The Chickpeeps

Welcome to our brand new vegan podcast! In this introductory episode you’ll meet host, Evy Lynch, and cohosts, Momoko Hill, Robbie Jarvis and Tylor Starr. We discuss our personal journeys discovering the ‘V’ word, going vegan, and surmise upon what made us interested in the first place. Also on this episode... Robbie shares the moment a lamb of Hobbiton challenged his appetite. Evy worries about a particular creature that might block her path to the gates of vegan heaven. We talk about our intentions for the show. Robbie ponders the idea that veganism is at odds with masculinity, and Tylor offers him a shoulder to cry on. Evy is obnoxious and repeatedly talks over Tylor, who has lots more vegan wisdom to impart. Channelling your passion into activism. Momo talks about her personal vegan hero and we are all suitably humbled. Robbie promises some lofty guests we’ll never get. We discuss the books and films that inspired us to go vegan.

In this first official episode of the show Evy, Momo and Tylor get together to mull over the different methods of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle and how each of them made the switch. Momo and Evy interview author, activist, speaker, and all-around badass seasoned vegan, Erik Marcus of vegan.com to get his insights on the best advice and the pitfalls experienced when going vegan. Also on this episode… We talk about our initial perceptions of veganism. What to do when you fall off the vegan wagon. Is the monk in DaVinci code a vegan stereotype??? The Pillow Chocolate Problem How to handle guilt as a new vegan. The best advice we got going vegan. We share a few alternative ways to become vegan. Is vegetarian enough? Erik discusses going vegan in the 80s, pre-google, pre online shopping, and the unappetising wonder of perspiring cheese. He shares his brilliant ‘crowding out’ method. We are reminded to Take your goddam B12!!!!!! Erik shares his evolution as an activist and what he deems effective activism. ‘The secret of great activism is to listen more than you talk.’ Erik tries to convince Evy that dark chocolate is not the devil incarnate. (Update: He wasn’t successful). Momo and Erik discuss the ‘think global, act local’ concept. Erik’s thoughts on a vegan future.

This week, Evy, Momo and Robbie get stuck into the topic of talking about being vegan with your curious, skeptical and/or indignant non-vegan peers in a positive, helpful, honest way that doesn’t leave you nibbling seitan sadly in a lone cubicle. Robbie and Evy interview the co-founders of Veganuary, Matthew Glover and Jane Land, to learn about what inspired them to found their charity and the extensive experience they have in educating family and friends on your vegan choices. Also on this episode… Robbie admits initial resistance to going vegan: ‘I didn’t want to be any weirder’. Do vegans think they’re ‘better’ than other people?? Why vegan activism annoys the average person. Nobody is making cruel jokes about ‘Save the Children’… Robbie pledges ‘not to say anything digitally that I wouldn’t in person’. Family traditions and the role of food as an expression of love. Happy Turkey Day - more aptly known as ‘Sad Turkey Day’. How Veganuary was founded Matthew explains how he and Jane met and opines that kissing vegetarians is not strictly vegan. Apparently, you can go vegan in months other than January?!?!!! The First Rule of Vegan Club. The best ways to attract people to go vegan; ‘explain it to them with monosyllabic words’. Matthew’s business proposal: a hotel for runaway vegan teenagers Why do Veganuary.

In this special interview episode with Nathan Runkle, in honour of his new book, Tylor and Evy sit down with the game-changing Mercy For Animals founder to discuss his journey starting the charity at the age of 15, and charting the victories of his team of undercover investigators in their fight for the rights of farm animals. Nathan also shares stories from his life growing up on a farm in rural Ohio and how being a gay teen in a conservative environment strengthened his conviction for his mission. Also on this episode… Nathan has a book out! Are children raised around animals more likely to be vegan? Caesar the rat, the original muse of MFA ‘We learn from our parents and then our parents learn from us’. Growing up vegan in a long line of farmers. ‘Best book I’ve ever read’ - Nathan’s Grandma Hunting to survive vs. hunting as a hobby. Nathan gives advice on how to go vegan without alienating your longsuffering familty: ‘Progress over Perfection’. How MFA was born The reality of being an undercover investigator for MFA The balance between animal welfare and animal rights. ‘I would not be able to sleep at night if I weren’t doing something for the animals that are right here, right now’ (Nathan’s thoughts on working for better animal welfare practices.) How figure skating almost stole Nathan away from the animal rights community! Do activists have time for fun? Is online activism ‘slacktivism’ or does it really help? Nathan shares a story about being beaten up because of his sexuality and how the experience of physical pain deepened his empathy for the plight of animals. Tips on being a ‘joyful vegan’.

‘Where do vegans get their protein from?’ is probably a question you’ll hear often as a vegan, and perhaps one you’ve ruminated on yourself. Fortunately, insufficient protein in plant-food diets is a myth devised entirely by a misled non-vegan society, and even more fortunately we have two vegan fitness-buffs on today’s episode, both distinctly NOT lacking in protein, to show us that it’s possible to build strength and muscle with plant foods alone. Listen in as the ChickPeeps chat to the incredible IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Nimai Delgado, and Personal Trainer and Lifestyle coach, Bianca Taylor, who are challenging the vegan stereotype. Also on this episode… Robbie and Evy talk about their fitness routines and how going vegan affected their attitude to health and fitness. Nimai discusses being a lifelong vegetarian. He shares insights into his Hindu heritage and being raised Hindu in the deep south. ‘Being a child vegetarian taught me a lot of acceptance, it taught me a lot of patience growing up.’ Bianca explains how she found veganism at a point in her life when she was ‘searching for something bigger to live for.’ How finding veganism helped Bianca recover from an eating disorder and heal her relationship to food. What the hec is a ‘macro’? Nimai explores just how much protein we all need and how we can in fact thrive on much less protein than is recommended. Why we shouldn’t demonise carbs and fats (hoorayyy!) Bianca: ‘I don’t consider it a diet, it’s a lifestyle.’ Supplements: Bianca and Nimai share what you need to supplement for an optimal vegan diet (‘It’s more for insurance than a deficiency.’) Tips on cultivating a healthy relationship to the gym and making it a passion rather than an obsession. Nimai’s ‘Mr.Olypmia’ goals! Evy’s favourite fitness advice: ’Just eat the cookie.’ Does being vegan help this world? Nimai has done the math… Go-to quick pre-workout meals. Bianca’s favourite smoo

