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    Viva! Vegan Podcast

    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.
    enFaye Lewis (Viva)100 Episodes

    Episodes (100)

    Special Feature: Kip Andersen, American filmmaker, producer and writer talks Christspiracy with Viva!

    Special Feature: Kip Andersen, American filmmaker, producer and writer talks Christspiracy with Viva!
    Kip Andersen is an American filmmaker, producer, writer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Animals United Movement (A.U.M.) an  which focuses on promoting awareness and equality for all life. He is known for his  such as , , and . He joins Faye to discuss his latest in the Spiracy documentary franchise, Christspiracy, which aims to expose a 2,000 year cover up.  The investigative documentary examines the exploitation of animals in religious and spiritual contexts, exposing secrets of the church in the process. In this episode, Kip and Faye discuss topics, such as:   is there an ethical way to kill an animal?  misconceptions around the humane treatment of animals in religion how it feels to be exposing the church    Kip's vegan journey      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!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 04, 2024

    Andrew Fearn: the quiet half of Sleaford Mods opens up to Viva!

    Andrew Fearn: the quiet half of Sleaford Mods opens up to Viva!
    Andrew Fearn, the quiet half of Sleaford Mods, the bedroom musician half and the half that soundtracks the caustic narratives of the other half, Jason Williamson, opens up about his vegan journey, compassion for animals and trying to do what he can.   Sleaford Mods have described their work as "electronic munt minimalist punk-hop rants for the working class." Williamson is responsible for the words, Fearn for the music. Sleaford Mods songs have been described as embittered rants about such topics as unemployment, modern working life, celebrities and pop culture, capitalism, and society in general.  In this conversation, Andrew and Faye discuss topics, such as:   austerity and poverty in the UK   becoming very famous and what it feels like   Andrew's interest in charities, from Viva! to Shelter   the best places for vegan food while touring  playing the Sydney Opera House   how he tries to use his platform to highlight causes he cares about    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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Georgie Purcell: Animal Justice Party MP, advocate for animals and humans alike!

    Georgie Purcell: Animal Justice Party MP, advocate for animals and humans alike!
    Georgie Purcell, the Animal Justice Party MP, and a distinguished member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing Northern Victoria, made headlines in 2020 with her courageous inaugural speech.  Despite being the youngest woman ever elected in the state, Georgie faced adversity head-on, openly addressing her past as a stripper and confronting the online abuse and misogyny that followed. Since then she has worked tirelessly for both animals and humans alike. She sits down with Faye to delve into her remarkable journey, tracing her path from activism to the halls of power. Join us as she shares her resilient pursuit of equality and justice, using her platform to advocate for meaningful change. In this conversation, Georgie and Faye discuss topics, such as:   parliament being a 'boys' club   Georgie's early start in activism her recent setback on duck shooting not being banned in Australia  a real need for change in politics and structures globally the incredible work she has achieved to date and what is next    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!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Captain Paul Watson: founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

    Captain Paul Watson: founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
    In this episode, Issy sits down with Captain Paul Watson, a pioneering animal rights activist who founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an anti-poaching and direct action group focused on marine conservation activism.  In this episode, Issy and Paul discuss:  the release of his new book Hitman for the Kindness Club his direct action saving animals in the oceans and his lifetime commitment to making the world a better place for all its inhabitants His fascinating knowledge of marine biology and passion for all animal life    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!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Jane Valez-Mitchell: journalist, activist and vegan media mogul!

    Jane Valez-Mitchell: journalist, activist and vegan media mogul!
    Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning broadcast journalist, best-selling author, and the founder and managing editor of the streaming service UnchainedTV.   At the helm of , Velez-Mitchell has built a network of filmmakers, journalists, content creators, and animal rights activists who are all working towards a common goal: to make it as easy as possible for a global audience who isn’t necessarily interested in animal rights to stumble upon content with an underlying vegan message — for free.   In this conversation, Jane and Faye discuss topics such as:   her childhood and early activist days   her prolific journalism career working with CNN, TruTV, E!, Celebrity Justice and, of course, UnchainedTV  mass media and its power in terms of spreading the vegan message  how the climate apocalypse is coming!   Find out more about Jane and UnchainedTV, visit here:   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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Dani Taylor: PlantBuild co-founder and vegan figure competitor and champion

