REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and premiered on December 7, 2022.

Yvette Baker is a Los Angeles–based writer, educator, social critic, and animal liberation activist. Her work is devoted to exposing and analyzing the intersections of human and nonhuman oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens. As a lifelong social justice advocate for human rights with experience in strategic grassroots organizing, she has become passionate about furthering collective liberationist frameworks and aims to empower the vegan movement as a movement for total liberation. Connect with Yvette on IG!

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Music by Matthew Baxley

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and premiered on November 23, 2022.

Sabs Katz, a dynamic creator and co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalists, joins us for a conversation that sheds light on the entwined paths of identity, activism, and environmentalism. Sabs courageously shares their experiences confronting anti-Semitism while navigating the world of social justice and environmental advocacy through a Jewish and vegan lens. We explore the vital role of setting boundaries with media and the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives to create a more inclusive movement that tackles pressing social issues like the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Our discussion takes an intriguing turn as Sabs reveals how adopting a vegan and zero-waste lifestyle transformed their approach to sustainability. Initially skeptical of aligning with advertising, they discovered its potential to deliver powerful sustainability messages. Together, we examine the dual nature of social media in activism, recognizing its power to amplify voices and create inclusive spaces for change. We touch on eco-anxiety and the hurdles posed by systemic barriers, yet find hope in effective communication and acknowledging solutions that inspire climate action.

We celebrate the mission of Intersectional Environmentalists, where Sabs and their co-founders aim to blend social justice with environmentalism through community engagement and digital initiatives like Earth Sessions. Sabs shares personal stories of sustainable fashion, finding inspiration in vintage family pieces, and the broader implications of mindful shopping. Through these narratives, we embrace the power of creative wardrobe choices and the joy they bring, highlighting how these acts resonate deeply in the quest for a sustainable future.

Guest Bio: Sabs Katz (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based advocate of conscious, intentional, and holistic living. She aims to inspire and empower others through low-waste living, ethical + secondhand fashion, plant-based eating, conscious consumerism, and personal health + wellness. She is also a co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist. Connect with Sabs on IG and her website!

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Listen in as Taylor Wolfram shares the motivations that led them to transition from vegetarianism to veganism, primarily driven by a commitment to animal rights and a desire to disconnect from the animal agriculture industry. Taylor recounts the role an animal rights group at their university played in supporting this lifestyle change and how it expanded their involvement in the broader activist community. We also uncover Taylor's academic shift from pre-med to dietetics, a decision fueled by a passion for personal interaction and counseling, which traditional medical fields often lack.

In our conversation, we examine the concept of anti-diet vegan nutrition and its implications in the world of misinformation and diet culture. Taylor shares personal experiences and professional insights into the harmful effects of diet culture, its ties to systems of oppression, and the importance of moving away from restrictive eating habits. The discussion further explores the challenges of navigating healthism, veganism, and anti-diet culture, emphasizing the societal pressures faced by those whose health conditions cannot be resolved through diet alone. Taylor reflects on the complexities of adopting a vegan lifestyle for ethical reasons versus engaging in restrictive dieting, underscoring the importance of resilience in the face of societal norms.

We wrap up with an engaging discussion on supporting vegan families in a non-vegan world, focusing on the experiences of raising vegan children amidst societal and cultural influences. Taylor offers insights into the privilege and challenges of being a registered dietitian raising vegan kids, sharing strategies for navigating social situations, and instilling compassion in young minds. We highlight the importance of understanding proper nutrition for children and adults alike, particularly within the vegan community, and encourage listeners to seek personalized guidance from dietitians to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Guest Bio:

Taylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN, (she/her/hers) is a long-time vegan and owner of a weight-inclusive nutrition therapy practice. She is a Certified Befriending Your Body Teacher and works with adults who are interested in ditching the diet mentality, reconnecting with their bodies, and learning to trust their inner wisdom. She also specializes in vegan nutrition and created the Anti-Diet Vegan Nutrition Online Course.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Destiny DeJesús' journey into veganism began with a quest to clear her skin, but it quickly grew into something much larger. What started as a personal health endeavor transformed into a mission rooted in animal liberation and social justice. Destiny's story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of adopting a plant-based lifestyle and how individual choices can inspire broader ethical commitments and community growth.