This week The ChickPeeps take a more serious turn as we investigate the issue with dairy and exactly why vegans don’t consume it. Many non-vegans argue that taking its milk doesn’t hurt cows and that in fact milking actually relieves the cow. We explore the reasons why this is a myth, and discuss the results of quitting dairy products entirely. We also interview two of the founders of Animal Equality, and creators of the groundbreaking iAnimal project, Jose Valle and Sharon Nunez, who recount in vivid detail the experiences they’ve had on dairy farms and the typical life of a dairy cow. Also on this episode... Is there more suffering in a glass of milk? ’You’re not lactose intolerant, you’re just not a baby cow.’ The gifts/health benefits cows give you when you stop eating their secretions. Evy expresses her frustration with evolution to provide cows with adequate weaponry - why no fanged cows yet? Momo suggests carving holes in animals is probably not to their liking. Why do people think calcium is synonymous with dairy milk? The Chickpeeps discuss their favourite dairy substitutes. Is dairy a feminist issue? How Animal Equality was founded. Jose shares how the iAnimal project was conceived. Tylor: ’These Animals are children who are then forced to have children who are then taken away just so we can drink their milk.’ Is there an ethical way to consume dairy? The future for dairy farms.

In this week’s episode Momo and Evy delve into the idea of veganism as a core tenet of one’s spiritual practice. A lot of vegans feel that, karmically speaking, consuming products derived from violence and suffering corrupts our own energy, and their vegan lifestyle is a reflection of this belief. We interview Writer and Wayshower, Ollie Wylde who shares experiences of her work healing animals and how we can acquaint ourselves with our own personal animal spirit guides. Also on this episode... We discuss the concept of Ahimsa, the practice of non-violence. The role of prayer in vegan activism. Momo shares her crystal expertise and explains why they are ‘fruit and vegetables for the soul’. Horse-whispering with Ollie. Animals as Spirit Guides. Do hunters and people who don’t empathise with animals also have animal spirit guides? ‘If we as humans learned to be as forgiving as animals, we’d solve a lot of our problems’. Why do some spiritual leaders not incorporate veganism into their spiritual practice? ‘A spiritual teacher or leader should only ever lead you back to yourself. They’re here to remind you about the truth that your soul already knows’. Pets or rather ‘furry roommates, and what they teach us. When pets aren’t vegan. ‘The circle of life has been interrupted by humans and that’s a byproduct of us trying to domesticate the wild, and we have to deal with that the best we can. Listener shoutouts A Magical Christmas Giveaway!

In this episode Evy and Robbie meet Sean O’Callaghan a.k.a. Fat Gay Vegan and learn about his hugely popular and all-encompassing philosophy on veganism, gender roles and equality in general. Sean is a blogger, author and activist who has just finished his first book and also runs a weekly vegan market at Hackney Downs in London. Sean highlights the importance of language when it comes to activism. Also on this episode… Sean explains that you don’t need to love animals in order to be vegan. Evy is shocked that he isn’t immediately in love with Puff! We learn about Sean's journey to veganism and activism. Be a good advertisement for vegans! Sean gives advice to a listener on how to talk about veganism to her non-vegan boyfriend. Sean suggests that there are some people who would never go vegan. We discuss the importance joining a vegan community. Robbie gets a lesson on ‘toxic’ masculinity. Evy announces the winner of our Magical Christmas Gift Basket, courtesy of Peta2. We also launch a new competition to win five copies of Sean’s brand new book!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The ChickPeeps! In this final ChickPeeps episode of 2017, Evy, Momo, Robbie and Tylor share their holiday vegan traditions and how we keep our spirits up when our loved ones’ are celebrating with very non-vegan conventions. Also on this episode… Vegan Mince Pie recipe from a vegan celebrity, omg… (see link below) Tylor’s ethical solution to regifting non-vegan presents from your friends and family Merry Christmas, Tiger Prawns! Engaging in ethical debates at holiday meal-times. The key to mindfully discussing veganism so that people will listen: ’Everyone thinks of themselves as a good person… The hostility allows them to not have to face the message.’ The time is ripe to sign up to Veganuary! We announce the 5 winners of the Fat Gay Vegan book Giveaway. What’s coming up for Chickpeeps in 2018!

This week, Evy, Tylor and Robbie kick off the first of the ChickPeeps' episodes of 2018 with the much-hyped and inevitable discussion of animal rights in the wizarding world of our favourite boy wizard. In this two-parter conversation the ChickPeeps get nerdier than ever before as we share our observations and conundrums as Potter fans/ animal activists and discuss the various characters who love and respect the beasts, the stories of magical creatures we've come to love and the not so subtle messages of animal rights and welfare that prevail throughout the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts' series. Also on this episode... We chat about the various characters in the series who are typical animal lovers and evaluate their vegan potential. Hagrid; Animal Ally or Speciesist Abuser? Hermione's ill-fated but impassioned foray into house elf rights with S.P.E.W. Hermione as a typical example of how being a preachy activist alienates your audience. The Mandrake Dilemma: Flora or Fauna? Is mandrake a vegan potion ingredient? Robbie ponders whether you can call yourself an animal rights activist if you're not vegan. Would Luna be vegan??? Hermione and Luna's antithetical styles of activism. Tylor breaks down why being a Slytherin and a Vegan is not an oxymoron; 'I'm vegan because I'm selfish.' How to get a free lunch from Tylor. Which house has the most vegans? We explore the respective traits and values of each house and what compels them to be vegan? Check back in a few days for the second part of this in depth discussion into being a vegan-Potterhead, and for an interview with the founders of The Fantastic Beasts Foundation...