    Dani Taylor: PlantBuild co-founder and vegan figure competitor and champion
    Dani Taylor is a vegan figure competitor and champion, the co-founder of VeganProteins.com, and also a co-founder of PlantBuilt.com  As an overweight child and adolescent who believed that was the way she was “meant to be”, Dani switched to an ethical vegan diet and lost 30 pounds. At this point, she realised she had the power to change the way she looked and felt.   She began lifting weights and doing cardio, and she is now a gold medal champion several times over and one of the best professional athletes in the bodybuilding community.  In this conversation, Dani and Faye discuss topics such as:    the resounding success of the PlantBuilt team, who obliterated the competition at Mr America across bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, kettlebell sport, and CrossFit   the myths surrounding diet still pedalled by the meat and dairy industries   Dani's journey into personal training and her reasons for going vegan  how anyone can make a positive change through their diet and exercise  Find out more about Dani and the PlantBuild team here:     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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Emma Håkansson: director of Collective Fashion Justice

    Emma Håkansson: director of Collective Fashion Justice
    In this episode, we are joined by Emma Håkansson, an incredible activist from Australia who is campaigning for the end of animal exploitation within the fashion industry while also reducing the toll fashion has on the environment and the people who work in the industry.  She founded her organisation, Collective Fashion Justice, to enable changes by educating future fashion minds, creating conversations with industry professionals and working towards legislative change.   Emma is the author of How Veganism Can Save Us, Total Ethics Fashion and the soon-to-be-released Sub-Human: A 21st-Century Ethic; on Animals, Collective Liberation, and Us All. She was also heavily involved in the production of Slay, the pioneering documentary that investigates fur, leather and wool, greenwashing and the impact that brands using animal skins have on people, the planet and animals.  In this eye-opening conversation, Emma sits down with hosts Issy and Rachel to discuss:  her vegan journey and how she got into activism, including the production of Slay  the fashion industry's lack of transparency in material sourcing and the price animals pay for our fashion choices  the ethical conundrum of choosing which fabrics to wear in a world that glamorises the use of animal skins  debunking myths around the alleged sustainability of wearing animal products — and much more    Find out more about Emma here:   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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Earthling Ed: vegan educator, best-selling author, public speaker and content creator

    Earthling Ed: vegan educator, best-selling author, public speaker and content creator
    Ed Winters is a vegan educator, best-selling author, public speaker and content creator, widely known for his viral debates, speeches, and video essays.  In this episode, Issy sits down with Ed to discuss his new book How to Argue With a Meat Eater (And Win Every Time), his nine-year vegan journey, how his mindset shifted from thinking vegans were humourless and attention seekers, to being one of the leading voices in the movement.   In this conversation Issy and Ed discuss topics, such as: Ed’s childhood and how university changed his mindset Specism  Rupert the Hamster, his companion animal and his love of broccoli   Expression, vulnerability in having your views questioned  Culture wars and pseudo science  Critical thinking  Listen to the full episode here  Watch the Episodes On Also on Viva!  Spotify  Apple Music
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enMarch 01, 2024

    Mark Wakeling: from hunter and soldier to vegan animal sanctuary owner

    Mark Wakeling: from hunter and soldier to vegan animal sanctuary owner
    Mark Wakeling’s journey from hunter and soldier to vegan animal sanctuary owner is captivating.  The son of a man who ran livestock markets, where he worked as a boy, he used to hunt and fish and then became a soldier. After years in London as an actor and acting teacher, he returned to the country to find peace at Amberwood Sanctuary. 

👉🏽Founded in 2021, his sanctuary currently looks after 42 animals – 10 cows, 27 sheep and five pigs. The sanctuary is located at a former beef farm in the Oxfordshire countryside of England.  ✨Their mission is to provide a safe home for animals who otherwise face slaughter.   ✨This experience of turning a beef farm into a vegan sanctuary has inspired Mark’s vision of making it happen everywhere.   For more information, visit   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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.

