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.

What happens when going vegan transforms more than just your plate? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and author Dr. Angela Crawford to explore the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual shifts that often come with the vegan journey. We talk about the myth of deprivation, the reality of abundance, and the inner alignment that comes from living according to your values. We also dig into the challenges of being "the one vegan at the table," how to navigate tricky social dynamics, and why emotional wellbeing isn't about being happy all the time. Whether you're vegan-curious or decades into the lifestyle, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and plenty of practical takeaways.

The Esselstyn family changed how we look at food as medicine. On this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with both Ann and Jane Esselstyn. 

We explore the history of Caldwell Esselstyn's work, and how the family integrated his scientific studies into how the family ate, and what it has meant now over three generations. 

Ann and Jane's new book, 'Be A Plant-Based Woman Warrior', explores how women, in particular, benefit from a plant based diet physically, mentally, hormonally, and more.

This is one episode you don't want to miss!

If you haven't yet done a deep dive into the concept of the Fitness Industrial Complex, tune in to this episode.

Justice Roe, founder of Fitness4AllBodies, joins me to discuss his founding of the organization, looking to our work in the fitness industry as social justice work, and the systemic change that needs to happen in the fitness industry to foster inclusivity.

Justice is a Certified Personal Trainer, head coach at Kettlebell Justice, founder of The Queer Gym Pop Up and BodyImage4Justice, and Executive Director of Fitness4AllBodies based in Boston. Justice is a trans, body-positive social justice activist who continues to create safe spaces for all bodies across the globe through his work with Fitness4AllBodies.

We've all heard it before: changing certain elements of our lifestyles can dramatically change our health. How do we put that into practice, and what does it really mean?

Dr. Amanda Adkins, a board-certified internal medicine physician, and a health coach/owner of Enlightenment Health and Wealth, joins me to discuss this point [and more!]

She has a deep passion for ensuring that everyone has a chance at a healthy and happy life. Her most recent focus has been to help women who are overweight prevent and possibly reverse chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. 

If you're not familiar with the powerhouse that is Kate Strong, you will be by the end of this episode. 

Kate is a 3x world record holder in cycling, world champion triathlete, passionately plant-based and a purpose-led coach and consultant. Her upcoming challenge, Challenge 3,000, involves her cycling 3,000 miles around the circumference of the UK and planting 3,000 trees- on a bamboo bicycle.

Do we have your attention?

Pause and answer immediately: who are your five favourite voices in the wellness industry right now, or those you see represented the most? 

Would you say that there is diversity represented in your responses? Does your answer surprise you? Let's get into it.

Stacy Lee Kong is a writer, editor and the founder of Friday Things, a weekly newsletter and social media account about pop culture stories. We discuss the way white supremacy is embedded in the wellness industry, and how we can collectively work to decolonize wellness. 

"Bro culture" is the thing we chuckle about sometimes, or see featured in memes. What happens when we explore this term further, not only within a fitness realm, but in relation to women in business as a whole?

Holly Burton joins me to discuss women in business and in fitness: oppression, prejudice, expectations; "taking up space" physically and socially; the problems with so-called "bro culture", and how to build your own path forward.

Holly is a leadership coach for women in male-dominated industries. She's also the founder of Women in Male-Dominated Industries [WIMDI], a community of over 4,000 ambitious folks who connect with each other and get delicious career and leadership resources that help them create the working world they deserve while they wait for the rest of society to catch up.

It's not out of the ordinary for us to hear about self-care, ideal ways to practice it, and why it's so imperative. It is rare, however, to hear it discussed within the culinary world. 

Enter Chef Stephanie Michalak White, who developed and launched a plant-based program at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts [currently ranked as the #1 culinary school in the entire world.]

Stephanie and I discuss her program development, what self-care means for chefs and folks in culinary worlds, and the major topic of food insecurity.

Many folks come to veganism later in life, but there are a select few who start slightly earlier. Kingston Zoom Walters, also known as King Zoom the Vegan Kid, has been vegan since birth.

Kingston is an 18-year-old vegan, neurodivergent, feminist social justice activist and environmentalist. His early passion for speaking up against injustices towards animals, humans and the planet evolved into speaking at many events across North America.