Throughout our conversation, Destiny shares the triumphs and hurdles of building a thriving vegan community in Dallas, particularly for vegans of color who often feel isolated in their dietary choices. From intimate farmer's market meetings to bustling potlucks, her efforts have fostered a sense of belonging and connection. Alongside her community-building, Destiny's food journal debunks the myth that veganism is costly, offering practical tips and strategies for budget-friendly plant-based eating.

We also tackle the societal challenges of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, from confronting misconceptions about protein intake to navigating cultural pressures during family gatherings. With insights on the role of social media in uniting like-minded individuals and initiatives like Texas Eats Green, Destiny illustrates the power of community and awareness. Her narrative encourages listeners to explore plant-based living not just as a diet but as a pathway to personal growth, enhanced culinary skills, and even new career opportunities. Join us to discover how veganism can offer a rich, inclusive, and affordable journey for more.

Guest Bio: Destiny DeJesús, originally from the Bronx, NY, relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 2016 in search of more affordable living options amid the rising costs in her home city. It was in Texas that she discovered her calling in community organizing and embraced a vegan lifestyle. As the founder of Texas Eats Green, Destiny is dedicated to promoting plant-based options in restaurants within BIPOC communities in Dallas and San Antonio. She is also the driving force behind "Eat Yo Destiny," where she passionately advocates for budget-friendly vegan living, prioritizing food accessibility and empowering individuals with the knowledge to shop locally at grocers and convenience stores. Her platform serves as a guide, revealing vegan options within communities while tapping into local resources like pantries and community fridges. With her creative culinary skills, Destiny empowers others to create wholesome and nourishing meals with limited ingredients. As a community organizer, she creates inclusive spaces for BIPOC to share their experiences within the vegan movement and hosts events focused on food justice, plant-based living, and sustainability.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Join me for an inspiring exploration of youth-led activism in the animal rights movement, featuring a conversation with Claire Howe, a passionate advocate who transitioned from a career in animal law to hands-on work with HEART. Hear more about the origin story of the Raven Corps, a collective liberation organization dedicated to animal rights and social justice. Listen in as we recount the journey from the Youth Animal Advocates of Portland to the formation of the multidimensional Raven Corps, a testament to the revolutionary spirit and passion of young advocates. The discussion touches on the cultural resonance of the raven symbol and the sense of community it fosters, especially within the goth subculture, emphasizing the power of youth-led movements in addressing systemic oppression.

The episode further explores the unique dynamics of engaging younger generations within activist organizations, highlighting the invaluable perspectives they bring to social movements. We share personal experiences of transformation from conventional careers to passionate involvement in the animal rights movement, underscoring the importance of providing platforms for diverse voices. As we discuss the evolution of activism, you'll hear about an exciting new project by the Raven Corps—creating vegan Counter Crispies treats as a means of funding advocacy efforts. This creative initiative demonstrates how community support can seamlessly blend with activism to promote collective liberation.

Guest Bio:

Claire Howe is a long-time activist, humane educator, animal rights attorney, and co-founder of youth activist organization The Raven Corps. Beyond that, she's an old Goth who loves 80's nostalgia, wiener dogs, garage sales, and margaritas. 

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Music by Matthew Baxley

After a childhood rooted in dairy and pig farming, Brigitte Gemme, the creator of Vegan Family Kitchen, experienced a pivotal moment in 2013 that led her to question their environmental footprint and embrace a vegan lifestyle. A simple remark about the environmental impact of fueling a bike commute with steak versus driving a Hummer sparked a profound transformation. Join us as Brigitte shares her inspiring journey from traditional farming roots to an urban life focused on sustainability and plant-based living, revealing the intricate ties between personal choices and environmental consciousness.

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle while honoring family traditions presents its own set of challenges. Brigitte candidly discusses the struggles and triumphs of swapping dairy with leafy greens and crafting nourishing meals for a family deeply entrenched in dairy farming heritage. Discover her creative strategies for simplifying vegan cooking, from developing popular meal plan templates to understanding the basic grammar of cooking. Learn how these strategies not only ease decision fatigue but also help them connect with others on similar journeys.