    #30 Vegan News Minisode - February 2024

    #30 Vegan News Minisode - February 2024
    The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis  Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 30: February 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 Veganuary, a 3D-printed vegan eel, the , how a 100% switch to plant-based diets in England could save the NHS £6.7 billion a year and the criticism surrounding Mark Zuckerberg's new ‘beef’ farm...
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enFebruary 19, 2024

    #28 Vegan News Minisode - December 2023

    #28 Vegan News Minisode - December 2023
    The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis  Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 28: December 2023 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 having a vegan Christmas, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and their Viva! highlights for 2023...
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enDecember 18, 2023

    #27 Vegan News Minisode - November 2023

    #27 Vegan News Minisode - November 2023
    The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis  Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 27: November 2023 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by Issy as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food and animal campaigns news from around the globe.    In this episode, Faye and Issy discuss how , ), the charges brought against  , , the horrifying news that and much more...
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enNovember 16, 2023

    #26 Vegan News Minisode - October 2023

    #26 Vegan News Minisode - October 2023
    The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis  Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 26: October 2023 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 , how the world would "save more emissions than the UK produces" , and the language behind vegan marketing — specifically, . You can also see the new and much more...
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enOctober 12, 2023

    #25 Vegan News Minisode - September 2023

    #25 Vegan News Minisode - September 2023
    The Vegan News Minisode with Faye Lewis  Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 25: September 2023 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity, Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by Lex as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food and animal campaigns news from around the globe.  In this episode, Faye and Lex discuss the brand-new podcast and minisode look (now on film), Viva!’s TV advert, the ASA’s ruling to ban Viva!’s viral video, our latest , the exciting launch of Viva!’s second cookbook, and much more!
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enSeptember 21, 2023

    Dave Dictor opens up: “If you’re vegan, there’s no part in death.” The punk rock legend catches up with Faye at Vegan Camp Out and talks about his enduring love for the animals

    Dave Dictor opens up: “If you’re vegan, there’s no part in death.” The punk rock legend catches up with Faye at Vegan Camp Out and talks about his enduring love for the animals
    Formed in 1979, MDC are one of the longest-lasting hardcore bands still touring. And frontman Dave Dictor is one of the most enduring, selfless vegans, who is a name check for any band in punk or hardcore. Dave talks to Faye live from Vegan Camp Out about how his love of animals will never abate and how easy it is to be vegan now.   In this conversation Dave and Faye discuss topics, such as:  His band talking about social and political issues and why it’s important   The importance of sharing animal rights and vegan causes   How people who said they would never be vegetarian end up having vegan kids  How he loves being around vegans and the message From lettuce, brown rice and beer on tour, to having anything he wants How he still gets exciting about being a frontman 44 years on Find out more on MDC here:   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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.

    Zack Polanski: Deputy Leader of the Green Party talks to Viva! Founder and Director Juliet Gellatley

    Zack Polanski: Deputy Leader of the Green Party talks to Viva! Founder and Director Juliet Gellatley
    In this special feature, Viva!'s founder and director, Juliet Gellatley, chats to Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party at in Marylebone.   Over dinner they discuss: Being deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, as well as a London Assembly member Getting into politics Protecting the most vulnerable and marginalised What sparked his vegan journey And environmental justice Find out more on Zack here: 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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.
    Viva! Vegan Podcast
    enSeptember 01, 2023

    Sam Ryder: 2022 UK Eurovision Song Contest representative Sam talks about his love of vegans at the top of their game and catches up with Faye live at Vegan Camp Out

