The Simply Vegan Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Vegan Food & Living's Holly Johnson and Debra Butler help you escape the doom and gloom by diving into the lighter side of vegan life. From the weird things people say to you when they discover you don't eat animals to the undesired effects of eating too many lentils and beyond, this is a safe space for like-minded souls.

In today's episode:

• Debs shares her review of Indian restaurant Mowgli Street Food

• Holly discusses the vegan options at Caribbean chain Turtle Bay

• The surprising thing that has a huge impact on CO2 emissions

• Easy ways to get organised and reduce your food waste

• Are vegans friendlier as well as more compassionate?

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Happy Vegan series. During these six episodes, Vegan Food & Living's Holly and Debs will be helping you escape the doom and gloom by diving into the lighter side of vegan life. From the weird things people say to you when they discover – shock horror! – you don't eat animals to the undesired effects of eating too many lentils and beyond, this is a safe space for like-minded souls.

In today's episode:

• How to stay positive when you're struggling with compassion burnout

• Alternatives to eating lamb at Easter

• Using health as a means to spread the vegan message – and other ways to encourage others to ditch meat

• Dispelling the myth that vegans eat lots of ultra-processed foods

• Healthy meat alternatives

• Why we should be proud to be vegan and unite in our efforts

• Watch I Could Never Go Vegan at icouldnevergovegan.co.uk

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Simply Vegan Podcast is bought to you by the UK’s only vegan magazine, Vegan Food & Living. Hosted by magazine editor Holly Johnson, join us on the first Thursday of each month as we chat to some of the inspirational people helping to grow the vegan movement – from chefs and influencers to athletes and doctors.

In today's feel-good episode, we're joined by the founder of VEGAN Happy, Lorri Delahunty. Lorri shares the lightbulb moment she went from meat lover to vegan within just a few hours, having watched videos by animal rights activists Gary Yourovsky and Joey Carbstrong.

We discuss different forms of activism, and whether there's a polarisation in the movement between those who think activism can't change anything and those compelled to act. Lorri explains how she set up her clothing line to get people talking about veganism and the all-important issues with our food systems, animal welfare, the environment and our health and why she believes it's so important to be kind and support people rather than judge them.

Lorri also chats about the recent Face of VEGAN Happy competition, judged by singer Heather Small, Viva!'s Juliet Gellatley and Vegan Food & Living's Holly Johnson and how it's created a community of like-minded people who want to see a kinder, more compassionate world.

Notes from today's episode and ways to support us and the vegan movement

• Watch Gary Yourovsky's speech on YouTube

• Watch Joey Carbstrong's activism on YouTube

• Check out the range of subtle vegan clothing at VEGAN Happy

• Visit The Farm Animal Sanctuary

• Leave us a review and share this episode with friends

• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p at veganfoodandliving.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Holly delves into the world of vegan beauty and skincare with the founder of cult British fragrance brand, Floral Street. They discuss how hard it can be to know whether your beauty products are truly vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable and what to look out for when shopping.

Michelle shares insights into animal testing, new technologies, innovative packaging, non-vegan ingredients to look out for and the impact of scent on our emotional wellbeing.

Coming up next week: we take a whistle-stop tour of London to check out the world's first plant-based Burger King, try the exciting new tempeh dishes at Wagamama and visit the recently-opened branch of Mildreds restaurant in Covent Garden. It's gonna be a fun one!

And next Thursday, the founder of Stem + Glory, Louise Palmer-Masterton, responds to all the questions you wish you had the answer to when being quizzed by meat-eaters. 

Music by Purple Planet. 

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find out what we've been up to this week, the vegan restaurants we've visited (including Purezza and Plant Hustler) and the food we've been cooking! We also discuss the fact that free-range eggs are no longer available in the UK and The Humane League's legal challenge against DEFRA for cruel breeding practices.

And… the moment you've been waiting for! We review a whole load of vegan Easter eggs from Hotel Chocolat, Wicked Kitchen, NOMO, Doisy and Dam – find out which ones are worth shopping for this Easter!

Don't forget to send your questions to [email protected].

Coming up on Thursday: Holly chats with industry expert Michelle Feeney about all things beauty-related.

Music by Purple Planet. 

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful interview, life coach, body builder and author of Love Over Fear Monk Coleman shares his story of growing up in poverty and struggling with alcohol addiction before discovering meditation and adopting a vegan lifestyle.

Monk discusses how we are all conditioned by those around us to think, feel and eat a certain way but by taking time to meditate and connect with our true selves, we can discover a kinder way of living.

This episode is sponsored by California Walnuts, which like all walnuts, are the only tree nut to contain a significant amount of omega-3 ALA, which is good for your heart and overall wellness.  

 The taste and texture of California Walnuts makes them a versatile ingredient for all kinds of plant-based dishes. California Walnuts absorb the flavours of other ingredients and give your dish a healthy crunch. 30g of California Walnuts offers 4.4 g of protein and 1.4 g of fibre.