Kingston joins me to discuss what he's learned as a child activist, self-care for vegan animal activists, and his brand new book.

What constitutes a "vegan legend"? Let's start with almost 40 years of veganism, being listed by VegNews among the "Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors', establishing the Main Street Vegan Academy…and more.

Meet Victoria Moran. Victoria first joined me on the podcast for episode 46, and this is our second discussion. We talk about the Main Street Vegan Academy training and certification program [where she is Founder/Director], healthy aging, leaving a lasting legacy, and the intersection of compassion with both faith and spirituality.

"I've got a great opportunity for you to start your own business and earn extra income on the side!" -- most of us have received an MLM (multi-level marketing) pitch like this from a distant acquaintance after some small talk.

Although they're declining in popularity, MLM is a business structure rampant in the fitness, nutrition, and health space. Beachbody, Arbonne, Herbalife, Younique, Amway...the list goes on. In this episode I share 6 reasons why MLM is unethical, and why it's problematic within the fitness -- and vegan -- realms.

I also discuss why MLM decreases the brand equity of existing businesses, as well as the future of, and alternatives to, MLM.

I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, a nonprofit organization working to end factory farming through evidence-based giving. Thom shares his personal journey to veganism and why he left a legal career in nuclear energy policy to pursue systemic change for animals. He discusses the unique approach FarmKind takes in identifying and supporting high-impact charities, how donations can rival or even surpass individual dietary change in reducing animal suffering, and the importance of pragmatism in creating long-term shifts toward animal liberation. Thom also emphasizes how even small actions—whether donations or activism—can help dismantle a $2 trillion industry built on animal exploitation.

It's no secret that our podcast episodes often contain at least a few mic drops. This one may set the bar. 

Earlier this year, Registered Dietician Desiree Nielsen joined me to discuss all things food and nutrition. Our conversation was so expansive, we needed to bridge it into a separate discussion, and invite Coach Zoe [my fellow BS-buster] to join the talk.

We discuss dismantling certain structures within the 'fitness industrial complex' [term coined by Fitness for All Bodies], the problematic components of the diet industry, nutrition, when veganism is used as weight loss incentive, and so much more.

We're all relatively familiar with the term and concept of meal plans. For years, they've been offered to us as the fail-proof, non-negotiable element that will help you nail all of your nutritional goals. What if there was a completely different approach that didn't involve meal plans? Furthermore, what if they actually have a detrimental impact?

Certified plant-based sports nutritionist Philip Bryden joins me to talk about this- and much more! He also holds certifications in Integrative Nutrition, Nutrition Science, Nutrition Coaching, Anatomy and Physiology, Plant-Based Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, and he's a certified Yoga Instructor and Ultra Running Coach. Philip works with international professional athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer, tennis, and ultra running; and he's Club Nutritionist for the world's first vegan rugby club.

Climate action has been a longstanding subject, as we become more and more aware of the current, irrefutable climate crisis. However, while we discuss its connection to many parts of our lives, this may be one of the first times we've explored its connection to….fitness! 

Emily Kennedy is a systems thinker from Nova Scotia, a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and founder of resiliFIT Coaching. She uses her love of food and fitness to demonstrate the impact we have on climate change through daily choices, while connecting folks with nature.

Maybe you've heard the terms; maybe you haven't: gut health. Anti-nutrients. There are many terms, often elusive, that circulate within the nutrition realm. What do they mean, and which ones should we be paying attention to?

Registered Dietician Desiree Nielsen joins me to discuss these terms, chat about anti-nutrients, where we find them, and answer the big question: are they bad for us? Alongside this subject and others, we dive into nutrition myth-busting, drop some mics, and discuss re-thinking the approach to nutrition as a whole.

When you hear the term marathon swim, it's generally referring to a 10km distance [6.2 miles]. Our guest for NBSV #120, Susan Simmons, is an ultra-marathon swimmer. You do the math.

Susan Simmons discusses how she uses veganism to manage multiple sclerosis, and fuel her training. 

In her own words: "My number one form of exercise is swimming and my diet is vegan. Both minimize the stress on my body, making it possible for me to live an active life." 

Listen now via link in bio! 

We've all heard them, right? Veganism exists alongside a selection of myths, perpetuated by mainstream media, particular industries, and marketing [to name a few!] 

