
The Plant Based News Podcast
The Plant Based News (PBN Podcast) delivers pioneering vegan news and ethical views weekly. Your go to podcast for plant-based nutrition and everything to do with living a vegan lifestyle.
Hosts in order of episodes:
Robbie Lockie
Joe Best
Klaus Mitchell
Sarah Tweed
Shabnam Islam
Latest episodes

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ex-Farmer Goes Vegan: JH Burnett on the Realities of Animal Agriculture
Welcome to another episode of the PBN Podcast.
Todays guest is JH Burnett, a former sheep farmer and artificial inseminator in the dairy industry who, after being horrified by the atrocities witnessed in these industries, turned Vegan. Now, alongside his wife Elle, he is a full-time Vegan author and activist.
Burnett is a well-spoken Vegan educator, coach, author, and storyteller. He has recently launched his memoir 'Ex-Farmer Goes Vegan.' This book chronicles his journey to Veganism, detailing the cruelty he witnessed, the questions raised, the darkness he fought against, and the love and compassion he experienced, culminating in his long-overdue 'escape.'
Host: Robbie Lockie
Editor: Polly Foreman
Audio Editor: Phil Marriott
Social Media: Darrell Sawczuk
Producer: Xisca Taylor
00:00:00 An introduction to JH Burnett
00:02:55 The start of JH’s vegan journey
00:08:15 The transition from a meat-loving, South African farmer to a compassionate vegan
00:23:10 The impact of animal agriculture on human health
00:24:47 80 non-vegans watch a screening of Dominion - Scary Film Challenge at Leeds University (2019) (Krieg Vegan video clip)
00:26:31 Dominion
00:36:16 Who or what influenced JH as a compassionate vegan?
00:43:18 A poem by JH Burnett
00:44:17 Experiencing working within the dairy industry
00:58:59 A nightmare story by JH Burnett
01:00:00 Being a life coach
01:07:30 Stranded on a desert island

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 1min
Netflix's Thuy Pham Putting Vietnam On The Table: An Emotional Success Story
Welcome to the Plant Based News podcast.
Today, we have an inspiring guest joining us. Thuy Pham, founder of Mama Đút, a vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon. She's renowned for her vegan pork belly, quickly becoming an Instagram sensation.
Thuy's extraordinary journey, from a Vietnamese child refugee to a trailblazing restaurateur, has been beautifully showcased in the Netflix series "Street Food: USA”.
Host: Robbie Lockie
Editor: Polly Foreman
Audio Editor: Phil Marriott
Social Media: Darrell Sawczuk
Producer: Xisca Taylor
Follow Thuy here - https://www.instagram.com/mama.dut.foods/
00:00:00 An introduction to Thuy Pham - Founder of Mama Dut (including clip of ‘Mama Dut Foods Documentary’ from Mercatus PDX)
00:04:20 Discovering the vegan and plant-based lifestyle
00:06:56 Netflix’s ‘Street Food: USA’ puts spotlight on Portland’s Mama Dut (clip from Koin 6 News Channel)
00:08:12 Being a mother
00:09:42 Action is karma - the important role that karma plays in Buddhism
00:14:32 The importance of food in Thuy’s culture
00:24:58 Shifting the trauma from childhood and taking ownership of family culture
00:28:35 Cooking with Thuy (Instagram video clip)
00:31:34 Portland ranked America’s most vegan-friendly city
00:35:10 Mama Dut, Thuy Pham’s Vietnamese inspired vegan restaurant
00:38:15 Creating Thuy’s Vegan Pork Belly
00:49:48 Words of wisdom for those starting out in the restaurant industry
00:49:25 Restaurant Owner Revolutionizes Vietnamese Food (video clip from Rated V For Vegan)
00:56:00 Future plans
00:57:55 Stranded on a desert island

