Summary

In this episode, Steve and Lorraine discuss their recent experiences as vegans traveling in Vietnam, highlighting both positive news about animal rights and challenging situations they faced during vegan food tours. They reflect on the importance of education regarding veganism, the discomfort of navigating social situations, and the need to address misconceptions about dietary choices. The conversation emphasizes the ethical stance of veganism and the determination to educate others about animal rights.


Takeaways

Thank you all for your feedback on the podcast.
We should have left the tour when it was compromised.
It's important to educate others about veganism.
Veganism is an ethical stance, not a diet.
We need to check and double-check food ingredients.
Social situations can be challenging for vegans.
People often don't realize how much animal products they consume.
Denial about dietary choices is common.
We must stand up for our beliefs in uncomfortable situations.
Education is key to changing perceptions about veganism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Positive News
03:12 Challenges Faced on Vegan Food Tour
05:58 Reflections on Veganism and Education
08:47 Navigating Social Situations as Vegans
11:59 Visit to the Primate Center and Ethical Considerations
15:12 Conversations with Non-Vegans
19:56 Understanding Veganism Beyond a Diet
23:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Keywords

veganism, food tours, ethical eating, animal rights, education, vegan lifestyle, dietary choices, social situations, plant-based diet, vegan challenges

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve discuss their recent visit to a bear sanctuary in Vietnam, highlighting the challenges faced by bears in captivity and the importance of education and activism in animal welfare. They delve into the horrific practices of bear bile farming, the conditions of the bears at the sanctuary, and the emotional connections made during their visit. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued advocacy for all animals, drawing parallels between different species and the importance of supporting sanctuaries and animal rights initiatives.


Takeaways

Paul Youd's health is improving, and they plan to reschedule the interview.
The bear sanctuary was a beautiful facility that provided a safe haven for bears.
Bear bile farming is a horrific practice that causes immense suffering to bears.
The bears at the sanctuary have suffered greatly but are now in a better environment.
Education about bear bile and its alternatives is crucial for changing perceptions.
The sanctuary employs a large staff to ensure the bears' well-being.
There is a disconnect in how society values different animals.
Activism and petitions are essential for animal rights advocacy.
The hosts encourage donations to sanctuaries and animal welfare organizations.
Visiting sanctuaries can reignite passion for animal rights work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges
01:29 Visiting the Bear Sanctuary
03:41 Understanding Bear Bile Farming
08:47 Life at the Sanctuary
11:31 Education and Awareness
14:45 Comparing Animal Welfare Perspectives
17:36 Activism and Petitions
20:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Keywords

bear sanctuary, animal welfare, bear bile farming, veganism, animal rights, education, activism, wildlife conservation, sanctuary visit, animal rescue

FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. Today, with offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions.

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve share their experiences traveling in Vietnam, focusing on their culinary adventures, reflections on vegan parenting, and insights into navigating a vegan lifestyle while traveling. They discuss the importance of local vegan cuisine, cultural insights, and personal takeaways from their trip, including lifestyle changes they plan to implement upon returning home.


Takeaways

I would bring up my children vegan 100%.
You can be absolutely healthy and thrive on a plant-based diet.
We learned about all the local fruits.
I love using chopsticks.
I think yoga is so good for you.
We found it very easy to find vegan food.
I won't miss the mosquitoes.
What you do makes a difference.
They use every little bit of every fruit.
I think a top tip for me would be to book a vegan walking tour.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Trip
02:59 Culinary Adventures in Vietnam
06:01 Reflections on Vegan Parenting
08:53 Navigating Veganism While Traveling
11:45 Cultural Insights and Local Vegan Cuisine
14:46 Personal Takeaways and Lifestyle Changes
20:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Keywords

Veganism, Travel, Cooking, Parenting, Vegan Food, Vietnam, Culinary Experience, Plant-Based Diet, Vegan Lifestyle, Cultural Insights

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, Steve shares his transformative journey into veganism, sparked by a life-threatening health scare. He discusses the challenges and rewards of adopting a plant-based lifestyle, the stigma surrounding veganism, and the importance of activism in promoting animal rights and ethical food choices. Steve also reflects on societal perceptions of food ethics and shares his favorite vegan meals, emphasizing the joy and variety that a plant-based diet can offer.


