

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

Aug 2, 2024 • 15min
Lucy Watson: From reality TV to vegan activism and motherhood
Lucy Watson, formerly of Made in Chelsea, has undergone a profound transformation since her time on a working farm where she witnessed the harsh realities of animal slaughter. The impact of Cowspiracy and the dairy industry further solidified her decision to stop eating animals, and her journey into veganism has expanded into activism, vegan cookbooks, and occasional TV debates. As a new mother, Lucy reflects on the emotional connection between raising a child and understanding the pain endured by cows, while also championing cruelty-free beauty products and raising her child vegan. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: Lucy’s transition from reality TV to vegan activism The impact of Cowspiracy and witnessing animal slaughter The emotional connection between new motherhood and animal rights The rise of cruelty-free beauty products and available options Raising her child vegan and its significance

Aug 2, 2024 • 12min
The Happy Pear: From Edgy Veg Shop to Joyful Living and True Alignment
The Happy Pear brothers dive into the quest for genuine contentment amidst the pressures of modern society, where perpetual happiness often feels out of reach. Chatting live from Vegan Camp Out, they explore how social demands and the comfort trap of sedentary lifestyles conflict with our biological needs, leading to widespread dis-ease. Sharing insights from their journey, they reflect on the impact of raising six kids (with their respective partners, not together)! and their 2004 veg shop startup, which sparked a plant-based ripple effect and community growth when veganism was still considered edgy. Their personal transformation, driven by a desire to align with authentic values rather than the "false gods" of power, money, and status, underscores their commitment to improving joy and satisfaction in life. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: Navigating modern society’s demands and improving genuine joy Balancing life and fostering contentment The impact of the comfort trap on health and well-being Their vegan story and building of a plant-based community Future plans and the craic

Aug 2, 2024 • 6min
#35 Vegan News Minisode - August 2024
Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 36: July 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by new co-host, Erin, as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news - filmed at Vegan Camp Out 2024! In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss Viva!'s controversial Hog Roast stunt at the Henley Royal Regatta. They also discuss the guests being interviewed by Viva! at VCO for the Viva! Vegan Podcast, and Erin's backstage gossip including not recognising Simon Amstell, holding Peter Egan's jacket, and more.... Enjoy!

Aug 2, 2024 • 27min
Chris Packham: exposing environmental failures and fighting for a greener tomorrow
Chris Packham, renowned naturalist, environmental advocate, and all around national treasure, brings his critical optimism to the discussion on pressing ecological issues. Live from Vegan Camp Out he passionately addresses with Faye, the need for accountability from leaders and bodies, including the NFU and Defra, while campaigning against profit-driven practices like oil and gas drilling. His unwavering commitment to animal welfare, biodiversity, and the necessity for MPs dedicated to these causes underscores his influential role in the environmental movement. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: Chris’s vision for a more accountable and eco-focused Labour government The fight against profit-driven practices in environmental policy The impact of rescinded oil and gas drilling licenses The importance of lobbying for a sustainable future The crucial role of animal welfare and biodiversity in policy-making About Our Show Listen now by clicking the play icon below. We’re also on , , , and . Get the latest episode, straight to your mobile device or computer. It’s automatic and completely free. Copyright owned by Viva! Bristol 2024. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.

Jul 9, 2024 • 20min
#35 Vegan News Minisode - July 2024
Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 35: July 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by Rachel as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news from around the globe. In this episode, Faye and Rachel discuss the worrying potential threat of a bird flu pandemic, Rachel interviews Heather Mills and the rebranding of VBites, they discuss Kier Starmer's flexitarian diet and how the UK government is facing legal action over lobsters. Enjoy!

Jun 19, 2024 • 16min
#34 Vegan News Minisode - June 2024
Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 34: June 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by Rachel as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news from around the globe. In this episode, Faye and Rachel discuss a controversial article claiming vegan meat causes heart disease. Spoiler alert: it's flawed. They also delve into Viva!'s latest risqué ad campaign, discuss the health professionals urging the government to withdraw misleading meat and dairy adverts, and weigh in on the activists who have tagged King Charles’ portrait, calling for him to suspend support for the RSPCA assured scheme. Enjoy!

May 24, 2024 • 42min
Introducing rapper and animal rights activist, Feldi!
Rapper and animal rights activist Feldi has taken conscious rap to another level. Using his talents to advocate for animals through music, he brings the vegan message to a new audience. In this episode of the Viva podcast, Feldi opens up about his journey to veganism, his work as an activist, and the songs that have meant the most to him. Feldi will be performing at Vegan Campout 2024 and you can follow his socials @Iamfeldi on Instagram About Our Show Listen now by clicking the play icon below. We’re also on , , , and . Get the latest episode, straight to your mobile device or computer. It’s automatic and completely free. Copyright owned by Viva! Bristol 2024. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.

May 24, 2024 • 55min
Doctors Daisy Lund & Clare Day talk B12, protein, Ozempic and why a vegan diet is the best!
Doctors Daisy Lund and Clare Day discuss health narratives in the media, processed food, Ozempic, the Eatwell Guide, and their views on processed foods, oat milk and more! Rachel and Faye sit down to ask plenty of health-related questions and discuss how they went about launching their own podcast In this episode: Are processed meats terrible for you? Are children the cause of an unhealthy diet? Are fad diets like Keto good for us long-term? Wider conversations around health and veganism About Our Show Listen now by clicking the play icon below. We’re also on , , , and . Get the latest episode, straight to your mobile device or computer. It’s automatic and completely free. Copyright owned by Viva! Bristol 2024. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.

May 10, 2024 • 11min
#33 Vegan News Minisode - May 2024
The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 33: May 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by Rachel as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food and animal campaigns news from around the globe. In this episode, Faye and Rachel discuss Martin Freeman's shock U-turn on vegetarianism, Viva!'s 'golden ticket' competition, Lidl's plant-based price parity in Belgium, and they make a heartfelt plea to Greggs to bring back the vegan steak bake.

May 7, 2024 • 40min
Andy Shovel: THIS co-founder and former KFC addict!
In this episode we are joined by entrepreneur Andy Shovel, co-founder of meat-free food brand THIS. A self-confessed former KFC addict who ran a burger company, Andy turned his business acumen to building one of the biggest meat alternative brands in the country. In this episode, Andy and Rachel discuss: How he built the THIS brand from a startup to a thriving business available in most major supermarkets, including explaining the genius behind THIS’s creative marketing The new technology he’s investing in which will ‘sex’ eggs to prevent male chicks from being born into the egg industry His gripes with the vegan movement and why we should stop focusing on trying to achieve perfection About Our Show Listen now by clicking the play icon below. We’re also on , , , and . Get the latest episode, straight to your mobile device or computer. It’s automatic and completely free. Copyright owned by Viva! Bristol 2024. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.