

Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age
Michele Olender
There has never been a more important time to be Vegan. Vedge Your Best is the only podcast aimed at teaching midlife women how to limit and eliminate the consumption of animal products without feeling deprived, overwhelmed or unsupported, even if no one you know is Vegan. Life Coach Michele Olender will show you how living Vegan is the superpower that will unlock your possibilities and give you the confidence to take on your next impossible goal, by doing it YOUR way. Vedge YOUR Best and there’s nothing you can’t do.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 22min
282: Strategy or Tactics? Why Your Vegan Intentions Keep Stalling
A clear look at why good intentions stall by separating big-picture strategy from everyday tactics. Short stories and examples show how identity-level decisions collapse without simple, repeatable actions. Practical tactics like routines, defaults, and practiced orders are highlighted as the real movers. Reflection prompts invite you to spot where you have strategy but no tactics, or tactics without a guiding why.

Jan 20, 2026 • 14min
281: Concern, Projection, and the Myth of the Extreme Vegan
In a candid reflection on health and veganism, Michele tackles the frustrating question many in the plant-based community face: 'Are you sure veganism is working for you?' She shares her own medical experiences, emphasizing that her health remains robust despite the skepticism. Michele clarifies that illness can spark unfounded dietary concerns and dismantles myths around veganism being extreme or self-neglecting. With a focus on practical choices, she encourages listeners to embrace their dietary paths without succumbing to judgment.

Jan 13, 2026 • 19min
280: Re-Introducing Vedge Your Best: Why Most Change Fails—and What Actually Works
January often brings a wave of New Year's resolutions that quickly fizzle out, leaving many disheartened. Discover why the shift from an outcome-based mindset to a process-based one can transform your approach to change, not just in veganism, but in all aspects of life. Explore how treating veganism as a consistent practice fosters confidence and sustained progress. Michele shares insights on gradual belief shifts versus big moments, plus practical tips to help you focus on systems and habits while calming that pesky perfectionism.

9 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 57min
279: Staying Alive: Sherry Shrallow Talks Heart Disease, Food, and the Vegan Volunteer Corps
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.

Dec 30, 2025 • 19min
278: 7 Themes From 2025 (and What We’re Carrying Into 2026)
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.

4 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 16min
277: When the Day Falls Apart
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!

Dec 16, 2025 • 27min
276: Want Change? Remember - You’ll Forget.
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!

Dec 9, 2025 • 44min
275: Cut, Char, Season: Chef Ed Harris on Making Vegan Food Unforgettable
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.

Dec 2, 2025 • 23min
274: The Weakest Link in Your Vegan Practice
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!

Nov 25, 2025 • 21min
273: Vegan Voyeurs
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.


