Viva! Vegan Podcast

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 d

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 

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 pla

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 activis

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. 



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 you

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... 

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...

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... 

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... 

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!

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.

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.   Co

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 respe

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 Histo

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

Josh Franceschi is the lead singer of British rock band You Me At Six; they have released eight albums to date, two of which reached number one, and Josh has been vegan for eight years.    The You Me at Six frontman opens up to Faye about what it feels like to have been in a band for almost twenty years, despite only being in his thirties. He also talks about the very real threat of the climate crisis and how getting a dog made him go vegan.    In this conversation Josh and Faye also discuss:    Why he’s angry at not being able to safely swim in the sea   The concerns about having children because of the world that they will inherit   Why Greta Thunberg has more sense than most adult politicians   If you can hear Sam Ryder in the background singing Paramore’s Misery Business, we apologise wholeheartedly.   Follow You Me at Six 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

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

Romesh sits down with Faye before his headline appearance at 2023’s Vegan Camp Out for a candid chat about his decade-long vegan journey, including why people direct anger at vegans and can’t perceive them as being funny. He also discusses his love of The Great British Bake Off and the importance of raising more awareness about the horrors of the dairy industry.    In this conversation, Faye and Romesh also discuss topics, such as:   Fears around identity   People’s expectations around being funny   The horrors of the meat and dairy industry Moralistic sacrifices   Why can’t mainstream vegan cheese melt? The surprising lack of backlash from The Great British Bake Off  Why there needs to be an amnesty around meat-eaters and vegans  The joy of Harvester and Toby Carvery restaurants offering vegan options   Find out more on Romesh 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

In this new episode, Faye sits down with best-selling author, spiritualist, podcast host and Oprah star, Victoria Moran.   Victoria Moran is the author of 13 books, including Main Street Vegan, The Good Karma Diet, Shelter for the Spirit, and the international bestseller, Creating a Charmed Life. She holds an undergraduate degree in religious studies, hosts the weekly Main Street Vegan podcast, and is founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, the exciting 6-day program in New York City that trains and certifies vegan lifestyle coaches and educators.    In this conversation, Faye and Victoria discuss topics, such as:   The swinging ‘60s   Tracing veganism and vegetarianism back to antiquity  Veganising yoga   Being bought a drink by Paul McCartney Meeting documentary filmmaker Michael Moore   The writing process How veganism has evolved over the decades   How it felt being voted PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Over 50  What meeting Oprah Winfrey was like  Find out more on Victoria here: About