So why not grab a bag of California Walnuts next time you are shopping, make sure you check the pack for Produce of California or Produce of USA. To find out more visit californiawalnuts.co.uk.

Music by Purple Planet.

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're reviewing lunchbox cookies from Snackzilla, an exciting cauliflower hybrid from CauliShoots, and brand new dishes (including a vegan calzone!) from White Rabbit.

We also have Doctor Laura Freeman from Plant Based Health Professionals answering questions on peri-menopause and diet, and Holly and Molly discuss how to chat to non-vegan friends. Should we try to convert them? If so, how? Send your own questions to us at [email protected].

This episode is sponsored by California Walnuts which, like all walnuts, are the only tree nut to contain a significant amount of omega-3 ALA, which is good for your heart and overall wellness.  

The taste and texture of California Walnuts makes them a versatile ingredient for all kinds of plant-based dishes. California Walnuts absorb the flavours of other ingredients and give your dish a healthy crunch. 30g of California Walnuts* offers 4.4 g of protein and 1.4 g of fibre. For great tasting walnuts, keep them in the fridge. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

So why not grab a bag of California Walnuts next time you are shopping? Make sure you check the pack for Produce of California or Produce of USA.  To find out more visit californiawalnuts.co.uk.

Music by Purple Planet 

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Holly chats to actress, author and activist Alicia Silverstone, star of 90s classic Clueless. They discuss the wide-ranging benefits of a vegan lifestyle and the plant-based foods that can really nourish your body and soul. Alicia talks about raising her son as a vegan, his love of cooking and how her mum inspired her to live a zero-waste lifestyle.

They discuss how we can subtly persuade those round us to go vegan, and delve into Alicia's brand-new podcast, The Real Heal, which looks at healing ourselves and the world around us with kindness and compassion. Alicia also shares what helped her cope with finding fame at such a young age, and why she's not a typical Hollywood actress.


Today’s episode is sponsored by The Vegan Kind, the home of plant based shopping. The Vegan Kind is the UK’s #1 plant based supermarket. 

With over 5000 products in stock and next day carbon neutral delivery, it’s a one stop shop for all your shopping needs. From daily essentials to those hard to find artisan, vegan items, it has over 200 vegan cheeses, meat replacements and dairy alternatives, cruelty-free beauty and sustainable, household cleaning with all the top brands you would expect. 

 Join Kind Club and get up to 75% off thousands of items and 4 free deliveries per month for just £4.99. Shop at the vegankind.com – the home of plant based shopping.

Music by Purple Planet

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch up with Holly and Molly as they discuss what they've been up to this week, how they deal with non-vegan friends and the new plant-based Burger King in London.

They also review some exciting new flavoured mayonnaise from Barries Mayo, hot cross bun doughnuts from Crosstown (yes, you heard right!), and vitamin gummies from Nutriburst.

Nutritionist Rohini Bajekal from Plant-Based Health Professionals also joins the podcast to set us straight on the complex subject of oils (which ones are healthy? which ones should we avoid?), and Holly and Molly answer a listener question about buying from non-vegan companies. Email your questions or comments to [email protected].

Today’s podcast is sponsored by The Vegan Kind, the home of plant based shopping. The Vegan Kind is the UK’s #1 plant based supermarket. With over 5000 products in stock and next day carbon neutral delivery, they are your one stop shop for all your shopping needs. From daily essentials to those hard to find artisan, vegan items they have everything from over 200 vegan cheeses, meat replacements and dairy alternatives to cruelty free beauty and sustainable, household cleaning with all the top brands you would expect. Join Kind Club and get up to 75% off thousands of items and 4 free deliveries per month for just £4.99. Shop at the vegankind.com – the home of plant based shopping.

Coming up on Thursday 17th March 2022: Holly chats to Clueless star Alicia Silverstone about her new podcast, raising vegan kids, spreading kindness and much more.

Music by Purple Planet

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Holly chats to star of Saved by the Barn, Dan McKernan. He explains how he thought his house mate was crazy when she went vegan, only to go vegan himself after experiencing delicious plant-based food and watching Cowspiracy. He goes on to discuss leaving a high-paid job in the tech industry to rescue farm animals, how his videos went viral, and how his animals are now celebrities.

They discuss why we eat some animals and love others, what it's like being surrounded by old-school farmers, and Dan's new illustrated children's book - This Farm is a Family – which is teaching compassion to children.

Coming up next Thursday: Holly chats to actress and activist Alicia Silverstone.

Music by Purple Planet.

Share your journey with us!

• Become a patron at patreon.com/simplyvegan and access video interviews, live chats with Holly and Molly and free downloads
• Visit veganfoodandliving.com and try our delicious recipes
• Tag us in your social posts, @veganfoodandliving
• Share this episode with a friend
• Try an issue of Vegan Food and Living magazine for just 99p

Music by Purple Planet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.