Viva! Vegan Podcast
Viva!
Welcome to the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode!
Co-hosted by Viva!’s head of comms, Faye Lewis, and Viva!'s head of investigations, Lex Rigby, each month they’ll be serving up some cracking in-depth chats with some of the most interesting figures in the vegan movement.
Each Podcast episode features a different individual – breaking down their vegan journey and recounting their highs and lows – followed by a candid chat between Faye and Lex on everything from mushroom-based leather alternatives to terrible cooking blunders.
In our Vegan News Minisode, we deep-dive into the world of vegan news and politics in a quick ten-minute round-up of newsworthy events in veganism.
No matter where you are in your vegan journey, there’ll be something for you in the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode.
The show is presented by Faye Lewis and Lex Rigby and is released on the first of every month.
Co-hosted by Viva!’s head of comms, Faye Lewis, and Viva!'s head of investigations, Lex Rigby, each month they’ll be serving up some cracking in-depth chats with some of the most interesting figures in the vegan movement.
Each Podcast episode features a different individual – breaking down their vegan journey and recounting their highs and lows – followed by a candid chat between Faye and Lex on everything from mushroom-based leather alternatives to terrible cooking blunders.
In our Vegan News Minisode, we deep-dive into the world of vegan news and politics in a quick ten-minute round-up of newsworthy events in veganism.
No matter where you are in your vegan journey, there’ll be something for you in the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode.
The show is presented by Faye Lewis and Lex Rigby and is released on the first of every month.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Why Top Chefs Hate Hearing This - Alexis Gautier in Conversation With Juliet Gellatley
Recorded live from the Education Stage at Vegan Camp Out, this lively episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast features French chef Alexis Gautier in conversation with Viva! founder Juliet Gellatley. Gautier shares his journey into vegan cuisine and how he’s inspiring other chefs to embrace plant-based cooking – spoiler alert: it often means challenging their egos in the kitchen. Passionate, engaging, and full of insight, he captivates both the live audience and listeners alike, while Juliette’s brilliant questions draw out the stories behind his culinary philosophy. This episode is a feast of inspiration for anyone interested in vegan food, creativity, and pushing boundaries.
Sep 4, 2025 • 7min
Inspeckta Veg: The Rapper They Never Saw Coming
In a playful and energetic episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, rapper and activist Inspeckta Veg talks about the unexpected journey that catapulted him into the spotlight with his viral hit Birdseye Baby Mums’. Blending sharp lyrics with a passion for plant-based living, he reflects on how music became his platform for spreading a positive message while breaking stereotypes about veganism. With humour and honesty, Inspector Veg shares the story behind his rise, the inspiration that fuels his creativity, and why he believes culture and music are powerful tools for change.
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
The Truth About Burnout No Activist Wants to Admit - Emily (Bite Size Vegan)
In a heartfelt episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, educator and content creator Emily Moran Barwick – better known as Bite Size Vegan – speaks openly about the realities of burnout and the importance of prioritising her health. Known for breaking down complex issues into clear, accessible content, Emily reflects on the pressures of constant creation and the challenges of sustaining activism online. Yet at the heart of her work remains a deep passion for helping others: she shares how meaningful it is when teachers use her videos in classrooms to inspire and educate the next generation about compassion and veganism. Honest, vulnerable and deeply committed, Emily offers an unfiltered look at both the struggles and the rewards of using digital platforms to create change.
Sep 4, 2025 • 27min
BOSH! How Two Friends Made Veganism Impossible to Miss
In a lively and insightful episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby sit down to talk about the journey that has made them two of the UK’s most recognisable vegan voices. The duo reflect on stepping into their individual fortes – from recipe creation to big-picture strategy – while Henry opens up about the joys and challenges of raising his daughter on a vegan diet. Looking ahead, they reveal exciting plans to launch a new range of supermarket foods, designed to make plant-based living more convenient and accessible than ever. With their trademark humour and down-to-earth honesty, Henry and Ian share not only their passion for food, but also their vision of a future where veganism is mainstream, affordable and inspiring.