Takeaways

Steve's journey into veganism began after a cancer diagnosis.
The book 'The China Study' played a pivotal role in his dietary change.
He initially identified as plant-based rather than vegan due to stigma.
The hardest part of being vegan is encountering those resistant to change.
Steve enjoys the variety and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Activism became a crucial outlet for Steve's passion for animal rights.
He emphasizes the need for honesty in food advertising.
Societal views on food ethics often misrepresent animal welfare.
Steve's favorite meals include tofu scramble and ramen.
The conversation highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Health Journey
01:55 Catalyst for Change: A Life-Altering Diagnosis
06:46 Transitioning to Veganism: The Stigma and Realization
11:14 Challenges and Triumphs of Veganism
16:06 Activism: The Drive to Make a Difference
23:31 Societal Views on Food and Ethics
30:02 Favorite Vegan Meals and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

veganism, health journey, activism, plant-based diet, food ethics, cancer, nutrition, lifestyle change, animal rights, personal story

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve engage in a heartfelt discussion about Lorraine's personal journey into veganism. Lorraine shares how her daughter inspired her to adopt a vegan lifestyle, recounting the pivotal moment when she watched a thought-provoking video by Earthling Ed. This experience opened her eyes to the realities of animal exploitation and led her to embrace veganism fully. Lorraine reflects on the challenges she faced in transitioning to a vegan diet, including her initial struggles with unfamiliar foods like tofu, and how her understanding and appreciation for plant-based eating have evolved over the years.

The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of being vegan, including the despair Lorraine feels when confronted with the ongoing issues of animal abuse and environmental degradation. However, she also highlights the joy and fulfillment that come from living a compassionate lifestyle, cooking with fellow vegans, and advocating for animal rights. Lorraine emphasizes the importance of education and activism in her journey, expressing gratitude for the knowledge she has gained and the connections she has made along the way. The episode concludes with a discussion on societal perceptions of veganism and the need to change cultural norms surrounding food ethics.

Takeaways

"My daughter inspired me to go vegan."
"You just can't go back from that."
"Living daily as a compassionate, empathetic vegan is a constant mental battle."
"I wish we could respect animals, nature, and our beautiful planet."
"A plant-based diet is good for the environment."
"We should be the vegans that we would want to have met."
"It's a struggle to change societal norms around veganism."
"The joy I get from cooking and eating with fellow vegans is immense."
"I want to eat my Buddha bowl all the time!"
"I love dark chocolate, especially Bouger Bouger."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vegan Voices Unhinged and the five questions for guests
01:00 Lorraine's Journey into Veganism
07:11 The Emotional Toll of Veganism
10:25 The Importance of Education and Activism
17:59 Changing Societal Views on Veganism
19:54 Favorite Vegan Meals and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

veganism, animal rights, plant-based diet, vegan activism, Earthling Ed, vegan journey, ethical eating, vegan community, vegan recipes, environmentalism

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve share their experiences traveling as vegans in Vietnam and Hong Kong. They discuss the challenges and joys of finding vegan food, the cultural differences in understanding veganism, and the importance of vegan activism. Through their journey, they highlight the ease of maintaining a vegan lifestyle while traveling, the delicious food they encountered, and the insights gained from local guides. The conversation emphasizes that with a little effort, vegans can enjoy diverse and satisfying meals even in countries where veganism is not mainstream.