Do you want to know three of the most familiar myths out there, and promptly have them busted by truth and facts?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Nisha Melvani joins me to do just that, alongside a discussion about her new book release, attending culinary school at the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, and much, much more. 

It is one of the most important, and most inquired-about relationships, and we're diving into it: veganism and strength training. 

I outline how to fuel strength training efficiently, the special things vegans need to consider, 6-extra important nutrients, and much [much] more.

Naturally, we'll also explore the infamous, favourite subject matter when it comes to talking about vegans and strength training: protein! The truths, the facts, the myths: this episode has them all. 

If you've listened to the No-Bullshit Vegan podcast before, you've heard his name. If you haven't, it's about time you do! 

Coach Ren Jones, one of my favourite humans with whom to "co-bust" industry BS, returns for another episode of mic drops and truth bombs. Ranging from the fitness industry's take on body size, to celebrity weight loss, we present a freestyle episode: no agenda, however no subject stone left unturned.

Ren Jones is a certified trainer and certified nutrition coach in Charlotte, North Carolina. His personal philosophy toward changing behaviors is centered around self-compassion over discipline, methods which have helped his clients make permanent change and heal their relationship with food.

You've heard the question before, you've seen all the opinions weigh in, and you've seen the spirited discussions on social media about it: can dogs be vegan?

Laura Simonson of Virchew [which produces plant-based meals and treats for dogs], addresses this question, the myth that dogs are carnivores, and speaks to the expansive research that's been done on dogs who eat vegan diets.

Based in Vancouver, BC, Virchew is the first producer of 100% plant-based meals and treats for dogs powered by trail-blazing veterinary partnerships and nutrition programs: "Good for our dogs. Good for our earth. Good for our hearts" is the brand's mantra, and Laura's here to tell you why. 

How do vegans get their protein?

Vegan bodybuilders Dani Taylor and Giacomo Marchese of VeganProteins.com answer this question, and a heck of a lot more: long-term habit change, strength training on a vegan diet, and reaching big fitness goals. 

They travel with the Vegan Strong team and co-founded PlantBuilt.com, an NPO of vegan strength athletes who compete  to raise awareness for veganism and money for animal rescue sanctuaries. Eat plants; lift heavy: this is how!

In this final volume of my free strategy call series, you'll listen in on two coaching sessions packed with plant-based problem solving, strength training tweaks, and behaviour hacks. Anna wants to build muscle alongside MMA and dance without being sore for days, while Rebecca's focused on navigating menopause, portion sizes, and protein goals (with a side of DIY vegan high-protein ice cream). We cover everything from barbell boredom and tofu techniques to food prep strategies and how to outsmart your own brain so you don't need to rely on willpower.

Where do technology and animal products intersect [and how do they?]

Dr. Karthik Sekar offers a technological argument against animal products, their problematic relationship to the environment [and the animals], and how the future of plant-based replacements has the capacity to exceed animal-based products in every way.

Humanity has great impetus to shift past animal products, and this is a part of the process that bears huge potential to help us do so. Tune in to find out how you can be part of it.

Daniel Weiss joins me to delve into how body composition and athletic performance intersect, how veganism affects athletic performance, how to improve your body composition and energy with your nutrition and training, and more. Daniel turned his passion for nutrition, food, exercising, and human behaviour into helping active people overcome mindset blocks, lose excuses, and develop healthy relationships with food while pursuing health, body composition, and performance goals.

How has West African -specifically Ghanian- cuisine [and its plant-based nature], influenced US and Caribbean food cultures?

Nana-Serwa Mancell is the Founder and chef of Veghana, a meal delivery and catering company based in Dubai that serves vegan West African cuisine.

Nana believes that West African Food deserves a place among the popular global cuisines, and that it has an enormous amount to offer anyone on a plant-based diet. We discuss this crucial shift, and much- much more!

What do noses have to do with weight loss?
How do we talk about "problem" areas?
Watch out: the holidays are coming + you best repent for your food choices!

Back by popular demand for a 2nd edition, alongside my coaching colleague @zoemarg, we commit to calling out more falsities that need to be addressed, including the potentially problematic use of the word "goals", how we can dismantle the "good vs.bad" paradigm, and much [much] more.