Sep 4, 2025 • 23min
Dale Vince: Why Our Future Depends on Rethinking What We Eat
In a fascinating episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, entrepreneur, environmentalist and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince joins the conversation to share what he’s been working on – including his bold new project exploring how we might one day eat grass (yes, really). Known for his trailblazing vision in green energy, Vince also turns his attention to the political landscape, offering forthright views on how Britain can and must address the ongoing energy crisis. Blending innovation with activism, he discusses the intersections of food, climate and politics, and why reimagining our relationship with the planet is more urgent than ever. Vince’s forward-thinking ideas and uncompromising honesty make this a compelling listen for anyone interested in sustainable solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges.
Sep 4, 2025 • 35min
Patrik Baboumian: What Real Strength Looks Like
In a powerful episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, strongman and actor Patrik Baboumian sits down with Viva!’s Faye to reflect on his extraordinary journey. Best known for his record-breaking feats of strength and his role in the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers, Baboumian shares how adopting a vegan lifestyle transformed not just his health, but his entire outlook on life. He discusses his new ventures into public speaking, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and inspire others – particularly men – to rethink strength, masculinity and compassion. With unflinching honesty, he contrasts his life before and after veganism, showing how purpose and empathy can be as powerful as physical force. This conversation is both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a unique glimpse into the life of one of veganism’s most iconic advocates.
Sep 4, 2025 • 22min
From Setbacks to Solutions: The Truth About Resilience - Heather Mills
In an open and engaging episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, businesswoman, activist and athlete Heather Mills talks about her latest innovation, No Bloat, a low FODMAP product designed to tackle bloating with 100% clean, minimal ingredients. Created for those struggling with sensitive stomachs and “gassy guts”, the product reflects Mills’ commitment to practical, plant-based solutions that make everyday life easier. Alongside this exciting new venture, she speaks candidly about the ups and downs that have shaped her journey, from personal challenges to professional triumphs, and how resilience has driven her forward. With her trademark energy and honesty, Mills offers both inspiration and practical insight, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in health, wellbeing and living with compassion.
Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
Matt Pritchard: Why Sobriety Was His Ultimate Adventure
In a raw and deeply honest episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, endurance athlete, TV daredevil and chef Matt Pritchard reflects on his remarkable journey of transformation. Speaking live from Vegan Camp Out, Pritchard opens up about his three years of sobriety and the lessons he has learned from leaving behind a chaotic past. Known for pushing limits on Dirty Sanchez and later reinventing himself with Dirty Vegan, he shares how sobriety has given him clarity, resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Far from simply closing a chapter, Pritchard talks about looking ahead with focus and optimism, embracing a lifestyle built on compassion, balance and strength. His candid reflections offer not just a glimpse into personal growth, but an inspiring reminder that change is always possible.
Jul 16, 2025 • 10min
#44 Vegan News Minisode - July 2025
In this month’s Minisode, Faye is joined by Viva! campaigner Kit to talk about the ASA’s ban on the Dairy is Scary cinema advert, the highly anticipated Vegan Camp Out, and a groundbreaking move by the Swiss government requiring food labels to disclose forms of animal abuse. They also discuss the University of the West of England students’ vote in favor of plant-based menus, and the future of food with lab-grown cheese.
Jun 12, 2025 • 42min
The Willy Wonka of Vegan Cuisine?! Liam Penn’s Food Will Leave You Speechless 🍬🌱
In this episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, Kit is joined by Michelin-trained chef Liam Penn who speaks about his work in the fine-dining world. From Roald Dahl's snozzcumbers to pre-historic recipes, Liam takes inspiration from anywhere and everywhere to create his unique tasting menus. Over the past 15 years Liam has worked alongside some of the most awarded and talented chefs in modern cuisine: celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal at the 3 Michelin star restaurant ‘The Fat Duck’; celebrity chef Simon Rogan at the now 3 Michelin star restaurant ‘L’enclume’ and Andrew Dargue at the acclaimed vegetarian restaurant ‘Vanilla Black’ in London. You can check out Liam's upcoming events at: We hope to see you there!
