Synopsis
The Viva! Podcast is a free audio show from Europe's largest campaigning vegan charity. Released on the first of every month, the first full episode was published on World Vegan Day, Tuesday November 1st 2016. The show is hosted by Viva!'s Kris Townsend and recorded at "Viva! central" (our HQ) in Bristol, UK.
Episodes
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The Willy Wonka of Vegan Cuisine?! Liam Penn’s Food Will Leave You Speechless
12/06/2025 Duration: 41minIn this episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, Kit is joined by Michelin-trained chef Liam Penn who speaks about his work in the fine-dining world. From Roald Dahl's snozzcumbers to pre-historic recipes, Liam takes inspiration from anywhere and everywhere to create his unique tasting menus. Over the past 15 years Liam has worked alongside some of the most awarded and talented chefs in modern cuisine: celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal at the 3 Michelin star restaurant ‘The Fat Duck’; celebrity chef Simon Rogan at the now 3 Michelin star restaurant ‘L’enclume’ and Andrew Dargue at the acclaimed vegetarian restaurant ‘Vanilla Black’ in London. You can check out Liam's upcoming events at: We hope to see you there!
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#43 Vegan News Minisode - June 2025
06/06/2025 Duration: 09minIn this month’s Minisode, Faye is joined by Viva! campaigner Kit to deep dive into how a vegan diet can support you through menopause - from tackling hot flushes to boosting mood and energy. But that’s just the beginning… They also revisit the viral Dairy is Scary video and discuss the latest Halfway Heroes campaign while shining a light on the incredible work being done on the ground by the Viva! team, taking the vegan message to cities across the UK!
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Ex-Systems Engineer Reveals the SHOCKING Truth About Climate Change – And Why Veganism Is the Only Way Out!
15/05/2025 Duration: 01h18minIn this episode, we welcome Dr Sailesh Rao – systems engineer, climate expert and founder of Climate Healers – to the Viva! Vegan Podcast. With a background in engineering that helped shape the internet, Dr Rao now dedicates his life to addressing humanity’s most urgent crisis: climate change. He speaks to Faye about how a global transition to a vegan lifestyle is not only essential for the planet’s survival but also central to building a just, compassionate world. Join us as we explore the science, ethics and deep interconnectedness between climate justice, animal rights and having a spiritual awakening! Viva! is the UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity, specialising in undercover investigations and animal, health, environmental and lifestyle campaigns. Founded in 1994 by Juliet Gellatley, we have spent 30 years creating a kinder, more sustainable world for humans and animals alike. Visit: Support: Follow us on socials: ▶ Facebook: ▶ Instagram: ▶ Twitter: ▶ TikTok:
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30+ Years of Shocking Truths and Vegan Victories: Juliet Gellatley and Tony Wardle Tell All!
15/05/2025 Duration: 53minIn this special episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, we celebrate 30 years of fearless campaigning, groundbreaking investigations and powerful advocacy with the people who started it all. Viva! founder and director Juliet Gellatley sits down with longtime collaborator, author and fellow activist Tony Wardle for an intimate and inspiring conversation. Together, they reflect on three decades of pushing boundaries, exposing cruelty and building the UK’s most influential vegan charity from the ground up. From their early battles to their vision for the future, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the passion, persistence, and people behind Viva! ---------- Viva! is the UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity, specialising in undercover investigations and animal, health, environmental and lifestyle campaigns. Founded in 1994 by Juliet Gellatley, we have spent 30 years creating a kinder, more sustainable world for humans and animals alike. Visit: Support: Follow us on socials: ▶ Facebook: ▶ Instagram: ▶ Twit
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From Stadiums to Animal Activism: Tanya O’Callaghan Unleashed!
15/05/2025 Duration: 55minIn a compelling episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl with a deep love for animals to a globally recognised musician and passionate animal rights activist. Known for her electrifying performances with legends like Whitesnake, Dee Snider and Puscifer, Tanya discusses how her early experiences volunteering at an animal shelter shaped her commitment to veganism and activism. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a plant-based lifestyle while touring the world, offering insights into how changing one's plate can indeed change the world. Tanya also reflects on the evolving vegan movement in Ireland and the importance of unity and collaboration in promoting sustainable practices. Viva! is the UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity, specialising in undercover investigations and animal, health, environmental and lifestyle campaigns. Founded in 1994 by Juliet Gellatley, we have spent 30 years creating a kinder, more sustai
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Vegan Dog Food EXPOSED: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know – with Canine Nutritionist Claire Lucie!