Nov 22, 2023 • 57min
Joe Best's 20 Year Journey To Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Discover the transformative health journey of Joe Best Bliss ex-Goldman Sachs banker turned wellness adventurer. In this enlightening talk, Joe unveils his battle with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and how after trying many well-known diets he triumphed through a uniquely balanced plant-based lifestyle he created for himself.
Immerse yourself in Joe’s insightful approach to overcoming binge eating, managing diabetes, and fostering a mindful connection with food. It’s not just about health, but self-discovery, personal growth, and breaking boundaries around diet and well-being.
Follow Joe on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpaU0jtkNkvZCblq4vyUqA
Host: Robbie Lockie
Editor: Polly Foreman
Audio Editor: Phil Marriott
Social Media: Darrell Sawczuk
Producer: Xisca Taylor
00:00:00 An introduction to Joe Best
00:05:21 What does it mean to be a diabetic?
00:07:08 The beginning of Joe’s vegan journey
00:11:38 Factors that changed Joe’s life
00:13:13 Plant Based Food that helped reverse Joe’s symptoms (vlog clip)
00:14:59 The simple solution: swapping out an animal based diet
00:22:19 Morning Affirmation (vlog clip)
00:22:59 A diet that is always changing
00:26:02 Weight
00:33:09 Evolutionary change
00:42:11 A low-fat, low-carb diet
00:48:40 A message for those who can’t stick to a plant based diet
00:52:57 The highs and lows of reversing diabetes

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h
Dismantling the Patriarchy: A Conversation with Vegan Politician Georgie Purcell
Welcome to The Plant Based News Podcast, where we deliver pioneering vegan news and ethical views weekly. Today we are joined by a very exciting guest, Georgie Purcell.
Georgie Purcell is an Australian politician and a member of the Animal Justice Party. She was elected as the Member of the Legislative Council for Northern Victoria in November 2022, making her the second AJP MP in Victoria and the third in Australia. She is also a lawyer, a unionist and an advocate for women’s rights and reproductive health.
Georgie is a vegan herself and has been vocal about the benefits of plant-based food and lifestyle for animals, people and the planet. She has also challenged some of the myths and misconceptions that surround veganism in the mainstream media and society.
Follow Georgie on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/georgie.purcell.ajp/
Host: Robbie Lockie
Editor: Polly Foreman
Audio Editor: Phil Marriott
Social Media: Darrell Sawczuk
Producer: Xisca Taylor
00:00:00 An Introduction to Georgie Purcell
00:02:39 Discovering the vegan lifestyle
00:04:30 The power of the Earthlings documentary
00:07:06 The benefits and challenges of making the switch to veganism
00:10:30 Dealing with the challenges of growing up within a predominantly meat-eating environment
00:13:09 Culture and toxic masculinity inc. Gamechangers trailer clips and Pork On Your Fork ad
00:19:25 Getting involved in Politics
00:24:18 The Patriarchal System
00:30:05 Improving the lives of animals within abusive industries
00:35:28 International Women’s Day: Wearing Online Gendered Abuse
00:39:22 Sexism and Misogyny: How can this behavior be addressed?
00:45:37 Some of MP Georgie Purcell’s effective campaigns for animal welfare
00:53:45 Inspiring people to be more politically active
00:57:26 Stranded on a desert island

Oct 18, 2023 • 58min
Inflammation: The Silent Fire Within & Its Ties to Diet and Disease with Dr. Shilpa Ravella
Today’s podcast is supported by Complement, our co-hosts of the Plantapalooza: Longevity Online Festival. Claim your free VIP ticket at https://plnt.news/Planta
Welcome to The Plant Based News Podcast, in this episode we have a very special guest. She is a gastroenterologist, an author, and an expert on the role of inflammation, diet, and disease. Her name is Dr. Shilpa Ravella, and she has just published a fascinating book called A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet & Disease. Dr. Ravella is also a vegan herself and an advocate for plant-based nutrition.
Buy Dr. Shilpa Ravella book 'A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet and Disease' here - https://amzn.to/45A0d1B
Follow Shilpa on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/shilpa.ravella/
Host: Robbie Lockie
Editor: Polly Foreman
Audio Editor: Phil Marriott
Social Media: Darrell Sawczuk
00:00:00 An introduction to Dr. Shilpa Ravella
00:01:08 The beginning of Dr. Shilpa’s vegan journey
00:02:30 Support from others during those formative years
00:04:49 Training in Gastroenterology
00:06:40 How the food you eat affects your gut (TED-Ed information)
00:07:50 How bacteria makes up our bodies
00:11:44 SPONSOR: Complement ad
00:12:42 The importance of Dietary Fibre (TED-Ed information)
00:14:40 How inflammation affects our health
00:21:10 Taking Inulin supplements
00:22:17 The benefits of fermented foods (TED-Ed information)
00:23:57 Leaky Gut Syndrome
00:27:10 Balancing vegan values with professional obligations
00:33:39 Fecal transplants
00:39:49 Celebrating veganism as a hobby
00:42:59 An amazing day of nourishing foods: What we should be consuming to reducing health issues
00:47:25 How to eat fermented foods
00:55:48 Stranded on a desert island

Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 11min
A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Drew Harrisberg's Journey With Diabetes
Welcome back to another episode of the Plant Based News podcast!
This episode is sponsored by Complement, our co-hosts of the UPCOMING Plantapalooza: Longevity Online Festival. We've also teamed up to offer you the chance to win a dream vacation to the Mayan jungle - enter now at https://plnt.news/GetawayWin
Joining us today is Drew Harrisberg, an exercise physiologist, sports scientist, and diabetes educator from Australia. Drew was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 22. He says his “world shifted,” after his diagnosis, but that he made positive changes to the way he eats, lives, moves, and approaches life as a result. So positive were these changes, that he says that he’s happier and healthier than he was before his diagnosis.
The PBN Podcast is hosted by Robbie Lockie, Edited by Phil Marriott and produced by Xisca Taylor, Social Media Darrell Sawczuk.
Follow Drew on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/drews.daily.dose/?hl=en-gb
00:00:00 An introduction to Drew Harrisberg
00:04:03 Discovering the plant-based lifestyle
00:08:58 Michelle McMacken on the benefits of a plant-based diet to help combat diabetes
00:10:07 Researching the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle
00:12:07 Michelle McMacken on protein
00:13:12 What is diabetes and what causes it?
00:22:20 The frustrations of the health benefits of a plant-based diet being ignored by those suffering
00:26:48 *Complement ad*
00:27:40 The best thing you can do for your health
00:31:10 The Carnivore Diet: Talking With Docs - medical professionals, Dr. Zalzal and Dr. Weening on the dangers of a meat-only diet
00:32:56 Piers Morgan chats to Mikhalia Peterson to discuss her steak-only food regime
00:42:00 Toxic gender behaviour, stereotypes and bullying
01:01:45 Animals
01:04:35 Drew’s musical talents
01:05:30 Drew Harrisberg ‘My Two Hands’ clip
01:07:01 Stranded on a desert island

Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 23min
Inspiring Action Through Veganism and Media with Lou Hamilton
Welcome back to another episode of the Plant Based News podcast! This week I’m joined by Lou Hamilton, an author, artist, and creative director. Lou is the owner of a podcast guest agency, and she’s well-versed in the power of podcasts in raising awareness and spreading important messages.
She also hosts her own podcast, named Brave New Girl, which brings together mission-driven leaders who are focused on the health and wellbeing of people and the planet.
Follow Lou on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/brave_newgirl/
00:00:00 An introduction to Lou Hamilton
00:03:10 Beginning the vegan journey
00:06:43 Childhood food
00:10:15 Brave New Girl podcast
00:16:00 Making social media a positive and inspiring place
00:24:30 Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT
00:32:30 Finding your calm space & connecting with the Earth
00:40:32 Equality & powerful women in business
00:47:25 Greta Thunberg & Andrew Tate
00:49:45 Inspiring and educating men about feminism
00:56:15 The Venus Project - a platform for change
01:06:25 2040 Documentary
01:09:45 Nichiren Buddhism
01:19:54 Stranded on a desert island