Welcome to the second instalment of our meandering exploration of animal rights in the Wizarding World: Episode 9 3/4 part 2! Evy, Robbie and Tylor jump right back in where we left off last week to discuss how to handle handle the delicate task of freeing all house-elves from slavery without traumatizing them, which wand cores are vegan, and the unfair portrayal of dragons as vicious beasts. We listen in awe as Tylor presents a shocking though not unconvincing case for the Dark Lord being vegan, and we also have the pleasure of interviewing Tylor and his co-founder Kathryn on their Harry Potter-inspired animal right’s charity, The Fantastic Beasts Foundation. Also on this week’s episode... House-elves, and what if they don’t want to be freed? ‘They gauge their self worth not by who they are but by what they can bring to wizards’. Tylor’s big dreams to create a task force at the Ministry of Magic that champions the rights of magical creatures. Dragons: the sharks of the magical world? We share how we would win the first task of the Triwizard Tournament in the most vegan way possible. The CP’s first fanfic: A beautiful cross-species romance for one of our co-hosts... Coral: Flora or fauna? Can vegan wand cores be as powerful? Can phoenixes be exploited or are they in a different category to other magical beasts? Is Newt a secret vegan? Tylor makes the bold and very questionable suggestion that making your snake a horcrux is ‘the ultimate vegan thing to do’. ‘Did someone just cast Incendio cos it got hot in here?!’ We interview Tylor and Kathryn of the Fantastic Beasts Foundation to discuss the parallel animal rights issues in the muggle and magical worlds and how apply the lessons the books teach us. Tylor and Kathryn share details of their campaigns and how listeners can get involved.

After our fun, fictional, vegan musings of the magical world last week, the ChickPeeps take a more factual turn with a discussion on health as a vegan, and the common misconceptions society holds of plant-based nutrition. The brilliant Dr.Garth Davis, weight loss surgeon, author of Proteinaholic, and outspoken advocate for plant-based nutrition joins us (8.55 min in) for this episode to debunk the myths and explain to us the science of why our bodies function better without animal products. Also on this episode... Dr.Davis shares how his own health problems caused him to realise that the standard american diet was far from optimal. How Dr.Davis' perspective on health evolved and with it his attitude to diet: 'I just believed we were born with a lemon for a body'...'a flawed entity'. We're not in the food chain anymore.' Is eating too many carbs on a vegan diet cause for concern? 'A steak is not a protein'. Can you call white meat and fish 'clean'? Is cow's milk necessary for strong bones and healthy teeth? Why it's illegal to market eggs as 'healthy'. Complete proteins and how important it is to get the right balance of amino acids. B12; where it comes from and does Dr.Davis take a supplement? Why does soy get such a bad rep? Vegan Blood: 8x more effective at killing prostate cancer cells!

This week The ChickPeeps have an indepth discussion about the world's largest and most formidable animal rights organisation, PETA aka People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Founded in 1980, by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, PETA made a name for itself with its trademark provocative, headline-grabbing, Animal Rights' campaigns and demonstrations. However, PETA’s bold and controversial tactics often mean that their reputation, depicted in the mainstream media, obscures their tireless efforts to improve the lives of animals. Evy talks to Tylor about what it’s like to work for PETA and then we interview the fiercely passionate, dauntless and unfailingly kind leader of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk to discuss what PETA was like in the early days and to address the myths that shadow the organisation. Also on this episode… ‘Peta has a lot of enemies because we’re making it harder to hurt animals.’ How PETA grew from 5 members in an apartment in Washington D.C. to a worldwide organisation of 6.5 million members. Ingrid shares how to overcome personal doubt and fear when staging a public protest "We took a leaf out of all those books of other social movements which is ‘Say the truth and say it strong.’" ‘It’s not about the messenger’ - Ingrid explains how to handle the backlash from people who want you to stay quiet about animal rights. Pets: Is having a pet ethical? Why is euthanasia necessary in PETA’s shelters, and the differences between Open Admission and No-Kill shelters. The Monkey Selfie Lawsuit: The reasoning behind why PETA invested in legal defence for photography rights for Naruto, the Macaque. Ingrid recounts a near death experience that inspired her will, and how her body will continue her work after she’s gone. We ask Ingrid how she processes the horrifying things she’s seen: ‘I cry a lot’. ‘Dwelling on your own feelings is not that useful’. Tips on how to talk to people wearing Canada Goose jackets. PETA’s 201

Is being vegan more expensive than other diets? Is veganism a luxury only privileged people can afford? Non-vegans often hold the perception that being vegan is a much more expensive lifestyle to lead, so this week Momo and Evy tackle that subject and discuss tips and tricks to making vegan life that bit cheaper. The fabulous Toni Okamoto, author and creator of the popular blog PlantBasedOnABudget.com, also graces the podcast this week and shares details of her work and how you can learn to be vegan for $18 a week! No excuses!! Also on this episode... Momo is back and representing the vegan Hufflepuffs! Momo shares her tips for saving money on a vegan diet. Check out Momo's friend @Jacks_patch on instagram to learn how to grow your own food. Toni explains how being a runner made her switch up her diet to improve her performance on the track. Is being vegan a luxury? What is a slow cooker and how it can improve your vegan life Is being vegan cheaper? Toni gives us her verdict. ‘My biggest tip is to not beat yourself up…It’s about progress and not perfection.’ Evy ventures the idea of a Vegan Fairy-Godmother program. Toni shares tips for how you can eat vegan for $18 a week! Free Meal Plans in show notes :) Buying organic - is it worth the splurge? 'Budgeting is not only about saving money but it’s about saving time.' We discuss your feedback to last week's episode, in particular PETA's role in the Feminist Movement. Momo and Evy surmise on which of the ChickPeeps’ hosts is most likely to appear in a naked PETA campaign.

