal safety with your passion of travel. Until now, it was almost unheard of. Leading the way, Faik Bouhrik combined his love of business, animals, sanctuaries and travel together to create The Vegan Stay. At a time when veganism is becoming more than a mindset and a lifestyle and one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, large corporations that have profited from the suffering of animals by treating them as mere commodities are primed to take full advantage of this new trend. During Faik's time volunteering at Animal Sanctuaries in America, he was able to learn about the work these organizations do and the unique challenges the people behind them face, day in and day out. Animal Sanctuaries,  he realized, play a crucial role not only in rescuing animals in need from horrific exploitation but also in educating the general public about the need to see the animals for the sentient beings they truly are. During this episode, Faik Bouhrik and Kathleen Gage, host of The Vegan Visibility Podcast talk about what keeps Faik inspired, the challenges and his vision for the future of The Vegan Stay.  

Author M. C. Ronen (Maya Cohen-Ronen) is a New Zealand based vegan, feminist, and animal rights activist. She wrote The Liberation Trilogy out of disappointment at being unable to find mainstream books that avoid banal mentions of animal cruelty acts and/or everyday speciesism. Her deliberate intention was to create an exciting, fast-paced, page-turning fiction series that has a clear ethical undertone and message with a potential appeal to a wide range of readers.    M.C. Ronen has always been a book junkie. She loves fast-paced, suspenseful thrillers, full of plot-twists and cliff-hangers that made her heart race is her preference.  Upon going vegan she discovered to her surprise and dismay that she could no longer enjoy books as she did before.  Suddenly she could no longer find any reading material – at least, not anything that was 'safe'.  Now, every book she picked up, whether recommended to her by a friend, promoted on mainstream media, a best seller, or randomly picked up in the bookstore – every book there was seemed to ooze with at least one of the following: Speciesism, animal cruelty or even blatant anti-vegan sentiments.  Slowly she found herself reading less and less. The wonderful door to a universe of imaginary worlds was closing. Around 2016 she made a decision - if it didn't exist, she would write it myself!  This was the catalyst for The Liberation Trilogy being born. During this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, M.C. Ronen and I dig deep into what led her down the path of writing that she is on. Writing is just one of the many ways she is an animal activist. More information: MCRonenAuthor.com More information on Vegan Visibility www.veganvisibility.com 

Once upon a time there was a little girl who lived in a slum, in a tin-roofed hut between a ravine and a landfill, in a small town in the Dominican Republic. With the odds against her, this young girl had a dream that wouldn't die. Rather than succumb to a fate that she seemed destined to live, Elayna Fernández bucked the system and set out to change not only her life, but the lives of everyone she meets. Now a highly successful entrepreneur, Elayna is on a mission to help mompreneurs create their own success stories. A storyteller, story strategist and student of pain, Elayna shares insights on how to go from the depths of despair to a life filled with purpose. During our conversation, Elayna shares how she created a vision, focused on her vision, rather than her conditions, and now inspires moms everywhere to have a dream to hold on to. As an ethical vegan, Elayna is a force to be reckoned with. Tune in to find out what drives this woman who turned her life around in ways almost unimaginable.  

What would motivate someone to ride a bicycle across Canada? For Nicolette Richer, the motivation is simple; raise awareness about health, reversing disease, and the need for people to know the truth about what they are consuming. We dig deep into food choices, racism, colonization, disease and the oppression that needs to be brought to the light of day. Nicolette Richer is a serial entrepreneur, author, PBWF endurance athlete, Regenerative Medicine Educator, Doctoral candidate, lululemon Ambassador and most importantly, a mom of three world-shaking girls. She has 20+ years as an international speaker including a TEDx talk and successful Dragons' Den appearance. Nicolette is on a mission to eradicate 22 million cases of chronic disease by 2030. As a Regenerative Medicine Health Educator, she has over 15 years experience helping thousands of people reverse their diagnosed chronic diseases using metabolic nutrition and detoxification, and cellular regeneration. She's spoken globally to captivated audiences on how to Eat Real to Heal and has even personally catered for and was named a Force for Good by Tony Robbins. Find Nicolette Richer at this location https://www.nicolettericher.com Vegan Visibility  http://www.veganvisibility.com 

From dairy farmer to vegan activist, today's featured expert has a story that most would think impossible. Yet, Jackie Norman is on the front lines of being Vegan for the animals. Between Jackie and her husband Gareth, an equally committed and enthusiastic voice for the voiceless, Vegan FTA is taking the world by storm. Jackie Norman is a bestselling author and founding member of the fastest growing animal rights organization on social media, Vegan FTA.    With a global following of over 1.5 million, Vegan FTA is an online media platform dedicated to educating pre-vegans and inspiring those who are already vegan to be more active in the movement.    They specialize in creating content showcasing the many ways there are to be an activist, with something for everyone.    A former dairy and beef industry worker for 18 years prior to going vegan in 2017, Jackie's years of insight and experience give her a unique perspective. She shares this willingly with animal rights and plant-based advocacy groups to inform them of the realities of the animal agriculture industry and encourage positive avenues of communication with those who still work within it.  For more information and to get involved visit…. http://www.VeganFTA.com   Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/veganfta Instagram:           https://www.instagram.com/vegan.f.t.a/ Linktr.ee              https://linktr.ee/veganfta Vegan Visibility   http://www.VeganVisibility.com 

