Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age

Sherry Shrallow, a plant-based educator and author who survived a life-threatening heart attack, shares her transformative journey toward health. She emphasizes how adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet changed her life, highlighting the gaps in medical advice she encountered. Sherry discusses her battle with post-op depression and the importance of community service through the Vegan Volunteer Corps, providing nutritious meals to the homeless. With a focus on mindfulness and real-world challenges, she inspires listeners to embrace change and resilience.

As 2025 wraps up, insights emerge about the journey of change. It's not just about making decisions; remembering those choices is crucial. Friction points often hinder progress, so understanding discomfort as a sign of caring is vital. Practice trumps performance for lasting habits, and engaging with actions brings clarity. Restarting doesn’t mean starting over; it’s about building on past experiences. Small shifts in identity lay the groundwork for meaningful change, emphasizing kindness and continuation as we move into 2026.

Ever struggle to keep your plant-based promises by the end of the day? You're not alone! Discover how decision fatigue weighs on your motivation as the day progresses. Learn why mornings are easier thanks to the brain's planning regions, while evening choices often succumb to immediate comfort. Michele reveals the pitfalls of shame and vague intentions, emphasizing the power of clear, if-then plans to boost follow-through. It’s all about working with your brain, not against it!

Changing habits can be tough, and the biggest challenge is often just remembering to act. Michele shares insights on how the brain renegotiates plans and why routines can be hard to establish. She highlights concepts like the Doorway Effect, which shows how moving between spaces can cause us to forget our intentions. Tune in to learn practical tips for creating cues that help you remember your goals. Celebrating small wins and using spaced repetition can turn intentions into lasting habits!

Chef Ed Harris, an award-winning plant-based chef and culinary consultant, shares his journey to veganism and culinary innovation. He discusses how charring and cutting techniques can elevate the flavor of vegetables, turning everyday meals into memorable experiences. Chef Ed also reflects on his time competing on Food Network, the intense focus required in cooking shows, and the importance of ingredient integrity in dishes like falafel. With a contagious enthusiasm, he emphasizes the need for bold flavors and the potential of plant-based cooking.

Discover how your vegan journey is hindered by its weakest link. Michele dives into the Theory of Constraints, illustrating how a single bottleneck can stifle progress. Using a car factory analogy, she explains that even micro-constraints like social discomfort or perfectionism can impact your choices. Learn how to identify your personal constraints and address them effectively. Plus, get inspired by Michele's own visibility challenge and actionable tips for overcoming your hurdles. It's all about finding clarity and momentum!

Thanksgiving is the perfect backdrop for exploring the idea of being a 'vegan voyeur.' Many people enjoy following vegan content without making the leap to a plant-based lifestyle. This discussion dives into behavioral science, revealing how our brains reward us for merely learning about change. It emphasizes the difference between celebrating ideas and taking action. With practical tips for small steps, listeners are encouraged to make tangible moves toward a vegan lifestyle, especially during the holiday season.

Explore why facts often backfire, triggering defensiveness in conversations about veganism. Discover the importance of identity and belonging in shaping responses to dietary choices. Learn Gleb Tsipursky's eGRIP framework, emphasizing curiosity and rapport over raw data. Michele shares a powerful question to open minds and the art of using humility in dialogues. Delve into practical examples and a holiday challenge to practice curiosity, fostering more compassionate discussions around food during family gatherings.

Many of us fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect moment to start our journeys, influenced by diet culture. The host dives into why this mindset leads to cycles of perfectionism and guilt. Instead of waiting, she encourages listeners to make small, compassionate changes now, especially during the holiday season. Embracing the uncomfortable feeling of being unmoored can actually signify positive change. It’s all about reframing veganism as a lifelong practice filled with values rather than an end goal.

Angela Yvonne, a journalist and the creator of Vegan Pop Eats, dives into the journey from Veganuary to everyday veganism. She argues that veganism needs a fresh PR approach, focusing on inviting people in rather than policing choices. Angela introduces her flexible "3 M's" for plant-forward living, shares budget-friendly vegan cooking tips, and highlights how your neighborhood influences food options. With a goal to shift perceptions, she emphasizes the cultural richness of a vegan lifestyle beyond just food.