

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

May 20, 2025 • 50min
246: Can Fast Food Save the Planet? Jonah Goldman of PLNT Burger
Jonah Goldman, the co-founder of PLNT Burger, shares his inspiring journey from childhood visits to animal sanctuaries to pioneering a plant-based burger chain. He discusses how PLNT Burger redefines fast food with a focus on joy, flavor, and sustainability. Goldman emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in attracting skeptics, why they avoid the term 'vegan,' and the innovative tools like a live impact calculator to track environmental savings. It's a compelling look at how delicious plant-based options can drive positive change.

May 13, 2025 • 31min
245: Neuroscience and Vegan Decisions: Pulling Back the Curtain on Your Brain
Why do we struggle to act on our intentions, especially when it comes to a vegan lifestyle? This discussion dives into the neuroscience behind decision-making and the resistance our brains create when we try to change. Listeners learn practical strategies to combat indecision, especially during moments of stress or fatigue. The importance of understanding psychological barriers and practicing self-compassion is highlighted. Get ready to embrace one decision at a time, and remember: you’re not broken; you’re human!

May 6, 2025 • 54min
244: Toastmaster to Hummus: Kimberly Winters on Finding Your Vegan Voice
Kimberly Winters, a vegan coach and host of "Did You Bring the Hummus?" podcast, shares her transformative journey from Toastmasters to the world of veganism. She discusses the importance of storytelling in spreading vegan ideas authentically and why every small choice counts. Kimberly provides practical tips for restaurants to be more inclusive and highlights the power of community in the vegan movement. She emphasizes overcoming fears in public speaking and the personal growth that comes with embracing a vegan lifestyle.

4 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 24min
243: Spring Vegan Reset
Spring is here, and it's time to refresh your plant-based living! Discover how a little spring cleaning can boost your vegan journey. Audit your media and clear out anything that doesn't support your goals. Don't forget to free up kitchen space by letting go of animal-based cooking tools. Add inspiration to your home with fresh produce displays and herb gardens. Plus, simplify meal planning with easy frameworks. Align your living space with your values and watch your lifestyle transform!

5 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 54min
242: The Vegan Transformation: The Emotional & Spiritual Shift of Going Vegan with Dr. Angela Crawford
Dr. Angela Crawford, a psychologist and author of 'The Vegan Transformation', discusses the deep emotional and spiritual shifts experienced when adopting a vegan lifestyle. She shares findings from her research, including the seven core transformations that align actions with values, fostering authenticity and purpose. Dr. Crawford explores how veganism enhances interconnectedness with all life and offers practical advice on navigating conversations with non-vegans. Her own journey from meat-eater to vegan educator adds a personal touch to this transformative discussion.

8 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 24min
241: Vague Vegan Problems
Feeling overwhelmed in your vegan journey? The discussion digs into the chaos of juggling life’s demands and the cloudy goals that keep you stuck. Learn why vague intentions hinder progress and how to convert them into clear, actionable steps. Michele shares her personal experiences and emphasizes that specificity is the key to achieving plant-based success. Plus, there’s a fun dip into travel plans and some great music recommendations. It’s all about moving from confusion to clarity!

Apr 8, 2025 • 56min
240: Struggling to Go Vegan? Try This 30-Day Challenge — with Cheryl Martinez of Veginner Cooking
In a delightful chat, Cheryl Martinez, founder of VeginnerCooking.com, shares her journey from a meat-loving family to a plant-based coach. She discusses how self-compassion can break down the overwhelm of going vegan. Cheryl provides practical tips for navigating cravings and social situations, ensuring you don’t feel alone in your transition. With a focus on community, she encourages listeners to join her empowering 30-Day Vegan Challenge, making the prospect of adopting a vegan lifestyle both accessible and exciting.

5 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 18min
239: “Why Vegan Visibility Matters - We Can’t Be What We Can’t See
Explore the impact of vegan visibility in inspiring plant-based lifestyles. Personal journeys highlight the importance of community and progress. Discover how trusting the process and visualizing personal growth can lead to transformative change. The episode emphasizes representation, showcasing diverse stories that foster inclusivity in vegan advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to become advocates themselves, realizing the positive influence their visibility can have on others.

Mar 25, 2025 • 57min
238: Howling for Change - John Oberg and the Algorithm of Animal Advocacy
John Oberg, a passionate animal rights activist and social media strategist, shares his inspiring journey in advocacy. He discusses the power of social media to spread awareness, moving from traditional methods like leafleting to engaging millions online. John emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with non-vegans and how to handle online negativity as a form of engagement. He advocates for accessible vegan choices and highlights Mexico City's vibrant vegan scene, encouraging everyone to explore delicious plant-based options.

Mar 18, 2025 • 32min
237: Tired of Anti-Vegan Nonsense? Must Listen.
Tired of the same old anti-vegan arguments? Discover how to counter logical fallacies with confidence and humor. Learn the art of engaging in meaningful vegan conversations while avoiding frustrating debates. Uncover the benefits of plant-based diets for health and the environment, and understand how to navigate conflicts with compassion. By focusing on logic and empathy, you can plant seeds in discussions that matter, all while staying calm and collected. Get ready to shift the narrative around veganism!