This interview serves up expert family plant-based health expertise from owner and operator of the new Plant Based NP Lifestyle Center, Marty Malloy-McCoy, in Columbus, OH. Marty explains how his new center helps people achieve their health goals, how it's different from a traditional doctor's office, and how to approach health as a family. The second half of interview is all about eating, exercise and finding lifestyle changes that work for each individual. He also shares some fun and healthy upgrades to food we already love!

My favorite quotes from Marty: "We have to love the awesome bodies we're given."
"Cast aside what society tells you what you should look like."

The return of school this year promises that our kids will be home at unexpected times for undefined periods. What do we do with this time? What if online learning doesn't work for my kid/my family? I give you suggestions from my experience as a teacher and as a home schooling mom to help you through. We have the cool bonus of being a vegan family, too, so I tell you how we weave respect for animals and the natural world into our days.

As promised, here are resources I talked about in the episode:
The Brave Learner, by Julie Bogart (not a vegan! she has a cool philosophy but uses animals in ways I would never)
https://thebravelearner.com/

Why to spend 1000 hrs outside this year, and how to do it: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

What does my state require of homeschoolers?
https://hslda.org/legal?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7Nj5BRCZARIsABwxDKJbT6n15jr1SWl8Z727OnVFdpG9xMm29SOdB_EKTJQ6Q8uGCbzPplIaAk3pEALw_wcB

What is Unschooling?  https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/what-is-unschooling-all-about-child-led-home-education/

You mentioned Osmo....what's that?
https://www.playosmo.com/en/

VFCT welcomes Chef A'Donna! She is a Chef Coach, Chef Consultant, and Chef Educator with a passion for delicious, healing foods. She previews her upcoming virtual  cooking class for kids and gave listeners a special discount code for $20 off: VEGANFAM.

Chef A'Donna is experienced in using food to heal and consults with individuals and families as part of her work.

Find out more!
https://www.askchefadonna.com/

https://alignhealthgroup.com/

Most of us have more time with our kids than ever and fewer options of where to go. The daily walk I take with my dog and kids has shaped our entire homeschooling experience and has become foundation for our unschooled learning about the world. It's a slow walk, one made for observation more than exercise, although we occasionally break into a good run. How might an observational walk fit into your life? What are the benefits? How could a simple walk keep kids vegan throughout their lives? Even if you are in a heavily urban area, you can find some nature in the small corners and pockets of green.

Hear from me, a vegan mom, about the benefits of a walk, and then hear what my kids (5 and 8) have to say about it!

https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/playing-outside-enhances-chinese-elementary-kids-love-nature-and-animals-180952150/

https://hanleyfoundation.org/resources/book-review-last-child-in-the-woods-saving-our-children-from-nature-deficit-disorder-by-richard-louv/?gclid=CjwKCAjwlZf3BRABEiwA8Q0qq5VTe6EzqSLaDzOQF5OVxCN63EuM3WMWrhwLV5xBVJ9HQMpxyVW-jBoC5s4QAvD_BwE

https://1000hoursoutside.com/index.html/

Even with our social distancing, conflict is still thriving in many of our lives whether on social media, in our communities, or inside of ourselves. How can we manage social strife, strong family opinions and inner turmoil when every issue seems to be or is an urgent matter of life or death?

Dr. Seth Josephson, lecturer and meditation facilitator, talks us through various forms of conflict and how to frame them so that we can be more effective activists, happier people, and better communicators.

The Miracle of Mindfulness https://plumvillage.org/books/#the-miracle-of-mindfulness-101

Interconnectedness Oppression: Linking Veganism & Other Struggles for Justice, Presented by Seth Josephson, PhD  https://youtu.be/S3e_OQ5gH_w

Uncertain times call for trusted advice! VFCT talks with Registered and Licensed Dietician Anya Todd to talk about what to do day-to-day during this pandemic to maintain overall health for ourselves and for our families. We discuss stress reduction, mindful eating, food security, kids and food in a time of crisis, supplementation, and more!

I mention this pod at the start of mine in case you want to get more info on how to stock up for the long haul: https://bigfatveganradio.com/

Anya mentions this resource to help stress reduction and keeping cortisol from affecting our health: https://www.tenpercent.com/

Do you need food resources? Start here! https://www.foodpantries.org/

Do you need pet food resources? Start here!
https://www.generationwags.com/rethink-rescue/safety-nets-for-pet-owners/pet-food-banks-pet-pantries/

Please drop a note at VeganFamInCowTown@gmail.com :)

What advice do parents have for talking to our kids about these strange times? I share what I learned from listening to U.S. House Rep. Katie Porter(CA, D), I interview my kids about their challenges during these times and how they understand it all, and I reference my latest publication in tenderlymag that gives all kinds of ideas about how to stay active for animals during a pandemic. https://medium.com/tenderlymag/staying-active-for-the-animals-during-a-pandemic-19fc40c29b62. Also, we talk lots about Linus, our new puppy, and how he is the cornerstone of self-care around our home right now. Tune in, connect, and take care!

Our family lost our goofy, wonderful, loving dog in December, unexpectedly. We learned so much together about grief, compassion, and remembrance. This episode shares what we learned about grieving with children, something that was new to us, and you hear from the children about their experience upon the death of our loved one, Archie. We tell you how we said goodbye and what helps us the most as we continue to adjust to what this loss means in our lives.
https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/honoring-bond-support-animal-owners

PET LOSS HOTLINES:
855-352-5683    Lap of Love Pet Loss and Bereavement Hotline
607-253-3932    Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
508-839-7966    Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS & CHAT ROOMS:
Day-By-Day Pet Support Weekly chat
APLB Chat Rooms
IAADP Assistance Dog Loss Committe

Author of new book, Rescue Dogs, Pete Paxton, talks with VFCT about how to find a great rescue dog fit for your home. Why are rescue dogs good for children who have special needs? What do dogs and kids have in common? He also shares what he's learned about humans and animals in nearly two decades of undercover investigative work on behalf of animals. Tune in! Read the book!

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/599676/rescue-dogs-by-pete-paxton-with-gene-stone/9780525540359

On September 28, the Columbus Veg Community hosted a screening of the 90-minute indy documentary The Invisible Vegan, found on Amazon. VFCT captured rich insight from those who organized and attended the event, and we even recorded the Q&A session after the screening. About the documentary: It explores the problem of unhealthy dietary patterns in the African-American community, foregrounding the health and wellness possibilities enabled by plant-based vegan diets and lifestyle choices.