A Kynd Life

Lara is the Co-Founder of VEats and is extremely passionate about her life, the business she is building, raising children and self development. 

Five years ago, Lara was busy running multiple businesses and wasn’t taking care of her health. She decided to watch the documentary “What the Health” and it changed her life. The documentary challenged Lara’s food habits in a way she could no longer ignore and at the end of watching the film, she went plantbased on the spot!

Lara was not only dedicated to learning a new way to cook and eat, but she also chose to educate herself about why she was doing it. Lara wanted to show people how easy making and finding vegan food could be in the hopes it would encourage them to try it. 

Lara’s passion project developed over a few years and VEats was launched in January 2022. VEats is Australia's first exclusively plant-based food destination platform which helps users find restaurants with vegan meal options in their local area. Lara and her business partner strive to make plantbased food more accessible. 

VEats has gone from strength to strength and now employs ten staff who share a passion for creating a more sustainable world. The team are creating an app which will launch later this year and will expand to other cities across Australia, followed by international destinations. 

In this episode, Lara shares her insights on taking an idea and growing it into a business, finding balance in life and using food as a tool to generate interest in veganism.

https://www.veats.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/veats_australia/
https://www.facebook.com/VEatsAustralia

Dan was born in North Shore, Sydney and was very sick for the first year of his life. He grew up in a fractured household and moved around a lot as a child, teaching Dan to be extremely self reliant. Dan had kids early in life, however he and his wife separated a few years ago. 

Dan met his now fiancé Tayla a little over a year ago after matching with her on a dating app. They went on their first date and Tayla suggested watching movies; she chose Seaspiracy and Cowspiracy! Dan found the footage disturbing and for the first time, he got an understanding of where his food came from. 

On their next date, Tayla asked Dan how he would feel about going vegan and Dan’s response was yeah sure! For a few months after going vegan, Dan didn’t really connect or understand his why, however this has changed over the last six months. 

Dan has grown in confidence when speaking about the injustice experienced by animals and has recently started animal rights activism. Over the Easter long weekend, Dan, Tayla and their two children participated in a Fish Save event at Sydney Fish Markets, leafleting and a lingerie protest. Dan is excited to try all forms of activism to determine where he can make the most impact. 

In this episode, Dan talks about the stigma of veganism and masculinity, creating meaningful friendships and challenging conversations with colleagues and family members.

https://www.instagram.com/that_vegan_cowboy/

In this episode, I share my animal rights activism journey in the hopes it inspires you to get active for the animals.

After going vegan I joined a facebook group called Vegans of Geelong.  It's a good resource for finding local vegan restaurants and foods, but more importantly upcoming events.  I first came across Victorian Lamb Rescue on this platform when they were selling vegan pies as a fundraiser.

Not long after going to the sanctuary, I saw the middle east live export expose and was called to find a way to help. I contacted Victorian Lamb Rescue and asked if they needed any volunteers and lucky for me, they said yes! For four years now, I have been a regular volunteer at the sanctuary, as well as helping with animal transport and fundraising initiatives.

I came across an Anonymous for the Voiceless Cube of Truth event advertised in the facebook group and decided to go along and see what it was about. I attended their next event, holding a screen showing slaughterhouse footage and felt a strong sense of pride and solidarity. I quickly took to outreach, loving interactions with the public and within six months became an Organiser of the Geelong Chapter.

I then decided to join the Animal Justice Party (AJP) to financially support the amazing work Andy Meddick was doing after being elected. During COVID19, I had a little more time on my hands and decided to join an online meeting for my regional group. They had a number of positions vacant, so I put my hand up to help with social media. After doing social media for the region for just under a year, I was nominated to be the Regional Group Leader for Western Victoria which is quite an honour.

In this episode, I call on vegans to get active for the animals as well as discuss the diversity of organisations and ways to get involved. I also answer commonly asked questions about Cube of Truth events and the importance of having elected representatives in Parliament to bring about change for animals.

https://www.instagram.com/akyndlife/
https://www.facebook.com/elisha.atchison
https://www.instagram.com/viclambrescue/
https://www.instagram.com/anonymousforthevoiceless/
https://www.instagram.com/animaljusticepartyvic/
https://www.instagram.com/ajpvicwesternvictoria/

In this episode, I share my animal rights activism journey in the hopes it inspires you to get active for the animals.

After going vegan I joined a facebook group called Vegans of Geelong.  It's a good resource for finding local vegan restaurants and foods, but more importantly upcoming events.  I first came across Victorian Lamb Rescue on this platform when they were selling vegan pies as a fundraiser.

Not long after going to the sanctuary, I saw the middle east live export expose and was called to find a way to help. I contacted Victorian Lamb Rescue and asked if they needed any volunteers and lucky for me, they said yes! For four years now, I have been a regular volunteer at the sanctuary, as well as helping with animal transport and fundraising initiatives.