The ChickPeeps discuss veganism vs the fashion industry and how to transition to a cruelty-free wardrobe. Momo and Evy talk about the vegan brands they like, what to do with your old non-vegan items and whether or not we would wear second-hand animal fabrics. Evy gets to interview another of her vegan heroines (13.30), the incredibly inspiring entrepreneur and found of the vegan fashion house, Vaute, Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart, who shares anecdotes from her journey from child animal activist to teacher to founder of one of the most influential vegan fashion houses. Leanne shares valuable insights on how not following the rules or doing things the way people in the fashion industry expected led her to being one of the leaders of the growing vegan fashion scene. Also on this episode… Leanne shares stories of her early forays into activism challenging vivisection at her school and making her own vegan tshirts, and how her mission often isolated her from her peers. How she built her Vaute from scratch: The things that I did that were important to me, I did them without asking for permission or approval or support’. I don’t really think you can fail until you give up.’ Fashion vs Veganism: How a vegan brand fits into a notoriously non vegan industry. ‘Revolutionary concepts can’t be understood by the current paradigm because they don’t uphold the current paradigm.’ Why wool is not just a haircut - Leanne gives details on the lives of sheep raised for wool. ‘People aren’t trying to be cruel, what they’re trying to do is just make as much product as they can.’ Animals just don’t belong in business. Veganising your wardrobe. Leanne explains why she’s careful not to wear products that look too realistic as animal products. I just did what was right in my heart. That wasn’t necessarily understood or popular or liked but I didn’t know any other way to do it.’ The future of the fashion industry: will compassion ever be cool in the fashi

Many people struggle with the concept that honey is not vegan because they don't understand how taking their honey hurts the bees or they argue that if the bees were unhappy they could just fly away, or that the bee population needs commercial honey-making in order to thrive. So this week Tylor and Evy discuss the much debated topic of honey and why it isn't vegan. Later in the show, Evy interviews Elena Orde of The Vegan Society, the organistion that coined the term vegan, to learn about the many non-vegan standard practices in the stages of honey production. Also on this episode: Please send healing vibes to our dear Momo! Tylor explains how sentient bees are harmed in the process of commercial honey production. Elene Orde of the vegan society shares a bit about the life of a honey bee. Why do bees make honey? The differences between naturally produced and commercially produced honey - artificial insemination of the queen bee - sugar solution substitutes - the fate of queens bees in commercial hives - Smoking out the hive Why don’t bees just fly away if they’re unhappy? Reminder: Beeswax = E901 Honey as a health food - is it nutritionally superior to other sugar and unprocessed sugar-alternatives Bees and their role in the eco-system. Does our environment need commercial honey production to survive? How can we support honey bees? Is there an ethical-vegan way to consume honey? The Bees by Lalline Paul If insects die in the production of vegetables, isn’t that the same as consuming honey? Listener Shoutouts.

Special guest alert! This week Evy tries to keep her shit together as she interviews the woman who inspired The ChickPeeps Podcast in the first place, and who is an all-around beacon of light in the vegan community, Victoria Moran. Victoria is the host of the award-winning vegan podcast, Main Street Vegan, the author of thirteen books and the founder/director of the Main Street Vegan Academy where she trains and certifies vegan lifestyle coaches. A vegan for 35 years, Victoria shares what it was like being vegan when nobody knew what that meant, and discusses the concept of Attractivism as a tool for change. She also explains how veganism is an extension of her faith and spiritual life and shares her best advice for accelerating the dream of a vegan world. Also on this episode… 35 years vegan! Victoria talks about what life was like as a vegan over three decades ago: ‘It was so weird that very few people criticised it. Victoria shares her struggle going vegan as she was trying to overcome a binge eating disorder. What is a ‘Main Street Vegan’? ‘If we’re going to have a vegan world then we’re going to have to be open to liberals and conservatives and religious people and atheists and agnostics and rich people and poor people…the way I look at it is that every human being has at least one thing in common and that is that we all have a heart.’ The Main Street Vegan Academy - Victoria describes the process of becoming a Vegan Lifestyle Coach Attractivism - Living in a way that makes other people want what you have. Is attractivism enough? We discuss the best way to do in-person activism. Raising a child vegan and Victoria’s advice to worried parents of young vegans. 'In every reputable study over the past 50 years -with the exception of vitamin B12 - we don’t see any [health] problems with vegans.' Veganism and Religion - how extending love to animals should be a core tenet of one’s spritiual practice. Victoria’s advice to all vegans

