No-bullshit Vegan

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

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

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

Coach Zoe and I are back for a Coaches' Corner episode, answering the questions we didn't get to during our recent live No-B.S. Reset panel event. We dig into some of the most common (and most frustrating) myths we see in the fitness and nutrition space, especially around strength training, supplements, and social-media "advice."  If you're new to lifting, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online, or just tired of wellness trends that sound slick but don't actually work, this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: - The biggest mistakes beginners make when starting strength training (and how to avoid them) - Why going "too hard, too fast" backfires, and what sustainable progress actually looks like - Compound lifts vs. isolation exercises: what matters most early on - The rise of creatine gummies (and why "creatine for women" marketing is nonsense) - Why "what I eat in a day" videos can be misleading, or downright harmful - Steps vs. cardio vs. lifting: what really gives you the most bang for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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