'Yoga Is A Vegan Practice': Tabay Atkins, 17, On Becoming America's Youngest Yoga Teacher

Welcome back to another episode of the Plant Based News Podcast! I am joined today by a remarkable young person, Tabay Atkins, who is known for his work as a vegan chef, philanthropist, plant-based advocate, and America’s youngest yoga teacher.

Tabay discovered his passion for yoga after witnessing his mum’s battle with cancer and the positive effects that yoga practice had in her recovery. He became the youngest certified yoga teacher at age 11 and later went on to complete 500-hour Vinyasa certification yoga teacher at age 14. His incredible journey has led him to work on campaigns with big brands such as Nike. He is passionate about sharing his practice of yoga, vegan cooking, and healthy living and using his platform for social change and giving back to his community.

Putting his money where his mouth is, in 2022 at only 16 years old, Tabay launched his own business, Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen – a vegan food truck in Orange County, California. Acknowledging the roots and what catapulted him on this journey, he donates his earnings from his successful ventures to help cancer patients.

The PBN Podcast is hosted and produced by Robbie Lockie, edited by Phil Marriott and researched and scripted by Antonia Georgieva.

00:00:00 An introduction to Tabay Atkins

00:11:02 12 year-old Tabay’s Harry Connick Jr TV appearance (2017)

00:13:20 The interconnecting ideas between veganism and Ahimsa - the yoga practice

00:16:50 Why do some people practice the non-harming yoga practice Ahimsa but still eat animals?

00:23:41 Living by the mantra: “Think good thoughts, speak kind words, feel love, be love, give love”

00:27:38 Working with sports brand Nike

00:30:35 The lack of support for young people and their aspirations

00:36:20 The importance of nutrition

00:44:10 Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen

00:48:55 Tabay’s relationship with food

00:53:20 The power of celebrity

00:55:20 Advice for those who are overwhelmed by modern life

01:02:00 LEGO is a form of therapy

01:04:00 Stranded on a desert island