

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

8 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 23min
236: Vegan – Not Another Way to Fail
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of going vegan? You're not alone! In this discussion, the host tackles mindset blocks, reminding us that struggling is merely proof of caring. They emphasize breaking free from all-or-nothing thinking and redefining success in personal terms. Fear of change is explored as a barrier, coupled with practical tips to make plant-based choices liberating rather than limiting. It’s all about taking small, manageable steps that align your values with daily choices, turning the vegan journey into a fulfilling practice.

Mar 4, 2025 • 47min
235: Vegan Food Truck to Vegan University - Adam Sobel from CinnamonSnail.com
In this engaging conversation, Adam Sobel, the founder of America’s first organic vegan food truck, shares his culinary journey. He discusses how his food truck blossomed into a beloved NYC spot, culminating in a successful cookbook. Adam reflects on his adaptive shift to online teaching during the pandemic with Vegan University, aiming to connect and inspire diverse audiences. He also shares amusing tales, including his unique experience of adopting a wallaby and organizing whimsical pop-ups like 'Galactic Mega Stallion', showcasing creativity in vegan cuisine.

Feb 25, 2025 • 24min
234: The Kids Are Watching – Embracing the Beginner’s Journey
The discussion dives into the beauty of being a beginner, highlighting that imperfections are part of the journey. Insights reveal how embracing new experiences can boost cognitive health and overall well-being. The power of a plant-based diet is examined, showcasing its benefits for body and mind. Tips for navigating the beginner's path include celebrating small victories, fostering self-compassion, and letting go of the need for perfection. It's a reminder that growth is continuous, regardless of age or starting point.

Feb 18, 2025 • 40min
233: Chia Power: Street Food to Start-Up with Latina Founder Arianna Beetz, PhD
Arianna Beetz, PhD, is the founder of Nourish Super Meals, dedicated to sustainable plant-based nutrition. In this discussion, she shares the influence of her Peruvian heritage, specifically how street foods like quinoa and chia shaped her passion for holistic well-being. Arianna transitions from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing her innovative high-protein chia products. She also touches on sustainability, community initiatives, and the importance of accessible nutrition, all while highlighting the unique flavors her products offer.

Feb 11, 2025 • 23min
232: 19 Ways NOT to Go Vegan
Explore the 19 common pitfalls that can derail anyone trying to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Discover practical challenges and mental blocks that may arise along the way. This discussion emphasizes the importance of taking action and encourages embracing discomfort as part of personal growth. Learn how to overcome obstacles and appreciate the imperfect journey towards a plant-based life!

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
231: Not Another Bloody Vegan - Interview with Jim Moore
In this engaging conversation, Jim Moore, a versatile podcaster, musician, and activist from The Bloody Vegans Podcast, shares his vegan journey that began with a Netflix documentary, Cowspiracy. He explores how his personal transformation fueled his passion for advocacy and community-building. Jim discusses the importance of reaching beyond vegan circles to foster inclusivity and shares valuable insights into podcasting and audio production. His experiences illustrate how intimate storytelling can spark genuine connections and inspire others to embrace veganism.

Jan 28, 2025 • 21min
230: More or Less - The Antidote to Goal Resistance and Resolution Trauma
Kick off January by tackling goal resistance with a fresh perspective! Discover the compassionate 'more or less' framework, which encourages manageable, incremental changes instead of overwhelming resolutions. Learn practical tips for integrating more plant-based options into your meals, like asking for vegan choices at restaurants. Embrace gradual progress, reflect on your intentions, and advocate for your dietary preferences. This insightful conversation is perfect for anyone looking to live more intentionally and reduce the pressure of traditional goal-setting.

Jan 21, 2025 • 42min
229: Why Does 'Vegan' Trigger People? A conversation with therapist Deborah Gonzales
In this conversation with Deborah Gonzales, a therapist and vegan lifestyle coach, listeners explore the emotional triggers surrounding the term 'vegan.' Deborah shares her personal journey to veganism in her 60s and provides insights on handling skepticism gracefully. She emphasizes the power of community and offers practical tips for making vegan dishes appealing at social gatherings. Additionally, she discusses the importance of mindset in transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, illustrating how planning can enhance the experience even in non-vegan-friendly areas.

Jan 14, 2025 • 19min
228: Your Brain On Plants
Discover how your brain impacts the journey to veganism by exploring the reticular activating system's role in attention and motivation. Personal stories and practical tips make transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle feel achievable. Plus, learn to embrace imperfection in both personal and professional growth. Accepting that it's okay to start ‘bad’ is a crucial step toward mastery and sustainability. Tune in for insights that empower your path to healthier living.

Jan 7, 2025 • 16min
227: The Truth About "New Year/New You"
Embark on a journey to a healthier future with impactful dietary choices! Explore the benefits of embracing a plant-based lifestyle as the new year unfolds. Discover how personal growth through coaching can ignite transformation, inviting you to take on a 30-day challenge. Engage with interactive resources designed to support your vegan journey. Plus, get insights into overcoming challenges in your path to wellness!