Time to kick the BS to the curb! Listen now via link in bio

What are some ways we can approach diversity and inclusion within the fitness industry, and what work still needs to be done?

Adapted from a Zoom conversation for an alive Magazine article (about how the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent discussions about diversity and inclusion, have changed the fitness industry for good), Chrissy King joins me to discuss her work as a writer, speaker, strength coach, and educator, with a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive wellness industry.

"Fitness is rooted in two things: patriarchy, and access."

Ren Jones is a certified trainer and certified nutrition coach in Charlotte, North Carolina. His personal philosophy toward changing behaviors is centered around self-compassion over discipline.

Ren joined me for a crucial discussion about some of the most important issues facing the fitness industry today, a discourse that by no means can be contained to one podcast episode [and will be featured in many more to come.]

The International Vegan Film Festival [IVFF] and World Tour was founded in 2018. It is the largest vegan film festival of its kind in the entire world, exploring themes around animal welfare, environment, and health and nutrition.

Shawn Stratton, director of the International Vegan Film Festival and World Tour, joins me to discuss the festival's past, present, and future; his vegan story; and life as a plant-based endurance athlete.

It is a comparison ever-present in the vegan community, though it is rarely critically addressed: veganism and abortion. In light of the recent legislation in Texas around reproductive rights [and lack thereof], my coaching colleague Zoe and I talk about the intersections between veganism and abortion, why the comparison may be problematic, and above all: why anti-abortion vegans are blatant hypocrites.

We've all heard the discussions around low-fat, plant-based diets [sometimes referred to as whole foods, plant-based]. The question remains: is it all hype, or are these sentiments true? 

Chef AJ and Glen Merzer, co-authors of the new book Own Your Health: How to Live Long and Avoid Chronic Illness, join me to discuss this lifestyle, answer the aforementioned question once and for all, and discuss how we can strategically move veganism forward in a culture that has normalized eating animal products.

Vegan meal planning: you've heard the term, and it's one that can both inspire and elude. Sophia DeSantis is here to show us how to move from overwhelmed to empowered when it comes to vegan meal planning.

The fun-loving mom behind Veggies Don't Bite!, Sophia outlines how to break past traditional meal planning and create a meal system that is sustainable, will help you move from overwhelmed to empowered, and furthermore, how to successfully reach *all* of your wellness goals.

I dive into why fitness and veganism aren't just personal choices—they're political whether we realize it or not. Based on a recent article I wrote, I'm exploring how things like race, class, and ability shape who gets access to fitness and plant-based foods, and why pretending otherwise is itself a political act.

This episode was sparked by a podcast review I received telling me I should keep social commentary and political opinion out of my show. So, naturally, I decided to lean all the way in.

What kind of messaging do we see in the fitness industry on a regular basis, and why are many parts of it so problematic? Alongside my coaching colleague Zoe Peled, we commit to calling out four falsities that need to be addressed, including the value assigned to the scale, the perverse need to have statements like "strong is the new skinny", and how the industry strategically markets itself to women based on shame and comparison. Time to kick the BS to the curb!

Is veganism really as difficult to implement as many folks say it is? Danny O'Malley, President and Founder of Before the Butcher, answers this question and many more, shares the story of his business, and shares crucial thoughts on plant-based food as a whole. Danny helped innovate the first line of diverse plant-based meat (burgers, chicken, turkey, sausage & much more) with an eye on taste, nutrition and sustainability.

Is a plant-based diet healthy for kids? Furthermore, is it safe for kids? Alexandra Caspero from Plant-Based Juniors joins me to answer these questions, address the benefits of a plant-based diet for kids, and break down some problematic (and false) myths prevalent within the dialogue. Alexandra is a registered dietitian nutritionist, mom, and (with Whitney English) the creator of Plant-Based Juniors, a community helping parents get more plants on the plate.

Herbivore is one of the best-known vegan stores in the world. Co-founder Michelle Schwegmann joins me to share some of Herbivore's history, her view on vegan parenting, how her approach to veganism has changed over the years, and much more.

In celebration of our 100th (!!) episode, I speak with 10 of our amazing listeners for 10 minutes each. You'll hear from a farm sanctuary founder, a heavy metal vocalist, business owners, fitness coaches, professional organizers, and more. All vegan, and each with incredible insights to share. Thank you so much for supporting this show over the past 3+ years! Here's to the next 100 episodes.