    Sam Ryder: 2022 UK Eurovision Song Contest representative Sam talks about his love of vegans at the top of their game and catches up with Faye live at Vegan Camp Out
    Sam Ryder is an English singer, songwriter, producer, composer and social media personality. He rose to prominence in 2020, after posting music covers on TikTok, during the first UK lockdown. His breakthrough came after he represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with Space Man- entry, and finishing first in the jury vote and second overall in the contest, after Ukraine (not Croatia as I say in the intro. If you picked up on that error, well done you!).    Recorded live at Vegan Camp Out, Sam discusses with Faye how he draws inspiration from vegans such as Lewis Hamilton who are at the top of their professional fields. He also discusses the importance of not telling people what to do but leading by example. Right on!    In this conversation, Sam and Faye also discuss:    Getting into music via a love of Canadian rock band Sum 41   How he became vegan   The health food shop he opened with his partner  The importance of being non-judgemental  Being true to yourself and respecting people’s life choices  His initial hatred of HIIT workouts and how he has  grown to love them  Sam mentions how due to health issues, some people are unsure about going vegan, we have a full list of resources available here to help anyone who needs reassurance, advice or guidance over at:   We also recommend which provides an overview of what a healthy vegan diet looks like, what the experts say, why plant foods are good for us and why animal foods harm.   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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.

    John Robb: The renowned musician and journalist discusses a DIY grassroots approach to a vegan future, his bestselling book The History of Goth, and his friendship with Dale Vince and Chris Packham

    John Robb: The renowned musician and journalist discusses a DIY grassroots approach to a vegan future, his bestselling book The History of Goth, and his friendship with Dale Vince and Chris Packham
    John Robb is an English musician and journalist best known as the bassist and singer for the mid-1980s band .  He writes for and runs the website and a monthly music magazine of the same name. He has written several books on music and pens a column in Viva!life. John and Faye catch up at BIMM in Bristol to chat about a green future, and how that will look, his eleventh book The History of Goth, his relationships with Dale Vince and Chris Packham, all things music, fitness, and a brief history of space and time.  In this conversation, John and Faye discuss topics, such as:  Growing up in Blackpool in the 60s and 70s John’s love of dinosaurs  Calling up Kurt Cobain’s mum to speak to Kurt in 89 John’s band The Membranes   Solfeggio frequencies, the importance of energy, and the expansion of the universe A DIY and grassroots approach to transforming veganism, conservation and building a better future How John came to pen a column for Viva!life His eleventh book, and bestseller The Art of Darkness: A History of Goth    Find out more on John Robb here: johnrobbofficial.com  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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.

    The Vegan Queens: The Vegan Queens are a drag act with a difference – they promote veganism alongside their unwavering commitment to equality for all

    The Vegan Queens: The Vegan Queens are a drag act with a difference – they promote veganism alongside their unwavering commitment to equality for all
    The Vegan Queens are a drag act with a difference – they promote veganism alongside their unwavering commitment to equality for all.   Miasma and Gemini sit down with Faye live from Vegan Camp Out to talk about their vegan journey alongside decades of drag experience.   In this conversation, Gemini, Miasma and Faye also discuss:   Why drag is seen as corruptible   The increasing risk to LGBTQI+ communities   How the art of drag has been with us for hundreds of years   How vegetarianism and veganism is central to compassion   Their long-lasting friendship   Hope for what is next for veganism    Find out more on the Vegan Queens here: 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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.

    Calum Harris: The 24-year-old ‘Instagram sensation’ and cookbook author who appeared on Jamie Oliver's TV show The Great Cookbook Challenge is one to watch for all food lovers!

    Calum Harris: The 24-year-old ‘Instagram sensation’ and cookbook author who appeared on Jamie Oliver's TV show The Great Cookbook Challenge is one to watch for all food lovers!
    In this episode, Calum speaks to Faye about his mission to help people to cook easy and accessible vegan food they actually want to make that is healthy.  By his own admission, he’s relevant thanks to social media, though has gone from strength to strength, from being part of the Plantboiis collective to releasing his first cookbook.   In this conversation, Calum and Faye discuss topics, such as:  Why he felt it necessary to call Jamie Oliver “dad”.   The difference between being a chef and a cook – Calum is resolutely in the second category (for now)   Not taking himself too seriously  His first cookbook and its creation  Being part of the Plantboiis collective   Veganism and masculinity   Appearing on The Great Cookbook Challenge   Find out more on Calum here: 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 2023. Not for re-use without our written agreement. All featured music and content used by permission. Produced by Faye Lewis for Viva!.   This podcast is sponsored by Viva! partners, ; an ethical insurance broker making positive changes in the natural world by helping wildlife and nature charities.