29/04/2025 Duration: 59minIn this episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, Faye is joined by canine nutritionist Claire Lucie, who unpacks the science behind vegan dog food, busts the biggest myths about plant-based pet health and shares her top tips for keeping your pup thriving on a cruelty-free diet. Whether you’re curious about transitioning your dog to vegan food or just want to learn more about choices for pets, this episode is not to be missed. ---------- Viva! is the UK’s leading vegan campaigning charity, specialising in undercover investigations and animal, health, environmental and lifestyle campaigns. Founded in 1994 by Juliet Gellatley, we have spent 30 years creating a kinder, more sustainable world for humans and animals alike. Visit: https://viva.org.uk/ Support: Follow us on socials: ▶ Facebook: ▶ Instagram: ▶ Twitter: ▶ TikTok:
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#41 Vegan News Minisode - March 2025
14/03/2025 Duration: 08minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism – Episode 42: March 2025 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by the leading vegan charity, Viva! Presenters Faye and Erin are here with the latest updates on plant-based lifestyles, food, and animal campaign news. In this episode, they cover: Viva!'s Dairy Is Scary crowdfunder Plates becomes the UK's first Michelin-starred vegan restaurant University of Bristol students advocate for plant-based catering Vegan good news platforms thrive Is drinking oat milk a risk to your health
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#40 Vegan News Minisode - February 2025
05/02/2025 Duration: 09minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 40: February 2025 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity, Viva! Presenters Faye and Erin are here with the latest updates on plant-based lifestyles, food and animal campaign news. In this episode, they cover: - Viva!'s recognition at the 2024 Vegfest Awards. - A recent bird flu (H5N1) outbreak, which has been affecting cats - some falling ill or dying after eating contaminated raw pet food. - Naturalist and TV personality Chris Packham's criticism of the UK's Let's Eat Balanced campaign, calling it "dangerous propaganda." - The new documentary Food for Thought. - A new c-label for cultivated meat! Stay tuned for the latest in vegan news!
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#39 Vegan News Minisode - December 2024
22/11/2024 Duration: 09minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 39: December 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenters Faye and Erin bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news. In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss the fact that 75% of UK dietitians incorrectly believe plant proteins are incomplete, Viva!'s high-protein V7 meal plan launched in collaboration with the PlantBuilt team, the brand Nukoko who launches cocoa-free chocolate in a bid to tackle their environmental impact and of course, campaigns such as Gasping for Life and Viva!'s A Very Vegan Christmas mini cookbook. For everyone listening throughout 2024, thank you so much and have a wonderful Christmas. See you in 2025!
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#38 Vegan News Minisode - November 2024
28/10/2024 Duration: 14minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 37: October 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenters Faye and Erin bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news. In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss Viva!'s A Very Vegan Christmas mini cookbook, France's attempt to ban 'meat' terms from vegan products, Aldi's biggest Christmas range and the launch of V7 high-protein, in conjunction with the incredible PlantBuilt Plant Strong team. Enjoy!
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Kate Nash Gets Real: Why Veganism Is Her Act of Rebellion Against a Cruel System!
23/10/2024 Duration: 39minIn a candid and thought-provoking episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, British singer-songwriter and actress Kate Nash delves into her personal journey towards veganism, offering insights into the complexities of ethical living in today's world. Known for her hit single "Foundations" and her role in Netflix's GLOW, Nash discusses how her transition from vegetarianism to veganism was influenced by both personal experiences and a desire to challenge systemic cruelty. Drawing inspiration from the film Okja, Nash reflects on the emotional impact it had on her decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle. She emphasizes that for her, veganism is not merely a dietary choice but a form of resistance against a system that commodifies life and perpetuates exploitation. Nash also critiques the vegan industry's embrace of mass production, cautioning against the commercialisation of ethical choices. Throughout the episode, Nash's unfiltered honesty and commitment to authenticity shine through, making this conversation a
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30 Years of Viva!: In Conversation With Juliet Gellatley
23/10/2024 Duration: 01h10minFaye sits down with Viva!'s unstoppable founder and director Juliet Gellatley to chat about the highs, lows and hilarious moments of running Viva!. Juliet candidly discusses three decades of campaigning, taking us through the wild ride of vegan activism, recalling her battles and big wins. With plenty of laughs and honest reflections, Juliet shares the inside scoop on what it really took to turn her vision into a movement, showing us just how far Viva! has come!
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#37 Vegan News Minisode - October 2024
03/10/2024 Duration: 11minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 37: October 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenters Faye and Erin bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news. In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss Viva!'s 30th birthday celebrations, helping out at Dean Farm Sanctuary, Beyond Meat's new "whole-muscle" mycelium-based steak, plant-based Nutella, dodgy donut eating habits, and the launch of V7!