While navigating the social dynamics of veganism can be daunting, our conversation highlights the power of mindfulness, community support, and the practice of batch cooking as key elements in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. Brigitte shares insights into forming a virtual cooking club that fosters connection and accountability, offering a welcoming space for anyone interested in plant-based cooking. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist teachings, she reflects on the broader implications of food choices, emphasizing their impact on health, relationships, and societal well-being.

Guest Bio:

Brigitte Gemme is passionate about helping more people eat more plants. She empowers others to take charge of their health and live in alignment with their values. On her website VeganFamilyKitchen.com, she teaches regular workshops about healthy vegan nutrition and cooking, from mindset to meal planning and batch cooking. Previously, she worked as an academic researcher in the fields of education, sociology, and clean energy. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Following a social media trend, on December 31st, 2023 I posted a list of my "ins" and "outs" for 2024. In this episode, I look back and see how that list influenced my year. I explore how a commitment to a mindful morning routine, including gratitude journaling and mindfulness practices, has transformed my mindset and daily life. The pursuit of honesty has also led to significant decisions, such as discontinuing my coaching services to align my business with genuine intentions rather than trends. These reflections highlight the importance of personal growth in fostering both personal and systemic change.

This episode also examines sustainable financial and fashion choices, encouraging a shift towards ethical banking and responsible investment practices. Check out the BankingForGood site mentioned. By aligning financial activities with personal values, we can support a sustainable future. I share my experience of reducing fast fashion consumption through the rule of five challenge, where I committed to purchasing only five new clothing items a year. Conversations with experts like Emily Fenves and Amanda McCarty provided valuable insights into sustainable alternatives, prompting a reevaluation of consumption habits and their impact on the environment.

In addition, I discuss the power of radical imagination in combating climate doomism and nurturing hope for a better future. Emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression, I share personal victories, such as successfully nurturing houseplants and resisting toxic positivity. Finally, I reflect on my passion for podcasting and the importance of building a community. I'm excited to continue exploring the interconnectedness of personal growth, environmental sustainability, and community building.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Waseem Hijazi, a passionate Palestinian vegan food blogger, and Victoria Hertel, an anti-Zionist Jewish vegan advocate from Vegans for Palestine join the show this week. Wasim discusses how his journey into veganism is not just about health but also a means to advocate for Palestinian rights, while Victoria reveals her transformation into anti-Zionism and her dedication to supporting Palestinians through the lens of veganism and activism.

We scrutinize the ethical implications of Western veganism's silence on Palestinian oppression and the troubling practice of "vegan washing" by the Israeli government. Our discussion ventures into the wider landscape of activism, examining the power of collective actions like the BDS movement. 

We wrap up our episode by emphasizing the importance of community-driven efforts and solidarity across movements. From supporting Palestinian families with plant-based food parcels to critiquing the support of Israeli vegan products, we call for genuine engagement and the preservation of cultural integrity. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how veganism can be a tool for activism and social change, inviting you to reconsider the impact of your choices on a global scale.

Guest Bios:

Victoria Hertel (she/her) is Vegan for Palestine’s Public Image Committee Chair. She is an anti-Zionist Jew, vegan and queer person currently residing on the Lands of the Peoria, Mississauga, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and Wyandot Peoples on Turtle Island. She believes Zionism contradicts the values of Judaism and by conflating the two it is detrimental to the religion. Judaism, according to the Torah, forbids Jews to have our own sovereignty and forbids to kill or steal. Zionism is a genocidal and nationalistic political ideology, which was created by non-religious people. Standing in opposition to the state of “Israel” is standing with true Jewish values, and calling that anti-Semitic is inaccurate. Victoria is a photographer and a healthcare professional. She recognizes her white privilege and continues to learn and unlearn in order to be a better advocate and ally for all sentient beings. She believes that vegans have a duty to be intersectional in their advocacy and cannot only advocate for non-human animals because every injustice is connected whether it’s humans, non-human animals, or the environment.

Waseem Hijazi is a Palestinian vegan content creator, and the founder of the food blog: Plant Based Arab. His journey towards veganism started around five years ago, after taking on monthly challenges in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. This led to a deeper realization of how our actions - even as individuals - can contribute to the suffering of other living beings.

He's involved with the Vegans for Palestine group: a space to be in community with fellow vegans and animal rights activists, to advocate for Palestine. Helping to raise awareness about Israel's vegan-washing, and how we may be contributing to the oppression of Palestinians with what we choose to consume rather than boycott; as well as highlighting some of the ways to support Palestinians in Gaza via on the ground initiatives, and more.