Takeaways

Traveling as a vegan can be enjoyable and fulfilling.
Hong Kong is an expensive destination for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Vietnam offers a variety of vegan options, especially in cities.
Using apps like Happy Cow can help find vegan restaurants.
Cultural differences can affect the understanding of veganism.
Language barriers can be navigated with translation apps.
Vegan food tours provide authentic experiences and local insights.
Breakfast options may be limited for vegans in some hotels.
Activism can be done from anywhere, even while traveling.
It's possible to maintain a vegan diet without compromise.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Vegan Adventures in Vietnam
01:51 Exploring Vegan Options in Hong Kong
03:48 Vegan Food Tour Experience in Ho Chi Minh City
06:39 Navigating Language Barriers and Local Cuisine
10:25 Breakfast Challenges and Local Delicacies
12:44 Activism from Afar: Vegan Advocacy
17:23 The Vegan Travel Dilemma: To Compromise or Not?
21:27 Conclusions on Veganism in Southeast Asia

Keywords

vegan travel, veganism, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, vegan food tour, plant-based diet, travel tips, vegan activism, cultural experiences.

Link to Abundant Tours on Tripadvisor

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293925-d33946957-Reviews-Abundant_Tours-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve reflect on their Christmas celebrations, discussing the abundance of food, family connections, and the joy of sharing vegan meals. They also share their favorite gifts and delve into their New Year's resolutions, focusing on their commitment to vegan activism and the Liberation Pledge, which encourages individuals to refuse to participate in animal exploitation. The conversation highlights the importance of community, education, and personal growth in their vegan journeys.

Takeaways

Christmas was a time of abundance and joy for both hosts.
The hosts enjoyed a variety of vegan dishes during their celebrations.
Gifts exchanged included vegan-themed clothing and personal items.
New Year's resolutions focused on supporting non-vegans in their vegan journey.
The Liberation Pledge is a commitment to refuse animal exploitation.
Personal activism can take many forms, including wearing branded clothing.
The hosts emphasize the importance of community in veganism.
They reflect on the positive feedback received for their vegan meals.
The conversation highlights the joy of sharing vegan food with non-vegans.
Both hosts express a desire to educate others about veganism.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Abundance: Christmas Reflections
04:25 Gifts and Personal Connections
09:08 New Year, New Resolutions: Vegan Activism Goals
16:01 The Liberation Pledge: A Personal Commitment

Keywords

Vegan, Christmas, New Year, Activism, Liberation Pledge, Gifts, Family, Food, Veganism, Community

Resources

The Liberation Pledge : https://www.liberationpledge.com/

Summary

In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, hosts Lorraine and Steve welcome Lauren Beavis, an award-winning journalist and passionate vegan activist. The conversation explores Lauren's journey into veganism, the challenges she faced, her activism through journalism, and her love for music as a form of expression and activism. The discussion highlights the importance of raising awareness about animal rights and environmental issues, as well as the personal connections that can influence others to consider veganism. Lauren shares her experiences, insights, and the joy she finds in both her activism and her music career.

Takeaways

Lauren became vegan through Veganuary eight years ago.
She emphasizes the importance of education in the vegan journey.
The emotional impact of animal exploitation statistics was a turning point for her.
Activism can take many forms, including personal influence and storytelling.
Recognition as Journalist of the Year by Viva was a significant achievement for Lauren.
The bond between family members can strengthen through shared values like veganism.
Articulating the reasons for veganism can be challenging but is essential.
Funk, soul and disco music serves as a sanctuary and a form of activism for Lauren.
Raising public awareness about animal agriculture is crucial.
Society needs to view veganism as a compassionate choice rather than a fad.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lauren Beavis
02:45 Lauren's Vegan Journey
09:23 Challenges and Triumphs of Veganism
13:38 Activism and Journalism
20:19 Societal Views on Veganism
24:05 Music as a Form of Activism
28:22 Favorite Vegan Meals and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

Veganism, Animal Rights, Activism, Journalism, Environmental Reporting, Music, Vegan Journey, Challenges, Society, Vegan Meals