In this episode about my zero waste journey, I share the principles that have absolutely changed my thinking and way of living.

Zero Waste is not simply about my making YouTube videos about how to make zero-waste almond milk (although I do that!), it's a way of thinking that profoundly changes our approach to resources and production, going beyond "waste diversion" and striving to ensure that products are designed to be repaired, refurbished, and reused, creating a circular economy rather than a linear economy of make, use, dispose.

And it's definitely not about recycling. Recycling IS waste. Have I blown your mind yet?

Supporters receive transcripts of all episodes. Patreon.com/ColleenPatrickGoudreau

While it's true that countertop appliances require some space, it's also true that they make it easy to prepare and eat delicious, nutrient-dense, animal-free, plant-based dishes. While you can get along without them, I do think a couple are worth the space they take up on your counter, and their price points are really reasonable these days. In addition, I share some lessons and gifts from our kitchen remodel — things I'm thrilled we did; things I wish we didn't. 

Thanks, as always, to our listener supporters. Become one today at Patreon.com/ColleenPatrickGoudreau

Creating a daily routine is essential even if we weren't quarantined, sheltering in place, and physically distancing from one another. (Has anyone coined "Quar-routine" yet?) 

In a previous episode called "50 Ways to Create a Meaningful Life," I promised I would break out some of the items into their own individual episodes, and so here we are.

In this episode, I share 10 ways I organize my day so as to ensure that I have as joyful and meaningful a day as possible. (And when I falter...how a routine helps me re-set the day.) 

I can't wait to hear about your routine! Take a listen, drop me a line, and thanks for supporting the podcast. 

No, this episode is not about denying the life-saving efficacy of vaccinations; it's about all the animal-related words we have for diseases and cures, including the word VACCINE, which comes from the Latin word for a cow or bull. It's just another example of how how deeply rooted animals are in our consciousness, in our history, and in our lives — for better and for worse.

Food for Thought is a 100% listener supported podcast. Become a supporter today.

NOTE: This is a new recording of a topic featured on Animalogy Podcast, which has now officially ended its run.

What does the Covid-19 / coronavirus virus mean for non-human animals and the laws and policies that affect our treatment of them? Join me for the first episode in the series, which focuses on wild animals who are poached, farmed, and eaten. 

The source of the recent coronavirus outbreak that has led to a worldwide pandemic has been linked to a market in mainland China, where wild animals are sold and killed for human consumption. Will this virus put an end to the illegal wildlife trade in China and Southeast Asia? Will the wildlife farms in China reopen once the pandemic is over? Will this be the end to live animal markets and wet markets where wild and domesticated animals are sold and killed for meat? Will China close the loopholes (such as exemptions for Traditional Chinese Medicine) that exist in their bans on wildlife poaching and consumption? Is there anything you can do to help make a difference? 

Listen to this listener-supported episode as I attempt to answer these questions. (become a supporter at patreon.com/colleenpatrickgoudreau)

Just a couple quick announcements:

1. There is a NEW episode of Animalogy Podcast called Vaccines Are a Bunch of Bull: Animal-Related Words for Diseases and Cures. Listen and subscribe to Animalogy Podcast.
2. I've been overwhelmed by the number of requests for me to teach an online cooking class, and so I'm making it happen. On Sunday, April 5th at 1:00 p.m. PST I'll be teaching how to make:  

• • Spring Vegetable Cauliflower Rice Risotto
  • Miso Fennel Ginger Soup
  • Eggless Meringue Cookies

Register today. I hope you and your loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy during this difficult time. We're all in this together.

Having a well-stocked kitchen is essential whether you’re looking to throw together a last-minute meal, a well-planned meal (which I recommend should be the default), or if you’re just not able to get out of the house because of weather, sickness, or mandated stay-at-home measures such as during the Coronavirus outbreak of 2020.

Today’s episode is focused on my personal strategies for buying wisely, eating well, and stocking up — principles that can be applied every day or during emergencies.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. Please become a supporter today! 

Whether you care about human rights, food safety, wild animals, the environment, world hunger, farmed animals, or your own health, just a cursory look at these issues demonstrates how intricately linked they are to our consumption of animal-based meat, dairy, and eggs.

So, pick a reason — any reason — and it alone would be reason enough to justify eating an animal-free diet.

Which reason do you choose?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. Please become a supporter today! 

Being animals ourselves, it makes sense that we share many of the same diseases as our non-human cousins. We aren’t – after all – plants. We aren’t at risk for catching aphids or sooty mold or downy mildew.

In fact, many of the major killer pandemics we’ve been plagued with were acquired from non-human animals, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, believed to have been first transmitted to humans through the butchering and consumption of infected chimpanzees.

It is our very consumption of animals and their products that has bestowed upon us what Guns, Germs, and Steel author Jared Diamond calls the “lethal gifts of livestock.” Our abuse of nature comes full-circle and at a heavy price for both the consumer and the consumed.

Take a listen. 

“Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how,” wrote Viktor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning. The question isn't "how can I be happy in my life?" but rather "how can I create meaning and purpose in my life?" When we seek meaning, happiness follows. Here is a list of 50 ways to create a meaningful, purposeful life that have worked for me. May it be a guide for you. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT IS A LISTENER SUPPORTED PODCAST. Please become a supporter today!