How does veganism pertain to religion? There are blind spots intrinsic within religious communities, as veganism clearly pertains to the connection between suffering (animals, the planet, human health) and food choices.

Jess Peacock is a researcher, adjunct professor, United Church of Christ clergy, author, and part of the K.I. team. A vegan for 16 years, Jess explores the above (and more), as we discuss where- and how- these two schools of thought intersect.

A listener asked, "How do you feel about cheat days or cheat meals?" This is my answer. I discuss why I don't use the term "cheat" in relation to food, why there's no such thing as a "perfect" diet or "good" and "bad" foods, why rigid rules and restriction don't work when it comes to nutrition, and how to break away from the all-or-nothing approach to dieting. I've also included powerful writing pieces from three fitness professionals on these subjects.

How do we define "veganism"? Vegan business owner (One Thing Lockets) Setareh Bateni addresses the complexities of this answer, from a unique perspective holding a Master's degree in Philosophy.

Setareh speaks to the importance of showing the challenges and road bumps that may come up along the journey to veganism, being vegan in a non-vegan family, and how the ethical stance has been incorporated into both her personal life, and her business life.

Justina Adorno is an actor, long-term vegan, and committed to raising awareness through her social platforms about the abuse that animals endure. Justina currently stars on the gritty drama FX's Mayans M.C., playing the role of 'Stephanie' aka 'Nails,' in the show's third season.

Having a passion for animal rights, Justina lives a vegan lifestyle, and is adamant about using only vegan makeup and hair products on set, and educates her followers across her social platforms on the abuse that animals endure. She shares her vegan story, talks about her current role on Mayans M.C., discusses using only vegan products on set, and much (much) more.

Mindfulness: what is it, how does one start with it, and how can it help us be happier vegans (and activists?) Meredith Marin is a vegan entrepreneur with a background in social work and community organizing. She's known in the vegan community for her work that transformed Aruba into the most vegan-friendly island in the Caribbean. We discuss her current projects, her background in vegan hospitality, and her strategies to support vegans all over the world in creating impact.

Agrologist Cory Davis joins me to unpack the environmental toll of animal agriculture—and the enormous potential of plant-based food systems to reduce emissions, reclaim land, and restore ecosystems. Cory brings a systems-level perspective that blends science, ethics, and practical solutions. He also does some serious myth-busting about "sustainable" local meat and "regenerative grazing". Whether you're a climate advocate or curious about food's environmental impact, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about sustainable eating.

Cory is a licensed professional agrologist with over 10 years of experience in natural resource and environmental management. He is a co-author of "Plant-Powered Protein: Nutrition Essentials and Dietary Guidelines for All Ages" along with Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, where he breaks down the environmental impacts of different protein choices. He also recently coauthored a paper in the Annals of Medicine titled "Health Disparities and Climate Change in the Marshall Islands".

Robert Cheeke, often referred to as the "Godfather of Vegan Bodybuilding", played a major role in growing the industry from its 2002 infancy to where it is today. Robert is a two-time natural bodybuilding champion, and founder and president of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness. Starting with his early farm roots, Robert shares his story of adding 100 pounds to his frame as a vegan bodybuilder, shifting the industry dialogue, and growing the vegan bodybuilding movement as a whole.

Peggy Brusseau is a food writer, cook, and committed vegan of more than 30 years. Peggy has written or co-written 24 books on food and health. Her most recent book addresses many key points about veganism: transitioning to veg life, living in a household where not all family members are vegan, nutrition for infants and children, the age-old "where do I get my protein?" question, and more. Heard of The Twelve Vegan Food Groups? After this discussion with Peggy, you'll be able to answer that question.

Announcing A Decade of Deadlifts: 10 Year Anniversary and Book Launch! Join us for our free, online extravaganza of three days of events (March 19 to 21), behind the scenes access, giveaways, and our main event featuring 5 incredible industry panelists. All folks are welcome to join the festivities as we celebrate 10 years of plant-fueled athleticism, badassery, an abundance of dark chocolate, and the publication of The Vegan Athlete (my fourth book!) Get your free ticket at karinainkster.com/booklaunch.