This week, Momo and Evy delve into the complicated world of vegan beauty products, and how to make sure your vanity table is 100% vegan. We discuss the apparent oxymoron of cruelty free products that are not vegan, and why we demand more stringent measures from beauty brands than from food manufacturers. Later on (18.30) we interview Hilary Jones, the ethics director of Lush cosmetics, a 32 year vegan and a fierce and knowledgable advocate for ending animal testing. Also on this episode… What is the difference between cruelty-free and vegan? Crushed beetles, sheep’s wool and pig fat: Momo and Evy discuss the hidden non vegan ingredients often found in cosmetics. Our favourite beauty bloggers. The China thing: the legislation that blocks the world’s biggest beauty companies from being cruelty free. Are our expectations too high? How can we expect makeup brands to be totally Cruelty-Free as we vegan food at non vegan restaurants? How to veganise your cosmetics closet. Why is fighting animal testing part of Lush’s mission? “Companies create paranoia and sell products off the back of that... We don’t want to test on animals, we don’t want to make people feel bad about themselves.” "That’s not science, that’s just brutality” -Hilary explains how animal testing is not necessary or effective way of verifying the safety of our products. How do Lush test their products if not on animals? What happens to animals during testing. The LD50 test: Hilary explains the standard test that kills 50% of its subjects. What is The Cosmetics Drive and the Lush Prize. Will Lush ever go vegan? Hilary shares her feelings on being a vegan at a vegetarian company and her hopes for the future. What can individuals do to achieve a world free from animal testing? “Think about the animals in all that you do.”

This week Tylor, Evy and Robbie take on the heavily-debated subject of whether or not zoos are vegan-friendly. As animal-lovers, many vegans crave the opportunity to meet animals in person and zoos might seem like the obvious option, however there is no denying that wild animals in captivity are caged against their will. We talk about our experiences with zoos and the role zoos play in education and conservationism. Later on, we interview Maddie Taylor, the Campaigns Officer for the animal rights organisation, Freedom For Animal (previously known as the Captive Animals Protection Society). Also on this episode… Are not-for-profit zoos more ethical? Tylor: “We don’t want bigger cages; we want empty cages.” Listener question: What about zoos that help conserve certain species? Is Newt Scamander’s suitcase a zoo or a sanctuary? Breaking news from the vegan wizarding world brought to you by The ChickPeeps’ most persistent tweeter. What is life like for animals in zoos? Maddy: ���I think part of the problem is that a zoo is very much about creating a great day out for the visitor… giving you the perception that those animals are free.” What is Stereotypic behaviour and what are some examples of it? Marius the giraffe and “Surplus” animals - how was Copenhagen Zoo allowed to kill a perfectly healthy animal and is this a common practice? Where do zoos get their animals? What about zoos’ role in conservation projects? Alternative ways to learn about animals. Do certain zoos improve the lives of animals in captivity? What we can do to help animals in captivity now? Robbie takes issue with Evy’s vegan highlight of the week.

You may be thinking that for a vegan podcast we really don't spend much time discussing how to make delicious, simple, healthy vegan food. We thought that too, so this week we are joined by talented chef, co-founder of Wicked Healthy, Director of Plant-Based Innovation at Tesco, and all-around wonderful person, Derek Sarno. Evy and the newest ChickPeeps' recruit, MJ, talk to Derek about Buddhism, why he prefers the term 'free from animals' over veganism, and the future of plant-based food. Also on this episode... Meet MJ, friend to The ChickPeeps and our very first guest-host! What is Varganism? MJ explains the latest craze in the plant-based world. Derek explains why he went vegan or ‘free from animals’. How losing the love of his life led Derek to Buddhism and a deeper empathy with animals. ‘It hurt so bad that I didn’t want anyone else to feel that pain.’ Derek explains the parallels between going vegan and the five steps of grief. Vegan food for meat eaters: Derek shares the inspiration behind the Wicked Healthy range. When you’re not a foodie: Some basic recipes and tips for beginner vegan cooks. How to train yourself to like gross vegetables: Evy shares a dark vegan secret. 'You can find an excuse not to do anything…whatever it is, cleaning your room, veganism… it’s the reasons to do it that really matter.' ‘Plant-pushers not meat-shamers’: Derek tells us about the versatility of mushrooms as a non-processed plant-protein and how he hopes the farming industry will embrace them. “I don’t need anything to die for me to live a very happy and successful life.” We discuss snobbery towards vegans in the restaurant business and how to earn respect from non vegan chefs. 'There’s no way that the way we eat now can sustain itself, there’s some immediate actions that need to be happen and it’s not eating animals.' Uh-oh, we screwed up! The ChickPeeps receive an update on the fennec fox story from a listener, and we are sorr

This week we’re talking about all things cheese and why so many aspiring vegans find it difficult to give it up. Momo and Evy share some charming details about the process of dairy cheese production and then compare the nutritional content of dairy cheese vs vegan cheese. Later on, (24.20) we interview the phenomenal Miyoko Schinner, vegan cheese queen and founder of Miyoko’s Kitchen her early struggles going vegan while being a cheese aficionado, and how she founded her legendary vegan cheese empire. Also on this episode… What is rennet? The chemically addictive properties of dairy cheese How do you quit your cheese addiction? We discuss how to get cheese out of your system. Miyoko shares what it was like being vegan 30 years ago compared to the vegan scene today: ‘This is the renaissance of the vegan movement.’ Miyoko discusses being a huge ‘stinky gooey funky cheese aficionado’ and why she believes being vegan shouldn’t be prohibitive of enjoying the finest foods. Being a bonne vivante vegan : ‘Joy comes with being a vegan when you realise you’re no longer causing harm.’ The process of making vegan cheese: Miyoko describes the life of a vegan cheese. Is vegan cheese healthy? Are dairy and vegan cheeses nutritional equivalents? ‘I think we need health on both an emotional level and a physical level. Sometimes having a delicious baguette with a big thick slab of vegan butter on it can be quite healthy for the spirit.’ What’s it like launching a vegan cheese business and how Miyoko built her brand. ‘I really see our competitor as being the dairy industry.’ Phenomenally Vegan: Miyoko explains why she thinks it’s important to be loud and proud about your vegan values. Miyoko shares good basic cheese recipes. Tips for giving up dairy cheese: ‘Go snuggle up with a cow’. 'There’s a wider array of foods available when you go vegan because you’re thinking outside the box.'