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#36 Vegan News Minisode - September 2024
06/09/2024 Duration: 14minBringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 36: September 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!. Presenter Faye is this month joined by new co-host, Erin, as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news. In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss Bristol trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack and their eco-conscious and entirely vegan menu at festival Act 1.5, how precision fermentation could help the world move away from animal agriculture, how soy milk is better than cow's milk for cardiometabolic health - and just what cardiometabolic health means - as well as Viva!'s latest campaigns and tours... Enjoy!
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Dr. Michael Greger: Revolutionising Health, Debunking Myths, and Giving Back
05/08/2024 Duration: 06minDr. Michael Greger, a trailblaser in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and author of How Not to Die joins Viva! to discuss his groundbreaking work with us during the pandemic and his personal motivation, sparked by his grandmother, to revolutionise health through diet. He dives into the urgent need to combat heart disease with preventive nutrition and lifestyle choices, while also tackling the myths surrounding patient compliance and physician biases. Plus, he reveals how all proceeds from his work go directly to charity, showcasing his dedication to both health and giving back. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: Dr. Greger’s high-impact collaboration with Viva! on pandemic work The personal story behind his shift to nutrition and lifestyle medicine The fight against heart disease through dietary and lifestyle changes Debunking myths about patient compliance and physician attitudes His charitable approach with book sales and its impact
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Vegan Queen V: Freedom Warrior and the Fight for Liberation
05/08/2024 Duration: 11minVegan Queen V, the dynamic force behind the album Freedom Warrior, is celebrated for her passionate belief that vegans are freedom warriors fighting for liberation for all. Known for her powerful songs that highlight the themes of key documentaries like Cowspiracy and Land of Hope and Glory, she draws poignant parallels between human and animal rights. Her music reflects on the transformative impact of veganism on her life, including cherished memories of growing up with a cow as her best friend. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: The empowering message behind Freedom Warrior The impact of documentaries on her activism The parallels between human and animal struggles in her music Her personal journey and improvements since embracing veganism Her childhood connection with a cow and its influence on her advocacy
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Gaz Oakley: Rockstar chef turned plant-based pioneer
05/08/2024 Duration: 11minGaz Oakley, the "Avant-Garde Vegan," is a renowned chef, author, and YouTuber known for his innovative and visually stunning vegan recipes. He has authored popular cookbooks like Vegan 100 and Plants Only Kitchen, inspiring many to embrace plant-based cooking. Gaz's commitment to sustainability and creative culinary approach has made him a leading figure in the vegan movement. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sit down to chat about the magic of herbs for health, sustainable vegetable growing, plant-based cooking, eco-friendly living, and the future of food! In this episode: The magic of herbs and incorporating them into your diet for maximum health benefits The benefits of growing your own food Wider conversations around sustainability and veganism What's next for Gaz 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. N
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Genesis Butler: From TED Talk prodigy to global activism powerhouse
05/08/2024 Duration: 12minGenesis Butler, a fearless young activist, made headlines with her TED Talk at just 10 years old. Known for her bold stance against the fossil fuel industry and her direct appeal to the Pope, Genesis is a powerful voice for environmental and animal rights. Her unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future has positioned her as a leading figure in the youth activism movement. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: Going vegetarian at three, and vegan at six Her Million Dollar Vegan campaign Branching out into Uganda Her memories of the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah Her first lawsuit! 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!.
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Mic the Vegan: The scientist behind the screen!
05/08/2024 Duration: 12minMic the Vegan, a prominent voice in the plant-based community, is back for his third appearance at Vegan Camp Out, reflecting on the event's impressive growth since his first visit in 2019. The festival's expansion highlights the UK’s leadership in veganism compared to the US, where consistency varies state by state. Mic shares insights into his YouTube journey, from initial hesitance to engage with the camera, to overcoming fears of appearing "wimpy" for going vegan, and his commitment to thorough research and evidence-based content. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about: The evolution of Vegan Camp Out and its growth since 2019 Differences in veganism between the UK and the US Mic's initial fears and eventual success in creating YouTube content The development of his in-depth research and the rise to 400,000 followers The importance of citing scientific claims and maintaining credibility Dishonest reporting!
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Macca B: Breaking barriers and inspiring change through veganism and reggae
05/08/2024 Duration: 04minMacca B, the pioneering reggae artist, reflects on his early vegan journey over thirty years ago when few understood his commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. He laughs at his visit to Serbia, where a waiter initially mistook his dietary choices for a sign of illness, highlights how attitudes have shifted as people now recognise the benefits of veganism. Macca B's commitment extends to his children and grandchildren, all of whom follow a vegan lifestyle, and he believes leading by example is the most effective way to educate others. Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye grabs him just before his performance to chat about: Macca B’s early struggles with veganism and how perceptions have changed His experience in Serbia and the evolving understanding of veganism The influence of leading by example and its impact on education His reggae fans' dedication to social issues and one love The transformative power of music in driving change