I came across an Anonymous for the Voiceless Cube of Truth event advertised in the facebook group and decided to go along and see what it was about. I attended their next event, holding a screen showing slaughterhouse footage and felt a strong sense of pride and solidarity. I quickly took to outreach, loving interactions with the public and within six months became an Organiser of the Geelong Chapter.

I then decided to join the Animal Justice Party (AJP) to financially support the amazing work Andy Meddick was doing after being elected. During COVID19, I had a little more time on my hands and decided to join an online meeting for my regional group. They had a number of positions vacant, so I put my hand up to help with social media. After doing social media for the region for just under a year, I was nominated to be the Regional Group Leader for Western Victoria which is quite an honour.

In this episode, I call on vegans to get active for the animals as well as discuss the diversity of organisations and ways to get involved. I also answer commonly asked questions about Cube of Truth events and the importance of having elected representatives in Parliament to bring about change for animals.

https://www.instagram.com/akyndlife/
https://www.facebook.com/elisha.atchison
https://www.instagram.com/viclambrescue/
https://www.instagram.com/anonymousforthevoiceless/
https://www.instagram.com/animaljusticepartyvic/
https://www.instagram.com/ajpvicwesternvictoria/

Bronwyn moved around alot as a child as her father was an army officer, so they lived across Australia and overseas. Moving often gave Bron the opportunity to become resilient and self reliant, with animals being her constant companions. Having seen some of the horrible things that go on in the world, Bron became aware from a young age that there are animals and people in the world who need our help.

Bron witnessed her father and brother hunting and as a result, she was vegetarian for most of her life. Five years ago, one of Bron's children went vegan and encouraged the whole family to follow their footsteps. The family agreed to research veganism themselves and at that point Bron began cooking deconstructed dinners, so family members could take what they wanted for their meal. It didn't take long before they realised no-one was eating meat, so everyone decided to go vegan.

A year later, Bron went to a Melbourne Cow Save event to bear witness to cows being transported to their slaughter. She still gets emotional to this day, recalling the helplessness she felt as truck after truck went by and she couldn't save the individuals on board. Bron quickly got involved in all of the Save events such as rallies and vigils and became an organiser for Melbourne Goat Save and Melbourne Fish Save. 

Bron saw an information session advertised for her local Animal Justice Party (AJP) group, so she went along and walked out of the meeting a candidate in the next election! Bron has always been interested in politics, seeing the regulatory system as a way to bring about change for animals. Bron is currently running as a Lead Senate candidate in the upcoming 2022 Federal election.

Bron has always been heavily involved in her local community, both in her children's school associations as well as currently being the President of her local community centre. Always a feminist, Bron felt called to be involved in the Women's March for Justice organisation, having organised both Melbourne events the last two years. Bron was also recently awarded Kingston Woman of the Year, acknowledging her service in the local community, as well as animal advocacy and women's rights.

In this episode, Bron discusses the changes she wants to see when elected to Federal Government, challenging the patriarchal system and taking action when you see injustice in the world.

https://www.instagram.com/bronwyncurrie1/
https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/bronwyn_currie_for_senate
Volunteer for AJP at the Federal Election - https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/election_vollie
How voting works https://youtu.be/y_9hArsJrAg

Tony is the Co-Founder of vegan clothing and footwear brand Noskin, podcast host of "Producing with Purpose" as well as a coach working with purpose driven businesses.

Tony went vegetarian at twelve years old because he loved animals. Six years later, when he made the cognitive association between animal products such as eggs and dairy and animal suffering, he went vegan. During this period, he also played in a punk band which had close ties to social and vegan movements.

Tony became involved in animal rights activism during the first few years of being vegan and gained employment at PETA, which started his marketing journey. 

He had also developed a passion for fashion and started working on his own fashion brand. Tony quickly met two people with a similar aspiration and they co-founded Noskin in 2020. The fashion label is focussed on ethically sourced and sustainably made items.

Tony set himself a goal of speaking to one person a week who had established an ethical business. He decided to make it into a podcast to share the value of the conversations with others, as well as creating great networking opportunities. Alongside Producing with Purpose, Tony also creates a video series called "Coffee with a Creative" to showcase local musicians, artists and creative entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Tony shares his advice on what it takes to start a vegan business, finding work-life balance and the importance of building culture and community.

https://www.instagram.com/noskin.co/
https://www.instagram.com/producingwithpurpose/
http://www.noskin.co
http://www.producingwithpurpose.com.au

Richard Oglesby, known as Trikky Oges to his friends, spent most of his life working in industries that exploited animals, until he started a job at Edgar's Mission, which changed his whole life.

Trikky began his career in shearing sheds across outback Australia when he was 20 years old. He was a zoo keeper at Adelaide Zoo for seven years and recalls the boredom animals in captivity experienced. Trikky then became a groom at a top cattle stud in Victoria and later a contractor at equestrian centres.