This one's for the vegan chocolate lovers out there! This week Evy, and guest co-host, Elliot Knight, expound on their deep love for all things smothered in thick layers of delicious chocolate, and the importance of indulgence on a vegan diet. We talk about the struggle of satisfying your vegan sweet tooth when vegan treats and desserts are often seen as too obscure or difficult to make, by non-vegans. Later on we interview the fantastic Jacques Cöp, founder and head chocolatier of vegan chocolate house, Coco Caravan, to learn about the process of making vegan chocolate and how raw chocolate is actually a healthy food. Also on this episode... Meet this week's guest host, actor and fellow vegan, Elliot Knight. Elliot shares his joyful outlook on embracing the sweeter things of vegan life - ‘Life is a dessert - get a spoon and get on in!’ Jacques tells of a chocolate vision that came to him and changed his life! Jacques explains why you CAN 3-4 chocolate bars a day and feel good about it! Why vegan chocolate is better than ordinary dairy milk chocolate. The benefits of eating raw chocolate. What is coconut palm sugar? We discuss vegan businesses taking over the world vs keeping business local and family-run. Elliot reaches chocolate-nirvana mid podcast. Jacques shares his abundant mindset as a vegan: ‘With going vegan you don’t really have to miss out on anything.’ Listener question: What do you do when you’re required to eat animal products for an audition? Elliot and Evy weigh in on how they would handle the situation. How NOT to fall off the wagon when non vegan chocolate is the only thing in sight.

This week Robbie and Evy explore the myriad reasons why eggs are not vegan, and how the commercial egg industry has distorted the natural cycle of egg-laying hens to alarming and brutal proportions. We interview the bold and awe-inspiring founder and director of Viva!, Juliet Gellatley (4.05 mins) who share insights and stories from her work doing undercover investigations inside factory farm scale hen houses. We also address the heavily debated issue of backyard hens and whether it is ethical to consume eggs from free hens, and discuss solutions for how to substitute eggs in baking. Also on this episode… Juliet shares her story, from becoming vegan at 13 to campaigning for The Vegetarian Society to founding Viva!. Juliet describes the typical life of an egg laying hen in the UK. How factory farms selectively breed hens to be more productive. Why commercially available eggs are not even suitable for vegetarians. ‘No bird is meant to lay 300 eggs a year, she’s meant to lay 20.’ ‘This whole industry is based on distorting motherhood, a deliberate twisting of motherhood.’ What’s the difference between ‘enriched cages’ and free-range egg farms. ‘What amazes me is that [animals] actually have the capacity to forgive.’ Do hens need to lay eggs and what do free hens do with their eggs? Backyard hens: the oft debated topic of whether or not to eat the eggs of free hens. The clever contraceptive methods of hens and the feminist hen soap opera that would ensue. How old do hens live in the wild vs in factory farms? The nutritional properties of eggs: are they a healthy source of protein and fats, as many believe? Some substitutes for eggs in baking!

You asked, we listened! This week we are discussing the heavily pondered topic of veganism and pets, and the inherent challenges vegan pet lovers face. Listen in as Tylor and Evy discuss their lives with their companion animals and the comprises they’ve had to make for their pets lifestyles. Later on, (12.14 minutes) we interview Dr.Armaiti May, a vegan vet with a dog and cat house call practice, to seek her advice on the most ethical ways to raise companion animals. Dr. May sets the record straight on having vegan pets and addresses the most important campaigns in the vegan community that tackle the overpopulation crisis. Also on this episode… Tylor is back and has some life updates! What’s it like being a vegan vet and the challenges posed to Dr.May’s ethical beliefs when studying veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Assocation for the Protection of Animals: “Education is a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish. I think that’s a key component of helping people to go vegan; empowering them with information, supporting them with resources, showing them how tasty vegan food can be.” Spaying and neutering: Dr.May explains the ethics behind spaying and neutering and why it is the kindest solution to the cat and dog overpopulation crisis. ‘The reality is as much as people want animals to live natural lives, if they’re allowing them to reproduce that is directly contributing to the needless killing of other animals that are already here.’ Open Admission vs. No-Kill shelters: should we, as vegans, be boycotting places that euthanise homeless animals? CAN CATS BE VEGAN???? Surprise guest, Betty, sets the record straight. What to do when your cat is a finicky eater. Dogs are omnivores! Is a vegan diet nutritionally superior for animals in the same ways it is for humans? The growing trend of the exotic pet trade: Dr.May weighs in on what needs to be considered. ‘[Wild animals] are not going to be happy in a home environment; they belo

Are you a militant vegan or an attractivist? Was your mind opened by vegan cupcakes or slaughterhouse vigils? Do you favour street activism or a fiery blog post? This week, Tylor and Evy discuss different types of activism and what methods were most effective in our own personal vegan awakening. Later on, (7.37) Robbie and Evy interview the amazing and relentlessly passionate vegan activist and influencer, Earthling Ed, who shares his story of going from apathetic meat-eater to hardcore vegan, and the mindset he’s cultivated to do the confrontational style of vegan activism for which he has become known. Also on this episode… Ed discusses his previous perception of veganism, and recounts how the wave of empathy he felt for a truck of injured chickens gave him pause as a meat-eater. How becoming vegan connected Ed to a true sense of purpose. Street activism - is it for everyone? Ed shares how he overcame his initial fear of confronting strangers about veganism. How to deal with personal attacks from non-vegans. ‘It’s fear - all of this hatred always comes from fear, fear of change, fear of the unknown.’ Are our emotions a help or a hindrance in vegan activism? Can we change anti-vegan trolls’ minds or is it a waste of energy? The burden of empathy: Ed tells us about the personal toll of being a full time activist, and what drives him to keep going. 'It’s a heavy burden but we’re not the victims.' What is a vigil and what is the purpose of them? Come join the Animal Rights March on August 25th 2018! Challenging the status quo - the line between legal and illegal activism and how far should we go for animal rights. ‘We live in a world of unjust laws and I thoroughly believe that those laws should be broken as they always have been for social justice issues.’ Are vegans morally superior to non-vegans? Ed, Robbie and Evy tackle this uncomfortable accusation often fired at vegans. How educating children on animal rights is a crucial step