Aug 9, 2023 • 1h 14min
Behind "Bones and All": Camille DeAngelis on Feminism, Veganism, and Finding Your Creativity
Welcome back to another episode of the Plant Based News podcast. I am joined today by renowned American author, teacher, and vegan educator Camille DeAngelis, best known for her acclaimed novel "Bones and All”.
Originally from New Jersey and currently based in Washington, DC, Camille considers herself a writer for all ages. Her previous work includes novels, practical philosophy, and the Moon Guide to Ireland, which she regularly updates. She is the author of two books of nonfiction: Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People and A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation.
Her best known work to date – the award-winning novel “Bones and All” – was first published in 2015 and was recently turned into a film, starring Timothee Chalamet, which premiered in 2022. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Maren, who is plagued by a compulsion to eat the bones of the people she loves. The book explores themes of love, obsession, and the nature of family, as the protagonist sets out on a journey to understand her condition and find a way to live with it.
After being a longtime vegetarian, Camille became vegan in 2011. She pursued her interest in the vegan movement further and in 2013 became a certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator through Victoria Moran’s Main Street Vegan Academy.
The PBN Podcast is hosted and produced by Robbie Lockie, edited by Phil Marriott and researched and scripted by Antonia Georgieva.
Follow Camille on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/cometparty/
00:00:00 An introduction to Camille De Angelis
00:03:00 Discovering the vegan lifestyle
00:07:45 Volunteering at Sadhana Forest
00:13:50 The fundamental shift
00:20:50 Don’t hustle - endeavor!
00:23:00 Social media
00:25:30 Becoming a writer
00:29:28 Originality
00:31:05 Experiencing Imposter Syndrome and staying focussed
00:37:02 Bones And All and the movie adaptation
00:41:30 Time travel and science fiction
00:51:00 Camille’s proudest achievements in writing
00:53:45 Artificial intelligence
01:10:35 Stranded on a desert island

Jul 26, 2023 • 55min
Leah Garcés On The Human Cost Of Factory Farming
Welcome back to another episode of the Plant Based News podcast. Today I have the pleasure of being joined by a truly remarkable guest – animal rights advocate, author, and President of Mercy for Animals, Leah Garcés. Leah is a visionary leader and a passionate advocate with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the animal protection movement, and she has achieved great strides for the movement in that time.
Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Leah Garcés is half Colombian and half American and has also lived in Spain, the US and the UK. In her impressive career, she spent 7 years at the World Society for the Protection of Animals, where she oversaw international campaigns in 14 countries and managed a multi-million dollar budget. This led her to launch the US chapter of Compassion in World Farming, where she spent 8 years further amplifying her efforts to reduce the suffering of animals on a massive scale.
Find out more about Mercy For Animals here - https://mercyforanimals.org/
The PBN Podcast is hosted and produced by Robbie Lockie, edited by Phil Marriott and researched and scripted by Antonia Georgieva.
00:00:00 An introduction to Leah Garcés
00:04:05 An update on the Mercy For Animals organisation
00:05:55 Horrific Egg-Farm footage of chickens trapped in feces [clip]
00:07:00 The challenges that Mercy For Animals faces
00:11:40 Measuring the impact of the work that Leah and her team are doing
00:13:55 ‘Shining A Light on Bright’ by Leah Garcés - performed by Michelle Lauria [clip]
00:15:00 Deciding on where the campaign energy goes
00:22:05 The life of chickens on factory farms [clip]
00:24:00 Why are politicians blind to the destruction caused by animal agriculture?
00:34:20 The human cost of factory farming
00:35:00 Leah’s forthcoming book Transfarmation
00:38:42 The progress of the Transfarmation project
00:42:20 Inspiring young people
00:47:20 How people can involved with the movement

Jul 12, 2023 • 55min
How To Achieve Collective Liberation - Christopher Eubanks on Fighting For Animals & Humans Alike
This week I’m excited to welcome to the show a very exciting guest - animal, climate, and human rights activist and founder of APEX Advocacy Christopher “Soul” Eubanks.
After discovering the horrors of animal exploitation, Soul became vegan, began doing community organising, and helped co-organise Atlanta’s first-ever animal rights march.
In 2021 Soul founded APEX Advocacy, a non-profit animal rights organisation that uses digital content creation and grassroots activism for animal advocacy. APEX Advocacy aims to increase the number of BIPOC individuals who participate in animal activism by empowering their activism, providing them professional and personal development, and building greater equity in the animal protection movement.
Find out more about Christopher and APEX Advocacy here - https://www.apexadvocacy.org/
The PBN Podcast is hosted and produced by Robbie Lockie, edited by Phil Marriott and researched and scripted by Antonia Georgieva.