Waseem has contributed a selection of Arabic and Palestinian recipes to a fundraiser eBook, in collaboration with a collective of vegans of the Global Majority, called: Flavours of Freedom. You can find more of his vegan recipes on the website: www.plantbasedarab.com, and connect with him directly on Instagram @plantbasedarab.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Christina's journey with cannabis is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Washington DC and initially shying away from the plant due to severe reactions, she never imagined it would play a pivotal role in her life. Yet, as she stepped into the cannabis business world, she rediscovered cannabis through a lens of wellness and mindfulness. Together, we unravel how understanding dosages and product sources transformed her perspective and how staying true to one's mission can guide intentional and meaningful cannabis use.

The ever-evolving concept of wellness takes center stage as we explore its intersection with the cannabis industry. Drawing from my experiences with Conscious Capitalism and the founding of Rooted Therapeutics, we reflect on how business can indeed be a force for good. We also spotlight the efforts of Standard Wellness in Maryland, as we discuss the importance of empathy, open-minded parenting, and how personal definitions of wellness can shift over time amidst commercial pitfalls.

Cannabis is more than just a plant; it's a tool for creativity and stress relief, especially within Black and Latino communities facing historic challenges. Christina and I delve into how changing the narrative can promote participation and self-expression in these communities. We also tackle leadership challenges, particularly the balancing act between personal wellness and organizational demands. From making tough decisions to maintaining community connections, we highlight the necessity of intentional wellness efforts, supportive networks, and the ongoing journey of achieving balance in a demanding world.

Guest Bio: Christina Betancourt Johnson is the founder and chief executive officer of Standard Wellness Maryland (SWM), the first African American and Latina majority-owned vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, and the first vertically integrated social equity licensee to launch in Maryland. Christina brings more than 15 years of executive leadership to the cannabis industry and holds leadership roles on the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Hispanic Cannabis Council’s Board of Directors. In Maryland, she serves as Vice Chair of The Maryland Wholesale Cannabis Trade Association (CANMD) and was recently appointed by Governor Wes Moore to the Advisory Board on Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis. Christina is passionate about developing young women and is committed to identifying strategies for wealth-building and wellness in Black and Brown communities.

https://www.standardwellness.com/maryland

https://theforestdispensary.com/baltimore-md

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Music by Matthew Baxley

Could young activists hold the key to a more liberated world? Join us on Consciously Clueless as we chat with Cami and Onyx from the Raven Corps, a nonprofit that's redefining activism by integrating veganism with social and environmental justice. From their beginnings as a high school animal rights club, they've grown into a force that tackles systemic issues like capitalism, consumption, and commodification. Discover the unique insights young minds bring to these complex problems, and how their fresh perspectives are challenging societal norms and inspiring change.

Cami and Onyx open up about their personal journeys toward veganism, exploring how privilege and societal expectations can shape our choices. They discuss the importance of building inclusive spaces that empower youth activists and recognize the intersections of their identities. Through powerful campaigns like "Operation Mind Over Milk" and "Operation 13," the Raven Corps is not only advocating for plant-based milk in schools but also shining a light on the exploitative practices in the animal agriculture industry. These initiatives are a testament to the power of community-driven activism that seeks both immediate and long-term solutions.

As we wrap up, we tackle the often-unspoken challenges of activism: burnout and mental health. Our guests candidly share their struggles and the coping strategies that have helped them maintain balance. Whether it's overcoming addiction or finding solace in animal sanctuaries, they highlight the crucial role of community support in sustaining their commitment to activism. If you're keen to understand the dynamic world of youth activism or are searching for inspiration to drive change in your community, this episode promises valuable insights and encouragement.

Guest Bios:

Cami (they/them) is the former Youth Director and Campaign Coordinator at The Raven Corps. They've been involved with the organization since 2018 and are a passionate advocate for total liberation.

Onyx Helper is a youth collective liberation activist and Conspirator at The Raven Corps. They focus a lot on animal liberation campaigns as well as various other liberation struggles, such as the fight for Palestinian liberation. Onyx studies philosophy at SUNY Cortland, but you can also probably see them at a local NYC fur protest.

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Music by Matthew Baxley