This week Momo and Evy discuss the importance of community as a vegan and finding people who inspire you to live a joyfully vegan life. We talk to the ebullient happiness gurus, Dave and Steve Flynn, aka. The Happy Pear, (9.21 minutes) about creating the kind of world you want to live in, and about reconciling one’s cultural background with vegan principles. Later on, Dave and Steve share some of their daily practices to cultivate a balanced, happy life. Also on this episode… How Steve and Dave went their separate ways and found vegetarianism independently in the same week! How the twins planned to start a revolution with a vegetable shop. Dave explains why people living in strong communities live longer. Dave and Steve recount their journeys from being preachy holier-than-thou vegans to a more attractivist style of vegan advocacy. Being an Irish vegan and how to reconcile traditional sensibilities with your vegan values. ‘No Granny, I’m vegan!’ We discuss food as an expression of love. The backlash towards veganism by the dairy industry in Ireland. Why everyone should spend a year working on an organic farm. ‘I think the less we can have a me vs them mentality, the better, because ultimately we all live on one planet and we all have to be friends.’ Dave and Steve explain the importance of consistent movement throughout the day to sustain a joyful outlook on life. How health and happiness are intrinsically linked. ‘Movement makes you feel better quicker than anything else.’ The fine line between Illness and Wellness.

Here at The ChickPeeps we’ve talked about being vegan for the animals and vegan for our health but we haven’t talked about being vegan for the health of humankind and animals together aka. THE ENVIRONMENT! To address this topic, we interview the mastermind filmmakers Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn who put the environmental impact of veganism into focus with their groundbreaking documentary, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret. In this interview Kip and Keegan expand on the information shared in Cowspiracy and explain precisely what impact one individual can have on the environment by being vegan. Also on this epsiode… Kip and Keegan explain why they are actually ethical vegans. Robbie gets nerdy with Keegan about the true cost of animal agriculture on the environment. ‘Literally anything you could care about in the environmental world, raising animals for food is the primary driver of its destruction, and yet it’s basically overlooked. How organic or grass-fed meat is worse for the environment. Why animal agriculture is also a people problem: ‘If there wasn’t such a demand for meat, dairy and eggs in the so-called "developed world", we wouldn’t see these rates of poverty that we see - and starvation and hunger - in the developing [world].’ What difference can one person going vegan actually make? Non-vegan environmentalists: how to talk to hardcore environmentalists who reject veganism. Mangoes from India? Avocados from Mexico? The environmental impact of importing foods from around the world, and do we need to be focusing on local produce? Are almond farms causing drought? ‘This is a movement from the grassroots up, I think it’s going to need to be us hitting a critical mass as vegans and vegetarians and environmentalists and compassionate people.’ Is veganism enough? Kip expands on how else we can be mindful of Mother Earth. Kip and Keegan talk about their exciting upcoming projects. Some listener feedback from the companion pet

This week The ChickPeeps have an honest, open conversation about what it’s like to balance one’s relationship with food with one’s ethical values and how both recovery and veganism have impacted their lives. Momo and Evy are joined by vegan fitness coach and self love advocate, the fearless Bianca Taylor, who recounts her journey from struggling with anorexia to truly loving and celebrating her body. Later on, we interview the incredible Jasmin Singer, senior editor of Vegnews and author of the memoir Always Too Much and Never Enough, who shares her story of developing a binge eating disorder and how she transformed her relationship with food from self-abuse to self care. Also, on this episode… ‘You can’t eat that, can you?’ The important distinction between ‘can’t and ‘won’t’. Going vegan mindfully after an eating disorder. Bianca discusses being a personal trainer and how she helps people in the midst of an ED. ‘Good’ vs. ‘bad’ foods - how do we not backslide into this mentality of categorising foods as a vegan. Bianca and Momo share how their lives have expanded since they chose the path of self-love. Jasmin discusses the journey from food as an enemy, to food as a friend, to somewhere in between. ‘It wasn’t until I was well into my 30s that I realised that food can actually be something that not only is a direct representation of who we wanna be and what our world view is but also something that can fill us and allow us to really sit more comfortably in our authenticity.’ The universal feeling of not being enough. Guilt and shame. How to deal with these emotions surrounding food when we slip up as new vegans. How to talk about veganism with people who’ve been through an eating disorder. Switching your focus from vanity to self care. ‘That’s when food was no longer what it had been for me in the 80s, which was a vehicle for changing; it was a vehicle for being in line with who I wanted to be.’ Letting go o

What’s it like to go behind the barbed wire fence and and see what happens within the walls of a factory farm? How does it feel to witness a lone raccoon caught in a trap and not be able to rescue it? This week Momo and Evy get to chat with passionate and prolific undercover activist, Rich Hardy, about his career exposing animal cruelty in 28 countries that has changed minds and laws for animals all over the world. Rich speaks frankly, and for the time time publicly, about the personal sacrifices he’s made to undertake such difficult work and about the changes he’s noticed in public opinion and the vegan movement in his 33 years as a vegan. Also on this episode… Rich explains how he gave up his dreams of becoming a football player to be a full-time activist. How changing public opinion is worrying the factory farming system. The personal compromises activists make when they go undercover to infiltrate the system. Rich describes his experience working as an undercover fur trapper for two winters and the suffering of one lone raccoon he witnessed that stays with him today. Does undercover activism make you cynical about humanity or more compassionate? Rich weighs in about what he’s seen of human nature. Longevity as an undercover activist: we ask Rich what qualities an individual most possess to withstand this gruelling but vital work. “We can all tell the story of animal suffering”. How there is room for every personality type in the animal rights movement. Where does Rich think the vegan movement will be in 5 years. Listener, Ari’s post about healing her relationship with food. Read more about the issues discussed in Ari’s email about the environment: here and here.

