Viva! Vegan Podcast

Recorded live from the Education Stage at Vegan Camp Out, this lively episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast features French chef Alexis Gautier in conversation with Viva! founder Juliet Gellatley. Gautier shares his journey into vegan cuisine and how he’s inspiring other chefs to embrace plant-based cooking – spoiler alert: it often means challenging their egos in the kitchen. Passionate, engaging, and full of insight, he captivates both the live audience and listeners alike, while Juliette’s brilliant questions draw out the stories behind his culinary philosophy. This episode is a feast of inspiration for anyone interested in vegan food, creativity, and pushing boundaries.

In a playful and energetic episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, rapper and activist Inspeckta Veg talks about the unexpected journey that catapulted him into the spotlight with his viral hit Birdseye Baby Mums’. Blending sharp lyrics with a passion for plant-based living, he reflects on how music became his platform for spreading a positive message while breaking stereotypes about veganism. With humour and honesty, Inspector Veg shares the story behind his rise, the inspiration that fuels his creativity, and why he believes culture and music are powerful tools for change.

In a heartfelt episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, educator and content creator Emily Moran Barwick – better known as Bite Size Vegan – speaks openly about the realities of burnout and the importance of prioritising her health. Known for breaking down complex issues into clear, accessible content, Emily reflects on the pressures of constant creation and the challenges of sustaining activism online. Yet at the heart of her work remains a deep passion for helping others: she shares how meaningful it is when teachers use her videos in classrooms to inspire and educate the next generation about compassion and veganism. Honest, vulnerable and deeply committed, Emily offers an unfiltered look at both the struggles and the rewards of using digital platforms to create change.

In a lively and insightful episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby sit down to talk about the journey that has made them two of the UK’s most recognisable vegan voices. The duo reflect on stepping into their individual fortes – from recipe creation to big-picture strategy – while Henry opens up about the joys and challenges of raising his daughter on a vegan diet. Looking ahead, they reveal exciting plans to launch a new range of supermarket foods, designed to make plant-based living more convenient and accessible than ever. With their trademark humour and down-to-earth honesty, Henry and Ian share not only their passion for food, but also their vision of a future where veganism is mainstream, affordable and inspiring.

In a fascinating episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, entrepreneur, environmentalist and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince joins the conversation to share what he’s been working on – including his bold new project exploring how we might one day eat grass (yes, really). Known for his trailblazing vision in green energy, Vince also turns his attention to the political landscape, offering forthright views on how Britain can and must address the ongoing energy crisis. Blending innovation with activism, he discusses the intersections of food, climate and politics, and why reimagining our relationship with the planet is more urgent than ever. Vince’s forward-thinking ideas and uncompromising honesty make this a compelling listen for anyone interested in sustainable solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges.

In a powerful episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, strongman and actor Patrik Baboumian sits down with Viva!’s Faye to reflect on his extraordinary journey. Best known for his record-breaking feats of strength and his role in the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers, Baboumian shares how adopting a vegan lifestyle transformed not just his health, but his entire outlook on life. He discusses his new ventures into public speaking, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and inspire others – particularly men – to rethink strength, masculinity and compassion. With unflinching honesty, he contrasts his life before and after veganism, showing how purpose and empathy can be as powerful as physical force. This conversation is both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering a unique glimpse into the life of one of veganism’s most iconic advocates.

In an open and engaging episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, businesswoman, activist and athlete Heather Mills talks about her latest innovation, No Bloat, a low FODMAP product designed to tackle bloating with 100% clean, minimal ingredients. Created for those struggling with sensitive stomachs and “gassy guts”, the product reflects Mills’ commitment to practical, plant-based solutions that make everyday life easier. Alongside this exciting new venture, she speaks candidly about the ups and downs that have shaped her journey, from personal challenges to professional triumphs, and how resilience has driven her forward. With her trademark energy and honesty, Mills offers both inspiration and practical insight, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in health, wellbeing and living with compassion.

In a raw and deeply honest episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, endurance athlete, TV daredevil and chef Matt Pritchard reflects on his remarkable journey of transformation. Speaking live from Vegan Camp Out, Pritchard opens up about his three years of sobriety and the lessons he has learned from leaving behind a chaotic past. Known for pushing limits on Dirty Sanchez and later reinventing himself with Dirty Vegan, he shares how sobriety has given him clarity, resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Far from simply closing a chapter, Pritchard talks about looking ahead with focus and optimism, embracing a lifestyle built on compassion, balance and strength. His candid reflections offer not just a glimpse into personal growth, but an inspiring reminder that change is always possible.  

In this month’s Minisode, Faye is joined by Viva! campaigner Kit to talk about the ASA’s ban on the Dairy is Scary cinema advert, the highly anticipated Vegan Camp Out, and a groundbreaking move by the Swiss government requiring food labels to disclose forms of animal abuse. They also discuss the University of the West of England students’ vote in favor of plant-based menus, and the future of food with lab-grown cheese.  

In 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!

In 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! 

In 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:

In 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

In 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

In 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: 

Bringing 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

Bringing 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!

Bringing 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! 

Bringing 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!

In 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