Trikky met Pam Ahern, Founder of Edgar's Mission, at a local farmers Markets and was invited to join the Edgar's team in May 2015. Trikky recalls arriving at Edgar's Mission and feeling an overwhelming sense of joy when he was met by Saturday, a special needs Suffolk sheep in a cart. He met all the beautiful residents and recognised their strong will to live. He began to reflect on his food choices and as a result, Trikky went vegetarian at age 68.

Trikky's 2018 new years resolution was to go vegan, which he accomplished with the encouragement and support of the Edgar's crew, who supplied him with recipes and meals.  Trikky is a testament to it being "never too late to change".

Trikky attended a Save Movement rally where Pam was the guest speaker. He then came across an Anonymous for the Voiceless Cube of Truth in Southbank and realised being active for the animals was the next necessary step in his journey. He attended the next Cube event and has been a regular member ever since.

In this episode, Trikky shares the importance of learning from each other, going outside your comfort zone for the animals and being a proud example of diversity within the vegan movement.

https://www.instagram.com/trikkyoges/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031136912915

Liz Douglas grew up in regional Victoria, but now enjoys the Melbourne vegan lifestyle with her husband Steve and cat Sooki.

Liz describes herself as a vegan foodie, having created "Vegan Diaries" on social media after going vegan three years ago. Liz created her platform to connect with like minded people and prove that she could be vegan and still enjoy amazing food.

Liz describes herself as a confident cook who loves cooking easy, humble, hearty and nutritious meals. Not only does Liz create the recipes, she also provides practical, step by step instructions on how to create each dish.

Liz began her podcast also titled "Vegan Diaries" during Covid, having found inspiration from years of listening to podcasts. She wanted to create a platform to showcase people's stories and diversity within the vegan community.

Last November, Liz was asked to be a Vegan Easy Ambassador which she thoroughly enjoyed. Liz is involved in a number of collaborative projects with nutritionists and chefs.

In this episode, Liz shares her experience of going vegan, feelings of imposter syndrome, favourite dish and plans for her podcast in the future. 

https://www.instagram.com/vegandiaries___/
Tofu Katsu Curry Recipe - https://cupfulofkale.com/vegan-tofu-katsu-curry/

Luke is married to Aimee and they have a two year old son Wolfgang. He is the Founder of The Vegan Alliance, straightedge and an advocate for men's mental health.

Luke went vegan over 25 years ago, when he was only 17. He has always loved punk and hardcore bands which introduced him to straightedge culture. After listening to Earth Crisis who sing about animal liberation, Luke started learning veganism and adopted a straightedge lifestyle.

Luke created The Vegan Alliance six years ago, as he wanted to share more 'in your face' animal rights content. Soon after, he launched a merch brand, with the income being donated to animal sanctuaries. The money raised was then later used to fund their own rescue cows Kevin and Derek.

Luke and Aimee rescued Kevin after meeting a hobby farmer who didn't want to send his Brahman steer Kevin to slaughter. Not long after that, they found Kevin's now best mate Derek, a bobby calf who they also saved from slaughter.

Luke has always had a passion for music and played in a bunch of punk rock bands since high school, even becoming a Tour Manager of a friend's band Parkway Drive.

Luke is very open about struggles with his mental health and as a result, is a strong advocate for men's mental health.

In this episode, Luke also chats about breaking down the masculine and vegan stereotypes, his tattoos and visiting vegan restaurants across the world.

https://www.instagram.com/weberxvx/

Edel Sanders grew up in America, but later moved to Prague while completing her doctoral degree. She is the Dean of Psychology, at the University of New York and has enjoyed the history, culture, people and food in Prague for over ten years.

Edel had a number of health problems during her teenage years and when she moved to New York, she saw a nutritionist. On his advice, Edel gave up dairy and then removed all animal products shortly afterward. After becoming vegan, her health improved dramatically. She has remained vegan, while maintaining excellent health for over 25 years.

Edel became a psychologist to relieve suffering and focuses on researching multiple species' cognitive abilities and emotional lives. She shares her findings with university colleagues, which often results in a shift towards a plant-based lifestyle as they find it hard to dispute the cognitive ability and evident consciousness of non-human animals. 

Edel recently conducted a TedxTalk titled "Does size really matter? When it comes to brains" in which she speaks about evolution and challenges the idea of the superiority of beings based on brain size.

Edel was a co-founder of a farm sanctuary called Farma Naděje "Farm of Hope" in Czechia. She surrounds herself with an amazing activist community and is involved in social media advocacy while being an organiser for Anonymous for the Voiceless.

In this episode, Edel shares her knowledge about animals' cognitive ability, making a difference in your daily life and taking care of yourself to get the best outcome for animals

https://www.instagram.com/edelsanders/
TedX Talk "Does size really matter? When it comes to brains" - https://youtu.be/1j26dVyj5Bs