

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

7 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 21min
256: Does "Aging Gracefully" Just Mean “Shut Up”?
This discussion dives into the tension between gratitude and guilt, questioning if aging gracefully means silencing our struggles. It explores how toxic positivity can invalidate genuine feelings and how societal norms pressure us to downplay our pain. Through personal anecdotes, the conversation highlights the importance of embracing authentic journeys instead of idealized transformation narratives. It also champions the idea that caring about animal welfare and climate issues is vital, urging listeners to voice their concerns and fight for meaningful change.

8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 15min
255: The Vegan Blame Game
Explore the emotional hurdles of adopting a vegan lifestyle. The discussion dives into the comfort of blaming ourselves and others for inaction. It emphasizes that knowledge alone isn't enough to spark change. You'll learn about a mindset shift that fosters creativity and compassion, allowing for a more forgiving approach to setbacks. The listener challenge encourages taking small, powerful steps instead of getting caught in blame. This enlightening conversation is all about finding the courage to start anew, time and again.

Jul 15, 2025 • 14min
254: Got Labels?: What If Your Food Told the Truth?
A new Swiss law requires clear labeling for animal products, revealing if animals endured painful treatments. This shift promotes awareness and invites reflection on food choices, especially for those reconsidering their diets. The discussion challenges the 'right to know' versus ignorance and encourages curiosity over guilt. Listeners are invited to investigate one animal-based product’s journey and assess its alignment with their values. Navigating veganism in social settings also highlights the importance of respectful dialogue around dietary choices.

10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 46min
253: Plant-Based Cooking As An Act of Personal Liberation: Chef Day Radley from The Vegan Chef School
Chef Day Radley, founder of The Vegan Chef School in London, shares how plant-based cooking can be a pathway to personal liberation. She discusses the journey of individuals reinventing themselves through vegan cuisine, emphasizing that midlife is a perfect time to embrace new skills. Day highlights the importance of food choices in reflecting personal values, challenges the notion of calorie counting, and celebrates the creative potential within British food culture. Cooking, she argues, is a powerful tool for empowerment and activism.

4 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
252: The Vegan We’re Waiting For (Might Be You)
Discover how small choices can create significant change as the host dives into the power of personal responsibility. Traffic serves as a metaphor for collective action, urging listeners to move from passive observation to active participation. Explore how doomscrolling stifles creativity and learn insights from We Are the Weather that emphasize daily actions. This engaging discussion encourages embracing achievable goals and taking meaningful steps in your plant-based journey, reminding us that every individual's intention truly matters.

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 23min
251: Well, Excuuuuuse Me…
The discussion revolves around the intriguing concept of 'excusitarianism,' where excuses are reframed as insights into our fears. Humor and curiosity are presented as tools to transform these excuses into opportunities for personal growth. Listeners are invited to laugh at their justifications and to view resistance not as an obstacle but as a path to self-discovery. The journey includes actionable steps toward adopting a healthier lifestyle, making it a fun exploration of how to embrace change.

Jun 17, 2025 • 47min
250: Miami Vegan with Ellen Kanner- From the Tropics to Your Table
Ellen Kanner, an award-winning writer and culinary instructor, shares her journey as a long-time vegan and 5th generation Miami native. She discusses her cookbook, highlighting vibrant, plant-based recipes that honor Latin and Caribbean traditions. Ellen emphasizes the love language of rice and beans, the evolution of Miami's vegan scene, and the importance of cultural authenticity in veganizing recipes. With insights on mastering tropical fruits and promoting community support in culinary ventures, her passion for food shines through!

Jun 10, 2025 • 25min
249: Vedge Lit: Quit Lit for Your Plant-Based Practice - It’s Never Too Late to Go Vegan by Carol J Adams
Discover the joys of embracing veganism at any age! A compelling discussion on the transformative book 'Never Too Late to Go Vegan' reveals how late-life dietary changes can enhance well-being. Dive into personal stories that resonate and highlight the unique advantages older individuals bring to their plant-based journeys. The speaker encourages you to shift your mindset about timing and invites you to reflect on your own experiences. Plus, a fun challenge awaits that prompts you to explore how age can inspire your vegan choices!

Jun 3, 2025 • 20min
248: Defying Gravity - The Invisible Forces Shaping Your Vegan Practice
Explore how your surroundings shape your choices, particularly in veganism. Discover the invisible forces that guide everyday habits and cultural norms. Reflect on inherited beliefs and how they impact your journey toward a plant-based lifestyle. Learn the weight of both decisions and inactions, and how intentional changes can shift your trajectory. Engage with powerful journal prompts to evaluate what’s keeping you stuck and how to make empowering choices that align with your values.

8 snips
May 27, 2025 • 45min
247: Zero Waste, Plant-Based, and Other Delicious Decisions with Vojtech Vegh
Join Vojtech Vegh, a zero-waste vegan chef and founder of SurplusFoodStudio.com, as he takes listeners on a journey from a reluctant waiter to a culinary innovator. He shares transformative insights on preventing food waste, emphasizing that planning is key. Discover how to creatively repurpose scraps, turning carrot tops and watermelon rinds into culinary delights. Vojtech discusses the chef’s role in sustainability and how small mindset shifts can make low-waste cooking the new norm, both in restaurants and at home.