This week we’re discussing the vegan fashion landscape and conscious consumerism with the fantastic sister duo and co-founders of Delikate Rayne, Meg and Komie Vora. Growing up amidst Hindu and Jain cultures, Meg and Komie were raised vegetarian and became vegan several years ago when they founded their cruelty-free label, Delikate Rayne. In this episode they talk about being proud advocates of fashion that is free from animals, and how truly ethical fashion extends far beyond veganism alone. Also on this episode… Meg and Komie explain how founding an ethical fashion line opened their eyes to veganism. How Meg and Komie’s Jain grandmother influenced them to be vegan. “Why does everything that’s considered luxurious have to be derived from an animal?” Creating clothes with a purpose greater than its aesthetic appeal. What it's like being an ethically conscious brand in a very non ethically conscious industry. Is leather a byproduct of the meat industry? Cruelty-free leather and Peace-Silk - we discuss whether ‘cruelty free’ animal derived fabrics could be considered vegan. Do vegan textiles have a higher carbon footprint than their animal counterparts? ‘So yes, you’re saving an animal but you’re killing mother nature’. The vegan material you should really avoid. The problem with ‘fast fashion - “If we’re going to consume the way that we are, we’re going to have nothing left.” The wardrobe diet - Meg and Komie share their tips for veganising one’s wardrobe.

This week on The ChickPeeps we're discussing what it takes to be a vegan athlete and whether or not a vegan diet and lifestyle impedes or assists one's athletic goals. To break through those myths like he records on TV, parkour world champion and badass ninja warrior Tim Shieff joins us to talk about his experiences as a vegan athlete. Also on this episode... How treading on a snail inspired Tim’s vegan awakening. ‘It’s each generations job to be more ethical than the last.’ Crossing the bridge of compassion to enter the vegan kingdom. From Parkour to Ninja Warrior, Tim discusses his athletic journey. Tim talks about the lessons he learns from his sport and how ninja warrior helps him dissolve his ego. Does veganism give you an edge as an athlete? Tim explains how he listens to his body as an athlete, and the benefits of eating a raw food diet. ‘I became vegan because of self-reflection.’ Tim shares why he chooses not to force veganism on anyone. How working on oneself is the key to lighting the way for others: ‘As long as I’m in a happy place, I attract other things that feed my joy.’ The ChickPeeps + Tim daydream about a vegan Conor MgGregor. ‘The key to anything is just starting.’

For the second part of our discussion on vegan athletes, The ChickPeeps chat to Brian Rose, the founder and host of London Real, who recently went plant-based when challenged by his friend, musician and triathlete, John Joseph, to compete in a half Ironman and do it vegan. Brian offers a unique perspective on going vegan as somebody able to observe the changes that occurred within his body and mind in a short space of time, and who’s primary motivator in trying veganism were the health benefits. Also on this episode: Brian shares how the many vegan guests he interviews on his weekly show piqued his curiosity about the lifestyle. “People don’t do what you say, they do what you do.” Brian talks about how he had to increase his food intake when he went plant-based to keep up with the demands of his training. The changes Brian witnessed in his mind and body, and how green vegetables played a crucial part in his training regime. We discuss why many athletic coaches are vehemently against their athletes following a vegan diet. Brian gives his 3 top tips for new vegans. “If it hurts, don’t eat that.” Fear = False Expectations Appearing Real. How going vegan prompts a shift in one’s thought process and a different outlook on life. "If you look at the world in 50 years, I mean it’s a no-brainer to me, that we will all be eating more plant based, it’s just gonna be what does that look like?”

For the penultimate episode of season 1, The ChickPeeps have a discussion on how the ethical argument for veganism is the core tenet of the vegan ideology. Erik Marcus, author, blogger and activist, shares his studies on the reasons to be vegan and explains some of the main ideas in animal rights philosophy. Also on this episode... Erik suggest that the health benefits of following a vegan diet is not the strongest argument to make in favour of veganism. ‘It’s probable that most of the suffering and cruelty tied to the meat, dairy and egg industry arises from how the animals are raised rather than how they are killed.’ Erik talks about the history of factory farming and why the conditions in which animals are raised has steadily worsened. ‘The chances of the hen who laid your egg having her life end in a halfway decent, non violent way are essentially zero.’ What is Speciesism? How to talk about speciesism in relation to other social justice movements in a non provocative manner. Why Erik doesn’t like or use the term ‘carnist’. ‘If there’s one thing that we need to avoid at all costs it’s ever coming off like we are judging or insulting the people we are trying to win over.’ The utilitarian argument for veganism. How to speak to non vegans about veganism with compassion and respect. ‘All I can do is to be respectful, to find common ground and to offer really solid, really accurate information that is in alignment with a high integrity argument.’

For the finale of season 1, all ChickPeeps gather to reflect on the past 8 months and discuss the guests who have altered our respective outlooks on vegan life. We discuss our summer activism plans and share our personal weekly sources of vegan inspiration to see you through the rest of the summer!