Most people know they have to be visible, but when it comes to taking the actions needed they freeze. It might be due to not knowing what to do, wondering how you'll look on camera, not clear on your messaging, or fear of making a mistake. Enter the Queen of Livestreaming, Stephanie Redcross-West. Stephanie is a master and breaking down the complex into very useable steps. During our conversation, VLynn Hawkins and I talk with Stephanie about what's most important and what people will learn during the Vegan Visibility Summit. This is a must attend session during the summit where you will discover how simple it actually is. Livestreaming: Your Secret to Connecting, Convincing & Converting Your Community The idea of going live can be terrifying for many–myself included. With live streaming, it's just you and a camera, unedited and exposed to the world, saying, "This is me and this is how I do things." Trust me. I get it–livestreaming is definitely intimidating. The first few times can feel a little like walking on a tightrope without a safety net to catch you if you fall. But this vulnerability is exactly why livestreaming is so effective. As soon as you see how it allows you to develop a real connection with your community, you'll realizing why pushing past your discomfort is worth it. Livestreaming is the best way to cut through the noise and gain visibility. It allows you to start a dialogue between you, your brand and your community. You can start talking to your customers instead of talking at them, which is a game changer. Enjoy the full 2nd Annual Vegan Visibility Summit at www.VeganVisibility.com/Summit2022Stephanie

Have you attempted to send media releases to publications but never hear a thing back from the editor?  Want to be featured in an industry specific publication and not sure how to go about the process?  If you said "Yes," you're in the right place at the right time.  During this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, VLynn Hawkins and myself talk with Jana Short, editor of Best Holistic Life Magazine. As one of the featured experts of the 2nd Annual Vegan Visibility Summit, Jana takes you behing the editor's curtain. Most people would love to be featured in publications but hit roadblocks when reaching out to the press.  In Jana's full summit session, you will... Learn what the editor of the popular Best Holistic Life Magazine looks for with submissions. Discover what to do, what not to do, and why timing of your submission are essential Understand why most people never make the cut Learn one simple hack that will put your submission to the front of the line Jana Short is a renowned global influencer & award-winning mindset coach in the health and wellness industry.   Jana is an NLP, RTT Practitioner, best-selling author, public speaker, and host of Oh, My Health… There is HOPE! Podcast, and Best Holistic Life magazine editor. Jana currently works creating online global influencers, teaching her clients to remove blocks holding them back and start that love affair with their potential online clients while gaining maximum exposure. Enjoy the summit: http://www.VeganVisibility.com/summit2022Jana

Why is it that some digital content is shared by hundreds, thousands, even hundreds of thousands of people, while other content seems to go nowhere? This and more are the focus of what vegan activist, Jamie Logan, reveals during the 2nd Annual Vegan Visibility Summit. It's one thing to create content, it's something completely different to create VIRAL CONTENT. During the summit, Jamie Logan, founder of It's Jamie's Corner, shows you what to do to create content people want to watch, listen to and share. Having been successful in creating content that got millions of views, Jamie breaks things down in easy to understand, and implement, terms. If you plan to go viral with your content, this session is a must-see. To register for the Summit, go to http://www.veganvisibility.com/Summit2022Jamie Jamie Logan has experience in both production and post-production from her previous roles at Townsquare Media, Sirius XM and CNBC.  Jamie enthusiastically helps out where needed and will make the experience working with us easy, fun and efficient.  She received her Bachelors from Rutgers University in Journalism and Media.  Jamie is an animal advocate, filmmaker, and podcast host. She is also a recognized influencer through her YouTube Channel, It's Jamie's Corner.  Based out of New York City, Jamie creates videos that get people thinking.  Some call it ruining lives and pushing her agenda, but she likes to think of it sharing an obvious truth that most people just tend to ignore. Jamie is an ethical vegan committed to changing the world, and people's perspective, one frame at a time.  

Many people erroneously believe that 50% of businesses fail within the first year. Yet, this is not necessarily true. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. Many people believe it has to do with the economy, not enough money to market, not knowing what to do or the market being too saturated. The fact is, one of the main reasons for business failure is failure to master the sales conversation. In this episode of the Vegan Visibility show, we talk with mindset, sales coach, Trevor Banerjee. Trevor specializes in working with entrepreneurs on the limiting believes they have around sales. Trevor is one of the esteemed experts of the 2nd Annual Vegan Visibility Summit. How To Sell Successfully, As a Heart-Led Entrepreneur is a must attend for anyone struggling with sales. During his content rich session you will learn… The biggest mistakes heart-led entrepreneurs make, which leads to business failure How to develop an entrepreneur's mindset How to sell without selling out Trevor Banerjee has had quite a hero's journey. Armed with a double masters, he spent a decade rising through the ranks at one of the largest banks in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia, only to end up being burnt out and diagnosed with depression. This was, in his words, the best diagnosis ever as it led him to look inwards for true meaning and joy. Over the last 10 years Trevor has taken his business experience and applied it to the service of the vegan and conscious business community. A qualified life coach, an NLP practitioner, an author and founder of The Freedom Switch, a vegan startup launch agency, Trevor is also a motivational speaker, having spoken to audiences in 4 continents. Now a resident of West London, when he's not helping launch another vegan startup, Trev spends his leisure time learning Spanish, playing the guitar and planning his next travel destination with his wonderful wife.   http://www.VeganVisibility.com/Summit2022