

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

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!

Dec 31, 2024 • 49min
226: Age Like a Yogi - Secrets to a Dazzling Third Act with Victoria Moran
Victoria Moran, a best-selling author and veteran vegan, shares her insights on aging gracefully through yoga and Ayurveda. She discusses how these practices promote purposeful aging and well-being. Listeners can learn about the interconnectedness of diet and yoga philosophy, emphasizing non-violence and self-honesty in dietary choices. Moran also highlights transformative 'warrior challenges' designed to inspire vibrant living in midlife, along with tips for navigating aging. Pre-ordering her latest book comes with exciting bonuses to enhance the journey.

5 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 25min
225: When people are Annoyed You’re Vegan.
Explore the social dynamics of being vegan and the challenges that come with it. The discussion offers practical strategies for navigating discomfort and judgment in social settings. Learn how to stand firm in your values while interacting with friends and family. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the importance of confidence in food choices. Get inspired to make decisions that align with your beliefs, regardless of external pressures.

Dec 17, 2024 • 45min
224: 30 Day Plant Based Jumpstart - Sandra Musial, MD from PlantDocs.com
Sandra Musial, MD from PlantDocs.com, is a key advocate for plant-based nutrition aimed at disease prevention and reversal. In this enlightening conversation, she discusses the remarkable health benefits experienced within just 30 days of adopting a whole food plant-based diet, including improvements in metabolic markers for type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Dr. Musial highlights the importance of education through their Jumpstart program and shares insights from the 'Shop with a Doc' initiative, making healthy grocery shopping enjoyable and accessible.